Space shuttle Discovery is set to launch at 6:21 a.m. EDT Monday

Endeavour night launch in February 2010

As the clock ticks down on the end of the Space Shuttle program, NASA is ready to launch one of the last flights April 5th, 2010. The Space Shuttle Discovery will leave the launch pad at 6:21 AM.

Discovery’s mission STS 131 will deliver scientific equipment for the International Space Station laboratories. There will be three space walks to “replace an ammonia tank assembly, retrieve a Japanese experiment from the station’s exterior and switch out a rate gyro assembly on the S0 element of the station’s truss.” ( NASA).

Crew for STS 131 are Commander Alan Poindexter, Pilot James P. Dutton Jr., Mission Specialists Rick Mastracchio, Stephanie Wilson, Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, Naoko Yamazaki and Clayton Anderson.

Pre launch report from NASA

“The team evaluated a few minor technical issues that came up late in the count but, “At the end of the day, a unanimous poll from the MMT that we’re “go” for launch,” said Mike Moses, space shuttle launch integration manager. “We’re really excited about this mission … and the science we’ll be able to get onboard for the ISS to do what it needs to do and demonstrate its true ability as a national laboratory.”

“Pete Nickolenko, space shuttle launch director said, “The STS-131 launch countdown is in process and everything is in good shape. The team is doing what it does best and we’re on track and ready to go for Monday.”

“Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters reported that the forecast continues to be very favorable for launch day with only a 20-percent chance that weather will be a concern for liftoff. The only issue Winters mentioned was the possibility of fog in the area.

“The forecast also is looking good for the transatlantic abort, or TAL, sites where the shuttle could land in the unlikely event of an emergency.

“On Sunday at about 9:30 a.m., the Rotating Service Structure that protects the shuttle will be rolled away. Loading of propellants into the external tank is scheduled to begin at around 9 p.m. with tanking coverage starting about 8:45 p.m. on NASA TV .

“At 1:15 a.m. Monday, live launch coverage will kick off on NASA TV and you also can follow space shuttle Discovery’s exciting countdown to launch with NASA’s Launch Blog from inside Firing Room 3 at Kennedy’s Launch Control Center.”