Table of Contents

Julie Payette's Journal

Kennedy Space Center –
Astronaut Crew Quarters – 11:00 p.m.
July 12, 2009

We (the STS-127 astronaut crew) have retuned to the Crew Quarantine Quarters, following the postponement of the launch earlier this evening. Once the delay had been confirmed (because of bad weather), we stayed on Endeavour for another hour to reconfigure its most critical systems while we waited for ground crews to arrive at the launch pad to open the hatch and let us out.

Despite months of training in simulators, I realized just how difficult it is to access and activate the switches that are above our heads on the control panel of a real shuttle while seated in a vertical position, with gloves and helmet, and strapped so tightly to our seat that even an earthquake wouldn’t shake us off. We worked together as a team, very meticulously and without any mistakes. This isn’t the time for mistakes...it never is in this line of work.

Our day has now ended (the ground crew will continue to work).We have taken off our spacesuits, showered, ate and are about to go to bed. Morale is good and we’re ready for a launch tomorrow, July 13.

I know what you’re thinking. You believe the crew is very disappointed and a little discouraged after four unsuccessful launch attempts. We are a little disappointed but not for the reasons you may think. We are disappointed for our friends and family that have been following us relentlessly since mid-June, especially those of you who are here in Florida (the die-hards) waiting for us to leave this Earth, literally! Other than that, the crew is in great shape and all is well. This is our work. We understand the delays and know we will eventually launch. Morale is good and we will be ready tomorrow. We all agree that NASA made the right decision. A lightning’s electrical discharge and 2.2 million pounds of fuel is not a good combination.

I cannot find the words to convey how extraordinary it was to be on the launch pad tonight and to see Endeavour - majestic, vibrant, alive. What a magnificent spacecraft. What a privilege it was when they strapped me into my seat in the middle of the cockpit. I still find it so amazing that we are able to escape Earth’s gravity and return safely. It all remains very complex.

Of course, technology and the weather must both cooperate. Just because Mother Nature won this round, she won’t win them all.

Per aspera, ad astra, my friends!

To be continued...

Julie