NOTE: Ordnance installation is complete and pressurization of the hypergolic system is scheduled to be complete by late morning. Aft engine compartment close-outs and launch countdown preparations will continue this afternoon. The countdown will begin at the T-43 hour mark at 2 p.m. Monday, March 31.
NOTE: The forward reaction control system (FRCS) has been removed from Atlantis and sent to the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility where work will be conducted to verify the proper installation of thruster seals. The FRCS is scheduled to be returned to the OPF this weekend and reinstalled on the orbiter.
NOTE: The Space Shuttle main engines have been removed. The forward reaction control system functional checks continue today. The FRCS will be removed later this week and sent to the HMF for additional inspections of the thrusters. Work to remove and replace fuel cell No. 2 is scheduled to begin Thursday.
NOTE ON ENDEAVOUR: The orbiter Endeavour atop the 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) departed Palmdale, CA, at about 9 a.m. EST en route to the Naval Air Station at Ft. Worth, TX. Departure from Palmdale yesterday was delayed due to adverse weather conditions along the flight path in New Mexico. After refueling at Ft. Worth and weather permitting, Endeavour will likely continue east with a possible stopover at Warner Robbins Air Force Base, GA. If weather conditions are acceptable and there is enough time before sunset, Endeavour could possibly continue on into KSC this evening. Flight rules prohibit flying in adverse weather conditions and after sunset. A real time assessment will be made during the refueling stop at Ft. Worth. If Endeavour does not make it to KSC today, it will likely be arriving mid-morning tomorrow.
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