Space shuttle Endeavour travels to launch pad on freezing morning for February flight

Space shuttle moved to launch pad on freezing morn

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Space shuttle Endeavour is on the launch pad after a freezing three-and-a-half-mile trip.

NASA moved the shuttle out of its hangar before dawn Wednesday. The temperature was bitterly cold, getting as low as 29. As a precaution, NASA turned on the shuttle heaters earlier than usual. In addition, workers limited their time outside to 30-minute shifts during Endeavour’s six-hour trip to the pad.

Six astronauts will ride Endeavour into orbit Feb. 7. They will deliver two of the last major pieces of the International Space Station, a connecting chamber named Tranquility and a cupola with seven windows.

NASA’s shuttle program is in its final countdown. Only five missions remain.