NASA to launch Atlantis tomorrow

Washington, Sep 5 (UNI) The US Space Agency NASA is planning to launch its space shuttle 'Atlantis' in Cape Canaveral, Florida, tomorrow, on an 11-day mission to the space station, where astronauts will conduct three spacewalks to attach solar panels.

The panels eventually will generate one quarter of the station's energy.

The crew consists of Commander Brent W Jett Jr, Pilot Christopher J Ferguson and Mission Specialists Heidemarie M Stefanyshyn-Piper, Joseph R Tanner, Daniel C Burbank and Steven G MacLean, who represents the Canadian Space Agency.

During their three spacewalks, the crew members will install the P3/P4 integrated truss and a second set of solar arrays on the space station, doubling the station's current ability to generate power from sunlight and adding 17.5 tons to its mass.

A NASA spokesman spoke of the ''very favourable'' weather forecast.

Atlantis was originally scheduled for launch on August 27 on a mission to resume construction of the International Space Station.

But that launch was delayed after a lightning strike at the launch pad.

If the National Air and Space Administration is not able to launch Atlantis this week, the mission to the International Space Station likely will be postponed until October.

At the launch readiness news conference, shuttle program manager Wayne Hale, said, ''the vehicle is ready for liftoff and we are looking forward to a really good mission.'' Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach said the countdown is going smoothly and they are looking for a good, on-time liftoff tomorrow.

UNI XC SK AT HT2012