Discovery’s STS-131 payload canister is raised into the launch pad’s payload changeout room. Image credit: NASA/Troy Cryder
As the astronauts and crews make their last minute preparations for this Monday’s launch, Mr. B is doing much the same. I am leaving this Thursday and heading to Florida to participate in the many activities planned as part of the launch. Friday looks to be one of my favorite days, short of the launch, as we will be touring the Kennedy Space Center. While you may have toured in the past like myself, I am going to get a behind the scenes tour. I am hoping to be able to take photos and post them here on the blog. The exciting parts of the tour will be the Vehicle Assembly Building or VAB, the Shuttle Landing Facility of SLF and a close view of the historic launchpad 39A. I cannot wait to see these places and get to walk on some of the same ground the intrepid explorers of past and present walked on. Saturday is an all day long educational forum with many NASA guests including astronaut(s) tied around the theme of “Women in Robotics and Engineering.” I am looking forward to gleaning some tips to improve things here at WMS. Sunday is a free day due to the holiday. Monday is Launch Day! I have to be up very early as we head to the Banana Creek viewing site around 3 AM. The shuttle is scheduled to launch at 6:21 AM, technically a night launch, and race to the International Space Station. It promises to be a great weekend. Check back often for updates here and on twitter (follow @zerogguy)
