Discovery's Launch Preparations Continue for STS-131

Today at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, crews at Launch Pad 39A are set to install the STS-131 payload into space shuttle Discovery's cargo bay. Technicians also continue closeout procedures on the vehicle's aft compartment.

Discovery's astronauts are set to have prelaunch physicals today and conduct final review of flight data at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Tuesday, engineers discussed data from tests performed last weekend on Discovery's right reaction control system helium regulators. The decision was made to move forward with this Friday's agency-level Flight Readiness Review. At the conclusion of the review, managers will set the official launch date for the STS-131 mission, which currently is targeted for April 5.

Commander Alan Poindexter is set to lead the STS-131 mission to the International Space Station aboard space shuttle Discovery. Joining Poindexter will be Pilot Jim Dutton and Mission Specialists Rick Mastracchio, Clay Anderson, Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, Stephanie Wilson and Naoko Yamazaki of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.

Discovery will carry a multi-purpose logistics module filled with science racks for the laboratories aboard the station. The mission has three planned spacewalks, with work to include replacing an ammonia tank assembly, retrieving a Japanese experiment from the station’s exterior, and switching out a rate gyro assembly on the S0 segment of the station’s truss structure.

STS-131 will be the 33rd shuttle mission to the station.

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