space shuttle liftoff

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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

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. -- 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. – 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. -  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

Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis / STS-129 Mission

Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis / STS-129 Mission

STS129-S-044 (16 Nov. 2009) --- Space Shuttle Atlantis and its six-member STS-129 crew head toward Earth orbit and rendezvous with the International Space Station. Liftoff was on time at 2:28 p.m. (EST) on Nov.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. --  Billows of smoke and steam roll away from Launch Pad 39B as Space Shuttle Endeavour hurtles into space on mission STS-108. The second attempt in two days, liftoff occurred at 5:19:28 p.m. EST (22:19.28 GMT).  Endeavour will dock with the International Space Station on Dec. 7. STS-108 is the final Shuttle mission of 2001and the 107th Shuttle flight overall.  It is the 12th flight to the Space Station.  Landing of the orbiter at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility is targeted for 1:05 p.m. EST (18:05 p.m. GMT) Dec. 16 KSC-01pp1789

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Billows of smoke and steam roll away fr...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Billows of smoke and steam roll away from Launch Pad 39B as Space Shuttle Endeavour hurtles into space on mission STS-108. The second attempt in two days, liftoff occurred at 5:19... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  A mirror image of space shuttle Endeavour's liftoff on the STS-123 mission is captured in the water near Launch Pad 39A. Liftoff was on time at 2:28 a.m. EDT.  The crew will make a record-breaking 16-day mission to the International Space Station and deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre.  Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray KSC-08pd0710

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A mirror image of space shuttle Endeavo...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A mirror image of space shuttle Endeavour's liftoff on the STS-123 mission is captured in the water near Launch Pad 39A. Liftoff was on time at 2:28 a.m. EDT. The crew will make ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   Space Shuttle Discovery seems to be standing on the fiery columns erupting from the solid rocket boosters as it lifts off Launch Pad 39B on mission STS-116. Liftoff occurred at 8:47 p.m. EST.  This was the second launch attempt for mission STS-116.  The first launch attempt on Dec. 7 was postponed due a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2002.   The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September.  After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 21 at KSC.   Photo credit: NASA/Regina Mitchell-Ryall & Tim Powers KSC-06pp2757

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Discovery seems to be st...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Discovery seems to be standing on the fiery columns erupting from the solid rocket boosters as it lifts off Launch Pad 39B on mission STS-116. Liftoff occurred at 8... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -   Viewed from a camera in the midst of Florida greenery across the marshy water, Space Shuttle Discovery leaps through billows of smoke and steam on Launch Pad 39B on the historic Return to Flight mission STS-114.  Liftoff occurred at 10:39 a.m. EDT. This is the 114th Space Shuttle flight and the 31st for Discovery.  The 12-day mission is expected to end with touchdown at the Shuttle Landing Facility on Aug. 7.  On this mission to the International Space Station 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.  During two additional spacewalks, the crew will install 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. KSC-05pp1779

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from a camera in the midst of Fl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from a camera in the midst of Florida greenery across the marshy water, Space Shuttle Discovery leaps through billows of smoke and steam on Launch Pad 39B on the historic R... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  Launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-111 startles a large bird to flight over nearby waters.  Liftoff occurred at 5:22:49 p.m. EDT. This mission marks the 14th Shuttle flight to the International Space Station and the third Shuttle mission this year. Mission STS-111 is the 18th flight of Endeavour and the 110th flight overall in NASA's Space Shuttle program KSC-02PP0913

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour on mis...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-111 startles a large bird to flight over nearby waters. Liftoff occurred at 5:22:49 p.m. EDT. This mission marks the 14th Shuttle ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Emerging from the billows of smoke and steam on Launch Pad 39A, space shuttle Atlantis hurtles into space for a rendezvous with the International Space Station on mission STS-122.  Liftoff was on time at 2:45 p.m. EST. This is the third launch attempt for Atlantis since December 2007 to carry the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory to the station.  During the 11-day mission, the crew's prime objective is to attach the laboratory to the Harmony module, adding to the station's size and capabilities.   Photo credit: Scott Andrews KSC-08pd0245

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Emerging from the billows of smoke and s...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Emerging from the billows of smoke and steam on Launch Pad 39A, space shuttle Atlantis hurtles into space for a rendezvous with the International Space Station on mission STS-122. ... More

Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis / STS-129 Mission

Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis / STS-129 Mission

STS129-S-083 (16 Nov. 2009) --- Space Shuttle Atlantis and its six-member STS-129 crew head toward Earth orbit and rendezvous with the International Space Station. Liftoff was on time at 2:28 p.m. (EST) on Nov.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  Moments after liftoff, the launch of space shuttle Atlantis casts a glow in the lagoon waters during launch from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.  Atlantis is racing to the International Space Station on mission STS-122.  Liftoff was on time at 2:45 p.m. EST.  The launch is the third attempt for Atlantis since December 2007 to carry the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory to the International Space Station.  During the 11-day mission, the crew's prime objective is to attach the laboratory to the Harmony module, adding to the station's size and capabilities.    Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray KSC-08pd0216

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Moments after liftoff, the launch of sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Moments after liftoff, the launch of space shuttle Atlantis casts a glow in the lagoon waters during launch from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Atlantis is racing... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space shuttle Atlantis emerges from the exhaust cloud building on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Tom Farrar and Tony Gray KSC-2009-6361

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space shuttle Atlantis emerges from the exhaust cloud building on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-12... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  Space Shuttle Endeavour races into the sky trailing columns of fire from the solid rocket boosters as it begins mission STS-118. The liftoff from Launch Pad 39A was on time at 6:36 p.m. EDT.  The mission is the 22nd shuttle flight to the International Space Station. It will continue space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5, and other payloads such as the SPACEHAB module and the external stowage platform 3.  The 11-day mission may be extended to as many as 14 depending on the test of the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System that will allow the docked shuttle to draw electrical power from the station and extend its visits to the orbiting lab.  Photo credit: NASA/Jerry Cannon, Mike Kerley KSC-07pd2271

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour races into the ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour races into the sky trailing columns of fire from the solid rocket boosters as it begins mission STS-118. The liftoff from Launch Pad 39A was on time at 6:3... More

Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis / STS-129 Mission

Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis / STS-129 Mission

STS129-S-046 (16 Nov. 2009) --- Space Shuttle Atlantis and its six-member STS-129 crew head toward Earth orbit and rendezvous with the International Space Station. Liftoff was on time at 2:28 p.m. (EST) on Nov.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  Nearby water reflects the brilliant light of flames beneath space shuttle Discovery as it leaps through the clouds into a blue sky heading for the International Space Station on mission STS-120.   Billows of clouds and smoke stream across Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.   Liftoff was on time at 11:38:19 a.m. EDT.   Discovery carries the Italian-built U.S. Node 2, called Harmony.  During the 14-day STS-120 mission, the crew will install Harmony and move the P6 solar arrays to their permanent position and deploy them. Discovery is expected to complete its mission and return home at 4:47 a.m. EST on Nov. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray & Robert Murray KSC-07pd2961

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Nearby water reflects the brilliant lig...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Nearby water reflects the brilliant light of flames beneath space shuttle Discovery as it leaps through the clouds into a blue sky heading for the International Space Station on m... More

Space Shuttle Projects, Marshall Space Flight Center

Space Shuttle Projects, Marshall Space Flight Center

Space Shuttle Orbiter Discovery lifted off for the STS-105 mission on August 10, 2001. The main purpose of the mission was the rotation of the International Space Station (ISS) Expedition Two crew with the Expe... More

Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis / STS-129 Mission

Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis / STS-129 Mission

STS129-S-074 (16 Nov. 2009) --- Space Shuttle Atlantis and its six-member STS-129 crew head toward Earth orbit and rendezvous with the International Space Station. Liftoff was on time at 2:28 p.m. (EST) on Nov.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated with the aid of twin solid rocket boosters, space shuttle Atlantis roars into the blue skies over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.     Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Rusty Backer and Tom Farrar KSC-2009-6387

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generate...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated with the aid of twin solid rocket boosters, space shuttle Atlantis roars into the blue skies over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space C... More

Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis / STS-129 Mission

Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis / STS-129 Mission

STS129-S-089 (16 Nov. 2009) --- Space Shuttle Atlantis and its six-member STS-129 crew head toward Earth orbit and rendezvous with the International Space Station. Liftoff was on time at 2:28 p.m. (EST) on Nov.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Discovery soars from Launch Pad 39A into the blue sky on mission STS-105 to the International Space Station. Liftoff occurred at 5:10:14 p.m. EDT. Besides the Shuttle crew of four, Discovery carries the Expedition Three crew who will replace Expedition Two on the Station. The mission includes the third flight of an Italian-built Multi-Purpose Logistics Module delivering additional scientific racks, equipment and supplies for the Space Station and the Early Ammonia Servicer (EAS) tank. The EAS, which will be attached to the Station during two spacewalks, contains spare ammonia for the Station’s cooling system. The three-member Expedition Two crew will be returning to Earth aboard Discovery after a five-month stay on the Station KSC-01PP1466

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Discovery soars from Launc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Discovery soars from Launch Pad 39A into the blue sky on mission STS-105 to the International Space Station. Liftoff occurred at 5:10:14 p.m. EDT. Besides the Shuttle... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  With a tail of flame burning white hot, Space Shuttle Atlantis leaps from the billowing steam and smoke on Launch Pad 39B after an on-time liftoff of 3:46 p.m. EDT on mission STS-112.  Along with a crew of six, Atlantis carries the S1 Integrated Truss Structure and the Crew and Equipment Translation Aid (CETA) Cart A.  The CETA is the first of two human-powered carts that will ride along the ISS railway, providing mobile work platforms for future spacewalking astronauts.  On the 11-day mission, three spacewalks are planned to attach the S1 truss.   [Photo courtesy of Scott Andrews] KSC-02pd1458

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With a tail of flame burning white hot,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With a tail of flame burning white hot, Space Shuttle Atlantis leaps from the billowing steam and smoke on Launch Pad 39B after an on-time liftoff of 3:46 p.m. EDT on mission STS-... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --    The fiery liftoff of Space Shuttle Discovery from Launch Pad 39B on mission STS-116 is captured in the nearby water. Liftoff occurred on time at 8:47 p.m. EST.  This was the second launch attempt for mission STS-116.  The first launch attempt on Dec. 7 was postponed due a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2002.   The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September.  After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 21 at KSC.   Photo credit: NASA/Sandy Joseph, Robert Murray & Chris Lynch KSC-06pp2756

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The fiery liftoff of Space Shuttle Di...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The fiery liftoff of Space Shuttle Discovery from Launch Pad 39B on mission STS-116 is captured in the nearby water. Liftoff occurred on time at 8:47 p.m. EST. This was the sec... More

STS122-S-064 (7 Feb. 2008) --- The Space Shuttle Atlantis and its seven-member STS-122 crew head toward Earth-orbit and a scheduled link-up with the International Space Station (ISS). Liftoff from Kennedy Space Center's launch pad 39A occurred at 2:45 p.m. (EST). The launch is the third attempt for Atlantis since December 2007 to carry the European Space Agency's (ESA) Columbus laboratory to the station. During the mission, the crew's prime objective is to attach the laboratory to the Harmony module, adding to the station's size and capabilities. Onboard are astronauts Steve Frick, commander; Alan Poindexter, pilot; Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim, ESA's Hans Schlegel, Stanley Love and ESA's Leopold Eyharts, all mission specialists. Eyharts will join Expedition 16 in progress to serve as a flight engineer aboard the ISS. 08pp0297

STS122-S-064 (7 Feb. 2008) --- The Space Shuttle Atlantis and its seve...

STS122-S-064 (7 Feb. 2008) --- The Space Shuttle Atlantis and its seven-member STS-122 crew head toward Earth-orbit and a scheduled link-up with the International Space Station (ISS). Liftoff from Kennedy Space... More

The brilliant exhaust from the solid rocket boosters (center) and blue mach diamonds from the main engine nozzles mark the perfect launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour from Launch Pad 39A. Launch of Endeavour into a clear blue Florida sky occurred at 12:43:40 p.m. EST. Known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), STS-99 will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the SRTM could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC00pp0230

The brilliant exhaust from the solid rocket boosters (center) and blue...

The brilliant exhaust from the solid rocket boosters (center) and blue mach diamonds from the main engine nozzles mark the perfect launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour from Launch Pad 39A. Launch of Endeavour into... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  Light-filled clouds of smoke and steam roll across Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center as space shuttle Endeavour roars into the night sky on the STS-126 mission.  Liftoff was on time at 7:55 p.m. EST. STS-126 is the 124th space shuttle flight and the 27th flight to the International Space Station. The mission will feature four spacewalks and work that will prepare the space station to house six crew members for long- duration missions.   Photo courtesy of Scott Andrews KSC-08pd3697

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Light-filled clouds of smoke and steam roll ac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Light-filled clouds of smoke and steam roll across Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center as space shuttle Endeavour roars into the night sky on the STS-126 mission. Liftoff was ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated by twin solid rocket boosters and three main engines, space shuttle Atlantis clears the tower on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.     Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Tom Farrar and Tony Gray KSC-2009-6392

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generate...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated by twin solid rocket boosters and three main engines, space shuttle Atlantis clears the tower on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Ce... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   Nearby water reflects the light from Space shuttle Discovery as it heads for blue sky atop twin columns of fire, hurling swirls of smoke and steam across Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.  Launching on mission STS-120 to the International Space Station, liftoff was on time at 11:38:19 a.m. EDT.  Discovery carries the Italian-built U.S. Node 2, called Harmony.  During the 14-day STS-120 mission, the crew will install Harmony and move the P6 solar arrays to their permanent position and deploy them. Discovery is expected to complete its mission and return home at 4:47 a.m. EST on Nov. 6. Photo courtesy of Nikon/Scott Andrews KSC-07pd2969

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Nearby water reflects the light from S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Nearby water reflects the light from Space shuttle Discovery as it heads for blue sky atop twin columns of fire, hurling swirls of smoke and steam across Launch Pad 39A at NASA's... More

Space shuttle STS_135_Launch. NASA public domain image colelction.

Space shuttle STS_135_Launch. NASA public domain image colelction.

JSC2011-E-067609 (8 July 2011) --- The space shuttle Atlantis launches for the STS-135 mission to the International Space Station in the final mission of the Space Shuttle Program at NASA?s Kennedy Space Center... More

Space Shuttle Projects, Marshall Space Flight Center

Space Shuttle Projects, Marshall Space Flight Center

Space Shuttle Orbiter Atlantis hurdles toward space from Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the STS-112 mission. Liftoff occurred at 3:46pm EDT, October 7, 2002. Atlantis carried the Starboar... More

Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-132

Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-132

STS132-S-053 (14 May 2010) --- Space shuttle Atlantis and its six-member STS-132 crew head toward Earth orbit and rendezvous with the International Space Station. Liftoff was at 2:20 p.m. (EDT) on May 14, 2010,... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   Atop twin columns of fire, space shuttle Discovery hurtles past the lightning rod atop the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Smoke and steam from liftoff billow across the pad.  Liftoff was on time at 11:38:19 a.m. EDT.  Discovery carries the Italian-built U.S. Node 2, called Harmony.  During the 14-day STS-120 mission, the crew will install Harmony and move the P6 solar arrays to their permanent position and deploy them. Discovery is expected to complete its mission and return home at 4:47 a.m. EST on Nov. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray & Robert Murray KSC-07pd2966

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Atop twin columns of fire, space shutt...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Atop twin columns of fire, space shuttle Discovery hurtles past the lightning rod atop the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Smoke and ste... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Clouds of smoke and steam roll across Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as towers of flame propel space shuttle Endeavour into the night sky on the STS-126 mission. Liftoff was on time at 7:55 p.m. EST. STS-126 is the 124th space shuttle flight and the 27th flight to the International Space Station. The mission will feature four spacewalks and work that will prepare the space station to house six crew members for long-duration missions. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray-Tom Farrar KSC-08pd3717

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Clouds of smoke and steam roll across Launch Pa...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Clouds of smoke and steam roll across Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as towers of flame propel space shuttle Endeavour into the night sky on the STS-126 mission.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  Liftoff of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-123 mission lights up Launch Pad 39A and the night sky.  Liftoff was on time at 2:28 a.m. EDT.  The crew will make a record-breaking 16-day mission to the International Space Station and deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre.  Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray KSC-08pd0712

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Liftoff of space shuttle Endeavour on t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Liftoff of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-123 mission lights up Launch Pad 39A and the night sky. Liftoff was on time at 2:28 a.m. EDT. The crew will make a record-breaking ... More

Final Launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavour / STS-134 Mission

Final Launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavour / STS-134 Mission

STS134-S-051 (16 May 2011) --- Space shuttle Endeavour and its six-member STS-134 crew head toward Earth orbit and rendezvous with the International Space Station. Liftoff was at 8:56 a.m. (EDT) on May 16, 2011... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis’s solid rocket boosters trail brilliant flames that light up the clouds of smoke and steam and reflect in the waters Launch Pad 39B at launch. The perfect on-time liftoff of Atlantis on mission STS-106 occurred at 8:45:47 a.m. EDT. On the 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed “Expedition One,” is due to arrive at the Station in late fall. Landing of Atlantis is targeted for 4:45 a.m. EDT on Sept. 19 KSC00pp1270

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis’s solid rocket bo...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis’s solid rocket boosters trail brilliant flames that light up the clouds of smoke and steam and reflect in the waters Launch Pad 39B at launch. The perfect on... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis rumbles off Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on the STS-132 mission to the International Space Station at 2:20 p.m. EDT on May 14.      The Russian-built Mini Research Module-1 known as Rassvet, or "dawn," is inside the shuttle's cargo bay. It will provide additional storage space and a new docking port for Russian Soyuz and Progress spacecraft. The laboratory will be attached to the bottom port of the station's Zarya module.  The mission's three spacewalks will focus on storing spare components outside the station, including six batteries, a communications antenna and parts for the Canadian Dextre robotic arm.  STS-132 is the 132nd shuttle flight, the 32nd for Atlantis and the 34th shuttle mission dedicated to station assembly and maintenance. For more information on the STS-132 mission objectives, payload and crew, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts132/index.html. Photo Credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-20103367

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis rumbles off Launch Pad 3...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis rumbles off Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on the STS-132 mission to the International Space Station at 2:20 p.m. EDT on May 14. The ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – From Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis hurtles into space on twin columns of fire on the STS-125 mission to service NASA's Hubble Space Telescope.  Liftoff was on time at 2:01 p.m. EDT. Atlantis' 11-day flight will include five spacewalks to refurbish and upgrade the 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 courtesy of Scott Andrews KSC-2009-3115

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – From Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis hurtles into space on twin columns of fire on the STS-125 mission to service NASA's Hubble Space Tele... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Launch of space shuttle Atlantis from Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is reflected in the marsh near the pad.     Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Tom Farrar and Tony Gray KSC-2009-6374

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Launch of space shuttle Atlantis from Pad 39A a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Launch of space shuttle Atlantis from Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is reflected in the marsh near the pad. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST No... More

Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis / STS-129 Mission

Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis / STS-129 Mission

STS129-S-053 (16 Nov. 2009) --- Space Shuttle Atlantis and its six-member STS-129 crew head toward Earth orbit and rendezvous with the International Space Station. Liftoff was on time at 2:28 p.m. (EST) on Nov.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Clouds of smoke and steam swell over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as space shuttle Atlantis hurtles toward space on the STS-125 mission.  Atlantis will rendezvous with NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Liftoff was on time at 2:01 p.m. EDT.  Atlantis' 11-day flight will include five spacewalks to refurbish and upgrade the 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/Tony Gray-Tom Farrar KSC-2009-3083

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Clouds of smoke and steam swell over Launch Pad...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Clouds of smoke and steam swell over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as space shuttle Atlantis hurtles toward space on the STS-125 mission. Atlantis will rendezv... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  Trailing a column of fire, space shuttle Discovery hurtles toward space on mission STS-120 to the International Space Station as it breaks free from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.  Liftoff was on time at 11:38:19 a.m. EDT.  Discovery carries the Italian-built U.S. Node 2, called Harmony.  During the 14-day STS-120 mission, the crew will install Harmony and move the P6 solar arrays to their permanent position and deploy them. Discovery is expected to complete its mission and return home at 4:47 a.m. EST on Nov. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray & Robert Murray KSC-07pd2958

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Trailing a column of fire, space shuttl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Trailing a column of fire, space shuttle Discovery hurtles toward space on mission STS-120 to the International Space Station as it breaks free from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kenne... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Endeavour soars to orbit from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.        Endeavour began its final flight, the STS-134 mission to the International Space Station, at 8:56 a.m. EDT on May 16. Endeavour and its six-member crew will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), Express Logistics Carrier-3, a high-pressure gas tank and additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper to the space station. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kenny Allen and George Roberts KSC-2011-3718

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Endeavour soars to orbit from La...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Endeavour soars to orbit from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Endeavour began its final flight, the STS-134 mission to the International Sp... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. --  Space Shuttle Atlantis leaps off the Launch Pad 39A trailing a twin streams of flame from its solid rocket boosters to light up the pre-dawn sky on mission STS-101. Liftoff occurred on time at 6:11:10 a.m. EDT. The mission is taking the crew of seven to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies as well as to prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk and will reboost the space station from 230 statute miles to 250 statute miles. This will be the third assembly flight to the Space Station. After a 10-day mission, landing is targeted for May 29 at 2:19 a.m. EDT. This is the 98th Shuttle flight and the 21st flight for Shuttle Atlantis KSC00pp0658

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis leaps off the La...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis leaps off the Launch Pad 39A trailing a twin streams of flame from its solid rocket boosters to light up the pre-dawn sky on mission STS-101. Liftoff occurr... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. --  A perfect on-time launch for Space Shuttle Discovery at 7:17 p.m. EDT. This marks the 100th launch in the history of the Shuttle program.  Discovery carries a payload that includes the  Integrated Truss Structure Z-1, first of 10  trusses that will form the backbone of the Space Station, and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter that will provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth Station flight and Lab installation on the seventh Station flight.  Discovery’s landing is expected Oct. 22 at 2:10 p.m. EDT KSC00pp1562

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- A perfect on-time launch for Space Shut...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- A perfect on-time launch for Space Shuttle Discovery at 7:17 p.m. EDT. This marks the 100th launch in the history of the Shuttle program. Discovery carries a payload that include... More

KENNEDY SPACE STATION, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour hurtles into a clear blue sky from Launch Pad 39A on mission STS-100. On the horizon is the Atlantic Ocean. Liftoff of the ninth flight to the International Space Station occurred at 2:40:42 p.m. EDT. The 11-day mission will deliver and integrate the Spacelab Logistics Pallet/Launch Deployment Assembly, which includes the Space Station Remote Manipulator System and the UHF Antenna. The mission includes two planned spacewalks for installation of the SSRMS on the Station. Also onboard is the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, carrying resupply stowage racks and resupply/return stowage platforms. <i>(Photo by Red Huber, Orlando Sentinel)</i KSC01padig214

KENNEDY SPACE STATION, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour hurtles into a ...

KENNEDY SPACE STATION, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour hurtles into a clear blue sky from Launch Pad 39A on mission STS-100. On the horizon is the Atlantic Ocean. Liftoff of the ninth flight to the Internationa... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Billows of smoke and steam rise alongside space shuttle Discovery as it lifts off Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, racing toward space on the STS-128 mission. Liftoff was on time at 11:59 p.m. EDT. The first launch attempt on Aug. 24 was postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions.  The second attempt on Aug. 25 also was postponed due to an issue with a valve in space shuttle Discovery's main propulsion system.  The STS-128 mission is the 30th International Space Station assembly flight and the 128th space shuttle flight. The 13-day mission will deliver more than 7 tons of supplies, science racks and equipment, as well as additional environmental hardware to sustain six crew members on the International Space Station. The equipment includes a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and the COLBERT treadmill.  Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray-Tom Farrar KSC-2009-4937

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Billows of smoke and steam rise alongside space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Billows of smoke and steam rise alongside space shuttle Discovery as it lifts off Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, racing toward space on the STS-128 mission. Lif... More

Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-132

Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis STS-132

STS132-S-040 (14 May 2010) --- Space shuttle Atlantis and its six-member STS-132 crew head toward Earth orbit and rendezvous with the International Space Station. Liftoff was at 2:20 p.m. (EDT) on May 14, 2010,... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated with the aid of twin solid rocket boosters, space shuttle Atlantis clears the tower on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.     Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16.  Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm.  Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory.  STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html.    Photo credit: NASA/Rusty Backer and Tom Farrar KSC-2009-6386

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generate...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated with the aid of twin solid rocket boosters, space shuttle Atlantis clears the tower on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Fl... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  Looking as if it is breaking out of a cocoon, space shuttle Atlantis races into the sky on mission STS-122 to the International Space Station.  Liftoff of the shuttle was on time at 2:45 p.m. EST.  The launch is the third attempt for Atlantis since December 2007 to carry the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory to the International Space Station.  During the 11-day mission, the crew's prime objective is to attach the laboratory to the Harmony module, adding to the station's size and capabilities.    Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray KSC-08pd0220

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Looking as if it is breaking out of a c...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Looking as if it is breaking out of a cocoon, space shuttle Atlantis races into the sky on mission STS-122 to the International Space Station. Liftoff of the shuttle was on time ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Trees frame Space Shuttle Discovery trailing columns of fire from the solid rocket boosters as it soars into the blue sky on mission STS-105 to the International Space Station. Liftoff from Launch Pad 39A occurred at 5:10:14 p.m. EDT. Besides the Shuttle crew of four, Discovery carries the Expedition Three crew who will replace Expedition Two on the Space Station. The mission payload includes the third flight of the Italian-built Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, delivering additional scientific racks, equipment and supplies for the Space Station, and the Early Ammonia Servicer (EAS) tank. The EAS, which will be attached to the Station during two spacewalks, contains spare ammonia for the Station’s cooling system. The three-member Expedition Two crew will be returning to Earth aboard Discovery after a five-month stay on the Station KSC-01PP1470

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Trees frame Space Shuttle Discovery trai...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Trees frame Space Shuttle Discovery trailing columns of fire from the solid rocket boosters as it soars into the blue sky on mission STS-105 to the International Space Station. Lif... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  Birds take flight as Space Shuttle Endeavour lifts off from Launch Pad 39A on mission STS-111 to the International Space Station.  Liftoff occurred at 5:22:49 p.m. EDT. The STS-111 crew includes Commander Kenneth Cockrell, Pilot Paul Lockhart, and Mission Specialists Franklin Chang-Diaz and Philippe Perrin (CNES), as well as the Expedition Five crew members Valeri Korzun, Peggy Whitson and Sergei Treschev.  This mission marks the 14th Shuttle flight to the International Space Station and the third Shuttle mission this year. Mission STS-111 is the 18th flight of Endeavour and the 110th flight overall in NASA's Space Shuttle program KSC-02pd0903

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Birds take flight as Space Shuttle Ende...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Birds take flight as Space Shuttle Endeavour lifts off from Launch Pad 39A on mission STS-111 to the International Space Station. Liftoff occurred at 5:22:49 p.m. EDT. The STS-11... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As clouds of smoke and steam smother Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis soars above them atop a column of fire.  Atlantis will rendezvous with NASA's Hubble Space Telescope on the STS-125 mission.  Liftoff was on time at 2:01 p.m. EDT.  Atlantis' 11-day flight will include five spacewalks to refurbish and upgrade the 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/Tony Gray-Tom Farrar KSC-2009-3084

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As clouds of smoke and steam smother Launch Pad...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As clouds of smoke and steam smother Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis soars above them atop a column of fire. Atlantis will rendezvous wit... More

Space shuttle Space Shuttle Illustration

Space shuttle Space Shuttle Illustration

An unidentified illustration of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) space shuttle. The space shuttle fleet flew 135 missions and helped construct the International Space Station between ... More

Space Shuttle Columbia, STS-1 Launch

Space Shuttle Columbia, STS-1 Launch

Full Description: The April 12 launch at Pad 39A of STS-1, just seconds past 7 a.m., carries astronauts John Young and Robert Crippen into an Earth orbital mission scheduled to last for 54 hours, ending with un... More

The First Space Shuttle Launch. NASA public domain image colelction.

The First Space Shuttle Launch. NASA public domain image colelction.

(April 12, 1981) After six years of silence, the thunder of manned spaceflight was heard again, as the successful launch of the first space shuttle ushered in a new concept in utilization of space. Mission STS-... More

Space Shuttle Projects, Marshall Space Flight Center

Space Shuttle Projects, Marshall Space Flight Center

The new era in space flight began on April 12, 1981. That is when the first Space Shuttle mission (STS-1) was launched. The Marshall Space Flight Center developed the propulsion system for the Space Shuttle. Th... More

LAUNCH - STS-1 - KSC. NASA public domain image colelction.

LAUNCH - STS-1 - KSC. NASA public domain image colelction.

S81-30498 (12 April 1981) --- After six years of silence, the thunder of manned spaceflight is heard again, as the successful launch of the first space shuttle ushers in a new concept in utilization of space. T... More

Space Shuttle Columbia Launch at NASA KSC (Kennedy Space Center) Ref: 108-KSC-81PC-382 ARC-1981-AC81-0365-1

Space Shuttle Columbia Launch at NASA KSC (Kennedy Space Center) Ref: ...

Space Shuttle Columbia Launch at NASA KSC (Kennedy Space Center) Ref: 108-KSC-81PC-382

Space Shuttle Columbia Launch at NASA KSC (Kennedy Space Center) Ref: 108-KSC-81PC-368 ARC-1981-AC81-0365-4

Space Shuttle Columbia Launch at NASA KSC (Kennedy Space Center) Ref: ...

Space Shuttle Columbia Launch at NASA KSC (Kennedy Space Center) Ref: 108-KSC-81PC-368

Space Shuttle Columbia OV (101) launching from pad 39A begining STS-2

Space Shuttle Columbia OV (101) launching from pad 39A begining STS-2

The 122 foot tall Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia mated to its external fuel container (ET) and two solid rocket boosters (SRB) lifts off from Launch Pad 39A for the begining of STS-2.

Space Shuttle Columbia, STS-5 Launch

Space Shuttle Columbia, STS-5 Launch

(November 11, 1982) A view of the Space Shuttle Columbia's launch for the STS-5 mission on November 11, 1982. This was Columbia's first operational mission. ..Image # : S82-39532

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-4 thunders away from Launch Pad 39A at 10:59:59 a.m. EDT, bound for a seven-day Earth orbital mission and the final developmental flight for the Space Transportation System. The fourth Space Shuttle mission is piloted by Commander Ken Mattingly and Pilot Henry Hartsfield Jr. Photo Credit: NASA KSC-82PC-0669

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-4 thunders away from Launch Pad 39A at 10:5...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-4 thunders away from Launch Pad 39A at 10:59:59 a.m. EDT, bound for a seven-day Earth orbital mission and the final developmental flight for the Space Transportation System. The fourt... More

Space Shuttle Columbia, LAUNCH - STS-4 - KSC

Space Shuttle Columbia, LAUNCH - STS-4 - KSC

S82-33288 (27 June 1982) --- This horizontal view of the space shuttle Columbia captures the flight of water birds disturbed by the activity at launch Pad 39A. Launch occurred at 10:59:59 a.m. (EDT), June 27, 1... More

Space Shuttle Columbia, STS-9 Launch

Space Shuttle Columbia, STS-9 Launch

(November 28, 1983) View of the launch of Space Shuttle Columbia's STS-9 mission from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. Official launch time was 11:00 am EDT. ..Image # : S83-44997

Space shuttle STS-8 Launch. NASA public domain image colelction.

Space shuttle STS-8 Launch. NASA public domain image colelction.

(August 30, 1983) NASA's eighth space shuttle launch lit up the Florida sky at 2:32 a.m. EDT on August 30, 1983. The space shuttle Challenger's third flight was the first to take off in darkness. Crew members i... More

View of the Flight Readiness Firing (FRF) of the Challengers engines

View of the Flight Readiness Firing (FRF) of the Challengers engines

The Space shuttle orbiter Challenger is given a 20-second test firing of its new main engines on December 18, 1982 on pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. This test was the first time these engines ahd been tes... More

Space Shuttle Challenger, Launch - STS-6 - KSC

Space Shuttle Challenger, Launch - STS-6 - KSC

S83-30222 (4 April 1983) --- The second reusable spacecraft in history successfully launches from Launch Pad 39A at 1:30:00:88 p.m. (EST) on April 4, 1983, and heads for its history making five-day mission in E... More

STS 41-C launch. NASA public domain image colelction.

STS 41-C launch. NASA public domain image colelction.

(April 5, 1984) View of the launch of the Shuttle Challenger during the STS 41-C mission. The orbiter has cleared the launch pad with a large cloud of smoke covering the bottom part of the frame.

Launch of the Shuttle Challenger during STS 41-C mission

Launch of the Shuttle Challenger during STS 41-C mission

41C-3056 (6 April 1984) --- The Space Shuttle Challenger and its five-member astronaut crew leave the launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) to begin a six-day stay in space. The launch occurred at 8:58:... More

View of the launch of  Discovery 41-D mission

View of the launch of Discovery 41-D mission

View of the launch of the shuttle Discovery and the 41-D mission. The orbiter and its plume of smoke are photographed from across the river in the early stages of liftoff (3085,3087); The orbiter can be seen ju... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, The space shuttle Discovery lifts off from Launch Pad 39A for its maiden flight at 8:42 a.m. EDT.  The crew members for the 41-D flight are commander Henry w. Hartsfield, pilot Michael L. Coats, mission specialists Judith A. Resnik, Steven A. Hawley, Richard M. Mullane, and payload specialist Charles W. Walker. Photo Credit: NASA KSC-84PC-0468

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, The sp...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, The space shuttle Discovery lifts off from Launch Pad 39A for its maiden flight at 8:42 a.m. EDT. The crew members for the 41-D flight are comman... More

Liftoff of Discovery on its maiden flight from CX-39A.

Liftoff of Discovery on its maiden flight from CX-39A.

The Space Shuttle Orbiter Discovery lifted off from launch pad 39A at the Kenendy Space Center for its maiden flight at 8:42 A.M. EDT today.

Liftoff of Discovery on its maiden flight from CX-39A

Liftoff of Discovery on its maiden flight from CX-39A

The Space Shuttle Orbiter Discovery lifted off from launch pad 39A at the Kenendy Space Center for its maiden flight at 8:42 A.M. EDT today. (Test G-329)(Item D-58)

Liftoff of Discovery at CX-39A on its maiden flight.

Liftoff of Discovery at CX-39A on its maiden flight.

The Space Shuttle Orbiter Discovery lifted off from launch pad 39A at the Kenendy Space Center for its maiden flight at 8:42 A.M. EDT today.

View of the launch of STS 51-A shuttle Discovery

View of the launch of STS 51-A shuttle Discovery

51A-90032 (8 Nov 1984) --- Space Shuttle Discovery blasts off from launch pad 39A to begin its second space trip. Five crewmembers inside head toward a scheduled eight-day stay in earth orbit, during which two... More

View of the shuttle Discovery STS 51-D launch

View of the shuttle Discovery STS 51-D launch

51D-9092 (12 April 1985) --- The Space Shuttle Discovery ascends the launch complex in Florida and heads through Atlantic skies toward its 51-D mission. The seven member crew lifted off at 8:59 a.m. (EST), A... More

View of the shuttle Discovery STS 51-D launch

View of the shuttle Discovery STS 51-D launch

51D-9093 (12 April 1985) --- A 70mm frame of the Space Shuttle Discovery's 51-D launch at 8:59 a.m. (EST), April 12, 1985. Onboard are seven crewmembers and two communications satellites and a variety of medic... More

View of the shuttle Discovery STS 51-D launch

View of the shuttle Discovery STS 51-D launch

51D-9094 (12 April 1985) --- A 70mm frame of the Space Shuttle Discovery's 51-D launch at 8:59 a.m. (EST), April 12, 1985. Onboard are seven crewmembers and two communications satellites and a variety of medic... More

Launching of the Shuttle Discovery and the STS 51-G mission

Launching of the Shuttle Discovery and the STS 51-G mission

51G-S-100 (17 June 1985) --- A low-angle 35mm tracking view of the Space Shuttle Discovery, its external tank and two solid rocket boosters speeding from the KSC launch facility to begin NASA STS 51-G. The cam... More

Launching of the Shuttle Discovery and the STS 51-G mission

Launching of the Shuttle Discovery and the STS 51-G mission

51G-S-098 (17 June 1985) --- With seven crewmembers and a variety of international payloads onboard, the Space Shuttle Discovery, attached to two solid rocket boosters and an external fuel tank, gets off the l... More

Launch of the STS 51-F Challenger

Launch of the STS 51-F Challenger

51F-S-157 (29 July 1985) --- Just moments following ignition, the Space Shuttle Challenger, mated to its two solid rocket boosters and an external fuel tank, soars toward a week-long mission in Earth orbit. No... More

Launch of the Shuttle Discovery and begining of STS 51-I mission

Launch of the Shuttle Discovery and begining of STS 51-I mission

51I-S-223 (27 August 1985) --- Launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery and beginning of STS-51I mission. View of the pre-dawn launch shows a reflection of the ignition in the river across from the launch complex.

Launch of the Shuttle Discovery and begining of STS 51-I mission

Launch of the Shuttle Discovery and begining of STS 51-I mission

Launch of the Shuttle Discovery and begining of STS 51-I mission. View of the pre-dawn launch shows a reflection of the ignition in the river across from the launch complex (223); Clouds of smoke from the launc... More

Liftoff of first flight of Atlantis and the STS 51-J mission

Liftoff of first flight of Atlantis and the STS 51-J mission

51J-S-001 (3 Oct 1985) --- This 35mm frame was taken moments after the Space Shuttle Atlantis cleared the launch tower to begin its first mission in space. Onboard, ready to carry out STS-51J mission were astr... More

Launch of the shuttle Challenger begining of the STS 61-A mission

Launch of the shuttle Challenger begining of the STS 61-A mission

61A-S-018 (30 Oct 1985) --- A record-sized crew of eight persons is lifted toward Earth-orbit as the space shuttle Challenger blasts from the launch pad at Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida. Almo... More

Launch of the Shuttle Atlantis and begining of STS 61-B mission

Launch of the Shuttle Atlantis and begining of STS 61-B mission

61B-S-067 (26 Nov 1985) --- Space Shuttle Atlantis ascends into the night sky at 7:29 p.m. (EST), November 26, with a seven member crew and three communications satellites aboard. The STS 61-B crewmembers are ... More

Space Shuttle Columbia, STS-61-C Launch

Space Shuttle Columbia, STS-61-C Launch

(January 12, 1986) Launch of Space Shuttle Columbia's STS-61-C mission. A reflection of the shuttle can be seen in the water...Image # : STS61C-S-048

Launch of the Shuttle Columbia and begining of STS 61-C mission

Launch of the Shuttle Columbia and begining of STS 61-C mission

STS61C-S-047 (12 Jan. 1986) --- A remote camera records the early morning launch at Florida?s Kennedy Space Center of the space shuttle Columbia and the STS-61C crew on Jan. 12, 1986. Onboard were the following... More

Launch of the Shuttle Columbia and begining of STS 61-C mission

Launch of the Shuttle Columbia and begining of STS 61-C mission

STS61C-S-048 (12 Jan. 1986) --- This is a wide shot of the early morning launch at Florida?s Kennedy Space Center of the space shuttle Columbia and the STS-61C crew on Jan. 12, 1986. Onboard were the following ... More

Liftoff of Shuttle Challenger for STS 51-L mission

Liftoff of Shuttle Challenger for STS 51-L mission

51L-S-156 (28 Jan. 1986) --- The space shuttle Challenger lifted off from Pad 39B Jan. 28, 1986 at 11:38 a.m. (EST) with a crew of seven astronauts and the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS). An accident ... More

Return to Flight Launch of Discovery

Return to Flight Launch of Discovery

The Return to Flight launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery and its five man crew from Pad 39-B at 11:37 a.m. on September 29, 1988. ..Image # : 88PC-1002

STS-26 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, lifts off from KSC LC pad 39B

STS-26 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, lifts off from KSC LC pad ...

STS-26 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, lifts off from mobile launcher platform at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Launch Complex (LC) pad 39B. Riding atop the orange external tank (ET), OV-103 heads for Earth o... More

STS 26 - Space Shuttle Projects

STS 26 - Space Shuttle Projects

On September 29, 1988, after a 32-month hiatus in the Space Shuttle program that followed the Challenger accident, orbiter Discovery roared upward on the strength of its Marshall-managed solid rocket boosters, ... More

Space Shuttle Projects, Marshall Space Flight Center

Space Shuttle Projects, Marshall Space Flight Center

Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis takes flight on its STS-27 mission, December 2, 1988, utilizing 375,000 pounds of thrust produced by its three main engines. The engines start in 3.9 seconds of ignition and go to... More

Space Shuttle Projects, Marshall Space Flight Center

Space Shuttle Projects, Marshall Space Flight Center

Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis takes flight on its STS-27 mission, December 2, 1988, utilizing 375,000 pounds of thrust produced by its three main engines. The engines start in 3.9 seconds of ignition and go to... More

STS-27 Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104, liftoff

STS-27 Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104, liftoff

S88-55870 (2 Dec. 1988) --- The space shuttle Atlantis and its five-man crew of astronauts are launched from Kennedy Space Center?s Pad 39B at 9:30 a.m. (EST), Dec. 2, 1988. Onboard the Department of Defense?de... More

Space Shuttle Discovery, Space Shuttle Projects

Space Shuttle Discovery, Space Shuttle Projects

Five astronauts launched aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on March 13, 1989 at 9:57 am (EST) for the STS-29 mission. Included were James P. Bagian, mission specialist 1; Robert C. Springer, mission specialist... More

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