Image right: The crew of STS-120 walks to the astrovan for a ride out to Launch Complex 39A where space shuttle Discovery is poised for flight. The walkout was part of the dress rehearsal the crew took part in to practice launch-day procedures. Launch is scheduled for Oct. 23. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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Image left: Mission Specialist Stephanie Wilson jumps from one of the baskets astronauts would ride away from the launch pad if an emergency took place. Fellow astronaut Doug Wheelock waits his turn. The crew of STS-120 practiced the evacuation scenario during a brief visit to Kennedy Space Center as part of the regular Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test duties. The baskets are attached to cables that reach 195 feet high. The baskets have never been used in an emergency. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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Image right: Mission Specialist Doug Wheelock checks the fit of the pressure suit he will wear when STS-120 launches. Each member of the crew evaluated their suits in preparation for a dress rehearsal of the launch at Kennedy Space Center. Crewmembers also wear the pressure garments during landing. In flight, they typically wear regular shirts and pants. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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Image right: Pam Melroy talks to the news media near the launch pad. Melroy will be the second female to command a space shutle mission. The first was Eileen Collins. The STS-120 mission willbe Melroy's third shuttle flight. She served as pilot on two previous missions to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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Image left: The astronauts took turns driving the M113 armored emergency vehicles during their visit to Kennedy. Several M113 are parked near the launch pad during countdowns, and astronauts can use them to quickly get away from the area in case something goes wrong. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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Image right: Crewmembers link arms with space shuttle Discovery behind them being prepared for launch. They are, from left, Pam Melroy, George Zamka, Scott Parazynski, Stephanie Wilson, Doug Wheelock, Paolo Nespoli and Daniel Tani. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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Steven Siceloff
NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center
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