KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Atop the massive mobile launcher platform and crawler-transporter, Space Shuttle Atlantis looms above a flock of pelicans perched on the retaining wall below. The shuttle is rolling out to Launch Pad 39A. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 8:19 a.m. The 3.4-mile trip to the pad along the crawlerway will take about 6 hours. The mission payload aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, along with a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley
Location Kennedy Space Center, FL
Date February 15, 2007