Shuttle Atlantis Launch Today

As i am typing (11:40am EST), STS-129 crew is stepping into Space Shuttle Atlantis.

Everything is looking good for a 2:28pm liftoff. This is the first of various flights to stock up the International Space Station. Yes, as only the US module is waiting to go up and with only half a dozen flights pending before the Shuttle retires, NASA is taking advantage of Shuttle’s payload capacity to stock up the station with spares.

According to NASA, the spares that will fly on this STS-129 mission are the most big and critical ones, a total of 27,250 pounds of cargo. Some parts will be used to replace failed components and the rest will be stocked up in containers to hold a handy replacement in case of future malfunction.

Astronauts will also have an additional critical task, leave all wiring ready for mission STS-130 where the US module will be delivered and connected.

There are 3 spacewalks planned in order to accomplish mission objectives. It will be a challenging mission with only 11 days.

Shuttle Atlantis sitting in the launch pad

For anyone looking for more info or to watch the launch online, go to the NASA homepage.

Have a great day and remember to leave us a comment below.

Atlantis Shuttle Launch LIVE

The Atlantis Shuttle lauch is still a GO for today as long as the weather remains in perfect conditions. The Atlantis, STS-125, is on a mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope.

The Shuttle Launch will take place at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The mission will last 11 days which will include 5 spacewalks which last 7 hours each on the 19 year old Hubble Space Telescope.

You can also check out the Atlantis Shuttle Launch LIVE at:

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html