KSC-08pd1145

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The crew of space shuttle Discovery's STS-124 mission arrive at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT. Next to the T-38 jet aircraft are Pilot Ken Ham (left) and Mission Specialist Akihiko Hoshide. They are greeted at right by Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director, and Stephanie Stilson, NASA Flow Director for Discovery. TCDT is a rehearsal for launch that includes practicing emergency procedures, handling on-orbit equipment, and simulating a launch countdown. On the STS-124 mission, the crew will deliver and install the Japanese Experiment Module – Pressurized Module and Japanese Remote Manipulator System. Discovery's launch is targeted for May 31. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett