A beautiful night launch of the Shuttle Shuttle Endeavour and the STS-126 mission (PDF)… See the launch in High Definition, or in standard definition version on Spacevidcast.com‘s YouTube channel.
In Endeavour’s payload bay, the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo is packed full of about 14,500 pounds of equipment and supplies, making it one of the heaviest modules in shuttle history.
Also included in the payload, are additional sleeping quarters, a second toilet, an exercise device and other household-type equipment.
The prime objective of the 15-day mission is to prepare the International Space Station to accommodate six members for long-duration stays.
Four planned spacewalks will focus on servicing the station’s two Solar Alpha Rotary Joints, or SARJ, which are needed to track the sun for electric power.
Endeavour and its crew are set to land at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center after more than two weeks in space.
Follow the mission on NASA TV.
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