Moved From Hangar To VAB
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.