With a successful completion of the external tank work, Endeavour will roll out to launch pad 39A tomorrow beginning at 7 a.m. The additional work required in the VAB has NASA managers reassessing the target launch date. An official launch date is expected to be announced at the Flight Readiness Review, currently scheduled for Jan. 7. Once the Shuttle arrives at the pad, Endeavour s cargo bay doors will be opened and payload installation will follow this weekend. Removal of the remote manipulator system cameras is complete and the STS-87 secondary payloads have been removed from Columbia s midbody.
Preparations are in work for radiator and payload bay door inspections.
Functional tests on the forward reaction control system continue. Tile samples are still being analyzed as part of an ongoing investigation into the cause of the abnormal amount of damage. Functional tests on the orbiter maneuvering system continue on schedule. Fuel cell monitoring modifications continue. Water spray boiler servicing and body flap corrosion repairs also continue.