STS-135 Payload at the Launch Pad

The transport canister containing the payload for space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-135 mission arrived at Launch Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center at 11:25 p.m. EDT last night, and has been hoisted up into the pad’s structure. The payload is scheduled to be transferred into the shuttle’s cargo bay on Monday.

Atlantis’ payload is the multi-purpose logistics module Raffaello, filled with a variety of spare parts and supplies for the International Space Station. The mission also will deliver the Robotic Refueling Mission system, which will investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites in orbit.