KSC-05pd-0726

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility, the CELA (Cargo Element Lifting Assembly) carrying the External Stowage Platform-2 launching aboard Space Shuttle Discovery on Return to Flight mission STS-114 stops above the payload canister. The ESP-2 will travel to Launch Pad 39B with its fellow payload elements the Lightweight MPESS Carrier (Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure) and Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello in the canister. Once at the pad, the three payloads will be transferred to the payload bay of Discovery for flight. The ESP-2 is carrying replacement parts to the International Space Station. The platform will be deployed and attached to the Station’s airlock and used as a permanent spare parts facility. STS-114 is targeted for launch during a window that extends from May 15 through June 3.