NASA Space Shuttle Endeavour Launch 'Go' For Wednesday

NASA informed the media this afternoon that Space Shuttle Endeavour's STS-127 mission is set for launch on June 17th at 5:40AM EDT.

Endeavour's planned June 13 liftoff was postponed because of a leak associated with the gaseous hydrogen venting system outside the shuttle's external fuel tank. The system is used to carry excess hydrogen safely away from the launch pad.

During the 16-day mission STS-127 crew will dock with the International Space Stations to increase the onboard crew to a record breaking 13. Once docked with the ISS, the crew will be spending the majority of their time to assemble the Japanese Kibo laboratory complex which includes the Kibo Japanese Experiment Module Exposed Facility and Experiment Logistics Module Exposed Section.

After the completion of work, scientists will have a "front porch" type structure outside of the space station where they can perform research and experiments.

The STS-127 crew arrived in Florida a week ago and are all eager to get underway with their mission which they have been preparing for.