Shuttle Crew Strapped In and Ready To Go
170419main_strapin.jpg
4:45 p.m. EDT The STS-117 crew is at Launch Pad 39A. A short elevator ride to the 195-foot level takes the astronauts to the White Room where one by one each crewmember is assisted by NASA’s closeout crew as they prepare to board the shuttle. Their flight suits are checked and an orange glow stick is tucked into the pocket of each suit for safety.
Commander Sturckow was first to be secured in his seat, followed by pilot Lee Archambault on the flight deck. As rest of the crew members are seated and strapped in, Sturckow began powering up the orbiter’s general purpose computer for flight.
Follow the live countdown coverage in progress:
