SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468

*Atlantis' Hatch Sealed for Launch*

/ Sept. 8, 9:50 a.m. EDT(1350 utc)/ The hatch into Atlantis' crew cabin has been locked and sealed for flight following the seating of all six STS-115 astronauts inside the ship. The crew members continue to flip switches and power up the orbiter's systems as the countdown to an 11:41 a.m. launch marches on. The weather in the Kennedy Space Center area is pleasant with temperatures in the upper 70s and only wispy clouds fanning across the sky.

The launch team has reported that an ECO sensor on the hydrogen side of the external tank has failed. At this time the team is pressing forward with launch preparations. Mission Management Team members are meeting to determine if they will consider launching with three working sensors or if it will be necessary to de-tank and come back tomorrow. + See ECO Sensor PowerPoint Slide http://www.nasa.gov/ppt/156987main_ET%20Project_SSP%20FRR_June272005_B-3.ppt

Launch weather remains at 70 percent "go" for launch, with the primary concern for rain within 20 miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility. No other issues are being addressed by the launch team at this time.