Space Shuttle Discovery on the launch Pad - 4/05
KSC-05PD-0708 (04/13/2005) --- KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Rotating Service Structure is rolled back at Launch Pad 39B revealing Space Shuttle Discovery. A propellant-loading test of Discovery's External Tank (ET) is scheduled for April 14. During the test, the tank will be filled to launch levels with ultra-cold hydrogen and oxygen propellants, known as "cryogenics." The test is designed to evaluate how the tank, orbiter, Solid Rocket Boosters and ground systems are performing under full "cryo-load." Throughout testing, engineers will observe the effectiveness of key safety modifications made to the External Tank. NASA's Return to Flight mission, STS-114 on Space Shuttle Discovery, is targeted for launch on May 15 with a launch window that extends to June 3.
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