The payload doors will be closed for flight on Nov. 5 after final payload servicing is complete. Countdown preparations and aft engine compartment close-outs also began on time today and will continue throughout the week. The KSC launch team will continue to prepare Columbia for launch as early as Nov. 8, pending further review of the RSRM's nozzle insulation material. A firm launch date is expected to be announced following this review. Drag chute installation and auxiliary power unit checks continue today.
Preparations are in work to install the main engines next week.
The payload bay doors will be opened today to continue payload bay reconfiguration operations. Delivery of the left-hand orbital maneuvering system pod to the OPF is scheduled for Nov. 4. The system will reply with a confirmation via e-mail of each subscription.