KSC-01PP-0434

The STS-102 crew wave to onlookers as they head for the Astrovan after leaving the Operations and Checkout Building. Left to right are Mission Specialists Andrew Thomas, Paul Richards and James Voss; Pilot James Kelly; Mission Specialist Susan Helms; Commander James Wetherbee; and Mission Specialist Yury Usachev. STS-102 is the eighth construction flight to the Space Station, carrying the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo. The primary delivery system used to resupply and return Station cargo requiring a pressurized environment, Leonardo will deliver up to 10 tons of laboratory racks filled with equipment, experiments and supplies for outfitting the newly installed U.S. Laboratory Destiny. In addition, Voss, Helms and Usachev, known as Expedition Two, are flying to the Station to replace Expedition One, who will return to Earth on Discovery. Discovery is set to launch March 8 at 6:42 a.m. EST. The 12-day mission is expected to end with a landing at KSC on March 20