1.   Future shuttle crews will need the modifications to mate components of the U.S.-led orbital laboratory.

2.   Future station crews are depending on the two cranes to lug large power storage batteries and other bulky equipment across the orbital laboratory.

3.   The five-year assembly of the new orbital laboratory is to begin late this year.

4.   The observatory was launched aboard Discovery as a test flight to ensure it can function reliably aboard the orbital laboratory.

5.   The shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to deliver the orbital laboratory later this week.

6.   Two years ago, Moscow urged the United States to connect the new orbital laboratory to its aging Mir space station.