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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the transporter holds the container with the second shipment of hardware space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The container holds the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, and the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC. Another payload carrier, the Flight Support System, has already been delivered, and the Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment carrier will be delivered in late July. The carriers will be prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the Hubble servicing mission, targeted for launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd2039

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the transporter holds the container with the second shipment of hardware space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 miss More

Workers in the Space Station Processing Facility help maneuver the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) onto a test stand. A component of the International Space Station provided by the Canadian Space Agency, the SSRMS will be mated to its payload carrier and later installed into the payload bay of Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch to the Station on STS-100 in April 2001. The 56-foot-long arm will be the primary means of transferring payloads between the orbiter payload bay and the Station. Its three segments comprise seven joints for highly flexible land precise movement, making it capable of moving around the Station’s exterior like an inchworm KSC-00pp1153

Workers in the Space Station Processing Facility help maneuver the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) onto a test stand. A component of the International Space Station provided by the Canadian Spac More

STS063-25-015 - STS-063 - SPACEHAB and the IMAX camera in Discovery's payload bay

The original finding aid described this as: Description: Photographic documentation of the SPACEHAB and IMAX camera on the Space Shuttle Discovery's payload bay during STS-63. SPACEHAB is a crew-tended commerc More

STS063-41-029 - STS-063 - MS Foale and MS Titov work on CHARLOTTE in the SPACEHAB

The original finding aid described this as: Description: Photographic documentation of Mission Specialists Michael Foale and Vladimir Titov work with CHARLOTTE on the Space Shuttle Discovery's SPACEHAB during More

STS063-04-001 - STS-063 - SPACEHAB and the IMAX cargo bay camera in Discovery's payload

The original finding aid described this as: Description: Photographic documentation of SPACEHAB and the IMAX cargo bay camera (ICBC) in the Space Shuttle Discovery's payload bay during STS-63. SPACEHAB is a cr More

STS063-25-016 - STS-063 - SPACEHAB and the IMAX camera in Discovery's payload bay

The original finding aid described this as: Description: Photographic documentation of the SPACEHAB and IMAX camera on the Space Shuttle Discovery's payload bay during STS-63. SPACEHAB is a crew-tended commerc More

Workers in the Space Station Processing Facility help guide the Canadian Space Agency’s Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) suspended from an overhead crane. The SSRMS is being moved to a test stand where it will be mated to its payload carrier. This pallet will later be installed into the payload bay of Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch to the International Space Station on STS-100 in April 2001. The 56-foot-long arm will be the primary means of transferring payloads between the orbiter payload bay and the Station. Its three segments comprise seven joints for highly flexible land precise movement, making it capable of moving around the Station’s exterior like an inchworm KSC-00pp1149

Workers in the Space Station Processing Facility help guide the Canadian Space Agency’s Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) suspended from an overhead crane. The SSRMS is being moved to a test stand More

An overhead crane in the Space Station Processing Facility carries the Canadian Space Agency’s Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) through the air to a test stand where it will be mated to its payload carrier. This pallet will later be installed into the payload bay of Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch to the International Space Station on STS-100 in April 2001. The 56-foot-long arm will be the primary means of transferring payloads between the orbiter payload bay and the Station. Its three segments comprise seven joints for highly flexible land precise movement, making it capable of moving around the Station’s exterior like an inchworm KSC-00pp1148

An overhead crane in the Space Station Processing Facility carries the Canadian Space Agency’s Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) through the air to a test stand where it will be mated to its payl More

Workers in the Space Station Processing Facility attach an overhead crane to the Canadian Space Agency’s Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS). The crane will lift and transfer the SSRMS to a test stand where it will be mated to its payload carrier. This pallet will later be installed into the payload bay of Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch to the International Space Station on STS-100 in April 2001. The 56-foot-long arm will be the primary means of transferring payloads between the orbiter payload bay and the Station. Its three segments comprise seven joints for highly flexible land precise movement, making it capable of moving around the Station’s exterior like an inchworm KSC-00pp1147

Workers in the Space Station Processing Facility attach an overhead crane to the Canadian Space Agency’s Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS). The crane will lift and transfer the SSRMS to a test sta More

In the Space Station Processing Facility, the Canadian Space Agency’s Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS), suspended from an overhead crane, zeroes in on its destination, the test stand below. At the test stand the SSRMS it will be mated to its payload carrier. This pallet will later be installed into the payload bay of Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch to the International Space Station on STS-100 in April 2001. The 56-foot-long arm will be the primary means of transferring payloads between the orbiter payload bay and the Station. Its three segments comprise seven joints for highly flexible land precise movement, making it capable of moving around the Station’s exterior like an inchworm KSC-00pp1150

In the Space Station Processing Facility, the Canadian Space Agency’s Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS), suspended from an overhead crane, zeroes in on its destination, the test stand below. At th More

Workers in the Space Station Processing Facility help maneuver an overhead crane above the Canadian Space Agency’s Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS). The crane will lift and transfer the SSRMS to a test stand where it will be mated to its payload carrier. This pallet will later be installed into the payload bay of Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch to the International Space Station on STS-100 in April 2001. The 56-foot-long arm will be the primary means of transferring payloads between the orbiter payload bay and the Station. Its three segments comprise seven joints for highly flexible land precise movement, making it capable of moving around the Station’s exterior like an inchworm KSC-00pp1146

Workers in the Space Station Processing Facility help maneuver an overhead crane above the Canadian Space Agency’s Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS). The crane will lift and transfer the SSRMS to More

The Canadian Space Agency’s Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) finally rests on a test stand in the Space Station Processing Facility. At the test stand the SSRMS will be mated to its payload carrier. This pallet will later be installed into the payload bay of Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch to the International Space Station on STS-100 in April 2001. The 56-foot-long arm will be the primary means of transferring payloads between the orbiter payload bay and the Station. Its three segments comprise seven joints for highly flexible land precise movement, making it capable of moving around the Station’s exterior like an inchworm KSC-00pp1154

The Canadian Space Agency’s Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) finally rests on a test stand in the Space Station Processing Facility. At the test stand the SSRMS will be mated to its payload carri More

With gentle guidance, the Canadian Space Agency’s Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) is lowered by crane onto a test stand in the Space Station Processing Facility. At the test stand the SSRMS it will be mated to its payload carrier. This pallet will later be installed into the payload bay of Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch to the International Space Station on STS-100 in April 2001. The 56-foot-long arm will be the primary means of transferring payloads between the orbiter payload bay and the Station. Its three segments comprise seven joints for highly flexible land precise movement, making it capable of moving around the Station’s exterior like an inchworm KSC-00pp1151

With gentle guidance, the Canadian Space Agency’s Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) is lowered by crane onto a test stand in the Space Station Processing Facility. At the test stand the SSRMS it w More

The Canadian Space Agency’s Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) now occupies one of the work stands in the Space Station Processing Facility. There it will be mated to its payload carrier and later be installed into the payload bay of Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch to the International Space Station on STS-100 in April 2001. The 56-foot-long arm will be the primary means of transferring payloads between the orbiter payload bay and the Station. Its three segments comprise seven joints for highly flexible land precise movement, making it capable of moving around the Station’s exterior like an inchworm KSC-00pp1155

The Canadian Space Agency’s Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) now occupies one of the work stands in the Space Station Processing Facility. There it will be mated to its payload carrier and later More

The Canadian Space Agency’s Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) is lowered onto a test stand in the Space Station Processing Facility. At the test stand the SSRMS will be mated to its payload carrier. This pallet will later be installed into the payload bay of Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch to the International Space Station on STS-100 in April 2001. The 56-foot-long arm will be the primary means of transferring payloads between the orbiter payload bay and the Station. Its three segments comprise seven joints for highly flexible land precise movement, making it capable of moving around the Station’s exterior like an inchworm KSC-00pp1152

The Canadian Space Agency’s Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) is lowered onto a test stand in the Space Station Processing Facility. At the test stand the SSRMS will be mated to its payload carrie More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) Cooling System rests inside a protective enclosure on a payload carrier. NICMOS II is part of the payload on mission STS-109, the Hubble Servicing Telescope Mission. It is a new experimental cooling system consisting of a compressor and tiny turbines. With the experimental cryogenic system, NASA hopes to re-cool the infrared detectors to below -315 degrees F (-193 degrees Celsius). NICMOS II was previously tested aboard STS-95 in 1998. It could extend the life of the Hubble Space Telescope by several years. Astronauts aboard Columbia on mission STS-109 will be replacing the original NICMOS with the newer version. Launch of mission STS-109 is scheduled for Feb. 28, 2002 KSC-02pd0033

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) Cooling System rests inside a protective enclosure on a payload carrier. NICMOS II is part of the payload on missi More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers in the Vertical Processing Facility help guide the Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) Cooling System onto a payload carrier. NICMOS II is part of the payload on mission STS-109, the Hubble Servicing Telescope Mission. It is a new experimental cooling system consisting of a compressor and tiny turbines. With the experimental cryogenic system, NASA hopes to re-cool the infrared detectors to below -315 degrees F (-193 degrees Celsius). NICMOS II was previously tested aboard STS-95 in 1998. It could extend the life of the Hubble Space Telescope by several years. Astronauts aboard Columbia on mission STS-109 will be replacing the original NICMOS with the newer version. Launch of mission STS-109 is scheduled for Feb. 28, 2002 KSC-02pd0031

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers in the Vertical Processing Facility help guide the Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) Cooling System onto a payload carrier. NICMOS II is part of More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vertical Processing Facility, workers help guide the Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) Cooling System into an protective enclosure on a payload carrier. NICMOS II is part of the payload on mission STS-109, the Hubble Servicing Telescope Mission. It is a new experimental cooling system consisting of a compressor and tiny turbines. With the experimental cryogenic system, NASA hopes to re-cool the infrared detectors to below -315 degrees F (-193 degrees Celsius). NICMOS II was previously tested aboard STS-95 in 1998. It could extend the life of the Hubble Space Telescope by several years. Astronauts aboard Columbia on mission STS-109 will be replacing the original NICMOS with the newer version. Launch of mission STS-109 is scheduled for Feb. 28, 2002 KSC-02pd0032

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vertical Processing Facility, workers help guide the Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) Cooling System into an protective enclosure on a payload ca More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., a worker installs bolt cutters on one of the THEMIS probes. The cutters will separate each probe from the payload carrier. The probes will undergo weeks of testing and launch preparations. This includes a functional performance test to verify the state of health of each of the five probes and pressurization and leak checks of the reaction control systems. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. These lights are the visible manifestations of invisible energy releases, called geomagnetic substorms, in near-Earth space. THEMIS will not only seek to answer where and when substorms start, but will also provide clues as to how and why these space storms create havoc on satellites, terrestrial power grids, and communication systems. THEMIS is scheduled to launch Feb. 15 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd2801

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., a worker installs bolt cutters on one of the THEMIS probes. The cutters will separate each probe from the payload carrier. The More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., the five probes of the THEMIS spacecraft remain under cover. The probes will undergo weeks of testing and launch preparations. This includes a functional performance test to verify the state of health of each of the five probes, installation of bolt cutters that will separate each probe from the payload carrier, and pressurization and leak checks of the reaction control systems. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. These lights are the visible manifestations of invisible energy releases, called geomagnetic substorms, in near-Earth space. THEMIS will not only seek to answer where and when substorms start, but will also provide clues as to how and why these space storms create havoc on satellites, terrestrial power grids, and communication systems. THEMIS is scheduled to launch Feb. 15 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd2799

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., the five probes of the THEMIS spacecraft remain under cover. The probes will undergo weeks of testing and launch preparations. More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., workers maneuver one of the THEMIS probes before installing bolt cutters that will separate each probe from the payload carrier. The probes will undergo weeks of testing and launch preparations. This includes a functional performance test to verify the state of health of each of the five probes and pressurization and leak checks of the reaction control systems. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. These lights are the visible manifestations of invisible energy releases, called geomagnetic substorms, in near-Earth space. THEMIS will not only seek to answer where and when substorms start, but will also provide clues as to how and why these space storms create havoc on satellites, terrestrial power grids, and communication systems. THEMIS is scheduled to launch Feb. 15 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd2803

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., workers maneuver one of the THEMIS probes before installing bolt cutters that will separate each probe from the payload carrier. More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., workers prepare one of the THEMIS probes for installation of bolt cutters that will separate each probe from the payload carrier. The probes will undergo weeks of testing and launch preparations. This includes a functional performance test to verify the state of health of each of the five probes and pressurization and leak checks of the reaction control systems. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. These lights are the visible manifestations of invisible energy releases, called geomagnetic substorms, in near-Earth space. THEMIS will not only seek to answer where and when substorms start, but will also provide clues as to how and why these space storms create havoc on satellites, terrestrial power grids, and communication systems. THEMIS is scheduled to launch Feb. 15 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd2800

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., workers prepare one of the THEMIS probes for installation of bolt cutters that will separate each probe from the payload carrier More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., workers maneuver one of the THEMIS probes before installing bolt cutters that will separate each probe from the payload carrier. The probes will undergo weeks of testing and launch preparations. This includes a functional performance test to verify the state of health of each of the five probes and pressurization and leak checks of the reaction control systems. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. These lights are the visible manifestations of invisible energy releases, called geomagnetic substorms, in near-Earth space. THEMIS will not only seek to answer where and when substorms start, but will also provide clues as to how and why these space storms create havoc on satellites, terrestrial power grids, and communication systems. THEMIS is scheduled to launch Feb. 15 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd2802

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., workers maneuver one of the THEMIS probes before installing bolt cutters that will separate each probe from the payload carrier. More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., workers install bolt cutters on one of the THEMIS probes. The cutters will separate each probe from the payload carrier. The probes will undergo weeks of testing and launch preparations. This includes a functional performance test to verify the state of health of each of the five probes and pressurization and leak checks of the reaction control systems. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. These lights are the visible manifestations of invisible energy releases, called geomagnetic substorms, in near-Earth space. THEMIS will not only seek to answer where and when substorms start, but will also provide clues as to how and why these space storms create havoc on satellites, terrestrial power grids, and communication systems. THEMIS is scheduled to launch Feb. 15 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd2805

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., workers install bolt cutters on one of the THEMIS probes. The cutters will separate each probe from the payload carrier. The p More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., workers install bolt cutters on one of the THEMIS probes. The cutters will separate each probe from the payload carrier. The probes will undergo weeks of testing and launch preparations. This includes a functional performance test to verify the state of health of each of the five probes and pressurization and leak checks of the reaction control systems. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. These lights are the visible manifestations of invisible energy releases, called geomagnetic substorms, in near-Earth space. THEMIS will not only seek to answer where and when substorms start, but will also provide clues as to how and why these space storms create havoc on satellites, terrestrial power grids, and communication systems. THEMIS is scheduled to launch Feb. 15 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd2804

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., workers install bolt cutters on one of the THEMIS probes. The cutters will separate each probe from the payload carrier. The pr More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., technicians are preparing one of five THEMIS probes to be secured inside a shipping container (behind it). The probes are being moved to the hazardous processing facility where they will be placed on a stand in preparation for fueling operations. Once fueling is complete, each probe will be weighed and individually mated to the payload carrier before pyrotechnics are installed. The fully integrated THEMIS payload is then ready for spin-balance testing and weighing. The final milestone is mating THEMIS to its upper stage booster. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. These lights are the visible manifestations of invisible energy releases, called geomagnetic substorms, in near-Earth space. THEMIS will not only seek to answer where and when substorms start, but will also provide clues as to how and why these space storms create havoc on satellites, terrestrial power grids, and communication systems. THEMIS will be transported to Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on February 1 for mating to the Delta II rocket. Launch is scheduled for Feb. 15. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd2812

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., technicians are preparing one of five THEMIS probes to be secured inside a shipping container (behind it). The probes are being More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., one of the five THEMIS probes is ready to be covered for its move to the hazardous processing facility. There it will be placed on a stand in preparation for fueling operations. Once fueling is complete, each probe will be weighed and individually mated to the payload carrier before pyrotechnics are installed. The fully integrated THEMIS payload is then ready for spin-balance testing and weighing. The final milestone is mating THEMIS to its upper stage booster. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. These lights are the visible manifestations of invisible energy releases, called geomagnetic substorms, in near-Earth space. THEMIS will not only seek to answer where and when substorms start, but will also provide clues as to how and why these space storms create havoc on satellites, terrestrial power grids, and communication systems. THEMIS will be transported to Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on February 1 for mating to the Delta II rocket. Launch is scheduled for Feb. 15. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd2813

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., one of the five THEMIS probes is ready to be covered for its move to the hazardous processing facility. There it will be placed o More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., one of the five THEMIS probes is moved out of the facility and will be transported to the hazardous processing facility. There the probes will be placed on a stand in preparation for fueling operations. Once fueling is complete, each probe will be weighed and individually mated to the payload carrier before pyrotechnics are installed. The fully integrated THEMIS payload is then ready for spin-balance testing and weighing. The final milestone is mating THEMIS to its upper stage booster. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. These lights are the visible manifestations of invisible energy releases, called geomagnetic substorms, in near-Earth space. THEMIS will not only seek to answer where and when substorms start, but will also provide clues as to how and why these space storms create havoc on satellites, terrestrial power grids, and communication systems. THEMIS will be transported to Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on February 1 for mating to the Delta II rocket. Launch is scheduled for Feb. 15. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd2816

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., one of the five THEMIS probes is moved out of the facility and will be transported to the hazardous processing facility. There t More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of the five THEMIS probes arrives at the hazardous processing facility after leaving Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla. At the facility, the probes will be placed on a stand in preparation for fueling operations. Once fueling is complete, each probe will be weighed and individually mated to the payload carrier before pyrotechnics are installed. The fully integrated THEMIS payload is then ready for spin-balance testing and weighing. The final milestone is mating THEMIS to its upper stage booster. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. These lights are the visible manifestations of invisible energy releases, called geomagnetic substorms, in near-Earth space. THEMIS will not only seek to answer where and when substorms start, but will also provide clues as to how and why these space storms create havoc on satellites, terrestrial power grids, and communication systems. THEMIS will be transported to Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on February 1 for mating to the Delta II rocket. Launch is scheduled for Feb. 15. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd2818

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of the five THEMIS probes arrives at the hazardous processing facility after leaving Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla. At the facility, the probes will be placed More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., technicians help lower a shipping container over one of the five THEMIS probes for its move to the hazardous processing facility. There it will be placed on a stand in preparation for fueling operations. Once fueling is complete, each probe will be weighed and individually mated to the payload carrier before pyrotechnics are installed. The fully integrated THEMIS payload is then ready for spin-balance testing and weighing. The final milestone is mating THEMIS to its upper stage booster. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. These lights are the visible manifestations of invisible energy releases, called geomagnetic substorms, in near-Earth space. THEMIS will not only seek to answer where and when substorms start, but will also provide clues as to how and why these space storms create havoc on satellites, terrestrial power grids, and communication systems. THEMIS will be transported to Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on February 1 for mating to the Delta II rocket. Launch is scheduled for Feb. 15. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd2814

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., technicians help lower a shipping container over one of the five THEMIS probes for its move to the hazardous processing facility. More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of the five THEMIS probes is being transported from Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., to the hazardous processing facility. There the probes will be placed on a stand in preparation for fueling operations. Once fueling is complete, each probe will be weighed and individually mated to the payload carrier before pyrotechnics are installed. The fully integrated THEMIS payload is then ready for spin-balance testing and weighing. The final milestone is mating THEMIS to its upper stage booster. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. These lights are the visible manifestations of invisible energy releases, called geomagnetic substorms, in near-Earth space. THEMIS will not only seek to answer where and when substorms start, but will also provide clues as to how and why these space storms create havoc on satellites, terrestrial power grids, and communication systems. THEMIS will be transported to Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on February 1 for mating to the Delta II rocket. Launch is scheduled for Feb. 15. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd2817

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of the five THEMIS probes is being transported from Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., to the hazardous processing facility. There the probes will be placed on a s More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., technicians release the overhead crane from the shipping container placed around one of the five THEMIS probes for its move to the hazardous processing facility. There the probes will be placed on a stand in preparation for fueling operations. Once fueling is complete, each probe will be weighed and individually mated to the payload carrier before pyrotechnics are installed. The fully integrated THEMIS payload is then ready for spin-balance testing and weighing. The final milestone is mating THEMIS to its upper stage booster. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. These lights are the visible manifestations of invisible energy releases, called geomagnetic substorms, in near-Earth space. THEMIS will not only seek to answer where and when substorms start, but will also provide clues as to how and why these space storms create havoc on satellites, terrestrial power grids, and communication systems. THEMIS will be transported to Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on February 1 for mating to the Delta II rocket. Launch is scheduled for Feb. 15. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd2815

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., technicians release the overhead crane from the shipping container placed around one of the five THEMIS probes for its move to th More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers begin removing the shipping container cover over the hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The container holds the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, and the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC. Another payload carrier, the Flight Support System, has already been delivered and the Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment carrier will be delivered in late July. The carriers will be prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the Hubble servicing mission, targeted for launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd2033

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers begin removing the shipping container cover over the hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 miss More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the second shipment of hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope waits for removal in the high bay. The container holds the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, and the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC. Another payload carrier, the Flight Support System, has already been delivered, and the Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment carrier will be delivered in late July. The carriers will be prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the Hubble servicing mission, targeted for launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd2040

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the second shipment of hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope w More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope is moved from the airlock to go into the high bay. The container holds the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, and the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC. Another payload carrier, the Flight Support System, has already been delivered, and the Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment carrier will be delivered in late July. The carriers will be prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the Hubble servicing mission, targeted for launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd2037

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope is moved from the airlo More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, an overhead crane removes the cover of the shipping container containing the hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The container holds the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, and the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC. Another payload carrier, the Flight Support System, has already been delivered, and the Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment carrier will be delivered in late July. The carriers will be prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the Hubble servicing mission, targeted for launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd2035

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, an overhead crane removes the cover of the shipping container containing the hardware for space shuttle Atlanti More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope is moved into the high bay, joining the Flight Support System already stored. The container holds the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, and the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC. Another payload carrier, the Flight Support System, has already been delivered, and the Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment carrier will be delivered in late July. The carriers will be prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the Hubble servicing mission, targeted for launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd2038

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope is moved into the high b More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the second shipment of hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope waits for removal in the high bay. The hardware consists of the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, and the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC. Another payload carrier, the Flight Support System, has already been delivered, and the Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment carrier will be delivered in late July. The carriers will be prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the Hubble servicing mission, targeted for launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd2041

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the second shipment of hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope w More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a worker looks under the protective covering at the hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The container holds the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, and the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC. Another payload carrier, the Flight Support System, has already been delivered, and the Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment carrier will be delivered in late July. The carriers will be prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the Hubble servicing mission, targeted for launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd2036

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a worker looks under the protective covering at the hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to NA More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, an overhead crane lifts off the cover of the shipping container containing the hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The container holds the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, and the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC. Another payload carrier, the Flight Support System, has already been delivered, and the Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment carrier will be delivered in late July. The carriers will be prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the Hubble servicing mission, targeted for launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd2034

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, an overhead crane lifts off the cover of the shipping container containing the hardware for space shuttle Atla More