Mission Control Center
STS-66 Status Report #9

Tuesday, November 8, 8 a.m. CST

With Atlantis' systems performing without problem, the six astronauts that
make up the STS-66 crew took time to discuss the progress of the mission
with reporters during the traditional in-flight press conference. 
Questions from reporters in Texas, Florida and France covered a variety of
subjects ranging from the Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and
Science-3 activities to election day. Besides stating that he was pleased
with the progress of the mission thus far, Mission Commander Don McMonagle
also confirmed that all five U.S. astronauts had the opportunity to vote
prior to the flight. 

Over night, the Blue Team of Curt Brown, Jean-Francois Clervoy and Scott
Parazynski worked supporting the ATLAS-3 instruments and a Heat Pipe
Performance unit designed to test various types of cylinders that could
provide a more effective and efficient method of dissipating heat on
future spacecraft and space stations. 

Brown oversaw a small maneuvering engine firing performed just after five
this morning to refine Atlantis' orbit in front of the Shuttle Pallet
Satellite which was deployed on the second day of the mission.  The series
of engine firings maintain the proper distance from the satellite prior to
its capture and return to the payload bay scheduled for Saturday. 

The Red Team of Commander Don McMonagle and Mission Specialists Ellen
Ochoa and Joe Tanner took over control of the orbiter and payloads about
six o'clock this morning as the crew continues to divide the day into two
12-hour shifts. 

The current orbit of Atlantis is 163 by 158 nautical miles. 

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