The Endeavor space shuttle is all set for a predawn launch attempt on February 7, with the NASA managers having given the flight a go ahead after a comprehensive executive-level flight readiness review.

The countdown for Endeavor’s take off, from launch pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center, will begin at 2 a. m. EST on February 4.

The flight of Endeavor, which will go on a 13-day mission to the International Space Station, will mark the commencement of a final five space station assembly flights before the imminent retirement of the shuttle fleet, comprising Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavor, later this year.

As per the information forwarded by NASA, the Endeavor mission will basically include three spacewalks, and the delivery of the space station’s last US portion, which will provide more room for crew members.

On board the Endeavor would be Commander George Zamka; flight engineer Stephen Robinson; pilot Terry Virts; Kathryn Hire; and spacewalkers Nicholas Patrick and Robert Behnken.

Noting that Endeavor is ready for take off, Bill Gerstenmaier, chief of space flight operations, said: “We reviewed all aspects of the shuttle and the space station. We set the launch date for February 7 at 4:39 and so far, things look pretty good.”

In case the Endeavor is launched on schedule, as is being expected, it will be docked with the International Space Station at about 1:23 a. m. on February 9.