KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-93 stack of solid rocket boosters and external tank moves toward the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) after lightning shield wires were strung from the roof of the VAB for p More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-93 stack of solid rocket boosters and external tank sits at the Mobile Launcher Platform park site waiting for lightning shield wires to be installed on the Vehicle Assembl More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-93 stack of solid rocket boosters and external tank nears the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) where it will sit underneath the lightning shield wires strung from the roof o More
The Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) booster is lowered toward a workstand in Kennedy Space Center's Vertical Processing Facility. The IUS will be mated with the Chandra X-ray Observatory and then undergo testing to More
In the Vertical Processing Facility, the Chandra X-ray Observatory is lowered toward the Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) in a workstand beneath it. There it will be mated with the IUS and then undergo testing to val More
In the Vertical Processing Facility, the Chandra X-ray Observatory is lifted from its workstand in order to move it to the Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) nearby. After being mated, the two components will then unde More
The Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) booster is moved toward a workstand in Kennedy Space Center's Vertical Processing Facility. The IUS will be mated with the Chandra X-ray Observatory and then undergo testing to va More
In the Vertical Processing Facility, the Chandra X-ray Observatory is revealed with its protective cover removed. Chandra is ready for mating with the Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) beneath it, to be followed by te More
The Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) booster (right) is lifted out of its container after arriving at Kennedy Space Center's Vertical Processing Facility. The IUS will be mated with the Chandra X-ray Observatory (at More
In the Vertical Processing Facility, the Chandra X-ray Observatory is lowered onto the Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) beneath it. After the two components are mated, they will undergo testing to validate the IUS/Ch More
In the Vertical Processing Facility, the Chandra X-ray Observatory is moved toward the Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) in a workstand at right. There it will be mated with the IUS and then undergo testing to validat More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Columbia, aboard its orbiter transporter system, rolls toward the opening in the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will undergo external tank mating operations. Columb More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Columbia, aboard its orbiter transporter system, makes the turn from the Orbiter Processing Facility (behind it, left) to the nearby Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) for More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Columbia, aboard its orbiter transporter system, heads for the Vehicle Assembly Building to undergo external tank mating operations. Columbia is scheduled for rollout t More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Columbia is rolled out from the Orbiter Processing Facility (background) on its transporter. It is being moved to the nearby Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) for externa More
Workers in the Vertical Processing Facility observe the lower end of the Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) that will be mated with the Chandra X-ray Observatory (out of sight above it). After the two components are ma More
STS-93 Mission Specialists Catherine Coleman (left) and Michel Tognini of France (right), representing the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), look over material on the mission payload behind them, the C More
STS-93 Mission Specialists Catherine Coleman (left) and Michel Tognini of France (right), who represents the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), look over the controls for the Chandra X-ray Observatory. More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Columbia sits on Launch Pad 39B in preparation for the launch of STS-93. This view shows the flame trench, 490 feet long and 40 feet high, which helps contain the int More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Columbia sits on Launch Pad 39B less than two weeks after liftoff of Discovery on mission STS-96. Columbia was rolled out June 7 in preparation for the launch of STS- More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This closeup of Space Shuttle Columbia on Launch Pad 39B shows the Rotating Service Structure, at left, which will be moved into place on Tuesday, June 8. Columbia was rolled out J More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Columbia sits on Launch Pad 39B less than two weeks after liftoff of Discovery on mission STS-96. Columbia was rolled out June 7 in preparation for the launch of STS- More
Inside the Vertical Processing Facility, the Chandra X-ray Observatory is lifted by an overhead crane in order to transfer it into the payload canister transporter and out to Launch Pad 39B. Chandra is schedule More
Inside the Vertical Processing Facility, a worker keeps check on the transfer of the Chandra X-ray Observatory (right) as it is transferred to the KSC payload canister transporter (left). The transporter will c More
Inside the Vertical Processing Facility, the KSC payload canister transporter (left) backs up to the Chandra X-ray Observatory, stationed within the gridwork at right. The transporter will carry Chandra out to More
Inside the Vertical Processing Facility, the Chandra X-ray Observatory sits inside the payload canister, ready to be moved to Launch Pad 39B. Liftoff will take place no earlier than July 20 at 12:36 a.m. EDT ab More
Workers help set up the KSC payload canister transporter as it waits in the Vertical Processing Facility to retrieve the Chandra X-ray Observatory and carry it out to Launch Pad 39B. Chandra is scheduled to lau More
Inside the Vertical Processing Facility, doors on the payload canister begin to close on the Chandra X-ray Observatory inside before being moved to Launch Pad 39B. Liftoff will take place no earlier than July 2 More
The STS-93 crew pose for photographers and the media after arriving at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility to participate in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Tests (TCDT) this week. From left are Mission Specialists More
STS-93 Commander Eileen M. Collins smiles on her arrival at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility aboard a T-38 jet aircraft to participate in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Tests (TCDT) this week. TCDT activities f More
STS-93 Mission Specialist Steven A. Hawley (Ph.D.) grins as he steps down from a T-38 jet aircraft after landing at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility. The STS-93 crew are at KSC to participate in Terminal Countdow More
STS-93 Commander Eileen M. Collins talks to the media after arriving at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility to participate in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Tests (TCDT) this week. TCDT activities familiarize the More
STS-93 Michel Tognini of France arrives at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility to participate in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Tests (TCDT) this week. TCDT activities familiarize the crew with the mission, provid More
STS-93 Mission Specialist Catherine G. Coleman (Ph.D.) grins on her arrival at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility aboard a T-38 jet to participate in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Tests (TCDT) this week. TCDT ac More
STS-93 Commander Eileen M. Collins climbs into an M-113 armored personnel carrier at the launch pad to take part in emergency egress training. Collins is the first woman to serve as mission commander. In prepar More
During emergency egress training inside an M-113 armored personnel carrier at the launch pad, Mission Specialist Michel Tognini of France and Commander Eileen M. Collins share a light moment. In preparation for More
STS-93 Commander Eileen M. Collins has her launch and entry suit checked by a technician in the Operations and Checkout Bldg. In preparation for their mission, the STS-93 crew are participating in Terminal Coun More
During launch and entry suit check in the Operations and Checkout Bldg, STS-93 Mission Specialist Michel Tognini of France, who represents the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), tries on his helmet. In More
Under the watchful eyes of KSC Fire Department trainer Capt. George Hoggard (seated on the front), STS-93 Mission Specialist Michel Tognini of France (right) drives the M-113 armored personnel carrier during em More
STS-93 Mission Specialist Steven A. Hawley (Ph.D.) smiles for the photographer before climbing into an M-113 armored personnel carrier at the launch pad to take part in emergency egress training. In preparation More
In the Operations and Checkout Bldg., STS-93 Mission Specialist Catherine G. Coleman (Ph.D.) checks out her launch and entry suit. In preparation for their mission, the STS-93 crew are participating in Terminal More
STS-93 Michel Tognini of France, who represents the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), pauses for the photographer before climbing into an M-113 armored personnel carrier at the launch pad to take part More
The STS-93 crew pose in front of an M-113, an armored personnel carrier, which they will use for emergency egress training from the launch pad. From left are Mission Specialist Steven A. Hawley (Ph.D.), Pilot J More
In the Operations and Checkout Bldg., Mission Specialist Steven A. Hawley (Ph.D.) has his launch and entry suit checked by technicians. In preparation for their mission, the STS-93 crew are participating in Ter More
STS-93 Mission Specialist Catherine G. Coleman (Ph.D.) smiles for the photographer before climbing into an M-113 armored personnel carrier at the launch pad to take part in emergency egress training. In prepara More
STS-93 Mission Specialist Michel Tognini of France, who represents the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), has his launch and entry suit checked by a technician in the Operations and Checkout Bldg. In pr More
STS-93 Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby has his launch and entry suit checked by a technician in the Operations and Checkout Bldg. In preparation for their mission, the STS-93 crew are participating in Terminal Countdown More
In the Operations and Checkout Bldg., STS-93 Commander Eileen M. Collins checks out a PRC-112 survival radio, part of flight equipment, under the eye of Ray Cuevas, with United Space Alliance. In preparation fo More
Under the watchful eyes of Capt. George Hoggard (left), trainer with the KSC Fire Department, STS-93 Mission Specialist Catherine G. Coleman (Ph.D.) drives the M-113 armored personnel carrier during emergency e More
STS-93 Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby pauses for the photographer before climbing into an M-113 armored personnel carrier at the launch pad to take part in emergency egress training. In preparation for their mission, t More
Inside an M-113 armored personnel carrier at the launch pad, the STS-93 crew take part in emergency egress training under the watchful eyes of Capt. George Hoggard (center), trainer with the KSC Fire Department More
The STS-93 crew poses for a photo on Launch Pad 39B during a break in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. From left are Commander Eileen M. Collins, Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby, and Mission Spec More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the "White Room" at Launch Pad 39B, the STS-93 crew poses for a photo before passing through the hatch on the orbiter Columbia. In the back row are Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby, C More
STS-93 Commander Eileen M. Collins (with microphone) talks to the press at a question and answer session at the slidewire basket area of Launch Pad 39B. She is joined by other crew members (from left) Pilot Jef More
At the 195-foot level of Launch Pad 39B, STS-93 Mission Specialist Catherine G. Coleman (Ph.D.) takes in the view. The STS-93 crew members are at KSC to participate in a Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, w More
(From left) STS-93 Mission Specialists Catherine G. Coleman (Ph.D.) and Steven A. Hawley (Ph.D.), and Commander Eileen M. Collins watch and listen to Bob Parks, a Safety Egress trainer with United Space Allianc More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Hours before dawn, the payload canister transporter delivers its cargo (lower left) to Launch Pad 39B, below the Rotating Service Structure (RSS). Inside the canister is the Chandr More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the early morning daylight, the payload canister containing the Chandra X-ray Observatory begins its ascent up the Rotating Service Structure (RSS). The canister arrived at the More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The payload canister transporter that brought the Chandra X-ray Observatory to Launch Pad 39B waits while the payload canister is lifted up the Rotating Service Structure above it. More
During an emergency egress exercise at the launch pad, Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby (left) and Commander Eileen M. Collins (right) practice getting into the slidewire basket that is part of an emergency escape route More
STS-93 crew members eagerly head for the bus outside the Operations and Checkout Building for the trip to Launch Pad 39B. From rear left are Mission Specialists Michel Tognini of France, who represents the Cent More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the early morning, the payload canister containing the Chandra X-ray Observatory, with umbilical hoses still attached, is lifted up the Rotating Service Structure (RSS). The hos More
At the 195-foot level on Launch Pad 39B, STS-93 Mission Specialist Catherine G. Coleman (Ph.D.) leads Mission Specialists Steven A. Hawley (Ph.D.) and Michel Tognini of France, who represents the Centre Nationa More
STS-93 Catherine G. Coleman (Ph.D.) sits inside the orbiter Columbia during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities that include emergency exit training and a launch-day dress rehearsal culminat More
After suiting up for their practice countdown exercise, STS-93 crew members wave to onlookers as they head for the bus outside the Operations and Checkout Building for the trip to Launch Pad 39B. From rear left More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39B, the payload canister carrying the Chandra X-ray Observatory nears the end of its ascent up the Rotating Service Structure (RSS) to the Payload Changeout Room. Um More
STS093-S-012 (24 June 1999) --- With the Space Shuttle Columbia sitting on Launch Pad 39B in the background, the STS-93 crew members pose for a photo during a break in training at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) More
With the external tank and solid rocket booster (left) looming behind them, the STS-93 crew poses on a high level of the fixed service structure at Launch Pad 39B. From left are Mission Specialists Steven A. Ha More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-93 crew pauses at the launch pad for a photograph before heading for Space Shuttle Columbia (in the background) and a launch-day dress rehearsal. From left are Mission Spec More
STS-93 Commander Eileen M. Collins sits on the flight deck of the orbiter Columbia during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities that include emergency exit training and a launch-day dress rehe More
STS-93 Mission Specialist Michel Tognini of France, who represents the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), pauses during an emergency egress exercise from the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B. O More
On Launch Pad 39B, (right) STS-93 Mission Specialist Catherine G. Coleman (Ph.D.) gives a thumbs up to Mission Specialist Michel Tognini of France (left) to pull the lever that will release the slidewire basket More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39B, the payload canister carrying the Chandra X-ray Observatory begins its ascent up the Rotating Service Structure (RSS) to the Payload Changeout Room. Umbilical ho More
During an emergency egress exercise at the launch pad, Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby (left) and Commander Eileen M. Collins (right) hurry down the yellow-painted path to a slidewire basket. The baskets are part of an More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The payload canister containing the Chandra X-ray Observatory is prepared for its ascent up the Rotating Service Structure (RSS). The canister arrived at the pad on the payload can More
During an emergency egress exercise at the launch pad, three STS-93 crew members stand in a slidewire basket that is part of an emergency escape route for persons in the Shuttle and on the Rotating Service Stru More
STS093-S-013 (27 June 1999) --- In this fish-eye view, the Chandra X-ray Observatory rests inside the payload bay of the Space Shuttle Columbia at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Chandra is the primary payload More
In this fish-eye view, the Chandra X-ray Observatory rests inside the payload bay of the orbiter Columbia. Chandra is the primary payload on mission STS-93, scheduled to launch no earlier than July 20 aboard Sp More
In this fish-eye view, a worker oversees the movement of the Chandra X-ray Observatory into the payload bay of the orbiter Columbia. Chandra is the primary payload on mission STS-93, scheduled to launch no earl More
The STS-93 crew leave the Shuttle Landing Facility after answering questions for the media and posing for photographers, whose shadows stretch across the SLF. From left are Mission Specialists Michel Tognini of More
STS-93 Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby lands at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. He and other crew members Commander Eileen Collins and Mission Specialists Steven A. Hawl More
STS-93 Commander Eileen Collins peers into the eastern early morning sky after landing at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) aboard a T-38 jet aircraft (background). She and other crew member More
STS-93 Mission Specialist Catherine G. "Cady" Coleman (Ph.D.) shows her sense of humor upon arriving at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. She and other crew members Commander Eileen Col More
STS-93 Commander Eileen Collins waves to spectators after landing at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. She and other crew members Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby and Missi More
STS-93 Commander Eileen Collins poses for photographers in the early morning sun after landing at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) aboard a T-38 jet aircraft (background). She and other cre More
STS-93 Mission Specialist Michel Tognini of France, with the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), prepares to leave the T-38 jet aircraft that brought him to KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility. He and other c More
After arrival at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-93 crew speak to the media about their mission. From left are Mission Specialists Michel Tognini of France, who is with the Centre National d'Etudes Spat More
Center Director Roy D. Bridges Jr. greets STS-93 Commander Eileen M. Collins after her arrival at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility aboard a T-38 jet aircraft (behind her). She and other crew members Pilot Jeffrey More
At Launch Pad 39-B, the Space Shuttle Columbia's payload bay doors close around the Chandra X-ray Observatory inside, while workers monitor the activity. Chandra is the primary payload on mission STS-93, schedu More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39-B, a worker monitors the closing of Space Shuttle Columbia's payload bay doors around the Chandra X-ray Observatory. Chandra is the primary payload on mission STS- More
At Launch Pad 39-B, the Chandra X-ray Observatory sits inside the payload bay of Space Shuttle Columbia, waiting for the doors to close. Chandra is the primary payload on mission STS-93, scheduled to launch abo More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39-B, the Chandra X-ray Observatory sits inside the payload bay on mission Space Shuttle Columbia, waiting for the doors to close. Chandra is the primary payload of S More
The Rotating Service Structure is rolled back from Space Shuttle Columbia on Launch Pad 39-B, in preparation for launch of mission STS-93 July 20 at 12:36 a.m. EDT. The primary payload of STS-93 is the Chandra More
Attendees of a women's forum held at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, get a guided tour of the Orbiter Processing Facility and a closeup look at an orbiter overhead. The forum included a welcome by Center Director R More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the U.S. Women's World Cup Soccer Team are greeted by NASA Administrator Daniel S. Goldin as they disembark from a plane at the Skid Strip at Cape Canaveral Air Station. More
First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton and her daughter, Chelsea, are greeted by NASA Administrator Daniel S. Goldin upon their arrival at the Skid Strip at Cape Canaveral Air Station. Next to Gold are (from left) D More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Apollo/Saturn V Center, NASA Administrator Daniel Goldin (right) chats with First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton and others while waiting for the launch of STS-93. Much attenti More
Space Shuttle Columbia, sitting on its mobile launcher platform, is framed against the early morning sky after the rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39-B. Columbia waits for the launch of More
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Astronaut Yvonne Cagle (left); Jennifer Harris (center); the Mars 2001 Operations System Development Manager at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory; and Astronaut Ellen Ochoa (right) par More