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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers unload a container holding the cruise stage, one of the first three elements for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) that arrived at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility aboard an Air Force C-17 cargo plane. The cruise stage, back shell and heat shield, the first flight elements to arrive for the MSL mission, were taken to the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) located in the KSC Industrial Area to begin processing. The Curiosity rover will arrive next month. A United Launch Alliance Atlas V-541 configuration will be used to loft MSL into space. Curiosity’s 10 science instruments are designed to search for evidence on whether Mars has had environments favorable to microbial life, including chemical ingredients for life. The unique rover will use a laser to look inside rocks and release its gasses so that the rover’s spectrometer can analyze and send the data back to Earth. MSL is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida Nov. 25 with a window extending to Dec. 18 and arrival at Mars Aug. 2012. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/msl. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2011-3510

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers unload a container holding the cruise stage, one of the first three elements for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) that arrived at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Skid Strip on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers roll the Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, off a Volga-Dnepr Antonov AN-124-100, a Ukranian/Russian aircraft. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-6436

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Skid Strip on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers roll the Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Skid Strip on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a crane prepares to lift the Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, onto a transporter. The stage was delivered aboard the Volga-Dnepr Antonov AN-124-100, a Ukranian/Russian aircraft, at right. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-6439

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Skid Strip on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a crane prepares to lift the Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observato More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Skid Strip on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a Volga-Dnepr Antonov AN-124-100, a Ukranian/Russian aircraft, delivers the Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-6432

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Skid Strip on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a Volga-Dnepr Antonov AN-124-100, a Ukranian/Russian aircraft, delivers the Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket s More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Skid Strip on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, has been offloaded from Volga-Dnepr Antonov AN-124-100, a Ukranian/Russian aircraft, in which it was delivered. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-6438

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Skid Strip on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, has been offl More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Skid Strip on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers roll the Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, from Volga-Dnepr Antonov AN-124-100, a Ukranian/Russian aircraft, in which it was delivered. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-6437

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Skid Strip on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers roll the Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first stage of the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, is ready for further processing in the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center hangar on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. It was delivered on Oct. 27. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-6448

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first stage of the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, is ready for further processing in the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center hangar on Cape More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, is transported from the Skid Strip on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center. The stage was delivered aboard the Volga-Dnepr Antonov AN-124-100, a Ukranian/Russian aircraft, in the background. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-6442

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, is transported from the Skid Strip on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Flori More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Skid Strip on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a crane lifts the Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, onto a transporter. The stage was delivered aboard the Volga-Dnepr Antonov AN-124-100, a Ukranian/Russian aircraft, behind it. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-6440

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Skid Strip on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a crane lifts the Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Skid Strip on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers offload the Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, from a Volga-Dnepr Antonov AN-124-100, a Ukranian/Russian aircraft. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-6435

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Skid Strip on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers offload the Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SD More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, rolls into the hangar at the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The first stage of the Atlas V, at right, was delivered to the hangar on Oct. 27. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-6446

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, rolls into the hangar at the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center on Cape Canave More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Skid Strip on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers prepare to offload the Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, from a Volga-Dnepr Antonov AN-124-100, a Ukranian/Russian aircraft. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-6434

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Skid Strip on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers prepare to offload the Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observa More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, is transported to the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-6443

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, is transported to the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center on Cape Canaveral Air More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, is moved into the hangar at the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-6445

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, is moved into the hangar at the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center on Cape Can More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A Volga-Dnepr Antonov AN-124-100, a Ukranian/Russian aircraft, lands at the Skid Strip on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, delivering the Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-6431

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A Volga-Dnepr Antonov AN-124-100, a Ukranian/Russian aircraft, lands at the Skid Strip on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, delivering the Centaur second stage for the Atlas V More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first stage of the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, awaits processing in the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center hangar on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. It was delivered on Oct. 27. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-6447

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first stage of the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, awaits processing in the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center hangar on Cape Canaveral Air More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Skid Strip on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers prepare to offload the Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, from a Volga-Dnepr Antonov AN-124-100, a Ukranian/Russian aircraft. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-6433

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Skid Strip on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers prepare to offload the Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observa More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, arrives at the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-6444

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, arrives at the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center on Cape Canaveral Air Force More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Skid Strip on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a crane lowers the Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, onto a transporter. The stage was delivered aboard the Volga-Dnepr Antonov AN-124-100, a Ukranian/Russian aircraft, at left. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-6441

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Skid Strip on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a crane lowers the Centaur second stage for the Atlas V rocket slated to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, is slowly maneuvered into position in the Vertical Integration Facility at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2009-6827

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, is slowly maneuvered into position in the Vertical Integration Facility at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Cana More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers lift the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, from its transporter at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2009-6820

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers lift the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, from its transporter at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers lift the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, into a vertical position at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2009-6822

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers lift the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, into a vertical position at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, is ready for its lift into the Vertical Integration Facility at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2009-6823

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, is ready for its lift into the Vertical Integration Facility at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air F More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, is ready to be lifted into the Vertical Integration Facility at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2009-6819

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, is ready to be lifted into the Vertical Integration Facility at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air F More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers prepare to hoist the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, into the Vertical Integration Facility at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2009-6818

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers prepare to hoist the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, into the Vertical Integration Facility at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Ai More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This view from the top of the Vertical Integration Facility at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, shows the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, suspended in a vertical position. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2009-6825

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This view from the top of the Vertical Integration Facility at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, shows the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, makes its slow trek from the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center to Pad 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2009-6816

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, makes its slow trek from the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center to Pad 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force St More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers hoist the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, into the Vertical Integration Facility at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2009-6826

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers hoist the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, into the Vertical Integration Facility at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Sta More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, is in position in the Vertical Integration Facility at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida and ready for further processing. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2009-6828

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, is in position in the Vertical Integration Facility at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Stat More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, begins its lift into the Vertical Integration Facility at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2009-6824

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, begins its lift into the Vertical Integration Facility at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force S More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers lift the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, toward the Vertical Integration Facility at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2009-6821

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers lift the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, toward the Vertical Integration Facility at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force St More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Fog engulfs Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida as the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, arrives at the pad. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2009-6817

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Fog engulfs Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida as the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, arrives at the pad. SD More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, begins its move to Pad 41. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2009-6815

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, begins its mov More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, preparations are under way to move the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, to Pad 41. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2009-6814

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, preparations are under way to move the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Centaur upper stage for the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, is lifted into a vertical position at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for 10:53 a.m. EST on Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2009-6906

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Centaur upper stage for the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, is lifted into a vertical position at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the Centaur upper stage for the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, is lifted above the first stage of the rocket in the Vertical Integration Facility. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for 10:53 a.m. EST on Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-6910

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the Centaur upper stage for the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, is lifte More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Centaur upper stage for the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, begins its move from the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center to Pad 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for 10:53 a.m. EST on Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2009-6903

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Centaur upper stage for the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, begins its move from the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center to Pad 41 on Cap More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vertical Integration Facility at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers install the Centaur upper stage for the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, on the first stage of the rocket. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for 10:53 a.m. EST on Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-6911

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vertical Integration Facility at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers install the Centaur upper stage for the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launc More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Centaur upper stage for the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, arrives at Pad 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for 10:53 a.m. EST on Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2009-6904

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Centaur upper stage for the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, arrives at Pad 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. SDO is t More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, preparations are under way to move the Centaur upper stage for the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, to Pad 41. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for 10:53 a.m. EST on Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2009-6902

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, preparations are under way to move the Centaur upper stage for the Atlas V rocket scheduled to l More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vertical Integration Facility at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the Centaur upper stage for the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, has been installed on the first stage of the rocket. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for 10:53 a.m. EST on Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-6912

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vertical Integration Facility at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the Centaur upper stage for the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar D More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the Centaur upper stage for the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, is lifted into the Vertical Integration Facility where it will be installed on the first stage of the Atlas V, in the background. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for 10:53 a.m. EST on Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-6908

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the Centaur upper stage for the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, is lifte More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the Centaur upper stage for the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, is lifted to the top of the Vertical Integration Facility where it will be installed on the first stage of the Atlas V, in the background. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for 10:53 a.m. EST on Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-6909

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the Centaur upper stage for the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, is lifte More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Centaur upper stage for the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, is lifted from its transporter at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for 10:53 a.m. EST on Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2009-6905

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Centaur upper stage for the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, is lifted from its transporter at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air For More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Centaur upper stage for the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, begins its lift into the Vertical Integration Facility at Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. SDO is the first space weather research network mission in NASA's Living With a Star Program. The spacecraft's long-term measurements will give solar scientists in-depth information about changes in the sun's magnetic field and insight into how they affect Earth. Liftoff on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V is scheduled for 10:53 a.m. EST on Feb. 3, 2010. For information on SDO, visit http://www.nasa.gov/sdo. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2009-6907

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Centaur upper stage for the Atlas V rocket scheduled to launch NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, begins its lift into the Vertical Integration Facility at Launch Complex 41 o More

Cape Canaveral, Fla. -- The sunrise casts a haze over the Shuttle Landing Facility and the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where the arrival of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) first three elements are being delivered by an Air Force C-17 cargo plane. The cruise stage, back shell and heat shield, the first flight elements to arrive for the MSL mission, were taken to the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) located in the KSC Industrial Area to begin processing. The Curiosity rover will arrive next month. A United Launch Alliance Atlas V-541 configuration will be used to loft MSL into space. Curiosity’s 10 science instruments are designed to search for evidence on whether Mars has had environments favorable to microbial life, including chemical ingredients for life. The unique rover will use a laser to look inside rocks and release its gasses so that the rover’s spectrometer can analyze and send the data back to Earth. MSL is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida Nov. 25 with a window extending to Dec. 18 and arrival at Mars Aug. 2012. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/msl. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2011-3492

Cape Canaveral, Fla. -- The sunrise casts a haze over the Shuttle Landing Facility and the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where the arrival of NASA's Mars Science Laborator More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers unload a container holding the heat shield, one of the first three elements for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) that arrived at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility aboard an Air Force C-17 cargo plane. The cruise stage, back shell and heat shield, the first flight elements to arrive for the MSL mission, were taken to the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) located in the KSC Industrial Area to begin processing. The Curiosity rover will arrive next month. A United Launch Alliance Atlas V-541 configuration will be used to loft MSL into space. Curiosity’s 10 science instruments are designed to search for evidence on whether Mars has had environments favorable to microbial life, including chemical ingredients for life. The unique rover will use a laser to look inside rocks and release its gasses so that the rover’s spectrometer can analyze and send the data back to Earth. MSL is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida Nov. 25 with a window extending to Dec. 18 and arrival at Mars Aug. 2012. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/msl. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2011-3498

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers unload a container holding the heat shield, one of the first three elements for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) that arrived at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing F More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers load onto a transporter a container holding the back shell, one of the first three elements for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL), that arrived at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility. The cruise stage, back shell and heat shield, the first flight elements to arrive for the MSL mission, were taken to the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) located in the KSC Industrial Area to begin processing. The Curiosity rover will arrive next month. A United Launch Alliance Atlas V-541 configuration will be used to loft MSL into space. Curiosity’s 10 science instruments are designed to search for evidence on whether Mars has had environments favorable to microbial life, including chemical ingredients for life. The unique rover will use a laser to look inside rocks and release its gasses so that the rover’s spectrometer can analyze and send the data back to Earth. MSL is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida Nov. 25 with a window extending to Dec. 18 and arrival at Mars Aug. 2012. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/msl. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2011-3505

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers load onto a transporter a container holding the back shell, one of the first three elements for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL), that arrived at NASA Kennedy Space Center's More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers unload a container holding the back shell, one of the first three elements for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) that arrived at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility aboard an Air Force C-17 cargo plane. The cruise stage, back shell and heat shield, the first flight elements to arrive for the MSL mission, were taken to the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) located in the KSC Industrial Area to begin processing. The Curiosity rover will arrive next month. A United Launch Alliance Atlas V-541 configuration will be used to loft MSL into space. Curiosity’s 10 science instruments are designed to search for evidence on whether Mars has had environments favorable to microbial life, including chemical ingredients for life. The unique rover will use a laser to look inside rocks and release its gasses so that the rover’s spectrometer can analyze and send the data back to Earth. MSL is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida Nov. 25 with a window extending to Dec. 18 and arrival at Mars Aug. 2012. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/msl. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2011-3503

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers unload a container holding the back shell, one of the first three elements for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) that arrived at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Fa More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers load onto a transporter a container holding the heat shield, one of the first three elements for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL), that arrived at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility. The cruise stage, back shell and heat shield, the first flight elements to arrive for the MSL mission, were taken to the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) located in the KSC Industrial Area to begin processing. The Curiosity rover will arrive next month. A United Launch Alliance Atlas V-541 configuration will be used to loft MSL into space. Curiosity’s 10 science instruments are designed to search for evidence on whether Mars has had environments favorable to microbial life, including chemical ingredients for life. The unique rover will use a laser to look inside rocks and release its gasses so that the rover’s spectrometer can analyze and send the data back to Earth. MSL is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida Nov. 25 with a window extending to Dec. 18 and arrival at Mars Aug. 2012. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/msl. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2011-3502

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers load onto a transporter a container holding the heat shield, one of the first three elements for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL), that arrived at NASA Kennedy Space Center's More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers unload a container holding the heat shield, one of the first three elements for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) that arrived at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility aboard an Air Force C-17 cargo plane. The cruise stage, back shell and heat shield, the first flight elements to arrive for the MSL mission, were taken to the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) located in the KSC Industrial Area to begin processing. The Curiosity rover will arrive next month. A United Launch Alliance Atlas V-541 configuration will be used to loft MSL into space. Curiosity’s 10 science instruments are designed to search for evidence on whether Mars has had environments favorable to microbial life, including chemical ingredients for life. The unique rover will use a laser to look inside rocks and release its gasses so that the rover’s spectrometer can analyze and send the data back to Earth. MSL is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida Nov. 25 with a window extending to Dec. 18 and arrival at Mars Aug. 2012. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/msl. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2011-3499

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers unload a container holding the heat shield, one of the first three elements for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) that arrived at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing F More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers unload a container holding the back shell, one of the first three elements for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) that arrived at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility aboard an Air Force C-17 cargo plane. The cruise stage, back shell and heat shield, the first flight elements to arrive for the MSL mission, were taken to the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) located in the KSC Industrial Area to begin processing. The Curiosity rover will arrive next month. A United Launch Alliance Atlas V-541 configuration will be used to loft MSL into space. Curiosity’s 10 science instruments are designed to search for evidence on whether Mars has had environments favorable to microbial life, including chemical ingredients for life. The unique rover will use a laser to look inside rocks and release its gasses so that the rover’s spectrometer can analyze and send the data back to Earth. MSL is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida Nov. 25 with a window extending to Dec. 18 and arrival at Mars Aug. 2012. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/msl. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2011-3504

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers unload a container holding the back shell, one of the first three elements for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) that arrived at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Fa More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers load onto a transporter a container holding the heat shield, one of the first three elements for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL), that arrived at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility. The cruise stage, back shell and heat shield, the first flight elements to arrive for the MSL mission, were taken to the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) located in the KSC Industrial Area to begin processing. The Curiosity rover will arrive next month. A United Launch Alliance Atlas V-541 configuration will be used to loft MSL into space. Curiosity’s 10 science instruments are designed to search for evidence on whether Mars has had environments favorable to microbial life, including chemical ingredients for life. The unique rover will use a laser to look inside rocks and release its gasses so that the rover’s spectrometer can analyze and send the data back to Earth. MSL is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida Nov. 25 with a window extending to Dec. 18 and arrival at Mars Aug. 2012. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/msl. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2011-3501

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers load onto a transporter a container holding the heat shield, one of the first three elements for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL), that arrived at NASA Kennedy Space Center's More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers unload a container holding the cruise stage, one of the first three elements for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) that arrived at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility aboard an Air Force C-17 cargo plane. The cruise stage, back shell and heat shield, the first flight elements to arrive for the MSL mission, were taken to the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) located in the KSC Industrial Area to begin processing. The Curiosity rover will arrive next month. A United Launch Alliance Atlas V-541 configuration will be used to loft MSL into space. Curiosity’s 10 science instruments are designed to search for evidence on whether Mars has had environments favorable to microbial life, including chemical ingredients for life. The unique rover will use a laser to look inside rocks and release its gasses so that the rover’s spectrometer can analyze and send the data back to Earth. MSL is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida Nov. 25 with a window extending to Dec. 18 and arrival at Mars Aug. 2012. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/msl. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2011-3508

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers unload a container holding the cruise stage, one of the first three elements for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) that arrived at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers have loaded onto a transporter all three containers holding the first three elements for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) that arrived at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility aboard an Air Force C-17 cargo plane. The cruise stage, back shell and heat shield, the first flight elements to arrive for the MSL mission, were taken to the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) located in the KSC Industrial Area to begin processing. The Curiosity rover will arrive next month. A United Launch Alliance Atlas V-541 configuration will be used to loft MSL into space. Curiosity’s 10 science instruments are designed to search for evidence on whether Mars has had environments favorable to microbial life, including chemical ingredients for life. The unique rover will use a laser to look inside rocks and release its gasses so that the rover’s spectrometer can analyze and send the data back to Earth. MSL is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida Nov. 25 with a window extending to Dec. 18 and arrival at Mars Aug. 2012. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/msl. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2011-3512

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers have loaded onto a transporter all three containers holding the first three elements for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) that arrived at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle More