Today's simulated countdown at Launch Pad 39A concludes this week's terminal countdown demonstration test. A standard part of prelaunch training, the test allows the astronauts to try on their launch and entry suits, learn emergency procedures at the launch pad, and take part in a variety of familiarization activities and briefings.
The crew is scheduled to depart Kennedy Space Center, Fla. later today and return to Johnson Space Center, Houston.
Space Shuttle Endeavour arrived at Launch Pad 39A early July 11, and the STS-118 payload -- including the S5 truss, SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3 -- is secured inside the orbiter's payload bay. Launch is targeted for the evening of Aug. 7.
Source: NASA
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