KSC-07pd1776

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, the orbiter Endeavour is lowered onto the mobile launcher platform. The orbiter blocks the view of the external tank; on either side of the orbiter are the white solid rocket boosters. The components will be mated for launch. Endeavour will be launched on mission STS-118, its first flight in more than four years. The shuttle has undergone extensive modifications, including the addition of safety upgrades already added to shuttles Discovery and Atlantis. Endeavour also features new hardware, such as the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System that will allow the docked shuttle to draw electrical power from the station and extend its visits to the orbiting lab. Endeavour is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder