On Monday, the STS-115 crew is due to arrive at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. During the week, astronauts participate in spacesuit checks, training exercises, and a dress rehearsal with simulated countdown at the launch pad.
Atlantis arrived at Launch Pad 39B on Aug. 2, riding atop the mobile launch platform and carried by the crawler transporter. Once at the pad, the vehicle was enclosed by the rotating service structure. Preparations for launch continue, including the installation of the payload in Atlantis' cargo bay The launch window for this mission to resume construction of the International Space Station opens Aug. 27.
The STS-115 crew consists of Commander Brent W. Jett Jr., Pilot Christopher J. Ferguson and Mission Specialists Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper, Joseph R. Tanner, Daniel C. Burbank and Steven G. MacLean, who represents the Canadian Space Agency.
During their 11 days in space, the astronauts will install the integrated P3/P4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays that will provide one-fourth of the total power generation capability of the completed station.
