SPACEPHOTOS

(12/19/1999) -- STS-103 Pilot Scott J. Kelly, in his orange launch and entry suit, waits for assistance from closeout crew members in the White Room before entering the orbiter. Seen at left is United Space Alliance Mechanical Technician Rene Arriens. The White Room is an environmental chamber at the end of the orbiter access arm on the fixed service structure. It provides entry to the orbiter crew compartment. The mission, to service the Hubble Space Telescope, is scheduled to lift off at 7:50 p.m. EST Dec. 19 on mission STS-103, servicing the Hubble Space Telescope. Objectives for the nearly eight-day mission include replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing another solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation in the telescope. Discovery is expected to land at KSC Monday, Dec. 27, at about 5:24 p.m. EST