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Space Shuttle Discovery, STS-51 G Launch

Space Shuttle Discovery, STS-51 G Launch

(June 17, 1985) On June 17, 1985, Space Shuttle Discovery's STS-51 G mission launched on a Comsat deployment mission. It deployed three communication satellites. The mission lasted a little over seven days. ..I... More

Astronaut Edward White Ready For Gemini IV Liftoff

Astronaut Edward White Ready For Gemini IV Liftoff

(June 3, 1965) Astronaut Edward H. White II, pilot for NASA's Gemini IV mission is shown in the crew's ready room at Launch Complex 16, suited and ready to ride the van to Launch Complex 19 for insertion in the... More

Space Shuttle Atlantis, STS-135 Launch

Space Shuttle Atlantis, STS-135 Launch

(July 8, 2011) Space Shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 mission launched from Launch Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center on July 8, 2011. STS-135 was the last Space Shuttle mission. The crew of four delivered supplies to th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A crack formed on a piece of insulation on a strut that attaches the liquid oxygen feedline to External Tank-119, being used to launch space shuttle mission STS-121. This piece of foam, weighing approximately 0.0057 pounds, is three inches long and one-eighth to one-quarter inch wide.  It fell from the tank and was recovered by the Ice Team from the mobile launch platform at Pad 39B.  It is believed that the rain experienced during yesterday’s launch attempt of Discovery caused water to run down the feedline and form ice near the strut next to the feedline bracket.  As the tank warmed and expanded, the ice that formed most likely pinched the foam on the top of the strut, causing a crack and eventual loss of the small piece of foam. Photo credit: NASA KSC-06pd1384

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A crack formed on a piece of insulation o...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A crack formed on a piece of insulation on a strut that attaches the liquid oxygen feedline to External Tank-119, being used to launch space shuttle mission STS-121. This piece of f... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  --   Sandpipers investigate a washed up horseshoe crab on the river bank on Kennedy Space Center. Sandpipers are found on shores and in wetlands around the globe, breeding on the Arctic tundra then returning to more temperate climes.   KSC shares a boundary with the Merritt Island Wildlife Nature Refuge. The refuge is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. In addition, the Refuge supports 19 endangered or threatened wildlife species on Federal or State lists, more than any other single refuge in the U.S.   Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-07pd0869

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Sandpipers investigate a washed up ho...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Sandpipers investigate a washed up horseshoe crab on the river bank on Kennedy Space Center. Sandpipers are found on shores and in wetlands around the globe, breeding on the Arc... More

NASA FAMILY EDUCATION NIGHT 2010-3913

NASA FAMILY EDUCATION NIGHT 2010-3913

NASA FAMILY EDUCATION NIGHT Public domain photograph related to NASA research activity, space exploration, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, old roller shaft bearing assembly parts that were removed from crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, have been discarded. Inside the VAB, new roller shaft bearings will be installed on CT-2.      Work continues in high bay 2 to upgrade CT-2. The modifications are designed to ensure CT-2’s ability to transport launch vehicles currently in development, such as the agency’s Space Launch System, to the launch pad. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/crawler-transporter_bearings.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2013-2902

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, old roller shaft bearing assembly parts that were removed from crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, have ... More

STS-132 ATLANTIS BASE PLATE/SALAD BOWL INSTALLATION 2010-1912

STS-132 ATLANTIS BASE PLATE/SALAD BOWL INSTALLATION 2010-1912

STS-132 ATLANTIS BASE PLATE/SALAD BOWL INSTALLATION

A locking pin can be seen in the background, almost as a shadow, next to the orbiter aft ET attachment. Locking pins are used to secure handrails on the platforms while work is being performed. The misplaced pin was noticed during an inspection prior to launch, causing the decision to scrub about 90 minutes before liftoff. Launch was rescheduled for Oct. 11 at 7:17 p.m KSC-00padig038

A locking pin can be seen in the background, almost as a shadow, next ...

A locking pin can be seen in the background, almost as a shadow, next to the orbiter aft ET attachment. Locking pins are used to secure handrails on the platforms while work is being performed. The misplaced pi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a technician spray paints simulated thrusters on the space shuttle Endeavour.      The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the remaining space shuttles, Endeavour and Atlantis. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Its ferry flight to California is targeted for mid-September. Endeavour was the last space shuttle added to NASA’s orbiter fleet. Over the course of its 19-year career, Endeavour spent 299 days in space during 25 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-3548

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 at NASA’s ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a technician spray paints simulated thrusters on the space shuttle Endeavour. The work is part of Tran... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane moves the Ares I-X crew module simulator toward a stand at right.  Other Ares I-X segments are stacked around the floor of the bay.  Ares I-X is the test flight for the Ares I.   The I-X flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with Ares I. The launch of the 327-foot-tall, full-scale Ares I-X, targeted for July 2009, will be the first in a series of unpiloted rocket launches from Kennedy. When fully developed, the 16-foot diameter crew module will furnish living space and reentry protection for the astronauts.  Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2009-1866

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane moves the Ares I-X crew module simulator toward a stand at right. Other Ares I-X segment... More

Space Shuttle Columbia, Columbia Reconstruction Project Team

Space Shuttle Columbia, Columbia Reconstruction Project Team

Columbia Reconstruction Project Team members move debris from the Space Shuttle Columbia into a designated sector of the RLV Hangar. The debris is being shipped to KSC from the collection point at Barksdale Air... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Bionetics Project Engineer William McLamb examines a petri dish containing C. elegans nemotodes (round worms).  These specimens were found in a Biological Research in Canisters (BRIC) container, a middeck experiment that was among the Columbia debris recovered in East Texas. The worms are descendants of those that were part of an experiment that flew on Columbia's last mission, STS-107.  The experiment was designed to verify a new synthetic nutrient solution for an International Space Station (ISS) "model" specimen planned to be used extensively for ISS gene expression studies and was sponsored by the NASA Ames Research Center. Scientists are now looking over the experiment at KSC to determine if it will yield any scientific results.  The investigation into the cause of the Columbia accident is ongoing. KSC-03pd1350

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Bionetics Project Engineer William McLamb...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Bionetics Project Engineer William McLamb examines a petri dish containing C. elegans nemotodes (round worms). These specimens were found in a Biological Research in Canisters (BRI... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  In the SRB Assembly and Refurbishment Facility,  STS-114 Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence looks at a test design of the bolt catcher insulation.  The STS-114 crew is at KSC for familiarization with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment, plus the external stowage platform, to the International Space Station. KSC-04pd0515

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the SRB Assembly and Refurbishment Fa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the SRB Assembly and Refurbishment Facility, STS-114 Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence looks at a test design of the bolt catcher insulation. The STS-114 crew is at KSC for fa... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  Workers move some of the Columbia debris to its storage site in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The debris is being transferred from the Columbia Debris Hangar to the VAB for permanent storage.  More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers move some of the Columbia debris...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers move some of the Columbia debris to its storage site in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The debris is being transferred from the Columbia Debris Hangar to the VAB for ... More

KSC SEA TURTLE HATCHERY IN SUPPORT OF NORTHERN GULF RESCUE OPERATIONS 2010-4018

KSC SEA TURTLE HATCHERY IN SUPPORT OF NORTHERN GULF RESCUE OPERATIONS ...

KSC SEA TURTLE HATCHERY IN SUPPORT OF NORTHERN GULF RESCUE OPERATIONS

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  Center Director Jim Kennedy and Hortense Burt, with the Education Office at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, greet a student at South Plantation High School in Plantation, Fla.  Kennedy, Burt and other Kennedy representatives are visiting the NASA Explorer School (NES) to share the vision for space exploration with the next generation. Astronaut Roger Crouch joined the Kennedy team. During the visit, Crouch is talking with students about our destiny as explorers, NASA's stepping stone approach to exploring Earth, the moon, Mars and beyond, how space impacts our lives, and how people and machines rely on each other in space.  The Agency's NES program establishes a three-year partnership annually between NASA and 50 NASA Explorer School teams, consisting of teachers and education administrators from diverse communities nationwide.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-06pd0355

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Center Director Jim Kennedy and Hortense...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Center Director Jim Kennedy and Hortense Burt, with the Education Office at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, greet a student at South Plantation High School in Plantation, Fla. Kenned... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  KSC Deputy Director Dr. Woodrow Whitlow Jr. signs autographs for students at Gainesville Elementary School, a NASA Explorer School in Gainesville, Ga.  Whitlow accompanied Jim Jennings, deputy associate administrator for Institutions and Asset Management at NASA Headquarters, who visited the school to share the new vision for space exploration with the next generation of explorers.  Whitlow talked with students about our destiny as explorers, NASA’s stepping stone approach to exploring Earth, the Moon, Mars and beyond, how space impacts our lives, and how people and machines rely on each other in space. KSC-04pd2019

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - KSC Deputy Director Dr. Woodrow Whitlow ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - KSC Deputy Director Dr. Woodrow Whitlow Jr. signs autographs for students at Gainesville Elementary School, a NASA Explorer School in Gainesville, Ga. Whitlow accompanied Jim Jenn... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, an overhead crane carries the Integrated Truss Structure S0 to the payload canister which will transport it to the launch pad for mission STS-110.  Seen below the truss is the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello, currently not in use. The S0 truss will be part of the payload on Space Shuttle Atlantis. The S0 truss will be attached to the U.S. Lab, "Destiny,"  on the 11-day mission, becoming the backbone of the orbiting International Space Station (ISS). Launch is scheduled for April 4 KSC-02pd0344

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, an overhead crane carries the Integrated Truss Structure S0 to the payload canister which will transport it to the launch pad for mission S... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -    In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF), the overhead crane carries the multi-purpose logistics module Donatello from its work stand across the floor to a payload canister.  Donatello is being transferred to the Operations and Checkout Building to make room in the SSPF for the arrival of elements for future flights from other ISS partners. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0530

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF), the overhead crane carries the multi-purpose logistics module Donatello from its work stand across the f... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -    In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF), the overhead crane lifts the multi-purpose logistics module Donatello from its work stand to move it to a payload canister.  Donatello is being transferred to the Operations and Checkout Building to make room in the SSPF for the arrival of elements for future flights from other ISS partners. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0529

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF), the overhead crane lifts the multi-purpose logistics module Donatello from its work stand to move it to ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -   In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF), the  multi-purpose logistics module Donatello is being prepared for a move to a payload canister.  Donatello is being transferred to the Operations and Checkout Building to make room in the SSPF for the arrival of elements for future flights from other ISS partners. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0527

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF), the multi-purpose logistics module Donatello is being prepared for a move to a payload canister. Donate... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility,  the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello is slowly lowered toward a work stand.  Previously housed in the Operations and Checkout Building, Donatello was brought into the SSPF for routine testing.  This is the first time all three MPLMs (Donatello, Raffaello and Leonardo) are in the SSPF.  The MPLMs were built by the Italian Space Agency, to serve as reusable logistics carriers and the primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment.  The third MPLM, Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility, the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello is slowly lowered toward a work stand. Previously housed in the Operations and Checkout Buil... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility,  workers help the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello settle onto a work stand.  Previously housed in the Operations and Checkout Building, Donatello was brought into the SSPF for routine testing.  This is the first time all three MPLMs (Donatello, Raffaello and Leonardo) are in the SSPF.  The MPLMs were built by the Italian Space Agency, to serve as reusable logistics carriers and the primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment.  The third MPLM, Raffaello, is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers help the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello settle onto a work stand. Previously housed in the Operations and Checkout Buil... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -    In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF), the overhead crane carries the multi-purpose logistics module Donatello toward the open doors of the payload canister at left.  Donatello is being transferred to the Operations and Checkout Building to make room in the SSPF for the arrival of elements for future flights from other ISS partners. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0531

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF), the overhead crane carries the multi-purpose logistics module Donatello toward the open doors of the pay... More

Viewed from above in the Space Station Processing Facility are equipment and several future payloads on Shuttle missions to the International Space Station. At left near the front is the Integrated Electronics Assembly. Near the opposite end, under the large windows is the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello. On the right, center, is the P3 truss. Behind it are the airlock and another MPLM, Raffaello. The large windows on the left wall give visitors on bus tours a look at operations during the day KSC-01pp0675

Viewed from above in the Space Station Processing Facility are equipme...

Viewed from above in the Space Station Processing Facility are equipment and several future payloads on Shuttle missions to the International Space Station. At left near the front is the Integrated Electronics ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -   In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF), the overhead crane lowers the multi-purpose logistics module Donatello into the waiting payload canister.  Donatello is being transferred to the Operations and Checkout Building to make room in the SSPF for the arrival of elements for future flights from other ISS partners. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0532

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF), the overhead crane lowers the multi-purpose logistics module Donatello into the waiting payload canister.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello is suspended by cables over the payload canister in the Space Station Processing Facility.  Previously housed in the Operations and Checkout Building, Donatello was brought into the SSPF for routine testing.  This is the first time all three MPLMs (Donatello, Raffaello and Leonardo) are in the SSPF.  The MPLMs were built by the Italian Space Agency, to serve as reusable logistics carriers and the primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment.  The third MPLM, Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donate...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello is suspended by cables over the payload canister in the Space Station Processing Facility. Previously housed in the Operations and Chec... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Space Station Processing Facility prepare to release the overhead crane from the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello now secure on a new work stand.  Raffaello is the second MPLM built by the Italian Space Agency, serving as a reusable logistics carrier and primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment.  It has been moved to allow the third MPLM, Donatello, to be brought in for routine testing.  Donatello has been stored in the Operations and Checkout Building.  This is the first time all three MPLMs are in the SSPF; the other one is the Leonardo.  Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Space Station Processing F...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Space Station Processing Facility prepare to release the overhead crane from the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello now secure on a new work stand. Raffaello i... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Overhead cables carry the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello from the payload canister (lower right) to a work stand in the Space Station Processing Facility.  Previously housed in the Operations and Checkout Building, Donatello was brought into the SSPF for routine testing.  This is the first time all three MPLMs (Donatello, Raffaello and Leonardo) are in the SSPF.  The MPLMs were built by the Italian Space Agency, to serve as reusable logistics carriers and the primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment.  The third MPLM, Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Overhead cables carry the Multi-Purpose L...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Overhead cables carry the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello from the payload canister (lower right) to a work stand in the Space Station Processing Facility. Previously hous... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - All three Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules are on the floor of the Space Station Processing Facility.  This is the first time the three - Leonardo, Raffaello and Donatello -- have been in one location.  Donatello has been stored in the Operations and Checkout Building since its arrival at KSC and was brought into the SSPF for routine testing. The MPLMs were built by the Italian Space Agency, to serve as reusable logistics carriers and the primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment.  Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - All three Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - All three Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules are on the floor of the Space Station Processing Facility. This is the first time the three - Leonardo, Raffaello and Donatello -- have be... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - All three Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules are on the floor of the Space Station Processing Facility.  This is the first time the three - Leonardo, Raffaello and Donatello -- have been in one location.  Donatello has been stored in the Operations and Checkout Building since its arrival at KSC and was brought into the SSPF for routine testing. The MPLMs were built by the Italian Space Agency, to serve as reusable logistics carriers and the primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment.  Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - All three Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - All three Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules are on the floor of the Space Station Processing Facility. This is the first time the three - Leonardo, Raffaello and Donatello -- have be... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello is moved away from the payload canister in the Space Station Processing Facility.  Previously housed in the Operations and Checkout Building, Donatello was brought into the SSPF for routine testing.  This is the first time all three MPLMs (Donatello, Raffaello and Leonardo) are in the SSPF.  The MPLMs were built by the Italian Space Agency, to serve as reusable logistics carriers and the primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment.  The third MPLM, Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donate...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello is moved away from the payload canister in the Space Station Processing Facility. Previously housed in the Operations and Checkout Buil... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility,  workers confirm the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello is safely in place on a work stand.  Previously housed in the Operations and Checkout Building, Donatello was brought into the SSPF for routine testing.  This is the first time all three MPLMs (Donatello, Raffaello and Leonardo) are in the SSPF.  The MPLMs were built by the Italian Space Agency, to serve as reusable logistics carriers and the primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment.  The third MPLM, Raffaello, is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers confirm the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello is safely in place on a work stand. Previously housed in the Operations and ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers on the floor of the Space Station Processing Facility watch as overhead cables carry the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello to a work stand.  Previously housed in the Operations and Checkout Building, Donatello was brought into the SSPF for routine testing.  This is the first time all three MPLMs (Donatello, Raffaello and Leonardo) are in the SSPF.  The MPLMs were built by the Italian Space Agency, to serve as reusable logistics carriers and the primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment.  The third MPLM, Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers on the floor of the Space Station...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers on the floor of the Space Station Processing Facility watch as overhead cables carry the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello to a work stand. Previously housed in the ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - An overhead crane is attached to the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello in order to move it to another work stand in the Space Station Processing Facility.  Raffaello is the second MPLM built by the Italian Space Agency, serving as a reusable logistics carrier and primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment.  It is being moved to allow the third MPLM, Donatello, to be brought in for routine testing.  Donatello has been stored in the Operations and Checkout Building.  This is the first time all three MPLMs are in the SSPF; the other one is the Leonardo.  Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - An overhead crane is attached to the Mult...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - An overhead crane is attached to the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello in order to move it to another work stand in the Space Station Processing Facility. Raffaello is the s... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Space Station Processing Facility secure the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello onto a new work stand.  Raffaello is the second MPLM built by the Italian Space Agency, serving as a reusable logistics carrier and primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment.  It has been moved to allow the third MPLM, Donatello, to be brought in for routine testing.  Donatello has been stored in the Operations and Checkout Building.  This is the first time all three MPLMs are in the SSPF; the other one is the Leonardo.  Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Space Station Processing F...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Space Station Processing Facility secure the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello onto a new work stand. Raffaello is the second MPLM built by the Italian Space ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This view reveals all three Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules on the floor of the Space Station Processing Facility.  This is the first time all three - Leonardo, Raffaello and Donatello -- have been in one location.  Donatello has been stored in the Operations and Checkout Building since its arrival at KSC and was brought into the SSPF for routine testing. The MPLMs were built by the Italian Space Agency, to serve as reusable logistics carriers and the primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment.  Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This view reveals all three Multi-Purpose...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This view reveals all three Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules on the floor of the Space Station Processing Facility. This is the first time all three - Leonardo, Raffaello and Donate... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello moves away from its stand in the Space Station Processing Facility.  Raffaello is the second MPLM built by the Italian Space Agency, serving as a reusable logistics carrier and primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment.  It is being moved to allow the third MPLM, Donatello, to be brought in for routine testing.  Donatello has been stored in the Operations and Checkout Building.  This is the first time all three MPLMs are in the SSPF; the other one is the Leonardo.  Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffae...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello moves away from its stand in the Space Station Processing Facility. Raffaello is the second MPLM built by the Italian Space Agency, ser... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility, the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello glides above the floor as it moves to another stand on the other side.  Raffaello is the second MPLM built by the Italian Space Agency, serving as a reusable logistics carrier and primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment.  It is being moved to allow the third MPLM, Donatello, to be brought in for routine testing.  Donatello has been stored in the Operations and Checkout Building.  This is the first time all three MPLMs are in the SSPF; the other one is the Leonardo.  Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility, the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello glides above the floor as it moves to another stand on the other side. Raffaello is the secon... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers watch as the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello is lowered toward a work stand in the Space Station Processing Facility.  Raffaello is the second MPLM built by the Italian Space Agency, serving as a reusable logistics carrier and primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment.  It has been moved across the floor to allow the third MPLM, Donatello, to be brought in for routine testing.  Donatello has been stored in the Operations and Checkout Building.  This is the first time all three MPLMs are in the SSPF; the other one is the Leonardo.  Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers watch as the Multi-Purpose Logist...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers watch as the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello is lowered toward a work stand in the Space Station Processing Facility. Raffaello is the second MPLM built by the Ita... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello is lifted from its stand in the Space Station Processing Facility to move to another work stand.  Raffaello is the second MPLM built by the Italian Space Agency, serving as a reusable logistics carrier and primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment.  It is being moved to allow the third MPLM, Donatello, to be brought in for routine testing.  Donatello has been stored in the Operations and Checkout Building.  This is the first time all three MPLMs are in the SSPF; the other one is the Leonardo.  Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffae...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello is lifted from its stand in the Space Station Processing Facility to move to another work stand. Raffaello is the second MPLM built by ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A worker on the floor watches as the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello moves toward another work stand in the Space Station Processing Facility.  Raffaello is the second MPLM built by the Italian Space Agency, serving as a reusable logistics carrier and primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment.  It has been moved across the floor to allow the third MPLM, Donatello, to be brought in for routine testing.  Donatello has been stored in the Operations and Checkout Building.  This is the first time all three MPLMs are in the SSPF; the other one is the Leonardo.  Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A worker on the floor watches as the Mult...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A worker on the floor watches as the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello moves toward another work stand in the Space Station Processing Facility. Raffaello is the second MPLM... More

CONSTELLATION - NEW MLP CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS - 10TH TOWER SEGMENT LIFT 2010-1514

CONSTELLATION - NEW MLP CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS - 10TH TOWER SEGMENT LIF...

CONSTELLATION - NEW MLP CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS - 10TH TOWER SEGMENT LIFT

Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus stands underneath the space shuttle Atlantis during a tour of the NASA Orbiter Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center.

Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus stands undernea...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (Feb. 24, 2011) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus stands underneath the space shuttle Atlantis during a tour of the NASA Orbiter Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Ce... More

S98E5327 - STS-098 - Earth observation taken during STS-98 mission

S98E5327 - STS-098 - Earth observation taken during STS-98 mission

The original finding aid described this as: Description: Earth observation taken during the STS-98 mission from the space shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: STS-98, ATLANTIS (ORBITER), EARTH OBSERVATIONS (FROM ... More

STS098-715-046 - STS-098 - Earth observations taken during STS-98 mission

STS098-715-046 - STS-098 - Earth observations taken during STS-98 miss...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: Earth observations taken during the STS-98 mission from the space shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: STS-98, ATLANTIS (ORBITER), EARTH OBSERVATIONS (FROM... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  Center Director Bob Cabana presents an award to retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Lee A. Archer Jr., one of the Tuskegee Airmen, during a special presentation to the  work force at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  Archer shared his experiences as combat fighter pilot, civil rights leader and business executive.  Archer is the only Tuskegee Airmen fighter pilot to receive the honor “Ace” for shooting down five enemy aircraft during WWII. He retired as Air Force Command Pilot after 30 years of military service, 1941-1971. Archer is at Kennedy to serve as Military Marshall of the 2008 KSC Space & Air Show, Nov. 8-9. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3590

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Center Director Bob Cabana presents an award t...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Center Director Bob Cabana presents an award to retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Lee A. Archer Jr., one of the Tuskegee Airmen, during a special presentation to the work force at NASA's ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –    A contrast in speed and design, the F/A-18 Super Hornet jet (behind) flies alongside a World War II Vought F4U Corsair during the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This year’s show brought together the best in military aircraft, such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-16 Fighting Falcon, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event included a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3598

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A contrast in speed and design, the F/A-18 S...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A contrast in speed and design, the F/A-18 Super Hornet jet (behind) flies alongside a World War II Vought F4U Corsair during the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Sho... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   Standing next to a Starfighter aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Lee A. Archer Jr., one of the Tuskegee Airmen, shares his experiences as a combat fighter pilot.  Earlier, Archer made a special presentation to the Kennedy work force, talking about his years as a combat fighter pilot, civil rights leader and business executive. Archer is the only Tuskegee Airmen fighter pilot to receive the honor “Ace” for shooting down five enemy aircraft during WWII. He retired as Air Force Command Pilot after 30 years of military service, 1941-1971. Archer is at Kennedy to serve as Military Marshall of the 2008 KSC Space & Air Show, Nov. 8-9. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3592

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Standing next to a Starfighter aircraft at th...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Standing next to a Starfighter aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Lee A. Archer Jr., one of the Tuskegee... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –    Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Lee A. Archer Jr. (seated at center), one of the Tuskegee Airmen, autographs photos for guests after a special presentation to the  work force at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  Archer shared his experiences as combat fighter pilot, civil rights leader and business executive. Archer is the only Tuskegee Airmen fighter pilot to receive the honor “Ace” for shooting down five enemy aircraft during WWII. He retired as Air Force Command Pilot after 30 years of military service, 1941-1971. Archer is at Kennedy to serve as Military Marshall of the 2008 KSC Space & Air Show, Nov. 8-9. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3591

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Lee A. Arche...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Lee A. Archer Jr. (seated at center), one of the Tuskegee Airmen, autographs photos for guests after a special presentation to the work force at NASA's... More

Saturn Apollo Program, NASA history collection

Saturn Apollo Program, NASA history collection

This historical photograph is of the Apollo Space Program Leaders. An inscription appears at the top of the image that states, “Our deep appreciation for your outstanding contribution to the success of Apollo ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in the early '80s, the Space Shuttle Enterprise undergoes Pathfinder fit checks at a tower. The Enterprise was built as a test vehicle and was not equipped for spaceflight.  Enterprise eventually became the property of the Smithsonian Institution.      Vandenberg AFB is located on the Central Coast of California about 150 miles northwest of Los Angeles. The property is comprised of parts of five Mexican land grants and a sixth grant that was transferred virtually intact to the Army.  Vandenberg now is operated by the 30th Space Wing, and is the only military installation in the United States from which unmanned government and commercial satellites are launched into polar orbit. It is also the only site from which intercontinental ballistic missiles ICBMs are launched toward the Kwajalein Atoll to verify weapon systems performance. Vandenberg's military service dates back to 1941, when known as Camp Cooke it served as an Army training facility for armored and infantry troops. The main camp closed in June 1946 and was reactivated in August 1950 after the outbreak of the Korean War. The 13th and 20th Armored Divisions and the 40th, 44th, 86th, and 91st Infantry Divisions trained at Cooke. With the advent of the missile age in the 1950s, the Air Force persuaded Secretary of Defense Charles E. Wilson to direct the Army to transfer 64,000 acres of North Camp Cooke to the Air Force for use as a missile launch and training base. In 1958, Camp Cooke was renamed Vandenberg Air Force Base in honor of the late General Hoyt S. Vandenberg, second Air Force Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force and chief architect of today's modern Air Force.    Photo Credit: NASA KSC-99PP-1051

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in t...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in the early '80s, the Space Shuttle Enterprise undergoes Pathfinder fit checks at a tower. The Enterprise was built as a test vehicle and was n... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, preparations are underway to remove the gear boxes on the C truck of crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2. A section of the treads were removed to allow access to the gear boxes.    Work continues in high bay 2 to upgrade CT-2. The modifications are designed to ensure CT-2’s ability to transport launch vehicles currently in development, such as the agency’s Space Launch System, to the launch pad. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/crawler-transporter. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2014-1951

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, preparations are underway to remove the gear boxes on the C truck of crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2. A sect... More

Pioneer I on the Launch Pad. NASA public domain image colelction.

Pioneer I on the Launch Pad. NASA public domain image colelction.

Thor-Able I with the Pioneer I spacecraft atop, prior to launch at Eastern Test Range at what is now Kennedy Space Center. Pioneer I launched on October 11, 1958, the first spacecraft launched by the 11 day o... More

Pioneer I on the Launch Pad. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

Pioneer I on the Launch Pad. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space c...

Thor-Able I with the Pioneer I spacecraft atop, prior to launch at Eastern Test Range at what is now Kennedy Space Center. Pioneer I launched on October 11, 1958, the first spacecraft launched by the 11 day old... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Explorer I, the first American satellite, is scheduled to be launched from Cape Canaveral on Jan. 29, 1958 ksc-68p-1

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Explorer I, the first American satellite...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Explorer I, the first American satellite, is scheduled to be launched from Cape Canaveral on Jan. 29, 1958

Commemorative plaque, attached to the leg of the Lunar Module (LM), Eagle - Saturn Apollo Program

Commemorative plaque, attached to the leg of the Lunar Module (LM), Ea...

Millions of people on Earth watched via television as a message for all mankind was delivered to the Mare Tranquilitatis (Sea of Tranquility) region of the Moon during the historic Apollo 11 mission, where it s... More

Apollo 12 - Saturn Apollo Program

Apollo 12 - Saturn Apollo Program

The second manned lunar landing mission, Apollo 12, launched from launch pad 39-A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on November 14, 1969 via a Saturn V launch vehicle. The Saturn V vehicle was developed by the... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery passes the control tower on Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as it touches down March 28, 2009, to complete the 13-day, 5.3-million mile journey on the STS-119 mission to the International Space Station. Main gear touchdown was at 3:13:17 p.m. EDT.  Nose gear touchdown was at 3:13:40 p.m. and wheels stop was at 3:14:45 p.m.  Discovery delivered the final pair of large power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment. The mission was the 28th flight to the station, the 36th flight of Discovery and the 125th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 70th landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Powers KSC-2009-2386

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery passes the control towe...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery passes the control tower on Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as it touches down March 28, 2009, to complete the 13-day, 5.3-million mile journey... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Clouds of smoke and steam seem to break away as Space Shuttle Discovery blasts off from Launch Pad 39B on mission STS-102. Liftoff occurred at 6:42:09 EST for this eighth flight to the International Space Station KSC01pp0447

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Clouds of smoke and steam seem to break ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Clouds of smoke and steam seem to break away as Space Shuttle Discovery blasts off from Launch Pad 39B on mission STS-102. Liftoff occurred at 6:42:09 EST for this eighth flight to... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Rubble begins to build as the rotating service structure (RSS) on Launch Pad 39B is dismantled at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Starting in 2009, the structure at the pad was no longer needed for NASA's Space Shuttle Program, so it is being restructured for future use. The new design will feature a "clean pad" for rockets to come with their own launcher, making it more versatile for a number of vehicles.         For information on NASA's future plans, visit www.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2010-5295

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Rubble begins to build as the rotating service...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Rubble begins to build as the rotating service structure (RSS) on Launch Pad 39B is dismantled at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Starting in 2009, the structure at the pad was n... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Workers off-load NASA's Genesis spacecraft which arrived at the Shuttle Landing Facility at 3:30 a.m. aboard an Air Force C-17 aircraft.; Lockheed Martin Astronautics built the Genesis spacecraft for NASA in Denver, Colo.; The spacecraft will undergo final launch preparations in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility in KSC's industrial area. Genesis will capture samples of the ions and elements in the solar wind and return them to Earth for scientists to use to determine the exact composition of the Sun and the solar system's origin. Launch aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket is scheduled for July 30 at 12:36 p.m. EDT.; NASA's Genesis project in managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif KSC-01pp1049

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Workers off-load NASA's Genesis spacecra...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Workers off-load NASA's Genesis spacecraft which arrived at the Shuttle Landing Facility at 3:30 a.m. aboard an Air Force C-17 aircraft.; Lockheed Martin Astronautics built the Gen... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the first of three space shuttle main engines is installed in space shuttle Atlantis. Each engine is 14 feet long, weighs about 6,700 pounds, and is 7.5 feet in diameter at the end of the nozzle. This is the final planned engine installation for the Space Shuttle Program.          Atlantis is being prepared for the "launch on need," or potential rescue mission, for the final planned shuttle flight, Endeavour's STS-134 mission. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-5789

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Ken...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the first of three space shuttle main engines is installed in space shuttle Atlantis. Each engine is 14 feet l... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -  In the Vehicle Assembly Building, the external tank designated for Space Shuttle Discovery is lowered into high bay 3. There it will be stacked with the solid rocket boosters already in place on the mobile launcher platform. Discovery is scheduled to launch on mission STS-121 in July.  Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-06pd0725

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building, the e...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building, the external tank designated for Space Shuttle Discovery is lowered into high bay 3. There it will be stacked with the solid rocket boosters alre... More

Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, an overhead crane lifts the forward section of a solid rocket booster (SRB) to mate it with the components seen at lower left in the photo. The forward section of each booster, from nose cap to forward skirt contains avionics, a sequencer, forward separation motors, a nose cone separation system, drogue and main parachutes, a recovery beacon, a recovery light, a parachute camera on selected flights and a range safety system. Each SRB weighs approximately 1.3 million pounds at launch. The SRB is part of the stack for Space Shuttle Discovery and the STS-92 mission, scheduled for launch Oct. 5, from Launch Pad 39A, on the fifth flight to the International Space Station KSC-00pp0853

Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, an overhead crane lifts the forw...

Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, an overhead crane lifts the forward section of a solid rocket booster (SRB) to mate it with the components seen at lower left in the photo. The forward section of each boos... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblies are positioned along the floor of high bay 4 in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, part of the preparations for the test of the Ares IX rocket. These ballast assemblies will be installed in the upper stage 1 and 7 segments and will mimic the mass of the fuel.  Their total weight is approximately 160,000 pounds.  The test launch of the Ares IX in 2009 will be the first designed to determine the flight-worthiness of the Ares I rocket.  Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the space shuttle. Ares I’s fifth booster segment allows the launch vehicle to lift more weight and reach a higher altitude before the first stage separates from the upper stage, which ignites in midflight to propel the Orion spacecraft to Earth orbit.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3248

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblie...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblies are positioned along the floor of high bay 4 in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, part of the preparations for... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery approaches the mate-demate device, or MDD, at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.      The MDD is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth.  The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  Discovery’s new home will be the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2096

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery approaches the mate-dem...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery approaches the mate-demate device, or MDD, at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The MDD is a large gantry-like steel str... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 Mission Specialist Michael Good puts on his launch-and-entry suit before heading for Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  This launch will be Good's first space shuttle flight.  Liftoff is scheduled for 2:01 p.m. May 11 EDT.  Atlantis' 11-day flight will include five spacewalks to refurbish and upgrade NASA's Hubble Space Telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments that will expand Hubble's capabilities and extend its operational lifespan through at least 2014.  The payload includes a Wide Field Camera 3, fine guidance sensor and the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-3043

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 Mission Specialist Michael Good puts on...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 Mission Specialist Michael Good puts on his launch-and-entry suit before heading for Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This launch will be Good's first sp... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida,  the Resupply Stowage Platform, or RSP, is moved into the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo. The module is part of the payload for space shuttle Discovery's STS-128 mission. Discovery will carry science and storage racks to the International Space Station . Launch of Discovery is targeted for Aug. 6.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2944

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Resupply Stowage Platform, or RSP, is moved into the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo. The ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A canister, carrying the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS) and Express Logistics Carrier-3 for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission, arrives at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Next, crews at the pad will move the payload into the Payload Ground Handling Mechanism (PGHM), and the rotating service structure (RSS) that protects the shuttle from the elements and provides access to its components will be rotated back into place. The payload is scheduled to be installed into the shuttle's cargo bay March 25.      Endeavour and its six-member STS-134 crew are targeted to lift off April 19 at 7:48 p.m. EDT to deliver the payload to the International Space Station. This is Endeavour's final scheduled mission. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2011-2386

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A canister, carrying the Alpha Magnetic Spectr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A canister, carrying the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS) and Express Logistics Carrier-3 for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission, arrives at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Sp... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  Retired Navy Admiral Harold W. Gehman Jr., chairman of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board, addresses the press at the Shuttle Landing Facility before departing KSC. Gehman and other members of the board visited sites at KSC to become familiar with Shuttle processing procedures. The independent board is charged with determining what caused the destruction of the Space Shuttle Columbia and the loss of its seven-member crew on Feb. 1 during reentry. KSC-03pd0410

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Retired Navy Admiral Harold W. Gehman J...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Retired Navy Admiral Harold W. Gehman Jr., chairman of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board, addresses the press at the Shuttle Landing Facility before departing KSC. Gehman ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, hardware that will be used in the launch of the Ares I-X rocket is being offloaded from the C-5 aircraft. The hardware consists of a precisely machined, full-scale simulator crew module and launch abort system to form the tip of NASA's Ares I-X rocket. The launch of the 321-foot-tall, full-scale Ares I-X, targeted for July 2009, will be the first in a series of unpiloted rocket launches from Kennedy. When fully developed, the 16-foot diameter crew module will furnish living space and reentry protection for the astronauts, while their launch abort system will provide safe evacuation if a launch vehicle failure occurs.    Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-1405

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, hardware that will be used in the launch of the Ares I-X rocket is being offloaded from the C-5 aircraft. The ha... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis' main engines and solid rocket boosters ignite on Launch Pad 39A leaving behind a billow of steam as it lifts off on its STS-135 mission to the International Space Station.        Atlantis with its crew of four; Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, Mission Specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim, lifted off at 11:29 a.m. EDT on July 8, 2011 to deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts for the International Space Station. Atlantis also will fly the Robotic Refueling Mission experiment that will investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites in orbit. In addition, Atlantis will return with a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 is the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2011-5421

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis' main engines and solid rocket boosters ignite on Launch Pad 39A leaving behind a billow of steam as it lifts off on its... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi is helped by the Closeout Crew with his launch and entry suit before entering Space Shuttle Discovery.  This is Noguchi’s first Shuttle flight.  He represents the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station carries the External Stowage Platform-2, equipped with spare part assemblies, and a replacement Control Moment Gyroscope contained in the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure and Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, housing 15 tons of hardware and supplies that will be transferred to the Station after the Shuttle docks to the complex .  On this mission, the crew will perform inspections on-orbit for the first time of all of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) panels on the leading edge of the wings and the Thermal Protection System tiles using the new Canadian-built Orbiter Boom Sensor System and the data from 176 impact and temperature sensors. Mission Specialists will also practice repair techniques on RCC and tile samples during a spacewalk in the payload bay. KSC-05pp1797

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguch...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi is helped by the Closeout Crew with his launch and entry suit before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. This is Noguchi’s first Shuttle fl... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour's main engine no. 2 is moved out of Orbiter Processing Bay 2 after removal from the shuttle. Engine removal is part of the post-landing processing. Endeavour returned from the STS-127 mission July 31.  Endeavour's next mission is STS-130 targeted for February 2010.  Endeavour will deliver to the International Space Station the Tranquility pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-4706

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's main engine no. 2 is moved out of Orbiter Processing Bay 2 after removal from the shuttle. Engine removal is part of t... More

In the Operations and Checkout Building, the STS-101 crew gathers for a snack before suiting up for launch for the third time. The previous two launch attempts were scrubbed due to high cross winds at the Shuttle Landing Facility. From left are Mission Specialists James S. Voss, Susan J. Helms and Jeffrey N. Williams; Commander James D. Halsell Jr.; Pilot Scott J. Horowitz; and Mission Specialists Mary Ellen Weber and Yury Usachev of Russia. The mission will take the crew to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies and prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk. This is the third assembly flight to the Space Station. After the 10-day mission, Atlantis is expected to land at KSC May 6 at about 12:03 p.m. EDT KSC00pp0576

In the Operations and Checkout Building, the STS-101 crew gathers for ...

In the Operations and Checkout Building, the STS-101 crew gathers for a snack before suiting up for launch for the third time. The previous two launch attempts were scrubbed due to high cross winds at the Shutt... More

The STS-92 crew exits the Operations and Checkout Building on their way to the Astrovan and Launch Pad 39A for a simulated countdown. Walking left to right are (foreground) Mission Specialists Koichi Wakata of Japan, Peter J.K. “Jeff” Wisoff and Leroy Chiao; and Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy. Behind them are Mission Specialists Michael E. Lopez-Alegria and William S. McArthur Jr.; and Commander Brian Duffy. The crew is taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities that provide emergency egress training, opportunities to inspect the mission payload, and the simulated countdown. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program KSC-00pp1360

The STS-92 crew exits the Operations and Checkout Building on their wa...

The STS-92 crew exits the Operations and Checkout Building on their way to the Astrovan and Launch Pad 39A for a simulated countdown. Walking left to right are (foreground) Mission Specialists Koichi Wakata of ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --   Before dawn, at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour is lowered toward the ground by the sling in the mate/demate device.  Visible on Endeavour is the tail cone that covers and protects the main engines during the ferry flight. After Endeavour is on the ground, it will be towed via the two-mile tow-way from the SLF by a diesel-powered tractor to the Orbiter Processing Facility where it will begin preparations for its next mission, STS-127, targeted for May 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd4013

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Before dawn, at the Shuttle Landing Facility...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Before dawn, at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour is lowered toward the ground by the sling in the mate/demate de... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Space Shuttle Discovery’s payload bay, STS-92 Mission Specialist William S. McArthur Jr. explains something about the Pressurized Mating Adapter in front of him to other Mission Specialists Michael E. Lopez-Alegria and Peter J.K. Wisoff. The STS-92 crew has been inspecting the payload in preparation for launch Oct. 5, 2000. The mission is the fifth flight for the construction of the International Space Station. The payload also includes the Integrated Truss Structure Z-1. During the 11-day mission, four extravehicular activities (EVAs), or space walks, are planned KSC00pp1479

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Space Shuttle Discovery’s payload bay...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Space Shuttle Discovery’s payload bay, STS-92 Mission Specialist William S. McArthur Jr. explains something about the Pressurized Mating Adapter in front of him to other Mission... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -   On Launch Pad 39B, the cargo in Space Shuttle Atlantis' payload bay is seen before the closing of the bay doors.  The cargo is the 17-and-a-half-ton P3/P4 truss segment for the International Space Station. Scheduled to launch Aug. 27, Atlantis will fly on mission STS-115 with a crew of six to deliver and install the P3/P4 segment to the port side of the integrated truss system on the orbital outpost.  The truss includes a new set of photovoltaic solar arrays.  When unfurled to their full length of 240 feet, the arrays will provide additional power for the station in preparation for the delivery of international science modules over the next two years.  STS-115 is expected to last 11 days and includes three scheduled spacewalks.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd1915

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Pad 39B, the cargo in Space S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Pad 39B, the cargo in Space Shuttle Atlantis' payload bay is seen before the closing of the bay doors. The cargo is the 17-and-a-half-ton P3/P4 truss segment for the In... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Jose Nunez (center), NASA mission project engineer, points to the Columbus Laboratory above, being displayed to the media at a special showing.   Columbus is the European Space Agency 's largest single contribution to the International Space Station.  The laboratory module will expand the research facilities of the station, providing crew members and scientists around the world the ability to conduct a variety of life, physical and materials science experiments. The module is approximately 23 feet long and 15 feet wide, allowing it to hold 10 large racks of experiments. Columbus is scheduled to be transferred to Launch Pad 39A in early November, in preparation for its journey to the station. Columbus will fly aboard space shuttle Atlantis on the STS-122 mission, targeted for launch Dec. 6.  Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3013

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Jose Nunez (center), NASA mission project engineer, points to the Columbus Laboratory above, being displaye... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board look at the tiles underneath the wing of Space Shuttle Endeavour.  The board is visiting sites at KSC to become familiar with the Shuttle launch process and elements.   The independent board is charged with determining what caused the destruction of the Space Shuttle Columbia and the loss of its seven-member crew on Feb. 1 during reentry. KSC-03pd0377

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the Columbia Accident Investig...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board look at the tiles underneath the wing of Space Shuttle Endeavour. The board is visiting sites at KSC to become familiar with th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is raised into the mate-demate device during operations to place it on top of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft.     The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2168

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is raised into the mate-demate device during operations to place it on top of a Shuttle ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  The shuttle training aircraft, or STA, moves toward the runway on NASA's Shuttle Landing Facility.  In the cockpit are STS-120 Commander Pamela Melroy and Pilot George Zamka, who will begin landing practice on the runway. A modified Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet, the STA simulates an orbiter's cockpit, motion and visual cues and handling qualities. In flight, the STA duplicates the orbiter's atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway.  Melroy and other crew members are at Kennedy Space Center to take part in the terminal countdown demonstration test, which also includes a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-120 is targeted for Oct. 23.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2693

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The shuttle training aircraft, or STA, ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The shuttle training aircraft, or STA, moves toward the runway on NASA's Shuttle Landing Facility. In the cockpit are STS-120 Commander Pamela Melroy and Pilot George Zamka, who ... More

TDRS-L Tribute Decal to Arthur "Skip" Mackey, Jr.

TDRS-L Tribute Decal to Arthur "Skip" Mackey, Jr.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This memorial message was added to the Atlas V rocket for NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, or TDRS-L, spacecraft being prepared for launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach talks to the media in the RLV Hangar, site of the collection of Columbia debris undergoing examination.  The items shipped to KSC number more than 82,000 and weigh 84,800 pounds or 38 percent of the total dry weight of Columbia.  Of those items, 78,760 have been identified, with 753 placed on the left wing grid in the Hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach tal...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach talks to the media in the RLV Hangar, site of the collection of Columbia debris undergoing examination. The items shipped to KSC number more t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility, the 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with space shuttle Discovery on top is towed toward the mate-demate device.  The piggybacked shuttle and aircraft touched down on runway 33 at 12:05 p.m. EDT.  Discovery landed at Edwards Air Force Base in California on Sept. 11 after the 13-day STS-128 mission to the International Space Station. Landings at Kennedy were waved off on two days due to inclement weather, leading to the landing at Edwards.  The two-day return flight from California began at 9:20 a.m. EDT Sept. 20.   Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-5160

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility, the 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with space shuttle Discovery on top is towed toward the mate-demate device. The piggybacked shu... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-110 Mission Specialist Steven Smith relaxes during suit fit, which is part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide flight crews an opportunity to participate in simulated launch countdown activities. Scheduled for launch April 4, the 11-day mission will feature Shuttle Atlantis docking with the International Space Station (ISS) and delivering the S0 truss, the centerpiece-segment of the primary truss structure that will eventually extend over 300 feet KSC-02pd0296

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-110 Mission Specialist Steven Smith ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-110 Mission Specialist Steven Smith relaxes during suit fit, which is part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shut... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, old racks are being excessed in high bay 3 in the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, as part of a centerwide refurbishment initiative under the Ground Systems Development and Operations GSDO Program      The cable replacement project is under way in high bays 1 and 3 on the east side of the building, facing Launch Complex 39’s pads A and B.  Approximately 150 miles of existing Apollo/shuttle era cabling is being removed to make room for installation of state-of-the-art command, communication and control systems that will be needed by future users to perform vehicle testing and verification prior to rollout to the launch pad.  For more information, visit http://go.nasa.gov/groundsystems.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2595

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, old ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, old racks are being excessed in high bay 3 in the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, as part of a centerwide refurbishment initiative under the ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the high bay of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a worker from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center cuts away the protective wrapping from the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier for the Hubble Space Telescope. The Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, is one of four carriers supporting hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to service the telescope. The Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, and the Flight Support System, or FSS, have also arrived at Kennedy. The Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment carrier will be delivered in late July. The carriers will be prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the Hubble servicing mission, targeted for launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd2076

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the high bay of the Payload Hazardous Servic...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the high bay of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a worker from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center cuts away the protective wrapping from the Orb... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The fiery light of ignition spills over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as space shuttle Discovery roars toward space on the STS-119 mission. Liftoff was on time at 7:43 p.m. EDT. The STS-119 mission is the 28th to the International Space Station and the 125th space shuttle flight.  Discovery will deliver the final pair of power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment.  Installation of S6 will signal the station's readiness to house a six-member crew for conducting increased science. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Kevin O'Connell KSC-2009-2063

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The fiery light of ignition spills over Launch ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The fiery light of ignition spills over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as space shuttle Discovery roars toward space on the STS-119 mission. Liftoff was on time ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   The payload canister arrives under the payload changeout room in the rotating service structure on Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.  The canister holds the payloads for mission STS-121: the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo, with supplies and equipment for the International Space Station; the lightweight multi-purpose experiment support structure carrier; and the integrated cargo carrier, with the mobile transporter reel assembly and a spare pump module. The payload canister will be lifted into the changeout room where the payloads will be transferred to Space Shuttle Discovery's payload bay.  Discovery is scheduled to launch on mission STS-121 from Launch Pad 39B in a window that opens July 1 and extends to July 19. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0851

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The payload canister arrives under the...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The payload canister arrives under the payload changeout room in the rotating service structure on Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The canister holds the payloads... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, United Space Alliance and B.F. Goodrich technicians work on the starboard landing gear assembly of space shuttle Discovery.  They will replace a leaking dynamic seal in Discovery's right main-gear strut.  The struts act as shock absorbers during the shuttle's landing.  Engineers determined the observed leak of hydraulic fluid in the main landing gear strut exceeded specification and could not be reduced to an acceptable rate. Removing the strut and replacing seals require disconnecting and replacing the brakes and tires, disconnecting and reconnecting instruments and other requirements to allow access to the strut.  Discovery had been scheduled to roll over Sept. 19 from its processing hangar to the Vehicle Assembly Building. A new rollover date will be set after technicians determine how long replacing the seal will take.  Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd2494

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, Un...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, United Space Alliance and B.F. Goodrich technicians work on the starboard landing gear assembly of space shuttle Discovery. They will replace... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  STS-107 Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli astronaut, participates in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, a standard part of Shuttle launch preparations. STS-107 is a mission devoted to research and will include more than 80 experiments that will study Earth and space science, advanced technology development, and astronaut health and safety.  Launch is planned for Jan. 16, 2003, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. EST aboard Space Shuttle Columbia. KSC-02pd1926

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-107 Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon, ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-107 Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli astronaut, participates in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, a standard part of Shuttle launch preparation... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- At SPACEHAB, Cape Canaveral, members of the STS-107 crew look over elements in the SPACEHAB Double Module as part of equipment familiarization for their mission.  The crew comprises Commander Rick Husband, Pilot William McCool, Payload Commander Michael Anderson, Mission Specialists Kalpana Chawla, David Brown and Laurel Clark, and Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon.  STS-107 has two payload elements, the Double Module in its first flight into space and a Hitchhiker payload.  The double module provides greater experiment capability than on previous flights, resulting for this mission in a very broad collection of experiments for  NASA and commercial and European customers.  The experiments range from material sciences to life sciences (many rats). The Hitchhiker carrier system is modular and expandable in accordance with payload requirements, which allows maximum efficiency in utilizing orbiter resources and increases the potential for early manifesting on the Shuttle. Hitchhiker experiments are housed in canisters or attached to mounting plates. The Hitchhiker canister comes in two varieties--the Hitchhiker Motorized Door Canister and the Sealed Canisters.  STS-107 is scheduled to launch in May 2002 KSC-01pp1571

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- At SPACEHAB, Cape Canaveral, members of ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- At SPACEHAB, Cape Canaveral, members of the STS-107 crew look over elements in the SPACEHAB Double Module as part of equipment familiarization for their mission. The crew comprise... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Chairman and Hall of Fame astronaut Charlie Duke inducts shuttle astronaut Kevin Chilton into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Class of 2012 during the induction ceremony. Shuttle astronauts Franklin Chang Diaz and Charlie Precourt also were inducted into the Hall of Fame.    The year’s inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The selection process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2726

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Chairman and Hall of Fame astronaut Charlie Duke inducts shuttle astronaut Kevin Chilton into t... More

Workers in KSC’s Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility (SAEF-2) prepare the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) above them for electrical testing. The TDRS is scheduled to be launched from CCAFS June 29 aboard an Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket. One of three satellites (labeled H, I and J) being built in the Hughes Space and Communications Company Integrated Satellite Factory in El Segundo, Calif., the latest TDRS uses an innovative springback antenna design. A pair of 15-foot-diameter, flexible mesh antenna reflectors fold up for launch, then spring back into their original cupped circular shape on orbit. The new satellites will augment the TDRS system’s existing Sand Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the space shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit KSC00pp0713

Workers in KSC’s Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility (SAEF-...

Workers in KSC’s Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility (SAEF-2) prepare the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) above them for electrical testing. The TDRS is scheduled to be launched from CCAFS... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  As the ground fills with smoke and steam, Space Shuttle Discovery creates its own fireworks display, fitting for the first ever launch to be made on Independence Day.   It was the third launch attempt in four days; the others were scrubbed due to weather concerns. Liftoff on mission STS-121 was on-time at 2:38 p.m. EDT.  During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew of seven will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station.  Landing is scheduled for July 16 or 17 at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility.   Photo courtesy of Nikon/Scott Andrews KSC-06pd1443

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As the ground fills with smoke and steam...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As the ground fills with smoke and steam, Space Shuttle Discovery creates its own fireworks display, fitting for the first ever launch to be made on Independence Day. It was the ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  Space Shuttle Discovery, on top of the mobile launcher platform and crawler-transporter, reaches Launch Pad 39B for launch of mission STS-116. On the right edge of the photo can be seen the White Room at the end of the orbiter access arm.  On the horizon at left is Launch Pad 39A.  The rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building began at 12:29 a.m. The mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. The launch window for mission STS-116 opens Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-06pd2482

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Discovery, on top of the ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Discovery, on top of the mobile launcher platform and crawler-transporter, reaches Launch Pad 39B for launch of mission STS-116. On the right edge of the photo can b... More

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