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Billows of exhaust roll across Launch Pad 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Station, as the Boeing Delta II rocket carrying the Stardust spacecraft launches on time. At left is the mobile launch tower. After a 24-hour postponement, the rocket lifted off at 4:04:15 p.m. EST. Stardust is destined for a close encounter with the comet Wild 2 in January 2004. Using a silicon-based substance called aerogel, Stardust will capture comet particles flying off the nucleus of the comet. The spacecraft also will bring back samples of interstellar dust. These materials consist of ancient pre-solar interstellar grains and other remnants left over from the formation of the solar system. Scientists expect their analysis to provide important insights into the evolution of the sun and planets and possibly into the origin of life itself. The collected samples will return to Earth in a sample return capsule to be jettisoned as Stardust swings by Earth in January 2006 KSC-99pc0161

Billows of exhaust roll across Launch Pad 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Sta...

Billows of exhaust roll across Launch Pad 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Station, as the Boeing Delta II rocket carrying the Stardust spacecraft launches on time. At left is the mobile launch tower. After a 24-hour p... More

Children on a tour at the KSC Visitor Complex get an early look at the Discovery Channel's Liberty Bell 7 Space Capsule Exhibit, which opens to the public on Saturday, June 17. They are on a re-creation of the deck of Ocean Project, the ship that located and recovered the space capsule from the floor of the Atlantic Ocean. Liberty Bell 7 launched U.S. Air Force Captain Virgil “Gus” Grissom July 21, 1961, on a mission that lasted 15 minutes and 37 seconds before sinking. It lay undetected for nearly four decades before a Discovery Channel expedition located it and recovered it. The space capsule, now restored and preserved, is part of an interactive exhibit touring science centers and museums in 12 cities throughout the United States until 2003. The exhibit also includes hands-on elements such as a capsule simulator, a centrifuge, and ROV pilot KSC00pp0753

Children on a tour at the KSC Visitor Complex get an early look at the...

Children on a tour at the KSC Visitor Complex get an early look at the Discovery Channel's Liberty Bell 7 Space Capsule Exhibit, which opens to the public on Saturday, June 17. They are on a re-creation of the ... More

Bursch seated in the Soyuz 3 capsule during Expedition Four rescue craft relocation

Bursch seated in the Soyuz 3 capsule during Expedition Four rescue cra...

ISS004-E-10171 (20 April 2002) --- Astronaut Daniel W. Bursch, Expedition Four flight engineer, wearing a Russian Sokol suit, is seated in the Soyuz 3 spacecraft that is docked to the International Space Statio... More

Expedition 8 Capsule Inspection

Expedition 8 Capsule Inspection

Expedition 8 Soyuz Commander and Flight Engineer Alexander Kaleri, center, Expedition 8 Commander Michael Foale, European Space Agency astronaut Pedro Duque of Spain, right, along with Valery Korzun, Chief of C... More

Expedition 8 Capsule Inspection

Expedition 8 Capsule Inspection

Inside the Soyuz TMA-3 vehicle, Expedition 8 Soyuz Commander Alexander Kaleri, left, briefs European Space Agency astronaut Pedro Duque of Spain and Expedition 8 Commander and NASA Science Officer Mike Foale, r... More

The Ultra Armored Patrol Vehicle is a research project funded by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), at the Georgia Technology Research Institute. The projects goal is to develop a prototype vehicle that demonstrates improved ballistic and mine protection technologies. An innovative survivable crew capsule, which utilizes a new combination of armor materials, is mounted on a commercial truck chassis. Faceted crew capsule geometries are being used to provide better deflection of pressure waves from blasts when compared to current configurations. The Ultra is slightly larger than the High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) and is diesel powered

The Ultra Armored Patrol Vehicle is a research project funded by the O...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: John F. Williams, CIV Release Status: Released to P... More

GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER 50TH ANNIVERSARY TIME CAPSULE

GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER 50TH ANNIVERSARY TIME CAPSULE

The original finding aid described this as: Description: GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER 50TH ANNIVERSARY TIME CAPSULE LOCATION: DAVE LARSEN'S TRAILE. STUFFING OF THE TIME CAPSULE AND AFFIXING OF MEDALLION. Photo... More

GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER 50TH ANNIVERSARY TIME CAPSULE

GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER 50TH ANNIVERSARY TIME CAPSULE

The original finding aid described this as: Description: GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER 50TH ANNIVERSARY TIME CAPSULE LOCATION: DAVE LARSEN'S TRAILE. STUFFING OF THE TIME CAPSULE AND AFFIXING OF MEDALLION. Photo... More

GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER 50TH ANNIVERSARY TIME CAPSULE

GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER 50TH ANNIVERSARY TIME CAPSULE

The original finding aid described this as: Description: GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER 50TH ANNIVERSARY TIME CAPSULE LOCATION: DAVE LARSEN'S TRAILE. STUFFING OF THE TIME CAPSULE AND AFFIXING OF MEDALLION. Photo... More

GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER 50TH ANNIVERSARY TIME CAPSULE

GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER 50TH ANNIVERSARY TIME CAPSULE

The original finding aid described this as: Description: GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER 50TH ANNIVERSARY TIME CAPSULE LOCATION: DAVE LARSEN'S TRAILE. STUFFING OF THE TIME CAPSULE AND AFFIXING OF MEDALLION. Photo... More

Sample Return Capsule - NASA satellite images

Sample Return Capsule - NASA satellite images

The capsule contains cometary and interstellar samples gathered by NASA Stardust spacecraft. NASA

CEV (Crew Escape Vehicle) capsule Balistic Range testing to examine static and dynamic stability characteristics  (at the Hypervelocity Free-Flight Facility) HFF ARC-2006-ACD06-0177-048

CEV (Crew Escape Vehicle) capsule Balistic Range testing to examine st...

CEV (Crew Escape Vehicle) capsule Balistic Range testing to examine static and dynamic stability characteristics (at the Hypervelocity Free-Flight Facility) HFF

CEV (Crew Escape Vehicle) capsule Balistic Range testing to examine static and dynamic stability characteristics  (at the Hypervelocity Free-Flight Facility) HFF - Don Bowling (l) attaching firing cable to breeth cap as Don Holt (r) looks on ARC-2006-ACD06-0177-014

CEV (Crew Escape Vehicle) capsule Balistic Range testing to examine st...

CEV (Crew Escape Vehicle) capsule Balistic Range testing to examine static and dynamic stability characteristics (at the Hypervelocity Free-Flight Facility) HFF - Don Bowling (l) attaching firing cable to bree... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.  The plane is participating in the World Space Expo being held from Nov. 1 to Nov. 4 at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.  Other aircraft joining in the salute include U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Aerial Demonstration Squadron, U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornets, the P-51 Mustang Heritage Flight and the U.S. Air Force 920th Rescue Wing, which was responsible for Mercury and Gemini capsule recovery.  The U.S. Army Golden Knights also will demonstrate precision skydiving.  The World Space Expo is an event to commemorate humanity's first 50 years in space while looking forward to returning people to the moon and exploring beyond. The expo will showcase various panels, presentations and educational programs. It also is a part of NASA's 50th anniversary celebrations, highlighting the 45th Anniversary of the Mercury Program celebration featuring original NASA astronauts John Glenn and Scott Carpenter and the Pioneering Women of Aerospace forum featuring Eileen Collins and other prominent female space veterans. The agency was founded Oct. 1, 1958.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd3047

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor arrives at ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The plane is participating in the World Space Expo being held from Nov. 1 to N... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Another of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds is parked on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.  The aerial demonstration squadron is performing for the World Space Expo being held from Nov. 1 to Nov. 4 at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.  Other aircraft participating in the salute include U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet, U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle, the P-51 Mustang Heritage Flight and the U.S. Air Force 920th Rescue Wing, which was responsible for Mercury and Gemini capsule recovery.  The U.S. Army Golden Knights also will demonstrate precision skydiving.  The World Space Expo is an event to commemorate humanity's first 50 years in space while looking forward to returning people to the moon and exploring beyond. The expo will showcase various panels, presentations and educational programs. It also is a part of NASA's 50th anniversary celebrations, highlighting the 45th Anniversary of the Mercury Program celebration featuring original NASA astronauts John Glenn and Scott Carpenter and the Pioneering Women of Aerospace forum featuring Eileen Collins and other prominent female space veterans. The agency was founded Oct. 1, 1958.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd3051

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Another of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbir...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Another of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds is parked on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The aerial demonstration squadron is performing for the World ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Another of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds lands at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.  The aerial demonstration squadron is performing for the World Space Expo being held from Nov. 1 to Nov. 4 at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.  Other aircraft participating in the salute include U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet, U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle, the P-51 Mustang Heritage Flight and the U.S. Air Force 920th Rescue Wing, which was responsible for Mercury and Gemini capsule recovery.  The U.S. Army Golden Knights also will demonstrate precision skydiving.  The World Space Expo is an event to commemorate humanity's first 50 years in space while looking forward to returning people to the moon and exploring beyond. The expo will showcase various panels, presentations and educational programs. It also is a part of NASA's 50th anniversary celebrations, highlighting the 45th Anniversary of the Mercury Program celebration featuring original NASA astronauts John Glenn and Scott Carpenter and the Pioneering Women of Aerospace forum featuring Eileen Collins and other prominent female space veterans. The agency was founded Oct. 1, 1958.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd3049

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Another of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbir...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Another of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds lands at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The aerial demonstration squadron is performing for the World Spac... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. —  On stage for the World Space Expo's Pioneering Women of Aerospace forum are Ret. Colonel Eileen Collins, the first female shuttle commander; Dr. Kathryn D. Sullivan, the first American woman to spacewalk; Patricia Grace Smith, with the FAA, the first associate administrator of commercial space transportation; Dr. Anousheh Ansari, a spaceflight participant; Major Nicole Malachowski, the first female pilot with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds; and Major Samantha Weeks, the first female solo pilot with the  U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. The expo commemorates humanity's first 50 years in space while looking forward to returning people to the moon and exploring beyond.  The expo showcased various panels, presentations and educational programs, as well as an aerial salute featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet, U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle, the P-51 Mustang Heritage Flight, and the U.S. Air Force 920th Rescue Wing, which was responsible for Mercury and Gemini capsule recovery. The U.S. Army Golden Knights also demonstrated precision skydiving.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3075

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — On stage for the World Space Expo's Pion...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — On stage for the World Space Expo's Pioneering Women of Aerospace forum are Ret. Colonel Eileen Collins, the first female shuttle commander; Dr. Kathryn D. Sullivan, the first Amer... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During a rehearsal, Center Director Bill Parsons helps introduce the World Space Expo Aerial Salute at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.  Commemorating humanity's first 50 years in space while looking forward to returning people to the moon and exploring beyond, the expo will showcase various panels, presentations and educational programs, as well as the air show.  Participating in the air show are the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet, U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle, the P-51 Mustang Heritage Flight, and the U.S. Air Force 920th Rescue Wing, which was responsible for Mercury and Gemini capsule recovery. The U.S. Army Golden Knights will also demonstrate precision skydiving. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3079

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During a rehearsal, Center Director Bill...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During a rehearsal, Center Director Bill Parsons helps introduce the World Space Expo Aerial Salute at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Commemorating humanity's first 50 years in spac... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, External Relations Director Lisa Malone greets members of the U.S. Army Golden Knights, a precision skydiving team who were part of the World Space Expo aerial salute.  Other aircraft joining in the expo salute include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Demonstration Squadron, the U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornets, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor,  U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle, P-51 Mustang Heritage Flight, and the U.S. Air Force 920th Rescue Wing, which was responsible for Mercury and Gemini capsule recovery. The World Space Expo held Nov. 1-4 was an event commemorating humanity's first 50 years in space while looking forward to returning people to the moon and exploring beyond. The expo showcased various panels, presentations and educational programs. It also was a part of NASA's 50th anniversary celebrations, highlighting the 45th Anniversary of the Mercury Program celebration featuring original NASA astronauts John Glenn and Scott Carpenter and the Pioneering Women of Aerospace forum featuring Eileen Collins and other prominent female space veterans. The agency was founded Oct. 1, 1958.   Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3133

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, External Relations Director Lisa Malone greets members of the U.S. Army Golden Knights, a precision skydiving team who were part of the World Space... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Demonstration Squadron performs during the World Space Expo aerial salute.  Other aircraft joining in the expo salute include the U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornets, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle, P-51 Mustang Heritage Flight, U.S. Air Force 920th Rescue wing, which was responsible for Mercury and Gemini capsule recovery, and the U.S. Army Golden Knights demonstrating precision skydiving. The World Space Expo held Nov. 1-4 was an event commemorating humanity's first 50 years in space while looking forward to returning people to the moon and exploring beyond. The expo showcased various panels, presentations and educational programs. It also was a part of NASA's 50th anniversary celebrations, highlighting the 45th Anniversary of the Mercury Program celebration featuring original NASA astronauts John Glenn and Scott Carpenter and the Pioneering Women of Aerospace forum featuring Eileen Collins and other prominent female space veterans. The agency was founded Oct. 1, 1958.  Photo credit: NASA/Chris Chamberland KSC-07pd3119

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the U.S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Demonstration Squadron performs during the World Space Expo aerial salute. Other aircraft joining in the expo salu... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Brevard County sixth-graders participate in the eighth annual Space Week at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Here, the students climb into a Mercury capsule in the complex's Rocket Garden.       About 5,000 students will participate throughout the 11-day event, which contains fun space exploration activities designed to emphasize the importance of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Space Week is sponsored by NASA Education, Brevard Public Schools, Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts, and the Florida Chapter of the National Space Club. Photo Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-5751

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Brevard County sixth-graders participate in th...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Brevard County sixth-graders participate in the eighth annual Space Week at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Here, the students climb into a Mercury capsule in the co... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Bob Moser, former chief test conductor for the Mercury-Redstone launches, tours the blockhouse at Complex 5/6 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.    The celebration was held at the launch site of the first U.S. manned spaceflight May 5, 1961, to mark the 50th anniversary of the flight.  Fifty years ago, astronaut Alan Shepard lifted off inside the Mercury capsule, "Freedom 7," atop an 82-foot-tall Mercury-Redstone rocket at 9:34 a.m. EST, sending him on a remarkably successful, 15-minute suborbital flight. The event was attended by more than 200 workers from the original Mercury program and included a re-creation of Shepard's flight and recovery, as well as a tribute to his contributions as a moonwalker on the Apollo 14 lunar mission. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/topics/history/milestones/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-3334

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Bob Moser, former chief test conductor for the...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Bob Moser, former chief test conductor for the Mercury-Redstone launches, tours the blockhouse at Complex 5/6 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The celebration was held ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Delta turn basin at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida,  United Space Alliance (USA) divers and boat crew monitor an Orion test article while waiting for its lift bags to inflate.    The uprighting tests are part of USA's research and development program to help develop ground operations support equipment that could be used to reorient and recover an uncrewed Orion flight test capsule after splashdown.  USA is a major subcontractor to Lockheed Martin for the Orion spacecraft. The Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle is NASA's next-generation spacecraft designed for deep space missions to asteroids, moons and other interplanetary destinations throughout the solar system. Orion's first uncrewed orbital flight test is slated for 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/mpcv/. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2011-5620

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Delta turn basin at Cape Canaveral Air ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Delta turn basin at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, United Space Alliance (USA) divers and boat crew monitor an Orion test article while waiting for its lift bags to... More

Stennis time capsule. NASA public domain image colelction.

Stennis time capsule. NASA public domain image colelction.

Stennis Space Center Director Patrick Scheuermann (right) and Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command Chief of Staff James Pettigrew drop the first shovelfuls of dirt on a time capsule to be opened on the ro... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Media learn about the plans Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) has to take NASA astronauts to the International Space Station at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. SpaceX is working to make its Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule safe for humans for NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP) under the Commercial Crew Development Round 2 (CCDev2) activities. SpaceX already is developing these systems under NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation System (COTS) Program to take supplies to the space station. Scott Henderson, director of SpaceX mission assurance, explained that the company is drafting designs to make the Dragon capsule crew-capable with life support systems while meeting CCP's safety requirements. One such option under discussion is a launch abort system that would push astronauts away from the launch pad in the event of an emergency, which is  different than traditional pull systems. It's the freedom to develop innovative solutions such as this that CCP hopes will drive down the cost of space travel as well as open up space to more people than ever before.       CCP, which is based at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, partnered with seven aerospace companies to mature launch vehicle and spacecraft designs under CCDev2, including Alliant Techsystems Inc. (ATK) of Promontory, Utah, Blue Origin of Kent, Wash., The Boeing Co., of Houston, Excalibur Almaz Inc. of Houston, Sierra Nevada Corp. of Louisville, Colo., Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) of Hawthorne, Calif., and United Launch Alliance (ULA) of Centennial, Colo. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial   Photo credit: Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-7885

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Media learn about the plans Space Exploration ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Media learn about the plans Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) has to take NASA astronauts to the International Space Station at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This is an artist's conception of the Dragon capsule under development by Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) of Hawthorne, Calif., for NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP). In 2011, NASA selected SpaceX during Commercial Crew Development Round 2 (CCDev2) activities to mature the design and development of a crew transportation system with the overall goal of accelerating a United States-led capability to the International Space Station. The goal of CCP is to drive down the cost of space travel as well as open up space to more people than ever before by balancing industry’s own innovative capabilities with NASA's 50 years of human spaceflight experience. Six other aerospace companies also are maturing launch vehicle and spacecraft designs under CCDev2, including Alliant Techsystems Inc. (ATK), The Boeing Co., Excalibur Almaz Inc., Blue Origin, Sierra Nevada, and United Launch Alliance (ULA). For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Image credit: Space Exploration Technologies KSC-2011-8117

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This is an artist's conception of the Dragon c...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This is an artist's conception of the Dragon capsule under development by Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) of Hawthorne, Calif., for NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP). In 2011,... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Liberty Star ship heads into the Atlantic Ocean where tests will be performed on an Orion flight test capsule.    The Crew Module Recovery Attach Fitting Test (CRAFT) on the capsule, which began at-sea operations Nov. 29, is under way.  Multiple attach clips are being evaluated against the current recovery cleat configuration by U.S. Air Force pararescue jumpers (PJs) and a U.S. Navy diver. The 21st Century Ground Systems Program will use data collected from the tests to help develop ground operations support equipment that could be used to recover an uncrewed Orion flight test capsule after splashdown. The Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle is NASA's next-generation spacecraft being developed for deep space missions to asteroids, moons and other interplanetary destinations throughout the solar system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2011-8172

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Liberty Star ship heads into the Atlanti...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Liberty Star ship heads into the Atlantic Ocean where tests will be performed on an Orion flight test capsule. The Crew Module Recovery Attach Fitting Test (CRAFT) on the capsul... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Liberty Star ship, with an Orion flight test capsule secured to its deck, passes through the mouth of Port Canaveral in Florida into the Atlantic Ocean.    Liberty Star has been enlisted to support the Crew Module Recovery Attach Fitting Test (CRAFT) which began at-sea operations Nov. 29.  Multiple attach clips are being evaluated against the current recovery cleat configuration by U.S. Air Force pararescue jumpers (PJs) and a U.S. Navy diver. The 21st Century Ground Systems Program will use data collected from the tests to help develop ground operations support equipment that could be used to recover an uncrewed Orion flight test capsule after splashdown. The Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle is NASA's next-generation spacecraft being developed for deep space missions to asteroids, moons and other interplanetary destinations throughout the solar system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2011-8156

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Liberty Star ship, with an Orion flight ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Liberty Star ship, with an Orion flight test capsule secured to its deck, passes through the mouth of Port Canaveral in Florida into the Atlantic Ocean. Liberty Star has been en... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers on the deck of NASA's Liberty Star ship prepare for testing in the Atlantic Ocean of an Orion flight test capsule to begin.    The Crew Module Recovery Attach Fitting Test (CRAFT) on the capsule, which began at-sea operations Nov. 29, is under way.  Multiple attach clips are being evaluated against the current recovery cleat configuration by U.S. Air Force pararescue jumpers (PJs) and a U.S. Navy diver. The 21st Century Ground Systems Program will use data collected from the tests to help develop ground operations support equipment that could be used to recover an uncrewed Orion flight test capsule after splashdown. The Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle is NASA's next-generation spacecraft being developed for deep space missions to asteroids, moons and other interplanetary destinations throughout the solar system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2011-8175

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers on the deck of NASA's Liberty Star ship...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers on the deck of NASA's Liberty Star ship prepare for testing in the Atlantic Ocean of an Orion flight test capsule to begin. The Crew Module Recovery Attach Fitting Test (CRAFT)... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tim Wright, a United Space Alliance engineering manager at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, put the heat shield tiles that will be installed to the backshell of the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle's Exploration Flight Test EFT-1 capsule in a Keith thermal automation oven. The tiles will be baked at 2,200 degrees F to cure their ceramic coating. The work to manufacture and inspect the tiles is taking place in Kennedy's Thermal Protection System Facility. EFT-1 will be used during Orion's first test flight in space. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: Frankie Martin KSC-2012-1574

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tim Wright, a United Space Alliance engineerin...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tim Wright, a United Space Alliance engineering manager at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, put the heat shield tiles that will be installed to the backshell of the Orion Multi-Pu... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Frank Pelkey, a United Space Alliance technician at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, inspects a heat shield tile that will be installed to the backshell of the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle's Exploration Flight Test EFT-1 capsule. The work to manufacture and inspect the tiles is taking place in Kennedy's Thermal Protection System Facility. EFT-1 will be used during Orion's first test flight in space. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: Frankie Martin KSC-2012-1591

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Frank Pelkey, a United Space Alliance technici...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Frank Pelkey, a United Space Alliance technician at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, inspects a heat shield tile that will be installed to the backshell of the Orion Multi-Purpose... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing facility at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, aerospace technicians prepare to position a cargo container onto a lift to facilitate its installation into a Dragon capsule.  The Dragon is set to launch aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.    The new rocket and capsule were designed and manufactured by Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, for the company’s upcoming demonstration test flight for NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program.  Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to develop the capability to deliver cargo to the International Space Station.  During the flight, SpaceX's Dragon capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures that will test and prove its systems. These tests include rendezvous and berthing with the space station and are intended to lead to regular resupply missions to the station.  Liftoff is targeted for April 30 at 12:22 p.m. EDT pending official approval at the Flight Readiness Review on April 16.  For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/spacex_index.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2012-1630

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing facility at Space Launch Comple...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing facility at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, aerospace technicians prepare to position a cargo container onto a lift to facilitate i... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing facility at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a cargo container is installed inside a Dragon capsule.  The Dragon is set to launch aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.      The new rocket and capsule were designed and manufactured by Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, for the company’s upcoming demonstration test flight for NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program.  Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to develop the capability to deliver cargo to the International Space Station.  During the flight, SpaceX's Dragon capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures that will test and prove its systems. These tests include rendezvous and berthing with the space station and are intended to lead to regular resupply missions to the station.  Liftoff is targeted for April 30 at 12:22 p.m. EDT pending official approval at the Flight Readiness Review on April 16.  For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/spacex_index.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2012-1633

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing facility at Space Launch Comple...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing facility at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a cargo container is installed inside a Dragon capsule. The Dragon is set to launch ab... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a cargo bag is lowered into the hands of a Space Exploration Technologies technician who will load it into the Dragon capsule in preparation for its scheduled April 30 liftoff aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.    Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of checkout procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. The cargo includes food and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries, and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2515

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In a processing hangar at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a cargo bag is lowered into the hands of a Space Exploration Technologies technician who ... More

DALLAS – This image was taken during a series of wind tunnel tests for Blue Origin's Space Vehicle at Lockheed Martin's High Speed Wind Tunnel Facility in Dallas. The Space Vehicle's innovative biconic shape is designed to provide more cross-range and interior volume than a traditional capsule and weigh less than a winged vehicle. More than 180 wind tunnel tests validated the company's analysis of the Space Vehicle's aerodynamics during descent through the atmosphere and the ability to change its flight path, which could increase the number of available landing opportunities and enhance the vehicle's emergency return capability.         In 2011, NASA selected Blue Origin during Commercial Crew Development Round 2 CCDev2) activities for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program to mature the design and development of a crew transportation system with the overall goal of accelerating a United States-led capability to the International Space Station. The goal of CCP is to drive down the cost of space travel as well as open up space to more people than ever before by balancing industry’s own innovative capabilities with NASA's 50 years of human spaceflight experience. Six other aerospace companies also are maturing launch vehicle and spacecraft designs under CCDev2, including Alliant Techsystems Inc. ATK, The Boeing Co., Excalibur Almaz Inc., Sierra Nevada Corp., Space Exploration Technologies SpaceX, and United Launch Alliance ULA. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Image credit: Blue Origin KSC-2012-3151

DALLAS – This image was taken during a series of wind tunnel tests for...

DALLAS – This image was taken during a series of wind tunnel tests for Blue Origin's Space Vehicle at Lockheed Martin's High Speed Wind Tunnel Facility in Dallas. The Space Vehicle's innovative biconic shape is... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA’s Mobile Aerospace Reconnaissance System, or MARS, is secured aboard NASA’s Freedom Star boat as it is being prepared for a day of testing after departing from Port Canaveral in Florida for the Atlantic Ocean.    MARS, run by NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., with its spatial, hyperspectral, thermal, and directed energy capabilities will be used for thermal imaging testing for the upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 and Dragon capsule test flight to the International Space Station. During today’s test, the MARS X-band radar and kineto tracking mount KTM were tested to ensure that they were synchronized to receive a rocket launch feed. The radar was used to identify an object to see if the KTM could lock on to and track it. The MARS team performed maintenance on the system, confirmed communications links, and tested the design of the mounting system and environmental enclosure. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2012-2572

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA’s Mobile Aerospace Reconnaissance System, ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA’s Mobile Aerospace Reconnaissance System, or MARS, is secured aboard NASA’s Freedom Star boat as it is being prepared for a day of testing after departing from Port Canaveral in Flor... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA’s Freedom Star boat sets out for a day of testing after departing from port near Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida for the Atlantic Ocean with NASA’s Mobile Aerospace Reconnaissance System, or MARS, secured aboard.    MARS, run by NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., with its spatial, hyperspectral, thermal, and directed energy capabilities will be used for thermal imaging testing for the upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 and Dragon capsule test flight to the International Space Station. During today’s test, the MARS X-band radar and kineto tracking mount KTM were tested to ensure that they were synchronized to receive a rocket launch feed. The radar was used to identify an object to see if the KTM could lock on to and track it. The MARS team performed maintenance on the system, confirmed communications links, and tested the design of the mounting system and environmental enclosure. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-1981

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA’s Freedom Star boat sets out for a day of...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA’s Freedom Star boat sets out for a day of testing after departing from port near Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida for the Atlantic Ocean with NASA’s Mobile Aerospace Reco... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA’s Freedom Star boat is heading back to Port Canaveral in Florida, after a full day of testing NASA’s Mobile Aerospace Reconnaissance System, or MARS, in the Atlantic Ocean.      MARS, run by NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., with its spatial, hyperspectral, thermal, and directed energy capabilities will be used for thermal imaging testing for the upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 and Dragon capsule test flight to the International Space Station. During today’s test, the MARS X-band radar and kineto tracking mount KTM were tested to ensure that they were synchronized to receive a rocket launch feed. The radar was used to identify an object to see if the KTM could lock on to and track it. The MARS team performed maintenance on the system, confirmed communications links, and tested the design of the mounting system and environmental enclosure. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2012-2592

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA’s Freedom Star boat is heading back to Por...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA’s Freedom Star boat is heading back to Port Canaveral in Florida, after a full day of testing NASA’s Mobile Aerospace Reconnaissance System, or MARS, in the Atlantic Ocean. MARS... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA’s Freedom Star boat is heading back to Port Canaveral in Florida, after a full day of testing NASA’s Mobile Aerospace Reconnaissance System, or MARS, in the Atlantic Ocean.      MARS, run by NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., with its spatial, hyperspectral, thermal, and directed energy capabilities will be used for thermal imaging testing for the upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 and Dragon capsule test flight to the International Space Station. During today’s test, the MARS X-band radar and kineto tracking mount KTM were tested to ensure that they were synchronized to receive a rocket launch feed. The radar was used to identify an object to see if the KTM could lock on to and track it. The MARS team performed maintenance on the system, confirmed communications links, and tested the design of the mounting system and environmental enclosure. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2012-2590

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA’s Freedom Star boat is heading back to Por...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA’s Freedom Star boat is heading back to Port Canaveral in Florida, after a full day of testing NASA’s Mobile Aerospace Reconnaissance System, or MARS, in the Atlantic Ocean. MARS... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A nose cone rests on the floor of a processing facility at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida awaiting installation on a Space Exploration Technologies Dragon capsule. Operations to attach the capsule to the company’s Falcon 9 rocket are in progress.    Known as SpaceX, the launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of check-out procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. If the capsule performs as planned, the NanoRacks-CubeLabs Module-9 experiments and other cargo aboard Dragon will be transferred to the station. The cargo includes food, water and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to provide resupply missions to the station. The launch is scheduled for 9:38 a.m. EDT on May 7. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2568

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A nose cone rests on the floor of a processing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A nose cone rests on the floor of a processing facility at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida awaiting installation on a Space Exploration Technologies... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Liftoff with the SpaceX Dragon capsule aboard is set for 4:55 a.m. EDT on May 19. The launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services Program, or COTS.    During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of check-out procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. If the capsule performs as planned, the cargo and experiments it is carrying will be transferred to the station. The cargo includes food, water and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two aerospace companies to deliver cargo to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-3710

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Space Lau...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Liftoff with the SpaceX Dragon capsule aboard is set for 4:55 a.m. EDT on May... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In this nose-on view, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Liftoff with the SpaceX Dragon capsule aboard is set for 4:55 a.m. EDT on May 19. The launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services Program, or COTS.    During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of check-out procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. If the capsule performs as planned, the cargo and experiments it is carrying will be transferred to the station. The cargo includes food, water and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two aerospace companies to deliver cargo to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-3711

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In this nose-on view, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocke...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In this nose-on view, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Liftoff with the SpaceX Dragon capsule aboard is set fo... More

DELAMAR DRY LAKE BED, Nev. – An Erickson Sky Crane helicopter releases The Boeing Company's CST-100 crew capsule over the Delamar Dry Lake Bed near Alamo, Nev., where it floated to a smooth landing beneath its parachute system. This is the second parachute test that Boeing performed under its partnership with NASA's Commercial Crew Program CCP. The first showed the parachute system’s deployment scheme worked and that it could be re-packed and re-used for this second test.           In 2011, NASA selected Boeing during Commercial Crew Development Round 2 CCDev2) activities to mature the design and development of a crew transportation system with the overall goal of accelerating a United States-led capability to the International Space Station. The goal of CCP is to drive down the cost of space travel as well as open up space to more people than ever before by balancing industry’s own innovative capabilities with NASA's 50 years of human spaceflight experience. Six other aerospace companies also are maturing launch vehicle and spacecraft designs under CCDev2, including Alliant Techsystems Inc. ATK, Excalibur Almaz Inc., Blue Origin, Sierra Nevada, Space Exploration Technologies SpaceX, and United Launch Alliance ULA. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Image credit: Boeing KSC-2012-2689

DELAMAR DRY LAKE BED, Nev. – An Erickson Sky Crane helicopter releases...

DELAMAR DRY LAKE BED, Nev. – An Erickson Sky Crane helicopter releases The Boeing Company's CST-100 crew capsule over the Delamar Dry Lake Bed near Alamo, Nev., where it floated to a smooth landing beneath its ... More

DELAMAR DRY LAKE BED, Nev. – The Boeing Company's CST-100 crew capsule floats to a smooth landing beneath three main parachutes over the Delamar Dry Lake Bed near Alamo, Nev. This is the second parachute test that Boeing performed under its partnership with NASA's Commercial Crew Program CCP. The first showed the parachute system’s deployment scheme worked and that it could be re-packed and re-used for this second test.      In 2011, NASA selected Boeing during Commercial Crew Development Round 2 CCDev2) activities to mature the design and development of a crew transportation system with the overall goal of accelerating a United States-led capability to the International Space Station. The goal of CCP is to drive down the cost of space travel as well as open up space to more people than ever before by balancing industry’s own innovative capabilities with NASA's 50 years of human spaceflight experience. Six other aerospace companies also are maturing launch vehicle and spacecraft designs under CCDev2, including Alliant Techsystems Inc. ATK, Excalibur Almaz Inc., Blue Origin, Sierra Nevada, Space Exploration Technologies SpaceX, and United Launch Alliance ULA. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Image credit: Boeing KSC-2012-2691

DELAMAR DRY LAKE BED, Nev. – The Boeing Company's CST-100 crew capsule...

DELAMAR DRY LAKE BED, Nev. – The Boeing Company's CST-100 crew capsule floats to a smooth landing beneath three main parachutes over the Delamar Dry Lake Bed near Alamo, Nev. This is the second parachute test t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are under way to roll the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket out of the processing facility to the pad at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.    Liftoff with the SpaceX Dragon capsule aboard is set for 4:55 a.m. EDT on May 19. The launch will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services Program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of check-out procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. If the capsule performs as planned, the cargo and experiments it is carrying will be transferred to the station. The cargo includes food, water and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two aerospace companies to deliver cargo to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2847

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are under way to roll the SpaceX F...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are under way to roll the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket out of the processing facility to the pad at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Lifto... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Administrator Charles Bolden addresses media representatives at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida following the successful SpaceX demonstration flight launch to the International Space Station. In the background is the countdown clock at the Kennedy Press Site.    The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida at 3:44 a.m. EDT, carrying the Dragon capsule to orbit. The launch is the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, Program. During the flight, the Dragon will conduct a series of check-out procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station.  If the capsule performs as planned, the cargo and experiments it is carrying will be transferred to the station. The cargo includes food, water and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two aerospace companies to deliver cargo to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2901

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Administrator Charles Bolden addresses med...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Administrator Charles Bolden addresses media representatives at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida following the successful SpaceX demonstration flight launch to the Internationa... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The nine Merlin engines beneath the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket roar to life at 3:44 a.m. EDT at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.    The launch is the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, Program. During the flight, the Dragon capsule will conduct a series of check-out procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station.  If the capsule performs as planned, the cargo and experiments it is carrying will be transferred to the station. The cargo includes food, water and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two aerospace companies to deliver cargo to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex.  Photo credit: NASA/Rick Wetherington, Tim Powers and Tim Terry KSC-2012-2926

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The nine Merlin engines beneath the SpaceX Falc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The nine Merlin engines beneath the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket roar to life at 3:44 a.m. EDT at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The launch is the co... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The nine Merlin engines beneath the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket roar to life at 3:44 a.m. EDT at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.    The launch is the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, Program. During the flight, the Dragon capsule will conduct a series of check-out procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station.  If the capsule performs as planned, the cargo and experiments it is carrying will be transferred to the station. The cargo includes food, water and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two aerospace companies to deliver cargo to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex.  Photo credit: NASA/Rusty Backer KSC-2012-2923

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The nine Merlin engines beneath the SpaceX Falc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The nine Merlin engines beneath the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket roar to life at 3:44 a.m. EDT at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The launch is the co... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Elon Musk, chief executive officer and chief designer for SpaceX, participates in a post-launch news conference being held in the Press Site auditorium at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida by video teleconference.    The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched into space at 3:44 a.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The launch is the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services Program, or COTS. During the flight, the capsule will conduct a series of check-out procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station. If the capsule performs as planned, the cargo and experiments it is carrying will be transferred to the station. The cargo includes food, water and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two aerospace companies to deliver cargo to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2908

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Elon Musk, chief executive officer and chief de...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Elon Musk, chief executive officer and chief designer for SpaceX, participates in a post-launch news conference being held in the Press Site auditorium at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in F... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Space Launch Complex-40 is ablaze as the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket begins its ascent after liftoff at 3:44 a.m. EDT.      The launch is the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, Program. During the flight, the Dragon capsule will conduct a series of check-out procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station.  If the capsule performs as planned, the cargo and experiments it is carrying will be transferred to the station. The cargo includes food, water and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two aerospace companies to deliver cargo to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex.  Photo credit: NASA/Rick Wetherington, Tim Powers and Tim Terry KSC-2012-2937

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida,...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Space Launch Complex-40 is ablaze as the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket begins its ascent after liftoff at 3:44 a.m. EDT. The launch is the co... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Frost and ice breaks away from the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket following ignition of its nine Merlin engines at 3:44 a.m. EDT at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.    The launch is the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, Program. During the flight, the Dragon capsule will conduct a series of check-out procedures to test and prove its systems, including rendezvous and berthing with the International Space Station.  If the capsule performs as planned, the cargo and experiments it is carrying will be transferred to the station. The cargo includes food, water and provisions for the station’s Expedition crews, such as clothing, batteries and computer equipment. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two aerospace companies to deliver cargo to the station. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/spacex.  Photo credit: NASA/Rusty Backer KSC-2012-2924

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Frost and ice breaks away from the SpaceX Falco...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Frost and ice breaks away from the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket following ignition of its nine Merlin engines at 3:44 a.m. EDT at Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay detach a lifting device from the transportation canister holding the Orion crew module.      Slated for Exploration Flight Test-1, an uncrewed mission planned for 2014, the capsule will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans built the crew module pressure vessel. The Orion production team will prepare the module for flight by installing heat-shielding thermal protection systems, avionics and other subsystems. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2012-3572

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay detach a lifting device from the transportation canister holding the Orion crew mod... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Orion crew module, wrapped in a protective cover, has been removed from its transportation container inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay.     Slated for Exploration Flight Test-1, an uncrewed mission planned for 2014, the capsule will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans built the crew module pressure vessel. The Orion production team will prepare the module for flight by installing heat-shielding thermal protection systems, avionics and other subsystems. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Gianni Woods KSC-2012-3592

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Orion crew module, wrapped in a protective cover, has been removed from its transportation container inside the Operations and Checkout Buil... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – From left, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Robert Cabana and NASA Deputy Director Lori Garver discuss NASA's first space-bound Orion capsule in Kennedy's Operations and Checkout Building high bay following an event marking the spacecraft's arrival in Florida.    Slated for Exploration Flight Test-1, an uncrewed mission planned for 2014, the capsule will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The capsule was shipped to Kennedy from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans where the crew module pressure vessel was built. The Orion production team will prepare the module for flight at Kennedy by installing heat-shielding thermal protection systems, avionics and other subsystems. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3607

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – From left, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, NASA Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – From left, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Robert Cabana and NASA Deputy Director Lori Garver discuss NASA's first space-bound Orion capsule in Kennedy's Oper... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver addresses the audience assembled in Kennedy Space Center's Operations and Checkout Building high bay for an event marking the arrival of NASA's first space-bound Orion capsule in Florida.    Slated for Exploration Flight Test-1, an uncrewed mission planned for 2014, the capsule will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The capsule was shipped to Kennedy from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans where the crew module pressure vessel was built. The Orion production team will prepare the module for flight at Kennedy by installing heat-shielding thermal protection systems, avionics and other subsystems. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3628

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver addresses...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver addresses the audience assembled in Kennedy Space Center's Operations and Checkout Building high bay for an event marking the arrival of NASA's first... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronaut Ricky Arnold addresses the audience assembled in Kennedy Space Center's Operations and Checkout Building high bay for an event marking the arrival of NASA's first space-bound Orion capsule in Florida.    Slated for Exploration Flight Test-1, an uncrewed mission planned for 2014, the capsule will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The capsule was shipped to Kennedy from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans where the crew module pressure vessel was built. The Orion production team will prepare the module for flight at Kennedy by installing heat-shielding thermal protection systems, avionics and other subsystems. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3621

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronaut Ricky Arnold addresses the audie...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronaut Ricky Arnold addresses the audience assembled in Kennedy Space Center's Operations and Checkout Building high bay for an event marking the arrival of NASA's first space-bou... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Deputy Director Lori Garver, left, visits NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to participate in an event marking the arrival of NASA's first space-bound Orion capsule at Kennedy.  With Garver in Kennedy's Operations and Checkout Building high bay are, from left, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson and Trent Smith, NASA project engineer.    Slated for Exploration Flight Test-1, an uncrewed mission planned for 2014, the capsule will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The capsule was shipped to Kennedy from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans where the crew module pressure vessel was built. The Orion production team will prepare the module for flight at Kennedy by installing heat-shielding thermal protection systems, avionics and other subsystems. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3603

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Deputy Director Lori Garver, left, visits ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Deputy Director Lori Garver, left, visits NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to participate in an event marking the arrival of NASA's first space-bound Orion capsule at Kennedy. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, right, takes questions from the media in Kennedy Space Center's Operations and Checkout Building high bay following an event marking the arrival in Florida of NASA's first space-bound Orion capsule.  Behind Nelson are, from left, Dan Dumbacher, NASA deputy associate administrator for Exploration Systems Development, NASA Deputy Director Lori Garver, Kennedy Space Center Director Robert Cabana and Mark Geyer, Orion program manager.    Slated for Exploration Flight Test-1, an uncrewed mission planned for 2014, the capsule will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The capsule was shipped to Kennedy from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans where the crew module pressure vessel was built. The Orion production team will prepare the module for flight at Kennedy by installing heat-shielding thermal protection systems, avionics and other subsystems. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3611

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, right, takes question...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, right, takes questions from the media in Kennedy Space Center's Operations and Checkout Building high bay following an event marking the arrival in Florida of NA... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronaut Rex Walheim talks to Michael Leinbach, director of Human Spaceflight Operations for United Launch Alliance, in Kennedy Space Center's Operations and Checkout Building high bay during an event marking the arrival of NASA's first space-bound Orion capsule in Florida.    Slated for Exploration Flight Test-1, an uncrewed mission planned for 2014, the capsule will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The capsule was shipped to Kennedy from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans where the crew module pressure vessel was built. The Orion production team will prepare the module for flight at Kennedy by installing heat-shielding thermal protection systems, avionics and other subsystems. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3636

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronaut Rex Walheim talks to Michael Lei...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronaut Rex Walheim talks to Michael Leinbach, director of Human Spaceflight Operations for United Launch Alliance, in Kennedy Space Center's Operations and Checkout Building high ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Paul Paulick, left, and Ron Sterick, both participants in the Rocket University program, inspect a capsule and parachute that are being prepared for a high-altitude balloon flight. The test flight was used to evaluate the stability of an instrumented capsule as it fell to Earth before its parachute opened. Rocket University is a program of courses, workshops, labs and projects offered to engineering and research pros of all stripes to keep their skills fresh and broaden their experiences. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-4035

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Paul Paulick, left, and Ron Sterick, both parti...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Paul Paulick, left, and Ron Sterick, both participants in the Rocket University program, inspect a capsule and parachute that are being prepared for a high-altitude balloon flight. The te... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Ron Sterick, left to right, Nicole Otermat and Page Attany, participants in the Rocket University program, prepare an instrument package to launch on a high-altitude balloon flight. The test flight was used to evaluate the stability of an instrumented capsule as it fell to Earth before its parachute opened. Rocket University is a program of courses, workshops, labs and projects offered to engineering and research pros of all stripes to keep their skills fresh and broaden their experiences. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-4046

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Ron Sterick, left to right, Nicole Otermat and ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Ron Sterick, left to right, Nicole Otermat and Page Attany, participants in the Rocket University program, prepare an instrument package to launch on a high-altitude balloon flight. The t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Rocket University participants inspect a capsule that is being prepared for a high-altitude balloon flight. The test flight was used to evaluate the stability of an instrumented capsule as it fell to Earth before its parachute opened. Rocket University is a program of courses, workshops, labs and projects offered to engineering and research pros of all stripes to keep their skills fresh and broaden their experiences. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-4034

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Rocket University participants inspect a capsul...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Rocket University participants inspect a capsule that is being prepared for a high-altitude balloon flight. The test flight was used to evaluate the stability of an instrumented capsule a... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Rocket University participants prepare to launch a high-altitude balloon flight and instrument package. The test flight was used to evaluate the stability of an instrumented capsule as it fell to Earth before its parachute opened. Rocket University is a program of courses, workshops, labs and projects offered to engineering and research pros of all stripes to keep their skills fresh and broaden their experiences. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-4050

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Rocket University participants prepare to launc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Rocket University participants prepare to launch a high-altitude balloon flight and instrument package. The test flight was used to evaluate the stability of an instrumented capsule as it... More

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. -- NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden sees firsthand how Kennedy Space Center is transitioning to a spaceport of the future as Kennedy's Mike Parrish explains the upcoming use of the crawler-transporter, which has carried space vehicles to the launch pad since the Apollo Program. NASA is working with U.S. industry partners to develop commercial spaceflight capabilities to low Earth orbit as the agency also is developing the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle MPCV and the Space Launch System SLS, a crew capsule and heavy-lift rocket to provide an entirely new capability for human exploration. Designed to be flexible for launching spacecraft for crew and cargo missions, SLS and Orion MPCV will expand human presence beyond low Earth orbit and enable new missions of exploration across the solar system. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-4200

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. -- NASA Administrator Charlie B...

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. -- NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden sees firsthand how Kennedy Space Center is transitioning to a spaceport of the future as Kennedy's Mike Parrish explains the upcoming ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, Falcon 9 rocket is in position for a wet dress rehearsal at Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. During the rehearsal, the rocket will be fully fueled and launch controllers will perform a countdown demonstration. The rehearsal is in preparation for the company's first Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, mission to the International Space Station aboard the Dragon capsule.   The SpaceX CRS contract with NASA provides for 12 cargo resupply missions to the station through 2015, the first of which is targeted to launch in October 2012.SpaceX became the first private company to berth a spacecraft with the space station in 2012 during its final demonstration flight under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-4798

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX,...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, Falcon 9 rocket is in position for a wet dress rehearsal at Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. During ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, Falcon 9 rocket rolls out of its processing hangar toward Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida for a wet dress rehearsal. During the rehearsal, the rocket will be fully fueled and launch controllers will perform a countdown demonstration. The rehearsal is in preparation for the company's first Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, mission to the International Space Station aboard the Dragon capsule.   The SpaceX CRS contract with NASA provides for 12 cargo resupply missions to the station through 2015, the first of which is targeted to launch in October 2012.SpaceX became the first private company to berth a spacecraft with the space station in 2012 during its final demonstration flight under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-4786

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX,...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, Falcon 9 rocket rolls out of its processing hangar toward Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida for a wet ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, Falcon 9 rocket is in position for a wet dress rehearsal at Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. During the rehearsal, the rocket will be fully fueled and launch controllers will perform a countdown demonstration. The rehearsal is in preparation for the company's first Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, mission to the International Space Station aboard the Dragon capsule.   The SpaceX CRS contract with NASA provides for 12 cargo resupply missions to the station through 2015, the first of which is targeted to launch in October 2012.SpaceX became the first private company to berth a spacecraft with the space station in 2012 during its final demonstration flight under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-4795

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX,...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, Falcon 9 rocket is in position for a wet dress rehearsal at Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. During ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, Falcon 9 rocket rolls out of its processing hangar toward Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida for a wet dress rehearsal. During the rehearsal, the rocket will be fully fueled and launch controllers will perform a countdown demonstration. The rehearsal is in preparation for the company's first Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, mission to the International Space Station aboard the Dragon capsule.   The SpaceX CRS contract with NASA provides for 12 cargo resupply missions to the station through 2015, the first of which is targeted to launch in October 2012.SpaceX became the first private company to berth a spacecraft with the space station in 2012 during its final demonstration flight under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-4783

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX,...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, Falcon 9 rocket rolls out of its processing hangar toward Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida for a wet ... More

Orion SPLASH BTA Phase 2 Vertical Tests 9: at NASA Langley Resea

Orion SPLASH BTA Phase 2 Vertical Tests 9: at NASA Langley Resea

SPLASH BTA Phase 2 Vertical Tests 9: Documentation of preparation, set up and results of full scale BTA (Boilerplate Test Article) vertical drop test series performed in 2012 at the LaRC Hydro Impact Basin (HIB)

Orion SPLASH BTA Phase 2 Vertical Tests 9: at NASA Langley Resea

Orion SPLASH BTA Phase 2 Vertical Tests 9: at NASA Langley Resea

SPLASH BTA Phase 2 Vertical Tests 9: Documentation of preparation, set up and results of full scale BTA (Boilerplate Test Article) vertical drop test series performed in 2012 at the LaRC Hydro Impact Basin (HIB)

Orion SPLASH BTA Phase 2 Vertical Tests 9: at NASA Langley Resea

Orion SPLASH BTA Phase 2 Vertical Tests 9: at NASA Langley Resea

SPLASH BTA Phase 2 Vertical Tests 9: Documentation of preparation, set up and results of full scale BTA (Boilerplate Test Article) vertical drop test series performed in 2012 at the LaRC Hydro Impact Basin (HIB)

Orion SPLASH BTA Phase 2 Vertical Tests 9: at NASA Langley Resea

Orion SPLASH BTA Phase 2 Vertical Tests 9: at NASA Langley Resea

SPLASH BTA Phase 2 Vertical Tests 9: Documentation of preparation, set up and results of full scale BTA (Boilerplate Test Article) vertical drop test series performed in 2012 at the LaRC Hydro Impact Basin (HIB)

Orion SPLASH P1 Test 7 Swing Test at NASA Langley Research Cente

Orion SPLASH P1 Test 7 Swing Test at NASA Langley Research Cente

SPLASH P1 Test 7 Swing Test: Documentation of preparation, set up and results of full scale BTA (Boilerplate Test Article) vertical drop test series performed in 2012 at the LaRC Hydro Impact Basin (HIB)

Orion SPLASH P1 Test 7 Swing Test at NASA Langley Research Cente

Orion SPLASH P1 Test 7 Swing Test at NASA Langley Research Cente

SPLASH P1 Test 7 Swing Test: Documentation of preparation, set up and results of full scale BTA (Boilerplate Test Article) vertical drop test series performed in 2012 at the LaRC Hydro Impact Basin (HIB)

Orion SPLASH P1 Test 7 Swing Test at NASA Langley Research Cente

Orion SPLASH P1 Test 7 Swing Test at NASA Langley Research Cente

SPLASH P1 Test 7 Swing Test: Documentation of preparation, set up and results of full scale BTA (Boilerplate Test Article) vertical drop test series performed in 2012 at the LaRC Hydro Impact Basin (HIB)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA Aerospace Engineer Jeff Hagen prepares a model capsule ahead of tests inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to test a rotor system landing design. The design would give a capsule the stability and control of a helicopter, but would not be powered. Instead, the wind passing over the rotors as the capsule descends would make the blades turn, a process called auto-rotation. The intent is to give real spacecraft a soft landing with enough control that they could touch down anywhere in the world, whether it be a runway or parking lot. In other words, wherever a helicopter could land, a spacecraft could land, too. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-5579

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA Aerospace Engineer Jeff Hagen prepares a m...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA Aerospace Engineer Jeff Hagen prepares a model capsule ahead of tests inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to test a rotor system landing de... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - A model capsule following a test inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to test a rotor system landing design. The design would give a capsule the stability and control of a helicopter, but would not be powered. Instead, the wind passing over the rotors as the capsule descends would make the blades turn, a process called auto-rotation. The intent is to give real spacecraft a soft landing with enough control that they could touch down anywhere in the world, whether it be a runway or parking lot. In other words, wherever a helicopter could land, a spacecraft could land, too. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-5589

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - A model capsule following a test inside the Veh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - A model capsule following a test inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to test a rotor system landing design. The design would give a capsule the ... More

Orion SPLASH P1 Test 7 Swing Test at NASA Langley Research Cente

Orion SPLASH P1 Test 7 Swing Test at NASA Langley Research Cente

SPLASH P1 Test 7 Swing Test: Documentation of preparation, set up and results of full scale BTA (Boilerplate Test Article) vertical drop test series performed in 2012 at the LaRC Hydro Impact Basin (HIB)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA's Johnson Space Center Aerospace Engineer Jeff Hagen attaches a rotor to the top of a model capsule ahead of tests inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The design would give a capsule the stability and control of a helicopter, but would not be powered. Instead, the wind passing over the rotors as the capsule descends would make the blades turn, a process called auto-rotation. The intent is to give real spacecraft a soft landing with enough control that they could touch down anywhere in the world, whether it be a runway or parking lot. In other words, wherever a helicopter could land, a spacecraft could land, too. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-5575

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA's Johnson Space Center Aerospace Engineer ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA's Johnson Space Center Aerospace Engineer Jeff Hagen attaches a rotor to the top of a model capsule ahead of tests inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center... More

Orion SPLASH P1 Test 7 Swing Test at NASA Langley Research Cente

Orion SPLASH P1 Test 7 Swing Test at NASA Langley Research Cente

SPLASH P1 Test 7 Swing Test: Documentation of preparation, set up and results of full scale BTA (Boilerplate Test Article) vertical drop test series performed in 2012 at the LaRC Hydro Impact Basin (HIB)

Orion SPLASH P1 Test 7 Swing Test at NASA Langley Research Cente

Orion SPLASH P1 Test 7 Swing Test at NASA Langley Research Cente

SPLASH P1 Test 7 Swing Test: Documentation of preparation, set up and results of full scale BTA (Boilerplate Test Article) vertical drop test series performed in 2012 at the LaRC Hydro Impact Basin (HIB)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - A Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, Dragon spacecraft is being prepared for the company's first Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS-1, mission to the International Space Station. The capsule is scheduled to lift off on Oct. 7, 2012 from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. The mission will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services Program, or COTS.      The SpaceX CRS contract with NASA provides for 12 cargo resupply missions to the station through 2015, the first of which is targeted to launch in October 2012.SpaceX became the first private company to berth a spacecraft with the space station in 2012 during its final demonstration flight under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/living/launch/index.htmlPhoto credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2012-5630

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - A Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, Dr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - A Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, Dragon spacecraft is being prepared for the company's first Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS-1, mission to the International Space Station... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, technicians use lifts to inspect a Dragon spacecraft as it is being attached to its Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The rocket is being prepared for the company's first Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS-1, mission to the International Space Station. The capsule is scheduled to lift off on Oct. 7, 2012 from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. The mission will be the company's second demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services Program, or COTS.        The SpaceX CRS contract with NASA provides for 12 cargo resupply missions to the station through 2015, the first of which is targeted to launch in October 2012.SpaceX became the first private company to berth a spacecraft with the space station in 2012 during its final demonstration flight under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/living/launch/index.htmlPhoto credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2012-5644

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, tech...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX, technicians use lifts to inspect a Dragon spacecraft as it is being attached to its Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The rocket is being prepared for th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A Falcon 9 rocket with a Dragon capsule secured atop begins to roll from the processing hangar to the pad at Space Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.      Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, built both the rocket and capsule for NASA's first Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS-1, mission to the International Space Station.  Rollout was complete at 9:55 p.m. EDT.  SpaceX CRS-1 is an important step toward making America’s microgravity research program self-sufficient by providing a way to deliver and return significant amounts of cargo, including science experiments, to and from the orbiting laboratory. Launch is scheduled for 8:35 p.m. EDT on Oct. 7. NASA has contracted for 12 commercial resupply flights from SpaceX and eight from the Orbital Sciences Corp. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/living/launch/index.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-5693

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A Falcon 9 rocket with a Dragon capsule secure...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A Falcon 9 rocket with a Dragon capsule secured atop begins to roll from the processing hangar to the pad at Space Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Umbilical lines are attached to a Falcon 9 rocket with a Dragon capsule secured atop on the pad at Space Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.    Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, built both the rocket and capsule for NASA's first Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS-1, mission to the International Space Station.  The vertical lift was complete at 1 p.m. EDT.  SpaceX CRS-1 is an important step toward making America’s microgravity research program self-sufficient by providing a way to deliver and return significant amounts of cargo, including science experiments, to and from the orbiting laboratory. Launch is scheduled for 8:35 p.m. EDT on Oct. 7. NASA has contracted for 12 commercial resupply flights from SpaceX and eight from the Orbital Sciences Corp. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/living/launch/index.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-5706

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Umbilical lines are attached to a Falcon 9 roc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Umbilical lines are attached to a Falcon 9 rocket with a Dragon capsule secured atop on the pad at Space Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Space Explor... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden addresses news and social media representatives at the Press Site at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida following the successful launch of NASA's first Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS-1, mission to the International Space Station. Beside him on the podium is Gwynne Shotwell, president of Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX.     SpaceX built both the Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule that launched at 8:35 p.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. SpaceX CRS-1 is an important step toward making America’s microgravity research program self-sufficient by providing a way to deliver and return significant amounts of cargo, including science experiments, to and from the orbiting laboratory. NASA has contracted for 12 commercial resupply flights from SpaceX and eight from the Orbital Sciences Corp. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/living/launch/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-5719

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden addresses ne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden addresses news and social media representatives at the Press Site at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida following the successful launch of NASA's fi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida comes alive as the Merlin engines ignite under the Falcon 9 rocket carrying a Dragon capsule to orbit. Liftoff was at 8:35 p.m. EDT. Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, built both the rocket and capsule for NASA's first Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS-1, mission to the International Space Station.      SpaceX CRS-1 is an important step toward making America’s microgravity research program self-sufficient by providing a way to deliver and return significant amounts of cargo, including science experiments, to and from the orbiting laboratory. NASA has contracted for 12 commercial resupply flights from SpaceX and eight from the Orbital Sciences Corp. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/living/launch/index.html  Photo credit: NASA/Rusty Backer KSC-2012-5754

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air F...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida comes alive as the Merlin engines ignite under the Falcon 9 rocket carrying a Dragon capsule to orbit. Liftoff was a... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida comes alive as the Merlin engines ignite under the Falcon 9 rocket carrying a Dragon capsule to orbit. Liftoff was at 8:35 p.m. EDT. Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, built both the rocket and capsule for NASA's first Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS-1, mission to the International Space Station.      SpaceX CRS-1 is an important step toward making America’s microgravity research program self-sufficient by providing a way to deliver and return significant amounts of cargo, including science experiments, to and from the orbiting laboratory. NASA has contracted for 12 commercial resupply flights from SpaceX and eight from the Orbital Sciences Corp. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/living/launch/index.html  Photo credit: NASA/Rusty Backer KSC-2012-5757

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air F...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida comes alive as the Merlin engines ignite under the Falcon 9 rocket carrying a Dragon capsule to orbit. Liftoff was a... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Preparations are under way to lift a Falcon 9 rocket with a Dragon capsule secured atop into a vertical position on the pad at Space Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.      Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, built both the rocket and capsule for NASA's first Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS-1, mission to the International Space Station.  The vertical lift was complete at 1 p.m. EDT.  SpaceX CRS-1 is an important step toward making America’s microgravity research program self-sufficient by providing a way to deliver and return significant amounts of cargo, including science experiments, to and from the orbiting laboratory. Launch is scheduled for 8:35 p.m. EDT on Oct. 7. NASA has contracted for 12 commercial resupply flights from SpaceX and eight from the Orbital Sciences Corp. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/living/launch/index.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-5701

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Preparations are under way to lift a Falcon 9 ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Preparations are under way to lift a Falcon 9 rocket with a Dragon capsule secured atop into a vertical position on the pad at Space Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At Space Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida a Falcon 9 rocket carrying a Dragon capsule lifts off at 8:35 p.m. EDT. Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, built both the rocket and capsule for NASA's first Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS-1, mission to the International Space Station.      SpaceX CRS-1 is an important step toward making America’s microgravity research program self-sufficient by providing a way to deliver and return significant amounts of cargo, including science experiments, to and from the orbiting laboratory. NASA has contracted for 12 commercial resupply flights from SpaceX and eight from the Orbital Sciences Corp. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/living/launch/index.html  Photo credit: NASA/Gina Mitchell and George Roberts KSC-2012-5746

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At Space Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Ai...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At Space Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida a Falcon 9 rocket carrying a Dragon capsule lifts off at 8:35 p.m. EDT. Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A Falcon 9 rocket makes its way into the night sky over Space Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida carrying a Dragon capsule to orbit. Launch was at 8:35 p.m. EDT.    Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, built both the rocket and capsule for NASA's first Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS-1, mission to the International Space Station. SpaceX CRS-1 is an important step toward making America’s microgravity research program self-sufficient by providing a way to deliver and return significant amounts of cargo, including science experiments, to and from the orbiting laboratory. NASA has contracted for 12 commercial resupply flights from SpaceX and eight from the Orbital Sciences Corp. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/living/launch/index.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-5727

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A Falcon 9 rocket makes its way into the night...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A Falcon 9 rocket makes its way into the night sky over Space Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida carrying a Dragon capsule to orbit. Launch was at 8:35 p.m.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida comes alive as the Merlin engines ignite under the Falcon 9 rocket carrying a Dragon capsule to orbit. Liftoff was at 8:35 p.m. EDT. Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, built both the rocket and capsule for NASA's first Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS-1, mission to the International Space Station.      SpaceX CRS-1 is an important step toward making America’s microgravity research program self-sufficient by providing a way to deliver and return significant amounts of cargo, including science experiments, to and from the orbiting laboratory. NASA has contracted for 12 commercial resupply flights from SpaceX and eight from the Orbital Sciences Corp. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/living/launch/index.html  Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray KSC-2012-5749

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air F...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida comes alive as the Merlin engines ignite under the Falcon 9 rocket carrying a Dragon capsule to orbit. Liftoff was a... More

VAN HORN, Texas – Blue Origin’s pusher escape system rockets its New Shepard crew capsule away from a simulated propulsion module launch pad at the company's West Texas launch site, demonstrating a key safety system for both suborbital and orbital flights. The pad escape test took the company's suborbital crew capsule to an altitude of 2,307 feet during the flight test before descending safely by parachute to a soft landing 1,630 feet away. The pusher escape system was designed and developed by Blue Origin to allow crew escape in the event of an emergency during any phase of ascent for its suborbital New Shepard system. As part of an incremental development program, the results of this test will shape the design of the escape system for the company's orbital biconic-shaped Space Vehicle. The system is expected to enable full reusability of the launch vehicle, which is different from NASA's previous launch escape systems that would pull a spacecraft away from its rocket before reaching orbit.       The test was part of Blue Origin's work supporting its funded Space Act Agreement with NASA during Commercial Crew Development Round 2 CCDev2). Through initiatives like CCDev2, NASA is fostering the development of a U.S. commercial crew space transportation capability with the goal of achieving safe, reliable and cost-effective access to and from the International Space Station and low-Earth orbit. After the capability is matured and available to the government and other customers, NASA could contract to purchase commercial services to meet its station crew transportation needs. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Image credit: Blue Origin KSC-2012-5907

VAN HORN, Texas – Blue Origin’s pusher escape system rockets its New S...

VAN HORN, Texas – Blue Origin’s pusher escape system rockets its New Shepard crew capsule away from a simulated propulsion module launch pad at the company's West Texas launch site, demonstrating a key safety s... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians prepare to fit a special fixture around an Orion capsule inside the high bay of the Operations & Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The fixture is designed to enable precise pre-launch processing of the Orion spacecraft. An Orion capsule is being prepared to make a flight test in 2014 on a mission that will not carry any astronauts. Photo by Tim Jacobs KSC-2012-6434

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians prepare to fit a special fixture ar...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians prepare to fit a special fixture around an Orion capsule inside the high bay of the Operations & Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The fixture is de... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians prepare to fit a special fixture around an Orion capsule inside the high bay of the Operations & Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The fixture is designed to enable precise pre-launch processing of the Orion spacecraft. An Orion capsule is being prepared to make a flight test in 2014 on a mission that will not carry any astronauts. Photo by Tim Jacobs KSC-2012-6438

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians prepare to fit a special fixture ar...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians prepare to fit a special fixture around an Orion capsule inside the high bay of the Operations & Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The fixture is de... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians lift a special fixture inside the high bay of the Operations & Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The fixture is designed to enable precise pre-launch processing of the Orion spacecraft. An Orion capsule is being prepared to make a flight test in 2014 on a mission that will not carry any astronauts. Photo by Tim Jacobs KSC-2012-6445

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians lift a special fixture inside the h...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians lift a special fixture inside the high bay of the Operations & Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The fixture is designed to enable precise pre-launc... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, engineers prepare experiments for loading aboard the SpaceX Dragon capsule for launch to the International Space Station. Once the packaging is complete, the samples will be transported to Space Launch Complex-40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station where they will be loaded aboard the Dragon.    Scheduled for launch March 1 atop a Falcon 9 rocket, Dragon will be making its third trip to the space station. The mission is the second of 12 SpaceX flights contracted by NASA to resupply the orbiting laboratory. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/launch/spacex2-feature.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2013-1662

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, engineers prepare experiments for loading aboard the SpaceX Dragon capsule for launch to the Internatio... More

Crew Commercial Office's PAO activities for Boeing's rollout of their CST-100 capsule - "First Look" Media Event.  Photo Date: July 22, 2013.  Location: Boeing - Houston Product Support Center.  Photographer: Robert Markowitz 2013-3082

Crew Commercial Office's PAO activities for Boeing's rollout of their ...

Crew Commercial Office's PAO activities for Boeing's rollout of their CST-100 capsule - "First Look" Media Event. Photo Date: July 22, 2013. Location: Boeing - Houston Product Support Center. Photographer: R... More

Model of the Space Launch System for the Orion Space Capsule is

Model of the Space Launch System for the Orion Space Capsule is

Orion Test Capsule loaded on a flatbed trailer at NASA Langley to be transport to Fort Eustis, VA. where it will be transported by barge to Norfolk Va. for open water recovery test.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers begin de-stacking a mock Orion capsule and service module in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The stack has been used to evaluate potential techniques to be used in assembling the Orion and service module for operational flights in the future. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2013-3669

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers begin de-stacking a mock Orion capsule ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers begin de-stacking a mock Orion capsule and service module in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The stack has been used to evaluate potential... More

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