The launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS 108 from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on 29 November, will be made under the tightest security yet, following the terrorist attacks on the USA. Special attention will be made to sea and air exclusion zones during the countdown, says NASA. Endeavour (seen right being rolled to the Vehicle Assembly Building for mating with its external tank and solid rocket boosters) will fly equipment to the International Space Station (ISS) and switch expedition crews.
Meanwhile, the Russian ministry of the interior has established a 300-strong security force to protect the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Police forces will also take over surveillance activities from an industrial contractor and civilian security personnel.
A Soyuz capsule landed on 31 October after a 10-day flight by three crew to the ISS.
Source: Flight International
