SPACEPHOTOS

(08/08/2001) -- Lights surrounding Launch Pad 39A create shadows from Space Shuttle Discovery after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure. Seen extending to the orbiter is the orbiter access arm, ending at the White Room, an environmental chamber that mates with the orbiter and allows personnel to enter the crew compartment. 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. On mission STS-105, 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