KSC-07pd2626

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The crawler transporter, moving Space Shuttle Discovery atop its mobile launch platform from the Vehicle Assembly Building, follows the path to Launch Pad 39A. The journey has reached the intersection in the crawlerway of the roads to Pad 39A and Pad 39B. First motion out of the VAB was at 6:47 a.m. EDT. The crawler transporter, mobile launch platform and unfueled space shuttle weigh a total of approximately 17.5 million pounds. Rollout is a milestone for Discovery's launch to the International Space Station on mission STS-120, targeted for Oct. 23. The crew will be delivering and installing the Italian-built U.S. Node 2, named Harmony. The pressurized module will act as an internal connecting port and passageway to additional international science labs and cargo spacecraft. In addition to increasing the living and working space inside the station, it also will serve as a work platform outside for the station's robotic arm. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton