Hello. I'm Roy Bridges, Kennedy Space Center Director. Welcome to KSC's Web coverage of STS-112!

On this mission, Orbiter Atlantis and her crew of six will carry the S-One Integrated Truss Segment to the International Space Station. This second truss will add 45 feet to the Station's growing backbone, which will eventually stretch more than 300 feet in length! The S1 truss will be attached to the S-Zero truss already in place on the U.S. Laboratory Destiny.

The new truss will provide structural support for the Active Thermal Control System, an S-band system, and mounts for lights and cameras. The S1 truss also includes a Crew and Equipment Translation Aid, or CETA. CETA is a cart that will move along the Mobile Transporter's rail system and function as a mobile work platform enabling spacewalkers to transport themselves and any necessary equipment along the length of the truss. Installation of the S1 truss and CETA cart will require three spacewalks.

If Atlantis launches as planned on October 2, the Expedition Five crew will have been on board the ISS for 109 days. The STS-112 crew will be their first visitors since June 15, when Orbiter Endeavour and the crew members of Expedition Four and STS-111 undocked from the Station. I'm sure they look forward to the extra company!

This mission will be the 15th Shuttle flight in support of Station assembly and is an important step toward its completion. Thank you for joining us, and remember, you can count on the KSC Web for the very latest.

See video of Center Director's Message