Two Shuttles on Nearby Pads For the Last Time

(April 17, 2009) — Endeavour completed its 4.2-mile trip to the launch pad today, marking the final time that two shuttles are on launch pads at the same time before the shuttle program ends next year. After leaving the Vehicle Assembly Building about midnight, Endeavour arrived and was secured to Launch Pad 39B at 7:17 a.m. EDT. Atlantis is on nearby Launch Pad 39A. Atlantis is targeted for launch on May 12, when its crew will begin the STS-125 mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope. Prior to its STS-127 mission to the International Space Station, Endeavour will remain on standby at the launch pad in the unlikely event that a rescue mission for the Atlantis crewmembers would be necessary. After Endeavour is cleared from its duty as a rescue spacecraft, workers will move it to Launch Pad 39A in preparation for its targeted liftoff June 13. STS-127 is the 32nd construction flight to the International Space Station and the final of a series of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japanese Kibo laboratory complex. Space shuttle Atlantis (left) and Endeavour stand on Launch Pads 39A and 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Image Credit: NASA

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