121 Nasa News Center Image: PICRYL - Public Domain Media Search Engine Public Domain Search}

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Like a roman candle shooting through the blue sky, the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 kicks off the fireworks for the U.S. holiday in its third launch attempt in four days. Liftoff was on-time at 2:38 p.m. EDT. The countdown clock on the grounds of the NASA News Center shows 17 seconds into the launch. Media crowd the banks of the turn basin to capture the sight of the launch. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew of seven will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Landing is scheduled for July 16 or 17 at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd1413

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Like a roman candle shooting through the blue sky, the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 kicks off the fireworks for the U.S. holiday in its third launch attem More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the turn basin near the NASA News Center swims a large fish, perhaps witness to the arrival today of the external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115. The tank, designated ET-118, was shipped from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. The area is part of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with the center. The wildlife refuge is a habitat for more than 117 fishes, as well as 310 species of birds, 25 mammals and 65 amphibians and reptiles. In addition, the Refuge supports 19 endangered or threatened wildlife species on Federal or State lists, more than any other single refuge in the U.S. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1020

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the turn basin near the NASA News Center swims a large fish, perhaps witness to the arrival today of the external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the nex More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On a morning where broken clouds filled the sky of Central Florida, the shuttle carrier aircraft, or SCA, and its passenger Atlantis ease their way past the NASA News Center for a landing at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility, known as the SLF. The aircraft is a modified Boeing 747 jetliner Atlantis landed at Edwards Air Force Base in California to end mission STS-117. The return to KSC began July 1 and took three days after stops across the country for fuel. The last stop was at Ft. Campbell in Kentucky. Weather conditions over the last leg postponed the return trip until July 3. Touchdown was at 8:27 a.m. EDT. Atlantis will be removed from the back of the SCA via the mate/demate device at the SLF. It will then be towed to the Orbiter Processing Facility to begin processing for its next launch, mission STS-122 in December. Photo credit: NASA/Debbie Odom KSC-07pd1722

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On a morning where broken clouds filled the sky of Central Florida, the shuttle carrier aircraft, or SCA, and its passenger Atlantis ease their way past the NASA News Center for More

This aerial view is of the buildings that comprise the NASA Press Site in the Launch Complex 39 area. The first large building on the right (closest to the water) is the grandstand from which media representatives view the Space Shuttle launches. The building next to it houses the auditorium from which NASA press briefings are broadcast. To its immediate left is the NASA News Center which includes the offices of the NASA spokesmen at Kennedy Space Center. The buildings and trailers to the left of the News Center are assigned to various television stations and news services KSC00pp0739

This aerial view is of the buildings that comprise the NASA Press Site in the Launch Complex 39 area. The first large building on the right (closest to the water) is the grandstand from which media representati More

This aerial view is of the buildings that comprise the NASA Press Site in the Launch Complex 39 area. The first large building on the left is the grandstand from which media representatives view the Space Shuttle launches. The building next to it houses the auditorium from which NASA press briefings are broadcast. To its immediate right is the NASA News Center which includes the offices of the NASA spokesmen at Kennedy Space Center. The buildings and trailers to the right of the News Center are assigned to various television stations and news services KSC00pp0740

This aerial view is of the buildings that comprise the NASA Press Site in the Launch Complex 39 area. The first large building on the left is the grandstand from which media representatives view the Space Shutt More

This aerial view is of the buildings that comprise the NASA Press Site in the Launch Complex 39 area. The first large building on the right (closest to the water) is the grandstand from which media representatives view the Space Shuttle launches. The building next to it houses the auditorium from which NASA press briefings are broadcast. To its immediate left is the NASA News Center which includes the offices of the NASA spokesmen at Kennedy Space Center. The buildings and trailers to the left of the News Center are assigned to various television stations and news services KSC-00pp0739

This aerial view is of the buildings that comprise the NASA Press Site in the Launch Complex 39 area. The first large building on the right (closest to the water) is the grandstand from which media representati More

This aerial view is of the buildings that comprise the NASA Press Site in the Launch Complex 39 area. The first large building on the left is the grandstand from which media representatives view the Space Shuttle launches. The building next to it houses the auditorium from which NASA press briefings are broadcast. To its immediate right is the NASA News Center which includes the offices of the NASA spokesmen at Kennedy Space Center. The buildings and trailers to the right of the News Center are assigned to various television stations and news services KSC-00pp0740

This aerial view is of the buildings that comprise the NASA Press Site in the Launch Complex 39 area. The first large building on the left is the grandstand from which media representatives view the Space Shutt More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-112 crew takes part in a post-landing briefing for the media. Moderating, at left, is George Diller, with the NASA News Center. The crew, from left, are Commander Jeffrey Ashby, Pilot Pamela Melroy and Mission Specialists David Wolf, Sandra Magnus, Piers Sellers and cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin. Mission STS-112 was the 15th assembly flight to the International Space Station, installing the S1 truss. The landing was the 60th at KSC in the history of the Shuttle program. KSC-02pd1626

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-112 crew takes part in a post-landing briefing for the media. Moderating, at left, is George Diller, with the NASA News Center. The crew, from left, are Commander Jeffre More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the top of the mound where the NASA News Center is located, NBC television news anchor Tom Brokaw gets ready to give a report on the tragic loss of Space Shuttle Columbia as it was returning to Earth on mission STS-107. Journalists from around the world covered the event. KSC-03pd0255

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the top of the mound where the NASA News Center is located, NBC television news anchor Tom Brokaw gets ready to give a report on the tragic loss of Space Shuttle Columbia as it More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the top of the mound where the NASA News Center is located, NBC television news anchor Tom Brokaw reports on the tragic loss of Space Shuttle Columbia as it was returning to Earth on mission STS-107. Journalists from around the world covered the event. KSC-03pd0256

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the top of the mound where the NASA News Center is located, NBC television news anchor Tom Brokaw reports on the tragic loss of Space Shuttle Columbia as it was returning to Ear More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Media broadcast outside of the NASA News Center as they report the tragic loss of Space Shuttle Columbia as it was returning to Earth on mission STS-107. KSC-03pd0252

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Media broadcast outside of the NASA News Center as they report the tragic loss of Space Shuttle Columbia as it was returning to Earth on mission STS-107.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- - Media trucks with live satellite feeds fill the top of the mound where the NASA News Center is located. The media are reporting the tragic loss of Space Shuttle Columbia as it was returning to Earth on mission STS-107. Journalists from around the world covered the event. KSC-03pd0254

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- - Media trucks with live satellite feeds fill the top of the mound where the NASA News Center is located. The media are reporting the tragic loss of Space Shuttle Columbia as it w More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Media trucks with live satellite feeds fill the top of the mound where the NASA News Center is located. The media are reporting the tragic loss of Space Shuttle Columbia as it was returning to Earth on mission STS-107. Journalists from around the world covered the event. KSC-03pd0253

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Media trucks with live satellite feeds fill the top of the mound where the NASA News Center is located. The media are reporting the tragic loss of Space Shuttle Columbia as it was More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A large poster in tribute to the Columbia astronauts who were lost in the Shuttle's explosion Feb. 1, is on display in the NASA News Center at KSC. The poster was signed by young women attending the Sally Ride Science Festival at the University of Central Florida, Orlando, Fla. The Sally Ride event promotes science, math and technology as future career paths for girls. Former astronaut Sally Ride addressed the girls at the festival, while breakout sessions afforded closer interaction between Ride and festival attendees. KSC-03pd0464

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A large poster in tribute to the Columbia astronauts who were lost in the Shuttle's explosion Feb. 1, is on display in the NASA News Center at KSC. The poster was signed by youn More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. – This view shows much of the Launch Complex 39 Area stretching beyond the Turn Basin in the foreground. The largest building is the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building. In front of it is the Launch Control Center. Behind and to the left of the VAB are the Orbiter Processing Facility bays. At left are the Multi-Function Facility and Operations Support Building. At left of the Turn Basin is the Press Site, which comprises the NASA News Center, grandstand, TV studio and media buildings. 03pd2227

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. – This view shows much of the Launch Complex 39 Area stretching beyond the Turn Basin in the foreground. The largest building is the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building. In f More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A film crew from India sets up equipment inside the television studio at the NASA News Center. The crew spent several days at KSC filming at various sites for the movie “Swades,” a story about India’s brain-drain. At center is Mahesh Aney, director of photography. The writer and director is Ashutosh Gowariker (seen to the right of Aney). The lead actors are Shahrukh Khan and Gayatri Joshi. Sunita Gowariker is executive producer. KSC-04pd1108

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A film crew from India sets up equipment inside the television studio at the NASA News Center. The crew spent several days at KSC filming at various sites for the movie “Swades,” More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A film crew from India sets up equipment at the viewing stands near the NASA News Center. The crew spent several days at KSC filming at various sites for the movie “Swades,” a story about India’s brain-drain. The writer and director is Ashutosh Gowariker, standing at left. The lead actors are Shahrukh Khan and Gayatri Joshi. Sunita Gowariker is executive producer. KSC-04pd1100

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A film crew from India sets up equipment at the viewing stands near the NASA News Center. The crew spent several days at KSC filming at various sites for the movie “Swades,” a sto More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Sashikant Dhawan (left), costume director with a film crew from India, and Shirish R. Patel (right), with KSC’s International Space Station Payload Processing, pose for a photo near the viewing stands at the NASA News Center. The crew spent several days at KSC filming at various sites for the movie “Swades,” a story about India’s brain-drain. The writer and director is Ashutosh Gowariker. The lead actors are Shahrukh Khan and Gayatri Joshi. Sunita Gowariker is executive producer. KSC-04pd1101

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Sashikant Dhawan (left), costume director with a film crew from India, and Shirish R. Patel (right), with KSC’s International Space Station Payload Processing, pose for a photo nea More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A film crew from India sets up equipment at the viewing stands near the NASA News Center. The crew spent several days at KSC filming at various sites for the movie “Swades,” a story about India’s brain-drain. The writer and director is Ashutosh Gowariker and lead actors are Shahrukh Khan and Gayatri Joshi. Sunita Gowariker is executive producer. KSC-04pd1097

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A film crew from India sets up equipment at the viewing stands near the NASA News Center. The crew spent several days at KSC filming at various sites for the movie “Swades,” a sto More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mahesh Aney, who is director of photography on a film crew from India, sets up a camera at the stands near the NASA News Center. The crew spent several days at KSC filming at various sites for the movie “Swades,” a story about India’s brain-drain. The writer and director is Ashutosh Gowariker. The lead actors are Shahrukh Khan and Gayatri Joshi. Sunita Gowariker is executive producer. KSC-04pd1107

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mahesh Aney, who is director of photography on a film crew from India, sets up a camera at the stands near the NASA News Center. The crew spent several days at KSC filming at vari More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A film crew from India sets up equipment at the viewing stands near the NASA News Center. The crew spent several days at KSC filming at various sites for the movie “Swades,” a story about India’s brain-drain. The writer and director is Ashutosh Gowariker and lead actors are Shahrukh Khan and Gayatri Joshi. Sunita Gowariker is executive producer. KSC-04pd1098

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A film crew from India sets up equipment at the viewing stands near the NASA News Center. The crew spent several days at KSC filming at various sites for the movie “Swades,” a sto More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A film crew from India sets up equipment at the viewing stands near the NASA News Center. Behind the camera at right is Director of Photography Mahesh Aney. The crew spent several days at KSC filming at various sites for the movie “Swades,” a story about India’s brain-drain. The writer and director is Ashutosh Gowariker. The lead actors are Shahrukh Khan and Gayatri Joshi. Sunita Gowariker is executive producer. KSC-04pd1106

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A film crew from India sets up equipment at the viewing stands near the NASA News Center. Behind the camera at right is Director of Photography Mahesh Aney. The crew spent severa More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of three osprey fledglings spreads its wings, anticipating flight. The nest is in the NASA News Center parking lot, across from the Vehicle Assembly Building, with its 209-foot-high American flag painted on the south side. Ospreys select nesting sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Known as a fish hawk, ospreys often can be seen flying overhead with a fish in their talons. KSC-04pd1144

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of three osprey fledglings spreads its wings, anticipating flight. The nest is in the NASA News Center parking lot, across from the Vehicle Assembly Building, with its 209-foo More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of three osprey fledglings exercises its wings, anticipating flight. The nest is in the NASA News Center parking lot, across from the Vehicle Assembly Building, with its 209-foot-high American flag painted on the south side. Ospreys select nesting sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Known as a fish hawk, ospreys often can be seen flying overhead with a fish in their talons. KSC-04pd1146

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of three osprey fledglings exercises its wings, anticipating flight. The nest is in the NASA News Center parking lot, across from the Vehicle Assembly Building, with its 209-f More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of three osprey fledglings spreads its wings, anticipating flight. The nest is in the NASA News Center parking lot, across from the Vehicle Assembly Building, with its 209-foot-high American flag painted on the south side. Ospreys select nesting sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Known as a fish hawk, ospreys often can be seen flying overhead with a fish in their talons. KSC-04pd1145

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of three osprey fledglings spreads its wings, anticipating flight. The nest is in the NASA News Center parking lot, across from the Vehicle Assembly Building, with its 209-foo More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- - Three osprey fledglings are ready to test their wings from the nest at the NASA News Center parking lot. Ospreys select nesting sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Known as a fish hawk, ospreys often can be seen flying overhead with a fish in their talons. KSC-04pd1143

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- - Three osprey fledglings are ready to test their wings from the nest at the NASA News Center parking lot. Ospreys select nesting sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of three osprey fledglings exercises its wings, anticipating flight. The nest is in the NASA News Center parking lot, across from the Vehicle Assembly Building, with its 209-foot-high American flag painted on the south side. Ospreys select nesting sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Known as a fish hawk, ospreys often can be seen flying overhead with a fish in their talons. KSC-04pd1147

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of three osprey fledglings exercises its wings, anticipating flight. The nest is in the NASA News Center parking lot, across from the Vehicle Assembly Building, with its 209-f More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the podium, KSC Deputy Director Dr. Woodrow Whitlow talks to students in the gymnasium at Trojan Intermediate School in Potosi, Mo. At left is Amber Marek, with the NASA News Center; at right is astronaut Dom Gorie. Students from three area schools — Potosi High School, John Evans Middle School and Trojan — are on a team taking part in NASA’s Explorer Schools program. Whitlow and Gorie are visiting the school to share America’s new vision for space exploration with the next generation of explorers. They are talking with students about our destiny as explorers, NASA’s stepping stone approach to exploring Earth, the Moon, Mars and beyond, how space impacts our lives, and how people and machines rely on each other in space. KSC-04pd1185

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the podium, KSC Deputy Director Dr. Woodrow Whitlow talks to students in the gymnasium at Trojan Intermediate School in Potosi, Mo. At left is Amber Marek, with the NASA News C More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A young wild pig roots in the grass for food in an area near the NASA News Center at KSC. Feral pigs were introduced to Florida in the 1500s and are now found statewide in wooded areas close to water. The pigs have flourished in the environs around KSC, which shares a border with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, without many predators other than panthers and humans. Pigs are omnivores, foraging on the ground and rooting just beneath the surface, which damages the groundcover. Wild pigs eat almost anything that has nutritional value, including tubers, roots, shoots, acorns, fruits, berries, earthworms, amphibians, reptiles and rodents. Appearance is similar to domestic hogs, but leaner, with a longer, narrower head and a coarser, denser coat. Females may have two litters per year. The piglets are weaned in a few weeks but remain with the mother for several months. KSC-04pd1286

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A young wild pig roots in the grass for food in an area near the NASA News Center at KSC. Feral pigs were introduced to Florida in the 1500s and are now found statewide in wooded More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Three wild pigs - a mother and her two offspring - root for food in the grass near the NASA News Center at KSC. Feral pigs were introduced to Florida in the 1500s and are now found statewide in wooded areas close to water. The pigs have flourished in the environs around KSC, which shares a border with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, without many predators other than panthers and humans. Pigs are omnivores, foraging on the ground and rooting just beneath the surface, which damages the groundcover. Wild pigs eat almost anything that has nutritional value, including tubers, roots, shoots, acorns, fruits, berries, earthworms, amphibians, reptiles and rodents. Appearance is similar to domestic hogs, but leaner, with a longer, narrower head and a coarser, denser coat. Females may have two litters per year. The piglets are weaned in a few weeks but remain with the mother for several months. KSC-04pd1285

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Three wild pigs - a mother and her two offspring - root for food in the grass near the NASA News Center at KSC. Feral pigs were introduced to Florida in the 1500s and are now fo More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Three wild pigs - a mother and her two offspring - root for food in the grass near the NASA News Center at KSC. Feral pigs were introduced to Florida in the 1500s and are now found statewide in wooded areas close to water. The pigs have flourished in the environs around KSC, which shares a border with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, without many predators other than panthers and humans. Pigs are omnivores, foraging on the ground and rooting just beneath the surface, which damages the groundcover. Wild pigs eat almost anything that has nutritional value, including tubers, roots, shoots, acorns, fruits, berries, earthworms, amphibians, reptiles and rodents. Appearance is similar to domestic hogs, but leaner, with a longer, narrower head and a coarser, denser coat. Females may have two litters per year. The piglets are weaned in a few weeks but remain with the mother for several months. KSC-04pd1287

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Three wild pigs - a mother and her two offspring - root for food in the grass near the NASA News Center at KSC. Feral pigs were introduced to Florida in the 1500s and are now fo More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Viewed from the NASA News Center, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars into the cloud-scattered sky trailing fire and smoke from the Atlas V rocket that propels it. Liftoff was on time at 2 p.m. EST from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet’s gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft’s instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Fletch Hildreth KSC-06pd0092

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Viewed from the NASA News Center, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars into the cloud-scattered sky trailing fire and smoke from the Atlas V rocket that propels it. Liftoff was o More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Viewed from the NASA News Center, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars into the cloud-scattered sky trailing fire and smoke from the Atlas V rocket that propels it. Liftoff was on time at 2 p.m. EST from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet’s gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft’s instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Fletch Hildreth KSC-06pd0091

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Viewed from the NASA News Center, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars into the cloud-scattered sky trailing fire and smoke from the Atlas V rocket that propels it. Liftoff was o More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This aerial view of the Press Site shows the NASA TV studio (foreground), the NASA News Center behind it, buildings used by local NBC and CBS television stations, and newly erected prefabricated buildings for local newspapers and correspondents for CNN, AP and others. A year-long project removed and replaced hurricane-damaged trailers and grandstands from the site. Photo credit: Cory Huston KSC-06pd0393

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This aerial view of the Press Site shows the NASA TV studio (foreground), the NASA News Center behind it, buildings used by local NBC and CBS television stations, and newly erect More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This aerial view shows the Press Site (in the foreground) comprising the NASA TV studio, the NASA News Center behind it, buildings used by local NBC and CBS television stations, and newly erected prefabricated buildings for local newspapers and correspondents for CNN, AP and others. A year-long project removed and replaced hurricane-hazardous trailers and bleachers from the site. In the background, at right, is the newly build Operations Support Building II. Photo credit: Cory Huston KSC-06pd0394

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This aerial view shows the Press Site (in the foreground) comprising the NASA TV studio, the NASA News Center behind it, buildings used by local NBC and CBS television stations, More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This aerial view shows the Press Site (in the foreground) comprising the NASA TV studio, the NASA News Center behind it, buildings used by local NBC and CBS television stations, and newly erected prefabricated buildings for local newspapers and correspondents for CNN, AP and others. A year-long project removed and replaced hurricane-damaged trailers and grandstands from the site. In the background, at right, is the newly built Operations Support Building II, which replaced modular housing and trailers in the Launch Complex 39 area. Photo credit: Cory Huston KSC-06pd0395

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This aerial view shows the Press Site (in the foreground) comprising the NASA TV studio, the NASA News Center behind it, buildings used by local NBC and CBS television stations, More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A mother osprey watches over her chicks in a nest near the NASA News Center at Kennedy Space Center. This is the third year the ospreys have raised a family at the site. Known as a fish hawk, ospreys select sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska and Newfoundland to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with the Center. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd0688

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A mother osprey watches over her chicks in a nest near the NASA News Center at Kennedy Space Center. This is the third year the ospreys have raised a family at the site. Known as More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- These osprey chicks wait for lunch from one of their parents (look for the fish in the claws of the upper osprey). The nest is located on a pole in the parking lot of the NASA News Center. This is the third year the ospreys have raised a family at the site. Known as a fish hawk, ospreys select sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska and Newfoundland to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with the Center. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd0836

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- These osprey chicks wait for lunch from one of their parents (look for the fish in the claws of the upper osprey). The nest is located on a pole in the parking lot of the NASA New More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A baby osprey sits on its nest situated at the top of a pole in the parking lot at the NASA News Center at Kennedy Space Center. Behind the nest can be seen the immense flag painted on the side of the Vehicle Assembly Building. This is the third year the ospreys have raised a family at the News Center. Known as a fish hawk, ospreys select sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska and Newfoundland to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with the Center. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd0846

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A baby osprey sits on its nest situated at the top of a pole in the parking lot at the NASA News Center at Kennedy Space Center. Behind the nest can be seen the immense flag pa More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A mother osprey (left) sits protectively next to one of her chicks in the nest situated at the top of a pole in the parking lot at the NASA News Center at Kennedy Space Center. Behind the nest can be seen the immense flag painted on the side of the Vehicle Assembly Building. This is the third year the ospreys have raised a family at the News Center. Known as a fish hawk, ospreys select sites of opportunity, from trees and telephone poles to rocks or even flat ground. In the United States they are found from Alaska and Newfoundland to Florida and the Gulf Coast. Osprey nests are found throughout the Kennedy Space Center and nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with the Center. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd0847

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A mother osprey (left) sits protectively next to one of her chicks in the nest situated at the top of a pole in the parking lot at the NASA News Center at Kennedy Space Center. More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On its slow 4.2-mile journey via the crawlerway to Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Discovery passes the turn basin. In the foreground on the south side of the basin is the flag near the NASA News Center. The shuttle rests on a mobile launcher platform that sits atop a crawler-transporter. First motion in NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building was at 12:45 p.m. EDT. The rollout is an important step before launch of Discovery on mission STS-121 to the International Space Station. Discovery's launch is targeted for July 1 in a launch window that extends to July 19. During the 12-day mission, Discovery's crew will test new hardware and techniques to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the station. Photo credit: NASA/Debbie Kiger KSC-06pd0869

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On its slow 4.2-mile journey via the crawlerway to Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Discovery passes the turn basin. In the foreground on the south side of the basin is the flag nea More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On its slow 4.2-mile journey via the crawlerway to Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Discovery passes the barge in the turn basin. In the foreground on the south side of the basin is the flag and countdown clock near the NASA News Center. The shuttle rests on a mobile launcher platform that sits atop a crawler-transporter. First motion in NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building was at 12:45 p.m. EDT. The rollout is an important step before launch of Discovery on mission STS-121 to the International Space Station. Discovery's launch is targeted for July 1 in a launch window that extends to July 19. During the 12-day mission, Discovery's crew will test new hardware and techniques to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the station. Photo credit: NASA/Debbie Kiger KSC-06pd0868

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On its slow 4.2-mile journey via the crawlerway to Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Discovery passes the barge in the turn basin. In the foreground on the south side of the basin is More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A turkey vulture appears to hide from the camera at a site near the NASA News Center at Kennedy Space Center. A wide-ranging bird, it is seen throughout Florida and the Space Coast. It is a common site around KSC. The Center, which shares a boundary with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. In addition, the Refuge supports 19 endangered or threatened wildlife species on Federal or State lists, more than any other single refuge in the U.S. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd0999

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A turkey vulture appears to hide from the camera at a site near the NASA News Center at Kennedy Space Center. A wide-ranging bird, it is seen throughout Florida and the Space Co More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from the NASA News Center, a tug boat in the background maneuvers the Pegasus barge into the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area. The barge holds the redesigned external fuel tank, designated ET-118, that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115. The tank was shipped from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. After off-loading, the tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1016

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from the NASA News Center, a tug boat in the background maneuvers the Pegasus barge into the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area. The barge holds the redesigned exte More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Like a roman candle shooting through the blue sky, the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 kicks off the fireworks for the U.S. holiday in its third launch attempt in four days. Liftoff was on-time at 2:38 p.m. EDT. The countdown clock on the grounds of the NASA News Center shows 7 seconds into the launch. Media crowd the banks of the turn basin to capture the sight of the launch. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew of seven will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Landing is scheduled for July 16 or 17 at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd1414

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Like a roman candle shooting through the blue sky, the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 kicks off the fireworks for the U.S. holiday in its third launch attem More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center, NASA Administrator Mike Griffin congratulates the launch team on the successful launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121. The launch was the first ever to take place on Independence Day. Liftoff was on-time at 2:38 p.m. EDT. Others next to Griffin are (left to right) David R. Mould, assistant administrator for NASA Public Affairs ; Lisa Malone, director of External Relations at Kennedy; Bruce Buckingham, news chief at the NASA News Center at Kennedy; and Mike Leinbach, Shuttle Program director. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew of seven will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Landing is scheduled for July 16 or 17 at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1423

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center, NASA Administrator Mike Griffin congratulates the launch team on the successful launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from the NASA News Center across the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area, Space Shuttle Atlantis continues its slow crawl toward the Vehicle Assembly Building from Launch Pad 39B. After this photo was taken, the decision was made to return the shuttle to the launch pad. The rollback was a safety precaution as the area waits for the arrival of Tropical Storm Ernesto. The storm was forecast to be bringing 58-mph to 70-mph winds in the next 24 hours. The revised forecast of lesser winds expected from Ernesto and its projected direction convinced Launch Integration Manager LeRoy Cain and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach to return the shuttle to the launch pad. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1989

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from the NASA News Center across the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area, Space Shuttle Atlantis continues its slow crawl toward the Vehicle Assembly Building from La More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Menacing storm clouds roll through the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Seen in the photo is the lower parking lot for the NASA News Center where the media's vehicles and satellite trucks are situated the day before (L-1) the second scheduled launch attempt for Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-115. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-06pd2069

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Menacing storm clouds roll through the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Seen in the photo is the lower parking lot for the NASA News Center where the media's More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Menacing storm clouds roll through the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Framed between the horizon and the clouds is Space Shuttle Atlantis on Launch Pad 39B. The flag in the foreground is at the NASA News Center, near the countdown clock. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-06pd2070

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Menacing storm clouds roll through the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Framed between the horizon and the clouds is Space Shuttle Atlantis on Launch Pad 39 More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Menacing storm clouds roll through the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. In the background is the Vehicle Assembly Building. In the foreground is the lower parking lot for the NASA News Center where the media's vehicles and satellite trucks are situated the day before (L-1) the second scheduled launch attempt for Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-115. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-06pd2071

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Menacing storm clouds roll through the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. In the background is the Vehicle Assembly Building. In the foreground is the lower p More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis roars off the launch pad for a rendezvous with the International Space Station on mission STS-115. In the foreground are only a few of the hundreds of photographers capturing the historic scene from the grounds of the NASA News Center. Just beyond them is the countdown clock, marking launch and mission-elapsed time. After launch attempts were scrubbed Aug. 27 and 29 and Sept. 3 and 8 due to weather and technical concerns, this launch was executed perfectly. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the ISS. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd2108

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis roars off the launch pad for a rendezvous with the International Space Station on mission STS-115. In the foreground are only a few of the hundreds of photog More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis roars off the launch pad for a rendezvous with the International Space Station on mission STS-115. In the foreground is the countdown clock, marking launch and mission-elapsed time, on the grounds of the NASA News Center. After launch attempts were scrubbed Aug. 27 and 29 and Sept. 3 and 8 due to weather and technical concerns, this launch was executed perfectly. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the ISS. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Webb Dillard KSC-06pd2109

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis roars off the launch pad for a rendezvous with the International Space Station on mission STS-115. In the foreground is the countdown clock, marking launch a More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - With applause and cheers from the onlookers, Space Shuttle Atlantis roars off the launch pad for a rendezvous with the International Space Station on mission STS-115. In the foreground is the countdown clock, marking launch and mission-elapsed time, on the grounds of the NASA News Center. After launch attempts were scrubbed Aug. 27 and 29 and Sept. 3 and 8 due to weather and technical concerns, this launch was executed perfectly. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the ISS. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Debbie Odom KSC-06pd2110

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - With applause and cheers from the onlookers, Space Shuttle Atlantis roars off the launch pad for a rendezvous with the International Space Station on mission STS-115. In the foregr More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Look -- It's a bird and a plane! A U.S. Air Force Thunderbird F-16D aircraft streaks through the sky past a slower-flying stork over the NASA News Center. The pilot is Maj. Tad Clark, who, after landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility, announced that Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will host the inaugural World Space Expo from Nov. 3 to 11, featuring an aerial salute by the Thunderbirds on its opening weekend. The Expo will create one of the largest displays of space artifacts, hardware and personalities ever assembled in one location with the objective to inspire, educate and engage the public by highlighting the achievements and benefits of space exploration. Photo credit: NASA/Debbi Odom KSC-07pd0206

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Look -- It's a bird and a plane! A U.S. Air Force Thunderbird F-16D aircraft streaks through the sky past a slower-flying stork over the NASA News Center. The pilot is Maj. Tad More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Atop the massive mobile launcher platform and crawler-transporter, Space Shuttle Atlantis, accompanied by storks, rolls slowly toward Launch Pad 39A. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 8:19 a.m. In the foreground is the blue water of the turn basin and also the American flag near the NASA News Center. The 3.4-mile trip to the pad along the crawlerway will take about 6 hours. The mission payload aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, along with a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0386

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Atop the massive mobile launcher platform and crawler-transporter, Space Shuttle Atlantis, accompanied by storks, rolls slowly toward Launch Pad 39A. First motion out of the Veh More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Atop the massive mobile launcher platform and crawler-transporter, Space Shuttle Atlantis, accompanied by storks, rolls slowly toward Launch Pad 39A. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 8:19 a.m. In the foreground is the American flag and mission countdown clock near the NASA News Center. The 3.4-mile trip to the pad along the crawlerway will take about 6 hours. The mission payload aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, along with a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0387

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Atop the massive mobile launcher platform and crawler-transporter, Space Shuttle Atlantis, accompanied by storks, rolls slowly toward Launch Pad 39A. First motion out of the Vehi More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pegasus barge is towed into the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area. In the foreground are the U.S. flag and launch countdown clock near the NASA News Center. The barge's cargo is the external tank prepared for mission STS-118 by the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. After docking, the tank will eventually be offloaded and moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building.. Photo credit: Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd0842

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pegasus barge is towed into the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area. In the foreground are the U.S. flag and launch countdown clock near the NASA News Center. The barge More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The "pencil sharpener" tool designed to trim the hand-sprayed foam repairs on the STS-117 external tank is on display for the media at the NASA News Center. This portable tool was designed in just 10 days specifically for this task by Lockheed Martin engineer Glenn Lapeyronnie at the Michoud external tank manufacturing facility in New Orleans. The pencil sharpener tool fits over the external tank nose cone spike at the top of the tank and extends down to where the hand-sprayed foam was used to repair the hail-damaged areas. The hail damage was incurred Feb. 28 while Space Shuttle Atlantis was on the launch pad for a March 15 launch. The shuttle returned to the Vehicle Assembly Building so that repairs could be made. Mission STS-117 is scheduled to launch at 7:38 p.m. EDT on June 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd1408

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The "pencil sharpener" tool designed to trim the hand-sprayed foam repairs on the STS-117 external tank is on display for the media at the NASA News Center. This portable tool was More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The "pencil sharpener" tool designed to trim the hand-sprayed foam repairs on the STS-117 external tank is on display for the media at the NASA News Center. This portable tool was designed in just 10 days specifically for this task by Lockheed Martin engineer Glenn Lapeyronnie at the Michoud external tank manufacturing facility in New Orleans. The pencil sharpener tool fits over the external tank nose cone spike at the top of the tank and extends down to where the hand-sprayed foam was used to repair the hail-damaged areas. The hail damage was incurred Feb. 28 while Space Shuttle Atlantis was on the launch pad for a March 15 launch. The shuttle returned to the Vehicle Assembly Building so that repairs could be made. Mission STS-117 is scheduled to launch at 7:38 p.m. EDT on June 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd1406

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The "pencil sharpener" tool designed to trim the hand-sprayed foam repairs on the STS-117 external tank is on display for the media at the NASA News Center. This portable tool was More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The "pencil sharpener" tool designed to trim the hand-sprayed foam repairs on the STS-117 external tank is on display for the media at the NASA News Center. This portable tool was designed in just 10 days specifically for this task by Lockheed Martin engineer Glenn Lapeyronnie at the Michoud external tank manufacturing facility in New Orleans. The pencil sharpener tool fits over the external tank nose cone spike at the top of the tank and extends down to where the hand-sprayed foam was used to repair the hail-damaged areas. The hail damage was incurred Feb. 28 while Space Shuttle Atlantis was on the launch pad for a March 15 launch. The shuttle returned to the Vehicle Assembly Building so that repairs could be made. Mission STS-117 is scheduled to launch at 7:38 p.m. EDT on June 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd1407

