One Week to Launch!

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the work week begins with the installation of new equipment at Launch Pad 39A.

Technicians will install instruments in both the mobile launcher platform's tail service mast and in space shuttle Atlantis' aft section. The equipment will record the sound pressure and vibration at liftoff -- which recently were determined to be stronger than originally thought.

The testing of the "main engine acoustic environment" using microphones and sensors will continue with launch.

Yesterday, workers completed final ordnance installation and connections in the shuttle.

At NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, the six STS-129 mission astronauts will enter quarantine tonight after a day of administrative duties. They'll be housed in a germ-free environment until they fly to Kennedy on Thursday for Atlantis' launch to the International Space Station.

Liftoff is set for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16 and the countdown to launch begins 1 p.m. EST Friday.

Space Shuttle Mission: STS-129

STS-129 crew
Image above: STS-129 crew members participate in a food tasting session in the Habitability and Environmental Factors Office at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Pictured from the left are Pilot Barry E. Wilmore, Mission Specialist Mike Foreman, Commander Charles O. Hobaugh, Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Robert L. Satcher Jr. and Randy Bresnik.
› High-res image

Atlantis and Crew Prepare for Flight
The STS-129 mission will be commanded by Charles O. Hobaugh and piloted by Barry E. Wilmore. Mission Specialists are Robert L. Satcher Jr., Mike Foreman, Randy Bresnik and Leland Melvin. Wilmore, Satcher and Bresnik will be making their first trips to space.

Atlantis and its crew will deliver two control moment gyroscopes, equipment and EXPRESS Logistics Carrier 1 and 2 to the International Space Station. The mission will feature three spacewalks.

Atlantis also will return station crew member Nicole Stott to Earth and is slated to be the final space shuttle crew rotation flight.

Atlantis will launch on the STS-129 mission at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.

STS-129 Additional Resources
› STS-129 Mission Overview
› Mission Summary (518Kb Pdf)
› More about STS-129 Crew
› Remaining Shuttle Missions (730Kb)
› STS-129 Press Kit (15.5 Mb PDF)

Orbiter Status
› About the Orbiters

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