Work resumes at shuttle launch pad

Kennedy Space Center teams have resumed work at launch pad 39A to prepare Endeavour for an April 19 flight, a day after colleague died in a fall from the pad.

In meetings with NASA and United Space Alliance managers this morning, employees said they were ready to resume their work despite shock over the incident, which is under investigation.

Managers advised the workers to stand down whenever they felt it necessary to compose themselves and work safely. An employee assistance program staff member is stationed at the pad for the remainder of the week.

Today's work at the pad includes checks of the system that provides cryogenic propellants to the shuttle's three fuel cells, which combine liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen to generate the electricity that powers the shuttle during flight.