KSC-2010-2460

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of space shuttle Discovery's payload bay doors close around the orbiter docking system, seen here, as well as the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo and other cargo that will fly on the STS-131 mission. Payload bay door closure for launch is a significant milestone in processing activities. The countdown for Discovery's launch on April 5 is set to begin at 3 a.m. EDT on April 2. The seven-member STS-131 crew will deliver Leonardo to the International Space Station. The module is filled with supplies, a new crew sleeping quarters and science racks that will be transferred to the station's laboratories. The crew also will switch out a gyroscope on the station’s truss, install a spare ammonia storage tank and retrieve a Japanese experiment from the station’s exterior. STS-131 is the 33rd shuttle mission to the station and the 131st shuttle mission overall. For information on the STS-131 mission and crew, visit http:__www.nasa.gov_mission_pages_shuttle_shuttlemissions_sts131_index.html. Photo credit: NASA_Jim Grossmann