The closeout crew helps STS-122 Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel is making his second shuttle flight.

In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the closeout crew helps STS-122 Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel with his launch and entry suit before entering space shuttle Atlantis for liftoff at 2:45 p.m. EST. Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency, is making his second shuttle flight. Behind Schlegel is Pilot Alan Poindexter. The launch will be the third attempt for Atlantis since December 2007 to carry the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory to the International Space Station. During the 11-day mission, the crew's prime objective is to attach the laboratory to the Harmony module, adding to the station's size and capabilities. Photo credit: NASA/Scott Haun, Rick Prickett