[sarex] Countdown Continues

[Arthur Rowe]

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468

*Countdown Continues*
*Launch Date:* Aug. 8
*Launch Time:* 6:36 p.m. EDT(2236 UTC)


Image above: Space Shuttle Endeavour sits on Launch Pad 39A awaiting 
liff off. Photo credit: NASA

TO VIEW IMAGE GO 
TO:http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html

*08.08.07 - 12:45 p.m. EDT*
At the launch pad, the final inspection team -- also known as the "Ice 
Team" -- is inspecting the space shuttle's exterior, making sure it is 
in good condition and free of ice and debris.

One major launch milestone -- "tanking," the filling of Endeavour's 
orange external tank with 500,000 gallons of liquid oxygen and liquid 
hydrogen -- is complete.

All systems onboard the space shuttle are functioning normally this 
morning, and there's only a 20 percent chance of weather prohibiting a 
liftoff at 6:36 p.m. EDT.

Mission STS-118 will be the first for Mission Specialist Barbara Morgan, 
the teacher-turned-astronaut whose association with NASA began more than 
20 years ago. First Lady Laura Bush called Morgan Tuesday morning to 
offer congratulations "one schoolteacher to another," and to thank her 
for her commitment to the space program and to education.
+ White House News Release 
<http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/08/20070807.html>

The 22nd flight to the International Space Station, STS-118 will be the 
first flight for Endeavour since 2002. Launch remains on target for Aug. 
8 at 6:36 p.m. EDT.