Rollback to Pad Briefing - Atlantis

August 29, 2006
3:41 Central Time
STS-115
Rollback to Pad Press Briefing
Kennedy Space Center
3:52 Press Briefing begins...
The 11:00 am weather forecast changed by 10 knots or so, the approach of the storm was further away, the plan was immediately developed, and since roll back was less than half complete, the plan to reverse course was implemented sending the launch vehicle back to the pad. STS-115 will be covered and protected after its arrival at 8 PM
3:55
70 knot wind speed is the criteria for secured vehicle launch pad safety, storm is only projected to be about 45 knots, with some gusting of up to 55 knots near launch pad.
Shuttle safety not compromised by rollout.
4:00
September 6, 7 and 8 are all being considered for launch date.
4:05
This was the first time for a reversal of a rollback...
Contingency plans rehearsed back in May confirmed criteria to reverse course by about the 40 percent mark.
Standard launch countdown is expected after launch date set.