Shuttle Discovery Set for Saturday Launch

Officials at the Kennedy Space Center remain optimistic about Saturday evening’s launch of the space shuttle Discovery.

"At this point, I am really happy to report that all of our systems are in great shape. We are tracking no issues and we are right on schedule for tomorrow’s launch," NASA test director Jeff Spaulding said during a briefing Friday.

There is an 80 percent chance weather will be fine for the 5:02 p.m. launch, added NASA weather officer Kathy Winters.

The shuttle will lift off with a large Japanese science module to be attached to the International Space Station. The "Kibo" is a school-bus size lab, a workplace capable of accommodating several people and many experiments.

The seven-member Discovery crew will also be delivering much needed parts to repair the International Space Station’s balky toilet.

For people interested in driving up from South Florida to see the launch, there are good viewing areas in the Cape Canaveral-Titusville area.

Many stake out sites along the Indian River, which borders U.S. 1 in Titusville. Take Interstate 95 north to Exit 215, State Road 50. Drive east to U.S. 1. Turn north or south and look for parking.

Another good site is Jetty Park on the Atlantic. Take I-95 north to Exit 205. Get on the BeachLine Expressway, also called State Road 528, eastbound. Drive east to Exit B. At the light, turn left on to George King Boulevard and follow it to the end. Arrive early because the park fills up quickly on launch day.