Arthur Rowe wrote:

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468

NASA's Launch Blog - Mission STS-116

*NASA's launch blog was activated on Dec. 9, 2006 at 2:30 p.m. EST*

*+ View All Launch Day Videos http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts116/launch/launch-allvideos.html*

*+ View First Launch Attempt Blog http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts116/launch/launch-vlcc_120706.html*

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN STANDARD TIMES

7:48 p.m. - The weather officer continues to report that we are "green" on all constraints, meaning the weather is still acceptable for liftoff. The countdown is proceeding as expected and we are on target for launch at 8:47:35 p.m.

7:47 p.m. - Exactly one hour to go.

7:44 p.m. - T-18 minutes and counting. Commander Mark Polanksy has reported that the transitioning of the back-up computer is complete.

7:42 p.m. - T-20 minutes and counting. There is only one hold remaining, at the T-9 minute mark.

7:38 p.m. - The NASA Test Director is giving the launch team his final instructions for the remainder of tonight's countdown. There are four minutes remaining in the T-20 minute built-in hold.

7:32 p.m. - T-20 minutes and holding. This is a built-in hold lasting 10 minutes. The countdown will resume at 7:42 p.m.

7:30 p.m. - The crew has been informed that their prime transatlantic abort landing site for tonight's launch will be Moron, Spain.

7:25 p.m. - The crew is receiving some instructions to update their flight checklists for launch.