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| |  | | | | Atlantis Returns to Launch Pad
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05.15.07
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Image right: Space Shuttle Atlantis The Space Shuttle Atlantis rides a crawler transporter to Launch Complex 39A on Tuesday, May 15, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The shuttle, pointed skyward in its launch position and connected to the external tank and a pair of solid-fueled booster rockets, is scheduled to lift off June 8 on a mission to the International Space Station. The rollout was the second time Atlantis headed for the pad in preparation for STS-117. A freak hail storm damaged the external tank as it stood on the launch pad in February. The shuttle returned to the Vehicle Assembly Building for several weeks of repairs to the dinged foam insulation. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder
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Image left: Space Shuttle Atlantis, sitting atop a mobile launch platform, moves into launch position. Later, workers will place a set of solar arrays into Atlantis' cargo bay. The crew of STS-117 will connect the arrays to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder
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Image right: With Space Shuttle Atlantis on the launch pad, workers will make final preparations to ready the spacecraft for its mission. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder
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Image left: Space Shuttle Atlantis began moving from the Vehicle Assembly Building at 5:02 a.m. on Tuesday, May 15. It took about six hours to reach launch pad 39A. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder
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Steven Siceloff
NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center
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