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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, members of the STS-122 crew arrive for launch. From left are Mission Specialists Leopold Eyharts, Stanley Love, Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim and Leland Melvin. They were greeted by Doug Lyons (left, yellow shirt), launch director for the mission, and Pete Nickolenko (right, green shirt), lead shuttle test director. Eyharts and Schlegel represent the European Space Agency. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission, at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7. This will be the third launch attempt for the mission. Some of the tank's ECO sensors gave failed readings during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, subsequently scrubbing further attempts until the cause could be found and repairs made. Atlantis will carry the Columbus module, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to the Harmony module of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0125

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, members...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, members of the STS-122 crew arrive for launch. From left are Mission Specialists Leopold Eyharts, Stanley Love, Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim and Lel... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a crane lifts a frustum high above the transfer aisle. The solid rocket booster segment is being moved into a high bay where it will be added to the stack being prepared for space shuttle mission STS-122, targeted for launch in December. On this mission, Atlantis will carry the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the International Space Station. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, also called Harmony, to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to support a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd2847

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a crane lifts a frustum high above the transfer aisle. The solid rocket booster segment is being moved into a high... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Commander Steve Frick (right) and Pilot Alan Poindexter arrive at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in a shuttle training aircraft jet for launch aboard space shuttle Atlantis on Feb. 7. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission, at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7. This will be the third launch attempt for the mission. Some of the tank's ECO sensors gave failed readings during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, subsequently scrubbing further attempts until the cause could be found and repairs made. Atlantis will carry the Columbus module, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to the Harmony module of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0121

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Commander Steve Frick (right) a...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Commander Steve Frick (right) and Pilot Alan Poindexter arrive at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in a shuttle training aircraft jet for launch aboard space shuttle Atlantis o... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arriving at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 Commander Steve Frick is greeted by Doug Lyons, launch director for STS-122 mission. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission, at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7. This will be the third launch attempt for the mission. Some of the tank's ECO sensors gave failed readings during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, subsequently scrubbing further attempts until the cause could be found and repairs made. Atlantis will carry the Columbus module, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to the Harmony module of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0122

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arriving at NASA's Kennedy Space ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arriving at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 Commander Steve Frick is greeted by Doug Lyons, launch director for STS-122 mission. The crew's arrival signals the imminent... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a crane lifts a frustum towards platforms separating the transfer aisle from a high bay. The solid rocket booster segment is being moved into a high bay where it will be added to the stack being prepared for space shuttle mission STS-122, targeted for launch in December. On this mission, Atlantis will carry the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the International Space Station. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, also called Harmony, to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to support a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd2848

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a crane lifts a frustum towards platforms separating the transfer aisle from a high bay. The solid rocket booster... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim points at part of the Columbus Research Laboratory in the Space Station Processing Facility. He and other crew members are at Kennedy to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. The crew comprises Commander Stephen Frick, Pilot Alan Poindexter, and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim, Stanley Love, Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency. The Columbus Lab is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd2603

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim points at part of the Columbus Research Laboratory in the Space Station Processing Facility. He and other crew members are at Kennedy to ta... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin gets a close look at the Columbus Research Laboratory in the Space Station Processing Facility. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. The crew comprises Commander Stephen Frick, Pilot Alan Poindexter, and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim, Stanley Love, Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency. The Columbus Lab is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd2602

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin gets a close look at the Columbus Research Laboratory in the Space Station Processing Facility. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in a c... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the STS-122 crew look over the Columbus Research Laboratory in the Space Station Processing Facility. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. The crew comprises Commander Stephen Frick, Pilot Alan Poindexter, and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim, Stanley Love, Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency. The Columbus Lab is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd2600

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the STS-122 crew look over th...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the STS-122 crew look over the Columbus Research Laboratory in the Space Station Processing Facility. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in a crew equipment interface t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Stanley Love looks at the experiment racks inside the Columbus Research Laboratory in the Space Station Processing Facility. He and other crew members are at Kennedy to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. The crew comprises Commander Stephen Frick, Pilot Alan Poindexter, and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim, Stanley Love, Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency. The Columbus Lab is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd2604

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Stanley Love...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Stanley Love looks at the experiment racks inside the Columbus Research Laboratory in the Space Station Processing Facility. He and other crew members ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-122 crew practice handling cameras that will be used during the mission. With the camera is Mission Specialist Leland Melvin. At left is Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency. The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2641

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, mem...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-122 crew practice handling cameras that will be used during the mission. With the camera is Mission Specialist Leland Melvi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members get a close look at shuttle equipment from inside the payload bay of space shuttle Atlantis. The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which includes equipment familiarization. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2657

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members get a close look ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members get a close look at shuttle equipment from inside the payload bay of space shuttle Atlantis. The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-122 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim practices working with equipment for the mission. In the background, at right, is European Space Agency astronaut Leopold Eyharts, who will be on the mission and joining the Expedition 16 crew as flight engineer on the International Space Station. The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which includes equipment familiarization. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2649

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-122 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim practices working with equipment for the mission. In the background, at right, is European Space Agency ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members practice working with equipment for the mission. From left are Commander Stephen Frick and Mission Specialists Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim and Stanley Love. Schlegel represents the European Space Agency. The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which includes equipment familiarization. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2652

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members practice working with equipment for the mission. From left are Commander Stephen Frick and Mission Specialists Hans Schleg... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-122 crew look over cameras that will be used during the mission. From left are Mission Specialists Hans Schlegel and Rex Walheim. Schlegel represents the European Space Agency. The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2638

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, mem...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-122 crew look over cameras that will be used during the mission. From left are Mission Specialists Hans Schlegel and Rex Wa... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members practice working with equipment for the mission. From left are Commander Stephen Frick and Mission Specialists Hans Schlegel, Leland Melvin (behind), Rex Walheim and Stanley Love. Schlegel represents the European Space Agency. The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which includes equipment familiarization. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2651

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members practice working with equipment for the mission. From left are Commander Stephen Frick and Mission Specialists Hans Schleg... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance technicians provide lights over the space shuttle Atlantis' cockpit. STS-122 Commander Stephen Frick is inside checking the cockpit for launch readiness. The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2646

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, Unit...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance technicians provide lights over the space shuttle Atlantis' cockpit. STS-122 Commander Stephen Frick is inside checking t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-122 Pilot Alan Poindexter checks out the cockpit on space shuttle Atlantis. The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2648

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-122 Pilot Alan Poindexter checks out the cockpit on space shuttle Atlantis. The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equip... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-122 Pilot Alan Poindexter and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim and Stanley Love practice working with equipment for the mission. The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which includes equipment familiarization. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2650

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-122 Pilot Alan Poindexter and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim and Stanley Love practice working with equipment for the mission. The crew is... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members take a ride inside space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay to examine components installed there. Seen here are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin (center) and Rex Walheim (right). The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which includes equipment familiarization. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2656

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members take a ride insid...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members take a ride inside space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay to examine components installed there. Seen here are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin (center) and R... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-122 crew practice handling cameras that will be used during the mission. Holding the camera at left is Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel. Next to him, from left, are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim and Stanley Love. The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2642

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, memb...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-122 crew practice handling cameras that will be used during the mission. Holding the camera at left is Mission Specialist Ha... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members get a close look at shuttle equipment from inside the payload bay of space shuttle Atlantis. The crew comprises six astronauts: Commander Stephen Frick, Pilot Alan Poindexter and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim, Stanley Love, Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency. A seventh astronaut is Leopold Eyharts, also with the ESA, who will join the Expedition 16 crew as flight engineer on the International Space Station. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2659

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members get a close look ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members get a close look at shuttle equipment from inside the payload bay of space shuttle Atlantis. The crew comprises six astronauts: Commander Stephen Frick, Pil... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. STS-122 Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel looks closely at the hatch on the Columbus Research Laboratory in the Space Station Processing Facility. Schegel represents the European Space Agency. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. The Columbus Lab is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd2601

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. STS-122 Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel lo...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. STS-122 Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel looks closely at the hatch on the Columbus Research Laboratory in the Space Station Processing Facility. Schegel represents the European Space... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-122 crew practice handling cameras that will be used during the mission. In the foreground is Mission Specialist Stanley Love. Behind him at left is Mission Specialist Leland Melvin; at right is Pilot Alan Poindexter. The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2639

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, mem...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-122 crew practice handling cameras that will be used during the mission. In the foreground is Mission Specialist Stanley Lo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members take a ride inside space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay to examine components installed there. Seen here are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin (center) and Rex Walheim (right). The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which includes equipment familiarization. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2655

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members take a ride insid...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members take a ride inside space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay to examine components installed there. Seen here are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin (center) and R... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-122 crew practice handling cameras that will be used during the mission. Holding the camera is astronaut Leopold Eyharts, with the European Space Agency. He will be joining the Expedition 15 crew on the International Space Station. The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2643

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, memb...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-122 crew practice handling cameras that will be used during the mission. Holding the camera is astronaut Leopold Eyharts, wi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members take a ride inside space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay to examine components installed there. Seen here are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin (center) and Rex Walheim (right). The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which includes equipment familiarization. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2654

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members take a ride insid...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members take a ride inside space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay to examine components installed there. Seen here are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin (center) and R... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members get a close look at some of the equipment for the mission. From left, in the foreground, are Mission Specialists Stanley Love and Rex Walheim and Pilot Alan Poindexter. In the background at left is Mission Specialist Leland Melvin; at right is European Space Agency astronaut Leopold Eyharts, who will be on the mission and joining the Expedition 16 crew as flight engineer on the International Space Station. The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which includes equipment familiarization. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2653

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-1...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members get a close look at some of the equipment for the mission. From left, in the foreground, are Mission Specialists Stanley Lo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-122 Commander Stephen Frick checks out the cockpit on space shuttle Atlantis. He and other crew members are at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2644

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-122 Commander Stephen Frick checks out the cockpit on space shuttle Atlantis. He and other crew members are at Kennedy Space Center to take... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-122 Pilot Alan Poindexter checks out the cockpit on space shuttle Atlantis. The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2647

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-122 Pilot Alan Poindexter checks out the cockpit on space shuttle Atlantis. The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equip... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-122 crew practice handling cameras that will be used during the mission. At left is Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel. At right is Pilot Alan Poindexter. Schlegel represents the European Space Agency. The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2640

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, mem...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-122 crew practice handling cameras that will be used during the mission. At left is Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel. At r... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-122 crew look over cameras that will be used during the mission. From left are Mission Specialists Stanley Love, Hans Schlegel and Rex Walheim and Pilot Alan Poindexter. The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2637

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, mem...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-122 crew look over cameras that will be used during the mission. From left are Mission Specialists Stanley Love, Hans Schle... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members get a close look at shuttle equipment from inside the payload bay of space shuttle Atlantis. The crew comprises six astronauts: Commander Stephen Frick, Pilot Alan Poindexter and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim, Stanley Love, Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency. A seventh astronaut is Leopold Eyharts, also with the ESA, who will join the Expedition 16 crew as flight engineer on the International Space Station. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2660

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members get a close look ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members get a close look at shuttle equipment from inside the payload bay of space shuttle Atlantis. The crew comprises six astronauts: Commander Stephen Frick, Pil... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members get a close look at shuttle equipment from inside the payload bay of space shuttle Atlantis. The crew comprises six astronauts: Commander Stephen Frick, Pilot Alan Poindexter and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim, Stanley Love, Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency. A seventh astronaut is Leopold Eyharts, also with the ESA, who will join the Expedition 16 crew as flight engineer on the International Space Station. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2658

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members get a close look ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members get a close look at shuttle equipment from inside the payload bay of space shuttle Atlantis. The crew comprises six astronauts: Commander Stephen Frick, Pil... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-122 Commander Stephen Frick checks out the cockpit on space shuttle Atlantis. He and other crew members are at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2645

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-122 Commander Stephen Frick checks out the cockpit on space shuttle Atlantis. He and other crew members are at Kennedy Space Center to take... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the frustum is lifted from a transporter to be moved onto a stand. The solid rocket booster segment will be added to the stack for space shuttle Atlantis, launch vehicle for mission STS-122 targeted for a December launch. Atlantis will be carrying the Columbus Laboratory, Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd2837

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the frustum is lifted from a transporter to be moved onto a stand. The solid rocket booster segment will be added ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the frustum is lowered onto a stand after being lifted from the transporter in the foreground. The solid rocket booster segment will be added to the stack for space shuttle Atlantis, launch vehicle for mission STS-122 targeted for a December launch. Atlantis will be carrying the Columbus Laboratory, Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd2839

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the frustum is lowered onto a stand after being lifted from the transporter in the foreground. The solid rocket bo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the frustum is ready to be lifted from a transporter to move onto a stand. The solid rocket booster segment will be added to the stack for space shuttle Atlantis, launch vehicle for mission STS-122 targeted for a December launch. Atlantis will be carrying the Columbus Laboratory, Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd2836

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the frustum is ready to be lifted from a transporter to move onto a stand. The solid rocket booster segment will b... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a crane lifts a frustum over platforms into a high bay. The solid rocket booster segment is being moved into a high bay where it will be added to the stack being prepared for space shuttle mission STS-122, targeted for launch in December. On this mission, Atlantis will carry the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the International Space Station. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, also called Harmony, to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to support a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd2849

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a crane lifts a frustum over platforms into a high bay. The solid rocket booster segment is being moved into a hi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians begin to lift a frustum from a stand in the transfer aisle. The solid rocket booster segment is being moved into a high bay where it will be added to the stack being prepared for space shuttle mission STS-122, targeted for launch in December. On this mission, Atlantis will carry the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the International Space Station. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, also called Harmony, to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to support a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd2846

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians begin to lift a frustum from a stand in the transfer aisle. The solid rocket booster segment is being ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the frustum is lifted from a transporter to be moved onto a stand. The solid rocket booster segment will be added to the stack for space shuttle Atlantis, launch vehicle for mission STS-122 targeted for a December launch. Atlantis will be carrying the Columbus Laboratory, Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd2838

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the frustum is lifted from a transporter to be moved onto a stand. The solid rocket booster segment will be added ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim checks the helmet to his launch and entry suit for a final fitting before space shuttle Atlantis' launch scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Walheim will make his second shuttle flight. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Lab, Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3536

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim checks the helmet to his launch and entry suit for a final fitting before space shuttle Atlantis' launch scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After the mission STS-122 crew's arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Mission Specialist Rex Walheim is introduced during a media opportunity on the Shuttle Landing Facility. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-122. The launch countdown begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 3. Launch is scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Lab, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3515

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After the mission STS-122 crew's arriva...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After the mission STS-122 crew's arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Mission Specialist Rex Walheim is introduced during a media opportunity on the Shuttle Landing Facility. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel checks the helmet to his launch and entry suit for a final fitting before space shuttle Atlantis' launch scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency, will make his second shuttle flight. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Lab, Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3532

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Hans Schlege...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel checks the helmet to his launch and entry suit for a final fitting before space shuttle Atlantis' launch scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on De... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Stanley Love dons his launch and entry suit for a final fitting before space shuttle Atlantis' launch scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Love will make his first shuttle flight. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Lab, Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3531

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Stanley Love...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Stanley Love dons his launch and entry suit for a final fitting before space shuttle Atlantis' launch scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Love will ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin dons his launch and entry suit for a final fitting before space shuttle Atlantis' launch scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Melvin will make his first shuttle flight. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Lab, Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3535

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin dons his launch and entry suit for a final fitting before space shuttle Atlantis' launch scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Melvin wi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 mission crew greet the media on the Shuttle Landing Facility. At the microphone is Commander Steve Frick. Behind him, left to right, are Mission Specialists Leopold Eyharts, Stanley Love, Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim and Leland Melvin, and Pilot Alan Poindexter. Eyhars and Schlegel represent the European Space Agency. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-122. The launch countdown begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 3. Launch is scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Lab, Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3512

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space C...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 mission crew greet the media on the Shuttle Landing Facility. At the microphone is Commander Steve Frick. Behind him, l... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel dons his launch and entry suit for a final fitting before space shuttle Atlantis' launch scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency, will make his second shuttle flight. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Lab, Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3530

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Hans Schlege...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel dons his launch and entry suit for a final fitting before space shuttle Atlantis' launch scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Schlegel,... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After the mission STS-122 crew's arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Mission Specialist Leopold Eyharts is introduced during a media opportunity on the Shuttle Landing Facility. Eyharts, who represents the European Space Agency, will remain on the International Space Station while Atlantis returns flight engineer Daniel Tani. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-122. The launch countdown begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 3. Launch is scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Endeavour will carry the Columbus Lab, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3519

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After the mission STS-122 crew's arriva...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After the mission STS-122 crew's arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Mission Specialist Leopold Eyharts is introduced during a media opportunity on the Shuttle Landing Facili... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Center Director Bill Parsons welcomes STS-122 Pilot Alan Poindexter after the mission crew's arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. At right is Commander Steve Frick. Seen behind Poindexter is Mission Specialist Leland Melvin. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-122. The launch countdown begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 3. Launch is scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Lab, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3510

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Center Director Bill Parsons welcomes...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Center Director Bill Parsons welcomes STS-122 Pilot Alan Poindexter after the mission crew's arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. At right is Commander Steve Frick. Seen be... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Center Director Bill Parsons welcomes STS-122 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim after the mission crew's arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Behind Walheim are Mission Specialists Hans Schlegel and Stanley Love. Schlegel represents the European Space Agency. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-122. The launch countdown begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 3. Launch is scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Lab, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3511

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Center Director Bill Parsons welcomes...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Center Director Bill Parsons welcomes STS-122 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim after the mission crew's arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Behind Walheim are Mission Special... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin tests his gloves for a final fitting before space shuttle Atlantis' launch scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Melvin will make his first shuttle flight. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Lab, Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3537

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin tests his gloves for a final fitting before space shuttle Atlantis' launch scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Melvin will make his fi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 Pilot Alan Poindexter talks to the media on the Shuttle Landing Facility. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-122. The launch countdown begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 3. Launch is scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Lab, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3514

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space C...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 Pilot Alan Poindexter talks to the media on the Shuttle Landing Facility. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of s... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew pose on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after their arrival for launch. From left are Mission Specialists Leopold Eyharts, Stanley Love, Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim and Leland Melvin, and Pilot Alan Poindexter and Commander Steve Frick. Eyharts and Schlegel represent the European Space Agency. Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station while Atlantis returns flight engineer Daniel Tani. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-122. The launch countdown begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 3. Launch is scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Lab, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3520

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew pose on the Shuttle La...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew pose on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after their arrival for launch. From left are Mission Specialists Leopold Eyharts, Stanley Lo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After the mission STS-122 crew's arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Mission Specialist Leland Melvin is introduced during a media opportunity on the Shuttle Landing Facility. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-122. The launch countdown begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 3. Launch is scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Lab, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3517

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After the mission STS-122 crew's arriva...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After the mission STS-122 crew's arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Mission Specialist Leland Melvin is introduced during a media opportunity on the Shuttle Landing Facility.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Stanley Love checks the fit of his helmet for his launch and entry suit before space shuttle Atlantis' launch scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Love will make his first shuttle flight. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Lab, Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3534

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Stanley Lov...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Stanley Love checks the fit of his helmet for his launch and entry suit before space shuttle Atlantis' launch scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. L... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After the mission STS-122 crew's arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Mission Specialist Stanley Love is introduced during a media opportunity on the Shuttle Landing Facility. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-122. The launch countdown begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 3. Launch is scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Lab, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3518

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After the mission STS-122 crew's arriva...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After the mission STS-122 crew's arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Mission Specialist Stanley Love is introduced during a media opportunity on the Shuttle Landing Facility.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After the mission STS-122 crew's arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel is introduced during a media opportunity on the Shuttle Landing Facility. Schlegel represents the European Space Agency. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-122. The launch countdown begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 3. Launch is scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Lab, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3516

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After the mission STS-122 crew's arriva...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After the mission STS-122 crew's arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel is introduced during a media opportunity on the Shuttle Landing Facility... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim checks the helmet to his launch and entry suit for a final fitting before space shuttle Atlantis' launch scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Walheim will make his second shuttle flight. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Lab, Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3533

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim checks the helmet to his launch and entry suit for a final fitting before space shuttle Atlantis' launch scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 Commander Steve Frick talks to the media on the Shuttle Landing Facility. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-122. The launch countdown begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 3. Launch is scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Lab, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3513

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space C...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 Commander Steve Frick talks to the media on the Shuttle Landing Facility. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of s... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Lights on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center reveal space shuttle Atlantis following the rollback of the rotating service structure, or RSS. Rollback was complete at 8:44 p.m. EST. The orbiter access arm, at left, extends from the structure to a position next to Atlantis' crew compartment. The White Room at the end of the arm provides the crew with an entryway into the orbiter. The RSS also provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad. Rollback of the pad's RSS is one of the milestones in preparation for the launch of mission STS-122, scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Beneath the shuttle is the mobile launcher platform which supports the shuttle until liftoff. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station, the laboratory will carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3575

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Lights on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kenne...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Lights on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center reveal space shuttle Atlantis following the rollback of the rotating service structure, or RSS. Rollback was complete at 8:... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis is revealed on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after the rotating service structure, or RSS, at left of the pad is rolled back. Rollback was complete at 8:44 p.m. EST. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for crew entry and servicing of payloads at the pad. Rollback of the pad's RSS is one of the milestones in preparation for the launch of mission STS-122, scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Beneath the shuttle is the mobile launcher platform which supports the shuttle until liftoff. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station, the laboratory will carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3580

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis is revealed on La...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis is revealed on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after the rotating service structure, or RSS, at left of the pad is rolled back. Rollback was co... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis is revealed on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after the rotating service structure, or RSS, is rolled back. Rollback was complete at 8:44 p.m. EST. The White Room at the end of the orbiter access arm, at left, provides the crew with an entryway into the crew compartment. The RSS also provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad. Rollback of the pad's RSS is one of the milestones in preparation for the launch of mission STS-122, scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Beneath the shuttle is the mobile launcher platform which supports the shuttle until liftoff. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station, the laboratory will carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3578

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis is revealed on La...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis is revealed on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after the rotating service structure, or RSS, is rolled back. Rollback was complete at 8:44 p.m.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis is revealed on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after the rotating service structure, or RSS, at left of the pad is rolled back. Rollback was complete at 8:44 p.m. EST. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for crew entry and servicing of payloads at the pad. Rollback of the pad's RSS is one of the milestones in preparation for the launch of mission STS-122, scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Beneath the shuttle is the mobile launcher platform which supports the shuttle until liftoff. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station, the laboratory will carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3576

