KSC-98pc538

The orbiter Discovery sits in the transfer aisle of KSC's Vehicle Assembly Building as it awaits being attached to the yellow hoist and crane for lifting into a vertical position. Once standing upright, Discovery will be mated with an orange external tank and two white solid rocket boosters, transforming the orbiter into the Space Shuttle Discovery, slated for launch on STS-91, the ninth and final docking mission with the Russian Space Station Mir. The six-member crew of STS-91 will dock with Mir and pick up Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., who will have been on Mir about four months, to return him to Earth. STS-91 is scheduled to launch June 2 at about 6:04 p.m. EDT