Atlantis Preps Still on Hold for Ares I-X Launch

STS-129 crew
At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Launch Pad 39A was reopened briefly following the Ares I-X launch scrub yesterday. Late last night, the pad and space shuttle Atlantis were secured again and cleared for today's Ares I-X launch opportunity.

The pad again will be reopened after launch, paving the way for technicians to continue their final check of systems in the aft, or back, section of Atlantis and to confirm that the waste collection system works.

The six STS-129 crew members will spend the day reviewing a variety of systems procedures and brushing up on photo and TV techniques at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Tomorrow, NASA managers are traveling to Kennedy for the STS-129 mission's Flight Readiness Review meeting. After a thorough review, an official launch date is expected to be announced.

A post-meeting briefing will be broadcast on NASA TV and can be found at www.nasa.gov/ntv.

Space shuttle Atlantis' launch currently is targeted for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.