Astronauts conduct simulated countdown

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., July 19 (UPI) -- The seven-member STS-118 crew, led by Cmdr. Scott Kelly, took part in a full dress rehearsal Thursday for the August launch of space shuttle Endeavour.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's simulated countdown at the Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A concluded the week's terminal countdown demonstration test. A standard part of NASA's pre-launch training, the test allows the astronauts to try on their launch and entry suits, learn emergency procedures at the launch pad, and take part in a variety of familiarization activities and briefings.

Endeavour's launch is scheduled for the evening of Aug. 7.