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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.