KSC-05pd-0303

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers accompany the orbiter Endeavour as it rolls past the Vehicle Assembly Building on its way to Florida Space Authority’s Reusable Launch Vehicle hangar for temporary storage. Endeavour is being moved from the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) to allow work to be performed in the OPF that can only be accomplished while the bay is empty. Work scheduled in the OPF includes modifications to the bay and platform validation in the bay. Endeavour will remain in the hangar for approximately 30 days, then return to the OPF. Endeavour was pulled out of service in December 2003 for Orbiter Major Modification (OMM). OMMs are scheduled at regular intervals to enhance safety and performance, infuse new technology, and, in this case, perform RTF modifications.