KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla., 23 March 2005. The launch window for the Space Shuttle Discovery's Return to Flight mission (STS-114) is May 15 to June 3.
During its 12-day mission to the International Space Station, Discovery's seven-person crew will test new hardware and techniques to improve shuttle safety and deliver supplies.
First the shuttle must pass two important milestones.
On March 28, Discovery will be moved from the Orbiter Processing Facility to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). In the VAB, it will be attached to its redesigned External Tank and twin Solid Rocket Boosters.
Then on April 4, Discovery will begin its eight-hour journey to launch pad 39B.
For more information, see www.nasa.gov/returntoflight.