Kennedy Space Center – Endeavor Launch Rescheduled

The six STS-130 astronauts enjoy a meal together in the crew quarters at Kennedy's Operations and Checkout Building before suiting up for launch. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

The six STS-130 astronauts enjoy a meal together in the crew quarters at Kennedy's Operations and Checkout Building before suiting up for launch. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

The Endeavor launch scheduled for early this morning was unfortunately cancelled due to low, thick clouds, disappointing guests who drove to Cape Canaveral late last night.  “We were just not comfortable with launching the shuttle tonight,” Launch Director Mike Leinbach radioed to Endeavour.

The launch is reportedly the last night launch of the Space Shuttle Program that is to be scheduled.  For this reason, and because night launches are so much more visible, visitors to and residents of the central Florida area have been counting down to the highly anticipated event.  Described yesterday by an international guest of ours at The Official Ticket Center: “This is truly a once in a lifetime experience for my family.”

Luckily, hopeful visitors to Kennedy Space Center will receive another chance to witness the last night shuttle launch.   Managers have officially scheduled space shuttle Endeavour’s next launch attempt for Monday, Feb. 8 at 4:14 a.m. EST. 

The Mission Management Team will meet at 6:15 p.m. Sunday to give the “go” to fill Endeavour’s external fuel tank with propellants. Tank loading would begin at 6:45 p.m.

Guests wishing to drive to Cape Canaveral for the launch should leave no later than 3:00 a.m. tonight (late Sunday/early Monday) and should expect heavy traffic and a large number of spectators.  Keep in mind, unless guests already have tickets for the launch, the complex will be closed to the public during the launch, restricting spectators to watch the launch from a slight distance.  Guests wishing to remain in Orlando must simply look to the eastern sky around 4:30 a.m. to see the flying ball of fire.

Kennedy Space Center may experience a delay in opening Monday morning, depending on if the launch is delayed and how quickly they can clear the complex media and spectators.  For more information, or to purchase Discount Kennedy Space Center Tickets, please visit our webiste, The Official Ticket Center, or call us toll-free at 1-877-406-4836.

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