Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test was concluded this morning and the helium signature test is also complete. Columbia's payload bay doors are closed to support loading of hypergolic propellants into the orbiter tomorrow. Payload premate testing is under way and transfer-tunnel installation is slated for early next week. The orbiter's fuel cell monitoring modifications continue with performance monitor connections in work. Technicians continue to set up work platforms to gain access to Discovery.
Preparations are in work to remove the orbiter's body flap for routine corrosion repair.
Fuel cell monitoring modifications continue. Preparations for Atlantis' ferry flight to Palmdale, CA, continue on schedule. Tail cone installation was completed this morning and the payload bay doors are closed for flight. Mating of the orbiter to the top of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft is set for Nov. 10 and departure for Palmdale is planned for early Nov. 11. The system will reply with a confirmation via e-mail of each subscription.