KSC-08pd1214

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-124 crew looks at the action of the slidewire basket used to exit the fixed service structure in the event of an emergency. At left is Commander Mark Kelly. At right are Pilot Ken Ham and Mission Specialists Akihiko Hoshide, Karen Nyberg and Greg Chamitoff. Not seen are Mission Specialists Ron Garan and Mike Fossum. Hoshide represents the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The crew is at Kennedy for a dress launch rehearsal called the terminal countdown demonstration test. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. On the STS-124 mission, the crew will deliver and install the Japanese Experiment Module – Pressurized Module and Japanese Remote Manipulator System. Discovery's launch is targeted for May 31. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-124 crew looks at the action of the slidewire basket used to exit the fixed service structure in the event of an emergency. At left is Commander Mark Kelly. At right are Pilot Ken Ham and Mission Specialists Akihiko Hoshide, Karen Nyberg and Greg Chamitoff. Not seen are Mission Specialists Ron Garan and Mike Fossum. Hoshide represents the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The crew is at Kennedy for a dress launch rehearsal called the terminal countdown demonstration test. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. On the STS-124 mission, the crew will deliver and install the Japanese Experiment Module – Pressurized Module and Japanese Remote Manipulator System. Discovery's launch is targeted for May 31. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

TCDT