. . . at Space Launch Complex 41 where a United Launch Alliance Atlas V stands ready to send a cargo-laden Cygnus spacecraft built by Orbital ATK into orbit later this afternoon. As with yesterday, the weather is garnering a large share of attention as we move toward our scheduled launch time of 5:33 p.m. EST. The forecast stands at a 40 percent chance of acceptable conditions today.The launch team has a 30-minute window today to begin the mission that will see more than 7,300 pounds of equipment and supplies to the International Space Station.
As our continuous countdown coverage gets under way here and on NASA TV, look for up-to-date information about the countdown, launch and ascent into space along with background information about what makes this mission important and how the science being conducted off the Earth will advance life on the Earth, as well as prepare the way for future crews making an eventual journey to Mars.