Shuttle Discovery To Launch Tonight

  Astronauts Head to Launch Pad

  Space.com

  Dec. 9, 2006 -- CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -– The seven Discovery astronauts have begun a 20-minute ride in their silver ‘Astro Van’ toward Kennedy Space Center’s Pad 39B where their spacecraft stands poised for launch this afternoon. NASA Test Director Jeff Spaulding has given his permission for the astronauts to enter the spacecraft, indicating that all switches and systems in the cockpit are properly configured for the crew.

  The launch team is not working any vehicle or technical issues; however, weather officers continue to closely conditions around Florida’s Kennedy Space Center. Latest weather conditions are observed ‘Go’; however, the Launch Weather Officer’s official forecast calls for only a 40% of acceptable conditions at launch time.

  The countdown has just resumed at the T-minus 3 hour mark and Discovery's external tank is now filled with a half-million gallons of super-chilled liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. The vehicle is in "stable replenish" mode and the massive fuel tank will continue to be topped-off until launch time.

  Discovery’s launch time remains set for 8:47:34 p.m. EST (0147:34 GMT 10 Dec), with a 5-minute launch window, weather permitting. 

  NASA will broadcast Discovery’s launch countdown and planned liftoff on NASA TV). You are invited to follow the countdown's progress using SPACE.com's feed, which is available by clicking here.

Space.com

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