brainwagon

I’m watching the live feed on NASA TV. They are in a pre-programmed hold at 9:00 till launch, which should go on for another twelve minutes, and then they should launch.

Best wishes to all those aboard.

Addendum: Looks like there are no constraints for launch. Countdown is about to resume. Countdown has resumed. Eight minutes remaining. Launch! Discovery now rolling to a head’s up orientation, 70+ miles altitude, 350 downrange. Two minutes to MECO. Performance nominal. MECO completed. Discovery is pitching up away from the main engine, and will roll over so that they can inspect the main engine, footage which apparently won’t be downloaded until day three.

Welcome back to space, Shuttle Discovery, and congratulations to all those at NASA and elsewhere who worked to return the fleet to flight status.