spaceflightnow.com
1439 GMT (10:39 a.m. EDT)
Atlantis’ clam-shell-like payload bay doors have been closed and locked in preparation for today’s fiery descent into Earth’s atmosphere and landing at Kennedy Space Center. The deorbit burn is scheduled for 12:50 p.m., with touchdown at 1:55 p.m. EDT.
Meanwhile, Mission Control has given the crew a “go” to transition the onboard computers from the OPS-2 software used during the shuttle’s stay in space to OPS-3, which is the software package that governs entry and landing. And Atlantis will soon maneuver to a new orientation in space to improve the communications link with NASA’s orbiting data relay satellites.
RW, thanks for the updates. I’ve got the tube on NASA-TV, soundless, while listening to Laura Ingraham.