[sarex] NASA's Launch Blog - Mission STS-116

[Arthur Rowe]

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468

LAUNCH COVERAGE    
NASA's Launch Blog - Mission STS-116

TIMES ARE EASTERN STANDARD TIME
NASA's launch blog was activated on December 7, 2006 at 3:25 p.m. EST

+ View All Launch Day Videos

NOTE: Refresh/Reload your browser every few minutes to view launch 
control center updates. All times are in EST unless otherwise stated.

7:30 p.m. - Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters just briefed Launch 
Director Mike Leinbach 
<http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/biographies/leinbach.html> on 
the weather situation. The ceiling is in the "red" for launch, but 
that's the only weather violation at the moment.

*Did You Know?*
On Flight Day 12, two microsatellites will be launched from Discovery's 
cargo bay. They'll measure the density and composition of the atmosphere 
in low Earth orbit.

7:17 p.m. - Now that the crew is safely aboard, the Closeout Crew is 
beginning cabin closeout procedures. Next, the crew module hatch will be 
closed and sealed for flight.

7:05 p.m. - During its inspection earlier in the countdown, the Ice 
Inspection Team found a very small piece of ice at the end of the 
northern-most vent of the two vents that carry the gaseous oxygen away 
from the external fuel tank's beanie cap. The vents are the two large 
white pipes emanating vapors near the top of the tank. The issue is 
being reviewed by mission managers and we'll let you know when we hear more.