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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER,  Fla. -- STS-89 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., participates in a question and answer session for the media as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Dr. Thomas will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc126

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-89 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-89 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., participates in a question and answer session for the media as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The... More

The STS-89 crew pose in the white room at the entrance to the Space Shuttle Endeavour at KSC’s Launch Pad 39A during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The crew include, from left to right, Mission Specialist James Reilly, Ph.D.; Pilot Joe Edwards Jr.; Commander Terrence Wilcutt; Mission Specialists Bonnie Dunbar, Ph.D., and Salizhan Sharipov of the Russian Space Agency. In back are, from left to right, Mission Specialists Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., and Michael Anderson. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc128

The STS-89 crew pose in the white room at the entrance to the Space Sh...

The STS-89 crew pose in the white room at the entrance to the Space Shuttle Endeavour at KSC’s Launch Pad 39A during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The crew include, from left to right... More

At Launch Pad 39B, the top of the external tank (ET) mated to Space Shuttle Discovery is dotted with nearly a dozen visible dings from recent hail storms. Workers are investigating the damage and potential problems for launch posed by ice forming in the holes, which may number as many as 150 over the entire tank. The average size of the dings is one-half inch in diameter and one-tenth inch deep. The external tank contains the liquid hydrogen fuel and liquid oxygen oxidizer and supplies them under pressure to the three space shuttle main engines in the orbiter during liftoff and ascent. The ET thermal protection system consists of sprayed-on foam insulation. The Shuttle Discovery is targeted for launch of mission STS-96 on May 20 at 9:32 a.m KSC-99pp0514

At Launch Pad 39B, the top of the external tank (ET) mated to Space Sh...

At Launch Pad 39B, the top of the external tank (ET) mated to Space Shuttle Discovery is dotted with nearly a dozen visible dings from recent hail storms. Workers are investigating the damage and potential prob... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. --  The STS-98 crew talks to the press at a briefing at Launch Pad 39A. With the microphone is Commander Ken Cockrell, who discusses the EVAs on the mission. The other crew members are (left to right) Pilot Mark Polansky, Mission Specialist Thomas Jones, [Cockrell], and Mission Specialists Marsha Ivins and Robert Curbeam. They are at KSC to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which also include a simulated launch countdown. STS-98 is the seventh construction flight to the International Space Station, carrying as payload the U.S. Lab Destiny, a key element in the construction of the ISS. Launch of STS-98 is scheduled for Jan. 19 at 2:11 a.m KSC01padig014

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-98 crew talks to the press at a...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-98 crew talks to the press at a briefing at Launch Pad 39A. With the microphone is Commander Ken Cockrell, who discusses the EVAs on the mission. The other crew members ar... More

STS-89 Mission Specialist James Reilly, Ph.D., is assisted with his ascent and re-entry flight suit in the white room at Launch Pad 39A before entering Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc232

STS-89 Mission Specialist James Reilly, Ph.D., is assisted with his as...

STS-89 Mission Specialist James Reilly, Ph.D., is assisted with his ascent and re-entry flight suit in the white room at Launch Pad 39A before entering Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch. The STS-89 mission wil... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 Mission Specialist Valery Tokarev of Russia (left) and Commander Kent Rominger (second from right) listen to Lynn Ashby (far right), with JSC, talking about the SPACEHAB equipment in front of them during a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT). In the background behind Tokarev is TTI interpreter Valentina Maydell. Other STS-96 crew members at KSC for the IVT are Pilot Rick Husband and Mission Specialists Dan Barry, Ellen Ochoa, Tamara Jernigan and Julie Payette. Mission STS-96 carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, which will have equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. It carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m KSC-99pp0201

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 Mission...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 Mission Specialist Valery Tokarev of Russia (left) and Commander Kent Rominger (second from right) listen to Lynn Ashby (far right), with JSC, talk... More

At the 195-foot level of the Fixed Service Structure, the STS-98 crew watches a slidewire basket drop to the landing zone. The basket was released by Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam (center); Pilot Mark Polansky is at left. The basket is part of emergency egress equipment from the launch pad. Others (not shown) taking part in the emergency egress training are Commander Ken Cockrell and Mission Specialists Thomas Jones and Marsha Ivins. The crew is at KSC to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include the emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown at the pad. STS-98 is the seventh construction flight to the International Space Station, carrying as payload the U.S. Lab Destiny, a key element in the construction of the ISS. Launch of STS-98 is scheduled for Jan. 19 at 2:11 a.m KSC01pp0052

At the 195-foot level of the Fixed Service Structure, the STS-98 crew ...

At the 195-foot level of the Fixed Service Structure, the STS-98 crew watches a slidewire basket drop to the landing zone. The basket was released by Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam (center); Pilot Mark Polan... More

In the White Room with the closeout crew, STS-98 Mission Specialist Thomas Jones shows a message to his family before he enters Space Shuttle Atlantis for launch. The White Room is an environmentally controlled room at the end of the Orbiter Access Arm. Atlantis is carrying the U.S. Laboratory Destiny, a key module in the growth of the Space Station. Destiny will be attached to the Unity node on the Space Station using the Shuttle’s robotic arm. Three spacewalks are required to complete the planned construction work during the 11-day mission. This mission marks the seventh Shuttle flight to the Space Station, the 23rd flight of Atlantis and the 102nd flight overall in NASA’s Space Shuttle program. The planned landing is at KSC Feb. 18 about 1 p.m KSC01pp0292

In the White Room with the closeout crew, STS-98 Mission Specialist Th...

In the White Room with the closeout crew, STS-98 Mission Specialist Thomas Jones shows a message to his family before he enters Space Shuttle Atlantis for launch. The White Room is an environmentally controlled... More

Sitting at the entrance to the orbiter is STS-89 Mission Specialist Bonnie Dunbar, Ph.D., as she prepares to enter the Space Shuttle Endeavour at Launch Pad 39A with help from white room closeout crew members as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc139

Sitting at the entrance to the orbiter is STS-89 Mission Specialist Bo...

Sitting at the entrance to the orbiter is STS-89 Mission Specialist Bonnie Dunbar, Ph.D., as she prepares to enter the Space Shuttle Endeavour at Launch Pad 39A with help from white room closeout crew members a... More

STS-92 Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy exits the Astrovan on its return to the Operations and Checkout Building. Behind her is Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata of Japan. The scheduled launch to the International Space Station (ISS) was scrubbed about 90 minutes before liftoff. The mission will be the fifth flight for the construction of the ISS. The payload includes the Integrated Truss Structure Z-1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. During the 11-day mission, four extravehicular activities (EVAs), or spacewalks, are planned. The Z-1 truss is the first of 10 that will become the backbone of the International Space Station, eventually stretching the length of a football field. PMA-3 will provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. The launch has been rescheduled for liftoff Oct. 11 at 7:17 p.m KSC-00pp1532

STS-92 Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy exits the Astrovan on its return to the...

