NASA Keeps Atlantis Target Launch Date, Moves Up Milestones
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — After thoroughly reviewing an option to accelerate the upcoming launch dates of space shuttle Atlantis and Endeavour by a few days, shuttle program managers decided Thursday to keep the current target launch dates.
Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope remains targeted for Oct. 8 at 1:34 a.m. EDT. Endeavour’s STS-126 mission to the International Space Station is targeted for Nov. 10 at 9:31 p.m. EST.
Atlantis is scheduled to move from its processing hanger to the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, on Monday, Aug. 18, where it will be attached to an external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters.
The shuttle will roll out to Launch Pad 39A the week of Aug. 24. The date will be finalized early next week.
During its 11-day mission, STS-125’s crew of seven astronauts will install two new instruments in Hubble, as well as replace the Fine Guidance Sensor. Five spacewalks will be conducted during the flight.
Atlantis will be commanded by Scott Altman. Gregory C. Johnson will be pilot. Mission specialists will be John Grunsfeld, Mike Massimino, Megan McArthur, Andrew Feustel and Michael Good.
For more information about the STS-125 mission and crew, visit:
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