KSC-08pd3124

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A on NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers ensure the doors of the payload canister are closed. Space shuttle Atlantis’ HST payload for the STS-125 mission was moved from the shuttle into the canister. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. The hardware will be transported back to Kennedy’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where it will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett