Space shuttle Discovery has been moved from NASA's shuttle processing center at Florida's Kennedy Space Center to the Vehicle Assembly Building.
The move involved use of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's giant, 76-wheel orbiter transporter system. Technicians at the assembly building will attach Discovery to its external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters. Following those operations, final integration, preparations and closeouts will be conducted in preparation for flight.
Discovery's next milestone is the 4.2-mile trip to Launch Pad 39B in preparation for its mission, designated STS-116. During that 11-day mission, the shuttle's seven astronauts will rewire the International Space Station for use of power generated by solar arrays that were installed in September.
Discovery's move to its launch pad is scheduled for Tuesday.
earlier related report
Space Shuttle Discovery Rolls To Vehicle Assembly Building
Cape Canaveral(SPX) Nov 01 – NASA's Space Shuttle Discovery completed one milestone and is nearing another as workers prepare the orbiter for a December launch to the International Space Station.
On Tuesday night, drivers moved Discovery from the shuttle processing facility to the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Discovery, perched on top of the giant, 76-wheel orbiter transporter system, began moving out of the facility at 9:23 p.m. EST.
In the assembly building, technicians attached Discovery to its propulsion elements, an external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters. Following those operations, final integration, preparations and closeouts began in preparation for flight.
Discovery's next milestone is the 4.2-mile trip to Launch Pad 39B in preparation for its mission, designated STS-116. During the 11-day mission, the shuttle's seven astronauts will rewire the station to bring online new power supplies generated by solar arrays installed in September.
