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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The payload canister containing the payload for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 mission rolls into the Canister Rotation Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The canister will be raised to vertical and then transported to Launch Pad 39A. At the pad, the payload canister will release its cargo into the Payload Changeout Room. Later, the payload will be installed in Endeavour's payload bay. Endeavour is targeted for launch on Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3306

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The payload canister containing the payload for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 mission rolls into the Canister Rotation Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The canis More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The payload canister containing the payload for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 mission backs away from the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Inside the canister are the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo and the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure Carrier. The canister will be transported to the Canister Rotation Facility to raise it to vertical and then will be taken to Launch Pad 39A. At the pad, the payload canister will release its cargo into the Payload Changeout Room. Later, the payload will be installed in Endeavour's payload bay. Endeavour is targeted for launch on Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3305

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The payload canister containing the payload for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 mission backs away from the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florid More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The payload canister containing the payload for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 mission is transported to Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Behind the canister, at left, is the Vehicle Assembly Building. At the pad, the payload canister will release its cargo into the Payload Changeout Room. Later, the payload will be installed in Endeavour's payload bay. Endeavour is targeted for launch on Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3308

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The payload canister containing the payload for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 mission is transported to Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Behind the caniste More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour rolls to the top of Launch Pad 39A. At right are the open rotating service structure and the fixed service structure with the 80-foot-tall lightning mast on top. The shuttle moved off Launch Pad 39B starting at 8:28 am. EDT and completed its move to Launch Pad 39A at 4:37 p.m. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14 on the STS-126 mission. On this 27th mission to the International Space Station, Endeavour will carry the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure Carrier and the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo that will hold supplies and equipment, including additional crew quarters, additional exercise equipment, spare hardware and equipment for the regenerative life support system. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3358

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour rolls to the top of Launch Pad 39A. At right are the open rotating service structure and the fixed service structure w More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour rolls to the top of Launch Pad 39A. At right are the open rotating service structure and the fixed service structure with the 80-foot-tall lightning mast on top. The shuttle moved off Launch Pad 39B starting at 8:28 am. EDT and completed its move to Launch Pad 39A at 4:37 p.m. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14 on the STS-126 mission. On this 27th mission to the International Space Station, Endeavour will carry the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure Carrier and the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo that will hold supplies and equipment, including additional crew quarters, additional exercise equipment, spare hardware and equipment for the regenerative life support system. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3357

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour rolls to the top of Launch Pad 39A. At right are the open rotating service structure and the fixed service structure wi More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour reaches the top of Launch Pad 39A after rolling around from launch Pad 39B. The shuttle moved off Launch Pad 39B starting at 8:28 am. EDT and completed its move to Launch Pad 39A at 4:37 p.m. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14 on the STS-126 mission. On this 27th mission to the International Space Station, Endeavour will carry the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure Carrier and the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo that will hold supplies and equipment, including additional crew quarters, additional exercise equipment, spare hardware and equipment for the regenerative life support system. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3359

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour reaches the top of Launch Pad 39A after rolling around from launch Pad 39B. The shuttle moved off Launch Pad 39B start More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour begins rolling off Launch Pad 39B for the 3.4-mile rollaround to Launch Pad 39A. First motion was at 8:28 a.m. EDT. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14 on the STS-126 mission. On this 27th mission to the International Space Station, Endeavour will carry the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure Carrier and the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo that will hold supplies and equipment, including additional crew quarters, additional exercise equipment, spare hardware and equipment for the regenerative life support system. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3354

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour begins rolling off Launch Pad 39B for the 3.4-mile rollaround to Launch Pad 39A. First motion was at 8:28 a.m. EDT. En More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the 225-foot level of Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-126 crew poses for a group photo. From left are Mission Specialists Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen, Pilot Eric Boe, Commander Chris Ferguson, and Mission Specialists Sandra Magnus, Donald Pettit and Shane Kimbrough. They earlier took part in a simulated launch countdown. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training and the simulated countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3449

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the 225-foot level of Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-126 crew poses for a group photo. From left are Mission Specialists Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Pip More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 crew members climb into a slidewire basket on the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure. They have taken part in a simulated countdown in space shuttle Endeavour. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training and the simulated countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3445

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 crew members climb into a slidewire basket on the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure. They have taken par More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus (right) gets ready to enter space shuttle Endeavour. At left is a member of the Closeout Crew, Travis Thompson. The crew will take part in a simulated launch countdown. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training and the simulated countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3428

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus (right) gets ready to enter space shuttle Endeavour. At left is a More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialists (top to bottom) Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, Shane Kimbrough and Sandra Magnus are strapped in their seats in space shuttle Endeavour. They and other crew members will take part in a simulated launch countdown. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training and the simulated countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3439

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialists (top to bottom) Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, Shane Kimbrough and Sandra Magnus are strapped in More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialists Sandra Magnus, Shane Kimbrough and Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper have taken their seats in a slidewire basket, part of the emergency escape system on the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure. They have taken part in a simulated countdown in space shuttle Endeavour. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training and the simulated countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3441

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialists Sandra Magnus, Shane Kimbrough and Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper have taken their seats in a slid More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialist Donald Pettit adjusts his headset. He will enter space shuttle Endeavour to take part in a simulated launch countdown with the other crew members. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training and the simulated countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3432

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialist Donald Pettit adjusts his headset. He will enter space shuttle Endeavour to ta More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 crew members climb into a slidewire basket on the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure. They have taken part in a simulated countdown in space shuttle Endeavour. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training and the simulated countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3443

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 crew members climb into a slidewire basket on the 195-foot leve More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 crew members head for the slidewire baskets on the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure. They have taken part in a simulated countdown in space shuttle Endeavour. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training and the simulated countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3444

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 crew members head for the slidewire baskets on the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure. They have taken p More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the 225-foot level of Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-126 crew poses for a group photo. From left are Mission Specialists Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen, Pilot Eric Boe, Commander Chris Ferguson, and Mission Specialists Sandra Magnus, Donald Pettit and Shane Kimbrough. They earlier took part in a simulated launch countdown. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training and the simulated countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3448

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the 225-foot level of Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-126 crew poses for a group photo. From left are Mission Specialists Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Pip More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialist Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper is strapped into her seat in space shuttle Endeavour. She and other crew members will take part in a simulated launch countdown. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training and the simulated countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3436

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialist Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper is strapped into her seat in space shuttle Endeavour. She and oth More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialist Donald Pettit signals okay as he gets into his seat in space shuttle Endeavour. He and other crew members will take part in a simulated launch countdown. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training and the simulated countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3435

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialist Donald Pettit signals okay as he gets into his seat in space shuttle Endeavour. He and other cre More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialists (from left) Sandra Magnus, Shane Kimbrough and Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper make their way to the slidewire baskets on the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure after taking part in a simulated countdown in space shuttle Endeavour. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training and the simulated countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3440

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialists (from left) Sandra Magnus, Shane Kimbrough and Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper make their way to the More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 crew members enjoy talking with the Closeout Crew as they suit up. In the foreground is Mission Specialist Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper; behind her is Pilot Eric Boe. They and other crew members will take part in a simulated launch countdown after entering space shuttle Endeavour. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training and the simulated countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3431

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 crew members enjoy talking with the Closeout Crew as they suit up. In the foreground is Mission Sp More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialist Steve Bowen (right) takes a moment to reflect on the mission and the simulated countdown he and other crew members will take part in. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training and the simulated countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3434

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialist Steve Bowen (right) takes a moment to reflect on the mission and the simulated c More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 crew members head for the slidewire baskets on the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure. They have taken part in a simulated countdown in space shuttle Endeavour. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training and the simulated countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3442

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 crew members head for the slidewire baskets on the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure. They have taken p More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 crew members gather near the slidewire baskets on the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure. From left are Mission Specialists Donald Pettit, Sandra Magnus, Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen. They have taken part in a simulated countdown in space shuttle Endeavour followed by emergency escape procedures. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training and the simulated countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3446

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 crew members gather near the slidewire baskets on the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure. From left are M More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Commander Chris Ferguson adjusts his headset before donning his helmet. He will enter space shuttle Endeavour to take part in a simulated launch countdown with the other crew members. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training and the simulated countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3429

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Commander Chris Ferguson adjusts his headset before donning his helmet. He will enter space shutt More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialists Sandra Magnus, Shane Kimbrough and Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper pause for a photo after emergency escape procedures following a simulated launch countdown. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training and the simulated countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3447

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialists Sandra Magnus, Shane Kimbrough and Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper pause for a photo after emergency More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus is strapped into her seat in space shuttle Endeavour. She and other crew members will take part in a simulated launch countdown. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training and the simulated countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3438

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus is strapped into her seat in space shuttle Endeavour. She and other crew members More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialist Shane Kimbrough is strapped into his seat in space shuttle Endeavour signaling he is ready for the simulated launch countdown. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training and the simulated countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3437

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialist Shane Kimbrough is strapped into his seat in space shuttle Endeavour signaling he is ready for th More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Led by security, the Astrovan (center) with the STS-126 crew members aboard travels the road to Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At right is one of the crawler transporters on the crawlerway. The crew will take part in a simulated launch countdown at the pad. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm and provides entry into the shuttle. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training and the simulated countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3427

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Led by security, the Astrovan (center) with the STS-126 crew members aboard travels the road to Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At right is one of the crawler More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers from NASA's Glenn Research Center remove the blue shrink-wrapped covers on these Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The protective covers were used for shipping. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009. The segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet. The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter. Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3566

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers from NASA's Glenn Research Center remove the blue shrink-wrapped covers on these Ares I More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, these Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments have shed their protective blue shrink-wrapped covers used for shipping. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009. The segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet. The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter. Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3564

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, these Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments have shed their protective blue shrink-wrapped co More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, these Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments have shed their protective blue shrink-wrapped covers used for shipping. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009. The segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet. The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter. Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3565

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, these Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments have shed their protective blue shrink-wrapped co More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers from NASA's Glenn Research Center remove the blue shrink-wrapped covers on these Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The protective covers were used for shipping. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009. The segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet. The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter. Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3568

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers from NASA's Glenn Research Center remove the blue shrink-wrapped covers on these Ares I More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, these Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments have shed their protective blue shrink-wrapped covers used for shipping. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009. The segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet. The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter. Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3570

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, these Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments have shed their protective blue shrink-wrapped c More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers from NASA's Glenn Research Center remove the blue shrink-wrapped covers on these Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The protective covers were used for shipping. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009. The segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet. The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter. Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3569

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers from NASA's Glenn Research Center remove the blue shrink-wrapped covers on these Ares I More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers from NASA's Glenn Research Center remove the blue shrink-wrapped covers on these Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. The protective covers were used for shipping. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009. The segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet. The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter. Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3567

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers from NASA's Glenn Research Center remove the blue shrink-wrapped covers on these Ares I More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments are lined up. Their protective blue shrink-wrapped covers used for shipping are being removed, as seen on the segments at left and in the back. The upper stage simulator will be used in the test flight identified as Ares I-X in 2009. The segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line and will be more than 100 feet of the total vehicle height of 327 feet. The simulator comprises 11 segments that are approximately 18 feet in diameter. Most of the segments will be approximately 10 feet high, ranging in weight from 18,000 to 60,000 pounds, for a total of approximately 450,000 pounds. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3571

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments are lined up. Their protective blue shrink-wrapped cov More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – During the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show held Nov. 8-9 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, this F/A-18 Super Hornet demonstrates its flying capabilities. This year’s show brought together the best in military aircraft, such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-16 Fighting Falcon, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event included a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3603

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – During the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show held Nov. 8-9 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, this F/A-18 Super Hornet demonstrates its flying capabilities. More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels perform their tight maneuvers over NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida during the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show held Nov. 8-9. This year’s show brought together the best in military aircraft, such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-16 Fighting Falcon, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event included a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3605

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels perform their tight maneuvers over NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida during the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show held Nov. 8-9. Th More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – With the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as a backdrop, this Castrol Aviator EXTRA 300SHP stunt plane, an unlimited-level aerobatic two-seat monoplane, performs aerobatic maneuvers during the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show held Nov. 8-9. This year’s show brought together the best in military aircraft, such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-16 Fighting Falcon, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event included a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3602

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – With the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as a backdrop, this Castrol Aviator EXTRA 300SHP stunt plane, an unlimited-level aerobatic two-seat monoplane More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This close-up shows space shuttle Atlantis being lowered onto its wheels in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Atlantis has been removed from its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters stack after the delay of its STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Atlantis will be returned to the Orbiter Processing Facility. Atlantis' targeted launch on Oct. 14 was delayed when a system that transfers science data from the orbiting observatory to Earth malfunctioned on Sept. 27. The new target launch date is under review. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3641

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This close-up shows space shuttle Atlantis being lowered onto its wheels in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Atlantis has be More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis is lowered onto its wheels in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Atlantis has been removed from its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters stack after the delay of its STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Atlantis will be returned to the Orbiter Processing Facility. Atlantis' targeted launch on Oct. 14 was delayed when a system that transfers science data from the orbiting observatory to Earth malfunctioned on Sept. 27. The new target launch date is under review. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3643

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis is lowered onto its wheels in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Atlantis has been removed from its ext More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis has been lowered to a horizontal position and its wheels lowered. Atlantis has been removed from its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters stack after the delay of its STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Atlantis will be returned to the Orbiter Processing Facility. Atlantis' targeted launch on Oct. 14 was delayed when a system that transfers science data from the orbiting observatory to Earth malfunctioned on Sept. 27. The new target launch date is under review. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3640

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis has been lowered to a horizontal position and its wheels lowered. More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This close-up shows space shuttle Atlantis being lowered onto its wheels in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Atlantis has been removed from its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters stack after the delay of its STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Atlantis will be returned to the Orbiter Processing Facility. Atlantis' targeted launch on Oct. 14 was delayed when a system that transfers science data from the orbiting observatory to Earth malfunctioned on Sept. 27. The new target launch date is under review. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3642

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This close-up shows space shuttle Atlantis being lowered onto its wheels in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Atlantis has be More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Blazing light surrounds space shuttle Endeavour, eclipsing the light from the nearby full moon, as it roars into space from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center during the launch of the STS-126 mission. Liftoff was on time at 7:55 p.m. EST. STS-126 is the 124th space shuttle flight and the 27th flight to the International Space Station. The mission will feature four spacewalks and work that will prepare the space station to house six crew members for long- duration missions. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3695

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Blazing light surrounds space shuttle Endeavour, eclipsing the light from the nearby full moon, as it roars into space from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center during the launc More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Pegasus barge carrying external tank 130 moves through the Banana River bridge in Florida after an ocean voyage towed by a solid rocket booster retrieval ship from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. Pegasus will continue upriver to the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. After the Pegasus docks, the fuel tank will be offloaded and transported to the VAB. External tank 130 is the one designated for space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission targeted for launch on May 15. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3890

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Pegasus barge carrying external tank 130 moves through the Banana River bridge in Florida after an ocean voyage towed by a solid rocket booster retrieval ship from NASA's Michoud As More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- An alligator basks in the sun on the bank of the Banana River near NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida while the Pegasus barge passes by with its cargo of external tank 130. Pegasus arrived in Florida after an ocean voyage towed by a solid rocket booster retrieval ship from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. It is being towed to the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at Kennedy. After the Pegasus docks, the fuel tank will be offloaded and transported to the VAB. External tank 130 is the one designated for space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission targeted for launch on May 15. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3897

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- An alligator basks in the sun on the bank of the Banana River near NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida while the Pegasus barge passes by with its cargo of external tank 130. Pegasus More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Towed by tugboats, the Pegasus barge with its cargo of external tank 130 nears the dock in the turn basis near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Pegasus arrived in Florida after an ocean voyage towed by a solid rocket booster retrieval ship from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. After the Pegasus docks, the fuel tank will be offloaded and transported to the VAB. External tank 130 is the one designated for space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission targeted for launch on May 15. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3899

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Towed by tugboats, the Pegasus barge with its cargo of external tank 130 nears the dock in the turn basis near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in F More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Pegasus barge carrying external tank 130 moves up the Banana River in Florida after an ocean voyage towed by a solid rocket booster retrieval ship from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. Pegasus will continue to the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. After the Pegasus docks, the fuel tank will be offloaded and transported to the VAB. External tank 130 is the one designated for space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission targeted for launch on May 15. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3891

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Pegasus barge carrying external tank 130 moves up the Banana River in Florida after an ocean voyage towed by a solid rocket booster retrieval ship from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facil More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A bright sun and blue sky herald the passage of the Pegasus barge through the Banana River toward the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Pegasus, carrying external tank 130, arrived in Florida after an ocean voyage towed by a solid rocket booster retrieval ship from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. After the Pegasus docks, the fuel tank will be offloaded and transported to the VAB. External tank 130 is the one designated for space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission targeted for launch on May 15. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3894

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A bright sun and blue sky herald the passage of the Pegasus barge through the Banana River toward the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Cent More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tugboats move the Pegasus barge carrying external tank 130 through the Banana River toward the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Pegasus arrived in Florida after an ocean voyage towed by a solid rocket booster retrieval ship from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. After the Pegasus docks, the fuel tank will be offloaded and transported to the VAB. External tank 130 is the one designated for space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission targeted for launch on May 15. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3893

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tugboats move the Pegasus barge carrying external tank 130 through the Banana River toward the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Pegasus barge with its cargo of external tank 130 docks in the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Pegasus arrived in Florida after an ocean voyage towed by a solid rocket booster retrieval ship from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. After the Pegasus docks, the fuel tank will be offloaded and transported to the VAB. External tank 130 is the one designated for space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission targeted for launch on May 15. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3900

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Pegasus barge with its cargo of external tank 130 docks in the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Pegasus arrived in F More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- An alligator basks in the sun on the bank of the Banana River near NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It is witness to the passage of the Pegasus barge through the Banana River toward the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Pegasus, carrying external tank 130, arrived in Florida after an ocean voyage towed by a solid rocket booster retrieval ship from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. After the Pegasus docks, the fuel tank will be offloaded and transported to the VAB. External tank 130 is the one designated for space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission targeted for launch on May 15. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3896

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- An alligator basks in the sun on the bank of the Banana River near NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It is witness to the passage of the Pegasus barge through the Banana River t More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tugboats maneuver the Pegasus barge into place at the dock in the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Pegasus, carrying the external tank 130, arrived in Florida after an ocean voyage towed by a solid rocket booster retrieval ship from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. The fuel tank will be offloaded and transported to the VAB. External tank 130 is the one designated for space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission targeted for launch on May 15. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3902

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tugboats maneuver the Pegasus barge into place at the dock in the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Pegasus, carrying th More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tugboats maneuver the Pegasus barge close to the dock in the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Pegasus, carrying the external tank 130, arrived in Florida after an ocean voyage towed by a solid rocket booster retrieval ship from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. The fuel tank will be offloaded and transported to the VAB. External tank 130 is the one designated for space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission targeted for launch on May 15. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3901

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tugboats maneuver the Pegasus barge close to the dock in the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Pegasus, carrying the ext More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- An alligator basks in the sun on the bank of the Banana River near NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It is witness to the passage of the Pegasus barge through the Banana River toward the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Pegasus, carrying external tank 130, arrived in Florida after an ocean voyage towed by a solid rocket booster retrieval ship from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. After the Pegasus docks, the fuel tank will be offloaded and transported to the VAB. External tank 130 is the one designated for space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission targeted for launch on May 15. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3895

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- An alligator basks in the sun on the bank of the Banana River near NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It is witness to the passage of the Pegasus barge through the Banana River to More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Towed by tugboats, the Pegasus barge with its cargo of external tank 130 nears the dock in the turn basis near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Pegasus arrived in Florida after an ocean voyage towed by a solid rocket booster retrieval ship from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. After the Pegasus docks, the fuel tank will be offloaded and transported to the VAB. External tank 130 is the one designated for space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission targeted for launch on May 15. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3898

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Towed by tugboats, the Pegasus barge with its cargo of external tank 130 nears the dock in the turn basis near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in F More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Pegasus barge carrying external tank 130 arrives at Port Canaveral in Florida after an ocean voyage towed by a solid rocket booster retrieval ship from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. Pegasus will continue up the Banana River to the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. After the Pegasus docks, the fuel tank will be offloaded and transported to the VAB. External tank 130 is the one designated for space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission targeted for launch on May 15. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3889

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Pegasus barge carrying external tank 130 arrives at Port Canaveral in Florida after an ocean voyage towed by a solid rocket booster retrieval ship from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facil More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Pegasus barge carrying external tank 130 moves through the Banana River bridge in Florida after an ocean voyage towed by a solid rocket booster retrieval ship from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. Pegasus will continue upriver to the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. After the Pegasus docks, the fuel tank will be offloaded and transported to the VAB. External tank 130 is the one designated for space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission targeted for launch on May 15. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3892

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Pegasus barge carrying external tank 130 moves through the Banana River bridge in Florida after an ocean voyage towed by a solid rocket booster retrieval ship from NASA's Michoud As More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Common Berthing Mechanism, or CBM, is being moved to Cupola (background), the seven-window module to be used as a control room for robotics on the International Space Station. Cupola is the payload on the STS-130 mission, targeted for launch in December 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3926

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Common Berthing Mechanism, or CBM, is being moved to Cupola (background), the seven-window module More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers attach the Common Berthing Mechanism, or CBM, onto the Cupola, the seven-window module to be used as a control room for robotics on the International Space Station. Cupola is the payload on the STS-130 mission, targeted for launch in December 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3929

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers attach the Common Berthing Mechanism, or CBM, onto the Cupola, the seven-window module to be More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers are lifting the Common Berthing Mechanism, or CBM. The hardware will be lifted onto the Cupola (background left), the seven-window module to be used as a control room for robotics on the International Space Station. Cupola is the payload on the STS-130 mission, targeted for launch in December 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3925

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers are lifting the Common Berthing Mechanism, or CBM. The hardware will be lifted onto the Cupo More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers attach the Common Berthing Mechanism, or CBM, onto the Cupola, the seven-window module to be used as a control room for robotics on the International Space Station. Cupola is the payload on the STS-130 mission, targeted for launch in December 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3924

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers attach the Common Berthing Mechanism, or CBM, onto the Cupola, the seven-window module to be More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers move the Common Berthing Mechanism, or CBM, toward the Cupola, the seven-window module to be used as a control room for robotics on the International Space Station. Cupola is the payload on the STS-130 mission, targeted for launch in December 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3927

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers move the Common Berthing Mechanism, or CBM, toward the Cupola, the seven-window module to be More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers attach the Common Berthing Mechanism, or CBM, onto the Cupola, the seven-window module to be used as a control room for robotics on the International Space Station. Cupola is the payload on the STS-130 mission, targeted for launch in December 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3928

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers attach the Common Berthing Mechanism, or CBM, onto the Cupola, the seven-window module to be More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lifts segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. It will be placed on segment 4, at top of the tall stack behind it. The upper stage simulator comprises 11 segments, each approximately 18 feet in diameter, that will be used in the test flight known as Ares I-X in 2009. The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line. The upper stage accounts for nearly one-quarter of the total height of the Ares I. It will take the Ares I on the second phase of its journey from Earth, providing the guidance, navigation and control needed for the second phase of the Ares I ascent flight. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3992

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lifts segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. It will be placed on More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lowers segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments onto segment 4, at top of the tall stack below. The upper stage simulator comprises 11 segments, each approximately 18 feet in diameter, that will be used in the test flight known as Ares I-X in 2009. The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line. The upper stage accounts for nearly one-quarter of the total height of the Ares I. It will take the Ares I on the second phase of its journey from Earth, providing the guidance, navigation and control needed for the second phase of the Ares I ascent flight. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3998

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lowers segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments onto segment 4, at top More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lifts segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments toward the tall stack behind it. Segment 5 will be placed on segment 4, at top of the tall stack. The upper stage simulator comprises 11 segments, each approximately 18 feet in diameter, that will be used in the test flight known as Ares I-X in 2009. The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line. The upper stage accounts for nearly one-quarter of the total height of the Ares I. It will take the Ares I on the second phase of its journey from Earth, providing the guidance, navigation and control needed for the second phase of the Ares I ascent flight. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3995

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lifts segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments toward the tall stack beh More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane moves segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments toward the tall stack behind it. Segment 5 will be placed on segment 4, at top of the tall stack. The upper stage simulator comprises 11 segments, each approximately 18 feet in diameter, that will be used in the test flight known as Ares I-X in 2009. The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line. The upper stage accounts for nearly one-quarter of the total height of the Ares I. It will take the Ares I on the second phase of its journey from Earth, providing the guidance, navigation and control needed for the second phase of the Ares I ascent flight. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3996

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane moves segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments toward the tall stack beh More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lowers segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments toward segment 4, at top of the tall stack below. The upper stage simulator comprises 11 segments, each approximately 18 feet in diameter, that will be used in the test flight known as Ares I-X in 2009. The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line. The upper stage accounts for nearly one-quarter of the total height of the Ares I. It will take the Ares I on the second phase of its journey from Earth, providing the guidance, navigation and control needed for the second phase of the Ares I ascent flight. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3997

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lowers segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments toward segment 4, at to More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lifts segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. It will be placed on segment 4, at top of the tall stack behind it.The upper stage simulator comprises 11 segments, each approximately 18 feet in diameter, that will be used in the test flight known as Ares I-X in 2009. The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line. The upper stage accounts for nearly one-quarter of the total height of the Ares I. It will take the Ares I on the second phase of its journey from Earth, providing the guidance, navigation and control needed for the second phase of the Ares I ascent flight. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3993

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lifts segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. It will be placed on s More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lifts segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. It will be placed on segment 4, at top of the tall stack behind it. The upper stage simulator comprises 11 segments, each approximately 18 feet in diameter, that will be used in the test flight known as Ares I-X in 2009. The simulator segments will simulate the mass and the outer mold line. The upper stage accounts for nearly one-quarter of the total height of the Ares I. It will take the Ares I on the second phase of its journey from Earth, providing the guidance, navigation and control needed for the second phase of the Ares I ascent flight. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3994

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lifts segment 5 of the Ares I-X upper stage simulator segments. It will be placed on s More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, equipment surrounds the service structures for the construction of towers in the new lightning protection system for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. In the foreground is part of the giant crane used to place segments on the towers. Each of the three new lightning towers will be 500 feet tall with an additional 100-foot fiberglass mast (seen on the ground) atop supporting a wire catenary system. This improved lightning protection system allows for the taller height of the Ares I rocket compared to the space shuttle. Pad 39B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including the Ares I-X test flight that is targeted for July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1002

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, equipment surrounds the service structures for the construction of towers in the new lightning protection system for the Cons More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane completes construction of one of the towers in the new lightning protection system for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. Other towers are being constructed at left and behind the service structures on the pad. Each of the three new lightning towers will be 500 feet tall with an additional 100-foot fiberglass mast atop supporting a wire catenary system. This improved lightning protection system allows for the taller height of the Ares I rocket compared to the space shuttle. Pad 39B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including the Ares I-X test flight that is targeted for July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1001

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane completes construction of one of the towers in the new lightning protection system for the Constellation Program and More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, another lightning tower is being constructed as part of the new lightning protection system for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. Each of the three new lightning towers will be 500 feet tall with an additional 100-foot fiberglass mast atop supporting a wire catenary system. This improved lightning protection system allows for the taller height of the Ares I rocket compared to the space shuttle. Pad 39B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including the Ares I-X test flight that is targeted for July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1004

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, another lightning tower is being constructed as part of the new lightning protection system for the C More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane (at left) completes construction of one of the towers in the new lightning protection system for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. At right, another tower is being constructed. Each of the three new lightning towers will be 500 feet tall with an additional 100-foot fiberglass mast atop supporting a wire catenary system. This improved lightning protection system allows for the taller height of the Ares I rocket compared to the space shuttle. Pad 39B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including the Ares I-X test flight that is targeted for July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1005

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane (at left) completes construction of one of the towers in the new lightning protection system for the Constellation Pr More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane completes construction of one of the towers in the new lightning protection system for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. Each of the three new lightning towers will be 500 feet tall with an additional 100-foot fiberglass mast atop supporting a wire catenary system. This improved lightning protection system allows for the taller height of the Ares I rocket compared to the space shuttle. Pad 39B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including the Ares I-X test flight that is targeted for July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1003

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane completes construction of one of the towers in the new lightning protection system for the Constellation Program and More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building transfer aisle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is lifted from its transporter by an overhead crane. The shuttle will be raised to a vertical position and lifted into high bay 3 where it will be mated with its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. After additional preparations are made, the shuttle will be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A for a targeted launch on Feb. 12. Discovery will carry the final starboard truss (S6) in the assembly of the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1033

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building transfer aisle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is lifted from its transporter by an overhead crane. The shuttle will b More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building transfer aisle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is viewed from underneath as it is lifted from its transporter by an overhead crane. The shuttle will be raised to a vertical position and lifted into high bay 3 where it will be mated with its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. After additional preparations are made, the shuttle will be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A for a targeted launch on Feb. 12. Discovery will carry the final starboard truss (S6) in the assembly of the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1037

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building transfer aisle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is viewed from underneath as it is lifted from its transporter by an ov More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the SEDA-AP (Space Environment Data Acquisition Equipment-Attached Payload) is lowered toward the Japanese Experiment Module's Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES for installation. The SEDA-AP and ELM-ES are part of space shuttle Endeavour's payload for the STS-127 mission. SEDA-AP will measure space environment in ISS orbit and environmental effects on materials and electronic devices to investigate the interaction with and from the environment at the Kibo exposed facility. Endeavour is targeted to launch May 15. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1061

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the SEDA-AP (Space Environment Data Acquisition Equipment-Attached Payload) is lowered toward the Japa More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the SEDA-AP (Space Environment Data Acquisition Equipment-Attached Payload) is waiting to be installed on the Japanese Experiment Module's Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES. The SEDA-AP and ELM-ES are part of space shuttle Endeavour's payload for the STS-127 mission. SEDA-AP will measure space environment in ISS orbit and environmental effects on materials and electronic devices to investigate the interaction with and from the environment at the Kibo exposed facility. Endeavour is targeted to launch May 15. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1056

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the SEDA-AP (Space Environment Data Acquisition Equipment-Attached Payload) is waiting to be installed More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building transfer aisle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is lifted from its transporter by an overhead crane. The shuttle will be raised to a vertical position and lifted into high bay 3 where it will be mated with its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. After additional preparations are made, the shuttle will be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A for a targeted launch on Feb. 12. Discovery will carry the final starboard truss (S6) in the assembly of the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1035

