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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dawn breaks over the Atlantic Ocean near Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to reveal space shuttle Discovery newly arrived for its upcoming launch. First motion on its 3.4-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 7:58 p.m. EST Jan. 31, and was secured or "hard down" on the pad a little before 3 a.m. Feb. 1. Discovery's next launch opportunity to the International Space Station on the STS-133 mission is targeted for Feb. 24. For more information on STS-133, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-1324

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dawn breaks over the Atlantic Ocean near Launc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dawn breaks over the Atlantic Ocean near Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to reveal space shuttle Discovery newly arrived for its upcoming launch. First motion on... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the sun begins it rise in the East overlooking Launch Pad 39A and space shuttle Discovery, newly arrived for its upcoming launch. First motion on its 3.4-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 7:58 p.m. EST Jan. 31, and was secured or "hard down" on the pad a little before 3 a.m. Feb. 1. Discovery's next launch opportunity to the International Space Station on the STS-133 mission is targeted for Feb. 24. For more information on STS-133, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2011-1319

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the sun begins it rise in the East overlooking Launch Pad 39A and space shuttle Discovery, newly arrived for its upcoming launch. First motion ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, preparations are under way to move space shuttle Endeavour, attached to its external tank and solid rocket boosters, from High Bay 1 to Launch Pad 39A. First motion was at 4:13 a.m. EST Jan. 6. The 3.4-mile trip, known as rollout, takes about six hours. Rollout is a significant milestone in launch processing activities. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 mission is targeted for launch at 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2010-1025

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, preparations are under way to move space shuttle Endeavour, attached to its external tank and solid rocket boos... More

The Space Shuttle Atlantis transforms the early morning at KSC into near-daylight as its more than 7 million pounds of rocket thrust propels it from Launch Pad 39B at 4:27:23 a.m. EST Jan. 12 on its way to dock with the Mir space station for the fifth time.The 10-day mission will feature the transfer of Mission Specialist Jerry Linenger to Mir to replace astronaut John Blaha, who has been on the orbital laboratory since Sept. 19, 1996. The other STS-81 crew members include Mission Commander Michael A. Baker; Pilot Brent W. Jett, Jr.; and Mission Specialists John M. Grunsfeld, Peter J. K. "Jeff" Wisoff and Marsha S. Ivins. During the five-day docking operations, the Shuttle and Mir crews will conduct risk mitigation, human life science, microgravity and materials processing experiments that will provide data for the design, development and operation of the International Space Station. The primary payload is the SPACEHAB-DM double module that will provide space for more than 2,000 pounds of hardware, food and water that will be transferred into the Russian space station. The SPACEHAB will also be used to return experiment samples from the Mir to Earth for analysis and for microgravity experiments during the mission KSC-97pc145

The Space Shuttle Atlantis transforms the early morning at KSC into ne...

The Space Shuttle Atlantis transforms the early morning at KSC into near-daylight as its more than 7 million pounds of rocket thrust propels it from Launch Pad 39B at 4:27:23 a.m. EST Jan. 12 on its way to dock... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Like a rising sun lighting up the night, the Space Shuttle Atlantis soars from Launch Pad 39B at 4:27:23 a.m. EST Jan. 12 on its way to dock with the Mir space station for the fifth time. The 10-day mission will feature the transfer of Mission Specialist Jerry Linenger to Mir to replace astronaut John Blaha, who has been on the orbital laboratory since Sept. 19, 1996. The other STS-81 crew members include Mission Commander Michael A. Baker; Pilot Brent W. Jett, Jr.; and Mission Specialists John M. Grunsfeld, Peter J. K. "Jeff" Wisoff and Marsha S. Ivins. During the five-day docking operations, the Shuttle and Mir crews will conduct risk mitigation, human life science, microgravity and materials processing experiments that will provide data for the design, development and operation of the International Space Station. The primary payload is the SPACEHAB-DM double module that will provide space for more than 2,000 pounds of hardware, food and water that will be transferred into the Russian space station.The SPACEHAB will also be used to return experiment samples from the Mir to Earth for analysis and for microgravity experiments during the mission KSC-97pc143

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Like a rising sun lighting up the night,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Like a rising sun lighting up the night, the Space Shuttle Atlantis soars from Launch Pad 39B at 4:27:23 a.m. EST Jan. 12 on its way to dock with the Mir space station for the fift... More

Like a rising sun lighting up the night, the Space Shuttle Atlantis soars from Launch Pad 39B at 4:27:23 a.m. EST Jan. 12 on its way to dock with the Mir space station for the fifth time. The 10-day mission will feature the transfer of Mission Specialist Jerry Linenger to Mir to replace astronaut John Blaha, who has been on the orbital laboratory since Sept. 19, 1996. The other STS-81 crew members include Mission Commander Michael A. Baker; Pilot Brent W. Jett, Jr.; and Mission Specialists John M. Grunsfeld, Peter J. K. "Jeff" Wisoff and Marsha S. Ivins. During the five-day docking operations, the Shuttle and Mir crews will conduct risk mitigation, human life science, microgravity and materials processing experiments that will provide data for the design, development and operation of the International Space Station. The primary payload is the SPACEHAB-DM double module that will provide space for more than 2,000 pounds of hardware, food and water that will be transferred into the Russian space station.The SPACEHAB will also be used to return experiment samples from the Mir to Earth for analysis and for microgravity experiments during the mission KSC-97pc142

Like a rising sun lighting up the night, the Space Shuttle Atlantis so...

