NASA announced on October 30 that the space shuttle "Endeavour" will be launched on November 14, delivering large quantities of supplies to the International Space Station and carrying out important orbital maintenance tasks. This will be the last space shuttle mission for the US in 2008.
Officials of the NASA Space Shuttle Program announced at the news briefing that after a series of flight preparation and safety evaluation tests, they believe all systems of "Endeavor" will be ready for launch. The shuttle is scheduled to lift off at 19:55 EST on November 14 (8:55 on November 15, Beijing Time).
There will be seven astronauts on board the "Endeavor" for its mission to the International Space Station. During the 15-day mission, astronauts will perform four EVAs (extra-vehicular activity) mainly to repair the two sets of Solar Alpha Rotary Joints outside the space station.
The "Endeavour" will also deliver 14.5 tons of supplies including provisions and toilet facilities to the space station in preparation for next spring. At that time, the permanent crew of the station will increase to six from the current three members.
By People's Daily Online
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