I haven’t written a post about NASA’s endeavors (no pun intended) in awhile, but their press release this morning about the Endeavour being moved to 39B caught my attention for a couple of reasons.

Initially, it caught my eye because it’s the first time since July 2001 that two of the fleet’s shuttles have been on the launch pad simultaneously. That should make for some great photo opportunities early this coming week. With the space shuttle hitting retirement in 2010, this should be the last time you will see too shuttles out on the pads at the same time.

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A few months back, NASA announced preliminary dates for the remaining space shuttle missions for the outdated shuttle fleet, already overdue to be mothballed.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had an interest and fascination with America’s space program and I’ve seen many a launch on television, but have yet to ever have the opportunity to experience it live at the Kennedy Space Center.

Well now with the end of the fleet near, I want to be down there for one of the launches. It’s a little more tricky than picking a date to be in Florida. With the great possibilty of delays due to weather, equipment, etc., you’ve got to pick a date and hope for a launch close to the scheduled date.

Here’s to getting to see one of the remaining space shuttle launches.

James Reilly is the second astronaut to leave NASA in the past few days. Is something going on with NASA, or I wonder if these are just a product of the space shuttle program starting to wind down.

Just last week, Barbara Morgan left NASA for a teaching position at Boise State. Morgan was the alternate teacher behind Christa McAuliffe for the Challenger flight. Morgan eventually became a full-fledged astronaut though after the Challenger tragedy.

Astronaut James Reilly Leaves NASA

Wow, that’s a pretty impressive and delicate repair job. It’s a relief they were able to get that solar panel fixed up, as it’s crucial to future components coming to the International Space Station.

Astronauts Repair Torn Solar Panel in Seven Hour Spacewalk

Cool pictures for sure! Is this legit?

Ordinary Guys Send Picture-Taking Balloon 22.27 Miles High

So despite a damaged tile and a mission cut short because of possible threat to Houston via Hurrican Dean, the Endeavor orbiter has landed safely at the Kennedy Space Center. It’s cool to see another orbiter back in the rotation.

Shuttle Lands Safely in Florida

Pretty cool find out there:

Scientists Find Most Earth-Like Planet Yet

Isn’t it time to stop repairing these dinosaurs and retire them? Moth balls anyone?

Atlantis to Roll Back