Columbia’s aerosurfaces and thruster jets were tested this morning as part of the routine day-before-landing systems checks to ensure the vehicle is ready to support tomorrow’s planned return home to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Two landing opportunities are available at 6:20 a.m. and 7:55 a.m.

With weather conditions in Florida forecast to be favorable tomorrow, the backup landing site in California is not being called up for support.

While the flight control system checkout and reaction control system hotfire tests showed a healthy spacecraft crew members stowed gear and equipment used throughout the flight.

The Ku-band antenna which provides high data rate relay and television will be stowed at approximately 9:30 a.m. Thursday.

The next mission status report will be issued at about 6 p.m.

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