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Launch Pad 39A Operations Resume Today

In the first light of day, space shuttle Endeavour stands ready for processing at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller. For a larger version of this image please go here.
by Staff Writers
Cape Canaveral FL (SPX) Mar 16, 2011
Technicians at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A are resuming processing operations today in preparation for space shuttle Endeavour's upcoming launch.

This morning, NASA and United Space Alliance managers met with pad workers who expressed a desire to continue shuttle processing following the unexpected death of a co-worker at the pad Monday morning.

Crews will perform checks on the power reactant storage distribution system, or PRSD, and the external fuel tank's camera. The PRSD holds super-cold liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen for use by the shuttle's three fuel cells to produce electricity during flight. The fuel cells combine the chemicals to generate electricity. Water is a byproduct of the process and astronauts typically transfer that water to the space station during the mission.

Endeavour is targeted to launch on its STS-134 mission to the International Space Station on April 19.

The crew members for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission are Commander Mark Kelly, Pilot Gregory H. Johnson and Mission Specialists Michael Fincke, Greg Chamitoff, Andrew Feustel and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori.

During the 14-day mission, Endeavour will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) and spare parts including two S-band communications antennas, a high-pressure gas tank, additional spare parts for Dextre and micrometeoroid debris shields.

NASA astronaut Mark Kelly resumed training as commander of the STS-134 space shuttle mission on Monday, Feb. 7. With the exception of some proficiency training, Kelly had been on personal leave up to that time to care for his wife, congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was critically wounded in a Tucson, Ariz. shooting.

At an earlier news conference Kelly said, "I am looking forward to rejoining my STS-134 crew members and finishing our training for the mission. We have been preparing for more than 18 months, and we will be ready to deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer to the International Space Station and complete the other objectives of the flight. I appreciate the confidence that my NASA management has in me and the rest of my space shuttle crew."

"We are glad to have Mark back," said Peggy Whitson, chief of the Astronaut Office at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. "He is a veteran shuttle commander and knows well the demands of the job. We are confident in his ability to successfully lead this mission, and I know I speak for all of NASA in saying 'welcome back.'



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