Work in progress: Over the weekend, workers at Launch Pad 39B completed inspections and leak checks on Shuttle Discovery's replaced liquid hydrogen recirculation line. Engine compartment close-outs started Sunday and are expected to conclude later today. Launch managers at KSC plan to begin the 43-hour countdown Tuesday at 1:30 a.m. EST. Weather forecasts indicate an 80 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for Thursday's launch attempt at 9:18 p.m.
Processing Milestones:
Aft engine compartment closed-out for flight. . . . . . . . . . . . . (Dec. 13)
Launch countdown clock begins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(Dec. 14 at 1:30 a.m.)
Cryogenics loaded in Discovery's onboard storage tanks . . . (Dec. 15)
Rotating Service Structure moved to park position . . . . . . . .(Dec. 16 at 2:30 a.m.)
Work in progress: Space Shuttle Endeavour rolled out of the Vehicle Assembly Building today at 7 a.m., headed toward Launch Pad 39A. Once at the pad, workers will begin routine launch pad validations. All three auxiliary power units will be hot fire tested tomorrow. The remainder of the STS-99 prelaunch work schedule is being reviewed due to the recent engine replacement and in order to accommodate STS-103 processing efforts.
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