NASA’s Space Shuttle Discovery is now one important step closer to launch. It has been rolled from its hangar to the Vehicle Assembly Building early Tuesday morning.

　　Discovery will be attached to its propulsion elements, a redesigned External Tank (ET) and twin Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs), at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

　　"This is a tremendous accomplishment for the Space Shuttle program," said Bill parsons, Space Shuttle Program Manager.

　　"This effort has taken a talented team dedicated to meticulously preparing the vehicle and implementing all the modifications for a safe Return to Flight," he added.

　　Work on Discovery in the VAB includes installation of a new digital camera, testing electrical and mechanical attachments between the orbiter and ET and umbilical checks.

　　Discovery’s launch window is from May 15 to June 3. Its mission, designated STS-114, will take Commander Eileen Collins and six crew members to the International Space Station.

　　Discovery underwent 41 modifications to be in compliance with the recommendations set by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board.