[sarex] NASA's Space Shuttle Discovery Moves to Launch Pad

[Arthur Rowe <azrowe80@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C 31468


> May 12, 2006
>
> Katherine Trinidad
> Headquarters, Washington 
> (202) 358-3749
>
> Jessica Rye
> Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
> (321) 867-2468 
>
> STATUS REPORT: S06-016
>
> NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY MOVES TO LAUNCH PAD
>
> The Space Shuttle Discovery stands at its launch pad at NASA's Kennedy 
> Space Center, Fla. The shuttle arrived at 8:30 p.m. EDT Friday on top 
> of a giant vehicle known as the crawler transporter. 
>
> "Rollout of Space Shuttle Discovery signifies the last major 
> processing milestone in preparation for our next mission, STS-121," 
> said Space Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale. "The entire team has 
> worked tremendously hard to ensure we were prepared to move to the 
> pad, and we are excited to continue moving toward a July launch." 
>
> The crawler transporter began carrying Discovery out of Kennedy's 
> Vehicle Assembly Building at 12:45 p.m. Friday. The crawler's maximum 
> speed during the 4.2-mile journey was less than 1 mph. 
>
> While at the pad, the shuttle will undergo final testing and hardware 
> integration prior to launch, as well as a "hot fire" test of the 
> auxiliary power units to ensure they are properly functioning. The 
> rotating service structure then will be moved back around the vehicle 
> to protect it from potential damage and the elements. 
>
> Discovery's launch to the International Space Station is targeted for 
> July 1, with a launch window that extends until July 19. During the 
> 12-day mission, Discovery's crew will test new hardware and 
> techniques to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and 
> make repairs to the station. 
>
> Another upcoming milestone is the terminal countdown demonstration 
> test, set for June 12 through 15. This countdown dress rehearsal 
> provides each shuttle crew with the opportunity to participate in 
> various simulated countdown activities, including equipment 
> familiarization and emergency evacuation training. 
>
> Audio clips of additional comments from Wayne Hale are available at: 
>
> http://www.nasa.gov/formedia
> For information about the STS-121 mission and its crew, visit: 
>
> http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle
>
> 	
> -end-
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