KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-115 Mission Specialist Joseph Tanner adjusts his helmet. Tanner is making his fourth flight on a shuttle. He and other crew members are checking their launch suits and apparat More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The morning sky lightens behind Space Shuttle Atlantis while lights on the fixed service structure (FSS) still illuminate the orbiter on Launch Pad 39B. Atlantis was originally s More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The rotating service structure (left) on Launch Pad 39B is rolled back to reveal Space Shuttle Atlantis. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servi More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A yellow tag identifies the crawler-transporter cleat that has a crack. The crack was noticed as the crawler-transporter was moving Space Shuttle Endeavour to Launch Pad 39B. Rollo More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis passes the turn basin as it slowly wends its way toward Launch Pad 39A. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 8:19 a.m. The 3.4-mile tri More
STS-92 Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy is happy to arrive at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility after a flight from Houston. She and the rest of the crew are at KSC to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test a More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Discovery seems to be standing on the fiery columns erupting from the solid rocket boosters as it lifts off Launch Pad 39B on mission STS-116. Liftoff occurred at 8 More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Launch Pad 39A area, Mission STS-117 crew members receive instruction on emergency egress using the slidewire basket system during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test act More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-117 crew members arrive at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility aboard T-38 jet aircraft to prepare for launch on Space Shuttle Atlantis on June 8. Mission Specialist Steven S More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During suit check, STS-115 Mission Specialist Steven MacLean signals confidence about the launch on Space Shuttle Atlantis on Aug. 27. MacLean, who represents the Canadian Space A More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault checks out the cockpit of the orbiter Atlantis, the vehicle for the mission. He and other crew members are at KSC More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-120 Commander Pam Melroy and Pilot George Zamka return to crew quarters after disembarking from the Shuttle Training Aircraft, or STAs, behind them on the tarmac at NASA Kenned More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Commander Mark Polansky is getting a suit fit-check after practicing landing the orbiter at the controls of the shuttle training aircraft. The STA is a Grumman American More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Nearby water reflects the light from Space shuttle Discovery as it heads for blue sky atop twin columns of fire, hurling swirls of smoke and steam across Launch Pad 39A at NASA's More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Twin columns of fire propel Space Shuttle Atlantis into a clear blue sky after liftoff from Launch Pad 39B. Atlantis is heading for a rendezvous with the International Space Stat More
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Steve Swanson is helped by the Closeout Crew to put on his harness. The White R More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-115 crew gets instructions about using the slidewire baskets for emergency egress from the space shuttle on the pad. Seen here are Mission Specialists Heidemarie Stefanys More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Huge clouds billow on the horizon behind Space Shuttle Atlantis still sitting on Launch Pad 39B after the scrub of its launch on mission STS-115. Atlantis was originally scheduled More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The fiery liftoff of Space Shuttle Discovery from Launch Pad 39B on mission STS-116 is captured in the nearby water. Liftoff occurred on time at 8:47 p.m. EST. This was the sec More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-120 crew don their launch and entry suits before heading to Launch Pad 39A for launch aboard space shuttle Discovery to the International S More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Flaming rockets propel Space Shuttle Atlantis off Launch Pad 39B for a rendezvous with the International Space Station on mission STS-115. In the background is the Atlantic Ocean. More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- While in the White Room to complete suiting up before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery, STS-116 Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick sends a message home. In the background i More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39B, the payload transport canister, with the P6 integrated truss segment inside, is lifted toward the payload changeout room (PCR). The PCR is the enclosed, environm More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-115 crew members are suiting up for their simulated launch countdown. Shown here is Mission Specialist Joseph Tanner. The mission crew is at KSC for Terminal Countdown D More
At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-97 Mission Specialist Joseph Tanner (left) is greeted by Center Director Roy Bridges on his arrival at KSC from Johnson Space Center. Tanner and the rest of the crew have re More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During suitup in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA Kennedy Space Center, STS-115 Mission Specialist Daniel Burbank tests the communication system in his helmet. Burban More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The blue cones of light, known as shock or mach diamonds, beneath Space Shuttle Discovery's main engines confirm its rapid rise into the night sky after liftoff on mission STS-116 More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After its overnight rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building, Space Shuttle Atlantis rests on the hard stand on Launch Pad 39B. The shuttle sits on top of the mobile launcher More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-117 crew arrives at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), a preparation for the launch March 15 to the International More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the floor of the Space Station Processing Facility, astronauts get a look at the S6 integrated truss and solar arrays, scheduled to fly on STS-119 in 2008. In the center are