Tanking of space shuttle Discovery is continuing and going well at Launch Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The filling operations have transitioned to reduced fast fill on LH2 and have a good "closed" indication on the LH2 inboard fill and drain valve. Tanking operations are expected to conclude at about 5:45 p.m. EDT.
Liftoff of Discovery on the STS-128 mission remains on schedule for 11:59 p.m. EDT tonight and the weather remains the primary concern. The forecast calls for a 60 percent chance of acceptable conditions. Meteorologists are watching for signs of anvil clouds and thunderstorms within 20 miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility.