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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Center Director Robert Cabana, second from right, joins space shuttle support personnel in a ceremony following the final power down of space shuttle Discovery during Space Shuttle Program transition and retirement activities. "Power down" followed the final closure of Discovery's payload bay doors.    Discovery is being prepared for public display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., in 2012.  For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-8324

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Center Director Robert Cabana, second from right, joins space shuttle support personnel in a ceremony following... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery, as it is seldom seen in public -- its nose encased in protective plastic, its cockpit windows covered, and strongbacks attached to its payload bay doors -- rolls out of Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, on its way to the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB.    Discovery will be stored inside the VAB for approximately one month while shuttle Atlantis undergoes processing in OPF-2 following its final mission, STS-135. Discovery flew its 39th and final mission, STS-133, in February and March 2011, and currently is being prepared for public display at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. For more information about Discovery's Transition and Retirement, visit   www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/discovery_rss_collection_archive_1.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-5528

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery, as it is seldom seen in public -- its nose encased in protective plastic, its cockpit windows covered, and strongbacks... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery makes its way in darkness along the access road to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A tail cone has been installed over its three replica shuttle main engines to reduce aerodynamic drag and turbulence during its upcoming ferry flight.    At the SLF, Discovery will be hoisted onto a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with the aid of a mate-demate device.  The SCA, a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.  For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2012-2072

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery makes its way in darkne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery makes its way in darkness along the access road to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A tail cone has been installed ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery is towed into position next to the mate-demate device, or MDD, at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A tail cone has been installed over its three replica shuttle main engines to reduce aerodynamic drag and turbulence during its upcoming ferry flight.    The MDD is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth.  The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  Discovery’s new home will be the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2101

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery is towed into position ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery is towed into position next to the mate-demate device, or MDD, at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A tail cone has ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery rolls into position beside the mate-demate device, or MDD, at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A tail cone has been installed over its three replica shuttle main engines to reduce aerodynamic drag and turbulence during its upcoming ferry flight.    The MDD is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth.  The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  Discovery’s new home will be the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2102

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery rolls into position bes...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery rolls into position beside the mate-demate device, or MDD, at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A tail cone has been... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, media representatives interview space shuttle managers following the arrival of space shuttle Discovery.  Behind the rope with their backs to the camera are, from left, Bart Pannullo, NASA Transition and Retirement vehicle manager at Kennedy Dorothy Rasco, manager for Space Shuttle Program Transition and Retirement at NASA’s Johnson Space Center Stephanie Stilson, NASA flow director for Orbiter Transition and Retirement at Kennedy and Kevin Templin, transition manager for the Space Shuttle Program at Johnson. Discovery will be hoisted onto a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with the aid of the mate-demate device at the landing facility.  The SCA, a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.  For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2141

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, media representatives interview space shuttle managers following the arrival of space shuttle Discovery. Behind... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A team of aerospace technicians accompanies space shuttle Discovery as it is towed for the final time from the Launch Complex 39 area to the Shuttle Landing Facility or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  A tail cone has been installed over Discovery’s three replica shuttle main engines to reduce aerodynamic drag and turbulence during its upcoming ferry flight.     At the SLF, Discovery will be hoisted onto a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with the aid of a mate-demate device.  The SCA, a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.  For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2066

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A team of aerospace technicians accompanies spa...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A team of aerospace technicians accompanies space shuttle Discovery as it is towed for the final time from the Launch Complex 39 area to the Shuttle Landing Facility or SLF, at NASA’s Ken... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery rolls into position beneath the mate-demate device, or MDD, at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A tail cone has been installed over its three replica shuttle main engines to reduce aerodynamic drag and turbulence during its upcoming ferry flight.    The MDD is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth.  The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  Discovery’s new home will be the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2105

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery rolls into position ben...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery rolls into position beneath the mate-demate device, or MDD, at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A tail cone has bee... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery rolls into position beside the mate-demate device, or MDD, at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A tail cone has been installed over its three replica shuttle main engines to reduce aerodynamic drag and turbulence during its upcoming ferry flight.    The MDD is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth.  The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  Discovery’s new home will be the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2103

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery rolls into position bes...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery rolls into position beside the mate-demate device, or MDD, at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A tail cone has been... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The front wheel of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home rises from the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for a takeoff at 7 a.m. EDT.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Lorne Mathre KSC-2012-2396

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The front wheel of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The front wheel of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home rises from the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center i... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home departs from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT accompanied by a T-38 jet.  The duo are heading south to fly over Brevard County’s beach communities for residents to get a look at the shuttle before it leaves the Space Coast for the last time.      The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia today, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-2370

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home departs from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT accompanied by a T-38 jet. The duo are... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Media snap photos as space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, slowly rolls along the runway of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The duo is set to begin their 3 1/2 hour ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia at about 7 a.m. EDT. Above the two craft is a NASA helicopter covering the departure. Discovery is leaving Kennedy after more than 28 years of service beginning with its arrival on the space coast Nov. 9, 1983. Discovery first launched to space Aug. 30, 1984, on the STS-41D mission. Discovery is the agency's most-flown shuttle with 39 missions, more than 148 million miles and a total of one year in space.         Discovery is set to move to the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on April 19 where it will be placed on public display. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2012-2421

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Media snap photos as space shuttle Discovery, m...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Media snap photos as space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, slowly rolls along the runway of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florid... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home departs from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT. The duo are heading south to fly over Brevard County’s beach communities, offering residents the opportunity to see the shuttle before it leaves the Space Coast for the last time.     The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Lorne Mathre KSC-2012-2407

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home departs from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT. The duo are heading south to fly over ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is towed from Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, to the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB.  Railings, called strongbacks, are installed along Discovery's payload bay doors to assist with opening and closing of the doors when the shuttle's hydraulic system is not operational and support the doors while they are open.    Discovery will be stored inside the VAB for approximately one month while shuttle Atlantis undergoes processing in OPF-2 following its final mission, STS-135. Discovery flew its 39th and final mission, STS-133, in February and March 2011, and currently is being prepared for public display at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. For more information about Discovery's Transition and Retirement, visit   www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/discovery_rss_collection_archive_1.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2011-5541

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is towed from Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, to the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB. Railings, called stro... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers evaluate space shuttle Discovery's readiness for its move to the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB.    Discovery will be stored inside the VAB for approximately one month while shuttle Atlantis undergoes processing in OPF-2 following its final mission, STS-135. Discovery flew its 39th and final mission, STS-133, in February and March 2011, and currently is being prepared for public display at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. For more information about Discovery's Transition and Retirement, visit   www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/discovery_rss_collection_archive_1.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-5522

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers evaluate space shuttle Discovery's readiness for its move to the Vehicle Assembly Building,... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the "vehicle powered" sign is lit as preparations are made to power down space shuttle Discovery for the last time during Space Shuttle Program transition and retirement activities. "Power down" follows the final closure of Discovery's payload bay doors.    Discovery is being prepared for public display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., in 2012.  For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-8320

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the "vehicle powered" sign is lit as preparations are made to power down space shuttle Discovery for the last t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery’s payload bay is glimpsed for the final time as its doors swing shut with the aid of yellow-painted strongbacks, hardware used to support and operate the doors when the shuttle is not in space.  Discovery's doors are being closed for the final time during Space Shuttle Program transition and retirement activities.    Following the door closure, the vehicle will be powered down for the last time.  Discovery is being prepared for public display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., in 2012.  For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-8318

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery’s payload bay is glimpsed for the final time as its doors swing shut with the aid of ye... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Rain falls on space shuttle Discovery as it departs from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39 area for the final time.    Discovery is on its way from the Vehicle Assembly Building’s high bay 4 to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF.  At the SLF, Discovery will be hoisted onto a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with the aid of a mate-demate device.  The SCA, a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.  For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2064

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Rain falls on space shuttle Discovery as it dep...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Rain falls on space shuttle Discovery as it departs from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39 area for the final time. Discovery is on its way from the Vehicle Assembly Buildi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery makes its way along the access road past the hangar at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, in darkness.  Its move got under way at 5 a.m. EDT.    At the SLF, Discovery will be hoisted onto a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with the aid of a mate-demate device.  The SCA, a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.  For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2115

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery makes its way along the access road past the hangar at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, in darkness. Its move got ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space Shuttle Discovery’s move from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the mate-demate device, or MDD, at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, is complete as the sun rises over NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    At the SLF, Discovery will be secured on the back of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA. The MDD is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it atop an SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth.  The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  Discovery’s new home will be the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2085

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space Shuttle Discovery’s move from the Vehicle...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space Shuttle Discovery’s move from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the mate-demate device, or MDD, at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, is complete as the sun rises over NASA’s Kenn... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, slowly rolls along the runway of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The duo is set to begin their 3 1/2 hour ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia at about 7 a.m. EDT. Above the two craft is a NASA helicopter covering the departure. Discovery is leaving Kennedy after more than 28 years of service beginning with its arrival on the space coast Nov. 9, 1983. Discovery first launched to space Aug. 30, 1984, on the STS-41D mission. Discovery is the agency's most-flown shuttle with 39 missions, more than 148 million miles and a total of one year in space.         Discovery is set to move to the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on April 19 where it will be placed on public display. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2012-2424

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle C...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, slowly rolls along the runway of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The duo is set to ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home taxis down the runway past the Vehicle Assembly Building as day breaks over the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  In the background at left is NASA’s new mobile launcher.  The duo will fly south over Brevard County’s beach communities for residents to get a look at the shuttle before it leaves the Space Coast for the last time.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Powers and Rick Wetherington KSC-2012-2441

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home taxis down the runway past the Vehicle Assembly Building as day breaks over the Shuttle Landing Facility ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home departs from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT. The duo are heading south to fly over Brevard County’s beach communities for residents to get a look at the shuttle before it leaves the Space Coast for the last time.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia today, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-2372

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home departs from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT. The duo are heading south to fly over ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, slowly rolls along the runway of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The duo is set to begin their 3 1/2 hour ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia at about 7 a.m. EDT. Above the two craft is a NASA helicopter covering the departure. Discovery is leaving Kennedy after more than 28 years of service beginning with its arrival on the space coast Nov. 9, 1983. Discovery first launched to space Aug. 30, 1984, on the STS-41D mission. Discovery is the agency's most-flown shuttle with 39 missions, more than 148 million miles and a total of one year in space.           Discovery is set to move to the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on April 19 where it will be placed on public display. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2012-2420

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle C...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, slowly rolls along the runway of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The duo is set to ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home heads into the sunrise as it departs from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT. The duo are heading south to fly over Brevard County’s beach communities, offering residents the opportunity to see the shuttle before it leaves the Space Coast for the last time.     The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Lorne Mathre KSC-2012-2411

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home heads into the sunrise as it departs from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT. The duo a... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, flies over the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida after making a flyby of Cocoa Beach and Patrick Air Force Base. The duo is beginning its ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia that also includes a flyby of the Space Coast and Washington, D.C. Also flying along with the pair is a T-38 training jet. Discovery is leaving Kennedy after more than 28 years of service beginning with its arrival on the space coast Nov. 9, 1983. Discovery first launched to space Aug. 30, 1984, on the STS-41D mission. Discovery is the agency's most-flown shuttle with 39 missions, more than 148 million miles and a total of one year in space.   Discovery is set to move to the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on April 19 where it will be placed on public display. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kenny Allen KSC-2012-2439

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle C...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, flies over the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida after making a flyby of Cocoa Beach and P... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery approaches the mate-demate device, or MDD, at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.      The MDD is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth.  The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  Discovery’s new home will be the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2096

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery approaches the mate-dem...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery approaches the mate-demate device, or MDD, at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The MDD is a large gantry-like steel str... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is pushed from the processing bay to begin the move to the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB.    Discovery will be stored inside the VAB for approximately one month while shuttle Atlantis undergoes processing in OPF-2 following its final mission, STS-135. Discovery flew its 39th and final mission, STS-133, in February and March 2011, and currently is being prepared for public display at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. For more information about Discovery's Transition and Retirement, visit   www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/discovery_rss_collection_archive_1.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-5526

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is pushed from the processing bay to begin the move to the Vehicle Assembly... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Daybreak at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida finds space shuttle Discovery parked in position at the mate-demate device, or MDD.    At the SLF, Discovery will be secured on the back of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, in the background. The MDD is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of an SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth.  The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  Discovery’s new home will be the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2081

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Daybreak at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SL...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Daybreak at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida finds space shuttle Discovery parked in position at the mate-demate device, or MDD. At the S... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery makes its way to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, before dawn at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  Its move from the Vehicle Assembly Building got under way at 5 a.m. EDT.    At the SLF, Discovery will be hoisted onto a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with the aid of a mate-demate device.  The SCA, a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.  For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2092

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery makes its way to the Sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery makes its way to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, before dawn at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Its move from the Vehicle Assembly Building got unde... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations to tow space shuttle Discovery from the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, are under way at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  A tail cone has been installed over its three replica shuttle main engines to reduce aerodynamic drag and turbulence during its upcoming ferry flight.    Discovery was in storage in the VAB’s high bay 4 awaiting departure from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39 area for the final time.  At the SLF, Discovery will be hoisted onto a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with the aid of a mate-demate device.  The SCA, a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, is scheduled to transport Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.  For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2052

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations to tow space shuttle Discovery fro...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations to tow space shuttle Discovery from the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, are under way at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery rolls out of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, into darkness for its trip to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF. Its move got under way at 5 a.m. EDT. A tail cone has been installed over its three replica shuttle main engines to reduce aerodynamic drag and turbulence during its upcoming ferry flight.     Discovery was in storage in the VAB’s high bay 4 awaiting departure from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39 area for the final time.  At the SLF, Discovery will be hoisted onto a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with the aid of a mate-demate device.  The SCA, a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, is scheduled to transport Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.  For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2056

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery rolls out of the Vehicl...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery rolls out of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, into darkness for its trip to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery backs out of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, for its trip to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF.    Discovery was in storage in the VAB’s high bay 4 awaiting departure from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39 area for the final time.  At the SLF, Discovery will be hoisted onto a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with the aid of a mate-demate device.  The SCA, a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, is scheduled to transport Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.  For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2053

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery backs out of the Vehicl...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery backs out of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, for its trip to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF. Discovery w... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery rolls out of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, into darkness for its trip to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF. Its move got under way at 5 a.m. EDT.    Discovery was in storage in the VAB’s high bay 4 awaiting departure from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39 area for the final time.  At the SLF, Discovery will be hoisted onto a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with the aid of a mate-demate device.  The SCA, a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, is scheduled to transport Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.  For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2055

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery rolls out of the Vehicl...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery rolls out of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, into darkness for its trip to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery is towed toward the mate-demate device, or MDD, at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.        The MDD is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth.  The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  Discovery’s new home will be the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2076

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery is towed toward the mat...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery is towed toward the mate-demate device, or MDD, at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The MDD is a large gantry-like st... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery approaches the mate-demate device, or MDD, at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  A tail cone has been installed over its three replica shuttle main engines to reduce aerodynamic drag and turbulence during its upcoming ferry flight.    The MDD is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth.  The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  Discovery’s new home will be the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2117

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery approaches the mate-dem...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery approaches the mate-demate device, or MDD, at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A tail cone has been installed over its thre... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, preparations are under way at the the mate-demate device, or MDD, to lift space shuttle Discovery atop a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA.      The MDD is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of an SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth.  The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  Discovery’s new home will be the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2012-2114

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, preparations are under way at the the mate-demate device, or MDD, to lift space shuttle Discovery atop a Shuttle... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home heads south toward Brevard County’s beach communities, offering residents the opportunity to see the shuttle before it leaves the Space Coast for the last time.  The aircraft took off from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT.     The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Lorne Mathre KSC-2012-2400

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home heads south toward Brevard County’s beach communities, offering residents the opportunity to see the shut... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery shares the sky with a flock of seagulls as it flies over Cocoa Beach just after sunrise, giving Brevard County residents the opportunity to see the shuttle for the last time before it leaves the Space Coast for its new home.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is ferrying Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia today, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center around April 19. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/R. D. Lee KSC-2012-2381

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery shares the sky with a flock of seagulls as it flies over Cocoa Beach just after sunrise, giving Brevard County residents ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home departs from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT accompanied by a T-38 jet.  The duo are heading south to fly over Brevard County’s beach communities for residents to get a look at the shuttle before it leaves the Space Coast for the last time.      The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Lorne Mathre KSC-2012-2404

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home departs from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT accompanied by a T-38 jet. The duo are... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery flies by the Shuttle Launch Experience at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex following a pass over Brevard County’s beach communities, offering residents the opportunity to see the shuttle before it leaves the Space Coast for the last time. The duo took off from Kennedy’s Shuttle Landing Facility at 7 a.m. EDT.     The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Lorne Mathre KSC-2012-2418

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery flies by the Shuttle Launch Experience at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex following a pass over Brevard County’s... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the cockpit windows on space shuttle Discovery are covered and secured for its move to the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB.    Discovery will be stored inside the VAB for approximately one month while shuttle Atlantis undergoes processing in OPF-2 following its final mission, STS-135. Discovery flew its 39th and final mission, STS-133, in February and March 2011, and currently is being prepared for public display at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. For more information about Discovery's Transition and Retirement, visit   www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/discovery_rss_collection_archive_1.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-5521

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the cockpit windows on space shuttle Discovery are covered and secured for its move to the Vehicle ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, work platforms fold away from space shuttle Discovery for its move to the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB.    Discovery will be stored inside the VAB for approximately one month while shuttle Atlantis undergoes processing in OPF-2 following its final mission, STS-135. Discovery flew its 39th and final mission, STS-133, in February and March 2011, and currently is being prepared for public display at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. For more information about Discovery's Transition and Retirement, visit   www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/discovery_rss_collection_archive_1.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2011-5537

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, work platforms fold away from space shuttle Discovery for its move to the Vehicle Assembly Building... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Outside Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Stephanie Stilson, Transition and Retirement orbiter flow director, answers questions from the media during the move of space shuttle Discovery to the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB.    Discovery will be stored inside the VAB for approximately one month while shuttle Atlantis undergoes processing in OPF-2 following its final mission, STS-135. Discovery flew its 39th and final mission, STS-133, in February and March 2011, and currently is being prepared for public display at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. For more information about Discovery's Transition and Retirement, visit   www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/discovery_rss_collection_archive_1.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-2011-5570

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Outside Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Outside Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Stephanie Stilson, Transition and Retirement orbiter flow director, answers questions from the... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, railings, called strongbacks, are installed along the payload bay doors of space shuttle Discovery.  The strongbacks are used to assist with opening and closing of the doors when the shuttle's hydraulic system is not operational and support the doors while they are open.  Discovery is awaiting its move to the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB.    Discovery will be stored inside the VAB for approximately one month while shuttle Atlantis undergoes processing in OPF-2 following its final mission, STS-135. Discovery flew its 39th and final mission, STS-133, in February and March 2011, and currently is being prepared for public display at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. For more information about Discovery's Transition and Retirement, visit   www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/discovery_rss_collection_archive_1.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-5524

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, railings, called strongbacks, are installed along the payload bay doors of space shuttle Discovery.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Center Director Robert Cabana (center) is on hand for the final power down of space shuttle Discovery during Space Shuttle Program transition and retirement activities. "Power down" follows the final closure of Discovery's payload bay doors.    Discovery is being prepared for public display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., in 2012.  For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-8322

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Center Director Robert Cabana (center) is on hand for the final power down of space shuttle Discovery during Sp... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations to roll space shuttle Discovery out of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, are under way at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.     Discovery was in storage in the VAB’s high bay 4 awaiting departure from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39 area for the final time.  At the SLF, Discovery will be hoisted onto a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with the aid of a mate-demate device.  The SCA, a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, is scheduled to transport Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.  For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2049

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations to roll space shuttle Discovery ou...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations to roll space shuttle Discovery out of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, are under way at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery makes its way from the Launch Complex 39 area to the Shuttle Landing Facility or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.     At the SLF, Discovery will be hoisted onto a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with the aid of a mate-demate device.  The SCA, a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.  For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2065

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery makes its way from the ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery makes its way from the Launch Complex 39 area to the Shuttle Landing Facility or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At the SLF, Discovery will be ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are under way to lift space shuttle Discovery onto the back of this Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.     Designated NASA 905, the SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth.  NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  Discovery’s new home will be the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2012-2110

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are under way to lift space shuttl...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are under way to lift space shuttle Discovery onto the back of this Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florid... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the camera view from under the wing of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft finds space shuttle Discovery at the mate-demate device, in the distance.  Operations are under way to lift Discovery on top of the aircraft. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2147

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the camera view from under the wing of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft finds space shuttle Discovery at the mate-dema... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the camera view from under the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft finds space shuttle Discovery at the mate-demate device, in the distance.  Operations are under way to lift Discovery on top of the aircraft. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflet KSC-2012-2146

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the camera view from under the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft finds space shuttle Discovery at the mate-demate device,... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Rain begins to fall on space shuttle Discovery as it says good-bye to NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39 area for the final time.    Discovery is on its way from the Vehicle Assembly Building’s high bay 4 to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF.  At the SLF, Discovery will be hoisted onto a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with the aid of a mate-demate device.  The SCA, a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.  For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2063

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Rain begins to fall on space shuttle Discovery ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Rain begins to fall on space shuttle Discovery as it says good-bye to NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39 area for the final time. Discovery is on its way from the Vehicle As... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery soars overhead shortly after takeoff from NASA Kennedy Space Center's runway 15 at 7 a.m. EDT.      The duo is beginning its ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia that also includes a flyby of the Space Coast and Washington, D.C. Discovery is leaving Kennedy after more than 28 years of service beginning with its arrival on the space coast Nov. 9, 1983. Discovery is set to move to the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., on April 19 where it will be placed on public display.  For more information on the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, visit http://www.nasa .gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013- DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Powers and Tim Terry KSC-2012-2484

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery soars overhead shortly after takeoff from NASA Kennedy Space Center's runway 15 at 7 a.m. EDT. The duo is beginning ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery, accompanied by a T-38 jet, flies over Cocoa Beach just after sunrise, giving Brevard County residents the opportunity to see the shuttle for the last time before it leaves the Space Coast for its new home.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is ferrying Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia today, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center around April 19. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/R. D. Lee KSC-2012-2380

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery, accompanied by a T-38 jet, flies over Cocoa Beach just after sunrise, giving Brevard County residents the opportunity to... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home flies over the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex after taking off from Kennedy’s Shuttle Landing Facility at 7 a.m. EDT. The duo are heading south to fly over Brevard County’s beach communities, offering residents the opportunity to see the shuttle before it leaves the Space Coast for the last time.     The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Lorne Mathre KSC-2012-2406

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home flies over the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex after taking off from Kennedy’s Shuttle Landing Facil... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, flies over the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida after making a flyby of Cocoa Beach and Patrick Air Force Base. The duo is beginning its ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia that also includes a flyby of the Space Coast and Washington, D.C. Also flying along with the pair is a T-38 training jet.  Discovery is leaving Kennedy after more than 28 years of service beginning with its arrival on the space coast Nov. 9, 1983. Discovery first launched to space Aug. 30, 1984, on the STS-41D mission. Discovery is the agency's most-flown shuttle with 39 missions, more than 148 million miles and a total of one year in space.         Discovery is set to move to the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on April 19 where it will be placed on public display. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kenny Allen KSC-2012-2434

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle C...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, flies over the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida after making a flyby of Cocoa Beach and P... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home taxis down the runway past the mate/demate device as day breaks over the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  The duo will fly south over Brevard County’s beach communities for residents to get a look at the shuttle before it leaves the Space Coast for the last time.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Powers and Rick Wetherington KSC-2012-2440

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home taxis down the runway past the mate/demate device as day breaks over the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, slowly rolls along the runway of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The duo is set to begin their 3 1/2 hour ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia at about 7 a.m. EDT. Above the two craft is a NASA helicopter covering the departure. Discovery is leaving Kennedy after more than 28 years of service beginning with its arrival on the space coast Nov. 9, 1983. Discovery first launched to space Aug. 30, 1984, on the STS-41D mission. Discovery is the agency's most-flown shuttle with 39 missions, more than 148 million miles and a total of one year in space.           Discovery is set to move to the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on April 19 where it will be placed on public display. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2012-2423

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle C...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, slowly rolls along the runway of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The duo is set to ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A NASA C-9 “Pathfinder” DC-9 takes off from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida ahead of space shuttle Discovery, which is bolted to the top of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. The craft are set to begin their 3 1/2 hour ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia at about 7 a.m. EDT. The Pathfinder will fly about 100 miles ahead of the attached pair, making sure the flight path is free of harmful weather or hazardous conditions. Discovery is leaving Kennedy after more than 28 years of service beginning with its arrival on the space coast Nov. 9, 1983. Discovery first launched to space Aug. 30, 1984, on the STS-41D mission. Discovery is the agency's most-flown shuttle with 39 missions, more than 148 million miles and a total of one year in space.     Discovery is set to move to the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on April 19 where it will be placed on public display. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2012-2428

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A NASA C-9 “Pathfinder” DC-9 takes off from the...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A NASA C-9 “Pathfinder” DC-9 takes off from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida ahead of space shuttle Discovery, which is bolted to the top of a Shuttl... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, takes off from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The duo is beginning their 3 1/2 hour ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia. Discovery is leaving Kennedy after more than 28 years of service beginning with its arrival on the space coast Nov. 9, 1983. Discovery first launched to space Aug. 30, 1984, on the STS-41D mission. Discovery is the agency's most-flown shuttle with 39 missions, more than 148 million miles and a total of one year in space.     Discovery is set to move to the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on April 19 where it will be placed on public display. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2390

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle C...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, takes off from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The duo is beginning their 3 1/2 hou... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Buses line the parking lot beside the control tower at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Kennedy employees and guests were on hand at 7 a.m. EDT to witness the departure of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home.     The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia today, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-2369

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Buses line the parking lot beside the control t...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Buses line the parking lot beside the control tower at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Kennedy employees and guests were on hand at 7 a.m. EDT to w... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers "spot" for space shuttle Discovery as it rolls from Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, to the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB.    Discovery will be stored inside the VAB for approximately one month while shuttle Atlantis undergoes processing in OPF-2 following its final mission, STS-135. Discovery flew its 39th and final mission, STS-133, in February and March 2011, and currently is being prepared for public display at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. For more information about Discovery's Transition and Retirement, visit   www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/discovery_rss_collection_archive_1.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-5530

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers "spot" for space shuttle Discovery as it rolls from Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, to the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery makes its way to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, in darkness at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  Its move from the Vehicle Assembly Building got under way at 5 a.m. EDT.    At the SLF, Discovery will be hoisted onto a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with the aid of a mate-demate device.  The SCA, a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.  For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2089

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery makes its way to the Sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery makes its way to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, in darkness at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Its move from the Vehicle Assembly Building got unde... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Painted graphics line the side of NASA 905 depicting the various ferry flights the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft has supported during the Space Shuttle Program, including the tests using the space shuttle prototype Enterprise.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, will ferry space shuttle Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. The SCA is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2012-2111

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Painted graphics line the side of NASA 905 depi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Painted graphics line the side of NASA 905 depicting the various ferry flights the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft has supported during the Space Shuttle Program, including the tests using the s... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery rolls past a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.     This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a Boeing 747 jet originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth.  NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  Discovery’s new home will be the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2012-2108

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery rolls past a Shuttle Ca...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery rolls past a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a B... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers secure a sling to space shuttle Discovery to enable the mate-demate device to lift it onto a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft.    The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2129

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers secure a sling to space shuttle Discovery to enable the mate-demate device to lift it onto a Shuttle Car... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers secure a sling to space shuttle Discovery to enable the mate-demate device to lift it onto a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft.    The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2128

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers secure a sling to space shuttle Discovery to enable the mate-demate device to lift it onto a Shuttle Car... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers secure a sling to space shuttle Discovery for its lift onto the top of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with the aid of the mate-demate device.    The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2127

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers secure a sling to space shuttle Discovery for its lift onto the top of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are under way to tow space shuttle Discovery to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    Discovery was in storage in the Vehicle Assembly Building’s high bay 4 awaiting departure from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39 area for the final time.  At the SLF, Discovery will be hoisted onto a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with the aid of a mate-demate device.  The SCA, a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, is scheduled to transport Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.  For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2060

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are under way to tow space shuttle...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are under way to tow space shuttle Discovery to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Discovery was in storage in the Vehicle As... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery is towed to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the background is the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB.    Discovery was in storage in the VAB’s high bay 4 awaiting departure from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39 area for the final time.  At the SLF, Discovery will be hoisted onto a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with the aid of a mate-demate device.  The SCA, a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.  For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2062

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery is towed to the Shuttle...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery is towed to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the background is the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building, or V... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, is readied for mating with the space shuttle Discovery at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a Boeing 747 jet originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth.  NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  Discovery’s new home will be the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2084

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, is readied ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, is readied for mating with the space shuttle Discovery at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This SCA,... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery rolls past a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.     This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a Boeing 747 jet originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth.  NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  Discovery’s new home will be the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2095

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery rolls past a Shuttle Ca...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery rolls past a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This SCA, designated NASA 90... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane attached to the sling supporting space shuttle Discovery lifts the shuttle inside the mate-demate device during operations to position Discovery on top of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2144

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane attached to the sling supporting space shuttle Discovery lifts the shuttle inside the mate-demate device... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home takes off from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT, accompanied by a NASA helicopter and a T-38 jet.  The duo will fly south over Brevard County’s beach communities for residents to get a look at the shuttle before it leaves the Space Coast for the last time.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia today, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Rusty Backer KSC-2012-2465

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home takes off from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT, acco... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, flies over the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida after making a flyby of Cocoa Beach and Patrick Air Force Base. The duo is beginning its ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia that also includes a flyby of the Space Coast and Washington, D.C. Also flying along with the pair is a T-38 training jet. Discovery is leaving Kennedy after more than 28 years of service beginning with its arrival on the space coast Nov. 9, 1983. Discovery first launched to space Aug. 30, 1984, on the STS-41D mission. Discovery is the agency's most-flown shuttle with 39 missions, more than 148 million miles and a total of one year in space.     Discovery is set to move to the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on April 19 where it will be placed on public display. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kenny Allen KSC-2012-2438

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle C...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, flies over the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida after making a flyby of Cocoa Beach and P... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, flies over the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida after making a flyby of Cocoa Beach and Patrick Air Force Base. The duo is beginning its ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia that also includes a flyby of the Space Coast and Washington, D.C. Also flying along with the pair is a T-38 training jet. Discovery is leaving Kennedy after more than 28 years of service beginning with its arrival on the space coast Nov. 9, 1983. Discovery first launched to space Aug. 30, 1984, on the STS-41D mission. Discovery is the agency's most-flown shuttle with 39 missions, more than 148 million miles and a total of one year in space.       Discovery is set to move to the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on April 19 where it will be placed on public display. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kenny Allen KSC-2012-2437

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle C...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, flies over the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida after making a flyby of Cocoa Beach and P... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers prepare to tow space shuttle Discovery to the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB.  Protective plastic covers the nose of Discovery where its forward reaction control system (FRCS) once resided.  Discovery's FRCS was removed and shipped to White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico for a full cleaning and deservicing before it is returned to Kennedy and reinstalled.    Discovery will be stored inside the VAB for approximately one month while shuttle Atlantis undergoes processing in OPF-2 following its final mission, STS-135. Discovery flew its 39th and final mission, STS-133, in February and March 2011, and currently is being prepared for public display at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. For more information about Discovery's Transition and Retirement, visit   www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/discovery_rss_collection_archive_1.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-5525

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers prepare to tow space shuttle Discovery to the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB. Protectiv... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home receives permission for a 7-a.m. takeoff from the control tower at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Lorne Mathre KSC-2012-2394

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home receives permission for a 7-a.m. takeoff from the control tower at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space Shuttle Discovery’s move from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, is complete as the sun comes up over NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A tail cone has been installed over its three replica shuttle main engines to reduce aerodynamic drag and turbulence during its upcoming ferry flight.    At the SLF, Discovery will be hoisted onto a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with the aid of a mate-demate device.  The SCA, a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.  For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2100

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space Shuttle Discovery’s move from the Vehicle...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space Shuttle Discovery’s move from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, is complete as the sun comes up over NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the camera captures a last look at space shuttle Discovery’s payload bay before its payload bay doors are closed for the final time during Space Shuttle Program transition and retirement activities.      Following the door closure, the vehicle will be powered down for the last time.  Discovery is being prepared for public display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., in 2012.  For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-8314

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the camera captures a last look at space shuttle Discovery’s payload bay before its payload bay doors are close... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle support personnel prepare to power down space shuttle Discovery for the last time during Space Shuttle Program transition and retirement activities. "Power down" follows the final closure of Discovery's payload bay doors.    Discovery is being prepared for public display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., in 2012.  For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-8321

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle support personnel prepare to power down space shuttle Discovery for the last time during Space Sh... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery makes its way in darkness to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  Its move got under way at 5 a.m. EDT.    At the SLF, Discovery will be hoisted onto a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with the aid of a mate-demate device.  The SCA, a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.  For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2073

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery makes its way in darkne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery makes its way in darkness to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Its move got under way at 5 a.m. EDT. At the SLF,... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery makes its way to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, before dawn at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  Its move from the Vehicle Assembly Building got under way at 5 a.m. EDT.    At the SLF, Discovery will be hoisted onto a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with the aid of a mate-demate device.  The SCA, a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.  For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2091

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery makes its way to the Sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery makes its way to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, before dawn at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Its move from the Vehicle Assembly Building got unde... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, painted graphics line the side of NASA 905 depicting the various ferry flights the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft has supported during the Space Shuttle Program, including the tests using the space shuttle prototype Enterprise, and the names of the pilots and flight engineers who have flown it. Operations are under way at the mate-demate device, in the background, to lift Discovery on top of the aircraft. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2145

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, painted graphics line the side of NASA 905 depicting the various ferry flights the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft has ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are under way to lift space shuttle Discovery onto the back of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, behind it at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.     This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a Boeing 747 jet originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth.  NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  Discovery’s new home will be the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2098

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are under way to lift space shuttl...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are under way to lift space shuttle Discovery onto the back of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, behind it at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Spac... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery rolls into position beneath the mate-demate device, or MDD, at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A tail cone has been installed over its three replica shuttle main engines to reduce aerodynamic drag and turbulence during its upcoming ferry flight.    The MDD is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth.  The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  Discovery’s new home will be the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2104

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery rolls into position ben...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery rolls into position beneath the mate-demate device, or MDD, at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A tail cone has bee... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers verify that space shuttle Discovery is ready to be lifted onto the top of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with the aid of the mate-demate device.    The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2130

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers verify that space shuttle Discovery is ready to be lifted onto the top of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft wit... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, media representatives interview Stephanie Stilson, center, the NASA flow director for Orbiter Transition and Retirement at Kennedy following the arrival of space shuttle Discovery. Operations are under way at the mate-demate device, in the background, to lift Discovery on top of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2140

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, media representatives interview Stephanie Stilson, center, the NASA flow director for Orbiter Transition and Ret... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery makes its way to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, in darkness at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  Its move from the Vehicle Assembly Building got under way at 5 a.m. EDT.    At the SLF, Discovery will be hoisted onto a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with the aid of a mate-demate device.  The SCA, a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.  For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2090

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery makes its way to the Sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery makes its way to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, in darkness at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Its move from the Vehicle Assembly Building got unde... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Fire and Rescue Team poses for a group portrait with space shuttle Discovery atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft at Kennedy’s Shuttle Landing Facility.    This carrier aircraft, designated NASA 905, is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, and is assigned to all remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  After its arrival at Dulles, Discovery will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on April 19. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2338

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Fire and Rescue Tea...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Fire and Rescue Team poses for a group portrait with space shuttle Discovery atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft at Kennedy’s Shuttle Landing Facility. This c... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A NASA C-9 “Pathfinder” DC-9 prepares for takeoff from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida ahead of space shuttle Discovery, which is bolted to the top of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. The craft are set to begin their 3 1/2 hour ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia at about 7 a.m. EDT. The Pathfinder will fly about 100 miles ahead of the attached pair, making sure the flight path is free of harmful weather or hazardous conditions. Discovery is leaving Kennedy after more than 28 years of service beginning with its arrival on the space coast Nov. 9, 1983. Discovery first launched to space Aug. 30, 1984, on the STS-41D mission. Discovery is the agency's most-flown shuttle with 39 missions, more than 148 million miles and a total of one year in space.       Discovery is set to move to the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on April 19 where it will be placed on public display. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2386

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A NASA C-9 “Pathfinder” DC-9 prepares for takeo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A NASA C-9 “Pathfinder” DC-9 prepares for takeoff from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida ahead of space shuttle Discovery, which is bolted to the top ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home lifts off the runway at 7 a.m. EDT as it approaches the mate/demate device at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Lorne Mathre KSC-2012-2397

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home lifts off the runway at 7 a.m. EDT as it approaches the mate/demate device at the Shuttle Landing Facilit... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Sunrise over the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida reveals the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft that is transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home preparing for takeoff.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Rusty Backer KSC-2012-2468

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Sunrise over the Shuttle Landing Facility at NA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Sunrise over the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida reveals the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft that is transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home prepa... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home takes off from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT.  The duo will fly south over Brevard County’s beach communities for residents to get a look at the shuttle before it leaves the Space Coast for the last time.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Powers and Rick Wetherington KSC-2012-2444

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home takes off from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT. The... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Daybreak at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida finds the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft that is transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home taxiing down the runway, preparing for takeoff.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Rusty Backer KSC-2012-2476

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Daybreak at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Daybreak at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida finds the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft that is transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home taxiing ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery backs out of its processing bay, Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, to begin the move to the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB.    Discovery will be stored inside the VAB for approximately one month while shuttle Atlantis undergoes processing in OPF-2 following its final mission, STS-135. Discovery flew its 39th and final mission, STS-133, in February and March 2011, and currently is being prepared for public display at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. For more information about Discovery's Transition and Retirement, visit   www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/discovery_rss_collection_archive_1.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-5527

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery backs out of its processing bay, Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, to begin the move to the Vehicle Assembly Bui... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery -- its nose encased in protective plastic, its cockpit windows covered, and strongbacks attached to its payload bay doors -- awaits entry into the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, after rolling from Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2.    Discovery will be stored inside the VAB for approximately one month while shuttle Atlantis undergoes processing in OPF-2 following its final mission, STS-135. Discovery flew its 39th and final mission, STS-133, in February and March 2011, and currently is being prepared for public display at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. For more information about Discovery's Transition and Retirement, visit   www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/discovery_rss_collection_archive_1.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2011-5550

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery -- its nose encased in protective plastic, its cockpit windows covered, and strongbacks attached to its payload bay doo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery rolls along the towway from Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, to the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB.  Railings, called strongbacks, are installed along Discovery's payload bay doors to assist with opening and closing of the doors when the shuttle's hydraulic system is not operational and support the doors while they are open.    Discovery will be stored inside the VAB for approximately one month while shuttle Atlantis undergoes processing in OPF-2 following its final mission, STS-135. Discovery flew its 39th and final mission, STS-133, in February and March 2011, and currently is being prepared for public display at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. For more information about Discovery's Transition and Retirement, visit   www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/discovery_rss_collection_archive_1.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2011-5540

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery rolls along the towway from Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, to the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB. Railing... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are under way at the the mate-demate device, or MDD, at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to lift space shuttle Discovery atop a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA.    The MDD is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of an SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth.  The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  Discovery’s new home will be the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2107

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are under way at the the mate-dema...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are under way at the the mate-demate device, or MDD, at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to lift space shuttle Discovery atop a Shuttle ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, operations are under way at the mate-demate device to lift space shuttle Discovery on top of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2143

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, operations are under way at the mate-demate device to lift space shuttle Discovery on top of a Shuttle Carrier A... More

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