NASA: Space shuttle launch is a 'Go'

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., Aug. 16 (UPI) -- NASA senior managers Wednesday unanimously voted to approve an August launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis.

Commander Brent Jett and his five crewmates are scheduled to lift off at 4:30 p.m. EDT, Aug. 27, on the STS-115 mission, which restarts construction of the International Space Station.

The launch date was announced after a Flight Readiness Review -- a traditional meeting during which top NASA managers and engineers determine whether the shuttle's complex array of equipment, support systems and procedures are ready for flight and assess any risks associated with the mission.

"It was an honor to work with this team, a thrill to see another FRR," said NASA Administrator Michael Griffin. "It was a great review, and I look forward to a great launch."

Joining Jett aboard shuttle Atlantis will be Pilot Chris Ferguson, mission specialists Joe Tanner, Dan Burbank, Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Steve MacLean.

The crew will install the P3/P4 truss, a girder-like structure, aboard the station. The new piece will include a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics.

Plans call for three spacewalks during the shuttle mission.