SPACEPHOTOS

(08/08/2001) -- Floodlights reveal the Space Shuttle Discovery after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure in preparation for launch on mission STS-105. Above the external tank, the “beanie cap” is poised, waiting for loading of the propellants. The cap, or vent hood, is on the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm that allows gaseous oxygen vapors to vent away from the Space Shuttle. Below, on either side of the orbiter’s tail are the tail service masts that support the fluid, gas and electrical requirements of the orbiter’s liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen aft T-0 umbilicals. On the mission, Discovery will be transporting the Expedition Three crew and several scientific experiments and payloads to the International Space Station, including the Early Ammonia Servicer (EAS) tank. The EAS, which will support the thermal control subsystems until a permanent system is activated, will be attached to the Station during two spacewalks. The three-member Expedition Two crew will be returning to Earth aboard Discovery after a five-month stay on the Station. Launch is scheduled for 5:38 p.m. EDT Aug. 9