Like a rising sun lighting up the night, the Space Shuttle Atlantis soars from Launch Pad 39B at 4:27:23 a.m. EST Jan. 12 on its way to dock with the Mir space station for the fifth time. The 10-day mission wil... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Space Shuttle Atlantis transforms the early morning at KSC into near-daylight as its more than 7 million pounds of rocket thrust propels it from Launch Pad 39B at 4:27:23 a.m. EST Jan. 12 on its way to dock with the Mir space station for the fifth time.The 10-day mission will feature the transfer of Mission Specialist Jerry Linenger to Mir to replace astronaut John Blaha, who has been on the orbital laboratory since Sept. 19, 1996. The other STS-81 crew members include Mission Commander Michael A. Baker; Pilot Brent W. Jett, Jr.; and Mission Specialists John M. Grunsfeld, Peter J. K. "Jeff" Wisoff and Marsha S. Ivins. During the five-day docking operations, the Shuttle and Mir crews will conduct risk mitigation, human life science, microgravity and materials processing experiments that will provide data for the design, development and operation of the International Space Station. The primary payload is the SPACEHAB-DM double module that will provide space for more than 2,000 pounds of hardware, food and water that will be transferred into the Russian space station. The SPACEHAB will also be used to return experiment samples from the Mir to Earth for analysis and for microgravity experiments during the mission KSC-97pc144

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Space Shuttle Atlantis transforms th...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Space Shuttle Atlantis transforms the early morning at KSC into near-daylight as its more than 7 million pounds of rocket thrust propels it from Launch Pad 39B at 4:27:23 a.m. ... More

U. S. astronaut John E. Blaha and his wife, Brenda, hold hands in the crew quarters at KSC after he answered questions about his four-month stay aboard the Russian Mir space station. Blaha returned to Earth earlier today aboard the Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis when it touched down at 9:22:44 a.m. EST Jan. 22 on Runway 33 of KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility at the conclusion of the STS-81 mission. Blaha and the other five returning STS-81 crew members are spending the night here in the Operations and Checkout Building before returning to Johnson Space Center in Houston tomorrow morning. Blaha will undergo a two-week series of medical tests to help determine the physiological effects of his long-duration mission KSC-97pc198

U. S. astronaut John E. Blaha and his wife, Brenda, hold hands in the ...

U. S. astronaut John E. Blaha and his wife, Brenda, hold hands in the crew quarters at KSC after he answered questions about his four-month stay aboard the Russian Mir space station. Blaha returned to Earth ear... More

The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis touches down on Runway 33 at 9:22:44 a.m. EST Jan. 22 to conclude the fifth Shuttle-Mir docking mission and return NASA astronaut John Blaha to Earth after four months in space. Blaha was replaced by STS-81 Mission Specialist Jerry Linenger during the five days of docked operations. At main gear touchdown, the STS-81 mission duration was 10 days, 4 hours, 55 minutes. This was the 34th KSC landing in Shuttle history. Mission Commander Michael A. Baker flew Atlantis to a perfect landing, with help from Pilot Brent W. Jett, Jr. Other returning STS-81 crew members are Mission Specialists John M. Grunsfeld, Peter J. K. "Jeff" Wisoff and Marsha S. Ivins. Atlantis also brought back experiment samples from the Russian space station for analysis on Earth, along with Russian logistics equipment KSC-97pc188

The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis touches down on Runway 33 at 9:22:4...

The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis touches down on Runway 33 at 9:22:44 a.m. EST Jan. 22 to conclude the fifth Shuttle-Mir docking mission and return NASA astronaut John Blaha to Earth after four months in spac... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis touches down on Runway 33 at 9:22:44 a.m. EST Jan. 22 to conclude the fifth Shuttle-Mir docking mission and return NASA astronaut John Blaha to Earth after four months in space. Blaha was replaced by STS-81 Mission Specialist Jerry Linenger during the five days of docked operations. At main gear touchdown, the STS-81 mission duration was 10 days, 4 hours, 55 minutes. This was the 34th KSC landing in Shuttle history. Mission Commander Michael A. Baker flew Atlantis to a perfect landing, with help from Pilot Brent W. Jett, Jr. Other returning STS-81 crew members are Mission Specialists John M. Grunsfeld, Peter J. K. "Jeff" Wisoff and Marsha S. Ivins. Atlantis also brought back experiment samples from the Russian space station for analysis on Earth, along with Russian logistics equipment KSC-97pc189

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis touch...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis touches down on Runway 33 at 9:22:44 a.m. EST Jan. 22 to conclude the fifth Shuttle-Mir docking mission and return NASA astronaut John Blaha to E... More

KSC-97pc194. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

KSC-97pc194. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis touches down on Runway 33 at 9:22:44 a.m. EST Jan. 22 to conclude the fifth Shuttle-Mir docking mission and return NASA astronaut John Blaha to Earth after four months in spac... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With its drag chute deployed, the Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis touches down on Runway 33 on the second opportunity at 9:22:44 a.m. EST Jan. 22 to conclude the fifth Shuttle-Mir docking mission and return NASA astronaut John Blaha to Earth after four months in space. At main gear touchdown, the STS-81 mission duration was 10 days, 4 hours, 55 minutes. This was the 34th KSC landing in Shuttle history. Mission Commander Michael A. Baker flew Atlantis to a perfect landing, with help from Pilot Brent W. Jett, Jr. Other returning STS-81 crew members are Mission Specialists John M.Grunsfeld, Peter J. K. "Jeff" Wisoff and Marsha S. Ivins. Atlantis also brought back experiment samples from the Russian space station Mir for analysis on Earth, along with Russian logistics equipment KSC-97pc190

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With its drag chute deployed, the Space ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With its drag chute deployed, the Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis touches down on Runway 33 on the second opportunity at 9:22:44 a.m. EST Jan. 22 to conclude the fifth Shuttle-Mir d... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Four members of the STS-81 crew pose in front of the Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis on Runway 33 of KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility after the space plane touched down at 9:22:44 a.m. EST Jan. 22 to conclude the fifth Shuttle-Mir docking mission. The crew members are (from left): Mission Specialists John M. Grunsfeld and Peter J. K. "Jeff" Wisoff ; Pilot Brent W. Jett, Jr.; and Mission Commander Michael A. Baker. Also returning on board Atlantis were Mission Specialist Marsha S. Ivins and John Blaha, who had been a member of the Mir 22 crew for four months. At main gear touchdown, the STS-81 mission duration was 10 days, 4 hours, 55 minutes. This was the 34th KSC landing in Shuttle history KSC-97pc195

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Four members of the STS-81 crew pose in ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Four members of the STS-81 crew pose in front of the Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis on Runway 33 of KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility after the space plane touched down at 9:22:44 a.m... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis glides out of a morning sky as it prepares to land on Runway 33 at a scheduled time of about 9:23 a.m. EST Jan. 22 to conclude the fifth Shuttle-Mir docking mission and return NASA astronaut John Blaha to Earth after four months in space. At main gear touchdown, the STS-81 mission duration will be 10 days, 4 hours, 55 minutes. This is the 34th KSC landing in Shuttle history. Mission Commander Michael A. Baker is steering Atlantis to a perfect landing, with help from Pilot Brent W. Jett, Jr. Other returning STS-81 crew members are Mission Specialists John M. Grunsfeld, Peter J. K. "Jeff" Wisoff and Marsha S. Ivins. Atlantis also brought back experiment samples from the Russian space station Mir for analysis on Earth KSC-97pc192

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis glide...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis glides out of a morning sky as it prepares to land on Runway 33 at a scheduled time of about 9:23 a.m. EST Jan. 22 to conclude the fifth Shuttle-... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With its drag chute deployed, the Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis touches down on Runway 33 on the second opportunity at 9:22:44 a.m. EST Jan. 22 to conclude the fifth Shuttle-Mir docking mission and return NASA astronaut John Blaha to Earth after four months in space. At main gear touchdown, the STS-81 mission duration was 10 days, 4 hours, 55 minutes. This was the 34th KSC landing in Shuttle history. Mission Commander Michael A. Baker flew Atlantis to a perfect landing, with help from Pilot Brent W. Jett, Jr. Other returning STS-81 crew members are Mission Specialists John M.Grunsfeld, Peter J. K. "Jeff" Wisoff and Marsha S. Ivins. Atlantis also brought back experiment samples from the Russian space station Mir for analysis on Earth, along with Russian logistics equipment KSC-97pc191

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With its drag chute deployed, the Space ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With its drag chute deployed, the Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis touches down on Runway 33 on the second opportunity at 9:22:44 a.m. EST Jan. 22 to conclude the fifth Shuttle-Mir d... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- NASA Administrator Daniel S. Goldin (center) and KSC Director of Shuttle Operations Robert B. Sieck (right) discuss the successful conclusion of the STS-81 mission with Mission Commander Michael A. Baker (left). They are underneath the Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis after the space plane landed on Runway 33 at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility at 9:22:44 a.m. EST Jan. 22 to conclude the fifth Shuttle-Mir docking mission. At main gear touchdown, the STS-81 mission duration was 10 days, 4 hours, 55 minutes. This was the 34th KSC landing in Shuttle history KSC-97pc196

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- NASA Administrator Daniel S. Goldin (cen...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- NASA Administrator Daniel S. Goldin (center) and KSC Director of Shuttle Operations Robert B. Sieck (right) discuss the successful conclusion of the STS-81 mission with Mission Com... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With the Mate/Demate Device (MDD) on the left and the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) on the right, the Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis approaches Runway 33 at KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility for a scheduled touchdown at about 9:23 a.m. EST Jan. 22. When the orbiter lands, it will conclude the fifth Shuttle-Mir docking mission and return NASA astronaut John Blaha to Earth after four months in space. At main gear touchdown, the STS-81 mission duration will be 10 days, 4 hours, 55 minutes. This is the 34th KSC landing in Shuttle history. Mission Commander Michael A. Baker is steering Atlantis to a perfect landing, with help from Pilot Brent W. Jett, Jr. Other returning STS-81 crew members are Mission Specialists John M. Grunsfeld, Peter J. K. "Jeff" Wisoff and Marsha S. Ivins. Atlantis also brought back experiment samples from the Russian space station Mir for analysis on Earth KSC-97pc193

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With the Mate/Demate Device (MDD) on the...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With the Mate/Demate Device (MDD) on the left and the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) on the right, the Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis approaches Runway 33 at KSC’s Shuttle Landing... More

U. S. astronaut John E. Blaha poses with his wife, Brenda (left), and daughter, Carolyn (right), in the crew quarters at KSC after answering questions about his four-month stay aboard the Russian Mir space station. Blaha returned to Earth earlier today aboard the Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis when it touched down at 9:22:44 a.m. EST Jan. 22 on Runway 33 of KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility at the conclusion of the STS-81 mission. Blaha and the other five returning STS-81 crew members are spending the night here in the Operations and Checkout Building before returning to Johnson Space Center in Houston tomorrow morning. Blaha will undergo a two-week series of medical tests to help determine the physiological effects of his long-duration mission KSC-97pc197

U. S. astronaut John E. Blaha poses with his wife, Brenda (left), and ...

U. S. astronaut John E. Blaha poses with his wife, Brenda (left), and daughter, Carolyn (right), in the crew quarters at KSC after answering questions about his four-month stay aboard the Russian Mir space stat... More

U. S. astronaut John E. Blaha and his family are all smiles as they embrace in the crew quarters at KSC after he answered questions about his four-month stay aboard the Russian Mir space station. Blaha’s wife, Brenda, is on the left and his daughter, Carolyn, is on the right. Blaha returned to Earth earlier today aboard the Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis when it touched down at 9:22:44 a.m. EST Jan. 22 on Runway 33 of KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility at the conclusion of the STS-81 mission. Blaha and the other five returning STS-81 crew members are spending the night here in the Operations and Checkout Building before returning to Johnson Space Center in Houston tomorrow morning. Blaha will undergo a two-week series of medical tests to help determine the physiological effects of his long-duration mission KSC-97pc199

U. S. astronaut John E. Blaha and his family are all smiles as they em...

U. S. astronaut John E. Blaha and his family are all smiles as they embrace in the crew quarters at KSC after he answered questions about his four-month stay aboard the Russian Mir space station. Blaha’s wife, ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Endeavour's replacement main engine No. 3 is moved underneath the orbiter for installation. Following routine testing procedures on a separate test engine, analysis revealed delamination on the wall of the engine's main combustion chamber. When data revealed that one of Endeavour's engines had undergone similar testing procedures, managers opted to replace the suspect engine as a precaution. Space Shuttle Endeavour is targeted for launch at 1:11 p.m. EST Jan. 13, 2000, on mission STS-99. It will be Endeavour's 14th flight. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission KSC-99padig040

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Endeavour's replacement main engine No. ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Endeavour's replacement main engine No. 3 is moved underneath the orbiter for installation. Following routine testing procedures on a separate test engine, analysis revealed delami... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This close-up of Space Shuttle Endeavour's main engines shows the replacement for main engine No. 3 (lower right) ready to be installed. Following routine testing procedures on a separate test engine, analysis revealed delamination on the wall of the engine's main combustion chamber. When data revealed that one of Endeavour's engines had undergone similar testing procedures, managers opted to replace the suspect engine as a precaution. Space Shuttle Endeavour is targeted for launch at 1:11 p.m. EST Jan. 13, 2000, on mission STS-99. It will be Endeavour's 14th flight. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission KSC-99padig041

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This close-up of Space Shuttle Endeavour...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This close-up of Space Shuttle Endeavour's main engines shows the replacement for main engine No. 3 (lower right) ready to be installed. Following routine testing procedures on a s... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Atlas V expendable launch vehicle with the New Horizons spacecraft rolls out of the Vertical Integration Facility on its way to the launch pad. The liftoff is scheduled for 1:24 p.m. EST Jan. 17. After its launch aboard the Atlas V, 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. A launch before Feb. 3 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. KSC-06pd0066

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Forc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Atlas V expendable launch vehicle with the New Horizons spacecraft rolls out of the Vertical Integration Facility on its way ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Atlas V expendable launch vehicle with the New Horizons spacecraft rolls out of the Vertical Integration Facility on its way to the pad. The liftoff is scheduled for 1:24 p.m. EST Jan. 17. After its launch aboard the Atlas V, 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. A launch before Feb. 3 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. KSC-06pd0067

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Forc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Atlas V expendable launch vehicle with the New Horizons spacecraft rolls out of the Vertical Integration Facility on its way ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Atlas V expendable launch vehicle with the New Horizons spacecraft moves with the launcher umbilical tower between lightning masts on its way to the launch pad. The liftoff is scheduled for 1:24 p.m. EST Jan. 17. After its launch aboard the Atlas V, 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. A launch before Feb. 3 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. KSC-06pd0075

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Forc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Atlas V expendable launch vehicle with the New Horizons spacecraft moves with the launcher umbilical tower between lightning ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Atlas V expendable launch vehicle with the New Horizons spacecraft settles into position with the launcher umbilical tower on the pad. The liftoff is scheduled for 1:24 p.m. EST Jan. 17. After its launch aboard the Atlas V, 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. A launch before Feb. 3 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. KSC-06pd0076

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Forc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Atlas V expendable launch vehicle with the New Horizons spacecraft settles into position with the launcher umbilical tower on... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - With the backdrop of blue sky and blue water of the Atlantic Ocean, the Atlas V expendable launch vehicle with the New Horizons spacecraft (center) is nearly ready for launch. Surrounding the rocket are lightning masts that support the catenary wire used to provide lightning protection. The liftoff is scheduled for 1:24 p.m. EST Jan. 17. After its launch aboard the Atlas V, 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. A launch before Feb. 3 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. KSC-06pd0071

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - With the backdrop of blue sky and blue w...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - With the backdrop of blue sky and blue water of the Atlantic Ocean, the Atlas V expendable launch vehicle with the New Horizons spacecraft (center) is nearly ready for launch. Sur... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Atlas V expendable launch vehicle with the New Horizons spacecraft rolls out of the Vertical Integration Facility (left) on its way to the launch pad. Liftoff is scheduled for 1:24 p.m. EST Jan. 17. After its launch aboard the Atlas V, 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. A launch before Feb. 3 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. KSC-06pd0072

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Forc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Atlas V expendable launch vehicle with the New Horizons spacecraft rolls out of the Vertical Integration Facility (left) on i... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Atlas V expendable launch vehicle with the New Horizons spacecraft moves with the launcher umbilical tower to the pad. The liftoff is scheduled for 1:24 p.m. EST Jan. 17. After its launch aboard the Atlas V, 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. A launch before Feb. 3 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. KSC-06pd0073

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Forc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Atlas V expendable launch vehicle with the New Horizons spacecraft moves with the launcher umbilical tower to the pad. The li... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Atlas V expendable launch vehicle with the New Horizons spacecraft has been moved to the pad. Umbilicals have been attached. Seen near the rocket are lightning masts that support the catenary wire used to provide lightning protection. Liftoff is scheduled for 1:24 p.m. EST Jan. 17. After its launch aboard the Atlas V, 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. A launch before Feb. 3 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. KSC-06pd0069

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Forc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Atlas V expendable launch vehicle with the New Horizons spacecraft has been moved to the pad. Umbilicals have been attached. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Atlas V expendable launch vehicle with the New Horizons spacecraft moves with the launcher umbilical tower to the pad. The liftoff is scheduled for 1:24 p.m. EST Jan. 17. After its launch aboard the Atlas V, 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. A launch before Feb. 3 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. KSC-06pd0074

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Forc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Atlas V expendable launch vehicle with the New Horizons spacecraft moves with the launcher umbilical tower to the pad. The li... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers take a moment to observe the Atlas V expendable launch vehicle with the New Horizons spacecraft poised for launch. The liftoff is scheduled for 1:24 p.m. EST Jan. 17. After its launch aboard the Atlas V, 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. A launch before Feb. 3 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. KSC-06pd0070

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Forc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers take a moment to observe the Atlas V expendable launch vehicle with the New Horizons spacecraft poised for lau... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Atlas V expendable launch vehicle with the New Horizons spacecraft is being moved from the Vertical Integration Facility to the pad. The liftoff is scheduled for 1:24 p.m. EST Jan. 17. After its launch aboard the Atlas V, 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. A launch before Feb. 3 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. KSC-06pd0068

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Forc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Atlas V expendable launch vehicle with the New Horizons spacecraft is being moved from the Vertical Integration Facility to t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Atlas V rocket with the New Horizons spacecraft on top sits waiting on the launch pad at Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The view is from the top of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA Kennedy Space Center. Surrounding the launch vehicle are four lightning masts. The launch on this date was scrubbed due to high surface winds in the area and has been rescheduled for 1:16 p.m. EST Jan. 18. 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 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/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0077

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Atlas V rocket with the New Horizons...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Atlas V rocket with the New Horizons spacecraft on top sits waiting on the launch pad at Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The view is from the top of... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter positions the mobile launcher platform supporting space shuttle Endeavour over the flame trench on Launch Pad 39A. First motion on the 3.4-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building, known as rollout, was at 4:13 a.m. EST Jan. 6. Endeavour was secure or "hard down" on the pad at 10:37 a.m. Rollout is a significant milestone in launch processing activities. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Endeavour's STS-130 launch is targeted for 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2010-1042

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a cr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter positions the mobile launcher platform supporting space shuttle Endeavour over the flame trench on Launch Pad 39A. First m... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour arrives at Launch Pad 39A during uncustomary conditions -- ice floating in the standing water inside the perimeter fence. The ambient air temperature during Endeavour's 3.4-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the pad ranged from 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. First motion for the move, known as rollout, was at 4:13 a.m. EST Jan. 6. Endeavour was secure or "hard down" on the pad at 10:37 a.m. Rollout is a significant milestone in launch processing activities. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Endeavour's STS-130 launch is targeted for 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2010-1078

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour arrives at Launch Pad 39A during uncustomary conditions -- ice floating in the standing water inside the perimeter fence... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter is enlisted to move space shuttle Endeavour up the five percent grade to the end of the crawlerway on Launch Pad 39A. The unfueled shuttle, mobile launcher platform, and crawler weigh approximately 18 million pounds combined. First motion on the 3.4-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building, known as rollout, was at 4:13 a.m. EST Jan. 6. Endeavour was secure or "hard down" on the pad at 10:37 a.m. Rollout is a significant milestone in launch processing activities. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Endeavour's STS-130 launch is targeted for 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2010-1039

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a cr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter is enlisted to move space shuttle Endeavour up the five percent grade to the end of the crawlerway on Launch Pad 39A. The... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour, secured to its mobile launcher platform, slowly rolls out of High Bay 1. First motion was at 4:13 a.m. EST Jan. 6. The 3.4-mile trip to Launch Pad 39A, known as rollout, takes about six hours. Rollout is a significant milestone in launch processing activities. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 mission is targeted for launch at 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2010-1020

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour, secured to its mobile launcher platform, slowly rolls out of High Bay 1. First motion ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour slowly rolls through the open doors of the Vehicle Assembly Building's High Bay 1 into the night air with temperatures just above 30 degrees Fahrenheit. First motion out of the bay was at 4:13 a.m. EST Jan. 6. The 3.4-mile trip to Launch Pad 39A, known as rollout, takes about six hours. Rollout is a significant milestone in launch processing activities. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 mission is targeted for launch at 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2010-1029

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour slowly rolls through the open doors of the Vehicle Assembly Building's High Bay 1 into the night air with temperatures j... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an aerospace technician prepares to secure space shuttle Endeavour to the pad. First motion on the 3.4-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building, known as rollout, was at 4:13 a.m. EST Jan. 6. Endeavour was secure or "hard down" on the pad at 10:37 a.m. Rollout is a significant milestone in launch processing activities. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Endeavour's STS-130 launch is targeted for 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2010-1046

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an aerospace technician prepares to secure space shuttle Endeavour to the pad. First motion on the 3.4-mile trip from the Veh... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the platforms are retracted from around space shuttle Endeavour, attached to its external tank and solid rocket boosters, moments before its move from High Bay 1 to Launch Pad 39A begins. First motion was at 4:13 a.m. EST Jan. 6. The 3.4-mile trip, known as rollout, takes about six hours. Rollout is a significant milestone in launch processing activities. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 mission is targeted for launch at 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2010-1026

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the platforms are retracted from around space shuttle Endeavour, attached to its external tank and solid rocket... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, preparations are under way to move space shuttle Endeavour, secured to its mobile launcher platform, from High Bay 1 to Launch Pad 39A. First motion was at 4:13 a.m. EST Jan. 6. The 3.4-mile trip, known as rollout, takes about six hours. Rollout is a significant milestone in launch processing activities. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 mission is targeted for launch at 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2010-1024

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, preparations are under way to move space shuttle Endeavour, secured to its mobile launcher platform, from High ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a worker walks alongside the crawler-transporter as it carries space shuttle Endeavour from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A. First motion was at 4:13 a.m. EST Jan. 6. The 3.4-mile trip, known as rollout, takes about six hours. Rollout is a significant milestone in launch processing activities. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 mission is targeted for launch at 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2010-1030

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a wo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a worker walks alongside the crawler-transporter as it carries space shuttle Endeavour from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A. Fir... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As dawn comes to Florida's space coast, space shuttle Endeavour rolls along the crawlerway to Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 4:13 a.m. EST Jan. 6. The 3.4-mile trip, known as rollout, takes about six hours. Rollout is a significant milestone in launch processing activities. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 mission is targeted for launch at 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2010-1031

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As dawn comes to Florida's space coast, space s...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As dawn comes to Florida's space coast, space shuttle Endeavour rolls along the crawlerway to Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Buil... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter safely delivers space shuttle Endeavour into position beside the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A. First motion on the 3.4-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building, known as rollout, was at 4:13 a.m. EST Jan. 6. Endeavour was secure or "hard down" on the pad at 10:37 a.m. Rollout is a significant milestone in launch processing activities. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Endeavour's STS-130 launch is targeted for 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2010-1044

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a cr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter safely delivers space shuttle Endeavour into position beside the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A. First motion ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, flags catch the breeze off the Atlantic Ocean as space shuttle Endeavour arrives at the pad. First motion on the 3.4-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building, known as rollout, was at 4:13 a.m. EST Jan. 6. Endeavour was secure or "hard down" on the pad at 10:37 a.m. Rollout is a significant milestone in launch processing activities. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Endeavour's STS-130 launch is targeted for 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2010-1045

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, flags catch the breeze off the Atlantic Ocean as space shuttle Endeavour arrives at the pad. First motion on the 3.4-mile tri... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour nears Launch Pad 39A, in the background at left, completing its 3.4-mile trek. First motion on its move from the Vehicle Assembly Building, known as rollout, was at 4:13 a.m. EST Jan. 6. Endeavour was secure or "hard down" on the pad at 10:37 a.m. Rollout is a significant milestone in launch processing activities. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Endeavour's STS-130 launch is targeted for 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2010-1034

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour nears Launch Pad 39A, in the background at left, completing its 3.4-mile trek. First motion on its move from the Vehicl... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour reaches the end of its 3.4-mile journey, known as rollout, from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A. The pad overlooks the Atlantic Ocean in the background. First motion was at 4:13 a.m. EST Jan. 6. The rollout took about six hours, and the shuttle was secure or "hard down" on the pad at 10:37 a.m. Rollout is a significant milestone in launch processing activities. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Endeavour's STS-130 launch is targeted for 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2010-1041

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour reaches the end of its 3.4-mile journey, known as rollout, from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A. The pad... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter is enlisted to move space shuttle Endeavour from the Vehicle Assembly Building's High Bay 1 to Launch Pad 39A. The unfueled shuttle and mobile launcher platform weigh approximately 12 million pounds. First motion out of the bay was at 4:13 a.m. EST Jan. 6. The 3.4-mile trip, known as rollout, takes about six hours. Rollout is a significant milestone in launch processing activities. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 mission is targeted for launch at 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2010-1028

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a cr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter is enlisted to move space shuttle Endeavour from the Vehicle Assembly Building's High Bay 1 to Launch Pad 39A. The unfuel... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the mobile launcher platform supporting space shuttle Endeavour, attached to its external tank and solid rocket boosters, is positioned over the flame trench on Launch Pad 39A. The pad overlooks the Atlantic Ocean in the background. First motion on the 3.4-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building, known as rollout, was at 4:13 a.m. EST Jan. 6. Endeavour was secure or "hard down" on the pad at 10:37 a.m. Rollout is a significant milestone in launch processing activities. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Endeavour's STS-130 launch is targeted for 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2010-1043

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the mobile launcher platform supporting space shuttle Endeavour, attached to its external tank and solid rocket boosters, is positioned over the... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter keeps space shuttle Endeavour level as it travels up the five percent grade to the base of Launch Pad 39A. First motion on the 3.4-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building, known as rollout, was at 4:13 a.m. EST Jan. 6. Endeavour was secure or "hard down" on the pad at 10:37 a.m. Rollout is a significant milestone in launch processing activities. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Endeavour's STS-130 launch is targeted for 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2010-1036

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a cr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter keeps space shuttle Endeavour level as it travels up the five percent grade to the base of Launch Pad 39A. First motion on... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour makes steady progress on its 3.4-mile trek from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A. First motion on its move, known as rollout, was at 4:13 a.m. EST Jan. 6. Endeavour was secure or "hard down" on the pad at 10:37 a.m. Rollout is a significant milestone in launch processing activities. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Endeavour's STS-130 launch is targeted for 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2010-1035

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour makes steady progress on its 3.4-mile trek from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A. First motion on its mov... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Endeavour is silhouetted against the pre-dawn sky as it rolls out to Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 4:13 a.m. EST Jan. 6. The 3.4-mile trip, known as rollout, takes about six hours. Rollout is a significant milestone in launch processing activities. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 mission is targeted for launch at 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2010-1023

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Endeavour is silhouetted against ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Endeavour is silhouetted against the pre-dawn sky as it rolls out to Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Buil... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter slowly moves space shuttle Endeavour from the Vehicle Assembly Building's High Bay 1, lit up in the background, toward Launch Pad 39A. First motion out of the bay was at 4:13 a.m. EST Jan. 6. The 3.4-mile trip, known as rollout, takes about six hours. Rollout is a significant milestone in launch processing activities. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 mission is targeted for launch at 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2010-1022

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a cr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter slowly moves space shuttle Endeavour from the Vehicle Assembly Building's High Bay 1, lit up in the background, toward Lau... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour approaches Launch Pad 39A, in the background at left. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 4:13 a.m. EST Jan. 6. The 3.4-mile trip, known as rollout, takes about six hours. Rollout is a significant milestone in launch processing activities. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 mission is targeted for launch at 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2010-1032

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour approaches Launch Pad 39A, in the background at left. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 4:13 a.m... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour slowly rolls through the open doors of the Vehicle Assembly Building's High Bay 1 into the night. First motion out of the bay was at 4:13 a.m. EST Jan. 6. The 3.4-mile trip to Launch Pad 39A, known as rollout, takes about six hours. Rollout is a significant milestone in launch processing activities. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 mission is targeted for launch at 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2010-1021

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour slowly rolls through the open doors of the Vehicle Assembly Building's High Bay 1 into the night. First motion out of th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a banner affixed to the crawler-transporter under the space shuttle stack proclaims "We're behind you, Endeavour!" as its move to Launch Pad 39A comes to an end. First motion on the 3.4-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building, known as rollout, was at 4:13 a.m. EST Jan. 6. Endeavour was secure or "hard down" on the pad at 10:37 a.m. Rollout is a significant milestone in launch processing activities. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Endeavour's STS-130 launch is targeted for 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2010-1040

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a ba...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a banner affixed to the crawler-transporter under the space shuttle stack proclaims "We're behind you, Endeavour!" as its move to Launch Pad 39A... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a sign points space shuttle Endeavour to Launch Pad 39A, in the background at left. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 4:13 a.m. EST Jan. 6. The 3.4-mile trip, known as rollout, takes about six hours. Rollout is a significant milestone in launch processing activities. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 mission is targeted for launch at 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2010-1033

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a si...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a sign points space shuttle Endeavour to Launch Pad 39A, in the background at left. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 4:... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter keeps space shuttle Endeavour level as it travels up the five percent grade to the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A. First motion on the 3.4-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building, known as rollout, was at 4:13 a.m. EST Jan. 6. Endeavour was secure or "hard down" on the pad at 10:37 a.m. Rollout is a significant milestone in launch processing activities. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Endeavour's STS-130 launch is targeted for 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2010-1037

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a cr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter keeps space shuttle Endeavour level as it travels up the five percent grade to the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 3... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour approaches Launch Pad 39A as seen through a catch net for a slidewire basket, part of the emergency egress system at the pad. The system includes seven baskets suspended from seven slidewires that extend from the fixed service structure to a landing zone 1,200 feet west of the pad. Endeavour's first motion on its 3.4-mile trek from the Vehicle Assembly Building, known as rollout, was at 4:13 a.m. EST Jan. 6. Endeavour was secure or "hard down" on the pad at 10:37 a.m. Rollout is a significant milestone in launch processing activities. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Endeavour's STS-130 launch is targeted for 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2010-1038

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour approaches Launch Pad 39A as seen through a catch net for a slidewire basket, part of the emergency egress system at the... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a banner affixed to the crawler-transporter under the space shuttle stack proclaims "We're behind you, Endeavour!" as its move from High Bay 1 to Launch Pad 39A begins. First motion was at 4:13 a.m. EST Jan. 6. The 3.4-mile trip, known as rollout, takes about six hours. Rollout is a significant milestone in launch processing activities. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 mission is targeted for launch at 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2010-1027

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a banner affixed to the crawler-transporter under the space shuttle stack proclaims "We're behind you, Endeavou... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, icicles hang from the railing at Launch Pad 39A as space shuttle Endeavour reaches the pad. The temperature during Endeavour's 3.4-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the pad ranged from 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. First motion for the move, known as rollout, was at 4:13 a.m. EST Jan. 6. Endeavour was secure or "hard down" on the pad at 10:37 a.m. Rollout is a significant milestone in launch processing activities. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Endeavour's STS-130 launch is targeted for 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA KSC-2010-1047

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, icic...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, icicles hang from the railing at Launch Pad 39A as space shuttle Endeavour reaches the pad. The temperature during Endeavour's 3.4-mile trip fr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour is reflected in the icy water standing inside the perimeter fence of Launch Pad 39A. The ambient air temperature during Endeavour's 3.4-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the pad ranged from 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. First motion for the move, known as rollout, was at 4:13 a.m. EST Jan. 6. Endeavour was secure or "hard down" on the pad at 10:37 a.m. Rollout is a significant milestone in launch processing activities. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Endeavour's STS-130 launch is targeted for 4:39 a.m. EST Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2010-1077

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour is reflected in the icy water standing inside the perimeter fence of Launch Pad 39A. The ambient air temperature during... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dawn breaks over the Atlantic Ocean near Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to reveal space shuttle Discovery newly arrived for its upcoming launch. First motion on its 3.4-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 7:58 p.m. EST Jan. 31, and was secured or "hard down" on the pad a little before 3 a.m. Feb. 1. Discovery's next launch opportunity to the International Space Station on the STS-133 mission is targeted for Feb. 24. For more information on STS-133, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2011-1317

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dawn breaks over the Atlantic Ocean near Launc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dawn breaks over the Atlantic Ocean near Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to reveal space shuttle Discovery newly arrived for its upcoming launch. First motion on... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dawn breaks over the Atlantic Ocean near Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to reveal space shuttle Discovery newly arrived for its upcoming launch. First motion on its 3.4-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 7:58 p.m. EST Jan. 31, and was secured or "hard down" on the pad a little before 3 a.m. Feb. 1. Discovery's next launch opportunity to the International Space Station on the STS-133 mission is targeted for Feb. 24. For more information on STS-133, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2011-1316

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dawn breaks over the Atlantic Ocean near Launc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dawn breaks over the Atlantic Ocean near Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to reveal space shuttle Discovery newly arrived for its upcoming launch. First motion on... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- As dawn breaks over the Atlantic Ocean near Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a banner proclaims the sentiments of the work force at Kennedy Space Center following the rollout of space shuttle Discovery to the pad. First motion on its 3.4-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 7:58 p.m. EST Jan. 31, and was secured or "hard down" on the pad a little before 3 a.m. Feb. 1. Discovery's next launch opportunity to the International Space Station on the STS-133 mission is targeted for Feb. 24. For more information on STS-133, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2011-1318

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- As dawn breaks over the Atlantic Ocean near La...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- As dawn breaks over the Atlantic Ocean near Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a banner proclaims the sentiments of the work force at Kennedy Space Center followin... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the sun begins it rise in the East overlooking Launch Pad 39A and space shuttle Discovery, newly arrived for its upcoming launch. First motion on its 3.4-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 7:58 p.m. EST Jan. 31, and was secured or "hard down" on the pad a little before 3 a.m. Feb. 1. Discovery's next launch opportunity to the International Space Station on the STS-133 mission is targeted for Feb. 24. For more information on STS-133, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-1326

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the sun begins it rise in the East overlooking Launch Pad 39A and space shuttle Discovery, newly arrived for its upcoming launch. First motion ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dawn breaks over the Atlantic Ocean near Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to reveal space shuttle Discovery newly arrived for its upcoming launch. First motion on its 3.4-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 7:58 p.m. EST Jan. 31, and was secured or "hard down" on the pad a little before 3 a.m. Feb. 1. Discovery's next launch opportunity to the International Space Station on the STS-133 mission is targeted for Feb. 24. For more information on STS-133, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-1323

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dawn breaks over the Atlantic Ocean near Launc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dawn breaks over the Atlantic Ocean near Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to reveal space shuttle Discovery newly arrived for its upcoming launch. First motion on... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the sun's early morning rays and space shuttle Discovery are reflected in a pond at Launch Pad 39A. Discovery was moved from the Vehicle Assembly Building with first motion at 7:58 p.m. EST Jan. 31, and was secured or "hard down" on the pad a little before 3 a.m. Feb. 1. Discovery's next launch opportunity to the International Space Station on the STS-133 mission is targeted for Feb. 24. For more information on STS-133, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-1327

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the sun's early morning rays and space shuttle Discovery are reflected in a pond at Launch Pad 39A. Discovery was moved from the Vehicle Assemb... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, this image of Launch Pad 39A from the 205-foot level reveals the rising sun over newly arrived space shuttle Discovery. The shuttle moved from the Vehicle Assembly Building with first motion at 7:58 p.m. EST Jan. 31, and was secured or "hard down" on the pad a little before 3 a.m. Feb. 1. Discovery's next launch opportunity to the International Space Station on the STS-133 mission is targeted for Feb. 24. For more information on STS-133, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2011-1322

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, thi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, this image of Launch Pad 39A from the 205-foot level reveals the rising sun over newly arrived space shuttle Discovery. The shuttle moved from ... More