At Launch Pad 39B the STS-103 payload awaits closing of Discovery's payload bay doors.

At Launch Pad 39B, the STS-103 payload awaits closing of Discovery's payload bay doors. The payload, which will enable the crew of seven to service the Hubble Space Telescope, consists of gyroscopes that allow the telescope to point at stars, galaxies and planets; a Fine Guidance Sensor, a new enhanced computer to replace an older model, a solid-state digital recorder, a new spare transmitter, and new thermal insulation. The crew will also install a Battery Voltage/Temperature Improvement Kit to protect the spacecraft batteries from overcharging and overheating when the telescope goes into a safe mode. Launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-103 is targeted for Dec. 9 at 1:10 a.m. EST