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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A on NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers ensure the doors of the payload canister are closed. Space shuttle Atlantis’ HST payload for the STS-125 mission was moved from the shuttle into the canister. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. The hardware will be transported back to Kennedy’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where it will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3124

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A on NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers ensure the doors of the payload canister are closed. Space shuttle Atlantis’ HST payload for the STS-125 mission wa... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the doors of the payload canister are opened inside a clean room of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF. The canister contains the Hubble Space Telescope equipment. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. The canister maintains a controlled environment. In the PHSF, the carriers will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3196

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the doors of the payload canister are opened inside a clean room of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF. The canister contains t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers watch as the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, is lowered from the payload canister which transported the Hubble Space Telescope equipment back to the clean room from Launch Pad 39A. In the foreground is the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC. The payload for Hubble servicing mission 4 comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. In the PHSF, the carriers will be stored until a new target launch date in 2009 can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble, used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth, shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3240

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers watch as the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, is lowered from the payloa... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This is a printable version of space shuttle Atlantis' orbiter tribute, or OV-104, which hangs in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the lower-left corner, it features Atlantis soaring above Earth and threaded through the design are the mission patches for each of Atlantis’ flights. Atlantis' accomplishments include seven missions to the Russian space station Mir and several assembly, construction and resupply missions to the International Space Station. Atlantis also flew the last Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission on STS-125. In the tribute, the planet Venus represents the Magellan probe being deployed during STS-30, and Jupiter represents the Galileo probe being deployed during STS-34. The inset photos illustrate various aspects of shuttle processing as well as significant achievements, such as the glass cockpit and the first shuttle docking with Mir during STS-71. The inset photo in the upper-left corner shows a rainbow over Atlantis on Launch Pad 39A and shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy. Endeavour was the assigned vehicle had Atlantis’ STS-125 mission needed rescue, and this was the last time both launch pads were occupied at the same time. The stars in the background represent the many people who have worked with Atlantis and their contributions to the vehicle’s success. Graphic design credit: NASA/Amy Lombardo. NASA publication number: SP-2010-08-161-KSC KSC-2010-4450B

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This is a printable version of space shuttle A...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This is a printable version of space shuttle Atlantis' orbiter tribute, or OV-104, which hangs in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In... More

Space shuttle Atlantis STS-135 Rollout

Space shuttle Atlantis STS-135 Rollout

Space Shuttle Atlantis (STS-135) is seen atop a Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) just prior to beginning its journey from High Bay 3 in the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39a for its final flight, Tuesda... More

Space shuttle Atlantis STS-135 Rollout

Space shuttle Atlantis STS-135 Rollout

Space Shuttle Atlantis (STS-135) is seen atop the Mobile Launch Platform (MLP) as it begins its journey from High Bay 3 in the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39a for its final flight, Tuesday evening, ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist Andrew Feustel is ready to enter the hatch into space shuttle Atlantis for a simulated launch countdown. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various launch activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the countdown. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-08pd2888

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist Andrew Feustel is r...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist Andrew Feustel is ready to enter the hatch into space shuttle Atlantis for a simulated launch countdown. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist John Grunsfeld is helped donning a harness over his launch and entry suit before entering space shuttle Atlantis for a simulated launch countdown. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various launch activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the countdown. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-08pd2889

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist John Grunsfeld is h...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist John Grunsfeld is helped donning a harness over his launch and entry suit before entering space shuttle Atlantis for a simulated launch countdown. The countdo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the rotating service structure is open, revealing space shuttle Atlantis on the pad for the STS-125 mission, the fifth and final shuttle servicing mission for NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. On the RSS, the payload canister is in position at the payload changeout room to receive the Hubble hardware. High winds, however, have delayed the transfer. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. The hardware will be transported back to Kennedy’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where it will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-08pd3115

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the rotating service structure is open, revealing space shuttle Atlantis on the pad for the STS-125 mission, the fifth and f... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, is removed from the payload canister which transported the Hubble Space Telescope equipment back to the clean room from Launch Pad 39A. The payload for Hubble servicing mission 4 comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. In the PHSF, the carriers will be stored until a new target launch date in 2009 can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble, used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth, shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3238

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, is removed from the payload canister which ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This is a version of space shuttle Atlantis' orbiter tribute, or OV-104, which hangs in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In 2011, the tribute was updated to reflect the addition of one more Atlantis flight -- STS-135 -- which will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. In the lower-left corner, it features Atlantis soaring above Earth and threaded through the design are the mission patches for each of Atlantis’ flights. Atlantis' accomplishments include seven missions to the Russian space station Mir and several assembly, construction and resupply missions to the International Space Station. Atlantis also flew the last Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission on STS-125. In the tribute, the planet Venus represents the Magellan probe being deployed during STS-30, and Jupiter represents the Galileo probe being deployed during STS-34. The inset photos illustrate various aspects of shuttle processing as well as significant achievements, such as the glass cockpit and the first shuttle docking with Mir during STS-71. The inset photo in the upper-left corner shows a rainbow over Atlantis on Launch Pad 39A and shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy. Endeavour was the assigned vehicle had Atlantis’ STS-125 mission needed rescue, and this was the last time both launch pads were occupied at the same time. The stars in the background represent the many people who have worked with Atlantis and their contributions to the vehicle’s success. Graphic design credit: NASA/Amy Lombardo. NASA publication number: SP-2010-08-161-KSC KSC-2010-4450D

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This is a version of space shuttle Atlantis' o...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This is a version of space shuttle Atlantis' orbiter tribute, or OV-104, which hangs in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In 2011, the... More

Atlantis STS-135 Rollout. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

Atlantis STS-135 Rollout. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space cent...

Crowds of people are seen watching the rollout of the space shuttle Atlantis in this image made atop of the Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) that is carrying Atlantis from High Bay 3 in the Vehicle Assembly Build... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew is taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Seen in their seats in the mid-deck are Mission Specialists Andrew Feustel (left) and Mike Massimino. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various launch activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the countdown. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2894

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew is taking part in a simulated...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew is taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Seen in their seats in the mid-deck are Mission ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis, the STS-125 crew members practice an emergency escape from the shuttle. They are heading for the slidewire baskets that on the fixed service structure that will speed them away from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Pad 39A. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various launch activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the countdown. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2902

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch count...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis, the STS-125 crew members practice an emergency escape from the shuttle. They are heading for the slidew... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis, STS-125 Pilot Gregory C. Johnson joins other crew members at the slidewire basket area on the fixed service structure at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The baskets are used for emergency escape from the shuttle. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various launch activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the countdown. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2907

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countd...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis, STS-125 Pilot Gregory C. Johnson joins other crew members at the slidewire basket area on the fixed servi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis, the STS-125 crew members practice an emergency escape from the shuttle. Here they are ready to release the slidewire basket that will speed them away from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Pad 39A. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various launch activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the countdown. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2900

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countd...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis, the STS-125 crew members practice an emergency escape from the shuttle. Here they are ready to release t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A on NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis’ HST payload for the STS-125 mission has been moved into the payload canister via the payload ground handling mechanism. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. The hardware will be transported back to Kennedy’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where it will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3121

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A on NASA's Kennedy Space Cent...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A on NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis’ HST payload for the STS-125 mission has been moved into the payload canister via the payload ground h... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A on NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a worker supervises the movement of space shuttle Atlantis’ HST payload for the STS-125 mission that was installed into the payload canister via the payload ground handling mechanism. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. The hardware will be transported back to Kennedy’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where it will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3122

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A on NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a worker supervises the movement of space shuttle Atlantis’ HST payload for the STS-125 mission that was installed into the ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-125 Commander Scott Altman, wearing his launch-and-entry suit, sits in the cockpit of the Shuttle Training Aircraft before taking off to practice shuttle landings. He is preparing for launch of space shuttle Atlantis, scheduled for 2:01 p.m. EDT on May 11. On Atlantis’ STS-125 mission, NASA's Hubble Space Telescope will be serviced for the fifth and final time. The flight will include five spacewalks during which astronauts will refurbish and upgrade the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments. As a result, Hubble's capabilities will be expanded and its operational lifespan extended through at least 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-3036

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-125 Commander Scott Altman, wearing his launch-and-entry suit, sits in the cockpit of the Shuttle Training A... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After transfer of space shuttle Atlantis’ HST payload on Launch Pad 39A on NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the payload canister has been lowered onto the transporter. Umbilical lines keep the payload in an environmentally controlled environment. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. The hardware will be transported back to Kennedy’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where it will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3128

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After transfer of space shuttle Atlantis’ HST...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After transfer of space shuttle Atlantis’ HST payload on Launch Pad 39A on NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the payload canister has been lowered onto the transporter. Umbilical... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew lines up outside the Astrovan after suiting up in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From left are Mission Specialists Michael Good, Mike Massimino, Andrew Feustel, John Grunsfeld and Megan McArthur, Pilot Gregory C. Johnson and Commander Scott Altman. The crew is heading for Launch Pad 39A where they will take part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the countdown. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2885

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew lines up outside the Astrova...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew lines up outside the Astrovan after suiting up in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From left are Mission Specialists Mic... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After transfer of space shuttle Atlantis’ HST payload on Launch Pad 39A on NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the payload canister, at left, is lowered toward the transporter below. The red umbilical lines keep the payload in an environmentally controlled environment. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. The hardware will be transported back to Kennedy’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where it will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3126

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After transfer of space shuttle Atlantis’ HST ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After transfer of space shuttle Atlantis’ HST payload on Launch Pad 39A on NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the payload canister, at left, is lowered toward the transporter below.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After transfer of space shuttle Atlantis’ HST payload on Launch Pad 39A on NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the payload canister, at left, is lowered toward the transporter below. The red umbilical lines keep the payload in an environmentally controlled environment. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. The hardware will be transported back to Kennedy’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where it will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3125

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After transfer of space shuttle Atlantis’ HST ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After transfer of space shuttle Atlantis’ HST payload on Launch Pad 39A on NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the payload canister, at left, is lowered toward the transporter below.... More

Atlantis STS-135 Rollout. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

Atlantis STS-135 Rollout. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space cent...

United Space Alliance Senior Space Shuttle Technician Mitchell Bromwell, left, and Randy Meyers of United Space Alliance display an American flag that has been flown all over the world by the U.S. military from... More

Space shuttle Atlantis STS-135 Rollout

Space shuttle Atlantis STS-135 Rollout

STS-135 crew members Chris Ferguson, left, Douglas Hurley, second from left, Sandra Magnus, and Rex Walheim, right, pose for a group photograph atop of the Mobile Launch Platform (MLP) as the space shuttle Atla... More

Space shuttle Atlantis STS-135 Rollout

Space shuttle Atlantis STS-135 Rollout

Space Shuttle Atlantis (STS-135) is seen atop the Mobile Launch Platform (MLP) during its journey from High Bay 3 in the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39a for its final flight, Tuesday evening, May 31... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Commander Scott Altman is helped by a suit technician to don a harness over his launch and entry suit before entering space shuttle Atlantis for a simulated launch countdown. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various launch activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the countdown. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-08pd2886

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Commander Scott Altman is helped by ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Commander Scott Altman is helped by a suit technician to don a harness over his launch and entry suit before entering space shuttle Atlantis for a simulated launch countdown. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew is taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Seen in her seat in the mid-deck is Mission Specialist Megan McArthur. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various launch activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the countdown. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2897

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew is taking part in a simulated...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew is taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Seen in her seat in the mid-deck is Mission Spec... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist Mike Massimino s helped by a suit technician to don a harness over his launch and entry suit before entering space shuttle Atlantis for a simulated launch countdown. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various launch activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the countdown. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-08pd2891

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist Mike Massimino s he...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist Mike Massimino s helped by a suit technician to don a harness over his launch and entry suit before entering space shuttle Atlantis for a simulated launch coun... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the canister with space shuttle Atlantis’ HST payload inside rolls past the Vehicle Assembly Building and Launch Control Center, at left. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. The hardware will be transported back to Kennedy’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where it will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3129

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, t...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the canister with space shuttle Atlantis’ HST payload inside rolls past the Vehicle Assembly Building and Launch Control Center, at left. The... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the doors of the payload canister are opened inside a clean room of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF. The canister contains the Hubble Space Telescope equipment. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. The canister maintains a controlled environment. In the PHSF, the carriers will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3195

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the doors of the payload canister are opened inside a clean room of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF. The canister contains t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the canister with space shuttle Atlantis’ Hubble Space Telescope payload inside heads toward the Canister Rotation Facility. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. After rotation to horizontal, the canister will be transported back to Kennedy’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where the hardware will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-08pd3155

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the canister with space shuttle Atlantis’ Hubble Space Telescope payload inside heads toward the Canister Rotation Facility. The payload compris... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the payload canister with the Hubble Space Telescope equipment moves inside the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. The canister maintains a controlled environment. In the PHSF, the carriers will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3190

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the payload canister with the Hubble Space Telescope equipment moves inside the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF. The payload comp... More

Atlantis STS-135 Rollout. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

Atlantis STS-135 Rollout. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space cent...

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden watches as a truck sprays water on the crawler way to help minimize dust as the space shuttle Atlantis (STS-135), atop of the Mobile Launch Platform (MLP), rolls out of High Ba... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist Andrew Feustel is helped by suit technicians to don a harness over his launch and entry suit before entering space shuttle Atlantis for a simulated launch countdown. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various launch activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the countdown. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-08pd2887

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist Andrew Feustel is...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist Andrew Feustel is helped by suit technicians to don a harness over his launch and entry suit before entering space shuttle Atlantis for a simulated launch co... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the payload canister with the Hubble Space Telescope equipment leaves the Canister Rotation Facility to head for the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. The canister maintains a controlled environment. In the PHSF, the carriers will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3187

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the payload canister with the Hubble Space Telescope equipment leaves the Canister Rotation Facility to head for the Payload Hazardous Servicin... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the payload canister with the Hubble Space Telescope equipment is in a clean room inside the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. The canister maintains a controlled environment. In the PHSF, the carriers will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3192

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the payload canister with the Hubble Space Telescope equipment is in a clean room inside the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF. Th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, is lifted from the payload canister which transported the Hubble Space Telescope equipment back to the clean room from Launch Pad 39A. The payload for Hubble servicing mission 4 comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. In the PHSF, the carriers will be stored until a new target launch date in 2009 can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble, used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth, shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3235

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, is lifted from the payload caniste... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, is lifted from the payload canister which transported the Hubble Space Telescope equipment back to the clean room from Launch Pad 39A. In the foreground is the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC. The payload for Hubble servicing mission 4 comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. In the PHSF, the carriers will be stored until a new target launch date in 2009 can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble, used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth, shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3239

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, is lifted from the payload canister which t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, is removed from the payload canister which transported the Hubble Space Telescope equipment back to the clean room from Launch Pad 39A. The payload for Hubble servicing mission 4 comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. In the PHSF, the carriers will be stored until a new target launch date in 2009 can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble, used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth, shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3234

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, is removed from the payload canist... More

Atlantis STS-135 Rollout. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

Atlantis STS-135 Rollout. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space cent...

An empty High Bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building is seen shortly after space shuttle Atlantis (STS-135) began its journey from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39a for its final flight, Tuesday e... More

Space shuttle Atlantis STS-135 Rollout

Space shuttle Atlantis STS-135 Rollout

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden looks at the space shuttle Atlantis atop of the Mobile Launch Platform (MLP) just prior to rollout of Atlantis (STS-135) from High Bay 3 in the Vehicle Assembly Building to Lau... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This is a version of space shuttle Atlantis' orbiter tribute, or OV-104, which hangs in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the lower-left corner, it features Atlantis soaring above Earth and threaded through the design are the mission patches for each of Atlantis’ flights. Atlantis' accomplishments include seven missions to the Russian space station Mir and several assembly, construction and resupply missions to the International Space Station. Atlantis also flew the last Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission on STS-125. In the tribute, the planet Venus represents the Magellan probe being deployed during STS-30, and Jupiter represents the Galileo probe being deployed during STS-34. The inset photos illustrate various aspects of shuttle processing as well as significant achievements, such as the glass cockpit and the first shuttle docking with Mir during STS-71. The inset photo in the upper-left corner shows a rainbow over Atlantis on Launch Pad 39A and shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy. Endeavour was the assigned vehicle had Atlantis’ STS-125 mission needed rescue, and this was the last time both launch pads were occupied at the same time. The stars in the background represent the many people who have worked with Atlantis and their contributions to the vehicle’s success. Graphic design credit: NASA/Amy Lombardo. NASA publication number: SP-2010-08-161-KSC KSC-2010-4450A

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This is a version of space shuttle Atlantis' o...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This is a version of space shuttle Atlantis' orbiter tribute, or OV-104, which hangs in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the lower... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis, STS-125 Mission Specialist Mike Massimino joins other crew members at the slidewire basket area on the fixed service structure at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The baskets are used for emergency escape from the shuttle. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various launch activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the countdown. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2908

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countd...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis, STS-125 Mission Specialist Mike Massimino joins other crew members at the slidewire basket area on the fi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist Michael Good is helped by suit technicians to don a harness over his launch and entry suit before entering space shuttle Atlantis for a simulated launch countdown. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various launch activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the countdown. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-08pd2890

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist Michael Good is hel...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist Michael Good is helped by suit technicians to don a harness over his launch and entry suit before entering space shuttle Atlantis for a simulated launch countd... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the rotating service structure is open, revealing space shuttle Atlantis on the pad for the STS-125 mission, the fifth and final shuttle servicing mission for NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. On the RSS, the payload canister is in position at the payload changeout room to receive the Hubble hardware. High winds, however, have delayed the transfer. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. The hardware will be transported back to Kennedy’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where it will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-08pd3114

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the rotating service structure is open, revealing space shuttle Atlantis on the pad for the STS-125 mission, the fifth and fi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the canister with space shuttle Atlantis’ HST payload inside makes the turn past the Vehicle Assembly Building onto Kennedy Parkway. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. The hardware will be transported back to Kennedy’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where it will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-08pd3132

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, t...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the canister with space shuttle Atlantis’ HST payload inside makes the turn past the Vehicle Assembly Building onto Kennedy Parkway. The payl... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the canister with space shuttle Atlantis’ Hubble Space Telescope payload inside heads toward the Canister Rotation Facility. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. After rotation to horizontal, the canister will be transported back to Kennedy’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where the hardware will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-08pd3154

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the canister with space shuttle Atlantis’ Hubble Space Telescope payload inside heads toward the Canister Rotation Facility. The payload compris... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, is placed on a work platform after its return to the clean room from Launch Pad 39A. The payload for Hubble servicing mission 4 comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. In the PHSF, the carriers will be stored until a new target launch date in 2009 can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble, used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth, shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3237

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, is placed on a work platform after... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-125 Pilot Gregory C. Johnson, wearing his launch-and-entry suit, heads into the Shuttle Training Aircraft to practice shuttle landings in preparation for launch of space shuttle Atlantis, scheduled for 2:01 p.m. EDT on May 11. On Atlantis’ STS-125 mission, NASA's Hubble Space Telescope will be serviced for the fifth and final time. The flight will include five spacewalks during which astronauts will refurbish and upgrade the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments. As a result, Hubble's capabilities will be expanded and its operational lifespan extended through at least 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-3035

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-125 Pilot Gregory C. Johnson, wearing his launch-and-entry suit, heads into the Shuttle Training Aircraft to... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, FIa. -- After taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis, the STS-125 crew members practice an emergency escape from the shuttle. They are heading for the slidewire baskets that will speed them away from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Pad 39A. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various launch activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the countdown. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2901

CAPE CANAVERAL, FIa. -- After taking part in a simulated launch countd...

CAPE CANAVERAL, FIa. -- After taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis, the STS-125 crew members practice an emergency escape from the shuttle. They are heading for the slidewir... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis, the STS-125 crew members practice an emergency escape from the shuttle. Here Mission Specialists Michael Good and Megan McArthur are ready to release the slidewire basket on the fixed service structure that will speed them away from at Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Pad 39A. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various launch activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the countdown. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2903

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countd...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis, the STS-125 crew members practice an emergency escape from the shuttle. Here Mission Specialists Michael... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers in a clean room of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF, check the controls on the payload canister with the Hubble Space Telescope equipment inside. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. The canister maintains a controlled environment. In the PHSF, the carriers will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3194

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers in a clean room of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF, check the controls on the payload canister with the Hubble Space ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the canister with space shuttle Atlantis’ Hubble Space Telescope payload inside heads for the open doors of the Canister Rotation Facility. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. After rotation to horizontal, the canister will be transported back to Kennedy’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where the hardware will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-08pd3156

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the canister with space shuttle Atlantis’ Hubble Space Telescope payload inside heads for the open doors of the Canister Rotation Facility. The ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the payload canister with the Hubble Space Telescope equipment moves into the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. The canister maintains a controlled environment. In the PHSF, the carriers will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3189

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the payload canister with the Hubble Space Telescope equipment moves into the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF. The payload compri... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the canister with space shuttle Atlantis’ HST payload inside rolls past the Vehicle Assembly Building and Launch Control Center, behind it. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. The hardware will be transported back to Kennedy’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where it will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3130

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, t...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the canister with space shuttle Atlantis’ HST payload inside rolls past the Vehicle Assembly Building and Launch Control Center, behind it. T... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers remove the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, from the payload canister which transported the Hubble Space Telescope equipment back to the clean room from Launch Pad 39A. The payload for Hubble servicing mission 4 comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. In the PHSF, the carriers will be stored until a new target launch date in 2009 can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble, used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth, shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3236

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers remove the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, from the payload ca... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This orbiter tribute of space shuttle Atlantis, or OV-104, hangs in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In 2011, the tribute was updated to reflect the addition of one more Atlantis flight -- STS-135 -- which will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. In the lower-left corner, it features Atlantis soaring above Earth and threaded through the design are the mission patches for each of Atlantis’ flights. Atlantis' accomplishments include seven missions to the Russian space station Mir and several assembly, construction and resupply missions to the International Space Station. Atlantis also flew the last Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission on STS-125. In the tribute, the planet Venus represents the Magellan probe being deployed during STS-30, and Jupiter represents the Galileo probe being deployed during STS-34. The inset photos illustrate various aspects of shuttle processing as well as significant achievements, such as the glass cockpit and the first shuttle docking with Mir during STS-71. The inset photo in the upper-left corner shows a rainbow over Atlantis on Launch Pad 39A and shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy. Endeavour was the assigned vehicle had Atlantis’ STS-125 mission needed rescue, and this was the last time both launch pads were occupied at the same time. The stars in the background represent the many people who have worked with Atlantis and their contributions to the vehicle’s success. Graphic design credit: NASA/Amy Lombardo. NASA publication number: SP-2010-08-161-KSC KSC-2010-4450C

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This orbiter tribute of space shuttle Atlantis...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This orbiter tribute of space shuttle Atlantis, or OV-104, hangs in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In 2011, the tribute was updated... More

Space shuttle Atlantis STS-135 Rollout

Space shuttle Atlantis STS-135 Rollout

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden talks with other NASA management atop of the Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) just prior to rollout of the Space Shuttle Atlantis (STS-135) from High Bay 3 in the Vehicle Assembl... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist Megan McArthur is ready to enter the hatch into space shuttle Atlantis for a simulated launch countdown. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various launch activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the countdown. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-08pd2892

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist Megan McArthur is r...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist Megan McArthur is ready to enter the hatch into space shuttle Atlantis for a simulated launch countdown. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdow... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis, the STS-125 crew members gather at the slidewire basket area on the fixed service structure at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At left is Mission Specialist Andrew Feustel; at right is Mission Specialist Mike Massimino. The baskets are used for emergency escape from the shuttle. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various launch activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the countdown. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2906

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countd...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis, the STS-125 crew members gather at the slidewire basket area on the fixed service structure at Launch Pad... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis, the STS-125 crew members practice an emergency escape from the shuttle. They are heading for the slidewire baskets that will speed them away from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Pad 39A. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various launch activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the countdown. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2898

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countd...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis, the STS-125 crew members practice an emergency escape from the shuttle. They are heading for the slidewi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis, the STS-125 crew members practice an emergency escape from the shuttle. Here they are ready to release the slidewire basket that will speed them away from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Pad 39A. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various launch activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the countdown. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2899

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countd...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis, the STS-125 crew members practice an emergency escape from the shuttle. Here they are ready to release t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew is taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Seen in his seat in the cockpit is Commander Scott Altman. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various launch activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the countdown. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2896

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew is taking part in a simulate...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew is taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Seen in his seat in the cockpit is Commander Sc... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis and practicing emergency escape procedures, the STS-125 crew pauses for a photo on the 225-foot level of the fixed service structure at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From left are Mission Specialists John Grunsfeld and Michael Good, Pilot Gregory C. Johnson, Commander Scott Altman, and Mission Specialists Mike Massimino, Andrew Feustel and Megan McArthur. Behind them are space shuttle Atlantis’ external fuel tank and one of the twin solid rocket boosters. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various launch activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the countdown. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2909

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countd...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis and practicing emergency escape procedures, the STS-125 crew pauses for a photo on the 225-foot level of t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the canister with space shuttle Atlantis’ Hubble Space Telescope payload inside roll through the open doors of the Canister Rotation Facility. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. After rotation to horizontal, the canister will be transported back to Kennedy’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where the hardware will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-08pd3157

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the canister with space shuttle Atlantis’ Hubble Space Telescope payload inside roll through the open doors of the Canister Rotation Facility. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After transfer of space shuttle Atlantis’ HST payload on Launch Pad 39A on NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the payload canister is lowered toward the transporter below. The red umbilical lines keep the payload in an environmentally controlled environment. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. The hardware will be transported back to Kennedy’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where it will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3127

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After transfer of space shuttle Atlantis’ HST...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After transfer of space shuttle Atlantis’ HST payload on Launch Pad 39A on NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the payload canister is lowered toward the transporter below. The red ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-125 Commander Scott Altman is wearing his complete launch-and-entry suit in the cockpit of the Shuttle Training Aircraft. He is preparing to practice shuttle landings in preparation for launch of space shuttle Atlantis, scheduled for 2:01 p.m. EDT on May 11. On Atlantis’ STS-125 mission, NASA's Hubble Space Telescope will be serviced for the fifth and final time. The flight will include five spacewalks during which astronauts will refurbish and upgrade the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments. As a result, Hubble's capabilities will be expanded and its operational lifespan extended through at least 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-3038

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-125 Commander Scott Altman is wearing his complete launch-and-entry suit in the cockpit of the Shuttle Train... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the rotating service structure is open, revealing space shuttle Atlantis on the pad for the STS-125 mission, the fifth and final shuttle servicing mission for NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. On the RSS, the payload canister is in position at the payload changeout room to receive the Hubble hardware. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. The hardware will be transported back to Kennedy’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where it will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-08pd3113

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the rotating service structure is open, revealing space shuttle Atlantis on the pad for the STS-125 mission, the fifth and fi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew heads for the Astrovan after suiting up in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From left are Mission Specialists Michael Good, John Grunsfeld, Mike Massimino, Andrew Feustel and Megan McArthur, Pilot Gregory C. Johnson and Commander Scott Altman. The crew is heading for Launch Pad 39A where they will take part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the countdown. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2884

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew heads for the Astrovan after...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew heads for the Astrovan after suiting up in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From left are Mission Specialists Michael Go... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis, the STS-125 crew members practice an emergency escape from the shuttle. Here Commander Scott Altman (left) and Pilot Gregory C. Johnson are in place in a slidewire basket on the fixed service structure that will speed them away from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Pad 39A. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various launch activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the countdown. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2904

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countd...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis, the STS-125 crew members practice an emergency escape from the shuttle. Here Commander Scott Altman (lef... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew is taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Seen in his seat in the mid-deck is Mission Specialist John Grunsfeld. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various launch activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the countdown. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2895

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew is taking part in a simulate...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew is taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Seen in his seat in the mid-deck is Mission Spe... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the canister with space shuttle Atlantis’ Hubble Space Telescope payload inside makes its way to the Canister Rotation Facility. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. After rotation to horizontal, the canister will be transported back to Kennedy’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where the hardware will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-08pd3152

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the canister with space shuttle Atlantis’ Hubble Space Telescope payload inside makes its way to the Canister Rotation Facility. The payload com... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the canister with space shuttle Atlantis’ HST payload inside rolls past the Vehicle Assembly Building, behind it. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. The hardware will be transported back to Kennedy’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where it will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-08pd3131

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, t...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the canister with space shuttle Atlantis’ HST payload inside rolls past the Vehicle Assembly Building, behind it. The payload comprises four... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This is a printable version of space shuttle Atlantis' orbiter tribute, or OV-104, which hangs in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In 2011, the tribute was updated to reflect the addition of one more flight -- STS-135 -- which will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. In the lower-left corner, it features Atlantis soaring above Earth and threaded through the design are the mission patches for each of Atlantis’ flights. Atlantis' accomplishments include seven missions to the Russian space station Mir and several assembly, construction and resupply missions to the International Space Station. Atlantis also flew the last Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission on STS-125. In the tribute, the planet Venus represents the Magellan probe being deployed during STS-30, and Jupiter represents the Galileo probe being deployed during STS-34. The inset photos illustrate various aspects of shuttle processing as well as significant achievements, such as the glass cockpit and the first shuttle docking with Mir during STS-71. The inset photo in the upper-left corner shows a rainbow over Atlantis on Launch Pad 39A and shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy. Endeavour was the assigned vehicle had Atlantis’ STS-125 mission needed rescue, and this was the last time both launch pads were occupied at the same time. The stars in the background represent the many people who have worked with Atlantis and their contributions to the vehicle’s success. Graphic design credit: NASA/Amy Lombardo. NASA publication number: SP-2010-08-161-KSC KSC-2010-4450E

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This is a printable version of space shuttle A...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This is a printable version of space shuttle Atlantis' orbiter tribute, or OV-104, which hangs in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In... More

Atlantis STS-135 Rollout. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

Atlantis STS-135 Rollout. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space cent...

A truck sprays water on the crawler way to help minimize dust as the space shuttle Atlantis (STS-135), atop of the Mobile Launch Platform (MLP), rolls out of High Bay 3 in the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launc... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis, the STS-125 crew members practice an emergency escape from the shuttle. Here Mission Specialist John Grunsfeld has reached the slidewire basket area on the fixed service structure at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various launch activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the countdown. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2905

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countd...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis, the STS-125 crew members practice an emergency escape from the shuttle. Here Mission Specialist John Gru... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the canister with space shuttle Atlantis’ Hubble Space Telescope payload arrives inside the Canister Rotation Facility. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. After rotation to horizontal, the canister will be transported back to Kennedy’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where the hardware will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-08pd3158

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the canister with space shuttle Atlantis’ Hubble Space Telescope payload arrives inside the Canister Rotation Facility. The payload comprises fo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the payload canister with the Hubble Space Telescope equipment is inside the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. The canister maintains a controlled environment. In the PHSF, the carriers will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3191

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the payload canister with the Hubble Space Telescope equipment is inside the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF. The payload compri... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers secure the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, onto a stand after it was returned back to the clean room from Launch Pad 39A. The payload for Hubble servicing mission 4 comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. In the PHSF, the carriers will be stored until a new target launch date in 2009 can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble, used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth, shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3242

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers secure the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, onto a stand after it was re... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers position the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, onto a stand after it was returned back to the clean room from Launch Pad 39A. The payload for Hubble servicing mission 4 comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. In the PHSF, the carriers will be stored until a new target launch date in 2009 can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble, used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth, shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3241

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers position the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, onto a stand after it was ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Shuttle Training Aircraft is ready for takeoff. STS-125 Commander Scott Altman and Pilot Gregory C. Johnson are practicing shuttle landings on the SLF runway in preparation for their launch on space shuttle Atlantis, scheduled for 2:01 p.m. EDT on May 11. On Atlantis’ STS-125 mission, NASA's Hubble Space Telescope will be serviced for the fifth and final time. The flight will include five spacewalks during which astronauts will refurbish and upgrade the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments. As a result, Hubble's capabilities will be expanded and its operational lifespan extended through at least 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-3039

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility, ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Shuttle Training Aircraft is ready for takeoff. STS-125 Commander Scott Altman and Pi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-125 Pilot Gregory C. Johnson, puts on the helmet of his launch-and-entry suit while sitting in the cockpit of the Shuttle Training Aircraft. He is preparing to practice shuttle landings in preparation for launch of space shuttle Atlantis, scheduled for 2:01 p.m. EDT on May 11. On Atlantis’ STS-125 mission, NASA's Hubble Space Telescope will be serviced for the fifth and final time. The flight will include five spacewalks during which astronauts will refurbish and upgrade the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments. As a result, Hubble's capabilities will be expanded and its operational lifespan extended through at least 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-3037

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-125 Pilot Gregory C. Johnson, puts on the helmet of his launch-and-entry suit while sitting in the cockpit o... More

