Space needs a good meeting planner. I received word today the last launch of space shuttle Endeavour has been pushed back by 10 days from April 19 to April 29, 2011. This means the NASA Tweetup I’m attending is pushed back to April 28 & 29.
So why is the launch delayed? No, not because of the wicked storms that passed through Florida last week and caused minor damage.
It’s because of a scheduling conflict at the International Space Station! On April 27 the Russians will be sending a Progress supply ship to the ISS and since it contains perishable items and controlled remotely, Endeavour’s trip is delayed. Apparently, NASA has a rule about U.S. spacecraft being parked at the ISS alongside remotely controlled spacecraft.
No worries. I’m able to take the time off and adjusted my travel plans accordingly. Of course, even the April 29 date isn’t guaranteed. As I’ve learned before, a launch date and time isn’t guaranteed until it happens.
On a side note, does April 29, 2011, ring significant? It’s the date of the royal wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton! Hopefully I’ll see a little bit of it, after all, I remember waking up at o’dark-thirty when Prince Charles and Lady Di were married.
And no one has even whispered what would happen to the NASA Tweetup if the federal government shuts down…
