Space Shuttle Atlantis Ready for Launch (Update)

Weather permitting, the space shuttle Atlantis is set up for launch today from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A cold front is expected to move over the area and there’s only a 30% chance of acceptable conditions for the launch.

The liftoff window is just 10 minutes to allow the shuttle to approach the International Space Station (ISS) and dock with it. If the weather prevents today’s launch, the next attempt could be made Friday or Saturday.

The event is scheduled for 2:45 pm EST starting an 11-day mission with the main objective of attaching the Columbus Observatory to the ISS.

For the latest updates on this shuttle mission check the NASA’s STS-122 Launch Blog.

For the televised launch coverage and other videos related to it, point your browser at: STS-122 Launch Videos.

Update: Atlantis has successfully launched from Kennedy taking in it’s cargo the 12.8-tonne European Columbus lab module.

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