Space Shuttle Discovery’s cargo includes the Italian-built logistics module Leonardo, which will carry 11 large racks filled with food, clothing, spare parts and research equipment to the International Space Station. Also included in the cargo is the Oxygen Generation System, which can provide enough oxygen each day to support a six-member crew. The system will be operational before the first six-person crew arrives aboard the station in 2009.
An integrated cargo carrier will deliver a spare pump module and replacement mobile transporter reel assembly to the station. Another carrier containing pieces of the shuttle’s heat-shielding material is also installed in Discovery’s payload bay. The material will be used to test heat shield repair methods in orbit during a potential third spacewalk.
Discovery’s launch to the International Space Station is targeted for July 1 in a launch window that extends to July 19. During the 12-day mission, crew members will test new hardware and techniques to improve shuttle safety.
Imagery from the transfer and the latest information on the STS-121 mission and crew is available at:
http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle