STS-107 Pilot William "Willie" McCool
shows his pleasure at suiting up for launch. STS-107 is a mission
devoted to research and will include more than 80 experiments that
will study Earth and space science, advanced technology development,
and astronaut health and safety. The payload on Space Shuttle Columbia
includes FREESTAR (Fast Reaction Experiments Enabling Science,
Technology, Applications and Research) and the SHI Research Double
Module (SHI/RDM), known as SPACEHAB. Experiments on the module range
from material sciences to life sciences. Liftoff is scheduled for
10:39 a.m. EST.