KSC-98pc1712

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An overhead crane in the high bay of the Space Station Processing Facility lowers the U.S. laboratory module, an element of the International Space Station, onto the workstand as KSC workers watch. The lab will undergo pre-launch preparations before its launch aboard the Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-98. The laboratory comprises three cylindrical sections with two end cones. Each end-cone contains a hatch opening for entering and exiting the lab. The lab will provide a shirtsleeve environment for research in the areas of life science, microgravity science, Earth science and space science. Designated Flight 5A, this mission is targeted for launch in early 2000