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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a United Space Alliance technician, lying on a work platform, works inside the crew module of space shuttle Atlantis following removal of window #8.    Inspection and maintenance of the crew module windows is standard procedure between shuttle missions.  Atlantis is next slated to deliver an Integrated Cargo Carrier and Russian-built Mini Research Module to the International Space Station on the STS-132 mission.  The second in a series of new pressurized components for Russia, the module will be permanently attached to the Zarya module. Three spacewalks are planned to store spare components outside the station, including six spare batteries, a boom assembly for the Ku-band antenna and spares for the Canadian Dextre robotic arm extension. A radiator, airlock and European robotic arm for the Russian Multi-purpose Laboratory Module also are payloads on the flight.  Launch is targeted for May 14.  Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2010-1083

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, a United Space Alliance technician, lying on a work platform, works inside the crew module of space shuttle Atl... More

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Landing

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Landing

NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, right, and Commander Chris Ferguson talk underneath the space shuttle Atlantis shortly after Ferguson and the rest of the STS-135 crew landed at NASA's Kennedy Spa... More

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Landing

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Landing

NASA and contractor personnel work on the space shuttle Atlantis at the Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) shortly after Atlantis (STS-135) landed early Thursday morning, July 21, 2011, in Cape... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  - After being raised to a vertical position, Atlantis hangs suspended several feet above the floor of the transfer aisle in the Vehicle Assembly Building. The orbiter will next be lifted into high bay 3 for stacking with the external tank and solid rocket boosters already installed on the mobile launcher platform.  After mating with the external tank and boosters, Atlantis will undergo a shuttle interface test and other prelaunch processing.  Atlantis' launch window begins Aug. 28. During its 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the STS-115 crew of six astronauts will continue construction of the station and install their cargo, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1661

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After being raised to a vertical positio...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After being raised to a vertical position, Atlantis hangs suspended several feet above the floor of the transfer aisle in the Vehicle Assembly Building. The orbiter will next be li... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  - Shortly after midnight, the payload canister and convoy negotiate the turn on the Saturn Causeway, heading for Launch Pad 39B.  Inside the canister is the payload for Atlantis and mission STS-115, the Port 3/4 truss segment with two large solar arrays. The payload changeout room provides an environmentally clean or "white room" condition in which to receive a payload transferred from a protective payload canister. After the shuttle arrives at the pad, the rotating service structure will close around it and the payload will then be transferred into Atlantis' payload bay.  Atlantis' launch window begins Aug. 28. During its 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the STS-115 crew of six astronauts will install  the truss, a 17-ton segment of the space station's truss backbone.  Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd1671

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shortly after midnight, the payload cani...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shortly after midnight, the payload canister and convoy negotiate the turn on the Saturn Causeway, heading for Launch Pad 39B. Inside the canister is the payload for Atlantis and ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  Looking like fireflies gathered around the behemoth mobile launcher platform and crawler-transporter, vehicles escort Space Shuttle Atlantis on its slow journey to Launch Pad 39B.  First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was 1:05 a.m.  The slow speed of the crawler results in a 6-hour trek to the pad approximately 4 miles away.  Atlantis' launch window begins Aug. 27 for an 11-day mission to the International Space Station. The STS-115 crew of six astronauts will continue construction of the station and install their cargo, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays.   Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-06pd1704

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Looking like fireflies gathered around t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Looking like fireflies gathered around the behemoth mobile launcher platform and crawler-transporter, vehicles escort Space Shuttle Atlantis on its slow journey to Launch Pad 39B. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  Space Shuttle Atlantis sits on the hardstand of Launch Pad 39B after its nearly 8-hour rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building.  Extending from the fixed service structure on the left is the orbiter access arm, with the White Room on the outer end, adjacent to Atlantis.  Below the orbiter, on each side of the main engine nozzles, are the tail service masts that provide several umbilical connections to the orbiter, including a liquid-oxygen line through one and a liquid-hydrogen line through another.   Atlantis' launch window begins Aug. 27 for an 11-day mission to the International Space Station. The STS-115 crew of six astronauts will continue construction of the station and install their cargo, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays.   Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder & George Shelton KSC-06pd1726

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis sits on the hards...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis sits on the hardstand of Launch Pad 39B after its nearly 8-hour rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building. Extending from the fixed service structure on th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -   Workers get ready to test drive the crawler-transporters sitting outside the Vehicle Assembly Building.  Crawler-transporter No. 2 is being checked before it is needed to move the STS-116 stack from VAB high bay 3 to high bay 2 and allow the rollback of Space Shuttle Atlantis into high bay 3.  Crawler No. 1 will transport the shuttle from the pad. The rollback will be determined by the mission management team based on information about Hurricane Ernesto and its path through Florida. Atlantis has been poised on Launch Pad 39B for liftoff on mission STS-115 to the International Space Station to deliver the P3/P4 truss segment.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd1952

