Secretive Atlantis Countdown Starts

By Fraser Cain - April 3, 2002 at 2:28 AM UTC | Missions

NASA began the countdown for Thursday's launch of the space shuttle

Atlantis

; however, the specific launch time is still being kept confidential until 24 hours before - some time between 1900-2300 GMT (2:00pm-6:00pm EST). When

Atlantis

does launch, it will fly up to dock with the International Space Station and its 7-astronaut crew will attach a $600 million truss and $190 million rail car and track which will enable the station's robot arm to move from end to end assisting construction. (NASA Status Report)

Fraser Cain

Fraser Cain

Fraser Cain is the publisher of Universe Today, founding the website in March 1999. He's also the co-host of Astronomy Cast.