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis is revealed on La...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis is revealed on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after the rotating service structure, or RSS, at left of the pad is rolled back. Rollback was co... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the late afternoon shadows, space shuttle Atlantis is still poised on the pad after its launch on mission STS-122 was postponed Thursday. It sits atop the mobile launcher platform. Shuttle program managers decided at 9:56 a.m. to postpone the launch because of an issue with a fuel cut-off sensor system inside the external fuel tank. This is one of several systems that protect the shuttle's main engines by triggering their shut down if fuel runs unexpectedly low. During countdown activities this morning, two sensors failed a routine prelaunch check. There are four engine cut-off, or ECO, sensors inside the liquid hydrogen section of the tank, and Launch Commit Criteria require three of the four sensor systems to be functioning properly. The tank's liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen was drained from the tank, and preparations will begin for a possible launch attempt Friday. NASA's launch rules have a preplanned procedure that states in the case of ECO sensor system failure, engineers need to drain the tank and verify all the sensors are working as they go dry. Atlantis carries the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the construction of the space station. When permanently attached to Node 2, the laboratory will carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as perform a number of technological applications, in a microgravity environment. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3584

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the late afternoon shadows, space shu...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the late afternoon shadows, space shuttle Atlantis is still poised on the pad after its launch on mission STS-122 was postponed Thursday. It sits atop the mobile launcher platf... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the late afternoon shadows, space shuttle Atlantis is still poised on the pad after its launch on mission STS-122 was postponed Thursday. It sits atop the mobile launcher platform. At left is seen the rotating service structure, which was rolled away for the launch. Shuttle program managers decided at 9:56 a.m. to postpone the launch because of an issue with a fuel cut-off sensor system inside the external fuel tank. This is one of several systems that protect the shuttle's main engines by triggering their shut down if fuel runs unexpectedly low. During countdown activities this morning, two sensors failed a routine prelaunch check. There are four engine cut-off, or ECO, sensors inside the liquid hydrogen section of the tank, and Launch Commit Criteria require three of the four sensor systems to be functioning properly. The tank's liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen was drained from the tank, and preparations will begin for a possible launch attempt Friday. NASA's launch rules have a preplanned procedure that states in the case of ECO sensor system failure, engineers need to drain the tank and verify all the sensors are working as they go dry. Atlantis carries the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the construction of the space station. When permanently attached to Node 2, the laboratory will carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as perform a number of technological applications, in a microgravity environment. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3585

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the late afternoon shadows, space shu...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the late afternoon shadows, space shuttle Atlantis is still poised on the pad after its launch on mission STS-122 was postponed Thursday. It sits atop the mobile launcher platf... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Shadows spill across space shuttle Atlantis, still poised on the pad after its launch on mission STS-122 was postponed Thursday. It sits atop the mobile launcher platform. Shuttle program managers decided at 9:56 a.m. to postpone the launch because of an issue with a fuel cut-off sensor system inside the external fuel tank. This is one of several systems that protect the shuttle's main engines by triggering their shut down if fuel runs unexpectedly low. During countdown activities this morning, two sensors failed a routine prelaunch check. There are four engine cut-off, or ECO, sensors inside the liquid hydrogen section of the tank, and Launch Commit Criteria require three of the four sensor systems to be functioning properly. The tank's liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen was drained from the tank, and preparations will begin for a possible launch attempt Friday. NASA's launch rules have a preplanned procedure that states in the case of ECO sensor system failure, engineers need to drain the tank and verify all the sensors are working as they go dry. Atlantis carries the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the construction of the space station. When permanently attached to Node 2, the laboratory will carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as perform a number of technological applications, in a microgravity environment. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3581

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Shadows spill across space shuttle Atlan...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Shadows spill across space shuttle Atlantis, still poised on the pad after its launch on mission STS-122 was postponed Thursday. It sits atop the mobile launcher platform. Shuttle... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the late afternoon shadows, space shuttle Atlantis is still poised on the pad after its launch on mission STS-122 was postponed Thursday. It sits atop the mobile launcher platform. Shuttle program managers decided at 9:56 a.m. to postpone the launch because of an issue with a fuel cut-off sensor system inside the external fuel tank. This is one of several systems that protect the shuttle's main engines by triggering their shut down if fuel runs unexpectedly low. During countdown activities this morning, two sensors failed a routine prelaunch check. There are four engine cut-off, or ECO, sensors inside the liquid hydrogen section of the tank, and Launch Commit Criteria require three of the four sensor systems to be functioning properly. The tank's liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen was drained from the tank, and preparations will begin for a possible launch attempt Friday. NASA's launch rules have a preplanned procedure that states in the case of ECO sensor system failure, engineers need to drain the tank and verify all the sensors are working as they go dry. Atlantis carries the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the construction of the space station. When permanently attached to Node 2, the laboratory will carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as perform a number of technological applications, in a microgravity environment. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3582

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the late afternoon shadows, space shu...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the late afternoon shadows, space shuttle Atlantis is still poised on the pad after its launch on mission STS-122 was postponed Thursday. It sits atop the mobile launcher platfo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Against a sunset sky streaked with pink, lights on the fixed and rotating service structures illuminate Launch Pad 39A where space shuttle Atlantis is still poised after its launch on mission STS-122 was postponed Thursday. Shuttle program managers decided at 9:56 a.m. to postpone the launch because of an issue with a fuel cut-off sensor system inside the external fuel tank. This is one of several systems that protect the shuttle's main engines by triggering their shut down if fuel runs unexpectedly low. During countdown activities this morning, two sensors failed a routine prelaunch check. There are four engine cut-off, or ECO, sensors inside the liquid hydrogen section of the tank, and Launch Commit Criteria require three of the four sensor systems to be functioning properly. The tank's liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen was drained from the tank, and preparations will begin for a possible launch attempt Friday. NASA's launch rules have a preplanned procedure that states in the case of ECO sensor system failure, engineers need to drain the tank and verify all the sensors are working as they go dry. Atlantis carries the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the construction of the space station. When permanently attached to Node 2, the laboratory will carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as perform a number of technological applications, in a microgravity environment. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3586

