KSC-05pd-0097

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Sen. Bill Nelson and STS-114 Mission Commander Eileen Collins watch the newly redesigned External Tank being lifted in the Vehicle Assembly Building to a “checkout cell” where the tank’s mechanical, electrical and thermal protection systems are inspected. Crew members are at Kennedy to observe tank activities. The tank will also undergo new processes resulting from its redesign, including inspection of the bipod heater and External Tank separation camera. The tank is designated to fly on Shuttle Discovery on Return to Flight mission STS-114. The launch window is May 12 to June 3, 2005.