KSC-05pd-0987

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Atlantis’ payload bay doors are being opened. The payload bay doors were closed for a clearance check on the Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS), built in Canada. The 50-foot-long OBSS attaches to the Remote Manipulator System, or Shuttle arm, and is one of the new safety measures for Return to Flight. It equips the orbiter with cameras and laser systems to inspect the Shuttle’s Thermal Protection System while in space. Mission STS-121 is targeted for launch in September. Once the bay doors are open again, further work will be done in the bay.