• VEHICLE: Discovery/OV-103
• LOCATION: Pad 39B
• TARGET KSC LAUNCH DATE/TIME: December 16 at 9:18 p.m. EST
• TARGET KSC LANDING DATE/TIME: December 26 at about 6:56 p.m. EST
• LAUNCH WINDOW: 41 minutes
• MISSION DURATION: about 9 days and 21 hours
• CREW: Brown, Kelly, Smith, Foale, Grunsfeld, Nicollier, Clervoy
• ORBITAL ALTITUDE and INCLINATION: 317 nautical miles/28.45 degrees

Work in progress: Preparations for the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery continue on schedule today. Last night, work began to load the orbiter's fuel cell storage tanks with cryogenic reactants and loading operations concluded this morning. Discovery's main engines have undergone routine prelaunch preparations today and orbiter communication system activation occurs tonight. Flight crew equipment late stowage begins later this evening.

Today, Shuttle managers and engineers have evaluated a welding issue involving external tank pressure lines. While the issue was identified on hardware intended for use on a future flight, engineers are confirming that the welding flaw was an isolated occurrence and that the pressure lines on Shuttle Discovery's external tank are not affected. With the weld analysis all but complete, managers expect to close the issue early tomorrow.

Current weather forecasts call for few clouds at 3,000 feet and scattered clouds at 25,000 feet; visibility of 7 miles; winds from the north at 12 peaking to 20 knots; temperature at 52 degrees F; relative humidity at 69 percent; and no chance of showers. Weather officials indicate a 90 percent chance that weather will be favorable for a launch on Thursday. Forecasters predict an 80 percent chance of favorable weather for launch attempts on Friday and Saturday.

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