Columbus ya está en el transbordador espacial


Atlantis rollout to launch pad for STS-122
 
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis, secured atop a mobile launch platform, ascends the five percent grade to the top of the hardstand on Launch Pad 39A. The rotating service structure, adjoined to the fixed service structure at right, has been rolled back in preparation for the Shuttle's arrival. Rollout is a milestone for Atlantis' launch to the International Space Station on mission STS-122, targeted for 6 December. On this mission, Atlantis will deliver the European Columbus laboratory to the International Space Station. ESA's largest contribution to the Station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The laboratory will expand the research facilities on board the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences.

Payload canister is lifted up toward the payload changeout room
 
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With umbilical lines still attached, the payload canister containing the European Columbus laboratory and integrated cargo carrier-lite is lifted up toward the payload changeout room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Once in place, the canister will be opened and Columbus transferred inside the payload changeout room. The payload will be installed in Space Shuttle Atlantis' payload bay. The canister contains the European Columbus laboratory and integrated cargo carrier-lite payloads for Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-122. Atlantis is targeted to launch on 6 December.

Payload canister reaches the top of Launch Pad 39A
 
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC), the payload canister atop its transporter reaches the top of Launch Pad 39A. The canister will be positioned under the payload changeout room, on the rotating service structure at left. The canister contains the European Columbus laboratory and integrated cargo carrier-lite payloads for Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-122. They will be transferred into the payload changeout room on the pad. Atlantis is targeted to launch on 6 December.



Release date: 19 noviembre 2007