STS-92 Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy exits the Astrovan on its return to the Operations and Checkout Building. Behind her is Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata of Japan. The scheduled launch to the International Space ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Four members of the STS-98 crew pose for a photo at Launch Pad 39A. Standing, left to right, are Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam, Pilot Mark Polansky, Commander Ken Cockrell and Mission Specialist Thomas Jones. Not pictured is Mission Specialist Marsha Ivins. The crew is at KSC to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. STS-98 is the seventh construction flight to the International Space Station, carrying as payload the U.S. Lab Destiny, a key element in the construction of the ISS. Launch of STS-98 is scheduled for Jan. 19 at 2:11 a.m KSC01pp0042

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Four members of the STS-98 crew pose for...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Four members of the STS-98 crew pose for a photo at Launch Pad 39A. Standing, left to right, are Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam, Pilot Mark Polansky, Commander Ken Cockrell and ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-98 Commander Ken Cockrell answers a question from the media during a briefing at Launch Pad 39A. Other crew members present are Pilot Mark Polansky, Mission Specialist Thomas Jones, [Cockrell], and Mission Specialists Marsha Ivins and Robert Curbeam. All are at KSC to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. STS-98 is the seventh construction flight to the International Space Station, carrying as payload the U.S. Lab Destiny, a key element in the construction of the ISS. Launch of STS-98 is scheduled for Jan. 19 at 2:11 a.m KSC01pp0044

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-98 Commander Ken Cockrell answers a ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-98 Commander Ken Cockrell answers a question from the media during a briefing at Launch Pad 39A. Other crew members present are Pilot Mark Polansky, Mission Specialist Thomas J... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-98 Commander Ken Cockrell places the mission patch on the entrance to the orbiter Atlantis. He and the rest of the crew Pilot Mark Polansky and Mission Specialists Thomas Jones, Marsha Ivins and Robert Curbeam are t KSC to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. STS-98 is the seventh construction flight to the International Space Station, carrying as payload the U.S. Lab Destiny, a key element in the construction of the ISS. Launch of STS-98 is scheduled for Jan. 19 at 2:11 a.m KSC01pp0049

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-98 Commander Ken Cockrell places the...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-98 Commander Ken Cockrell places the mission patch on the entrance to the orbiter Atlantis. He and the rest of the crew Pilot Mark Polansky and Mission Specialists Thomas Jones... More

The crew of Mission STS-87 depart from the Operations and Checkout Building en route to Launch Pad 39B, where the Space Shuttle Columbia awaits liftoff on the fourth flight of the United States Microgravity Payload and the Spartan-201 deployable satellite. Leading the way are, from left to right, front to back: Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla, Ph.D.; Commander Kevin Kregel; Mission Specialist Takao Doi, Ph.D., of the National Space Development Agency of Japan; Mission Specialist Winston Scott; Payload Specialist Leonid Kadenyuk of the National Space Agency of Ukraine; and Pilot Steven Lindsey. The Space Shuttle Columbia and its crew of six members are scheduled to lift off during a two-and-a-half hour launch window, which opens at 2:46 p.m KSC-97PC1682

The crew of Mission STS-87 depart from the Operations and Checkout Bui...

The crew of Mission STS-87 depart from the Operations and Checkout Building en route to Launch Pad 39B, where the Space Shuttle Columbia awaits liftoff on the fourth flight of the United States Microgravity Pay... More

STS-89 Mission Specialist Salizhan Sharipov of the Russian Space Agency drives the M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities while George Hoggard, a training officer with KSC Fire Services, gets a free ride. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, STS-89 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc118

STS-89 Mission Specialist Salizhan Sharipov of the Russian Space Agenc...

STS-89 Mission Specialist Salizhan Sharipov of the Russian Space Agency drives the M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities while George Hoggard, a trai... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility, James Behling, with Boeing, talks about equipment for mission STS-96 during a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT). Watching are (from left) Mission Specialists Ellen Ochoa, Julie Payette and Dan Berry, and Pilot Rick Husband. Other STS-96 crew members at KSC for the IVT are Commander Kent Rominger and Mission Specialists Tamara Jernigan and Valery Tokarev of Russia. Mission STS-96 carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, which will have equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. It carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m KSC-99pp0204

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility, James Behling,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility, James Behling, with Boeing, talks about equipment for mission STS-96 during a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT). Watching are (from left) Mission ... More

A hole, created by recent hail storms, is identified as number two on the surface of the external tank (ET) mated to Space Shuttle Discovery at Launch Pad 39B. Workers are investigating the damage and potential problems for launch posed by ice forming in the holes, which may number as many as 150 over the entire tank. The average size of the holes is one-half inch in diameter and one-tenth inch deep. The external tank contains the liquid hydrogen fuel and liquid oxygen oxidizer and supplies them under pressure to the three space shuttle main engines in the orbiter during liftoff and ascent. The ET thermal protection system consists of sprayed-on foam insulation. The Shuttle Discovery is targeted for launch of mission STS-96 on May 20 at 9:32 a.m KSC-99pp0516

A hole, created by recent hail storms, is identified as number two on ...

A hole, created by recent hail storms, is identified as number two on the surface of the external tank (ET) mated to Space Shuttle Discovery at Launch Pad 39B. Workers are investigating the damage and potential... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. --  The day before the expected launch of STS-99, Mission Specialist Janet Lynn Kavandi poses for photographers near Launch Pad 39A where family and friends have gathered to greet the crew. STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), is scheduled to lift off 12:47 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39A. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. The mission is expected to last about 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Friday, Feb. 11, at 4:55 p.m KSC-00pp0128

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The day before the expected launch of S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The day before the expected launch of STS-99, Mission Specialist Janet Lynn Kavandi poses for photographers near Launch Pad 39A where family and friends have gathered to greet the... More

STS-89 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D. gets ready to drive an M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. Standing inside the M-113 is Dr. Thomas while George Hoggard, a training officer with KSC Fire Services, sits atop the vehicle. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Dr. Thomas will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc119

STS-89 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D. gets ready to drive an ...

STS-89 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D. gets ready to drive an M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Sp... More

STS-89 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., prepares to enter the Space Shuttle Endeavour at Launch Pad 39A with help from white room closeout crew members as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Dr. Thomas will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc138

STS-89 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., prepares to enter the ...

STS-89 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., prepares to enter the Space Shuttle Endeavour at Launch Pad 39A with help from white room closeout crew members as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (... More

STS-89 Mission Specialist Michael Anderson is assisted with his ascent and re-entry flight suit in the white room at Launch Pad 39A before entering Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc230

STS-89 Mission Specialist Michael Anderson is assisted with his ascent...

STS-89 Mission Specialist Michael Anderson is assisted with his ascent and re-entry flight suit in the white room at Launch Pad 39A before entering Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch. The STS-89 mission will be... More

At Launch Pad 39B, two holes caused by hail on Space Shuttle Discovery's external tank (ET) are visible. Left of the tank is one of the solid rocket boosters. Workers are investigating the damage and potential problems for launch posed by ice forming in the holes, which may number as many as 150 over the entire tank. The average size of the holes is one-half inch in diameter and one-tenth inch deep. The external tank contains the liquid hydrogen fuel and liquid oxygen oxidizer and supplies them under pressure to the three space shuttle main engines in the orbiter during liftoff and ascent. The ET thermal protection system consists of sprayed-on foam insulation. The Shuttle Discovery is targeted for launch of mission STS-96 on May 20 at 9:32 a.m KSC-99pp0517

At Launch Pad 39B, two holes caused by hail on Space Shuttle Discovery...

At Launch Pad 39B, two holes caused by hail on Space Shuttle Discovery's external tank (ET) are visible. Left of the tank is one of the solid rocket boosters. Workers are investigating the damage and potential ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A humorous question from the media (out of view) produces smiles among the STS-98 crew during a briefing at Launch Pad 39A. Standing, left to right, are Pilot Mark Polansky, Mission Specialist Thomas Jones (with microphone), Commander Ken Cockrell, and Mission Specialists Marsha Ivins and Robert Curbeam. All are at KSC to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. STS-98 is the seventh construction flight to the International Space Station, carrying as payload the U.S. Lab Destiny, a key element in the construction of the ISS. Launch of STS-98 is scheduled for Jan. 19 at 2:11 a.m KSC01pp0045

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A humorous question from the media (out ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A humorous question from the media (out of view) produces smiles among the STS-98 crew during a briefing at Launch Pad 39A. Standing, left to right, are Pilot Mark Polansky, Missio... More

In the White Room before launch, STS-98 Mission Specialist Marsha Ivins gets a hug from a closeout crew member before she enters Space Shuttle Atlantis. The White Room is an environmentally controlled room at the end of the Orbiter Access Arm. Atlantis is carrying the U.S. Laboratory Destiny, a key module in the growth of the Space Station. Destiny will be attached to the Unity node on the Space Station using the Shuttle’s robotic arm. Three spacewalks are required to complete the planned construction work during the 11-day mission. This mission marks the seventh Shuttle flight to the Space Station, the 23rd flight of Atlantis and the 102nd flight overall in NASA’s Space Shuttle program. The planned landing is at KSC Feb. 18 about 1 p.m KSC01pp0295

In the White Room before launch, STS-98 Mission Specialist Marsha Ivin...

In the White Room before launch, STS-98 Mission Specialist Marsha Ivins gets a hug from a closeout crew member before she enters Space Shuttle Atlantis. The White Room is an environmentally controlled room at t... More

STS-102 Commander James Wetherbee gets final adjustments on his launch and entry suit before heading to Space Shuttle Discovery on Launch Pad 39B. This mission is Wetherbee’s fifth Shuttle flight. Discovery is scheduled to launch March 8 at 6:42 a.m. EST, carrying the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo to the International Space Station. The primary delivery system used to resupply and return Station cargo requiring a pressurized environment, Leonardo will deliver up to 10 tons of laboratory racks filled with equipment, experiments and supplies for outfitting the newly installed U.S. Laboratory Destiny. In addition, three crew members Mission Specialists James Voss, Susan Helms and Russian cosmonaut Yury Usachev are the Expedition Two crew replacing Expedition One on the Station. Discovery is expected to land at KSC on March 20 at 2:02 a.m KSC01pp0424

STS-102 Commander James Wetherbee gets final adjustments on his launch...

STS-102 Commander James Wetherbee gets final adjustments on his launch and entry suit before heading to Space Shuttle Discovery on Launch Pad 39B. This mission is Wetherbee’s fifth Shuttle flight. Discovery is ... More

At Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station, the Mobile Service Tower is rolled away from the Titan IVB/Centaur carrying the Cassini spacecraft, marking a major milestone in the launch countdown sequence. Retraction of the structure began about an hour later than scheduled due to minor problems with ground support equipment. The countdown clock for the Cassini mission began ticking earlier today at the T-26-hour mark. Other upcoming prelaunch milestones include activation of the final launch sequence for the Cassini spacecraft at the T-180-minute mark in the countdown, to be followed about an hour later by initiation of loading of the Titan IVB's Centaur stage with its complement of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. Liftoff of Cassini on the journey to Saturn and its moon Titan is slated to occur during a window opening at 4:55 a.m. EDT, Oct. 13, and extending through 7:15 a.m KSC-97PC1539

At Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station, the Mobile Service...

At Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station, the Mobile Service Tower is rolled away from the Titan IVB/Centaur carrying the Cassini spacecraft, marking a major milestone in the launch countdown sequence... More

The STS-89 crew pose in front of an M-113 armored personnel carrier while participating in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. Posing, from left to right, are Mission Specialists Michael Anderson and Bonnie Dunbar, Ph.D.; Commander Terrence Wilcutt; Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D.; Pilot Joe Edwards Jr.; and Mission Specialists Salizhan Sharipov of the Russian Space Agency and James Reilly, Ph.D. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Dr. Thomas will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc122

The STS-89 crew pose in front of an M-113 armored personnel carrier wh...

The STS-89 crew pose in front of an M-113 armored personnel carrier while participating in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) in the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 Mission Specialist Valery Tokarev of Russia (second from left) and Commander Kent Rominger learn about the Sequential Shunt Unit (SSU) in front of them from Lynn Ashby (far right), with Johnson Space Center. At the far left looking on is TTI interpreter Valentina Maydell. Other crew members at KSC for the IVT are Pilot Rick Husband and Mission Specialists Ellen Ochoa, Tamara Jernigan, Dan Barry and Julie Payette. The SSU is part of the cargo on Mission STS-96, which carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, with equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. The SPACEHAB carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m KSC-99pd0214

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During a payload Interface Verification ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) in the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 Mission Specialist Valery Tokarev of Russia (second from left) and Commander Kent Rominger learn... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. --  The day before the expected launch of STS-99, Mission Specialist Mamoru Mohri (right) enjoys a reunion with his wife, Akiko, near Launch Pad 39A. STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), is scheduled to lift off 12:47 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39A. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. The mission is expected to last about 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Friday, Feb. 11, at 4:55 p.m KSC00pp0127

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The day before the expected launch of S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The day before the expected launch of STS-99, Mission Specialist Mamoru Mohri (right) enjoys a reunion with his wife, Akiko, near Launch Pad 39A. STS-99, known as the Shuttle Rada... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. --  In the slidewire basket landing zone at Launch Pad 39A, the STS-98 crew gathers for a media briefing. With the microphone is Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam, who is talking about some of his activities during the mission. The others are (left to right) Pilot Mark Polansky, Mission Specialist Thomas Jones, Commander Ken Cockrell and Mission Specialist Marsha Ivins. The landing zone provides an escape route for personnel aboard the Space Shuttle and orbiter access arm until 30 seconds before launch. They are at KSC to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which also include a simulated launch countdown. STS-98 is the seventh construction flight to the International Space Station, carrying as payload the U.S. Lab Destiny, a key element in the construction of the ISS. Launch of STS-98 is scheduled for Jan. 19 at 2:11 a.m KSC01padig012

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the slidewire basket landing zone at...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the slidewire basket landing zone at Launch Pad 39A, the STS-98 crew gathers for a media briefing. With the microphone is Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam, who is talking abou... More

The STS-98 crew listens to instructions on use of the slidewire basket, part of emergency egress equipment from the launch pad. At the 195-foot level of the Fixed Service Structure are Mission Specialists Marsha Ivins and Thomas Jones, Commander Ken Cockrell, Pilot Mark Polansky and Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam. The crew is at KSC to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown at the pad. STS-98 is the seventh construction flight to the International Space Station, carrying as payload the U.S. Lab Destiny, a key element in the construction of the ISS. Launch of STS-98 is scheduled for Jan. 19 at 2:11 a.m KSC01pp0051

The STS-98 crew listens to instructions on use of the slidewire basket...

The STS-98 crew listens to instructions on use of the slidewire basket, part of emergency egress equipment from the launch pad. At the 195-foot level of the Fixed Service Structure are Mission Specialists Marsh... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Posing on the platform next to the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module in the SPACEHAB Facility are the STS-96 crew (from left) Mission Specialists Dan Barry, Tamara Jernigan, Valery Tokarev of Russia, and Julie Payette; Pilot Rick Husband; Mission Specialist Ellen Ochoa; and Commander Kent Rominger. The crew is at KSC for a payload Interface Verification Test for their upcoming mission to the International Space Station. Mission STS-96 carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, which will have equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. It carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m KSC-99pp0203

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Posing on the platform next to the SPACE...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Posing on the platform next to the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module in the SPACEHAB Facility are the STS-96 crew (from left) Mission Specialists Dan Barry, Tamara Jernigan, Valery ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. --  The day before the expected launch of STS-99, Pilot Dominic Gorie enjoys a reunion with his wife, Wendy, near Launch Pad 39A where family and friends have gathered to greet the crew. STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), is scheduled to lift off 12:47 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39A. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. The mission is expected to last about 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Friday, Feb. 11, at 4:55 p.m KSC00pp0130

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The day before the expected launch of S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The day before the expected launch of STS-99, Pilot Dominic Gorie enjoys a reunion with his wife, Wendy, near Launch Pad 39A where family and friends have gathered to greet the cr... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. --  The day before the expected launch of STS-99, Commander Kevin Kregel enjoys a reunion with his wife, Jeanne, near Launch Pad 39A where family and friends have gathered to greet the crew. STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), is scheduled to lift off 12:47 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39A. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. The mission is expected to last about 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Friday, Feb. 11, at 4:55 p.m KSC00pp0131

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The day before the expected launch of S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The day before the expected launch of STS-99, Commander Kevin Kregel enjoys a reunion with his wife, Jeanne, near Launch Pad 39A where family and friends have gathered to greet th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. --  The day before the expected launch of STS-99, Pilot Dominic Gorie enjoys a reunion with his wife, Wendy, near Launch Pad 39A where family and friends have gathered to greet the crew. STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), is scheduled to lift off 12:47 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39A. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. The mission is expected to last about 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Friday, Feb. 11, at 4:55 p.m KSC-00pp0130

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The day before the expected launch of S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The day before the expected launch of STS-99, Pilot Dominic Gorie enjoys a reunion with his wife, Wendy, near Launch Pad 39A where family and friends have gathered to greet the cr... More

In the White Room with the closeout crew, STS-98 Pilot Mark Polansky happily undergoes final suit preparations before he enters Space Shuttle Atlantis for launch. The White Room is an environmentally controlled room at the end of the Orbiter Access Arm. Atlantis is carrying the U.S. Laboratory Destiny, a key module in the growth of the Space Station. Destiny will be attached to the Unity node on the Space Station using the Shuttle’s robotic arm. Three spacewalks are required to complete the planned construction work during the 11-day mission. This mission marks the seventh Shuttle flight to the Space Station, the 23rd flight of Atlantis and the 102nd flight overall in NASA’s Space Shuttle program. The planned landing is at KSC Feb. 18 about 1 p.m KSC01pp0293

In the White Room with the closeout crew, STS-98 Pilot Mark Polansky h...

In the White Room with the closeout crew, STS-98 Pilot Mark Polansky happily undergoes final suit preparations before he enters Space Shuttle Atlantis for launch. The White Room is an environmentally controlled... More

Lockheed Martin Missile Systems integration and test staff prepare NASA’s Lunar Prospector spacecraft for mating to the Trans Lunar Injection Module of the spacecraft at Astrotech, a commercial payload processing facility, in Titusville, Fla. The small robotic spacecraft, to be launched for NASA on an Athena II launch vehicle by Lockheed Martin, is designed to provide the first global maps of the Moon’s surface compositional elements and its gravitational and magnetic fields. The launch of Lunar Prospector is scheduled for Jan. 5, 1998 at 8:31 p.m KSC-97PC1804

Lockheed Martin Missile Systems integration and test staff prepare NAS...

Lockheed Martin Missile Systems integration and test staff prepare NASA’s Lunar Prospector spacecraft for mating to the Trans Lunar Injection Module of the spacecraft at Astrotech, a commercial payload processi... More

STS-89 Mission Specialist Bonnie Dunbar, Ph.D., prepares to drive an M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc121

STS-89 Mission Specialist Bonnie Dunbar, Ph.D., prepares to drive an M...

STS-89 Mission Specialist Bonnie Dunbar, Ph.D., prepares to drive an M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Spa... More

Assisted with flight gear by white room closeout crew members is STS-89 Mission Specialist Salizhan Sharipov of the Russian Space Agency as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc140

Assisted with flight gear by white room closeout crew members is STS-8...

Assisted with flight gear by white room closeout crew members is STS-89 Mission Specialist Salizhan Sharipov of the Russian Space Agency as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The T... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 crew members look over equipment during a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) for their upcoming mission to the International Space Station. From left are Khristal Parker, with Boeing; Mission Specialist Dan Barry, Pilot Rick Husband, Mission Specialist Tamara Jernigan, and at the far right, Mission Specialist Julie Payette. An unidentified worker is in the background. Also at KSC for the IVT are Commander Kent Rominger and Mission Specialists Ellen Ochoa and Valery Tokarev of Russia. Mission STS-96 carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, which will have equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. It carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m KSC-99pp0200

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 crew me...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 crew members look over equipment during a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) for their upcoming mission to the International Space Station. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 Mission Specialist Valery Tokarev (in foreground) of the Russian Space Agency closes a container, part of the equipment that will be in the SPACEHAB module on mission STS-96. Behind Tokarev are Mission Specialist Dan Barry (left) and Pilot Rick Husband right). Other crew members at KSC for a payload Interface Verification Test for the upcoming mission to the International Space Station are Commander Kent Rominger and Mission Specialists Ellen Ochoa, Tamara Jernigan and Julie Payette. Mission STS-96 carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, which has equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. The SPACEHAB carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m KSC-99pp0211

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 Mission...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 Mission Specialist Valery Tokarev (in foreground) of the Russian Space Agency closes a container, part of the equipment that will be in the SPACEHA... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. --  The day before the expected launch of STS-99, Mission Specialist Gerhard Thiele enjoys a reunion with his wife near Launch Pad 39A where family and friends have gathered to greet the crew. STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), is scheduled to lift off 12:47 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39A. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. The mission is expected to last about 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Friday, Feb. 11, at 4:55 p.m KSC00pp0129

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The day before the expected launch of S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The day before the expected launch of STS-99, Mission Specialist Gerhard Thiele enjoys a reunion with his wife near Launch Pad 39A where family and friends have gathered to greet ... More

STS-98 Mission Specialist Marsha Ivins waits in the White Room outside the entrance into Atlantis. The crew is at KSC to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. The other crew members are Pilot Mark Polansky, Mission Specialist Thomas Jones, Commander Ken Cockrell and Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam. STS-98 is the seventh construction flight to the International Space Station, carrying as payload the U.S. Lab Destiny, a key element in the construction of the ISS. Launch of STS-98 is scheduled for Jan. 19 at 2:11 a.m KSC01pp0048

STS-98 Mission Specialist Marsha Ivins waits in the White Room outside...

STS-98 Mission Specialist Marsha Ivins waits in the White Room outside the entrance into Atlantis. The crew is at KSC to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include emergency eg... More

STS-89 Pilot Joe Edwards Jr., prepares to drive an M-113 armored personnel carrier as George Hoggard, a training officer with KSC Fire Services, looks on during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Dr. Thomas will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc120

STS-89 Pilot Joe Edwards Jr., prepares to drive an M-113 armored perso...

STS-89 Pilot Joe Edwards Jr., prepares to drive an M-113 armored personnel carrier as George Hoggard, a training officer with KSC Fire Services, looks on during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) acti... More

STS-89 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., is assisted with his ascent and re-entry flight suit in the white room at Launch Pad 39A before entering Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Thomas will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc235

STS-89 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., is assisted with his a...

STS-89 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., is assisted with his ascent and re-entry flight suit in the white room at Launch Pad 39A before entering Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch. The STS-89 mission wi... More

STS-89 Pilot Joe Edwards Jr. is assisted with his ascent and re-entry flight suit in the white room at Launch Pad 39A before entering Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch. Behind Edwards is NASA Suit Technician Jean Alexander from Johnson Space Center. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc234

STS-89 Pilot Joe Edwards Jr. is assisted with his ascent and re-entry ...

STS-89 Pilot Joe Edwards Jr. is assisted with his ascent and re-entry flight suit in the white room at Launch Pad 39A before entering Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch. Behind Edwards is NASA Suit Technician J... More

STS-89 Mission Specialist Salizhan Sharipov of the Russian Space Agency is assisted with his ascent and re-entry flight suit in the white room at Launch Pad 39A before entering Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc231

STS-89 Mission Specialist Salizhan Sharipov of the Russian Space Agenc...

STS-89 Mission Specialist Salizhan Sharipov of the Russian Space Agency is assisted with his ascent and re-entry flight suit in the white room at Launch Pad 39A before entering Space Shuttle Endeavour for launc... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility, (left to right) STS-96 Pilot Rick Husband and Mission Specialists Julie Payette and Ellen Ochoa work the straps on the Sequential Shunt Unit (SSU) in front of them. The STS-96 crew is at KSC for a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) for its upcoming mission to the International Space Station . Other crew members at KSC for the IVT are Commander Kent Rominger and Mission Specialists Tamara Jernigan, Dan Barry and Valery Tokarev of Russia. The SSU is part of the cargo on Mission STS-96, which carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, with equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. The SPACEHAB carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m KSC-99pd0207

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility, (left to right...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility, (left to right) STS-96 Pilot Rick Husband and Mission Specialists Julie Payette and Ellen Ochoa work the straps on the Sequential Shunt Unit (SSU) in fron... More

At Launch pad 39B, Mike Barber, with United Space Alliance safety, points to one of the holes caused by hail on Space Shuttle Discovery's external tank (ET). Workers are investigating the damage and potential problems for launch posed by ice forming in the holes, which may number as many as 150 over the entire tank. The average size of the holes is one-half inch in diameter and one-tenth inch deep. The external tank contains the liquid hydrogen fuel and liquid oxygen oxidizer and supplies them under pressure to the three space shuttle main engines in the orbiter during liftoff and ascent. The ET thermal protection system consists of sprayed-on foam insulation. The Shuttle Discovery is targeted for launch of mission STS-96 on May 20 at 9:32 a.m KSC-99pp0518

At Launch pad 39B, Mike Barber, with United Space Alliance safety, poi...

At Launch pad 39B, Mike Barber, with United Space Alliance safety, points to one of the holes caused by hail on Space Shuttle Discovery's external tank (ET). Workers are investigating the damage and potential p... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. --  The day before the expected launch of STS-99, Mission Specialist Gerhard Thiele enjoys a reunion with his wife near Launch Pad 39A where family and friends have gathered to greet the crew. STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), is scheduled to lift off 12:47 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39A. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. The mission is expected to last about 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Friday, Feb. 11, at 4:55 p.m KSC-00pp0129

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The day before the expected launch of S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The day before the expected launch of STS-99, Mission Specialist Gerhard Thiele enjoys a reunion with his wife near Launch Pad 39A where family and friends have gathered to greet ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA -- After a media briefing at Launch Pad 39A, the STS-98 crew poses in the slidewire basket landing zone. Standing, left to right, are Pilot Mark Polansky, Mission Specialist Thomas Jones, Commander Ken Cockrell and Mission Specialists Marsha Ivins and Robert Curbeam. All are at KSC to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. STS-98 is the seventh construction flight to the International Space Station, carrying as payload the U.S. Lab Destiny, a key element in the construction of the ISS. Launch of STS-98 is scheduled for Jan. 19 at 2:11 a.m KSC01pp0047

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA -- After a media briefing at Launch Pad 39A,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA -- After a media briefing at Launch Pad 39A, the STS-98 crew poses in the slidewire basket landing zone. Standing, left to right, are Pilot Mark Polansky, Mission Specialist Thomas Jon... More

At Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station, the Mobile Service Tower is being rolled away from the Titan IVB/Centaur launch vehicle carrying the Cassini spacecraft, completing a major countdown milestone. This is the second launch attempt for the Saturn-bound mission; a first try Oct. 13 was scrubbed primarily due to concerns about upper level wind conditions. Liftoff Oct. 15 is set to occur during a launch window opening at 4:43 a.m. EDT and extending until 7:03 a.m KSC-97PC1541

At Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station, the Mobile Service...

At Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station, the Mobile Service Tower is being rolled away from the Titan IVB/Centaur launch vehicle carrying the Cassini spacecraft, completing a major countdown mileston... More

STS-89 Commander Terrence Wilcutt gets ready to train in an M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. Standing inside the M-113 vehicle is Wilcutt while George Hoggard, a training officer with KSC Fire Services, sits atop the armored personnel carrier. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, STS-89 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc116

STS-89 Commander Terrence Wilcutt gets ready to train in an M-113 armo...

STS-89 Commander Terrence Wilcutt gets ready to train in an M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttl... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility for a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) for their upcoming mission to the International Space Station are (left to right) Mission Specialists Valery Tokarev, Julie Payette (holding a lithium hydroxide canister) and Dan Barry. Other crew members at KSC for the IVT are Commander Kent Rominger, Pilot Rick Husband and Mission Specialists Ellen Ochoa and Tamara Jernigan. Mission STS-96 carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, which has equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. The SPACEHAB carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m KSC-99pp0208

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility for a payload I...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility for a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) for their upcoming mission to the International Space Station are (left to right) Mission Specialists Valer... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. --  The day before the expected launch of STS-99, Commander Kevin Kregel enjoys a reunion with his wife, Jeanne, near Launch Pad 39A where family and friends have gathered to greet the crew. STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), is scheduled to lift off 12:47 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39A. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. The mission is expected to last about 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Friday, Feb. 11, at 4:55 p.m KSC-00pp0131

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The day before the expected launch of S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The day before the expected launch of STS-99, Commander Kevin Kregel enjoys a reunion with his wife, Jeanne, near Launch Pad 39A where family and friends have gathered to greet th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. --  The day before the expected launch of STS-99, Mission Specialist Janet Lynn Kavandi poses for photographers near Launch Pad 39A where family and friends have gathered to greet the crew. STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), is scheduled to lift off 12:47 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39A. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. The mission is expected to last about 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Friday, Feb. 11, at 4:55 p.m KSC00pp0128

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The day before the expected launch of S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The day before the expected launch of STS-99, Mission Specialist Janet Lynn Kavandi poses for photographers near Launch Pad 39A where family and friends have gathered to greet the... More

STS-92 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata of Japan exits the Astrovan on its return to the Operations and Checkout Building. Behind him is Mission Specialist Leroy Chiao. The scheduled launch to the International Space Station (ISS) was scrubbed about 90 minutes before liftoff. The mission will be the fifth flight for the construction of the ISS. The payload includes the Integrated Truss Structure Z-1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. During the 11-day mission, four extravehicular activities (EVAs), or spacewalks, are planned. The Z-1 truss is the first of 10 that will become the backbone of the International Space Station, eventually stretching the length of a football field. PMA-3 will provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. The launch has been rescheduled for liftoff Oct. 11 at 7:17 p.m KSC-00pp1533

STS-92 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata of Japan exits the Astrovan on...

STS-92 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata of Japan exits the Astrovan on its return to the Operations and Checkout Building. Behind him is Mission Specialist Leroy Chiao. The scheduled launch to the International... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During a media briefing at Launch Pad 39A, STS-98 Mission Specialist Marsha Ivins (second from right) describes how the robotic arm will lift the payload from the orbiter’s bay and maneuver it into position for attachment to the International Space Station. The other crew members are (left to right) Pilot Mark Polansky, Mission Specialist Thomas Jones, Commander Ken Cockrell and Robert Curbeam. All are at KSC to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. STS-98 is the seventh construction flight to the International Space Station, carrying as payload the U.S. Lab Destiny, a key element in the construction of the ISS. Launch of STS-98 is scheduled for Jan. 19 at 2:11 a.m KSC01pp0046

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During a media briefing at Launch Pad 39...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During a media briefing at Launch Pad 39A, STS-98 Mission Specialist Marsha Ivins (second from right) describes how the robotic arm will lift the payload from the orbiter’s bay and... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-98 crew talks to the press at a briefing at Launch Pad 39A. Holding the microphone is Commander Ken Cockrell, who answers a question about the mission. The other crew members are (left to right) Pilot Mark Polansky, Mission Specialist Thomas Jones, [Cockrell], and Mission Specialists Marsha Ivins and Robert Curbeam. They are at KSC to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. STS-98 is the seventh construction flight to the International Space Station, carrying as payload the U.S. Lab Destiny, a key element in the construction of the ISS. Launch of STS-98 is scheduled for Jan. 19 at 2:11 a.m KSC01pp0043

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-98 crew talks to the press at a ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-98 crew talks to the press at a briefing at Launch Pad 39A. Holding the microphone is Commander Ken Cockrell, who answers a question about the mission. The other crew membe... More

Space Shuttle Atlantis blasts into the sky from Launch Pad 39A on mission STS-98. Liftoff occurred at 6:13:02 p.m. EST. Along with a crew of five, Atlantis is carrying the U.S. Laboratory Destiny, a key module in the growth of the Space Station. Destiny will be attached to the Unity node on the Space Station using the Shuttle’s robotic arm. Three spacewalks are required to complete the planned construction work during the 11-day mission. This mission marks the seventh Shuttle flight to the Space Station, the 23rd flight of Atlantis and the 102nd flight overall in NASA’s Space Shuttle program. The planned landing is at KSC Feb. 18 about 1 p.m KSC01pp0290

Space Shuttle Atlantis blasts into the sky from Launch Pad 39A on miss...

Space Shuttle Atlantis blasts into the sky from Launch Pad 39A on mission STS-98. Liftoff occurred at 6:13:02 p.m. EST. Along with a crew of five, Atlantis is carrying the U.S. Laboratory Destiny, a key module ... More

At Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station, the Mobile Service Tower has been retracted away from the Titan IVB/Centaur carrying the Cassini spacecraft, marking a major milestone in the launch countdown sequence. Retraction of the structure began about an hour later than scheduled due to minor problems with ground support equipment. The launch vehicle, Cassini spacecraft and attached Centaur stage encased in a payload fairing, altogether stand about 183 feet tall; mounted at the base of the launch vehicle are two upgraded solid rocket motors. Liftoff of Cassini on the journey to Saturn and its moon Titan is slated to occur during a window opening at 4:55 a.m. EDT, Oct. 13, and extending through 7:15 a.m KSC-97PC1540

At Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station, the Mobile Service...

At Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station, the Mobile Service Tower has been retracted away from the Titan IVB/Centaur carrying the Cassini spacecraft, marking a major milestone in the launch countdown... More

The crew of Mission STS-87 depart from the Operations and Checkout Building en route to Launch Pad 39B, where the Space Shuttle Columbia awaits liftoff on the fourth flight of the United States Microgravity Payload and the Spartan-201 deployable satellite. They are, from left to right, front to back: Mission Specialist Takao Doi, Ph.D., of the National Space Development Agency of Japan; Mission Specialist Winston Scott (near van); Payload Specialist Leonid Kadenyuk of the National Space Agency of Ukraine; and Pilot Steven Lindsey (near van). Missing from this photo are Commander Kevin Kregel and Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla, Ph.D. The Space Shuttle Columbia and its crew of six members are scheduled to lift off during a two-and-a-half hour launch window, which opens at 2:46 p.m KSC-97PC1683

The crew of Mission STS-87 depart from the Operations and Checkout Bui...

The crew of Mission STS-87 depart from the Operations and Checkout Building en route to Launch Pad 39B, where the Space Shuttle Columbia awaits liftoff on the fourth flight of the United States Microgravity Pay... More

NASA's Lunar Prospector is taken out of its crate at Astrotech, a commercial payload processing facility, in Titusville, Fla. The small robotic spacecraft, to be launched for NASA on an Athena 2 rocket by Lockheed Martin, is designed to provide the first global maps of the Moon's surface compositional elements and its gravitational and magnetic fields. While at Astrotech, Lunar Prospector will be fueled with its attitude control propellant and then mated to a Trans-Lunar Injection Stage which is a solid propellant upper stage motor. The combination will next be spin tested to verify proper balance, then encapsulated into an Athena nose fairing. Then the Lunar Prospector will be transported from Astrotech to Cape Canaveral Air Station and mated to an Athena rocket. The launch of Lunar Prospector is scheduled for Jan. 5, 1998 at 8:31 p.m KSC-97PC1759

NASA's Lunar Prospector is taken out of its crate at Astrotech, a comm...

NASA's Lunar Prospector is taken out of its crate at Astrotech, a commercial payload processing facility, in Titusville, Fla. The small robotic spacecraft, to be launched for NASA on an Athena 2 rocket by Lockh... More

Lockheed Martin Missile Systems integration and test staff join NASA’s Lunar Prospector spacecraft atop the Trans Lunar Injection Module of the spacecraft at Astrotech, a commercial payload processing facility, in Titusville, Fla. The small robotic spacecraft, to be launched on an Athena II launch vehicle by Lockheed Martin, is designed to provide the first global maps of the Moon’s surface compositional elements and its gravitational and magnetic fields. The launch of Lunar Prospector is scheduled for Jan. 5, 1998 at 8:31 p.m KSC-97PC1807

Lockheed Martin Missile Systems integration and test staff join NASA’s...

Lockheed Martin Missile Systems integration and test staff join NASA’s Lunar Prospector spacecraft atop the Trans Lunar Injection Module of the spacecraft at Astrotech, a commercial payload processing facility,... More

STS-89 Mission Specialist Salizhan Sharipov of the Russian Space Agency gets ready to drive the M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities while George Hoggard, a training officer with KSC Fire Services, sits atop the vehicle. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, STS-89 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc117

STS-89 Mission Specialist Salizhan Sharipov of the Russian Space Agenc...

STS-89 Mission Specialist Salizhan Sharipov of the Russian Space Agency gets ready to drive the M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities while George Ho... More

STS-89 Mission Specialist Bonnie Dunbar, Ph.D., is assisted with her ascent and re-entry flight suit in the white room at Launch Pad 39A before entering Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc233

STS-89 Mission Specialist Bonnie Dunbar, Ph.D., is assisted with her a...

STS-89 Mission Specialist Bonnie Dunbar, Ph.D., is assisted with her ascent and re-entry flight suit in the white room at Launch Pad 39A before entering Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch. The STS-89 mission wi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 Mission Specialist Julie Payette closes a container, part of the equipment to be carried on the SPACEHAB and mission STS-96. She and other crew members Commander Kent Rominger, Pilot Rick Husband, and Mission Speciaists Ellen Ochoa, Tamara Jernigan, Dan Barry and Valery Tokarev of Russia are at KSC for a payload Interface Verification Test for the upcoming mission to the International Space Station . Mission STS-96 carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, which has equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. The SPACEHAB carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m KSC-99pp0210

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 Mission...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 Mission Specialist Julie Payette closes a container, part of the equipment to be carried on the SPACEHAB and mission STS-96. She and other crew mem... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility, (from left) STS-96 Mission Specialist Julie Payette, Pilot Rick Husband and Mission Specialist Ellen Ochoa learn about the Sequential Shunt Unit (SSU) in front of them from Lynn Ashby (far right), with Johnson Space Center. The STS-96 crew is at KSC for a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) for their upcoming mission to the International Space Station . Other crew members at KSC for the IVT are Commander Kent Rominger and Mission Specialists Tamara Jernigan, Dan Barry and Valery Tokarev of Russia. The SSU is part of the cargo on Mission STS-96, which carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, with equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. The SPACEHAB carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m KSC-99pd0206

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility, (from left) ST...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility, (from left) STS-96 Mission Specialist Julie Payette, Pilot Rick Husband and Mission Specialist Ellen Ochoa learn about the Sequential Shunt Unit (SSU) in ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) in the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 Pilot Rick Husband and Mission Specialist Ellen Ochoa (on the left) and Mission Specialist Julie Payette (on the far right) listen to Khristal Parker (second from right), with Boeing, explain about the equipment in front of them. Other crew members at KSC for the IVT are Commander Kent Rominger and Mission Specialists Tamara Jernigan, Dan Barry and Valery Tokarev of Russia. The SSU is part of the cargo on Mission STS-96, which carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, with equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. The SPACEHAB carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m KSC-99pd0213

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During a payload Interface Verification ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) in the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 Pilot Rick Husband and Mission Specialist Ellen Ochoa (on the left) and Mission Specialist Julie... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. --  Near Launch Pad 39A, STS-99 Mission Specialist Janice Voss enjoys a reunion with friend and fellow astronaut Andrew Thomas the day before the expected launch of her mission. STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), is scheduled to lift off 12:47 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39A. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. The mission is expected to last about 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Friday, Feb. 11, at 4:55 p.m KSC-00pp0126

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Near Launch Pad 39A, STS-99 Mission Spe...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Near Launch Pad 39A, STS-99 Mission Specialist Janice Voss enjoys a reunion with friend and fellow astronaut Andrew Thomas the day before the expected launch of her mission. STS-9... More

STS-92 Commander Brian Duffy pauses in the door of the Astrovan before exiting at the Operations and Checkout Building. The vehicle is returning the crew after the scheduled launch to the International Space Station (ISS) was scrubbed about 90 minutes before liftoff. The mission will be the fifth flight for the construction of the ISS. The payload includes the Integrated Truss Structure Z-1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. During the 11-day mission, four extravehicular activities (EVAs), or spacewalks, are planned. The Z-1 truss is the first of 10 that will become the backbone of the International Space Station, eventually stretching the length of a football field. PMA-3 will provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. The launch has been rescheduled for liftoff Oct. 11 at 7:17 p.m KSC-00pp1534

STS-92 Commander Brian Duffy pauses in the door of the Astrovan before...

STS-92 Commander Brian Duffy pauses in the door of the Astrovan before exiting at the Operations and Checkout Building. The vehicle is returning the crew after the scheduled launch to the International Space St... More

The closeout crew in the White Room help STS-98 Commander Ken Cockrell with final suitup before entering Space Shuttle Atlantis for launch. The White Room is an environmentally controlled room at the end of the Orbiter Access Arm. Atlantis is carrying the U.S. Laboratory Destiny, a key module in the growth of the Space Station. Destiny will be attached to the Unity node on the Space Station using the Shuttle’s robotic arm. Three spacewalks are required to complete the planned construction work during the 11-day mission. This mission marks the seventh Shuttle flight to the Space Station, the 23rd flight of Atlantis and the 102nd flight overall in NASA’s Space Shuttle program. The planned landing is at KSC Feb. 18 about 1 p.m KSC01pp0291

The closeout crew in the White Room help STS-98 Commander Ken Cockrell...

The closeout crew in the White Room help STS-98 Commander Ken Cockrell with final suitup before entering Space Shuttle Atlantis for launch. The White Room is an environmentally controlled room at the end of the... More

In the White Room with the closeout crew, STS-98 Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam sends a message to his wife before entering Space Shuttle Atlantis for launch. The White Room is an environmentally controlled room at the end of the Orbiter Access Arm. Atlantis is carrying the U.S. Laboratory Destiny, a key module in the growth of the Space Station. Destiny will be attached to the Unity node on the Space Station using the Shuttle’s robotic arm. Three spacewalks are required to complete the planned construction work during the 11-day mission. This mission marks the seventh Shuttle flight to the Space Station, the 23rd flight of Atlantis and the 102nd flight overall in NASA’s Space Shuttle program. The planned landing is at KSC Feb. 18 about 1 p.m KSC01pp0294

In the White Room with the closeout crew, STS-98 Mission Specialist Ro...

In the White Room with the closeout crew, STS-98 Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam sends a message to his wife before entering Space Shuttle Atlantis for launch. The White Room is an environmentally controlled ... More

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

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

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

Smiling at the entrance to the orbiter is STS-89 Mission Specialist James Reilly, Ph.D., as he prepares to enter the Space Shuttle Endeavour at Launch Pad 39A with help from white room closeout crew members as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc141

Smiling at the entrance to the orbiter is STS-89 Mission Specialist Ja...

Smiling at the entrance to the orbiter is STS-89 Mission Specialist James Reilly, Ph.D., as he prepares to enter the Space Shuttle Endeavour at Launch Pad 39A with help from white room closeout crew members as ... More

STS-89 Commander Terrence Wilcutt is assisted with his ascent and re-entry flight suit in the white room at Launch Pad 39A before entering Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc236

STS-89 Commander Terrence Wilcutt is assisted with his ascent and re-e...

STS-89 Commander Terrence Wilcutt is assisted with his ascent and re-entry flight suit in the white room at Launch Pad 39A before entering Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch. The STS-89 mission will be the eigh... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility for a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) for their upcoming mission to the International Space Station are (kneeling) STS-96 Mission Specialists Julie Payette and Ellen Ochoa, Pilot Rick Husband, and (standing at right) Mission Specialist Dan Barry. At the left is James Behling, with Boeing, explaining some of the equipment that will be on board STS-96. Other STS-96 crew members at KSC for the IVT are Commander Kent Rominger and Mission Specialists Tamara Jernigan and Valery Tokarev of Russia. Mission STS-96 carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, which will have equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. It carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m KSC-99pd0205

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility for a payload I...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility for a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) for their upcoming mission to the International Space Station are (kneeling) STS-96 Mission Specialists Jul... More

In the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 Mission Specialists Dan Barry and Tamara Jernigan discuss procedures during a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) for their upcoming mission to the International Space Station. Other STS-96 crew members at KSC for the IVT are Commander Kent Rominger, Pilot Rick Husband and Mission Specialists Ellen Ochoa, Julie Payette and Valery Tokarev of Russia. Mission STS-96 carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, which will have equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. It carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m KSC-99pd0202

In the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 Mission Specialists Dan Barry and Tam...

In the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 Mission Specialists Dan Barry and Tamara Jernigan discuss procedures during a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) for their upcoming mission to the International Space Sta... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility, the STS-96 crew looks at equipment as part of a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) for their upcoming mission to the International Space Station . From left are Mission Specialist Ellen Ochoa (behind the opened storage cover ), Commander Kent Rominger, Pilot Rick Husband (holding a lithium hydroxide canister) and Mission Specialists Dan Barry, Valery Tokarev of Russia and Julie Payette. In the background is TTI interpreter Valentina Maydell. The other crew member at KSC for the IVT is Mission Specialist Tamara Jernigan. Mission STS-96 carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, which has equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. The SPACEHAB carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m KSC-99pd0209

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility, the STS-96 cre...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the SPACEHAB Facility, the STS-96 crew looks at equipment as part of a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) for their upcoming mission to the International Space Station . ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) in the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 Mission Specialist Tamara Jernigan checks over instructions while Mission Specialist Dan Barry looks up from the Sequential Shunt Unit (SSU) in front of him to other equipment Lynn Ashby (right), with Johnson Space Center, is pointing at. Other crew members at KSC for the IVT are Commander Kent Rominger, Pilot Rick Husband, and Mission Specialists Ellen Ochoa, Julie Payette and Valery Tokarev of Russia. The SSU is part of the cargo on Mission STS-96, which carries the SPACEHAB Logistics Double Module, with equipment to further outfit the International Space Station service module and equipment that can be off-loaded from the early U.S. assembly flights. The SPACEHAB carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting, plus an external Russian cargo crane to be mounted to the exterior of the Russian station segment and used to perform space walking maintenance activities. The double module stowage provides capacity of up to 10,000 lbs. with the ability to accommodate powered payloads, four external rooftop stowage locations, four double-rack locations (two powered), up to 61 bulkhead-mounted middeck locker locations, and floor storage for large unique items and Soft Stowage. STS-96 is targeted to launch May 20 about 9:32 a.m KSC-99pp0212

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During a payload Interface Verification ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During a payload Interface Verification Test (IVT) in the SPACEHAB Facility, STS-96 Mission Specialist Tamara Jernigan checks over instructions while Mission Specialist Dan Barry l... More

Moments before launch, sparks from the external ignitors are visible below the engines of Space Shuttle Columbia. The ignitors burn off a hydrogen concentration outside the orbiter near the main engines. A cloud effect behind the Shuttle's solid rocket booster and access arm to the left is created by spray from the water deluge system. The launch of STS-93 was scrubbed at the T-7 second mark in the countdown due to an indication of a high concentration of hydrogen in an aft engine compartment. The reading was proven to be a false alarm. The launch is rescheduled for July 22 at 12:28 a.m KSC-99pasparklers

Moments before launch, sparks from the external ignitors are visible b...

