Space Shuttle Discovery on the Launch Pad

This Space Imaging IKONOS image of Discovery was taken on April 8, 2005.

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Photo Credit: Space Imaging

Photo Credit: Space Imaging

For full enlargement, click here

This IKONOS satellite image shows the Shuttle “stack” – the orbiter, external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters – situated at Launch Pad 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The image was collected April 8, shortly after the Shuttle began its 4.2-mile journey from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the launch pad.

The orange external fuel tank and one of the solid rocket boosters are visible in the image. The Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) is also visible to the left of the launch pad.

According to NASA, the Discovery crew’s mission is the first of two test flights to verify new inspection and repair techniques and to deliver supplies to the International Space Station. Discovery has a targeted launch window from May 15 to June 3 and will be the first Shuttle mission since the Columbia accident in February 2003.