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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. --  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. --   On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, engineers examine the fit of the payload bay doors on space shuttle Atlantis as they are closing.  During launch preparations, technicians noticed a small section of a braided metal hose that was bent in a shape similar to the Greek letter Omega. The radiator retract hose (seen in the middle), part of the shuttle's cooling system that carries Freon, is designed to flex. Engineers designed a tool to guide the hose back into the storage box. During the starboard door closure, eight incremental stops were performed. After each stop, the aft hose was adjusted and seated in place utilizing the ladder and hose assist tool. The team was satisfied with the final placement of the hose at door closure.  STS-122 is the 121st space shuttle flight, the 29th flight for Atlantis and the 24th flight to the International Space Station. The Columbus laboratory module, built by the European Space Agency, is approximately 23 feet long and 15 feet wide, allowing it to hold 10 large racks of experiments. Atlantis is scheduled to launch at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd0119

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, engineers examine the fit of the payload bay doors on space shuttle Atlantis as they are closing. During launch preparations, t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  From the payload changeout room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, engineers oversee the closing of space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay doors around the cargo -- the Columbus Laboratory seen here.  During launch preparations, technicians noticed a small section of a braided metal hose that was bent in a shape similar to the Greek letter Omega. The radiator retract hose, part of the shuttle's cooling system that carries Freon, is designed to flex. Engineers designed a tool to guide the hose back into the storage box. During the starboard door closure, eight incremental stops were performed. After each stop, the aft hose was adjusted and seated in place utilizing the ladder and hose assist tool. The team was satisfied with the final placement of the hose at door closure.  STS-122 is the 121st space shuttle flight, the 29th flight for Atlantis and the 24th flight to the International Space Station. The Columbus laboratory module, built by the European Space Agency, is approximately 23 feet long and 15 feet wide, allowing it to hold 10 large racks of experiments. Atlantis is scheduled to launch at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd0115

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the payload changeout room on Laun...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the payload changeout room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, engineers oversee the closing of space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay doors around the cargo -- th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the payload bay doors are closing on space shuttle Atlantis.  During launch preparations, technicians noticed a small section of a braided metal hose that was bent in a shape similar to the Greek letter Omega. The radiator retract hose (seen in the middle), part of the shuttle's cooling system that carries Freon, is designed to flex. Engineers designed a tool to guide the hose back into the storage box. During the starboard door closure, eight incremental stops were performed. After each stop, the aft hose was adjusted and seated in place utilizing the ladder and hose assist tool. The team was satisfied with the final placement of the hose at door closure.  STS-122 is the 121st space shuttle flight, the 29th flight for Atlantis and the 24th flight to the International Space Station. The Columbus laboratory module, built by the European Space Agency, is approximately 23 feet long and 15 feet wide, allowing it to hold 10 large racks of experiments. Atlantis is scheduled to launch at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd0117

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Spa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the payload bay doors are closing on space shuttle Atlantis. During launch preparations, technicians noticed a small section of ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, an engineer checks the progress of payload bay doors closing on space shuttle Atlantis. During launch preparations, technicians noticed a small section of a braided metal hose that was bent in a shape similar to the Greek letter Omega. The radiator retract hose, part of the shuttle's cooling system that carries Freon, is designed to flex. Engineers designed a tool to guide the hose back into the storage box. During the starboard door closure, eight incremental stops were performed. After each stop, the aft hose was adjusted and seated in place utilizing the ladder and hose assist tool. The team was satisfied with the final placement of the hose at door closure. STS-122 is the 121st space shuttle flight, the 29th flight for Atlantis and the 24th flight to the International Space Station. The Columbus laboratory module, built by the European Space Agency, is approximately 23 feet long and 15 feet wide, allowing it to hold 10 large racks of experiments. Atlantis is scheduled to launch at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd0116

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Spa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, an engineer checks the progress of payload bay doors closing on space shuttle Atlantis. During launch preparations, technicians n... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With the Columbus Laboratory secure in space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the bay doors are ready for closure.  Located above the laboratory are the integrated cargo carrier - lite and the orbital docking system (at top).   STS-122 is the 121st space shuttle flight, the 29th flight for Atlantis and the 24th flight to the International Space Station. The Columbus laboratory module, built by the European Space Agency, is approximately 23 feet long and 15 feet wide, allowing it to hold 10 large racks of experiments. Atlantis is scheduled to launch at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd0114

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With the Columbus Laboratory secure in s...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With the Columbus Laboratory secure in space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the bay doors are ready for closure. Located above the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the payload bay doors are closing on space shuttle Atlantis.  During launch preparations, technicians noticed a small section of a braided metal hose that was bent in a shape similar to the Greek letter Omega. The radiator retract hose (seen in the middle), part of the shuttle's cooling system that carries Freon, is designed to flex.  Engineers are using a hose assist tool designed to help guide the hose back into the storage box. During the starboard door closure, eight incremental stops were performed. After each stop, the aft hose was adjusted and seated in place utilizing the ladder and hose assist tool. The team was satisfied with the final placement of the hose at door closure.  STS-122 is the 121st space shuttle flight, the 29th flight for Atlantis and the 24th flight to the International Space Station. The Columbus laboratory module, built by the European Space Agency, is approximately 23 feet long and 15 feet wide, allowing it to hold 10 large racks of experiments. Atlantis is scheduled to launch at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd0118

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Spa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the payload bay doors are closing on space shuttle Atlantis. During launch preparations, technicians noticed a small section of ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the payload bay doors on space shuttle Atlantis are successfully closed for launch.  During launch preparations, technicians noticed a small section of a braided metal hose that was bent in a shape similar to the Greek letter Omega. The radiator retract hose (seen in the middle), part of the shuttle's cooling system that carries Freon, is designed to flex. Engineers designed a tool to guide the hose back into the storage box. During the starboard door closure, eight incremental stops were performed. After each stop, the aft hose was adjusted and seated in place utilizing the ladder and hose assist tool. The team was satisfied with the final placement of the hose at door closure.  STS-122 is the 121st space shuttle flight, the 29th flight for Atlantis and the 24th flight to the International Space Station. The Columbus laboratory module, built by the European Space Agency, is approximately 23 feet long and 15 feet wide, allowing it to hold 10 large racks of experiments. Atlantis is scheduled to launch at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd0120

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the payload bay doors on space shuttle Atlantis are successfully closed for launch. During launch preparations, technicians not... 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