Atlantis on the Launch Pad

Space shuttle Atlantis sits on Launch Pad 39A after rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The shuttle sits atop the mobile launcher platform, which is carried by the crawler-transporter beneath.

At left is the rotating service structure with the payload changeout room that allows transfer of payloads from a canister into the shuttle's payload bay. Next to the shuttle is the fixed service structure with its 80-foot lightning mast on top.

Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
March 31, 2009