1.   An astronaut, McMonagle inherited the task of supervising the final, critical stages of launch preparations earlier this year.

2.   At Kennedy, shuttle managers monitored the developments aboard Mir but did not let them distract launch preparations.

3.   Though the service module is nearly built, the installation of final components and launch preparations have again fallen behind schedule.

4.   When space shuttle officials make final launch preparations, their concerns usually focus on the high-tech.

5.   Pentagon officials said launch preparations were proceeding on schedule.

6.   Launch preparation began in earnest about three months ago, when a half-inch layer of melted wax was poured on the concrete incline.