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"Our systems are currently in great shape," said NASA test director Steven Payne in a status briefing here at the Kennedy Space Center. "Countdown is progressing and we have no issue of consequence."
Thursday's planned space shot is set to commence at 9:35:47 p.m. EST (0235:47 Dec. 8 GMT). It will mark NASA's third shuttle launch this year and the agency's first night launch since 2002. The shuttle�s bright engine plume should be visible to skywatchers along the eastern United States, weather permitting.