Space shuttle Atlantis STS-135 Rollout

Space shuttle Atlantis STS-135 Rollout

A silhouette of the space shuttle Atlantis (STS-135) is seen on the Vehicle Assembly Building as it begins its journey from High Bay 3 in the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39a for its final flight, Tu... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew is taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Seen in their seats in the mid-deck are (front to back) Mission Specialists Andrew Feustel, Mike Massimino and John Grunsfeld. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various launch activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the countdown. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2893

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew is taking part in a simulated...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew is taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Seen in their seats in the mid-deck are (front t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis and practicing emergency escape procedures, the STS-125 crew pauses for a photo on the 225-foot level of the fixed service structure at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From left are Mission Specialists John Grunsfeld and Michael Good, Pilot Gregory C. Johnson, Commander Scott Altman, and Mission Specialists Mike Massimino, Andrew Feustel and Megan McArthur. Behind them are space shuttle Atlantis’ external fuel tank and one of the twin solid rocket boosters. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various launch activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the countdown. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2910

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countd...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - After taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis and practicing emergency escape procedures, the STS-125 crew pauses for a photo on the 225-foot level of t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the canister with space shuttle Atlantis’ Hubble Space Telescope payload inside makes its way to the Canister Rotation Facility. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. After rotation to horizontal, the canister will be transported back to Kennedy’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where the hardware will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-08pd3153

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the canister with space shuttle Atlantis’ Hubble Space Telescope payload inside makes its way to the Canister Rotation Facility. The payload com... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A on NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a worker oversees the closing of the doors on the payload canister. Space shuttle Atlantis’ HST payload for the STS-125 mission was moved from the shuttle into the canister. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. The hardware will be transported back to Kennedy’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where it will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3123

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A on NASA's Kennedy Space Ce...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A on NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a worker oversees the closing of the doors on the payload canister. Space shuttle Atlantis’ HST payload for the STS-125 mi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the payload canister with the Hubble Space Telescope equipment is in a clean room inside the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. The canister maintains a controlled environment. In the PHSF, the carriers will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3193

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the payload canister with the Hubble Space Telescope equipment is in a clean room inside the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF. Th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the payload canister with the Hubble Space Telescope equipment moves into the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. The canister maintains a controlled environment. In the PHSF, the carriers will be stored until a new target launch date can be set for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission in 2009. Atlantis’ October target launch date was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3188

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the payload canister with the Hubble Space Telescope equipment moves into the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, or PHSF. The payload compri... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-125 Commander Scott Altman, wearing his launch-and-entry suit, heads for the Shuttle Training Aircraft to practice shuttle landings in preparation for launch of space shuttle Atlantis, scheduled for 2:01 p.m. EDT on May 11. On Atlantis’ STS-125 mission, NASA's Hubble Space Telescope will be serviced for the fifth and final time. The flight will include five spacewalks during which astronauts will refurbish and upgrade the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments. As a result, Hubble's capabilities will be expanded and its operational lifespan extended through at least 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-3034

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-125 Commander Scott Altman, wearing his launch-and-entry suit, heads for the Shuttle Training Aircraft to pr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This orbiter tribute of space shuttle Atlantis, or OV-104, hangs in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the lower-left corner, it features Atlantis soaring above Earth and threaded through the design are the mission patches for each of Atlantis’ flights. Atlantis' accomplishments include seven missions to the Russian space station Mir and several assembly, construction and resupply missions to the International Space Station. Atlantis also flew the last Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission on STS-125. In the tribute, the planet Venus represents the Magellan probe being deployed during STS-30, and Jupiter represents the Galileo probe being deployed during STS-34. The inset photos illustrate various aspects of shuttle processing as well as significant achievements, such as the glass cockpit and the first shuttle docking with Mir during STS-71. The inset photo in the upper-left corner shows a rainbow over Atlantis on Launch Pad 39A and shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy. Endeavour was the assigned vehicle had Atlantis’ STS-125 mission needed rescue, and this was the last time both launch pads were occupied at the same time. The stars in the background represent the many people who have worked with Atlantis and their contributions to the vehicle’s success. Graphic design credit: NASA/Amy Lombardo KSC-2010-4450

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This orbiter tribute of space shuttle Atlantis...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This orbiter tribute of space shuttle Atlantis, or OV-104, hangs in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the lower-left corner, it fea... More

Atlantis STS-135 Rollout. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

Atlantis STS-135 Rollout. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space cent...

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden looks at the large crowds gathered from atop of the Mobile Launch Platform (MLP) as the space shuttle Atlantis (STS-135) rolls out of High Bay 3 in the Vehicle Assembly Buildin... More

Space shuttle Atlantis STS-135 Rollout

Space shuttle Atlantis STS-135 Rollout

Space Shuttle Atlantis (STS-135) is seen atop the Mobile Launch Platform (MLP) as it begins its journey from High Bay 3 in the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39a for its final flight, Tuesday evening, ... More