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The "pencil sharpener" tool designed to trim the hand-sprayed foam repairs on the STS-117 external tank is on display for the media at the NASA News Center. This portable tool was More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The "pencil sharpener" tool designed to trim the hand-sprayed foam repairs on the STS-117 external tank is on display for the media at the NASA News Center. This portable tool was designed in just 10 days specifically for this task by Lockheed Martin engineer Glenn Lapeyronnie at the Michoud external tank manufacturing facility in New Orleans. The pencil sharpener tool fits over the external tank nose cone spike at the top of the tank and extends down to where the hand-sprayed foam was used to repair the hail-damaged areas. The hail damage was incurred Feb. 28 while Space Shuttle Atlantis was on the launch pad for a March 15 launch. The shuttle returned to the Vehicle Assembly Building so that repairs could be made. Mission STS-117 is scheduled to launch at 7:38 p.m. EDT on June 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd1405

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The "pencil sharpener" tool designed to trim the hand-sprayed foam repairs on the STS-117 external tank is on display for the media at the NASA News Center. This portable tool was More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis is barely visible above the column of fire and smoke as it soars into the sky after launching on mission STS-117. Liftoff from Launch Pad 39A was on-time at 7:38:04 p.m. EDT. At right is the viewing area on top of the buildings used by the Florida Today newspaper at the NASA News Center. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the International Space Station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007. Photo courtesy of Nikon/Scott Andrews KSC-07pd1440

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis is barely visible above the column of fire and smoke as it soars into the sky after launching on mission STS-117. Liftoff from Launch Pad 39A was on-time a More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Photographers crowd around the countdown clock and flag post near the NASA News Center to capture the successful on-time launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis from Launch Pad 39A at 7:38:04 p.m. EDT on mission STS-117. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the International Space Station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd1426

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Photographers crowd around the countdown clock and flag post near the NASA News Center to capture the successful on-time launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis from Launch Pad 39A at 7 More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The drifting smoke plumes from the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis seem to swirl above the Vehicle Assembly Building (right) and NASA News Center (left) near sunset. Liftoff of Atlantis on mission STS-117 to the International Space Station from Launch Pad 39A was on-time at 7:38:04 p.m. EDT. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the International Space Station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-07pd1452

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The drifting smoke plumes from the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis seem to swirl above the Vehicle Assembly Building (right) and NASA News Center (left) near sunset. Liftoff of More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Media and staff in the NASA News Center at Kennedy Space Center applaud the successful landing of Atlantis, visible on the television screens, at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Returning from mission STS-117, Atlantis touched down on runway 22 at Edwards on orbit 219 after 13 days, 20 hours and 12 minutes in space. The landing was diverted to California due to marginal weather at the Kennedy Space Center. Main gear touchdown was at 3:49:38 p.m. EDT on runway 22. Nose gear touchdown was at 3:49:49 p.m. and wheel stop was at 3:50:48 p.m. This was the 51st landing for the Space Shuttle Program at Edwards Air Force Base. The mission to the International Space Station was a success, installing the S3/S4 truss. The returning crew of seven includes astronaut Sunita Williams, who was flight engineer on the Expedition 15 crew. She achieved a new milestone, a record-setting flight at 194 days, 18 hours and 58 minutes, the longest single spaceflight ever by a female astronaut or cosmonaut. Photo credit: NASA/Debbie Odom KSC-07pd1614

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Media and staff in the NASA News Center at Kennedy Space Center applaud the successful landing of Atlantis, visible on the television screens, at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Cent More

Media and staff in the NASA News Center at Kennedy Space Center

Media and staff in the NASA News Center at Kennedy Space Center applaud the successful landing of Atlantis, visible on the television screens, at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base i More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Aboard a transporter, external tank No. 120 makes the turn from near the NASA News Center parking lot in the Launch Complex 39 Area to the Vehicle Assembly Building. There it will be lifted into a checkout cell. The tank arrived from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans, making the journey around the Florida peninsula in tow by the JA Bisso II tugboat. ET-120 will be used for launching Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-120 in October. NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-07pd2140

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Aboard a transporter, external tank No. 120 makes the turn from near the NASA News Center parking lot in the Launch Complex 39 Area to the Vehicle Assembly Building. There it wi More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Aboard a transporter, external tank No. 120 moves past the NASA News Center parking lot in the Launch Complex 39 Area to the Vehicle Assembly Building, at right. There it will be lifted into a checkout cell. The tank arrived from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans, making the journey around the Florida peninsula in tow by the JA Bisso II tugboat. ET-120 will be used for launching Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-120 in October. NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-07pd2138

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Aboard a transporter, external tank No. 120 moves past the NASA News Center parking lot in the Launch Complex 39 Area to the Vehicle Assembly Building, at right. There it will be More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Aboard a transporter, external tank No. 120 moves past the NASA News Center parking lot entrance in the Launch Complex 39 Area to the Vehicle Assembly Building, seen behind it. There it will be lifted into a checkout cell. The tank arrived from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans, making the journey around the Florida peninsula in tow by the JA Bisso II tugboat. ET-120 will be used for launching Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-120 in October. NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-07pd2139

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Aboard a transporter, external tank No. 120 moves past the NASA News Center parking lot entrance in the Launch Complex 39 Area to the Vehicle Assembly Building, seen behind it. T More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Photographers at NASA News Center capture the launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour as it hurtles into the evening sky on mission STS-118. Liftoff from Launch Pad 39A was on time at 6:36 p.m. EDT. The mission is the 22nd shuttle flight to the International Space Station. It will continue space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5, and other payloads such as the SPACEHAB module and the external stowage platform 3. The 11-day mission may be extended to as many as 14 depending on the test of the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System that will allow the docked shuttle to draw electrical power from the station and extend its visits to the orbiting lab. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd2255

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Photographers at NASA News Center capture the launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour as it hurtles into the evening sky on mission STS-118. Liftoff from Launch Pad 39A was on time at 6 More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A rainbow arcs over NASA's Kennedy Space Center in the Launch Complex 39Area. At right is the Vehicle Assembly Building; at left is the NASA News Center. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-07pd2532

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A rainbow arcs over NASA's Kennedy Space Center in the Launch Complex 39Area. At right is the Vehicle Assembly Building; at left is the NASA News Center. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Moderator George Diller, public information officer at the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, introduces the STS-120 crew after their successful landing aboard space shuttle Discovery earlier in the day. From left are Commander Pamela Melroy, Pilot George Zamka and mission specialists Scott Parazynski, Stephanie Wilson and Doug Wheelock. The crew completed a 15-day mission to the International Space Station with a smooth landing on Runway 33. Main gear touchdown was 1:01:16 p.m. Wheel stop was at 1:02:07 p.m. Mission elapsed time was 15 days, 2 hours, 24 minutes and 2 seconds. Mission STS-120 continued the construction of the station with the installation of the Harmony Node 2 module and the relocation of the P6 truss. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3199

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Moderator George Diller, public information officer at the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, introduces the STS-120 crew after their successful landing aboard spac More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An eastern diamondback rattlesnake warms in the sun near the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The diamondback is Florida's largest venomous snake and may exceed six feet in length. It lives throughout Florida in a variety of dry habitats, such as pinelands, scrub and golf courses. Kennedy shares a boundary with the Merritt Island Wildlife Nature Refuge, which is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3307

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An eastern diamondback rattlesnake warms in the sun near the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The diamondback is Florida's largest venomous snake and may exceed s More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An eastern diamondback rattlesnake slithers through the grass near the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The diamondback is Florida's largest venomous snake and may exceed six feet in length. It lives throughout Florida in a variety of dry habitats, such as pinelands, scrub and golf courses. Kennedy shares a boundary with the Merritt Island Wildlife Nature Refuge, which is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3308

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An eastern diamondback rattlesnake slithers through the grass near the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The diamondback is Florida's largest venomous snake and ma More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After launch of space shuttle Atlantis on the STS-122 mission, a helicopter takes off near the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Liftoff of Atlantis was on time at 2:45 p.m. EST. This was the third launch attempt for Atlantis since December 2007 to carry the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory to the International Space Station. During the 11-day mission, the crew's prime objective is to attach the laboratory to the Harmony module, adding to the station's size and capabilities. Photo credit: NASA/Fletch Hildreth KSC-08pd0330

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After launch of space shuttle Atlantis on the STS-122 mission, a helicopter takes off near the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Liftoff of Atlantis was on time at More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Against the backdrop of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a helicopter takes off near the NASA News Center. Liftoff of Atlantis was on time at 2:45 p.m. EST. This was the third launch attempt for Atlantis since December 2007 to carry the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory to the International Space Station. During the 11-day mission, the crew's prime objective is to attach the laboratory to the Harmony module, adding to the station's size and capabilities. Photo credit: NASA/Fletch Hildreth KSC-08pd0331

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Against the backdrop of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a helicopter takes off near the NASA News Center. Liftoff of Atlantis was on time at 2:45 p. More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Shuttle Crew Escape System Manager KC Chhipwadia describes for the media the elements of the helmet that is part of the launch and entry suit (seen on the table) used by shuttle crews during their missions. He is holding onto the bar that latches to secure the closed visor. The helmet provides oxygen when needed plus a communication system. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-08pd1486

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Shuttle Crew Escape System Manager KC Chhipwadia describes for the media the elements of the helmet that is part of the launch an More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Shuttle Crew Escape System Manager KC Chhipwadia demonstrates the launch and entry suit used by shuttle crews during their missions. He explains that entry into the suit is from the back. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-08pd1483

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Shuttle Crew Escape System Manager KC Chhipwadia demonstrates the launch and entry suit used by shuttle crews during their miss More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, components of the astronauts' launch and entry suit are on display for the media. Shuttle Crew Escape System Manager KC Chhipwadia described the individual pieces and their importance to the safety of the shuttle crews during their missions. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-08pd1482

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, components of the astronauts' launch and entry suit are on display for the media. Shuttle Crew Escape System Manager KC Chhipwa More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On a table in the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a sample launch and entry suit is laid out for the media. Shuttle Crew Escape System Manager KC Chhipwadia described the individual pieces and their importance to the safety of the shuttle crews during their missions. All the elements of the suit provide comfort plus safety elements in the event of an emergency. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-08pd1489

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On a table in the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a sample launch and entry suit is laid out for the media. Shuttle Crew Escape System Manager KC Chhipwadia described More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Shuttle Crew Escape System Manager KC Chhipwadia describes for the media the components of the parachute worn by shuttle crews during launch and landing. On top is a pilot and drag chute. In the middle is the main chute. At bottom is a survival life raft. The elements of the suit and parachute provide safety elements in the event of an emergency. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-08pd1488

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Shuttle Crew Escape System Manager KC Chhipwadia describes for the media the components of the parachute worn by shuttle crews du More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Shuttle Crew Escape System Manager KC Chhipwadia demonstrates the launch and entry suit used by shuttle crews during their missions. He explains that entry into the suit is from the back. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-08pd1484

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Shuttle Crew Escape System Manager KC Chhipwadia demonstrates the launch and entry suit used by shuttle crews during their missi More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Shuttle Crew Escape System Manager KC Chhipwadia describes for the media the elements of the helmet that is part of the launch and entry suit (seen on the table) used by shuttle crews during their missions. The helmet provides oxygen when needed plus a communication system. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-08pd1487

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Shuttle Crew Escape System Manager KC Chhipwadia describes for the media the elements of the helmet that is part of the launch an More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Shuttle Crew Escape System Manager KC Chhipwadia (right) describes for the media the elements of the helmet that is part of the launch and entry suit (seen on the table) used by shuttle crews during their missions. The helmet provides oxygen when needed plus a communication system. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-08pd1485

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Shuttle Crew Escape System Manager KC Chhipwadia (right) describes for the media the elements of the helmet that is part of the l More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the brush near the NASA News Center at Kennedy Space Center a mockingbird protects its territory from a young hawk perched on a branch below. The birds are two of more than 330 native and migratory bird species, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles that call Kennedy and the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge home. Photo credit: NASA/Chris Chamberland KSC-08pd2101

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the brush near the NASA News Center at Kennedy Space Center a mockingbird protects its territory from a young hawk perched on a branch below. The birds are two of more than 330 native More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the brush near the NASA News Center at Kennedy Space Center a young hawk perches in a branch while a mockingbird sits above, protecting its territory. The birds are two of more than 330 native and migratory bird species, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles that call Kennedy and the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge home. Photo credit: NASA/Chris Chamberland KSC-08pd2102

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the brush near the NASA News Center at Kennedy Space Center a young hawk perches in a branch while a mockingbird sits above, protecting its territory. The birds are two of more than 33 More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This fisheye view shows storm clouds gathering over Launch Complex 39 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a common occurrence at this time of the year in Florida. The NASA News Center is at far left. The 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building towers above the complex, in the center, with the Launch Control Center nestled at its base to the right. The turn basin is behind the trees, at right. Photo credit: NASA/Chris Chamberland KSC-08pd2193

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This fisheye view shows storm clouds gathering over Launch Complex 39 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a common occurrence at this time of the year in Florida. The NASA News Center is at More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The sun rising over the Launch Complex 39 Area turn basin at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida casts a brilliant flame in the water. At right is the U.S. flag on the grounds of the NASA News Center. Kennedy is surrounded by water: the Banana River, Banana Creek, Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, all of which provide scenes of beauty and nature that contrast with the high technology and power of the center. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2009-1360

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The sun rising over the Launch Complex 39 Area turn basin at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida casts a brilliant flame in the water. At right is the U.S. flag on the grounds of the More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An osprey flies high near the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida returning to its nest nearby. The osprey, also called fish hawk, is well adapted for capturing fish, which make up its entire diet. The soles of the birds' feet are equipped with sharp, spiny projections that give the bird a firm grip on its slippery prey. Nests of ospreys are bulky masses of sticks and debris placed in a tree, on rocks, flat ground or telephone poles. Many nests exist around the Launch Complex 39 Area at the center. The bird is one of more than 500 species of birds that co-exist at the center and the surrounding Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smelgelsky KSC-2009-1511

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An osprey flies high near the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida returning to its nest nearby. The osprey, also called fish hawk, is well adapted for capturing f More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An osprey carries its food in its talons as it flies to its nest near the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The osprey, also called fish hawk, is well adapted for capturing fish, which make up its entire diet. The soles of the birds' feet are equipped with sharp, spiny projections that give the bird a firm grip on its slippery prey. Nests of ospreys are bulky masses of sticks and debris placed in a tree, on rocks, flat ground or telephone poles. Many nests exist around the Launch Complex 39 Area at the center. The bird is one of more than 500 species of birds that co-exist at the center and the surrounding Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smelgelsky KSC-2009-1510

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An osprey carries its food in its talons as it flies to its nest near the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The osprey, also called fish hawk, is well adapted More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A pair of ospreys perform an aerial dance around their nest near the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The bird at right is carrying a fish in its talons, the sole source of its diet. The osprey, also called fish hawk, is well adapted for capturing fish, which make up its entire diet. The soles of the birds' feet are equipped with sharp, spiny projections that give the bird a firm grip on its slippery prey. Nests of ospreys are bulky masses of sticks and debris placed in a tree, on rocks, flat ground or telephone poles. Many nests exist around the Launch Complex 39 Area at the center. The bird is one of more than 500 species of birds that co-exist at the center and the surrounding Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smelgelsky KSC-2009-1512

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A pair of ospreys perform an aerial dance around their nest near the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The bird at right is carrying a fish in its talons, the More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Near the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the osprey prepares to land on a pole with its meal in its talons. The osprey, also called fish hawk, is well adapted for capturing fish, which make up its entire diet. The soles of the birds' feet are equipped with sharp, spiny projections that give the bird a firm grip on its slippery prey. Nests of ospreys are bulky masses of sticks and debris placed in a tree, on rocks, flat ground or telephone poles. Many nests exist around the Launch Complex 39 Area at the center. The bird is one of more than 500 species of birds that co-exist at the center and the surrounding Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smelgelsky KSC-2009-1513

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Near the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the osprey prepares to land on a pole with its meal in its talons. The osprey, also called fish hawk, is well adapte More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An eastern diamondback rattlesnake returns to its natural environs farther from the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The diamondback is Florida's largest venomous snake and may exceed six feet in length. It occurs throughout Florida in a variety of dry habitats, such as pinelands, scrub and golf courses. Kennedy shares a boundary with the Merritt Island Wildlife Nature Refuge, which is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-2116

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An eastern diamondback rattlesnake returns to its natural environs farther from the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The diamondback is Florida's largest venom More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An eastern diamondback rattlesnake is spotted next to a building at the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The diamondback is Florida's largest venomous snake and may exceed six feet in length. It occurs throughout Florida in a variety of dry habitats, such as pinelands, scrub and golf courses. Kennedy shares a boundary with the Merritt Island Wildlife Nature Refuge, which is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-2112

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An eastern diamondback rattlesnake is spotted next to a building at the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The diamondback is Florida's largest venomous snake an More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A black-necked stilt skims across the drainage canal behind the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The species inhabits salt marshes and coastal bays in the East, ranging along the Atlantic Coast from Delaware and the Carolinas to northern South America. Kennedy shares a boundary with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge that includes salt-water estuaries, brackish marshes, hardwood hammocks and pine flatwoods. The diverse landscape provides habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2009-2599

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A black-necked stilt skims across the drainage canal behind the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The species inhabits salt marshes and coastal bays in the East More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A thick-bodied alligator moves through shallow water behind the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A protected species, alligators can be spotted in the drainage canals and other waters surrounding Kennedy. The center shares a boundary with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge that includes saltwater estuaries, brackish marshes, hardwood hammocks and pine flatwoods. The diverse landscape provides habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2009-2602

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A thick-bodied alligator moves through shallow water behind the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A protected species, alligators can be spotted in the drainage More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A Great Blue Heron majestically takes to the air as it leaves the shallow water behind the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A frequent sight around Kennedy, this large heron inhabits lakes, ponds, rivers and marshes in a range from Alaska south to Mexico and the West Indies. It is frequently found standing at the edge of a pond or pool, watching for fish or frogs, its principal food. Kennedy shares a boundary with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge that includes salt-water estuaries, brackish marshes, hardwood hammocks and pine flatwoods. The diverse landscape provides habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2009-2604

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A Great Blue Heron majestically takes to the air as it leaves the shallow water behind the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A frequent sight around Kennedy, th More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –Black-necked stilts look as if they're doing handstands on their mirror images in the shallow water of the Turn Basin behind the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The species inhabits salt marshes and coastal bays in the East, ranging along the Atlantic Coast from Delaware and the Carolinas to northern South America. Kennedy shares a boundary with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge that includes salt-water estuaries, brackish marshes, hardwood hammocks and pine flatwoods. The diverse landscape provides habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2009-2600

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –Black-necked stilts look as if they're doing handstands on their mirror images in the shallow water of the Turn Basin behind the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –Black-necked stilts move onto the bank of the Turn Basin behind the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The species inhabits salt marshes and coastal bays in the East, ranging along the Atlantic Coast from Delaware and the Carolinas to northern South America. Kennedy shares a boundary with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge that includes salt-water estuaries, brackish marshes, hardwood hammocks and pine flatwoods. The diverse landscape provides habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2009-2601

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –Black-necked stilts move onto the bank of the Turn Basin behind the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The species inhabits salt marshes and coastal bays in the E More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A tall Great Blue Heron warily eyes its surroundings while standing in the shallow water behind the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A frequent sight around Kennedy, this large heron inhabits lakes, ponds, rivers and marshes in a range from Alaska south to Mexico and the West Indies. It is frequently found standing at the edge of a pond or pool, watching for fish or frogs, its principal food. Kennedy shares a boundary with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge that includes salt-water estuaries, brackish marshes, hardwood hammocks and pine flatwoods. The diverse landscape provides habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2009-2603

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A tall Great Blue Heron warily eyes its surroundings while standing in the shallow water behind the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A frequent sight around Ken More