To find out why, listen as Claire Doole reports for All Things Considered. She visited the park as it was being transformed into a work of art. Well, think again. The U.S. national space agency has begun counting down for a shuttle launch that will put the first American piece of the international space station into orbit. Space shuttle Endeavour is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral Thursday on its long-delayed mission.
Astronauts plan to join their structure with a Russian component already in orbit.
Ultimately, the orbiting facility is supposed to be as roomy as a 747, with enough living space for seven astronauts. Listen as NPR's Richard Harris reports for Morning Edition that its purpose is as much political as technical.