Discovery Ready To Roll

The Space Shuttle Discovery is set to roll out to Launch Pad 39B at KSC with an upgraded External Tank (ET). First motion is targeted for 3 a.m. EDT, Tuesday, June 14.

The fully-assembled Shuttle stack, orbiter, ET and twin Solid Rocket Boosters, will be mounted on the Mobile Launcher Platform and delivered to the pad via a Crawler Transporter. The four-mile journey from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the pad takes about six hours.

Discovery's initial move to Launch Pad 39B will air live on NASA TV. Live commentary starts with first motion of the Transporter and continues for about one hour. Live commentary will provide periodic updates and conclude when Discovery reaches the pad.

Launch of Discovery on its Return to Flight mission (STS-114) is targeted for July 13 with a launch window that extends to July 31. During the 12-day mission, Discovery's seven-person crew will test new hardware and techniques to improve Shuttle safety and deliver supplies to the International Space Station.

Source: NASA