The state of Michigan will be honored during space shuttle Endeavour's upcoming STS-126 mission to the International Space Station. Endeavour is targeted to launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Nov. 14 at 7:55 p.m. EST.

NASA is honoring all 50 states during the remaining flights of the space shuttle, which will be retired in 2010. During the STS-126 mission, Hawaii and Indiana also will be honored.

NASA supports preparatory education through the NASA Explorer Schools program in Michigan. The program establishes a three-year partnership between NASA and local schools to bring NASA's engaging mathematics, science, and technology learning to educators, students, and families. A. L. Holmes Academy in Detroit, Middle School at Parkside in Jackson, and Saginaw Chippewa Academy and Saginaw Chippewa Middle School in Mt. Pleasant are participating in the program.

In spring 2009, the full time crew living aboard the space station will double in size from three astronauts to six. Endeavour will deliver supplies and equipment to prepare the station for the additional crew members. The mission also includes four spacewalks to service the two Solar Array Rotary Joints that allow the station's arrays to track the sun.

For more information about NASA Explorer Schools, visit:

http://explorerschools.nasa.gov/portal/site/nes

Mission news conferences and briefings will air on NASA Television. For NASA TV downlink, streaming video and scheduling information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For the latest information about the STS-126 mission and crew, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle