Space Shuttle Discovery at Launch Pad for Return to Flight

Melissa Mathews
Headquarters, Washington
(Phone: 202/358-1272)

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

RELEASE: 05-095

SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY AT LAUNCH PAD FOR RETURN TO FLIGHT

The Space Shuttle Discovery is at the launch pad. Following more than
two years of safety modifications and vehicle upgrades, Discovery
arrived at Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla.,
around 12:30 a.m. EDT today.

"This is a big milestone," said William Readdy, NASA associate
administrator for Space Operations, "and what a welcome sight to see
Discovery at the pad, especially knowing the work we're doing to make
it a stronger vehicle. But we're not finished yet. There are still
some important milestones we're working toward before we're ready to
fly," he added.

Launch of Discovery for its Return to Flight mission, designated
STS-114, is targeted for May 15, with a launch window that extends
until June 3. During their 12-day mission, Commander Eileen Collins
and the rest of Discovery's seven-person crew will test new hardware
and techniques to improve Shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies
to the International Space Station.

"Having Discovery on the pad puts us one step closer to resuming the
Space Shuttle's important mission of supplying and assembling the
International Space Station," said Michael Kostelnik, NASA deputy
associate administrator for International Space Station and Space
Shuttle Programs.

Discovery's journey to the launch pad from the Vehicle Assembly
Building (VAB) was a slow and careful one. The fully assembled Space
Shuttle Vehicle "stack" that includes the Orbiter, the External Tank
and the twin Solid Rocket Boosters, was mounted on the Mobile
Launcher Platform. The whole assembly was carried to the launch pad
on a vehicle known as a crawler transporter. The crawler's maximum
speed during the four-mile journey was less than one mile per hour.

Discovery's rollout was not without its challenges. Shortly before it
moved out of the VAB, when Discovery and its propulsion elements were
thoroughly inspected, engineers spotted a tiny, hairline crack in the
External Tank's insulating foam. After reviewing the data, engineers
determined the crack, on the opposite side of the tank from the
Orbiter, was not in a location where it could become hazardous. The
"go" was then given for roll.

"We plan to reassess the area during and after a tanking test we have
planned for next week, but based on our preliminary analysis, we
don't expect to have to repair the crack," said Sandy Coleman,
External Tank Project Manager.

Several hours later, when Discovery neared the pad, the mechanism that
keeps the Shuttle level as it moves up a ramp gave conflicting
readings. The process was stopped, the issues addressed, and the
Shuttle was moved securely onto the pad.

Now at the launch pad, the Space Shuttle will undergo final
connections for launch, and a pressurized cargo container will be
installed. The special "tanking test" on April 14 will check out
Space Shuttle hardware associated with filling the External Tank with
its cryogenic propellants. The test also will condition the main
propulsion system.

"This milestone signifies an outstanding effort of thousands of people
throughout the country who came together as a team to ensure a safe
Return to Flight," said Bill Parsons, Space Shuttle program manager.
"I have tremendous confidence in their work," he added.

In all, Discovery underwent 41 major modifications in response to the
Columbia accident, including work to address the recommendations of
the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. These include adding the
new Orbiter Boom Sensor System; equipping the Orbiter with cameras
and laser systems to inspect the Shuttle's Thermal Protection System,
or heat shield, while in space; installing sensors in the leading
edge of the Shuttle's wings, a new safety measure that monitors the
Orbiter's wings for debris impacts; and adding a new digital camera
to view the External Tank during launch. The External Tank will fly
with several modifications, including two new forward bipod heaters
at the forward attach fittings that connect the tank to the Orbiter.

Photos of Discovery's rollout can be found online at:

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

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

http://www.nasa.gov/returntoflight


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Jacques :-)

www.spacepatches.info