KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility lean toward the body flap to be installed on the orbiter Discovery. The body flap is an aluminum structure consisting of ribs, spars, skin panels and a trailing edge assembly. It thermally shields the three main engines during entry and provides pitch control trim during landing approach. Discovery is being processed for launch on the first Return to Flight mission, STS-114.
Location Kennedy Space Center, FL
Date March 12, 2004