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building transfer aisle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is lifted from its transporter by an overhead crane. The shuttle will b More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is lifted away from its transporter above the transfer aisle. The shuttle will be raised to a vertical position and lifted into high bay 3 where it will be mated with its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. After additional preparations are made, the shuttle will be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A for a targeted launch on Feb. 12. Discovery will carry the final starboard truss (S6) in the assembly of the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1038

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is lifted away from its transporter above the transfer aisle. The shuttle will be rais More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an overhead crane lifts the SEDA-AP (Space Environment Data Acquisition Equipment-Attached Payload). The payload will be installed on the Japanese Experiment Module's Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES. The SEDA-AP and ELM-ES are part of space shuttle Endeavour's payload for the STS-127 mission. SEDA-AP will measure space environment in ISS orbit and environmental effects on materials and electronic devices to investigate the interaction with and from the environment at the Kibo exposed facility. Endeavour is targeted to launch May 15. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1058

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an overhead crane lifts the SEDA-AP (Space Environment Data Acquisition Equipment-Attached Payload). T More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building transfer aisle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is lifted from its transporter by an overhead crane. The shuttle will be raised to a vertical position and lifted into high bay 3 where it will be mated with its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. After additional preparations are made, the shuttle will be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A for a targeted launch on Feb. 12. Discovery will carry the final starboard truss (S6) in the assembly of the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1036

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building transfer aisle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is lifted from its transporter by an overhead crane. The shuttle will b More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an overhead crane lifts the SEDA-AP (Space Environment Data Acquisition Equipment-Attached Payload). The payload will be installed on the Japanese Experiment Module's Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES. The SEDA-AP and ELM-ES are part of space shuttle Endeavour's payload for the STS-127 mission. SEDA-AP will measure space environment in ISS orbit and environmental effects on materials and electronic devices to investigate the interaction with and from the environment at the Kibo exposed facility. Endeavour is targeted to launch May 15. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1059

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an overhead crane lifts the SEDA-AP (Space Environment Data Acquisition Equipment-Attached Payload). T More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the SEDA-AP (Space Environment Data Acquisition Equipment-Attached Payload) is lowered onto the Japanese Experiment Module's Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES for installation. The SEDA-AP and ELM-ES are part of space shuttle Endeavour's payload for the STS-127 mission. SEDA-AP will measure space environment in ISS orbit and environmental effects on materials and electronic devices to investigate the interaction with and from the environment at the Kibo exposed facility. Endeavour is targeted to launch May 15. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1064

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the SEDA-AP (Space Environment Data Acquisition Equipment-Attached Payload) is lowered onto the Japane More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the SEDA-AP (Space Environment Data Acquisition Equipment-Attached Payload) is lowered onto the Japanese Experiment Module's Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES for installation. The SEDA-AP and ELM-ES are part of space shuttle Endeavour's payload for the STS-127 mission. SEDA-AP will measure space environment in ISS orbit and environmental effects on materials and electronic devices to investigate the interaction with and from the environment at the Kibo exposed facility. Endeavour is targeted to launch May 15. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1063

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the SEDA-AP (Space Environment Data Acquisition Equipment-Attached Payload) is lowered onto the Japane More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an overhead crane is being lowered to attach to the SEDA-AP (Space Environment Data Acquisition Equipment-Attached Payload). The payload will be installed on the Japanese Experiment Module's Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES. The SEDA-AP and ELM-ES are part of space shuttle Endeavour's payload for the STS-127 mission. SEDA-AP will measure space environment in ISS orbit and environmental effects on materials and electronic devices to investigate the interaction with and from the environment at the Kibo exposed facility. Endeavour is targeted to launch May 15. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1057

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an overhead crane is being lowered to attach to the SEDA-AP (Space Environment Data Acquisition Equipm More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an overhead crane moves the SEDA-AP (Space Environment Data Acquisition Equipment-Attached Payload) to install it on the Japanese Experiment Module's Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES. The SEDA-AP and ELM-ES are part of space shuttle Endeavour's payload for the STS-127 mission. SEDA-AP will measure space environment in ISS orbit and environmental effects on materials and electronic devices to investigate the interaction with and from the environment at the Kibo exposed facility. Endeavour is targeted to launch May 15. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1060

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an overhead crane moves the SEDA-AP (Space Environment Data Acquisition Equipment-Attached Payload) to More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the SEDA-AP (Space Environment Data Acquisition Equipment-Attached Payload) is lowered toward the Japanese Experiment Module's Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES for installation. The SEDA-AP and ELM-ES are part of space shuttle Endeavour's payload for the STS-127 mission. SEDA-AP will measure space environment in ISS orbit and environmental effects on materials and electronic devices to investigate the interaction with and from the environment at the Kibo exposed facility. Endeavour is targeted to launch May 15. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1062

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the SEDA-AP (Space Environment Data Acquisition Equipment-Attached Payload) is lowered toward the Japa More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building transfer aisle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is lifted from its transporter by an overhead crane. The shuttle will be raised to a vertical position and lifted into high bay 3 where it will be mated with its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. After additional preparations are made, the shuttle will be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A for a targeted launch on Feb. 12. Discovery will carry the final starboard truss (S6) in the assembly of the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1034

