SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468

*Countdown Continues* *Launch Date:* Aug. 8 *Launch Time:* 6:36 p.m. EDT(2236 UTC)

Image above: Space Shuttle Endeavour sits on Launch Pad 39A awaiting liff off. Photo credit: NASA

TO VIEW IMAGE GO TO:http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/main/index.html

*08.08.07 - 12:45 p.m. EDT* At the launch pad, the final inspection team -- also known as the "Ice Team" -- is inspecting the space shuttle's exterior, making sure it is in good condition and free of ice and debris.

One major launch milestone -- "tanking," the filling of Endeavour's orange external tank with 500,000 gallons of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen -- is complete.

All systems onboard the space shuttle are functioning normally this morning, and there's only a 20 percent chance of weather prohibiting a liftoff at 6:36 p.m. EDT.

Mission STS-118 will be the first for Mission Specialist Barbara Morgan, the teacher-turned-astronaut whose association with NASA began more than 20 years ago. First Lady Laura Bush called Morgan Tuesday morning to offer congratulations "one schoolteacher to another," and to thank her for her commitment to the space program and to education. + White House News Release http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/08/20070807.html

The 22nd flight to the International Space Station, STS-118 will be the first flight for Endeavour since 2002. Launch remains on target for Aug. 8 at 6:36 p.m. EDT.