The Space Shuttle Discovery will be launched from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on 20 May on STS96, to rendezvous and dock with the first two elements on the International Space Station (ISS). A week's delay because of damage to the insulation of the external tank, caused by hailstones, may occur, however.
The STS96's seven-strong international crew will spend six days linked to the Russian Zarya control module and US node Unity, delivering 2t of supplies to be used by the first operational crew, which may be launched early next year. Two astronauts will conduct a spacewalk to attach parts of two "crane" structures to support future exterior work at the ISS.
The Zarya and Unity are not due to receive the Russian Zvezda service module until November. The next Shuttle mission - the STS101 - cannot be launched until the Zvezda is docked to the ISS. Another Shuttle assembly mission is due for launch before the first operational crew can board.
NASA, meanwhile, has unveiled the new Boeing 777-style glass cockpit for the Space Shuttle. The new cockpit display has been fitted to orbiter Atlantis.
Source: Flight International
