STS-128 Discovery Crew Walk Out To Astrovan

The STS-128 astronauts headed to the launch pad, where space shuttle Discovery awaited liftoff tonight at 11:59 p.m. With big smiles on their faces, they waved to a cheering crowd of supporters as they boarded the Astrovan. The drive to the launch pad is scheduled to take about 25 minutes. To avoid overheating in their heavy suits, the astronauts can plug into cooling units at each seat.

Commanded by veteran astronaut Rick "C.J." Sturckow, the STS-128 mission crew will deliver refrigerator-sized racks full of equipment, including the COLBERT treadmill, an exercise device named after comedian Stephen Colbert.
Stott will take the place of Tim Kopra, who moved into the station during STS-127. Pilot Kevin Ford and Mission Specialists Patrick Forrester, Jose Hernandez, John "Danny" Olivas and Sweden's Christer Fuglesang round out the crew.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• STS
• STS-128
• Discovery
• NASA
• Space
• Shuttle
• Space Shuttle
• ISS