Moments before launch, sparks from the external ignitors are visible below the engines of Space Shuttle Columbia. The ignitors burn off a hydrogen concentration outside the orbiter near the main engines. A clou... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. --  The day before the expected launch of STS-99, Mission Specialist Mamoru Mohri (right) enjoys a reunion with his wife, Akiko, near Launch Pad 39A. STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), is scheduled to lift off 12:47 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39A. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. The mission is expected to last about 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Friday, Feb. 11, at 4:55 p.m KSC-00pp0127

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The day before the expected launch of S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The day before the expected launch of STS-99, Mission Specialist Mamoru Mohri (right) enjoys a reunion with his wife, Akiko, near Launch Pad 39A. STS-99, known as the Shuttle Rada... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. --  Near Launch Pad 39A, STS-99 Mission Specialist Janice Voss enjoys a reunion with friend and fellow astronaut Andrew Thomas the day before the expected launch of her mission. STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), is scheduled to lift off 12:47 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39A. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. The mission is expected to last about 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Friday, Feb. 11, at 4:55 p.m KSC00pp0126

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Near Launch Pad 39A, STS-99 Mission Spe...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Near Launch Pad 39A, STS-99 Mission Specialist Janice Voss enjoys a reunion with friend and fellow astronaut Andrew Thomas the day before the expected launch of her mission. STS-9... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Sitting in the entrance to the orbiter Atlantis are (left to right) STS-98 Mission Specialists Thomas Jones and Marsha Ivins and Commander Ken Cockrell. Below them is the mission patch just placed there by Cockrell. Standing at left is Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam and at right Pilot Mark Polansky. The crew is at KSC to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. STS-98 is the seventh construction flight to the International Space Station, carrying as payload the U.S. Lab Destiny, a key element in the construction of the ISS. Launch of STS-98 is scheduled for Jan. 19 at 2:11 a.m KSC01pp0050

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Sitting in the entrance to the orbiter A...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Sitting in the entrance to the orbiter Atlantis are (left to right) STS-98 Mission Specialists Thomas Jones and Marsha Ivins and Commander Ken Cockrell. Below them is the mission p... More

The access tower around the Athena II rocket for the Lunar Prospector spacecraft, to be launched for NASA by Lockheed Martin, was rolled back today at Launch Complex 46 at Cape Canaveral Air Station for final prelaunch preparations. The small robotic spacecraft is designed to provide the first global maps of the Moon's surface compositional elements and its gravitational and magnetic fields. The launch of Lunar Prospector is currently scheduled for Jan. 5, 1998 at 8:31 p.m KSC-97PC1801

The access tower around the Athena II rocket for the Lunar Prospector ...

The access tower around the Athena II rocket for the Lunar Prospector spacecraft, to be launched for NASA by Lockheed Martin, was rolled back today at Launch Complex 46 at Cape Canaveral Air Station for final p... More

Lockheed Martin Missile Systems integration and test staff move NASA’s Lunar Prospector spacecraft over the Trans Lunar Injection Module of the spacecraft at Astrotech, a commercial payload processing facility, in Titusville, Fla. The small robotic spacecraft, to be launched on an Athena II launch vehicle by Lockheed Martin, is designed to provide the first global maps of the Moon’s surface compositional elements and its gravitational and magnetic fields. The launch of Lunar Prospector is scheduled for Jan. 5, 1998 at 8:31 p.m KSC-97PC1805

Lockheed Martin Missile Systems integration and test staff move NASA’s...

Lockheed Martin Missile Systems integration and test staff move NASA’s Lunar Prospector spacecraft over the Trans Lunar Injection Module of the spacecraft at Astrotech, a commercial payload processing facility,... More

Lockheed Martin Missile Systems technicians prepare NASA’s Lunar Prospector spacecraft for mating to the Trans Lunar Injection Module of the spacecraft at Astrotech, a commercial payload processing facility, in Titusville, Fla. The small robotic spacecraft, to be launched for NASA on an Athena II launch vehicle by Lockheed Martin, is designed to provide the first global maps of the Moon’s surface compositional elements and its gravitational and magnetic fields. The launch of Lunar Prospector is scheduled for Jan. 5, 1998 at 8:31 p.m KSC-97PC1803

Lockheed Martin Missile Systems technicians prepare NASA’s Lunar Prosp...

Lockheed Martin Missile Systems technicians prepare NASA’s Lunar Prospector spacecraft for mating to the Trans Lunar Injection Module of the spacecraft at Astrotech, a commercial payload processing facility, in... More

NASA's Lunar Prospector is taken out of its crate at Astrotech, a commercial payload processing facility, in Titusville, Fla. The small robotic spacecraft, to be launched for NASA on an Athena 2 rocket by Lockheed Martin, is designed to provide the first global maps of the Moon's surface compositional elements and its gravitational and magnetic fields. While at Astrotech, Lunar Prospector will be fueled with its attitude control propellant and then mated to a Trans-Lunar Injection Stage which is a solid propellant upper stage motor. The combination will next be spin tested to verify proper balance, then encapsulated into an Athena nose fairing. Then the Lunar Prospector will be transported from Astrotech to Cape Canaveral Air Station and mated to an Athena rocket. The launch of Lunar Prospector is scheduled for Jan. 5, 1998 at 8:31 p.m KSC-97PC1760

NASA's Lunar Prospector is taken out of its crate at Astrotech, a comm...

NASA's Lunar Prospector is taken out of its crate at Astrotech, a commercial payload processing facility, in Titusville, Fla. The small robotic spacecraft, to be launched for NASA on an Athena 2 rocket by Lockh... More

NASA’s Lunar Prospector is prepared for mating to the Trans Lunar Injection Module of the spacecraft, seen in the background, at Astrotech, a commercial payload processing facility, in Titusville, Fla. The small robotic spacecraft, to be launched for NASA on an Athena II launch vehicle by Lockheed Martin, is designed to provide the first global maps of the Moon’s surface compositional elements and its gravitational and magnetic fields. The launch of Lunar Prospector is scheduled for Jan. 5, 1998 at 8:31 p.m KSC-97PC1802

NASA’s Lunar Prospector is prepared for mating to the Trans Lunar Inje...

NASA’s Lunar Prospector is prepared for mating to the Trans Lunar Injection Module of the spacecraft, seen in the background, at Astrotech, a commercial payload processing facility, in Titusville, Fla. The smal... More

The access tower around the Athena II rocket for the Lunar Prospector spacecraft, to be launched for NASA by Lockheed Martin, was rolled back today at Launch Complex 46 at Cape Canaveral Air Station for final prelaunch preparations. The small robotic spacecraft is designed to provide the first global maps of the Moon's surface compositional elements and its gravitational and magnetic fields. The launch of Lunar Prospector is currently scheduled for Jan. 5, 1998 at 8:31 p.m KSC-97PC1800

The access tower around the Athena II rocket for the Lunar Prospector ...

The access tower around the Athena II rocket for the Lunar Prospector spacecraft, to be launched for NASA by Lockheed Martin, was rolled back today at Launch Complex 46 at Cape Canaveral Air Station for final p... More

Lockheed Martin Missile Systems integration and test staff join NASA’s Lunar Prospector spacecraft to the Trans Lunar Injection Module of the spacecraft at Astrotech, a commercial payload processing facility, in Titusville, Fla. The small robotic spacecraft, to be launched on an Athena II launch vehicle by Lockheed Martin, is designed to provide the first global maps of the Moon’s surface compositional elements and its gravitational and magnetic fields. The launch of Lunar Prospector is scheduled for Jan. 5, 1998 at 8:31 p.m KSC-97PC1806

Lockheed Martin Missile Systems integration and test staff join NASA’s...

Lockheed Martin Missile Systems integration and test staff join NASA’s Lunar Prospector spacecraft to the Trans Lunar Injection Module of the spacecraft at Astrotech, a commercial payload processing facility, i... More

A hole, created by recent hail storms, is identified as number one on the surface of the external tank (ET) mated to Space Shuttle Discovery at Launch Pad 39B. Workers are investigating the damage and potential problems for launch posed by ice forming in the holes, which may number as many as 150 over the entire tank. The average size of the holes is one-half inch in diameter and one-tenth inch deep. The external tank contains the liquid hydrogen fuel and liquid oxygen oxidizer and supplies them under pressure to the three space shuttle main engines in the orbiter during liftoff and ascent. The ET thermal protection system consists of sprayed-on foam insulation. The Shuttle Discovery is targeted for launch of mission STS-96 on May 20 at 9:32 a.m KSC-99pp0515

A hole, created by recent hail storms, is identified as number one on ...

A hole, created by recent hail storms, is identified as number one on the surface of the external tank (ET) mated to Space Shuttle Discovery at Launch Pad 39B. Workers are investigating the damage and potential... More