The orbiter Endeavour stops under the overhead crane in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building.

The orbiter Endeavour, atop its transporter, stops under the overhead crane in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. In the VAB, the crane will lift the orbiter then lower it onto the mobile launcher platform where it will be stacked with the external tank and solid rocket boosters for launch on mission STS-118. The mission will be Endeavour's first flight in more than four years. The shuttle has undergone extensive modifications, including the addition of safety upgrades already added to shuttles Discovery and Atlantis. Endeavour also features new hardware, such as the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System that will allow the docked shuttle to draw electrical power from the station and extend its visits to the orbiting lab. Endeavour is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett