Space shuttle Atlantis reaches the launch pad

Space shuttle Atlantis reaches the launch pad

NASA has finally been able to roll out the Space Shuttle Atlantis to the launch pad. This shuttle is due to leave for space on a mission sometime later this month to continue to development work going on the International Space Station.

NASA said that the 4-mile trek from the Vehicle Assembly Building started shortly after 1 a.m. and took less than eight hours.

This has been already delayed a couple of times earlier this week due to bad weather. NASA plans to soon hook up fuel and power lines to the Shuttle. Then they would be testing out the shuttle’s auxiliary power units and in later stages, cargo would be uploaded on the ship.

NASA added that the Atlantis crew is scheduled to arrive next week at the Kennedy Space Center for several days of dress rehearsals. This would include a practice launch countdown, an exercise to practice escaping from the launch pad, and instruction on using emergency equipment.