ο αγώνας της ανθρωπότητας στο διάστημα : σπάνιο φωτογραφικό υλικό του Discovery, πριν την πτήση του.

External tank arrives by barge from MS:






External tank approaches Vertical Assembly Building (VAB):



Removing external tank:












Preparing to lift the tank to vertical:



Lifting the tank:



Solid rockets are attached:



Engines are attached to solids:



Engines are attached to the shuttle in the Shuttle Processing Facility:












Shuttle in sling ready for lift in VAB:



Shuttle has been moved to VAB and will be attached to external tank:






Shuttle is attached:












Payload Preparation Room (PPR):






New Module for International Space Station:



Payload ready to be moved to the Launch Pad:



Payload carrier leaves PPR:






Payload being moved to Launch Pad:






Lifting payload into position for insertion into "Discovery"
when it arrives at the pad:









Shuttle "Discovery" leaves VAB:






Trip to launch:
Length - 3 1/2 mi
Time - 6-8 hours
Arrow indicates the Launch Pad.






Crawler Control






"Discovery" arrives at Pad:












Ready for Launch:



We Have Lift Off !





Images courtesy Christie L. Dyett - NASA Space Coast Launch Services