KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Suspended high inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, the External Tank (ET) designated for the Return to Flight mission STS-114 is being lowered toward the Mobile Launcher Platform and twin Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) waiting there. The ET will be mated to the SRBs for launch. The 154-foot long ET is recently redesigned to meet recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board before returning to flight. Among dozens of changes is a redesigned forward bipod fitting to reduce the risk to the Space Shuttle from falling debris during ascent. Considered a t
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Suspended high inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, the External Tank (ET) designated for the Return to Flight mission STS-114 is being lowered toward the Mobile Launcher Platform and twin Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) waiting there. The ET will be mated to the SRBs for launch. The 154-foot long ET is recently redesigned to meet recommendations of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board before returning to flight. Among dozens of changes is a redesigned forward bipod fitting to reduce the risk to the Space Shuttle from falling debris during ascent. Considered a test flight, STS-114 is scheduled to launch during a window extending May 15 to June 3. The Shuttle will carry supplies and equipment to the International Space Station.
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