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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – From left, Chirold Epp, the Autonomous Landing and Hazard Avoidance Technology, or ALHAT, project manager, and Jon Olansen, Morpheus project manager, speak to members of the media near the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Media also viewed Morpheus inside a facility near the landing facility. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, which are green propellants. These new capabilities could be used in future efforts to deliver cargo to planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2014-2644

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – From left, Chirold Epp, the Autonomous Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – From left, Chirold Epp, the Autonomous Landing and Hazard Avoidance Technology, or ALHAT, project manager, and Jon Olansen, Morpheus project manager, speak to members of the media near th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander is being transported to the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility for free flight test number 15 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The lander will take off from the ground over a flame trench and use its autonomous landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT sensors, to survey the hazard field to determine safe landing sites. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, which are green propellants. These new capabilities could be used in future efforts to deliver cargo to planetary surfaces. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2014-4799

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander is bei...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander is being transported to the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility for free flight test number 15 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander is prepared for transport to the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility for free flight test number 15 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The lander will take off from the ground over a flame trench and use its autonomous landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT sensors, to survey the hazard field to determine safe landing sites. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, which are green propellants. These new capabilities could be used in future efforts to deliver cargo to planetary surfaces. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2014-4804

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander is pre...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander is prepared for transport to the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility for free flight test number 15 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florid... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A technician prepares the Project Morpheus prototype lander for a second free flight test at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Testing of the prototype lander was performed at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston in preparation for tethered and free flight testing at Kennedy. Project Morpheus integrates NASA’s automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, with an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility will provide the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2013-4368

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A technician prepares the Project Morpheus pro...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A technician prepares the Project Morpheus prototype lander for a second free flight test at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Test... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first free-flight test of NASA's Morpheus prototype lander was conducted at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 98-second test began at 10:02 p.m. EDT with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending more than 800 feet. The vehicle, with its autonomous landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT sensors, surveyed the hazard field to determine safe landing sites. Morpheus then flew forward and downward covering approximately 1,300 feet while performing a 78-foot divert to simulate a hazard avoidance maneuver. The lander then descended and landed on a dedicated pad inside the test field. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, which are green propellants. These new capabilities could be used in future efforts to deliver cargo to planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Mike Chambers KSC-2014-2707

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first free-flight test of NASA's Morpheus ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first free-flight test of NASA's Morpheus prototype lander was conducted at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 98-second test began at 10:02 ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander performed a free-flight test from a launch pad at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 97-second test began at 2:30 p.m. EDT with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending more than 800 feet. The vehicle, with its recently installed autonomous landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, sensors surveyed the hazard field to determine safe landing sites. Morpheus then flew forward and downward covering approximately 1,300 feet while performing a 78-foot divert to simulate a hazard avoidance maneuver. The lander descended and landed on a dedicated pad inside the ALHAT hazard field. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, which are green propellants. These new capabilities could be used in future efforts to deliver cargo to planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2665

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander perform...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander performed a free-flight test from a launch pad at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 97-s... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Engineers and technicians prepare NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander for free flight test number 15 on a launch pad at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The lander will take off from the ground over a flame trench and use its autonomous landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT sensors, to survey the hazard field to determine safe landing sites. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, which are green propellants. These new capabilities could be used in future efforts to deliver cargo to planetary surfaces. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2014-4802

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Engineers and technicians prepare NASA's Projec...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Engineers and technicians prepare NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander for free flight test number 15 on a launch pad at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kenned... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first free flight of the Project Morpheus prototype lander was conducted at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Smoke fills the air as the engine fires and the Morpheus lander launched from the ground over a flame trench. During the 54-second test, it ascended approximately 50 feet, and hovered for about 15 seconds. The lander then flew forward and landed on its pad about 23 feet from the launch point. Testing of the prototype lander was performed at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston in preparation for tethered and free flight testing at Kennedy. Project Morpheus integrates NASA’s automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, with an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to asteroids and other planetary surfaces. The landing facility will provide the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2013-4325

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first free flight of the Project Morpheus p...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first free flight of the Project Morpheus prototype lander was conducted at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Smoke fills the air as the engine f... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians secure the remote manipulator system, or RMS, removed from space shuttle Discovery onto a storage platform. The RMS is used to grab, or grapple, the payload as well as retrieve, repair and deploy satellites; provide a mobile extension ladder for spacewalking crewmembers; and be used as an inspection aid to allow flight crew members to view the orbiter’s or payload’s surfaces through a TV camera on the arm. Discovery is targeted to launch Aug. 6 on the STS-128 mission. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-2968

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 at NASA's...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians secure the remote manipulator system, or RMS, removed from space shuttle Discovery onto a stor... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first free flight of the Project Morpheus prototype lander was conducted at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Smoke fills the air as the engine fires and the Morpheus lander launched from the ground over a flame trench. During the 54-second test, it ascended approximately 50 feet, and hovered for about 15 seconds. The lander then flew forward and landed on its pad about 23 feet from the launch point. Testing of the prototype lander was performed at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston in preparation for tethered and free flight testing at Kennedy. Project Morpheus integrates NASA’s automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, with an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to asteroids and other planetary surfaces. The landing facility will provide the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2013-4324

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first free flight of the Project Morpheus p...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first free flight of the Project Morpheus prototype lander was conducted at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Smoke fills the air as the engine f... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASCAR racer Jason Leffler’s instrument-laden vehicle is being prepared for its three-mile-long drive down the Shuttle Landing Facility runway. The operation is part of Kyle Busch Motorsports’ program to test aerodynamic and real-world capabilities on one of the flattest surfaces in the world. Racing teams have been using the runway for testing since 2008. KBM signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA to use the facility’s runway. Photo Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1299

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASC...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASCAR racer Jason Leffler’s instrument-laden vehicle is being prepared for its three-mile-long drive down the Shuttle Landing Facility runway. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Engineers and technicians prepare the Project Morpheus prototype lander for a second free flight test at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Testing of the prototype lander was performed at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston in preparation for tethered and free flight testing at Kennedy. Project Morpheus integrates NASA’s automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, with an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to other planetary surfaces. The landing facility will provide the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2013-4369

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Engineers and technicians prepare the Project ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Engineers and technicians prepare the Project Morpheus prototype lander for a second free flight test at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in F... More

United States Microgravity Payload-4 (USMP-4) experiments are prepared to be flown on Space Shuttle mission STS-87 in the Space Station Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Seen in the foreground at right is the Isothermal Dendritic Growth Experiment (IDGE), which will be used to study the dendritic solidification of molten materials in the microgravity environment. The metallic breadbox-like structure behind the IDGE is the Confined Helium Experiment (CHeX) that will study one of the basic influences on the behavior and properties of materials by using liquid helium confined between solid surfaces and microgravity. The large white vertical cylinder at left is the Advanced Automated Directional Solidification Furnace (AADSF) and the horizontal tube behind it is MEPHISTO, the French acronym for a cooperative American-French investigation of the fundamentals of crystal growth. Just below the left end of MEPHISTO is the Space Acceleration Measurement System, or SAMS, which measures the microgravity conditions in which the experiments are conducted. All of these experiments are scheduled for launch aboard STS-87 on Nov. 19 from KSC KSC-97PC1379

United States Microgravity Payload-4 (USMP-4) experiments are prepared...

United States Microgravity Payload-4 (USMP-4) experiments are prepared to be flown on Space Shuttle mission STS-87 in the Space Station Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Seen in the foreground ... More

United States Microgravity Payload-4 (USMP-4) experiments are prepared to be flown on Space Shuttle mission STS-87 in the Space Station Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Seen at right in the circular white cover is the Isothermal Dendritic Growth Experiment (IDGE), which will be used to study the dendritic solidification of molten materials in the microgravity environment. The large white vertical cylinder in the center of the photo is the Advanced Automated Directional Solidification Furnace (AADSF) and the horizontal tube to the left of it is MEPHISTO, a French acronym for a cooperative American-French investigation of the fundamentals of crystal growth. Just below MEPHISTO is the Space Acceleration Measurement System, or SAMS, which measures the microgravity conditions in which the experiments are conducted. The The metallic breadbox-like structure behind the AADSF is the Confined Helium Experiment (CHeX) that will study one of the basic influences on the behavior and properties of materials by using liquid helium confined between solid surfaces and microgravity. All of these experiments are scheduled for launch aboard STS-87 on Nov. 19 from KSC KSC-97PC1380

United States Microgravity Payload-4 (USMP-4) experiments are prepared...

United States Microgravity Payload-4 (USMP-4) experiments are prepared to be flown on Space Shuttle mission STS-87 in the Space Station Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Seen at right in the ci... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An alligator lurks in the murky, mossy waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center. Its tail surfaces behind him, looking like a log in the water. The wildlife refuge harbors nearly 5,000 American alligators, some of which can be seen in the canals and ponds around KSC. The refuge is also habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The open water provides wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl and a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds KSC-99wl09

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An alligator lurks in the murky, mossy w...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An alligator lurks in the murky, mossy waters of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge at Kennedy Space Center. Its tail surfaces behind him, looking like a log in the water.... More

Members of the STS-100 crew, dressed in protective clothing, take a look at part of the mission payload, the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, from the top of a workstand in the Space Station Processing Facility. From left are Mission Specialists John L. Phillips, Umberto Guidoni and Yuri V. Lonchakov. Guidoni is with the European Space Agency and Lonchakov is with the Russian Space and Aviation Agency. The arm is 57.7 feet (17.6 meters) long when fully extended and has seven motorized joints. It is capable of handling large payloads and assisting with docking the Space Shuttle. The SSRMS is self-relocatable with a Latching End Effector, so it can be attached to complementary ports spread throughout the Station’s exterior surfaces. Mission STS-100 is scheduled to launch on Space Shuttle Endeavour April 19 at 2:41 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A, KSC, with a crew of seven. Other crew members are Commander Kent V. Rominger, Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby and Mission Specialists Scott E. Parazynski and Chris A. Hadfield, who is with the Canadian Space Agency KSC01pp0754

Members of the STS-100 crew, dressed in protective clothing, take a lo...

Members of the STS-100 crew, dressed in protective clothing, take a look at part of the mission payload, the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, from the top of a workstand in the Space Station Processing Facility. Fr... More

One of the STS-100 crew members looks at part of the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, which is on a workstand in the Space Station Processing Facility. The arm is 57.7 feet (17.6 meters) long when fully extended and has seven motorized joints. It is capable of handling large payloads and assisting with docking the Space Shuttle. The SSRMS is self-relocatable with a Latching End Effector, so it can be attached to complementary ports spread throughout the Station’s exterior surfaces. Mission STS-100 is scheduled to launch on Space Shuttle Endeavour April 19 at 2:41 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A, KSC, with a crew of seven. The crew comprises Commander Kent V. Rominger, Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby and Mission Specialists Chris A. Hadfield, Scott E. Parazynski, John L. Phillips, Umberto Guidoni and Yuri V. Lonchakov. Hadfield is with the Canadian Space Agency, Guidoni the European Space Agency and Lonchakov the Russian Space and Aviation Agency KSC01pp0755

One of the STS-100 crew members looks at part of the Canadian robotic ...

One of the STS-100 crew members looks at part of the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, which is on a workstand in the Space Station Processing Facility. The arm is 57.7 feet (17.6 meters) long when fully extended an... More

Members of the STS-100 crew, dressed in protective clothing, take a closer look at part of the mission payload, the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, which is on a workstand in the Space Station Processing Facility. From left are Mission Specialists John L. Phillips, Yuri V. Lonchakov, Umberto Guidoni, and Chris A. Hadfield. Lonchakov is with the Russian Space and Aviation Agency, Guidoni the European Space Agency, and Hadfield the Canadian Space Agency. The arm is 57.7 feet (17.6 meters) long when fully extended and has seven motorized joints. It is capable of handling large payloads and assisting with docking the Space Shuttle. The SSRMS is self-relocatable with a Latching End Effector, so it can be attached to complementary ports spread throughout the Station’s exterior surfaces. Mission STS-100 is scheduled to launch on Space Shuttle Endeavour April 19 at 2:41 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A, KSC, with a crew of seven. Other crew members are Commander Kent V. Rominger, Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby and Mission Specialist Scott E. Parazynski KSC01pp0753

Members of the STS-100 crew, dressed in protective clothing, take a cl...

Members of the STS-100 crew, dressed in protective clothing, take a closer look at part of the mission payload, the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, which is on a workstand in the Space Station Processing Facility.... More

Members of the STS-100 crew look at part of the mission payload, the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, which is on a workstand in the Space Station Processing Facility. Standing, from left, are Mission Specialists Yuri V. Lonchakov, Umberto Guidoni, John L. Phillips and Chris A. Hadfield. Lonchakov is with the Russian Space and Aviation Agency, Guidoni the European Space Agency, and Hadfield the Canadian Space Agency. The arm is 57.7 feet (17.6 meters) long when fully extended and has seven motorized joints. It is capable of handling large payloads and assisting with docking the Space Shuttle. The SSRMS is self-relocatable with a Latching End Effector, so it can be attached to complementary ports spread throughout the Station’s exterior surfaces. Mission STS-100 is scheduled to launch on Space Shuttle Endeavour April 19 at 2:41 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A, KSC, with a crew of seven. Other crew members are Commander Kent V. Rominger, Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby and Mission Specialist Scott E. Parazynski KSC01pp0752

Members of the STS-100 crew look at part of the mission payload, the C...

Members of the STS-100 crew look at part of the mission payload, the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, which is on a workstand in the Space Station Processing Facility. Standing, from left, are Mission Specialists Y... More

The Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, and its pallet rest inside the payload canister in the Space Station Processing Facility. The arm is 57.7 feet (17.6 meters) long when fully extended and has seven motorized joints. It is capable of handling large payloads and assisting with docking the Space Shuttle. The SSRMS is self-relocatable with a Latching End Effector, so it can be attached to complementary ports spread throughout the Station’s exterior surfaces. The SSRMS is part of the payload on mission STS-100, scheduled to launch April 19 at 2:41 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A, KSC KSC01pp0663

The Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, and its pallet rest inside the payloa...

The Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, and its pallet rest inside the payload canister in the Space Station Processing Facility. The arm is 57.7 feet (17.6 meters) long when fully extended and has seven motorized joi... More

Centered over the payload canister in the Space Station Processing Facility, the overhead crane begins lowering the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, on its pallet inside. The arm is 57.7 feet (17.6 meters) long when fully extended and has seven motorized joints. It is capable of handling large payloads and assisting with docking the Space Shuttle. The SSRMS is self-relocatable with a Latching End Effector, so it can be attached to complementary ports spread throughout the Station’s exterior surfaces. The SSRMS is part of the payload on mission STS-100, scheduled to launch April 19 at 2:41 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A, KSC KSC01pp0661

Centered over the payload canister in the Space Station Processing Fac...

Centered over the payload canister in the Space Station Processing Facility, the overhead crane begins lowering the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, on its pallet inside. The arm is 57.7 feet (17.6 meters) long whe... More

In the Space Station Processing Facility, the overhead crane rolls along the ceiling with the pallet and Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, toward the payload canister, at right. The arm is 57.7 feet (17.6 meters) long when fully extended and has seven motorized joints. It is capable of handling large payloads and assisting with docking the Space Shuttle. The SSRMS is self-relocatable with a Latching End Effector, so it can be attached to complementary ports spread throughout the Station’s exterior surfaces. The SSRMS is part of the payload on mission STS-100, scheduled to launch April 19 at 2:41 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A, KSC KSC01pp0660

In the Space Station Processing Facility, the overhead crane rolls alo...

In the Space Station Processing Facility, the overhead crane rolls along the ceiling with the pallet and Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, toward the payload canister, at right. The arm is 57.7 feet (17.6 meters) lo... More

In the Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane lifts the pallet holding the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, to move it to the payload canister. The arm is 57.7 feet (17.6 meters) long when fully extended and has seven motorized joints. It is capable of handling large payloads and assisting with docking the Space Shuttle. The SSRMS is self-relocatable with a Latching End Effector, so it can be attached to complementary ports spread throughout the Station’s exterior surfaces. The SSRMS is part of the payload on mission STS-100, scheduled to launch April 19 at 2:41 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A, KSC KSC01pp0656

In the Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane lifts the ...

In the Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane lifts the pallet holding the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, to move it to the payload canister. The arm is 57.7 feet (17.6 meters) long when fully exten... More

Workers on either side of the payload canister oversee the lowering of the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, and its pallet inside. The arm is 57.7 feet (17.6 meters) long when fully extended and has seven motorized joints. It is capable of handling large payloads and assisting with docking the Space Shuttle. The SSRMS is self-relocatable with a Latching End Effector, so it can be attached to complementary ports spread throughout the Station’s exterior surfaces. The SSRMS is part of the payload on mission STS-100, scheduled to launch April 19 at 2:41 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A, KSC KSC01pp0662

Workers on either side of the payload canister oversee the lowering of...

Workers on either side of the payload canister oversee the lowering of the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, and its pallet inside. The arm is 57.7 feet (17.6 meters) long when fully extended and has seven motorized... More

In the Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane is attached to the pallet holding the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, to lift and move it to the payload canister. The arm is 57.7 feet (17.6 meters) long when fully extended and has seven motorized joints. It is capable of handling large payloads and assisting with docking the Space Shuttle. The SSRMS is self-relocatable with a Latching End Effector, so it can be attached to complementary ports spread throughout the Station’s exterior surfaces. The SSRMS is part of the payload on mission STS-100, scheduled to launch April 19 at 2:41 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A, KSC KSC01pp0655

In the Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane is attache...

In the Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane is attached to the pallet holding the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, to lift and move it to the payload canister. The arm is 57.7 feet (17.6 meters) lon... More

In the Space Station Processing Facility, the overhead crane carrying the pallet and Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, nears the payload canister at right where the equipment will be placed. The arm is 57.7 feet (17.6 meters) long when fully extended and has seven motorized joints. It is capable of handling large payloads and assisting with docking the Space Shuttle. The SSRMS is self-relocatable with a Latching End Effector, so it can be attached to complementary ports spread throughout the Station’s exterior surfaces. The SSRMS is part of the payload on mission STS-100, scheduled to launch April 19 at 2:41 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A, KSC KSC01pp0659

In the Space Station Processing Facility, the overhead crane carrying ...

In the Space Station Processing Facility, the overhead crane carrying the pallet and Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, nears the payload canister at right where the equipment will be placed. The arm is 57.7 feet (17... More

In the Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane moves into place over the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, and its pallet. The crane will lift the SSRMS and move it to the payload canister. The arm is 57.7 feet (17.6 meters) long when fully extended and has seven motorized joints. It is capable of handling large payloads and assisting with docking the Space Shuttle. The SSRMS is self-relocatable with a Latching End Effector, so it can be attached to complementary ports spread throughout the Station’s exterior surfaces. The SSRMS is part of the payload on mission STS-100, scheduled to launch April 19 at 2:41 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A, KSC KSC01pp0654

In the Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane moves into...

In the Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane moves into place over the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, and its pallet. The crane will lift the SSRMS and move it to the payload canister. The arm is 5... More

Workers on the floor of the Space Station Processing Facility follow along as the overhead crane carries the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, on its pallet to the payload canister. The arm is 57.7 feet (17.6 meters) long when fully extended and has seven motorized joints. It is capable of handling large payloads and assisting with docking the Space Shuttle. The SSRMS is self-relocatable with a Latching End Effector, so it can be attached to complementary ports spread throughout the Station’s exterior surfaces. The SSRMS is part of the payload on mission STS-100, scheduled to launch April 19 at 2:41 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A, KSC KSC01pp0658

Workers on the floor of the Space Station Processing Facility follow a...

Workers on the floor of the Space Station Processing Facility follow along as the overhead crane carries the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, on its pallet to the payload canister. The arm is 57.7 feet (17.6 meters... More

The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello is lowered into the payload canister alongside the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, already in place. Both elements are part of the payload on mission STS-100 to the International Space Station. Raffaello carries six system racks and two storage racks for the U.S. Lab. The arm has seven motorized joints and is capable of handling large payloads and assisting with docking the Space Shuttle. The SSRMS is self-relocatable with a Latching End Effector so it can be attached to complementary ports spread throughout the Station’s exterior surfaces. Launch of STS-100 is scheduled for April 19, 2001 at 2:41 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A KSC-01pp0672

The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello is lowered into the paylo...

The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello is lowered into the payload canister alongside the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, already in place. Both elements are part of the payload on mission STS-100 to the Int... More

Workers inside the payload canister wait for the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello to be lowered inside. It joins the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, already in place. Both elements are part of the payload on mission STS-100 to the International Space Station. Raffaello carries six system racks and two storage racks for the U.S. Lab. The arm has seven motorized joints and is capable of handling large payloads and assisting with docking the Space Shuttle. The SSRMS is self-relocatable with a Latching End Effector so it can be attached to complementary ports spread throughout the Station’s exterior surfaces. Launch of STS-100 is scheduled for April 19, 2001 at 2:41 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A KSC-01pp0670

Workers inside the payload canister wait for the Multi-Purpose Logisti...

Workers inside the payload canister wait for the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello to be lowered inside. It joins the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, already in place. Both elements are part of the payload ... More

Viewed from the end, the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello is lowered into the payload canister behind the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, already in place. Both elements are part of the payload on mission STS-100 to the International Space Station. Raffaello carries six system racks and two storage racks for the U.S. Lab. The arm has seven motorized joints and is capable of handling large payloads and assisting with docking the Space Shuttle. The SSRMS is self-relocatable with a Latching End Effector so it can be attached to complementary ports spread throughout the Station’s exterior surfaces. Launch of STS-100 is scheduled for April 19, 2001 at 2:41 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A KSC-01pp0671

Viewed from the end, the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello is l...

Viewed from the end, the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello is lowered into the payload canister behind the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, already in place. Both elements are part of the payload on mission ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload retrieved from debris of Columbia is being dismantled at KSC. Inside are several experiments carried on mission STS-107 that will be removed and transferred to alternate containers. One experiment, the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS), was a Planetary Society-sponsored astrobiology experiment developed by the Israeli Aerospace Medical Institute and the Johnson Space Center Astrobiology Center, with joint participation of an Israeli and a Palestinian student. The recovery team includes Eran Schenker of the Israeli Aerospace Medical Institute; David Warmflash of JSC, John Cassanto of ITA, and Louis Friedman, executive director of the Planetary Society. The GOBBSS material will be sent to JSC where the science team will analyze the samples, studying the effects of spaceflight on bacterial growth. KSC-03pd1392

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload retrieved from debris of Columbia is being dismantled at KSC. Inside are several experiments carried on mission STS-107 that will ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto holds a piece of the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload that was carried on mission STS-107 and recently recovered. She is the daughter of John Cassanto of ITA, who is part of a recovery team transferring experiments to alternate containers. One of the experiments was the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS), a Planetary Society-sponsored astrobiology experiment developed by the Israeli Aerospace Medical Institute and the Johnson Space Center Astrobiology Center, with joint participation of an Israeli and a Palestinian student. The recovery team also includes Eran Schenker of the Israeli Aerospace Medical Institute; David Warmflash of JSC, and Louis Friedman, executive director of the Planetary Society. The GOBBSS material will be sent to JSC where the science team will analyze the samples, studying the effects of spaceflight on bacterial growth. KSC-03pd1399

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto holds a piece of the Co...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto holds a piece of the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload that was carried on mission STS-107 and recently recovered. She is the daughter of John Cassant... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - John Cassanto of ITA moves part of the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS) experiment that was carried on mission STS-107 as part of the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload. He is part of a recovery team transferring experiments to alternate containers. GOBBSS was a Planetary Society-sponsored astrobiology experiment developed by the Israeli Aerospace Medical Institute and the Johnson Space Center Astrobiology Center, with joint participation of an Israeli and a Palestinian student. The recovery team also includes Eran Schenker of the Israeli Aerospace Medical Institute; David Warmflash of JSC, and Louis Friedman, executive director of the Planetary Society. The GOBBSS material will be sent to JSC where the science team will analyze the samples, studying the effects of spaceflight on bacterial growth. KSC-03pd1395

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - John Cassanto of ITA moves part of the Gr...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - John Cassanto of ITA moves part of the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS) experiment that was carried on mission STS-107 as part of the Commercial I... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - John Cassanto of ITA takes photos of the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS) experiment that was carried on mission STS-107 as part of the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload. He is part of a recovery team transferring experiments to alternate containers. GOBBSS was a Planetary Society-sponsored astrobiology experiment developed by the Israeli Aerospace Medical Institute and the Johnson Space Center Astrobiology Center, with joint participation of an Israeli and a Palestinian student. The recovery team also includes Eran Schenker of the Israeli Aerospace Medical Institute; David Warmflash of JSC, and Louis Friedman, executive director of the Planetary Society. The GOBBSS material will be sent to JSC where the science team will analyze the samples, studying the effects of spaceflight on bacterial growth. KSC-03pd1397

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - John Cassanto of ITA takes photos of the ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - John Cassanto of ITA takes photos of the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS) experiment that was carried on mission STS-107 as part of the Commercial... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A member of the recovery team examines with a magnifier the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS) experiment that was carried on mission STS-107 as part of the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload. He is part of a recovery team transferring experiments to alternate containers. GOBBSS was a Planetary Society-sponsored astrobiology experiment developed by the Israeli Aerospace Medical Institute and the Johnson Space Center Astrobiology Center, with joint participation of an Israeli and a Palestinian student. The recovery team includes Eran Schenker of the Israeli Aerospace Medical Institute; David Warmflash of JSC and Louis Friedman, executive director of the Planetary Society. The GOBBSS material will be sent to JSC where the science team will analyze the samples, studying the effects of spaceflight on bacterial growth. KSC-03pd1394

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A member of the recovery team examines w...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A member of the recovery team examines with a magnifier the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS) experiment that was carried on mission STS-107 as pa... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto holds a piece of the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload that was carried on mission STS-107 and recently recovered. She is the daughter of John Cassanto of ITA, who is part of a recovery team transferring experiments to alternate containers. One of the experiments was the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS), a Planetary Society-sponsored astrobiology experiment developed by the Israeli Aerospace Medical Institute and the Johnson Space Center Astrobiology Center, with joint participation of an Israeli and a Palestinian student. The recovery team also includes Eran Schenker of the Israeli Aerospace Medical Institute; David Warmflash of JSC, and Louis Friedman, executive director of the Planetary Society. The GOBBSS material will be sent to JSC where the science team will analyze the samples, studying the effects of spaceflight on bacterial growth. KSC-03pd1400

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto holds a piece of the Co...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto holds a piece of the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload that was carried on mission STS-107 and recently recovered. She is the daughter of John Cassant... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload retrieved from debris of Columbia is being dismantled at KSC. Inside are several experiments carried on mission STS-107 that will be removed and transferred to alternate containers. One experiment, the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS), was a Planetary Society-sponsored astrobiology experiment developed by the Israeli Aerospace Medical Institute and the Johnson Space Center Astrobiology Center, with joint participation of an Israeli and a Palestinian student. The recovery team includes Eran Schenker of the Israeli Aerospace Medical Institute; David Warmflash of JSC, John Cassanto of ITA, and Louis Friedman, executive director of the Planetary Society. The GOBBSS material will be sent to JSC where the science team will analyze the samples, studying the effects of spaceflight on bacterial growth. KSC-03pd1391

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload retrieved from debris of Columbia is being dismantled at KSC. Inside are several experiments carried on mission STS-107 that will ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - John Cassanto of ITA points to an area of the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS) experiment that was carried on mission STS-107 as part of the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload. He is part of a recovery team transferring experiments to alternate containers. GOBBSS was a Planetary Society-sponsored astrobiology experiment developed by the Israeli Aerospace Medical Institute and the Johnson Space Center Astrobiology Center, with joint participation of an Israeli and a Palestinian student. The recovery team also includes Eran Schenker of the Israeli Aerospace Medical Institute; David Warmflash of JSC, and Louis Friedman, executive director of the Planetary Society. The GOBBSS material will be sent to JSC where the science team will analyze the samples, studying the effects of spaceflight on bacterial growth. KSC-03pd1396

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - John Cassanto of ITA points to an area of...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - John Cassanto of ITA points to an area of the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS) experiment that was carried on mission STS-107 as part of the Comme... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - John Cassanto of ITA and his daughter Valerie stand next to the table holding the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS) experiment that was carried on mission STS-107 as part of the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload. He is part of a recovery team transferring experiments to alternate containers. GOBBSS was a Planetary Society-sponsored astrobiology experiment developed by the Israeli Aerospace Medical Institute and the Johnson Space Center Astrobiology Center, with joint participation of an Israeli and a Palestinian student. The recovery team also includes Eran Schenker of the Israeli Aerospace Medical Institute; David Warmflash of JSC, and Louis Friedman, executive director of the Planetary Society. The GOBBSS material will be sent to JSC where the science team will analyze the samples, studying the effects of spaceflight on bacterial growth. KSC-03pd1398

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - John Cassanto of ITA and his daughter Val...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - John Cassanto of ITA and his daughter Valerie stand next to the table holding the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS) experiment that was carried on ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - John Cassanto of ITA looks at the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS) experiment that was carried on mission STS-107 as part of the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload. He is part of a recovery team transferring experiments to alternate containers. GOBBSS was a Planetary Society-sponsored astrobiology experiment developed by the Israeli Aerospace Medical Institute and the Johnson Space Center Astrobiology Center, with joint participation of an Israeli and a Palestinian student. The recovery team also includes Eran Schenker of the Israeli Aerospace Medical Institute; David Warmflash of JSC, and Louis Friedman, executive director of the Planetary Society. The GOBBSS material will be sent to JSC where the science team will analyze the samples, studying the effects of spaceflight on bacterial growth. KSC-03pd1393

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - John Cassanto of ITA looks at the Growth...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - John Cassanto of ITA looks at the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS) experiment that was carried on mission STS-107 as part of the Commercial ITA B... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto and Bob McLean talk to a reporter about experiments found during the search for Columbia debris. Cassanto is with Instrumentation Technology Associates Inc. and McLean is with the Southwest Texas State University. Included in the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload on mission STS-107 are urokinase cancer research, microencapsulation of drugs, the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS), and tin crystal formation. KSC-03pd1452

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto and Bob McLean talk to a...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto and Bob McLean talk to a reporter about experiments found during the search for Columbia debris. Cassanto is with Instrumentation Technology Associates Inc. and Mc... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto, with Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc., and Bob McLean, from the Southwest Texas State University, transfer to a new container material from one of the experiments carried on mission STS-107. Several experiments were found during the search for Columbia debris. Included in the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload on mission STS-107 are urokinase cancer research, microencapsulation of drugs, the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS), and tin crystal formation.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto, with Instrumentation Te...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto, with Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc., and Bob McLean, from the Southwest Texas State University, transfer to a new container material from one of the e... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto, with Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc., works on an experiment found during the search for Columbia debris. Included in the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload on mission STS-107 are urokinase cancer research, microencapsulation of drugs, the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS), and tin crystal formation.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto, with Instrumentation T...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto, with Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc., works on an experiment found during the search for Columbia debris. Included in the Commercial ITA Biomedical E... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto is one of the scientists recovering experiments found during the search for Columbia debris. Included in the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload on mission STS-107 are urokinase cancer research, microencapsulation of drugs, the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS), and tin crystal formation.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto is one of the scientis...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto is one of the scientists recovering experiments found during the search for Columbia debris. Included in the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload on mis... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the background, scientists talk to the media about the experiments recovered during the search for Columbia debris. From left are George D'Heilly, with Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc.; Barry Perlman, with Pembroke Pines Middle School in Florida; John Cassanto, with ITA; and Lou Friedman, executive director of the Planetary Society. The Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload on mission STS-107 included the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS) experiment and crystals grown for cancer research. The GOBBSS experiment was sponsored by the Planetary Society, with joint participation of an Israeli and a Palestinian student, and developed by the Israeli Aerospace Medical Institute and JSC Astrobiology Center. KSC-03pd1441

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the background, scientists talk to the...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the background, scientists talk to the media about the experiments recovered during the search for Columbia debris. From left are George D'Heilly, with Instrumentation Technolog... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto, with Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc., works on an experiment found during the search for Columbia debris. Mike Casasanto, also with ITA, looks on. Included in the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload on mission STS-107 are urokinase cancer research, microencapsulation of drugs, the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS), and tin crystal formation.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto, with Instrumentation Te...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto, with Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc., works on an experiment found during the search for Columbia debris. Mike Casasanto, also with ITA, looks on. In... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - George D'Heilly, with Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc., Barry Perlman, with Pembroke Pines Middle School in Florida, John Cassanto, with ITA, and Lou Friedman, executive director of the Planetary Society, talk to the media about the experiments recovered during the search for Columbia debris. They were part of the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload on mission STS-107 that included the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS) experiment and crystals grown for cancer research. The GOBBSS experiment was sponsored by the Planetary Society, with joint participation of an Israeli and a Palestinian student, and developed by the Israeli Aerospace Medical Institute and JSC Astrobiology Center. KSC-03pd1439

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - George D'Heilly, with Instrumentation Te...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - George D'Heilly, with Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc., Barry Perlman, with Pembroke Pines Middle School in Florida, John Cassanto, with ITA, and Lou Friedman, executive... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto, with Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc., and Bob McLean, from the Southwest Texas State University, work on an experiment found during the search for Columbia debris. Included in the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload on mission STS-107 are urokinase cancer research, microencapsulation of drugs, the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS), and tin crystal formation.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto, with Instrumentation Te...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto, with Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc., and Bob McLean, from the Southwest Texas State University, work on an experiment found during the search for Colu... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto, with Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc., examines closely the container containing one of the experiments carried on mission STS-107. Several experiments were found during the search for Columbia debris. Included in the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload on mission STS-107 are urokinase cancer research, microencapsulation of drugs, the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS), and tin crystal formation.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto, with Instrumentation Te...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto, with Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc., examines closely the container containing one of the experiments carried on mission STS-107. Several experiments... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - John Cassanto (center), with Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc., explains the use of the apparatus used for experiments on mission STS-107. At left is Barry Perlman, with Pembroke Pines Middle School in Florida; at right is Lou Friedman, executive director of the Planetary Society. The box was part of the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload on mission STS-107 that included the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS) experiment and crystals grown for cancer research. The GOBBSS experiment was sponsored by the Planetary Society, with joint participation of an Israeli and a Palestinian student, and developed by the Israeli Aerospace Medical Institute and JSC Astrobiology Center. KSC-03pd1440

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - John Cassanto (center), with Instrumenta...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - John Cassanto (center), with Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc., explains the use of the apparatus used for experiments on mission STS-107. At left is Barry Perlman, wit... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From left, Valerie Cassanto, Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc., and Dr. Dennis Morrison, NASA Johnson Space Center, analyze one of the experiments carried on mission STS-107. Several experiments were found during the search for Columbia debris. Included in the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload on mission STS-107 are urokinase cancer research, microencapsulation of drugs, the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS), and tin crystal formation.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From left, Valerie Cassanto, Instrumenta...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From left, Valerie Cassanto, Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc., and Dr. Dennis Morrison, NASA Johnson Space Center, analyze one of the experiments carried on mission STS-... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From left, Barry Perlman, Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School in Florida, and Valerie Cassanto, Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc., analyze one of the experiments carried on mission STS-107. Several experiments were found during the search for Columbia debris. Included in the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload on mission STS-107 are urokinase cancer research, microencapsulation of drugs, the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS), and tin crystal formation. The latter was sponsored by the Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From left, Barry Perlman, Pembroke Pines...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From left, Barry Perlman, Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School in Florida, and Valerie Cassanto, Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc., analyze one of the experiments carried... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dr. Dennis Morrison, NASA Johnson Space Center, processes one of the experiments carried on mission STS-107. Several experiments were found during the search for Columbia debris. Included in the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload on mission STS-107 are urokinase cancer research, microencapsulation of drugs, the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS), and tin crystal formation.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dr. Dennis Morrison, NASA Johnson Space ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dr. Dennis Morrison, NASA Johnson Space Center, processes one of the experiments carried on mission STS-107. Several experiments were found during the search for Columbia debris. I... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The crystals visible in this laboratory dish were part of an experiment carried on mission STS-107. Several experiments were found during the search for Columbia debris. Included in the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload on mission STS-107 are urokinase cancer research, microencapsulation of drugs, the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS), and tin crystal formation.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The crystals visible in this laboratory ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The crystals visible in this laboratory dish were part of an experiment carried on mission STS-107. Several experiments were found during the search for Columbia debris. Included i... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From left, Bob McLean, Southwest Texas State University, and Valerie Cassanto, Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc., study one of the experiments carried on mission STS-107. Several experiments were found during the search for Columbia debris. Included in the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload on mission STS-107 are urokinase cancer research, microencapsulation of drugs, the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS), and tin crystal formation.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From left, Bob McLean, Southwest Texas S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From left, Bob McLean, Southwest Texas State University, and Valerie Cassanto, Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc., study one of the experiments carried on mission STS-107.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From left, Barry Perlman, Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School in Florida, and Valerie Cassanto, Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc., process one of the experiments carried on mission STS-107. Several experiments were found during the search for Columbia debris. Included in the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload on mission STS-107 are urokinase cancer research, microencapsulation of drugs, the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS), and tin crystal formation. The latter was sponsored by the Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From left, Barry Perlman, Pembroke Pines...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From left, Barry Perlman, Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School in Florida, and Valerie Cassanto, Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc., process one of the experiments carried... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From left, Bob McLean, Southwest Texas State University; Valerie Cassanto, Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc.; and Dennis Morrison, NASA Johnson Space Center, process one of the experiments carried on mission STS-107. Several experiments were found during the search for Columbia debris. Included in the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload on mission STS-107 are urokinase cancer research, microencapsulation of drugs, the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS), and tin crystal formation.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From left, Bob McLean, Southwest Texas S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From left, Bob McLean, Southwest Texas State University; Valerie Cassanto, Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc.; and Dennis Morrison, NASA Johnson Space Center, process one ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Barry Perlman, Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School in Florida, prepares a computer to receive data from an experiment carried on mission STS-107. Several experiments were found during the search for Columbia debris. Included in the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload on mission STS-107 are urokinase cancer research, microencapsulation of drugs, the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS), and tin crystal formation. The latter was sponsored by the Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Barry Perlman, Pembroke Pines Charter Mi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Barry Perlman, Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School in Florida, prepares a computer to receive data from an experiment carried on mission STS-107. Several experiments were found du... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dr. Dennis Morrison, NASA Johnson Space Center, works with one of the experiments carried on mission STS-107. Several experiments were found during the search for Columbia debris. Included in the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload on mission STS-107 are urokinase cancer research, microencapsulation of drugs, the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS), and tin crystal formation.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dr. Dennis Morrison, NASA Johnson Space ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dr. Dennis Morrison, NASA Johnson Space Center, works with one of the experiments carried on mission STS-107. Several experiments were found during the search for Columbia debris. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto, Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc., studies one of the experiments carried on mission STS-107. Several experiments were found during the search for Columbia debris. Included in the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload on mission STS-107 are urokinase cancer research, microencapsulation of drugs, the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS), and tin crystal formation. The latter was sponsored by the Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto, Instrumentation Techno...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto, Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc., studies one of the experiments carried on mission STS-107. Several experiments were found during the search for Colum... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From left, Barry Perlman, Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School in Florida, and Valerie Cassanto, Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc., process one of the experiments carried on mission STS-107. Several experiments were found during the search for Columbia debris. Included in the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload on mission STS-107 are urokinase cancer research, microencapsulation of drugs, the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS), and tin crystal formation. The latter was sponsored by the Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From left, Barry Perlman, Pembroke Pines...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From left, Barry Perlman, Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School in Florida, and Valerie Cassanto, Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc., process one of the experiments carried... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From left, Barry Perlman, Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School in Florida; Valerie Cassanto, Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc.; and Dr. Dennis Morrison, NASA Johnson Space Center, process one of the experiments carried on mission STS-107. Several experiments were found during the search for Columbia debris. Included in the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload on mission STS-107 are urokinase cancer research, microencapsulation of drugs, the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS), and tin crystal formation. The latter was sponsored by the Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From left, Barry Perlman, Pembroke Pines...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From left, Barry Perlman, Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School in Florida; Valerie Cassanto, Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc.; and Dr. Dennis Morrison, NASA Johnson Spac... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto (foreground), Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc., examines one of the experiments carried on mission STS-107. Several experiments were found during the search for Columbia debris. Included in the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload on mission STS-107 are urokinase cancer research, microencapsulation of drugs, the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS), and tin crystal formation.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto (foreground), Instrumen...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Valerie Cassanto (foreground), Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc., examines one of the experiments carried on mission STS-107. Several experiments were found during the se... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Barry Perlman, Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School in Florida, examines one of the experiments carried on mission STS-107 as Bob McLean, Southwest Texas State University, looks on. Several experiments were found during the search for Columbia debris. Included in the Commercial ITA Biomedical Experiments payload on mission STS-107 are urokinase cancer research, microencapsulation of drugs, the Growth of Bacterial Biofilm on Surfaces during Spaceflight (GOBBSS), and tin crystal formation. The latter was sponsored by the Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Barry Perlman, Pembroke Pines Charter Mi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Barry Perlman, Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School in Florida, examines one of the experiments carried on mission STS-107 as Bob McLean, Southwest Texas State University, looks on... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Launch Pad 39A undergoes sandblasting of its metal structures and surfaces. Routine maintenance includes sandblasting and repainting as preventive means to minimize corrosion.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Launch Pad 39A undergoes sandblasting of...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Launch Pad 39A undergoes sandblasting of its metal structures and surfaces. Routine maintenance includes sandblasting and repainting as preventive means to minimize corrosion.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Remote Manipulator System (RMS), also known as the Canadian robotic arm, for the orbiter Discovery has arrived at KSC’s Vehicle Assembly Building Lab. The part seen on the end is one of the joints that allow the basic structure of the arm to maneuver similar to a human arm. The RMS is used to deploy and retrieve payloads, provide a mobile extension ladder or foot restraints for crew members during extravehicular activities; and to aid the flight crew members in viewing surfaces of the orbiter or payloads through a television camera on the RMS. The arm The RMS is used to deploy and retrieve payloads, provide a mobile extension ladder or foot restraints for crew members during extravehicular activities; and to aid the flight crew members in viewing surfaces of the orbiter or payloads through a television camera on the RMS. The arm is also serving as the base for the new Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS), one of the safety measures for Return to Flight, equipping the Shuttle with cameras and laser systems to inspect the Shuttle’s Thermal Protection System while in space. Discovery is scheduled for a launch planning window of March 2005 on mission STS-114. KSC-04pd1674

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Remote Manipulator System (RMS), also...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Remote Manipulator System (RMS), also known as the Canadian robotic arm, for the orbiter Discovery has arrived at KSC’s Vehicle Assembly Building Lab. The part seen on the end ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Remote Manipulator System (RMS), also known as the Canadian robotic arm, for the orbiter Discovery has arrived at KSC’s Vehicle Assembly Building Lab. The RMS is used to deploy and retrieve payloads, provide a mobile extension ladder or foot restraints for crew members during extravehicular activities; and to aid the flight crew members in viewing surfaces of the orbiter or payloads through a television camera on the RMS. The arm is also serving as the base for the new Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS), one of the safety measures for Return to Flight, equipping the Shuttle with cameras and laser systems to inspect the Shuttle’s Thermal Protection System while in space. Discovery is scheduled for a launch planning window of March 2005 on mission STS-114. KSC-04pd1673

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Remote Manipulator System (RMS), also...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Remote Manipulator System (RMS), also known as the Canadian robotic arm, for the orbiter Discovery has arrived at KSC’s Vehicle Assembly Building Lab. The RMS is used to deploy... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Remote Manipulator System (RMS), also known as the Canadian robotic arm, for the orbiter Discovery has arrived at KSC’s Vehicle Assembly Building Lab. Seen on the left end is the shoulder pitch joint. The wrist and shoulder joints on the RMS allow the basic structure of the arm to maneuver similar to a human arm. The RMS is used to deploy and retrieve payloads, provide a mobile extension ladder or foot restraints for crew members during extravehicular activities; and to aid the flight crew members in viewing surfaces of the orbiter or payloads through a television camera on the RMS. The arm is also serving as the base for the new Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS), one of the safety measures for Return to Flight, equipping the Shuttle with cameras and laser systems to inspect the Shuttle’s Thermal Protection System while in space. Discovery is scheduled for a launch planning window of March 2005 on mission STS-114. KSC-04pd1672

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Remote Manipulator System (RMS), also...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Remote Manipulator System (RMS), also known as the Canadian robotic arm, for the orbiter Discovery has arrived at KSC’s Vehicle Assembly Building Lab. Seen on the left end is t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare to mate the AIM spacecraft (at left) to the SoftRide isolation system on the Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL rocket. The Cosmic Dust Experiment surfaces can be clearly seen as 12 rectangular areas on the aft portion of the spacecraft. AIM, which stands for Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere, is being prepared for integrated testing and a flight simulation. The AIM spacecraft will fly three instruments designed to study polar mesospheric clouds located at the edge of space, 50 miles above the Earth's surface in the coldest part of the planet's atmosphere. The mission's primary goal is to explain why these clouds form and what has caused them to become brighter and more numerous and appear at lower latitudes in recent years. AIM's results will provide the basis for the study of long-term variability in the mesospheric climate and its relationship to global climate change. Launch from the Pegasus XL rocket is scheduled for April 25. KSC-07pd0992

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in Californ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare to mate the AIM spacecraft (at left) to the SoftRide isolation system on the Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL rocket. Th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A dolphin surfaces in the Launch Complex 39 Area turn basin at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The turn basin was carved out of the Banana River when Kennedy Space Center was built. Dolphins frequent bays and coastlines, usually in depths under 20 meters. While some pods take up permanent residence and establish home waters, others are migratory and swim considerable distances from coast to coast. Dolphins are a frequent sight in the rivers around Kennedy, which shares a boundary with the Merritt Island Wildlife Nature Refuge. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3143

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A dolphin surfaces in the Launch Comple...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A dolphin surfaces in the Launch Complex 39 Area turn basin at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The turn basin was carved out of the Banana River when Kennedy Space Center was built.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the remote manipulator system, or RMS, arm is lifted out of space shuttle Discovery's payload bay. The RMS is used to grab, or grapple, the payload as well as retrieve, repair and deploy satellites; provide a mobile extension ladder for spacewalking crewmembers; and be used as an inspection aid to allow flight crew members to view the orbiter’s or payload’s surfaces through a TV camera on the arm. Discovery is targeted to launch Aug. 6 on the STS-128 mission. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-2965

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 at NASA's...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the remote manipulator system, or RMS, arm is lifted out of space shuttle Discovery's payload bay. The RMS... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians prepare to remove the remote manipulator system, or RMS, arm in the payload bay of space shuttle Discovery. The RMS is used to grab, or grapple, the payload as well as retrieve, repair and deploy satellites; provide a mobile extension ladder for spacewalking crewmembers; and be used as an inspection aid to allow flight crew members to view the orbiter’s or payload’s surfaces through a TV camera on the arm. Discovery is targeted to launch Aug. 6 on the STS-128 mission. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-2960

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 at NASA's...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians prepare to remove the remote manipulator system, or RMS, arm in the payload bay of space shutt... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the remote manipulator system, or RMS, removed from space shuttle Discovery is lowered toward a storage platform. The RMS is used to grab, or grapple, the payload as well as retrieve, repair and deploy satellites; provide a mobile extension ladder for spacewalking crewmembers; and be used as an inspection aid to allow flight crew members to view the orbiter’s or payload’s surfaces through a TV camera on the arm. Discovery is targeted to launch Aug. 6 on the STS-128 mission. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-2967

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 at NASA's...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the remote manipulator system, or RMS, removed from space shuttle Discovery is lowered toward a storage pl... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, remote manipulator system, or RMS, arm is lifted out of the payload bay of space shuttle Discovery. The RMS is used to grab, or grapple, the payload as well as retrieve, repair and deploy satellites; provide a mobile extension ladder for spacewalking crewmembers; and be used as an inspection aid to allow flight crew members to view the orbiter’s or payload’s surfaces through a TV camera on the arm. Discovery is targeted to launch Aug. 6 on the STS-128 mission. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-2962

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 at NASA's...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, remote manipulator system, or RMS, arm is lifted out of the payload bay of space shuttle Discovery. The RM... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the remote manipulator system, or RMS, arm is moved out of the payload bay of space shuttle Discovery. The RMS is used to grab, or grapple, the payload as well as retrieve, repair and deploy satellites; provide a mobile extension ladder for spacewalking crewmembers; and be used as an inspection aid to allow flight crew members to view the orbiter’s or payload’s surfaces through a TV camera on the arm. Discovery is targeted to launch Aug. 6 on the STS-128 mission. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-2963

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 at NASA's...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the remote manipulator system, or RMS, arm is moved out of the payload bay of space shuttle Discovery. The... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the remote manipulator system, or RMS, arm is lifted away from the payload bay of space shuttle Discovery. The RMS is used to grab, or grapple, the payload as well as retrieve, repair and deploy satellites; provide a mobile extension ladder for spacewalking crewmembers; and be used as an inspection aid to allow flight crew members to view the orbiter’s or payload’s surfaces through a TV camera on the arm. Discovery is targeted to launch Aug. 6 on the STS-128 mission. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-2964

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 at NASA's...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the remote manipulator system, or RMS, arm is lifted away from the payload bay of space shuttle Discovery.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the remote manipulator system, or RMS, arm is lifted away from space shuttle Discovery's payload bay. The RMS is used to grab, or grapple, the payload as well as retrieve, repair and deploy satellites; provide a mobile extension ladder for spacewalking crewmembers; and be used as an inspection aid to allow flight crew members to view the orbiter’s or payload’s surfaces through a TV camera on the arm. Discovery is targeted to launch Aug. 6 on the STS-128 mission. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-2966

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 at NASA's...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the remote manipulator system, or RMS, arm is lifted away from space shuttle Discovery's payload bay. The ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians prepare to remove remote manipulator system, or RMS, arm in the payload bay of space shuttle Discovery. The RMS is used to grab, or grapple, the payload as well as retrieve, repair and deploy satellites; provide a mobile extension ladder for spacewalking crewmembers; and be used as an inspection aid to allow flight crew members to view the orbiter’s or payload’s surfaces through a TV camera on the arm. Discovery is targeted to launch Aug. 6 on the STS-128 mission. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-2961

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 at NASA's...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians prepare to remove remote manipulator system, or RMS, arm in the payload bay of space shuttle D... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, cleanup of Launch Pad 39B is in progress. Sand, reinforcing steel and large wooden mats were placed over the pad's concrete surfaces during deconstruction to protect them from falling debris. 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 rockets and spacecraft. The lightning protection system, consisting of three lightning towers and a wire catenary system, will remain. For information on NASA's future plans, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-6084

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, cleanup of Launch Pad 39B is in progress. Sand, reinforcing steel and large wooden mats were placed over the pad's concrete surfaces during dec... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a bulldozer is enlisted in the cleanup of Launch Pad 39B. Sand, reinforcing steel and large wooden mats were placed over the pad's concrete surfaces during deconstruction to protect them from falling debris. 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 rockets and spacecraft. The lightning protection system, consisting of three lightning towers and a wire catenary system, will remain. For information on NASA's future plans, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-6086

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a bulldozer is enlisted in the cleanup of Launch Pad 39B. Sand, reinforcing steel and large wooden mats were placed over the pad's concrete sur... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a bulldozer is enlisted in the cleanup of Launch Pad 39B. Sand, reinforcing steel and large wooden mats were placed over the pad's concrete surfaces during deconstruction to protect them from falling debris. 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 rockets and spacecraft. The lightning protection system, consisting of three lightning towers and a wire catenary system, will remain. For information on NASA's future plans, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-6085

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a bulldozer is enlisted in the cleanup of Launch Pad 39B. Sand, reinforcing steel and large wooden mats were placed over the pad's concrete sur... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, cleanup of Launch Pad 39B is in progress beside the pad's flame trench. The trench is 450 feet long, 58 feet wide and 42 feet deep with an inner inverted V-shaped steel flame deflector. Sand, reinforcing steel and large wooden mats were placed over the pad's concrete surfaces during deconstruction to protect them from falling debris. 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 rockets and spacecraft. The lightning protection system, consisting of three lightning towers and a wire catenary system, will remain. For information on NASA's future plans, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-6090

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, cleanup of Launch Pad 39B is in progress beside the pad's flame trench. The trench is 450 feet long, 58 feet wide and 42 feet deep with an inn... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, cleanup of Launch Pad 39B is in progress beside the pad's flame trench. The trench is 450 feet long, 58 feet wide and 42 feet deep with an inner inverted V-shaped steel flame deflector. Sand, reinforcing steel and large wooden mats were placed over the pad's concrete surfaces during deconstruction to protect them from falling debris. In the distance is the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building. 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 rockets and spacecraft. The lightning protection system, consisting of three lightning towers and a wire catenary system, will remain. For information on NASA's future plans, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-6091

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, cleanup of Launch Pad 39B is in progress beside the pad's flame trench. The trench is 450 feet long, 58 feet wide and 42 feet deep with an inn... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, cleanup of Launch Pad 39B gets under way. Sand, reinforcing steel and large wooden mats were placed over the pad's concrete surfaces during deconstruction to protect them from falling debris. 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 rockets and spacecraft. The lightning protection system, consisting of three lightning towers and a wire catenary system, will remain. For information on NASA's future plans, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-6083

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, cleanup of Launch Pad 39B gets under way. Sand, reinforcing steel and large wooden mats were placed over the pad's concrete surfaces during dec... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, cleanup of Launch Pad 39B is in progress beside the pad's flame trench. The trench is 450 feet long, 58 feet wide and 42 feet deep with an inner inverted V-shaped steel flame deflector. Sand, reinforcing steel and large wooden mats were placed over the pad's concrete surfaces during deconstruction to protect them from falling debris. In the distance is the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building. 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 rockets and spacecraft. The lightning protection system, consisting of three lightning towers and a wire catenary system, will remain. For information on NASA's future plans, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-6088

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, cleanup of Launch Pad 39B is in progress beside the pad's flame trench. The trench is 450 feet long, 58 feet wide and 42 feet deep with an inn... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the launch pedestals remain in place on Launch Pad 39B following deconstruction of the towers. Cleanup is under way of the sand, reinforcing steel and large wooden mats which were placed over the pad's concrete surfaces to protect them from falling debris. 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 rockets and spacecraft. The lightning protection system, consisting of three lightning towers and a wire catenary system, will remain. For information on NASA's future plans, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-6087

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the launch pedestals remain in place on Launch Pad 39B following deconstruction of the towers. Cleanup is under way of the sand, reinforcing st... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) team monitor screens as NASCAR racer Jason Leffler with KBM prepares to drive his instrument-laden vehicle down the three-mile-long Shuttle Landing Facility runway. The operation is part of KBMs’ program to test aerodynamic and real-world capabilities on one of the flattest surfaces in the world. Racing teams have been using the runway for testing since 2008. KBM signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA to use the facility’s runway. Photo Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1301

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, memb...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) team monitor screens as NASCAR racer Jason Leffler with KBM prepares to drive his instrument-laden vehic... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASCAR racer Jason Leffler’s instrument-laden vehicle is being prepared for its three-mile-long drive down the Shuttle Landing Facility runway. The operation is part of Kyle Busch Motorsports’ (KBM) program to test aerodynamic and real-world capabilities on one of the flattest surfaces in the world. Racing teams have been using the runway for testing since 2008. KBM signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA to use the facility’s runway. Photo Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1298

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASC...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASCAR racer Jason Leffler’s instrument-laden vehicle is being prepared for its three-mile-long drive down the Shuttle Landing Facility runway. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASCAR racer Jason Leffler with Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) drives his instrument-laden vehicle back from the three-mile-long drive down the Shuttle Landing Facility runway. The operation is part of KBMs’ program to test aerodynamic and real-world capabilities on one of the flattest surfaces in the world. Racing teams have been using the runway for testing since 2008. KBM signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA to use the facility’s runway. Photo Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1302

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASC...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASCAR racer Jason Leffler with Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) drives his instrument-laden vehicle back from the three-mile-long drive down the Sh... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASCAR racer Jason Leffler with Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) drives his instrument-laden vehicle down the three-mile-long Shuttle Landing Facility runway. The operation is part of KBMs’ program to test aerodynamic and real-world capabilities on one of the flattest surfaces in the world. Racing teams have been using the runway for testing since 2008. KBM signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA to use the facility’s runway. Photo Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1304

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASC...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASCAR racer Jason Leffler with Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) drives his instrument-laden vehicle down the three-mile-long Shuttle Landing Facili... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASCAR racer Jason Leffler with Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) drives his instrument-laden vehicle back from the three-mile-long drive down the Shuttle Landing Facility runway. The operation is part of KBMs’ program to test aerodynamic and real-world capabilities on one of the flattest surfaces in the world. Racing teams have been using the runway for testing since 2008. KBM signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA to use the facility’s runway. Photo Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1303

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASC...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASCAR racer Jason Leffler with Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) drives his instrument-laden vehicle back from the three-mile-long drive down the Sh... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASCAR racer Jason Leffler with Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) prepares to drive his instrument-laden vehicle down the three-mile-long Shuttle Landing Facility runway. The operation is part of KBMs’ program to test aerodynamic and real-world capabilities on one of the flattest surfaces in the world. Racing teams have been using the runway for testing since 2008. KBM signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA to use the facility’s runway. Photo Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1300

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASC...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASCAR racer Jason Leffler with Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) prepares to drive his instrument-laden vehicle down the three-mile-long Shuttle Lan... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASCAR racer Jason Leffler with Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) drives his instrument-laden vehicle down the three-mile-long Shuttle Landing Facility runway. In the background, at midfield is the Control Tower. The operation is part of KBMs’ program to test aerodynamic and real-world capabilities on one of the flattest surfaces in the world. Racing teams have been using the runway for testing since 2008. KBM signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA to use the facility’s runway. Photo Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1305

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASC...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASCAR racer Jason Leffler with Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) drives his instrument-laden vehicle down the three-mile-long Shuttle Landing Facili... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASCAR racer Jason Leffler with Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) drives his instrument-laden vehicle down the three-mile-long Shuttle Landing Facility runway. The operation is part of KBMs’ program to test aerodynamic and real-world capabilities on one of the flattest surfaces in the world. Racing teams have been using the runway for testing since 2008. KBM signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA to use the facility’s runway. Photo Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1306

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASC...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASCAR racer Jason Leffler with Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) drives his instrument-laden vehicle down the three-mile-long Shuttle Landing Facili... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are underway to prepare the Project Morpheus prototype lander for its first free flight test at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Testing of the prototype lander was performed at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston in preparation for tethered and free flight testing at Kennedy. Project Morpheus integrates NASA’s automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, with an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to asteroids and other planetary surfaces. The landing facility will provide the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2013-4315

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are underway to prepare the Projec...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are underway to prepare the Project Morpheus prototype lander for its first free flight test at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center i... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians and engineers prepare the Project Morpheus prototype lander for its first free flight test at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Testing of the prototype lander was performed at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston in preparation for tethered and free flight testing at Kennedy. Project Morpheus integrates NASA’s automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, with an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to asteroids and other planetary surfaces. The landing facility will provide the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2013-4317

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians and engineers prepare the Project M...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians and engineers prepare the Project Morpheus prototype lander for its first free flight test at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in F... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first free flight of the Project Morpheus prototype lander was conducted at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Smoke filled the air as the engine fired and the Morpheus lander launched from the ground over a flame trench. During the 54-second test, it ascended approximately 50 feet, and hovered for about 15 seconds. The lander then flew forward and landed on its pad about 23 feet from the launch point. Testing of the prototype lander was performed at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston in preparation for tethered and free flight testing at Kennedy. Project Morpheus integrates NASA’s automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, with an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to asteroids and other planetary surfaces. The landing facility will provide the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2013-4328

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first free flight of the Project Morpheus p...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first free flight of the Project Morpheus prototype lander was conducted at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Smoke filled the air as the engine ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first free flight of the Project Morpheus prototype lander was conducted at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Smoke fills the air as the engine fires and the Morpheus lander launched from the ground over a flame trench. During the 54-second test, it ascended approximately 50 feet, and hovered for about 15 seconds. The lander then flew forward and landed on its pad about 23 feet from the launch point. Testing of the prototype lander was performed at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston in preparation for tethered and free flight testing at Kennedy. Project Morpheus integrates NASA’s automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, with an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to asteroids and other planetary surfaces. The landing facility will provide the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2013-4323

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first free flight of the Project Morpheus p...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first free flight of the Project Morpheus prototype lander was conducted at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Smoke fills the air as the engine f... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are underway to prepare the Project Morpheus prototype lander for its first free flight test at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Testing of the prototype lander was performed at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston in preparation for tethered and free flight testing at Kennedy. Project Morpheus integrates NASA’s automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, with an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to asteroids and other planetary surfaces. The landing facility will provide the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2013-4316

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are underway to prepare the Projec...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are underway to prepare the Project Morpheus prototype lander for its first free flight test at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center i... More

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