spacetoday.net: Shuttle launch preparations continue under tight security

Posted: Wed, Nov 7, 2001, 4:20 PM ET (2120 GMT)
STS-108 rollout to pad 39B (NASA/KSC)

The crew of shuttle mission STS-108 arrived at the Kennedy Space Center Tuesday for a launch rehearsal under tight security conditions. Florida Today reported that an Apache helicopter gunship circled the runway at the Kennedy Space Center where several T-38 jets, carrying the STS-108 crew, landed. The seven-person crew is scheduled to perform an countdown demonstration test this week to prepare for the November 29 launch. Florida Today also reported that an actuator device that helps steer one of the three main engines on the shuttle Endeavour is flawed and will be replaced this week. The repair should not have any effect on launch preparations, however. The strict security surround the mission may have an effect on media coverage: NASA Watch reported Tuesday that Kennedy Space Center officials are sharply limiting the number of reporters that will be given press credentials for the launch. However, one reporter who covers events at KSC told spacetoday.net that the limitations involve only permanent press credentials, granted to those who need to be at the space center on a regular basis. Temporary press credentials will be given to other media personnel covering the launch, as has been the case for past shuttle launches.