• VEHICLE: Discovery/OV-103
• LOCATION: Pad 39B
• TARGET KSC LAUNCH DATE/TIME: December 19 at 7:50 p.m. EST (under review)
• TARGET KSC LANDING DATE/TIME: December 27 at about 5:00 p.m. EST
• LAUNCH WINDOW: 42 minutes
• MISSION DURATION: about 8 days
• CREW: Brown, Kelly, Smith, Foale, Grunsfeld, Nicollier, Clervoy
• ORBITAL ALTITUDE and INCLINATION: 317 nautical miles/28.45 degrees

Work in progress: Today, Shuttle managers decided to delay Discovery's launch due to the increased threat of unfavorable weather. Launch managers intended to begin operations to load the external tank at 11 a.m. today, but with a 70 percent chance of weather violation they delayed a go ahead decision to collect more weather data. By noon, weather officials reported an 80 percent probability that weather would prohibit tonight's launch attempt. The primary concerns are thick layered clouds and rain showers.

Shuttle managers are assessing the possibility of launching Discovery on Sunday, Dec. 19. Current forecasts indicate a 60 percent chance of favorable weather. Along with weather, managers are reviewing the feasibility of supporting contingency landing operations at Edward Air Force Base, CA, prior to the new year.

Tomorrow's forecast calls for clouds to be scattered to broken at 3,000 feet, broken at 7,000 feet, and overcast at 12,000-22,000 feet; visibility at 7 miles; winds out of the north east at 12 knots gusting to 20 knots; temperature at 69 degrees F; and rain showers in the KSC vicinity.

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