NASA's Discovery Rolls to Major Return To Flight Milestone

Allard Beutel/Erica Hupp
Headquarters, Washington
(Phone: 202/358-4769/1237)

Jessica Rye/Bruce Buckingham
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(Phone: 321/867-2468)

RELEASE: 05-087

NASA'S DISCOVERY ROLLS TO MAJOR RETURN TO FLIGHT MILESTONE

NASA's Space Shuttle Discovery is one important step closer to launch.
Discovery was rolled from its hangar early this morning to the
Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). Discovery will be attached to its
propulsion elements, a redesigned External Tank (ET) and twin Solid
Rocket Boosters (SRBs), at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

"This is a tremendous accomplishment for the Space Shuttle Program,"
said Bill Parsons, Space Shuttle Program Manager. "This effort has
taken a talented team dedicated to meticulously preparing the vehicle
and implementing all the modifications for a safe Return to Flight,"
he added.

Discovery's launch window is from May 15 to June 3. Its mission,
designated STS-114, will take Commander Eileen Collins and six crew
members to the International Space Station. The mission is the first
of two test flights to check out new inspection and repair
techniques, as well as to deliver supplies to the Station. It is the
first Shuttle mission since the Columbia accident in February 2003.

Discovery's journey began as it was moved from its hangar to the VAB.
In the VAB, a lifting sling was attached to the orbiter in
preparation for attachment to the ET and twin SRBs. Work on Discovery
in the VAB includes installation of a new digital camera, testing
electrical and mechanical attachments between the orbiter and ET and
umbilical checks.

"I could not be more proud of the team that spent the last two years
working on Discovery. We are extremely excited to reach this point in
the processing for flight," said Stephanie Stilson, NASA Vehicle
Manager for Discovery. "Seeing the orbiter roll to the VAB is the
culmination of all of that hard work. We look forward to a safe
Return to Flight," she said.

While in the Orbiter Processing Facility, Discovery underwent 41
modifications in response to the Columbia accident and the
recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. They
included addition of the new Orbiter Boom Sensor System; equipping
the orbiter with cameras and laser systems to inspect the Shuttle's
Thermal Protection System (heat shield) while in space; sensors in
the leading edge of the Shuttle's wings, a new safety measure that
monitors the orbiter's wings for debris impacts; and a new digital
camera to view the ET during launch.

Discovery also completed its Orbiter Major Modification (OMM) period
that began in September 2002. Technicians completed 107 additional
modifications to Discovery, 17 will be flying for the first time.
OMMs are scheduled at regular intervals to enhance safety and
performance and to infuse new technology.

The next Return to Flight milestone is scheduled early next week, when
Discovery begins its four mile journey to Launch Pad 39-B. Dates and
times are subject to change, and updates are available by calling:
321/867-2525.

For imagery of Discovery's rollover and attachment on the Internet,
visit:

http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/index.cfm

Video and sound bites from the rollover feed on NASA TV available on
the Web and via satellite in the continental U.S. on AMC-6,
Transponder 9C, C-Band, at 72 degrees west longitude. The frequency
is 3880.0 MHz. Polarization is vertical, and audio is monaural at
6.80 MHz. In Alaska and Hawaii, it's available on AMC-7, Transponder
18C, C-Band, at 137 degrees west longitude. The frequency is 4060.0
MHz. Polarization is vertical, and audio is monaural at 6.80 MHz.

For NASA TV information and schedules on the Internet, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For the latest information about NASA's Return to Flight efforts on
the Internet, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/returntoflight


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Jacques :-)

www.spacepatches.info