Jorge R. Frank wrote:
wrote in news:1154991978.129111.291310
@i3g2000cwc.googlegroups.com:


SNIP

Also, they (media, and NASA) said a few weeks ago that STS-116
Discovery was hopeful for the December launch window, however with
only one possible day that doesn't seem very worthwhile to even
consider it..more than likely it'll be pushed into next year -
obviously slipping downstream flights as well..

Different story there. :-) The night launch restrictions are only in
effect until the shuttle program has two consecutive flights with foam
shedding within allowable limits. STS-121 was the first, so if STS-115
flies clean, STS-116 will be able to launch at night, which greatly
expands the launch window.

Will they be examining the orbiter's heat sheild with the OBSS on every
flight from now on? Will they flip the shuttle during docking with ISS for
the ISS crew to take pics? Or will these time-consuming and complex
procedures be scrapped alongside the night launch restrictions?

Xizor