In high bay No. 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, Space Shuttle Atlantis begins its return to Launch Pad 39A.

In high bay No. 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, Space Shuttle Atlantis begins its return to Launch Pad 39A. First motion was at 5:02 a.m. EDT. In late February, Atlantis' external tank received hail damage during a severe thunderstorm that passed through the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 area. The hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation, as well as minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. The launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-117 is now targeted for June 8. A flight readiness review will be held on May 30 and 31. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder