Endeavour’s APUs Fueled for Flight this Weekend

Technicians at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Pad 39A will complete preparations to fuel space shuttle Endeavour’s auxiliary power units (APU). APUs are hydrazine-fueled, turbine-driven power units that generate mechanical shaft power to drive hydraulic pumps that produce pressure for the orbiter’s hydraulic system. Fueling is schedule to occur over the weekend.

Endeavour’s payload, which includes the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) a high-pressure gas tank, spare parts for Dextre and other equipment, is set to begin its move to the launch pad Monday night.

The six-member STS-134 crew is on spring break with their families this week returning to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston for training on Monday. The astronauts are preparing for their flight to the International Space Station targeted for April 19.

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