GEORGE DILLER: This is Atlas launch control at T minus 2 hours and holding.
The countdown is under way in the Atlas Space Operations Center.
We are somewhat behind in our activities due to a significant thunderstorm which moved through the Cape Canaveral vicinity at about 3:30 this morning.
At this time, we believe we are about an hour to an hour and a half behind in our launch preparations due to work that was unable
to proceed on schedule due to the severe thunderstorm that brought considerable rain.
And there was a lot of lightning with the storm as well, so that no work on the pad could be done during the time that the severe weather was
in the Launch Complex 41 vicinity.
At this time, we would expect the launch to occur not earlier than 8:20 a.m. That is still subject to change.
There is some discussion going on right now as to whether or not the current planned built in hold will be extended.
We will be listening to NASA Launch Manager Chuck Dovale shortly after 6 a.m., give us a status on the cryogenic loading activities
and whether or not the holds will be extended.
And we will be resuming commentary periodically as we have meaningful information to convey about the start of launch tanking operations.
And we will have ongoing commentary once tanking of the Atlas V rocket begins. At T minus 2 hours and holding, this is Atlas launch control.