WIKIARCHIVES.SPACE

In preparation for launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-110, the Rotating Service Structure (RSS) rolls back into launch position. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad. The structure has access platforms at five levels to provide access to the payload bay. The Shuttle rests on the Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP), which straddles the flame trench below. The flame trench is part of the Flame Deflector System that insulates pad structures from the intense heat of a launch. Mission STS-110 is scheduled to launch April 4 on its 11-day mission to the International Space Station