Mission managers will meet at 9 a.m. this morning to assess Discovery's readiness for a 4:50 p.m. Thursday launch attempt and give a "go" to proceed with the countdown.
A news conference after the Mission Management Team meeting is planned at 11 a.m. Click the NASA TV box at right to watch it live.
So far, the countdown has proceeded smoothly with only one minor technical problem reported, a slight leak from a helium regulator that won't affect the launch.
Today's work includes testing of main engine avionics, late stowage of crew equipment and science experiments on Discovery's mid-deck and preparations for fueling around 7:30 a.m. Thursday.
Access platforms at launch pad 39A will be retracted and switches in Discovery's cockpit will be configured for flight.
The pad's rotating tower, now closed around Discovery, is scheduled to swing open at 8 p.m. to reveal the shuttle for its 39th and final launch.
The weather forecast remains unchanged and very good for launch with an 80 percent chance of favorable conditions.
Space news and analysis from Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral 
No comments:
Post a Comment