Space Shuttle Discovery Successfully Rolls Back to Launch Pad
Wednesday June 15, 3:09 pm ET
WASHINGTON, June 15 /PRNewswire/ -- With new safety modifications, the
Space Shuttle Discovery is back at Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy
Space Center, Fla. Carried by a giant Crawler Transporter, Discovery
arrived at the pad at 12:17 p.m. EDT today in preparation for its
historic Return to Flight mission (STS-114) planned for July.
"We've addressed some additional concerns about ice formation on the
external fuel tank," said NASA's Deputy Associate Administrator for
International Space Station and Space Shuttle Programs Michael
Kostelnik. "This is an even safer vehicle for Commander Eileen Collins
and her crew, and the new modifications will ensure this important
mission to the International Space Station is successful."
Discovery's journey took a little longer than expected. It left the
Vehicle Assembly Building about 2:00 a.m. EDT for its four-mile journey.
The Crawler Transporter, which has a top speed of about one mph,
traveled even slower than normal today. It stopped frequently, so
engineers could address overheating bearings. But when Discovery finally
rolled up to the pad around lunchtime, it was a satisfying sight for
those who have been working more than two years to get the Shuttle back
to space.
"Seeing Discovery back on the launch pad is a visible testament to the
dedication of everyone involved in making sure STS-114 is the safest
mission it can be," said Space Shuttle Program Manager Bill Parsons. "We
still have some work to do, but today is indicative that the hardware is
getting ready for a launch in July."
With Discovery at the pad, workers will begin final preparations for
launch. They will close out, test, and install the payload, NASA's
Italian- built Multi-Purpose Logistics Module, Raffaello.
They will also load the hypergolic propellants for flight. The process
includes adding the propellants, monomethyl hydrazine and nitrogen
tetroxide, into the Orbiter Maneuvering System and the Forward Reaction
Control System.
Discovery was de-mated from its previous External Tank (ET-120) and
attached to a new External Tank (ET-121) on June 7. A new heater was
added to ET-121 on the feedline bellows. The heater is designed to
minimize potential ice and frost buildup on the bellows, a part of the
pipeline that carries liquid oxygen to the Shuttle's main engines.
ET-121 was originally scheduled to fly with Atlantis on the second
Return to Flight mission (STS-121).
The new tank was fitted with temperature sensors and accelerometers to
gather information about the tank's performance and measure vibration
during flight.
"Returning Discovery to the launch pad is the last major processing
milestone prior to launch," said NASA Launch Director Mike Leinbach.
"The launch team is completing the final procedures and documentation,
and we are looking forward to beginning the launch countdown three days
prior to liftoff."
NASA plans to launch Discovery during a window from July 13 to 31. A
launch date will be set during the Flight Readiness Review scheduled for
June 29 and 30.
During their 12-day mission, Discovery's seven crew members will test
new hardware and techniques to improve Space Shuttle safety. They will
also deliver supplies to the International Space Station.
Video from the rollout will 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 photos of the rollout and the latest information about Return to
Flight on the Web, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/returntoflight
For information about NASA and agency programs on the Web, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/home/index.html
--
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