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Against a sunset sky streaked with pink...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Against a sunset sky streaked with pink, lights on the fixed and rotating service structures illuminate Launch Pad 39A where space shuttle Atlantis is still poised after its launc... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Shadows spill across space shuttle Atlantis, still poised on the pad after its launch on mission STS-122 was postponed Thursday. In the background is the Atlantic Ocean. Shuttle program managers decided at 9:56 a.m. to postpone the launch because of an issue with a fuel cut-off sensor system inside the external fuel tank. This is one of several systems that protect the shuttle's main engines by triggering their shut down if fuel runs unexpectedly low. During countdown activities this morning, two sensors failed a routine prelaunch check. There are four engine cut-off, or ECO, sensors inside the liquid hydrogen section of the tank, and Launch Commit Criteria require three of the four sensor systems to be functioning properly. The tank's liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen was drained from the tank, and preparations will begin for a possible launch attempt Friday. NASA's launch rules have a preplanned procedure that states in the case of ECO sensor system failure, engineers need to drain the tank and verify all the sensors are working as they go dry. Atlantis carries the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the construction of the space station. When permanently attached to Node 2, the laboratory will carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as perform a number of technological applications, in a microgravity environment. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3583

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Shadows spill across space shuttle Atlan...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Shadows spill across space shuttle Atlantis, still poised on the pad after its launch on mission STS-122 was postponed Thursday. In the background is the Atlantic Ocean. Shuttle p... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis is revealed on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after the rotating service structure, or RSS, at left of the pad was rolled back. Rollback was complete at 9:49 p.m. EST. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for crew entry and servicing of payloads at the pad. Beneath the shuttle is the mobile launcher platform which supports the shuttle until liftoff. Rollback of the pad's RSS is one of the milestones in preparation for the launch of mission STS-122. Launch was originally set for Dec. 6 but was rescheduled to 3:21 p.m. Dec. 9. The delay was caused by problems with the external tank's engine cutoff sensor system that arose during tanking on Dec. 6. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Permanently attached to the Harmony node of the space station, the laboratory will carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-07pd3592

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis is revealed on L...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis is revealed on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after the rotating service structure, or RSS, at left of the pad was rolled back. Rollback was ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the Mission Management Team, or MMT, participate in a news briefing following the conclusion of the team's meeting. The meeting continued the discussion of the problems experienced with the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 external tank's engine cutoff sensor system that arose during tanking on Dec. 6. From left are Allard Beutel, Kennedy Space Center news chief and briefing moderator; Wayne Hale, Space Shuttle Program manager; LeRoy Cain, MMT chairman; Doug Lyons, STS-122 launch director; and U.S. Air Force Capt. Chris Lovett, 45th Weather Squadron. An announcement was made during the briefing that the STS-122 launch, originally set for Dec. 6, was rescheduled to 3:21 p.m. Dec. 9. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Permanently attached to the Harmony node of the space station, the laboratory will carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-07pd3587

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the Mission Management Team,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the Mission Management Team, or MMT, participate in a news briefing following the conclusion of the team's meeting. The meeting continued the discussion of the problem... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Lights on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center reveal space shuttle Atlantis following the rollback of the rotating service structure, or RSS. Rollback was complete at 9:49 p.m. EST. The orbiter access arm, at left, extends from the structure to a position next to Atlantis' crew compartment. The White Room at the end of the arm provides the crew with an entryway into the orbiter. The RSS also provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad. Rollback of the pad's RSS is one of the milestones in preparation for the launch of mission STS-122. Launch was originally set for Dec. 6 but was rescheduled to 3:21 p.m. Dec. 9. The delay was caused by problems with the external tank's engine cutoff sensor system that arose during tanking on Dec. 6. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Permanently attached to the Harmony node of the space station, the laboratory will carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-07pd3593

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Lights on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kenn...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Lights on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center reveal space shuttle Atlantis following the rollback of the rotating service structure, or RSS. Rollback was complete at 9... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis is revealed on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after the rotating service structure, or RSS, at left of the pad was rolled back. Rollback was complete at 9:49 p.m. EST. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for crew entry and servicing of payloads at the pad. Beneath the shuttle is the mobile launcher platform which supports the shuttle until liftoff. Rollback of the pad's RSS is one of the milestones in preparation for the launch of mission STS-122. Launch was originally set for Dec. 6 but was rescheduled to 3:21 p.m. Dec. 9. The delay was caused by problems with the external tank's engine cutoff sensor system that arose during tanking on Dec. 6. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Permanently attached to the Harmony node of the space station, the laboratory will carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-07pd3595

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis is revealed on L...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis is revealed on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after the rotating service structure, or RSS, at left of the pad was rolled back. Rollback was ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis is revealed on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after the rotating service structure, or RSS, at left of the pad was rolled back. Rollback was complete at 9:49 p.m. EST. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for crew entry and servicing of payloads at the pad. Beneath the shuttle is the mobile launcher platform which supports the shuttle until liftoff. Rollback of the pad's RSS is one of the milestones in preparation for the launch of mission STS-122. Launch was originally set for Dec. 6 but was rescheduled to 3:21 p.m. Dec. 9. The delay was caused by problems with the external tank's engine cutoff sensor system that arose during tanking on Dec. 6. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Permanently attached to the Harmony node of the space station, the laboratory will carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-07pd3591

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis is revealed on L...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis is revealed on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after the rotating service structure, or RSS, at left of the pad was rolled back. Rollback was ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations, participates in a news briefing following the conclusion of a Mission Management Team, or MMT, meeting. The meeting followed the morning's launch scrub of the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 mission caused by problems experienced with the external tank's engine cutoff sensor system during tanking for the second launch attempt. An announcement was made during the briefing that the STS-122 launch is postponed to no earlier than Jan. 2, 2008, to give the team time to resolve the system's problems. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Permanently attached to the Harmony node of the space station, the laboratory will carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3597

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administra...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations, participates in a news briefing following the conclusion of a Mission Management Team, or MMT, meeting. The meetin... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- LeRoy Cain, the Mission Management Team chairman, participates in a news briefing following the conclusion of a team meeting. The meeting followed the morning's launch scrub caused by problems experienced with the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 external tank's engine cutoff sensor system during tanking for the second launch attempt. An announcement was made during the briefing that the STS-122 launch is postponed to no earlier than Jan. 2, 2008, to give the team time to resolve the system's problems. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Permanently attached to the Harmony node of the space station, the laboratory will carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3598

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- LeRoy Cain, the Mission Management Team...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- LeRoy Cain, the Mission Management Team chairman, participates in a news briefing following the conclusion of a team meeting. The meeting followed the morning's launch scrub cause... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the Mission Management Team, or MMT, participate in a news briefing following the conclusion of the team's meeting. The meeting followed the morning's launch scrub of the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 mission caused by problems experienced with the external tank's engine cutoff sensor system during tanking for the second launch attempt. From left are Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations; LeRoy Cain, MMT chairman; and Doug Lyons, STS-122 launch director. An announcement was made during the briefing that the STS-122 launch is postponed to no earlier than Jan. 2, 2008, to give the team time to resolve the system's problems. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Permanently attached to the Harmony node of the space station, the laboratory will carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3596

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the Mission Management Team,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the Mission Management Team, or MMT, participate in a news briefing following the conclusion of the team's meeting. The meeting followed the morning's launch scrub of ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Doug Lyons, STS-122 launch director, participates in a news briefing following the conclusion of a Mission Management Team, or MMT, meeting. The meeting followed the morning's launch scrub of the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 mission caused by problems experienced with the external tank's engine cutoff sensor system during tanking for the second launch attempt. An announcement was made during the briefing that the STS-122 launch is postponed to no earlier than Jan. 2, 2008, to give the team time to resolve the system's problems. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Permanently attached to the Harmony node of the space station, the laboratory will carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3599

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Doug Lyons, STS-122 launch director, pa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Doug Lyons, STS-122 launch director, participates in a news briefing following the conclusion of a Mission Management Team, or MMT, meeting. The meeting followed the morning's lau... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After his arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin talks to the media about looking forward to a great flight. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission, at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7. This will be the third launch attempt for the mission. Some of the tank's ECO sensors gave failed readings during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, subsequently scrubbing further attempts until the cause could be found and repairs made. Atlantis will carry the Columbus module, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to the Harmony module of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0133A

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After his arrival at NASA's Kennedy Sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After his arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin talks to the media about looking forward to a great flight. The crew's arrival signals... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After their arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 crew gathers on the Shuttle Landing Facility to talk to the media. At the microphone is Commander Steve Frick. Behind him are Mission Specialists Leopold Eyharts, Stanley Love, Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim and Leland Melvin, and Pilot Alan Poindexter. Eyharts and Schlegel represent the European Space Agency.The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission, at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7. This will be the third launch attempt for the mission. Some of the tank's ECO sensors gave failed readings during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, subsequently scrubbing further attempts until the cause could be found and repairs made. Atlantis will carry the Columbus module, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to the Harmony module of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0128

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After their arrival at NASA's Kennedy S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After their arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 crew gathers on the Shuttle Landing Facility to talk to the media. At the microphone is Commander Steve Frick. Be... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After his arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel tells the media he is grateful for the hard work and dedication of workers in getting Atlantis and Columbus ready for flight. Schlegel represents the European Space Agency. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission, at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7. This will be the third launch attempt for the mission. Some of the tank's ECO sensors gave failed readings during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, subsequently scrubbing further attempts until the cause could be found and repairs made. Atlantis will carry the Columbus module, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to the Harmony module of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0131

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After his arrival at NASA's Kennedy Spa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After his arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel tells the media he is grateful for the hard work and dedication of workers in getting At... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After his arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 Pilot Alan Poindexter talks to the media about looking forward to flight. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission, at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7. This will be the third launch attempt for the mission. Some of the tank's ECO sensors gave failed readings during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, subsequently scrubbing further attempts until the cause could be found and repairs made. Atlantis will carry the Columbus module, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to the Harmony module of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0129

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After his arrival at NASA's Kennedy Spa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After his arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 Pilot Alan Poindexter talks to the media about looking forward to flight. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, members of the STS-122 crew are greeted by Doug Lyons (left, yellow shirt), launch director for the mission, and Pete Nickolenko (right, green shirt), lead shuttle test director, after their arrival. Crew members from left are Mission Specialists Stanley Love, Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim and Leland Melvin, and Pilot Alan Poindexter. Schlegel represents the European Space Agency. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission, at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7. This will be the third launch attempt for the mission. Some of the tank's ECO sensors gave failed readings during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, subsequently scrubbing further attempts until the cause could be found and repairs made. Atlantis will carry the Columbus module, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to the Harmony module of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0124

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, members...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, members of the STS-122 crew are greeted by Doug Lyons (left, yellow shirt), launch director for the mission, and Pete Nickolenko (right, green shir... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After their arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 crew heads for a microphone to greet the media waiting for them. From left are Commander Steve Frick, Pilot Alan Poindexter, and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim, Hans Schlegel, Stanley Love and Leopold Eyharts. Eyharts and Schlegel represent the European Space Agency. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission, at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7. This will be the third launch attempt for the mission. Some of the tank's ECO sensors gave failed readings during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, subsequently scrubbing further attempts until the cause could be found and repairs made. Atlantis will carry the Columbus module, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to the Harmony module of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0126

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After their arrival at NASA's Kennedy S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After their arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 crew heads for a microphone to greet the media waiting for them. From left are Commander Steve Frick, Pilot Alan P... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After his arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 Commander Steve Frick tells the media he and the crew are enthusiastic about the coming launch. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission, at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7. This will be the third launch attempt for the mission. Some of the tank's ECO sensors gave failed readings during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, subsequently scrubbing further attempts until the cause could be found and repairs made. Atlantis will carry the Columbus module, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to the Harmony module of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0127

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After his arrival at NASA's Kennedy Spa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After his arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 Commander Steve Frick tells the media he and the crew are enthusiastic about the coming launch. The crew's arrival signa... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After his arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 Mission Specialist Stanley Love tells the media he is grateful to the shuttle workers for their efforts in getting Atlantis ready for flight. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission, at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7. This will be the third launch attempt for the mission. Some of the tank's ECO sensors gave failed readings during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, subsequently scrubbing further attempts until the cause could be found and repairs made. Atlantis will carry the Columbus module, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to the Harmony module of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0132

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After his arrival at NASA's Kennedy Spa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After his arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 Mission Specialist Stanley Love tells the media he is grateful to the shuttle workers for their efforts in getting Atlant... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 mission specialists disembark from a shuttle training aircraft. From left are Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim and Leland Melvin. Schlegel represents the European Space Agency. Schlegel represents the European Space Agency. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission, at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7. This will be the third launch attempt for the mission. Some of the tank's ECO sensors gave failed readings during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, subsequently scrubbing further attempts until the cause could be found and repairs made. Atlantis will carry the Columbus module, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to the Harmony module of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0123

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 mission specialists disembark from a shuttle training aircraft. From left are Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim and Leland Melvin. Schlegel repr... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After his arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim tells the media he is ready for flight. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission, at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7. This will be the third launch attempt for the mission. Some of the tank's ECO sensors gave failed readings during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, subsequently scrubbing further attempts until the cause could be found and repairs made. Atlantis will carry the Columbus module, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to the Harmony module of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0130

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After his arrival at NASA's Kennedy Spa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After his arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim tells the media he is ready for flight. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After his arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 Mission Specialist Leopold Eyharts, who represents the European Space Agency, tells the media he is happy to be back to try again to launch Columbus on space shuttle Atlantis. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission, at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7. This will be the third launch attempt for the mission. Some of the tank's ECO sensors gave failed readings during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, subsequently scrubbing further attempts until the cause could be found and repairs made. Atlantis will carry the Columbus module, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to the Harmony module of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0133

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After his arrival at NASA's Kennedy Spa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After his arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 Mission Specialist Leopold Eyharts, who represents the European Space Agency, tells the media he is happy to be back to t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew members pose on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after their arrival for launch. From left are Mission Specialists Leopold Eyharts, Stanley Love, Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim and Leland Melvin, and Pilot Alan Poindexter and Commander Steve Frick. Eyharts and Schlegel represent the European Space Agency. Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station while Atlantis returns flight engineer Daniel Tani. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission, at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7. This will be the third launch attempt for the mission. Some of the tank's ECO sensors gave failed readings during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, subsequently scrubbing further attempts until the cause could be found and repairs made. Atlantis will carry the Columbus module, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to the Harmony module of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0134

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew members pose on the Sh...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew members pose on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after their arrival for launch. From left are Mission Specialists Leopold Eyharts, Sta... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the flight deck of space shuttle Atlantis, STS-122 crew members inspect the cables for cameras used on their flight. At left is Leland Melvin and at right is Stanley Love, both mission specialists. The STS-122 mission to the International Space Station is scheduled to launch at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7 with a crew of seven. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Laboratory, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the station. Columbus will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to the Harmony module to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0161

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the flight deck of space shuttle Atl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the flight deck of space shuttle Atlantis, STS-122 crew members inspect the cables for cameras used on their flight. At left is Leland Melvin and at right is Stanley Love, bot... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the flight deck of space shuttle Atlantis, STS-122 Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel handles the camera to be used during the mission. Schlegel represents the European Space Agency. The STS-122 mission to the International Space Station is scheduled to launch at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7 with a crew of seven. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Laboratory, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the station. Columbus will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to the Harmony module to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0164

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the flight deck of space shuttle Atl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the flight deck of space shuttle Atlantis, STS-122 Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel handles the camera to be used during the mission. Schlegel represents the European Space Ag... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the flight deck of space shuttle Atlantis, STS-122 Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel handles the camera to be used during the mission. Schlegel represents the European Space Agency. The STS-122 mission to the International Space Station is scheduled to launch at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7 with a crew of seven. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Laboratory, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the station. Columbus will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to the Harmony module to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0163

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the flight deck of space shuttle At...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the flight deck of space shuttle Atlantis, STS-122 Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel handles the camera to be used during the mission. Schlegel represents the European Space A... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the flight deck of space shuttle Atlantis, STS-122 Mission Specialist Stanley Love looks at cables and controls. The STS-122 mission to the International Space Station is scheduled to launch at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7 with a crew of seven. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Laboratory, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the station. Columbus will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to the Harmony module to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0165

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the flight deck of space shuttle Atl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the flight deck of space shuttle Atlantis, STS-122 Mission Specialist Stanley Love looks at cables and controls. The STS-122 mission to the International Space Station is sche... More

ARL South, part of the ARL Open Campus initiative,

ARL South, part of the ARL Open Campus initiative,

ARL South, part of the ARL Open Campus initiative, is an effort to co-locate Army research and development personnel in the south central U.S. to gain access to subject matter experts and technical centers and ... More

ARL South, part of the ARL Open Campus initiative,

ARL South, part of the ARL Open Campus initiative,

ARL South, part of the ARL Open Campus initiative, is an effort to co-locate Army research and development personnel in the south central U.S. to gain access to subject matter experts and technical centers and ... More

U.S. Army Research Laboratory Director Dr. Philip Perconti

U.S. Army Research Laboratory Director Dr. Philip Perconti

U.S. Army Research Laboratory Director Dr. Philip Perconti announces the formation of ARL South at the Open Campus Open House in November 2016. (