UPDATE: Discovery reached Launch Pad 39A on Tuesday at 1:49 a.m, EDT
Discovery emerges from Vehicle Assembly Building Photo Credit/NASA TV
Bathed in bright xenon lights, the shuttle Discovery began its final trek to a Kennedy Space Center launch pad Monday night.
The oldest of NASA’s shuttle orbiters is tentatively scheduled to lift off on Nov. 1 on its final mission, an 11-day journey that will equip the International Space Station with the Permanent Multipurpose Module, an equipment storage compartment, and deliver Robonaut2, a tool weilding humanoid who will become a permanent member of the station’s crew.
Discovery pilot Eric Boe, Mike Barratt, commander Steve Lindsey, Alvin Drew, Nicole Stott, Tim Kopra
Discovery began its six to seven hour “roll out” to Launch Pad 39 A atop a mobile transporter shortly before 7:30 p.m., EDT. The trek from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the launch pad will take six to seven hours.
The 26-year-old Discovery is being readied for its 39th trip to Earth orbit, the most of NASA’s five flight-worthy shuttle orbiters.
Discovery’s is one of the two schedule missions remaining before the shuttle fleet is retired.
Endeavour is currently slated to carry out the final flight, with a target launching date of Feb. 26.
However, NASA is currently weighing an encore mission for the shuttle Atlantis in late June. The Obama Administration as well a the House and Senate have indicated support for the additional mission. However, until NASA has a 2011 budget it remains unfunded.
Discovery’s crew will be led by veteran astronaut Steven Lindsey. He’ll be accompanied by pilot Eric Boe and mission specialists Alvin Drew, Mike Barratt, Tim Kopra and Nicole Stott.
Robonaut2 to join space station crews Photo credit/NASA