KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance technicians Jim Burgess (left) and Dave Fuller (right) carry the first Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panel toward the left wing leading edge of Discovery for installation. The RCC panels are mechanically attached to the wing with spars, a series of floating joints to reduce loading on the panels caused by wing deflections. Discovery has been named as the orbiter to fly on the first Return to Flight mission, STS-114.
Location Kennedy Space Center, FL
Date March 15, 2004