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Testing Continues on Space Shuttle Discovery
By James Wray
Apr 16, 2005, 16:16 GMT

Oxygen vapors stream from the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Hood positioned above Space Shuttle Discovery during the April 14 tanking test. Credit: NASA/KSC

Testing continues as Space Shuttle Discovery prepares for its launch between May 15 and June 3.

The shuttle was moved to the Launch Pad via a Crawler Transporter on April 7. On Thursday, the launch team performed External Tank integrated tanking test. The test also readied the vehicle's main propulsion system.

Work also continued on the payload with the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello being sealed for flight. The module will carry food, clothing, spare parts and other research equipment to the International Space Station. The module along with rest of the payload is due to be placed in its payload canister later this month and then transferred to the launch pad.

Meanwhile the crew of Astronauts and cosmonauts in orbit on the International Space Station will discuss their missions during a news conference on Monday.

The 30-minute conference will be live on NASA TV and the crew will field questions from reporters.