KSC-06pd2005

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Silhouetted against a setting sun, Space Shuttle Atlantis rolls near to its launch position on Launch Pad 39B. It is being moved by a crawler-transporter. The crawler has a laser docking system that provides almost pinpoint accuracy when the crawler and mobile launcher platform are positioned at the launch pad. At right of the shuttle is the fixed service structure topped by the 80-foot lightning mast. At far right is the 300,000-tallon water tank that releases its contents prior to ignition of the shuttle's engines at liftoff. The process is part of the sound suppression water system. The shuttle had been moved off the launch pad due to concerns about the impact of Tropical Storm Ernesto, expected within 24 hours. The forecast of lesser winds expected from Ernesto and its projected direction convinced Launch Integration Manager LeRoy Cain and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach to return the shuttle to the launch pad. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Date: 2006-08-29
Collection: KSC
Archive: NASA Image and Video Library
Type: photograph