[sarex] STS-120 Payload Moves to the Launch Pad

[Arthur Rowe]

SUBMITTED BY ARTHUR N1ORC - AMSAT A/C #31468

 *STS-120 Payload Moves to the Launch Pad*

As dawn begins to break over Launch Pad 39A, the payload canister 
carrying the International Space Station's Harmony module is lifted 
toward the payload change out area of the pad's service structure. Image 
credit: NASA
+ View larger image 
<http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/170419main_payloadatpad-lg.JPG>

In the predawn hours this morning, the payload canister for mission 
STS-120 arrived at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The 
Italian-built U.S. Harmony module destined for the International Space 
Center will be transferred to Discovery's payload bay once the space 
shuttle reaches the pad.

Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, Discovery's processing continues. 
Earlier in the week, the orbiter was attached to the external fuel tank 
and twin solid rocket boosters atop the mobile launch platform.

In preparation for the targeted Oct. 23 launch, Discovery is now set to 
roll out to the launch pad aboard the crawler transporter on Sept. 29.

*Mission Information*
+ STS-120 Mission Overview 
<http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts120/index.html>
+ Harmony Node 2 
<http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/behindscenes/harmony_payload.html> 

+ Space Shuttle Discovery 
<http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/discovery-info.html>