STS - 124 : Launch Countdown (Was Updated Live)

T - 40:51

The press room is completely a buzz with activity. ABC-News recording on my left, Space.com and The New York Times writing in front of me, reporters going rampant keeping posts up to date and servers running properly. Astronaut Mike Foale talking with press members 20 feet away. Did I mention the giant HDTV’s broadcasting live coverage everywhere. What an amazing experience !

T - 47:41

Close out crew is finishing White Room activities and has just finished closing the door on Discovery with crew safely on board. COMM checks have been going smoothly and everything is looking great for a 5:02 PM EST launch to deliver the Japanese KIBO module to ISS.

T - 25:54

Close out crew is almost finished. Everything going smooth and looking great.

T - 20:00

We just started a built-in hold typically lasting 10 minutes.

• Shuttle Test Director conducts final launch team briefings
• Complete inertial measurement unit preflight alignments

*3:55 PM EST The retractable arm used to load the crew onto the orbiter is starting to pull away.

3:57 PM EST

Countdown has resumed. The next hold will be at T-9 minutes for a total time of 45 minutes.

4:08 PM EST : T-9 Minutes and holding

We now begin a 45 minute hold. Everyone here is very excited and very busy. Everything continues to move along smoothly.

4:39 PM EST

I will be heading outside shortly to sit in front of the famous giant countdown clock for continued coverage. The sky is clear should make for a great viewing. So Exciting!!!

COUNTDOWN HAS CONTINUED…MY BROTHER SAW ME ON NASA TV!!!!

5:15 PM EST

I just FELT the most amazing site to behold on the face of the planet. Words cannot quite describe a shuttle launch from a mere few miles away. It was so bright and so powerful I could barely see it. We are only T + 12:52 and STS-124 Astronauts are already in orbit floating around in Discovery. Please return for video and final commentary on the launch and my NASA KSC experience.

-Scott Out

For more information on shuttle countdowns and holds please visit http://www.nasa.gov/returntoflight/launch/countdown101.html

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