More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis is poised for flight at liftoff from Launch Pad 39A on mission STS-117 to the International Space Station. Liftoff was on-time at 7:38:04 p.m. EDT. The s More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1, members of the STS-92 crew examine equipment that will be part of their mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The fourth U.S. More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Pad 39B, the cargo in Space Shuttle Atlantis' payload bay is seen before the closing of the bay doors. The cargo is the 17-and-a-half-ton P3/P4 truss segment for the In More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis rockets into the blue sky above Launch Pad 39A after liftoff. Beneath Atlantis' main engines are blue cones of light, known as shock or mach diamonds. T More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Viewed from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Discovery has cleared the clouds over the seaside launch pad and hurtles toward space. Lift More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Sitting on top of the mobile launcher platform, Space Shuttle Atlantis is on its slow rollout to Launch Pad 39B. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was 1:05 a.m. Th More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-115 crew members stride out of the Operations and Checkout Building eager to get to Launch Pad 39B and the start of their mission to the International Space Station. This More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Huge clouds roll over Launch Pad 39B where Space Shuttle Atlantis still sits after the scrub of its launch on mission STS-115. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch at 12: More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A large bird appears to chase Space Shuttle Discovery as it roars into space and emblazons the night sky. This was the second launch attempt of Discovery on mission STS-116. Lift More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-92 crew gather outside the gate to Launch Pad 39A where Space Shuttle Discovery waits in the background for liftoff Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT. From left to right are Command More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Complex 39, members of the STS-117 crew are instructed in the operation of an M-113 armored personnel carrier by the astronaut rescue team. The astronauts on the STS-117 More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Sitting on top of the mobile launcher platform, Space Shuttle Atlantis rolls out to Launch Pad 39B via the crawlerway. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was 1:05 More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Perched atop the Mobile Launcher Platform, Space Shuttle Endeavour passes through the gate to Launch Pad 39B. To the right of the pad is a 290-foot tall water tower. To the left is More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Commander Mark Polansky is ready to begin practice flights on the shuttle training aircraft (STA) three days before launch. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built G More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-120 crew don their launch and entry suits before heading to Launch Pad 39A for launch aboard space shuttle Discovery to the International S More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Perched atop the Mobile Launcher Platform, Space Shuttle Endeavour passes through the gate to Launch Pad 39B. To the right of the pad is a 290-foot tall water tower. To the left is More
The STS-92 crew spends a few minutes on the tarmac at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility to address the media. At the microphone, Commander Brian Duffy introduces the crew: (from left) Mission Specialists Koichi More
Workers in the Space Station Processing Facility gather with the crew of mission STS-97, who are holding the symbolic key representing the turnover of the P6 Integrated Truss Structure, part of the payload on t More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a media showcase in the Space Station Processing Facility, reporters and photographers get a close look at the S3/S4 integrated truss segment. The starboard 3/4 truss segment More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, an overhead crane and sling raise Atlantis off its transporter in preparation for lifting it to a vertical position. Atla More
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, (at left) one of three space shuttle main engines is being prepared for installation in space shuttle Disco More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Cameras are prepared to record the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis from Launch Pad 39A following sunrise on a cloudy Florida day. Rollback of the pad's rotating service structure, More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Atop twin columns of fire, space shuttle Discovery hurtles past the lightning rod atop the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Smoke and ste More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-115 crew is in the White Room on the orbiter access arm on Launch Pad 39B to get instruction on using the emergency egress system. From left are Commander Brent Jett, Pilo More
STS-97 Mission Specialist Marc Garneau arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. Garneau is with the Canadian Space Agency. He and the rest of the crew are at KSC to take part in Termi More
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the S6 truss segment is on display for the media. The S6 truss segment, with its set of large U.S. s More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The crew of mission STS-115 arrives at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility to prepare for a second launch attempt on Sept. 6 to the International Space Station. See More
Space Shuttle Endeavour finally rests on Launch Pad 39B after its rollout was stalled several hours to fix a broken cleat on the crawler-transporter. At the far left is the Rotating Service Structure. From the More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Across the expanse of the turn basin, Space Shuttle Atlantis is seen as it creeps toward Launch Pad 39A. At left is the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building. First motion was More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The crew of mission STS-115 stop to talk to the media after arriving at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility to prepare for a second launch attempt on Sept. 6 to the More
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery looms against the pre-dawn, cloud-streaked sky as it makes the slow 3.4-mile journey to Launch Pad 39A. The shuttle sits atop the mobile launcher platform, which More
