Although the focus of Endeavor's crew will be to deliver a new crew to the International Space Station, there is more tension than usual at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Like the rest of the country, NASA has had to respond to terrorism with new security procedures. Perhaps the most telling display of the new measures in place was during Endeavor's departure, called a roll out, from the Vehicle Assembly Building to launch pad 34B on October 31st. For the first time in history, this journey to the launch pad was carried out under secrecy with no warning to the press. As Endeavor was carried on its specially made crawler, F-15 fighter jets were seen patrolling above. Helicopters were also reported to be conducting surveillance around the area. While there have been highly secretive Shuttle missions that have carried unspecified military payloads in the past, no rollout has ever been so hidden from the public.
NASA has reported that a strong presence of security will be seen around the Cape indefinitely, but the launch of a manned Shuttle must bring an added pressure. Besides fighter jets and other highly visible security, there are, no doubt many other measures in place to guarantee safety. NASA is not commenting on the added precautions, other than that they are in place.
The mission's primary goal is to change crews on the ISS and delivering several tons of supplies. During the 11-day mission astronauts will install the Italian made Raffaelo science module to the station. Endeavor will also carry aboard over 6,000 American flags to be presented to September 11 victims after the Shuttle's safe return scheduled for December 10. The flag that flew over the World Trade Center aftermath will also be flown aboard Endeavor in perhaps the ultimate exercise to show that America will not be broken.
For the past twenty years, whether taxpayers have supported it or not, the Shuttle system has been a symbol of American ingenuity and strength. Its' protection in these changed times is vital to making sure that our space program stays on schedule and continues to explore space.
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