WIKIARCHIVES.SPACE

Resting atop the Mobile Launcher Platform, Space Shuttle Atlantis is viewed from a high level on the Fixed Service Structure. Seen is one of its solid rocket boosters and the external tank. Next to the wing of the orbiter is one of two tail service masts, which support the fluid, gas and electrical requirements of the orbiter’s liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen aft T-0 umbilicals. On the horizon is the Atlantic Ocean. Atlantis will fly on mission STS-98, the seventh construction flight to the International Space Station, carrying the U.S. Laboratory, named Destiny. The lab has five system racks already installed inside the module. After delivery of electronics in the lab, electrically powered attitude control for Control Moment Gyroscopes will be activated. Atlantis is scheduled for launch no earlier than Jan. 19, 2001, with a crew of five.