Hubble Live Starts May 11 at 1:30 p.m. et on The Science Channel!

Hubble Live Starts May 11 at 1:30 p.m. et on The Science Channel!

On Monday, May 11, the space shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to leave Earth on an ambitious mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope and significantly improve its ability to probe the depths of space. But what does it mean? Here are the FAQs.

What's in the works?
The 11-day mission includes replacing Hubble's primary camera and installing a new array of instruments designed to help NASA researchers gather data never before available. And if installation of the new equipment is successful, the ability of Hubble to enhance our understanding of the universe will be expanded dramatically.

Where will the launch take place?
The space shuttle Atlantis will launch from Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, FL. We'll also broadcast live segments from the Mission Control Center at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX.

What else will be on Science Channel?
We're glad you asked! Science Channel's live coverage of the launch will be the highlight of our one-hour special on the mission and the future of Hubble. We'll also be featuring astronauts Kim Weaver and Paul Richard as our experts.

Following the launch, we'll also feature updates of the five space walks planned, as members of the astronaut team install new equipment and inspect the telescope for its final mission.

Can I follow the action on Twitter?
Absolutely. You can follow the live tweets right here!

Date: May 11
Mission: STS-125
Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle Atlantis
Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center Launch Pad 39A
Launch Time: 2:01 p.m. EDT
Description: Space Shuttle Atlantis will fly seven astronauts into space for the fifth and final servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope. During the 11-day flight, the crew will repair and improve the observatory's capabilities.

Check the NASA web site for opportunities to see the Space Shuttle in flight.

Human Space Flight (HSF) - Orbital Tracking