By TonyF on 22 October 2007 at 7:48PM
Discovery is due to launch tomorrow, if the weather cooperates. Work at the pad continues. NASA reports:
The countdown to launch of space shuttle Discovery on the STS-120 mission is proceeding smoothly at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA Test Director Steve Payne announced at this morning's countdown status briefing.
"At this point in the count, we're on schedule, our systems are all good and we're in great shape," Payne said, adding that the launch team is not tracking any technical issues.
Image Above: With the rotating service structure retracted, Space shuttle Discovery stands at Launch Pad 39A where it is undergoing final preparations for launch on Tuesday. Image credit: NASA TV
However, the weather forecast for Tuesday continues to pose a threat to NASA's launch plans. Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters reported that the seabreeze could begin developing by the 11:38 a.m. EDT launch time. There is a 60-percent chance that cumulus clouds, showers and a low cloud ceiling could keep Discovery grounded.
Because launch times are earlier each day, the forecast improves slightly for Wednesday and Thursday, with a 40-percent probability of weather prohibiting liftoff.
Discovery's crew of seven astronauts arrived in Florida on Friday and have been going through final checklists and preparations for Tuesday's liftoff.
Discovery is scheduled to return to Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility at 4:47 a.m. Nov. 6.
Mission Information
+ STS-120 Mission Overview
+ Harmony Node 2
+ Space Shuttle Discovery
Media Resources
+ Mission TV Schedule
+ Press Kit (9.1 Mb PDF)
+ Fact Sheet (2 Mb PDF)
Preflight pics are up at the JSC Gallery. Discussion here. News resources here. Check the links at right for play-by-play and NASA TV.
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