Atlantis cocooned at launch pad 39B

Shuttle Atlantis is being secured at its launch pad and an elevated 10-story service structure is being swung around it to protect the $2 billion spaceship as NASA prepares for Tropical Storm Ernesto and a potential Sept. 6 launch attempt.

The 18-story shuttle was lowered onto the pad around 8:40 p.m. Tuesday and then the Rotating Service Structure at pad 39B began cocooning the vehicle around 11 p.m.

The center otherwise was closed at midnight to all but essential personnel. A storm ride-out team of about 200 people is scheduled to report to sites around the spaceport at 4 a.m.

A damage assessment team is primed to head to the pad once the storm passes and NASA officials declare an all-clear.

The agency hopes to restart launch preparations Thursday.