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers get ready to test drive the cra...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers get ready to test drive the crawler-transporters sitting outside the Vehicle Assembly Building. Crawler-transporter No. 2 is being checked before it is needed to move the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  The relative diminutive size of a vehicle and workers alongside the crawler-transporter reveal the immensity of the mobile launcher platform-Space Shuttle Atlantis stack above.  The crawler is 20 feet tall; the platform is 25 feet high.  The shuttle is returning to Launch Pad 39B, in the background, after rolling back to the Vehicle Assembly Building due to concerns about the impact of Tropical Storm Ernesto.  However, before reaching the VAB, the  forecast of lesser winds expected from Ernesto and its projected direction convinced Launch Integration Manager LeRoy Cain and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach to return the shuttle to the launch pad.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1999

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The relative diminutive size of a vehicl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The relative diminutive size of a vehicle and workers alongside the crawler-transporter reveal the immensity of the mobile launcher platform-Space Shuttle Atlantis stack above. Th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-117 Commander Frederick (Rick) Sturckow checks out the cockpit of the orbiter Atlantis, the vehicle for the mission.  He and other crew members are at KSC to take part in a Crew Equipment Interface Test that allows them opportunities to become familiar with equipment and hardware for their mission. STS-117 will deliver the S3/S4 and another pair of solar arrays to the space station.  The 21st shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-117 is scheduled to launch no earlier than March 16.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2831

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-1...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-117 Commander Frederick (Rick) Sturckow checks out the cockpit of the orbiter Atlantis, the vehicle for the mission. He and other crew membe... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   Space Shuttle Atlantis leaps free of the clouds of smoke and steam, colored by the setting sun, billowing across Launch Pad 39A.  The launch nearly eclipses the sun, seen just above the clouds at left of the service structure.  Liftoff of Atlantis on mission STS-117 to the International Space Station was on-time at 7:38:04 p.m. EDT.  The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the International Space Station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007.   Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph and Robert Murray KSC-07pp1462

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis leaps free of t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis leaps free of the clouds of smoke and steam, colored by the setting sun, billowing across Launch Pad 39A. The launch nearly eclipses the sun, seen just ab... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On a cloudy Florida day, Space Shuttle Atlantis awaits launch atop a mobile launch platform at Launch Pad 39A. At the right of the pad is the 290-foot tall, 300,000-gallon water tank that is part of the sound suppression system during launches. In the foreground, photographers position themselves on the crawlerway, in hopes of capturing a unique prelaunch image. Rollback of the pad's rotating service structure, or RSS, is one of the milestones in preparation for the launch of mission STS-117 on June 8. Rollback started at 10:56 p.m. EDT June 7 and was complete at 11:34 p.m. The RSS, the massive structure to the left of the shuttle, provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad. The structure is supported by a rotating bridge that pivots about a vertical axis on the side of the pad's flame trench. The hinge column rests on the pad surface and is braced to the fixed service structure. Support for the outer end of the bridge is provided by two eight-wheel, motor-driven trucks that move along circular twin rails installed flush with the pad surface. The track crosses the flame trench on a permanent bridge. The RSS is 102 feet long, 50 feet wide and 130 feet high. The structure has orbiter access platforms at five levels to provide access to the payload bay while the orbiter is being serviced in the RSS. Each platform has independent extendable planks that can be arranged to conform to a payload's configuration. This mission is the 118th shuttle flight and the 21st U.S. flight to the International Space Station and will deliver and install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-07pd1404

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On a cloudy Florida day, Space Shuttle A...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On a cloudy Florida day, Space Shuttle Atlantis awaits launch atop a mobile launch platform at Launch Pad 39A. At the right of the pad is the 290-foot tall, 300,000-gallon water ta... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  Clouds of smoke and steam roll across Launch Pad 39A as Space Shuttle Atlantis races toward the heavens and its rendezvous with the International Space Station on mission STS-117.  Liftoff was on-time at 7:38:04 p.m. EDT. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the International Space Station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007.   Photo courtesy of Nikon/Scott Andrews KSC-07pd1441

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Clouds of smoke and steam roll across L...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Clouds of smoke and steam roll across Launch Pad 39A as Space Shuttle Atlantis races toward the heavens and its rendezvous with the International Space Station on mission STS-117.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  Smoke and steam billow across Launch Pad 39A as Space Shuttle Atlantis, trailing columns of fire from the solid rocket boosters, hurtles into the sky on mission STS-117 to the International Space Station.  At right is the water tank that provides the deluge over the mobile launcher platform for sound suppression during liftoff.  Liftoff was on-time at 7:38:04 p.m. EDT.The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the International Space Station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007.   Photo courtesy of Nikon/Scott Andrews KSC-07pd1451

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Smoke and steam billow across Launch Pa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Smoke and steam billow across Launch Pad 39A as Space Shuttle Atlantis, trailing columns of fire from the solid rocket boosters, hurtles into the sky on mission STS-117 to the Int... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   In the Launch Control Center, NASA and Kennedy Space Center officials observe proceedings before the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-117 to the International Space Station.  Second from left is KSC Director Bill Parsons.  Second and third from the right are William Gerstenmeier, associate administrator for NASA Space Operations Mission, and Wayne Hale, shuttle program manager,  Liftoff from Launch Pad 39A was on-time at 7:38:04 p.m. EDT. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the International Space Station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007.   Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd1434

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Launch Control Center, NASA and...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Launch Control Center, NASA and Kennedy Space Center officials observe proceedings before the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-117 to the International Spac... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  The drifting smoke plumes from the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis seem to swirl above the Vehicle Assembly Building (right) and NASA News Center (left) near sunset.  Liftoff of Atlantis on mission STS-117 to the International Space Station from Launch Pad 39A was on-time at 7:38:04 p.m. EDT. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the International Space Station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007.   Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-07pd1452

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The drifting smoke plumes from the laun...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The drifting smoke plumes from the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis seem to swirl above the Vehicle Assembly Building (right) and NASA News Center (left) near sunset. Liftoff of ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the external tank is lowered between the solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform below. After mating, the boosters-tank configuration will be used on space shuttle Atlantis for mission STS-122, which is targeted for launch on Dec. 6.  Photo credit:  Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2877

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NAS...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the external tank is lowered between the solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform below. After mating... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  On the flight deck of space shuttle Atlantis, STS-122 Mission Specialist Stanley Love looks at cables and controls.  The STS-122 mission to the International Space Station is scheduled to launch at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7 with a crew of seven.  Atlantis will carry the Columbus Laboratory, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the station.  Columbus will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to the Harmony module to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications.    Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0165

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the flight deck of space shuttle Atl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the flight deck of space shuttle Atlantis, STS-122 Mission Specialist Stanley Love looks at cables and controls. The STS-122 mission to the International Space Station is sche... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  With smoke and steam billowing across Launch Pad 39A, space shuttle Atlantis trails a column of fire as it races into the sky on mission STS-122. Liftoff was on time at 2:45 p.m. EST. This is the third launch attempt for Atlantis since December 2007 to carry the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory to the International Space Station.  During the 11-day mission, the crew's prime objective is to attach the laboratory to the Harmony module, adding to the station's size and capabilities.   Photo credit: NASA/NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray KSC-08pp0294

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With smoke and steam billowing across L...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With smoke and steam billowing across Launch Pad 39A, space shuttle Atlantis trails a column of fire as it races into the sky on mission STS-122. Liftoff was on time at 2:45 p.m. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis stands ready in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center for the pending rollout to Launch Pad 39A. Visible at right behind Atlantis is the external fuel tank. The Sept. 2 rollout date was postponed due to Tropical Storm Hanna’s shift to a northern track.  Managers are closely following Hanna to determine when would be the best time this week to move space shuttle Atlantis to its launch pad. The tentative rollout time is 10 a.m. Sept. 4, depending on the track Hanna follows along the Florida coast. Atlantis is scheduled to launch on the STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope.  Launch is targeted for Oct. 8.   Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd2527

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis stands ready in the Vehi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis stands ready in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center for the pending rollout to Launch Pad 39A. Visible at right behind Atlantis is the exte... More

S125E006456 - STS-125 - Panel AW82B in the Atlantis (OV-104) Airlock

S125E006456 - STS-125 - Panel AW82B in the Atlantis (OV-104) Airlock

The original finding aid described this as: Description: Overall view of Panel AW82B in the airlock of the space shuttle Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle 104 (OV-104). Subject Terms: STS-125, Air Locks, Valves, Pane... More

S125E007045 - STS-125 - Caddy in the Atlantis (OV-104) Airlock

S125E007045 - STS-125 - Caddy in the Atlantis (OV-104) Airlock

The original finding aid described this as: Description: View of an equipment caddy in the airlock of the space shuttle Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle 104 (OV-104). Subject Terms: STS-125, Tools Date Taken: 5/13/... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians inspect window #8 which was removed from the top of space shuttle Atlantis' crew module.     Inspection and maintenance of the crew module windows is standard procedure between shuttle missions.  Atlantis is next slated to deliver an Integrated Cargo Carrier and Russian-built Mini Research Module to the International Space Station on the STS-132 mission.  The second in a series of new pressurized components for Russia, the module will be permanently attached to the Zarya module. Three spacewalks are planned to store spare components outside the station, including six spare batteries, a boom assembly for the Ku-band antenna and spares for the Canadian Dextre robotic arm extension. A radiator, airlock and European robotic arm for the Russian Multi-purpose Laboratory Module also are payloads on the flight.  Launch is targeted for May 14.  Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2010-1199

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, United Space Alliance technicians inspect window #8 which was removed from the top of space shuttle Atlantis' c... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians ensure that the opening on top of space shuttle Atlantis' crew module for window #8 is ready for installation of the window.     Inspection and maintenance of the crew module windows is standard procedure between shuttle missions.  Atlantis is next slated to deliver an Integrated Cargo Carrier and Russian-built Mini Research Module to the International Space Station on the STS-132 mission.  The second in a series of new pressurized components for Russia, the module will be permanently attached to the Zarya module. Three spacewalks are planned to store spare components outside the station, including six spare batteries, a boom assembly for the Ku-band antenna and spares for the Canadian Dextre robotic arm extension. A radiator, airlock and European robotic arm for the Russian Multi-purpose Laboratory Module also are payloads on the flight.  Launch is targeted for May 14.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2010-1230

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, United Space Alliance technicians ensure that the opening on top of space shuttle Atlantis' crew module for win... More

STS-135 Launch Day. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

STS-135 Launch Day. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

The STS-135 crew; Chris Ferguson, commander; Doug Hurley, pilot; Rex Walheim and Sandy Magnus, both mission specialists are seen before boarding space shuttle Atlantis at launch pad 39A prior to launch, Friday,... More

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Landing

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Landing

NASA and contractor personnel work to secure the tow bar onto the space shuttle Atlantis at the Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) shortly after Atlantis (STS-135) landed early Thursday morning... More

Space Shuttle Atlantis, Space Shuttle Atlantis Move

Space Shuttle Atlantis, Space Shuttle Atlantis Move

William Moore, COO, KSC VC, DNC Parks & Recreation, speaks at the signing ceremony, for space shuttle Atlantis, background, Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 mile... More

Space Shuttle Atlantis, Space Shuttle Atlantis Move

Space Shuttle Atlantis, Space Shuttle Atlantis Move

Kennedy Space Center Director Robert Cabana speaks at the signing ceremony for space shuttle Atlantis, background, Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault checks out the cockpit of the orbiter Atlantis, the vehicle for the mission.  He and other crew members are at KSC to take part in a Crew Equipment Interface Test that allows them opportunities to become familiar with equipment and hardware for their mission. STS-117 will deliver the S3/S4 and another pair of solar arrays to the space station.  The 21st shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-117 is scheduled to launch no earlier than March 16.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2832

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault checks out the cockpit of the orbiter Atlantis, the vehicle for the mission. He and other crew members are at KSC... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  Various vehicles escort space shuttle Atlantis as it crawls toward Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.  The shuttle stack, with solid rocket boosters and external fuel tank attached to Atlantis, rest on the mobile launcher platform.  Movement is provided by the crawler-transporter underneath.  First motion occurred at 9:19 a.m. EDT. The Sept. 2 rollout date was postponed due to Tropical Storm Hanna’s shift to a northern track. Atlantis is scheduled to launch on the STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope.  Launch is targeted for Oct. 8.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2540

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Various vehicles escort space shuttle Atlantis...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Various vehicles escort space shuttle Atlantis as it crawls toward Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The shuttle stack, with solid rocket boosters and external fuel tank at... More

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Landing

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Landing

NASA Kennedy Space center Director Robert Cabana stops to have his photograph made by a colleague at the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) shortly after the space shuttle Atlantis (STS-135) landed early Thursday m... More

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Landing

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Landing

The STS-135 astronauts, from left, Mission Specialists Rex Walheim, Sandy Magnus, Pilot Doug Hurley and Commander Chris Ferguson all pose for photographers shortly after they touched down in the space shuttle A... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  - In high bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, Atlantis' external tank and solid rocket boosters are ready on the mobile launcher platform for mating with the orbiter Atlantis, being lowered by a crane.   After the stacking, Atlantis will undergo a shuttle interface test and other prelaunch processing.  Atlantis' launch window begins Aug. 28. During its 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the STS-115 crew of six astronauts will continue construction of the station and install their cargo, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays.  Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-06pd1664

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In high bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Bu...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In high bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, Atlantis' external tank and solid rocket boosters are ready on the mobile launcher platform for mating with the orbiter Atlantis, be... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -   In the early morning light, photographers maneuver for the best position to capture Space Shuttle Atlantis as it rolls toward Launch Pad 39B.  First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was 1:05 a.m.  The shuttle sits on top of the mobile launcher platform, which in turn rests on the crawler-transporter.   The slow speed of the crawler results in a 6-hour trek to the pad approximately 4 miles away.  Atlantis' launch window begins Aug. 27 for an 11-day mission to the International Space Station. The STS-115 crew of six astronauts will continue construction of the station and install their cargo, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays.   Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-06pd1707

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the early morning light, photographe...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the early morning light, photographers maneuver for the best position to capture Space Shuttle Atlantis as it rolls toward Launch Pad 39B. First motion out of the Vehicle Asse... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -   Silhouetted against the rising sun, Space Shuttle Atlantis rolls toward Launch Pad 39B.  First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was 1:05 a.m.  The shuttle sits on top of the mobile launcher platform, which in turn rests on the crawler-transporter.  The slow speed of the crawler results in a 6-hour trek to the pad approximately 4 miles away.  Atlantis' launch window begins Aug. 27 for an 11-day mission to the International Space Station. The STS-115 crew of six astronauts will continue construction of the station and install their cargo, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays.   Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd1712

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Silhouetted against the rising sun, Spa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Silhouetted against the rising sun, Space Shuttle Atlantis rolls toward Launch Pad 39B. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was 1:05 a.m. The shuttle sits on top o... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-117 Mission Specialist Steven Swanson looks under the protective wrapping at the S3/S4 starboard integrated truss segment that is part of the payload on the mission.   He and other crew members are at KSC to take part in a Crew Equipment Interface Test that allows them opportunities to become familiar with equipment and hardware for their mission. STS-117 will deliver the S3/S4 and another pair of solar arrays to the space station.  The 21st shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-117 is scheduled to launch no earlier than March 16.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2823

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-117 Mission Specialist Steven Swanson looks under the protective wrapping at the S3/S4 starboard integrated truss segment that is part... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-117 Mission Specialist James Reilly practices photographing the orbiter Atlantis with a camera to be used on the mission.   He and other crew members are at KSC to take part in a Crew Equipment Interface Test that allows them opportunities to become familiar with equipment and hardware for their mission. STS-117 will deliver the S3/S4 and another pair of solar arrays to the space station.  The 21st shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-117 is scheduled to launch no earlier than March 16.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2835

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-117 Mission Specialist James Reilly practices photographing the orbiter Atlantis with a camera to be used on the mission. He and other cr... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-117 Mission Specialist John (Danny) Olivas  (right) again practices photographing the orbiter Atlantis with a camera he will use on the mission.  At left is Mission Specialist James Reilly.  They and other crew members are at KSC to take part in a Crew Equipment Interface Test that allows them opportunities to become familiar with equipment and hardware for their mission. STS-117 will deliver the S3/S4 and another pair of solar arrays to the space station.  The 21st shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-117 is scheduled to launch no earlier than March 16.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2845

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-117 Mission Specialist John (Danny) Olivas (right) again practices photographing the orbiter Atlantis with a camera he will use on the mis... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   The overhead sling lowers the orbiter Atlantis in front of the external tank and solid rocket boosters stacked on the mobile launcher platform (MLP) below.  Atlantis will be mated to the MLP as well.  Space Shuttle Atlantis is targeted to roll out to Launch Pad 39A on February 14 for mission STS-117. The mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station and construction flight 13A. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-07pd0335

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The overhead sling lowers the orbiter ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The overhead sling lowers the orbiter Atlantis in front of the external tank and solid rocket boosters stacked on the mobile launcher platform (MLP) below. Atlantis will be mate... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  Space Shuttle Atlantis is barely visible above the column of fire and smoke as it soars into the sky after launching on mission STS-117.  Liftoff from Launch Pad 39A was on-time at 7:38:04 p.m. EDT. At right is the viewing area on top of the buildings used by the Florida Today newspaper at the NASA News Center. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the International Space Station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007.   Photo courtesy of Nikon/Scott Andrews KSC-07pd1440

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis is barely visibl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis is barely visible above the column of fire and smoke as it soars into the sky after launching on mission STS-117. Liftoff from Launch Pad 39A was on-time a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the upper levels of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Space shuttle Atlantis is moved laterally into high bay 3.  The external tank and solid rocket boosters can be seen below where they are already secured atop the mobile launcher platform.  On this mission, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The module is approximately 23 feet long and 15 feet wide, allowing it to hold 10 large racks of experiments. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences. Mission STS-122 is targeted for launch on Dec. 6.  Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3096

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the upper levels of the Vehicle Assem...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the upper levels of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Space shuttle Atlantis is moved laterally into high bay 3. The external tank and solid rocket ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Shadows spill across space shuttle Atlantis, still poised on the pad after its launch on mission STS-122 was postponed Thursday.  It sits atop the mobile launcher platform. Shuttle program managers decided at 9:56 a.m. to postpone the launch because of an issue with a fuel cut-off sensor system inside the external fuel tank. This is one of several systems that protect the shuttle's main engines by triggering their shut down if fuel runs unexpectedly low. During countdown activities this morning, two sensors failed a routine prelaunch check. There are four engine cut-off, or ECO, sensors inside the liquid hydrogen section of the tank, and Launch Commit Criteria require three of the four sensor systems to be functioning properly. The tank's liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen was drained from the tank, and preparations will begin for a possible launch attempt Friday. NASA's launch rules have a preplanned procedure that states in the case of ECO sensor system failure, engineers need to drain the tank and verify all the sensors are working as they go dry. Atlantis carries the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the construction of the space station.  When permanently attached to Node 2, the laboratory will carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as perform a number of technological applications, in a microgravity environment.  Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3581

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Shadows spill across space shuttle Atlan...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Shadows spill across space shuttle Atlantis, still poised on the pad after its launch on mission STS-122 was postponed Thursday. It sits atop the mobile launcher platform. Shuttle... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  Space shuttle Atlantis is revealed on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after the rotating service structure, or RSS, at left of the pad was rolled back. Rollback was complete at 9:49 p.m. EST. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for crew entry and servicing of payloads at the pad. Beneath the shuttle is the mobile launcher platform which supports the shuttle until liftoff.  Rollback of the pad's RSS is one of the milestones in preparation for the launch of mission STS-122.  Launch was originally set for Dec. 6 but was rescheduled to 3:21 p.m. Dec. 9.  The delay was caused by problems with the external tank's engine cutoff sensor system that arose during tanking on Dec. 6.   Atlantis will carry the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment.  Permanently attached to the Harmony node of the space station, the laboratory will carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as perform a number of technological applications.  Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-07pd3595

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis is revealed on L...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis is revealed on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after the rotating service structure, or RSS, at left of the pad was rolled back. Rollback was ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  LeRoy Cain, the Mission Management Team chairman, participates in a news briefing following the conclusion of a team meeting. The meeting followed the morning's launch scrub caused by problems experienced with the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 external tank's engine cutoff sensor system during tanking for the second launch attempt.  An announcement was made during the briefing that the STS-122 launch is postponed to no earlier than Jan. 2, 2008, to give the team time to resolve the system's problems.  Atlantis will carry the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment.  Permanently attached to the Harmony node of the space station, the laboratory will carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as perform a number of technological applications.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3598

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- LeRoy Cain, the Mission Management Team...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- LeRoy Cain, the Mission Management Team chairman, participates in a news briefing following the conclusion of a team meeting. The meeting followed the morning's launch scrub cause... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  Against a backdrop of clouds, space shuttle Atlantis hurtles into the sky atop a column of fire and smoke on the STS-122 mission.  Liftoff was on time at 2:45 p.m. EST.   This is the third launch attempt for Atlantis since December 2007 to carry the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory to the International Space Station.  During the 11-day mission, the crew's prime objective is to attach the laboratory to the Harmony module, adding to the station's size and capabilities.   Photo credit: NASA/Fletch Hildreth KSC-08pd0328

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Against a backdrop of clouds, space shu...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Against a backdrop of clouds, space shuttle Atlantis hurtles into the sky atop a column of fire and smoke on the STS-122 mission. Liftoff was on time at 2:45 p.m. EST. This is ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  From the Shuttle Landing Facility runway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Atlantis is towed toward the Orbiter Processing Facility, or OPF, where processing Atlantis for another flight will take place. Towing normally begins within four hours after landing and is completed within six hours unless removal of time-sensitive experiments is required on the runway. In the OPF, turnaround processing procedures on Atlantis will include various post-flight deservicing and maintenance functions, which are carried out in parallel with payload removal and the installation of equipment needed for the next mission.  After a round trip of nearly 5.3 million miles, Atlantis and crew returned to Earth with a landing at 9:07 a.m. EST to complete the STS-122 mission.   Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd0429

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the Shuttle Landing Facility runwa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the Shuttle Landing Facility runway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Atlantis is towed toward the Orbiter Processing Facility, or OPF, where processing Atlantis ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   The crawlerway stretches toward the horizon as viewed from inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.  Space shuttle Atlantis nears the bend in the crawlerway to take it to  Launch Pad 39A.  The shuttle stack, with solid rocket boosters and external fuel tank attached to Atlantis, rest on the mobile launcher platform.  Movement is provided by the crawler-transporter underneath.  First motion occurred at 9:19 a.m. EDT. The Sept. 2 rollout date was postponed due to Tropical Storm Hanna’s shift to a northern track. Atlantis is scheduled to launch on the STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope.  Launch is targeted for Oct. 8.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2538

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The crawlerway stretches toward the horizon a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The crawlerway stretches toward the horizon as viewed from inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Space shuttle Atlantis nears the bend in the crawlerway ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis appears to float above the trees on its 3.4-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A, in the background at right.  In reality, the shuttle is secured to its mobile launcher platform for the move, known as rollout, and is being carried by a crawler-transporter. First motion was at 6:38 a.m. EDT Oct. 14.  Rollout is expected to take about six hours.    Liftoff of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is targeted for Nov. 12. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-5428

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 Atlantis appears to float above the trees on its 3.4-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A, in the backgr... More

STS-129 Shuttle Atlantis On Pad 39a

STS-129 Shuttle Atlantis On Pad 39a

The space shuttle Atlantis is seen on launch pad 39a of the NASA Kennedy Space Center shortly after the rotating service structure was rolled back, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009, Cape Canaveral, FL. Atlantis is schedu... More

STS-129 Shuttle Atlantis Launch

STS-129 Shuttle Atlantis Launch

Guests at NASA's Kennedy Space Center view the launch of space shuttle Atlantis in Cape Canaveral, Fla., on Monday, Nov. 16, 2009. Space shuttle Atlantis and its six-member crew began the 11-day STS-129 missio... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a United Space Alliance technician, lying prone on a work platform, prepares to remove window #8 from the top of the crew module of space shuttle Atlantis.    Inspection and maintenance of the crew module windows is standard procedure between shuttle missions.  Atlantis is next slated to deliver an Integrated Cargo Carrier and Russian-built Mini Research Module to the International Space Station on the STS-132 mission.  The second in a series of new pressurized components for Russia, the module will be permanently attached to the Zarya module. Three spacewalks are planned to store spare components outside the station, including six spare batteries, a boom assembly for the Ku-band antenna and spares for the Canadian Dextre robotic arm extension. A radiator, airlock and European robotic arm for the Russian Multi-purpose Laboratory Module also are payloads on the flight.  Launch is targeted for May 14.  Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2010-1079

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, a United Space Alliance technician, lying prone on a work platform, prepares to remove window #8 from the top o... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, window #8, removed from the top of space shuttle Atlantis' crew module, is carefully inspected by United Space Alliance technicians.     Inspection and maintenance of the crew module windows is standard procedure between shuttle missions.  Atlantis is next slated to deliver an Integrated Cargo Carrier and Russian-built Mini Research Module to the International Space Station on the STS-132 mission.  The second in a series of new pressurized components for Russia, the module will be permanently attached to the Zarya module. Three spacewalks are planned to store spare components outside the station, including six spare batteries, a boom assembly for the Ku-band antenna and spares for the Canadian Dextre robotic arm extension. A radiator, airlock and European robotic arm for the Russian Multi-purpose Laboratory Module also are payloads on the flight.  Launch is targeted for May 14.  Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2010-1201

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, window #8, removed from the top of space shuttle Atlantis' crew module, is carefully inspected by United Space ... More

Space shuttle Space Shuttle Placement Announcement

Space shuttle Space Shuttle Placement Announcement

A video highlighting the 30 years of space flight and more than 130 missions of the space shuttle transportation system is shown at an event where NASA Administrator Charles Bolden announced where the four spac... More

Space shuttle Space Shuttle Placement Announcement

Space shuttle Space Shuttle Placement Announcement

NASA Johnson Space Center Director of Flight Crew Operations, and Astronaut, Janet Kavandi speaks at an event where NASA Administrator Charles Bolden announced where four space shuttle orbiters will be permanen... More

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Prelaunch

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Prelaunch

The space shuttle Atlantis is seen shortly after the rotating service structure (RSS) was rolled back at launch pad 39a, Thursday, July 7, 2011 at the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Atlantis... More

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Prelaunch

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Prelaunch

The space shuttle Atlantis is revealed as the rotating service structure (RSS) is rolled back at launch pad 39a on Thursday, July 7, 2011 at the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Atlantis is se... More

