The Atlantis is now in a built-in “hold” until about 1:30 AM. The service structure has been rolled back and the orbiter is exposed. There’s a media trip to the pad in a few minutes, and I’m going to go check it out.

When I arrived at Orlando Airport this evening, it was raining buckets. So why is everyone optimistic? Because the narrow, 20 minute launch window the shuttle has each day is earlier now than it was in late August. Programme managers are hoping the noonish launch time will mean the shuttle takes off ahead of the afternoon showers.