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