KSC-05pd-0759

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-121 Mission Specialists Michael E. Fossum (left) and Piers J. Sellers receive a briefing and up-close look at the wing leading edge of Space Shuttle Atlantis, the orbiter that will take them into space. The leading edge of each of the orbiters’ wings has 22 Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels, made entirely of carbon composite material. The molded components are approximately 0.25-inch to 0.5-inch thick. The astronauts of the second Return to Flight mission, STS-121, are at Kennedy Space Center to participate in the Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT). During CEIT, the crew has an opportunity to get a hands-on look at the orbiter and equipment they will be working with on their mission. Mission STS-121 is scheduled to launch in July.