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building transfer aisle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is lifted from its transporter by an overhead crane. The shuttle will b More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A replacement weather Doppler radar has been installed on top of this tower in a remote field located west of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The radome houses the rotating antenna and pedestal and protects them from the elements. The tower is 100 feet high; the radome is 22 feet in diameter, the antenna 14 feet in diameter. It rotates at 6 rpm. The structure can withstand 130 mph winds. It is undergoing initial testing and expected to become operational in the summer. The weather radar is essential in issuing lightning and other severe weather warnings and vital in evaluating lightning launch commit criteria for space shuttle and rocket launches. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1084

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A replacement weather Doppler radar has been installed on top of this tower in a remote field located west of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The radome houses the rotating anten More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A replacement weather Doppler radar has been installed in the radome on top of this tower in a remote field located west of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The dome houses the rotating antenna and pedestal and protects them from the elements. The tower is 100 feet high; the radome is 22 feet in diameter, the antenna 14 feet in diameter. It rotates at 6 rpm. The structure can withstand 130 mph winds. It is undergoing initial testing and expected to become operational in the summer. The weather radar is essential in issuing lightning and other severe weather warnings and vital in evaluating lightning launch commit criteria for space shuttle and rocket launches. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1081

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A replacement weather Doppler radar has been installed in the radome on top of this tower in a remote field located west of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The dome houses the ro More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A closeup of the replacement weather Doppler radar being installed in a remote field located west of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The tower is 100 feet high; the radome is 22 feet in diameter, the antenna 14 feet in diameter. It rotates at 6 rpm. The structure can withstand 130 mph winds. It is undergoing initial testing and expected to become operational in the summer. The weather radar is essential in issuing lightning and other severe weather warnings and vital in evaluating lightning launch commit criteria for space shuttle and rocket launches. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1078

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A closeup of the replacement weather Doppler radar being installed in a remote field located west of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The tower is 100 feet high; the radome is 22 More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A replacement weather Doppler radar has been installed on top of this tower in a remote field located west of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The radome houses the rotating antenna and pedestal and protects them from the elements. The tower is 100 feet high; the radome is 22 feet in diameter, the antenna 14 feet in diameter. It rotates at 6 rpm. The structure can withstand 130 mph winds. It is undergoing initial testing and expected to become operational in the summer. The weather radar is essential in issuing lightning and other severe weather warnings and vital in evaluating lightning launch commit criteria for space shuttle and rocket launches. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1082

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A replacement weather Doppler radar has been installed on top of this tower in a remote field located west of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The radome houses the rotating anten More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A closeup of the replacement weather Doppler radar being installed in a remote field located west of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The tower is 100 feet high; the radome is 22 feet in diameter, the antenna 14 feet in diameter. It rotates at 6 rpm. The structure can withstand 130 mph winds. It is undergoing initial testing and expected to become operational in the summer. The weather radar is essential in issuing lightning and other severe weather warnings and vital in evaluating lightning launch commit criteria for space shuttle and rocket launches. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1079

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A closeup of the replacement weather Doppler radar being installed in a remote field located west of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The tower is 100 feet high; the radome is 22 More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A closeup of the replacement weather Doppler radar being installed in a remote field located west of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The tower is 100 feet high; the radome is 22 feet in diameter, the antenna 14 feet in diameter. It rotates at 6 rpm. The structure can withstand 130 mph winds. It is undergoing initial testing and expected to become operational in the summer. The weather radar is essential in issuing lightning and other severe weather warnings and vital in evaluating lightning launch commit criteria for space shuttle and rocket launches. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1080

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A closeup of the replacement weather Doppler radar being installed in a remote field located west of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The tower is 100 feet high; the radome is 22 More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A replacement weather Doppler radar has been installed on top of this tower in a remote field located west of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The radome houses the rotating antenna and pedestal and protects them from the elements. The tower is 100 feet high; the radome is 22 feet in diameter, the antenna 14 feet in diameter. It rotates at 6 rpm. The structure can withstand 130 mph winds. It is undergoing initial testing and expected to become operational in the summer. The weather radar is essential in issuing lightning and other severe weather warnings and vital in evaluating lightning launch commit criteria for space shuttle and rocket launches. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1083

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A replacement weather Doppler radar has been installed on top of this tower in a remote field located west of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The radome houses the rotating anten More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A closeup of the replacement weather Doppler radar being installed in a remote field located west of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The tower is 100 feet high; the radome is 22 feet in diameter, the antenna 14 feet in diameter. It rotates at 6 rpm. The structure can withstand 130 mph winds. It is undergoing initial testing and expected to become operational in the summer. The weather radar is essential in issuing lightning and other severe weather warnings and vital in evaluating lightning launch commit criteria for space shuttle and rocket launches. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1077

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A closeup of the replacement weather Doppler radar being installed in a remote field located west of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The tower is 100 feet high; the radome is 22 More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The massive crawler-transporter begins moving its cargo of space shuttle Discovery and mobile launcher platform out of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to Launch Pad 39A. At upper left is one of the two operator control cabs, one at each end of the chassis, used to control all crawler systems. First motion was at 5:17 a.m. EST. Discovery is targeted to launch to the International Space Station Feb. 12. During Discovery's 14-day mission, the crew will install the S6 truss segment and its solar arrays to the starboard side of the station, completing the station's backbone, or truss, enabling a six-person crew to live there starting in May. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1112

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The massive crawler-transporter begins moving its cargo of space shuttle Discovery and mobile launcher platform out of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Flo More