Stock Photo - 03/09/1998 ___ Node 1, the first U.S. element for the International Space Station, and Pressurized Mating Adapter_1 PMA_1 continue with prelaunch preparation activities at KSC´s Space Station Processing Facility. The node and PMA_1 are seen here on a workstand getting ready to be moved the next day to a weight and balance stand for an interim weight and center of gravity determination. The final determination is planned to be performed prior to transporting Node 1 to the launch pad. Upon completing the interim determination, the node and PMA will be hoisted into the Shuttle payload transportation canister and the doors will be closed for a two_week leak check. Node 1 is a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of the space station. Node 1 is scheduled to fly on STS_88