[sarex] Space Shuttle Discovery is Ready

[Arthur Rowe]

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468

*Space Shuttle Discovery is Ready; Weather Remains a Concern*
22 October 2007

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.
l
"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.

Above: Space shuttle Discovery stands at Launch Pad 39A, where it is 
undergoing final preparations for launch on the STS-120 mission. The 
shuttle is protected by the pad's rotating service structure. Image 
credit: NASA TV
TO VIEW IMAGE GO 
TO:http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html

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 
<http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts120/index.html>
+ Harmony Node 2 
<http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/behindscenes/harmony_payload.html> 

+ Space Shuttle Discovery 
<http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/discovery-info.html>