NASA gives "go" for space shuttle launch on Nov. 14
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www.chinaview.cn 2008-10-31 10:21:09

WASHINGTON, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Senior NASA officials completed a review Thursday of space shuttle Endeavour's readiness for flight and selected Nov. 14 as the official launch date for the STS-126 mission.

Commander Chris Ferguson and his six crewmates are scheduled tolift off to the International Space Station at 7:55 p.m. EST on Nov. 14, according to the post on NASA's official website.

NASA says that Endeavour's STS-126 flight will feature important repair work to the station and prepare it for housing six crew members during long-duration missions.

The primary focus of the 15-day flight and its four planned spacewalks is to service the station's two Solar Alpha Rotary Joints, which allow its solar arrays to track the sun.

Endeavour will carry about 32,000 pounds (14,530 kilograms) to orbit, including supplies and equipment necessary to double the crew size from three to six members in spring 2009. The new station cargo includes additional sleeping quarters, a second toilet and a resistance exercise device.

Ferguson will be joined on STS-126 by Pilot Eric Boe and Mission Specialists Donald Pettit, Steve Bowen, Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, Shane Kimbrough and Sandra Magnus. Magnus will replace space station crew member Greg Chamitoff, who has been aboard the station for more than five months.