SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468 Launch Preparations Continue

Space Shuttle Discovery behind the rotating service structure at Launch Pad 39B. Image above: The rotating service structure is in place around Space Shuttle Discovery at Launch Pad 39B, leaving only the top of the external tank and boosters visible. Image Credit: NASA + View More STS-116 Photos-GO TO:http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.htm

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the P5 truss segment and SPACEHAB single logistics module are tucked away and awaiting launch inside Space Shuttle Discovery's payload bay. The payload bay doors were closed for flight on Nov. 16.

The STS-116 crew participated in a launch dress rehearsal and simulated countdown earlier that day, wrapping up the four-day terminal countdown demonstration test that took place at Kennedy from Nov. 13-16.

The next major prelaunch milestone is the Flight Readiness Review, set for Nov. 28-29. The STS-116 mission will be the 20th flight to the International Space Station. The launch window opens Dec. 7.