KSC-2009-4871

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Rotating Service Structure, or RSS, is closed around space shuttle Discovery. Workers are preparing to replace the Tyvek covers protecting the shuttle's nose thrusters. The service structure provides weather protection and access to the space shuttle at the launch pad. First motion was at approximately 4:15 p.m. EDT. The work to cover the thrusters is expected to take six to seven hours. When completed, the team will move the RSS to the park position in preparation for Discovery's targeted launch attempt on Aug. 28 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. The 13-day mission will deliver a new crew member and 33,000 pounds of equipment to the International Space Station. The equipment includes science and storage racks, a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and the COLBERT treadmill. STS-128 will be Discovery's 37th mission and the 30th shuttle flight dedicated to station assembly and maintenance. Photo credit: NASA