The space shuttle Atlantis makes its way to launch pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida on Feb. 15, 2007. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    WASHINGTON, May 11 (Xinhua) -- NASA announced Friday afternoon that repairs on the external tank on Space Shuttle Atlantis have been completed. NASA officials have given the green light to send the shuttle back to the launch pad, just in time for launch next month.

    The vehicle is scheduled to roll out to its seaside launch pad at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. on May 16. Atlantis and its crew is expected to launch June 8.

    "The teams have done a phenomenal job of repairing this tank," said Bill Gerstenmaier, space operations associate administrator. "We've done a lot of extra reviews to make sure we didn't miss anything -- a lot of testing ...to make sure things were done right and they've done a great job."

    The external fuel tank was damaged in a freak hail storm in February. The space shuttle was rolled off the launch pad and sent back for repairs to the Vehicle Assembly Building.

    Wayne Hale, Space Program manager gave a lot of credit to the hundreds of workers across the country who pulled together for the repair project. "We're really proud of what they have done ... in an unexpected circumstance amidst all the other work they have to do," said Hale.

    John Chapman, manager of the external tank project, pointed out that the tank will have a speckled appearance but it will not affect performance or safety. ¡¡

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