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Steve Swanson is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier used for emergency escape, if needed, More
STS-92 Commander Brian Duffy smiles after landing at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility in a T-38 training jet aircraft. He and the rest of the crew are at KSC to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Tes More
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier used for emergency escape, if needed, More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Nearby water reflects the brilliant light of flames beneath space shuttle Discovery as it leaps through the clouds into a blue sky heading for the International Space Station on m More
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- With red umbilical lines attached, the payload containing space shuttle Discovery's S6 truss and solar arrays is lifted up to the Payload Changeout Room, or PCR, on Launch Pad 39A at NA More
STS-97 Pilot Mike Bloomfield reaches for the control panel as he settles into his seat in the cockpit on Space Shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39B. He and the rest of the crew are taking part in a simulated lau More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-120 Commander Pam Melroy and Pilot George Zamka return to crew quarters after disembarking from a Shuttle Training Aircraft, or STA, on the tarmac at Kennedy Space Center's Shu More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Alan Thirkettle, the International Space Station Program Manager for ESA, the European Space Agency, and Mauro Piermaria, the ESPERIA mission manager for ASI, the Italian Space Age More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Storm clouds gather behind Space Shuttle Atlantis on Launch Pad 39B. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch on Aug. 27, but a scrub was called by mission managers due to More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-115 crew members complete their suitup in the White Room before entering Space Shuttle Atlantis on Launch Pad 39B for a simulated launch countdown. Shown here are Mission More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This closeup view shows the water flooding the mobile launcher platform below Space Shuttle Discovery as it lifts off Launch Pad 39B on mission STS-116. Discovery lifted off from More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The plume of smoke grows behind Space Shuttle Discovery as it hurtles into space on mission STS-105. Liftoff occurred on time at 5:10:14 p.m. EDT. Besides the Shuttle crew of four, More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers on Launch Pad 39B watch closely as Space Shuttle Atlantis' payload bay doors begin to close. Inside the payload bay is the orbiter's cargo, the 17-and-a-half-ton P3/P4 tru More
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery's payload bay doors are closed. Inside, the cargo consists of the integrated truss structure S6 and More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the rotating service structure on Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Atlantis shines in the late afternoon sun. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Trailing a column of fire, space shuttle Discovery hurtles toward space on mission STS-120 to the International Space Station as it breaks free from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kenne More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In high bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, the orbiter Atlantis has been lowered onto the mobile launcher platform below for mating with the external tank and solid rocket boo More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour and the Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) start backing through the gate to Launch Pad 39B after a cracked cleat was discovered on the crawler-transporter. Wor More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Twin columns of fire propel Space Shuttle Atlantis into a clear blue sky after liftoff from Launch Pad 39B. At left is the fixed service structure, topped by the lightning mast. More
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Pilot Tony Antonelli is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier used for emergency escape, if needed, from Launc More
At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-97 Mission Specialist Marc Garneau, who is with the Canadian Space Agency, climbs down from a T-38 jet aircraft that brought him to KSC from Johnson Space Center. He and the More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - With umbilicals still attached, the orbiter Atlantis is being towed from the Shuttle Landing Facility to the Orbiter Processing Facility. Atlantis landed on Runway 33 at 6:21:30 a. More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Viewed from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Discovery hurtles through the clouds trailing a column of fire and smoke. Liftoff was on ti More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On a cloudy Florida day, Space Shuttle Atlantis awaits launch atop a mobile launch platform at Launch Pad 39A. At the right of the pad is the 290-foot tall, 300,000-gallon water ta More
After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure (at left), Space Shuttle Endeavour stands ready for launch targeted for 10:06 p.m. EST tonight on mission STS-97 to the International Space Station. The orbiter More
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle main engine No. 1 is installed in space shuttle Discovery. Each engine is 14 feet long, weig More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-117 crew members stride out of the Operations and Checkout Building as they head for the astrovan to take them to Launch Pad 39A. Leading the way are Pilot Lee Archambault More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-115 Commander Brent Jett settles in the cockpit of the Shuttle Training Aircraft to practice landing the shuttle. STA practice is part of launch preparations. The STA is a Grumm More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Under a blue sky streaked with clouds, Launch Pad 39B holds Space Shuttle Discovery, ready for launch of mission STS-116. At the far left is the rotating service structure, rol More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Integrated Equipment Assembly (IEA), one of two major components of the Starboard 6 (S6) truss segment for the International Space Station (ISS), is revealed inside NASA's Supe More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Integrated Equipment Assembly (IEA), one of two major components of the Starboard 6 (S6) truss segment for the International Space Station (ISS), arrives at the Shuttle Landing More