Payload canister holding Columbus is lifted up toward the payload changeout room on Launch Pad 39A

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.