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Launch

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Launch

Space shuttle Atlantis is seen as it launches from pad 39A on Friday, July 8, 2011, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The launch of Atlantis, STS-135, is the final flight of the shuttle pro... More

STS-135 Launch Day. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

STS-135 Launch Day. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

The STS-135 crew; Chris Ferguson, commander; Doug Hurley, pilot; Rex Walheim and Sandy Magnus, both mission specialists are seen before boarding space shuttle Atlantis at launch pad 39A prior to launch, Friday,... More

Space Shuttle Atlantis, Space Shuttle Atlantis Move

Space Shuttle Atlantis, Space Shuttle Atlantis Move

Space shuttle Atlantis is seen during its trip to its new home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, early Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The spacecraft traveled 125,935,769 miles during ... More

STS-135 Wheels Stop Event. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

STS-135 Wheels Stop Event. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space cen...

NASA employees and contractors crowd together to get a glimpse of space shuttle Atlantis (STS-135) as it rolls toward the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) at a wheels stop event, Thursday, July 21, 2011, at NA... More

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Landing

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Landing

NASA and contractor personnel work on the space shuttle Atlantis at the Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) shortly after Atlantis (STS-135) landed early Thursday morning, July 21, 2011, in Cape... More

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Landing

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Landing

NASA and contractor personnel are photographed under the wing of the space shuttle Atlantis at the Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) shortly after Atlantis (STS-135) landed early Thursday morn... More

STS-37 Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104, lifts off from KSC LC Pad

STS-37 Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104, lifts off from KSC LC Pad

STS-37 Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104, lifts off from Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Launch Complex (LC) Pad at 9:22:45:0439 (Eastern Standard Time (EST)). OV-104, atop its external tank (ET) and flanked by its... More

STS-45 Atlantis, OV-104, lifts off from KSC Launch Complex (LC) Pad

STS-45 Atlantis, OV-104, lifts off from KSC Launch Complex (LC) Pad

STS-45 Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104, lifts off from a Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Launch Complex (LC) Pad at 8:13:40:048 am (Eastern Standard Time (EST)). Exhaust billows out the solid rocket boosters (SRB... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  - A worker in the payload changeout room on Launch Pad 39B starts to open the payload canister containing the Port 3/4 truss segment for mission STS-115.  The payload will be removed from the canister and later installed in Space Shuttle Atlantis' payload bay. Atlantis' launch window begins Aug. 28. During its 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the STS-115 crew of six astronauts will install the truss, a 17-ton segment of the space station's truss backbone. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd1678

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A worker in the payload changeout room o...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A worker in the payload changeout room on Launch Pad 39B starts to open the payload canister containing the Port 3/4 truss segment for mission STS-115. The payload will be removed... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  Sitting on top of the mobile launcher platform, Space Shuttle Atlantis begins rolling out of the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39B via the crawler-transporter underneath.   First motion was at 1:05 a.m.  The slow speed of the crawler results in a 6-hour trek to the pad approximately 4 miles away.  Atlantis' launch window begins Aug. 27 for an 11-day mission to the International Space Station. The STS-115 crew of six astronauts will continue construction of the station and install their cargo, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays.   Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-06pd1701

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Sitting on top of the mobile launcher pl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Sitting on top of the mobile launcher platform, Space Shuttle Atlantis begins rolling out of the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39B via the crawler-transporter underneath.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -   Silhouetted against the rising sun, Space Shuttle Atlantis rolls toward Launch Pad 39B.  First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was 1:05 a.m.  The shuttle sits on top of the mobile launcher platform, which in turn rests on the crawler-transporter.  The slow speed of the crawler results in a 6-hour trek to the pad approximately 4 miles away.  Atlantis' launch window begins Aug. 27 for an 11-day mission to the International Space Station. The STS-115 crew of six astronauts will continue construction of the station and install their cargo, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays.   Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd1711

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Silhouetted against the rising sun, Spa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Silhouetted against the rising sun, Space Shuttle Atlantis rolls toward Launch Pad 39B. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was 1:05 a.m. The shuttle sits on top o... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After sunset, Space Shuttle Atlantis is bathed in light from the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B. Seen on either side of Atlantis' engine nozzles are the tail masts, which provide several umbilical connections to the orbiter, including a liquid-oxygen line through one and a liquid-hydrogen line through another. Below the mobile launcher platform, on which Atlantis rests, is the crawler-transporter beginning to move away from the platform.  The shuttle had been moved off the launch pad due to concerns about the impact of Tropical Storm Ernesto, expected within 24 hours.  The forecast of lesser winds expected from Ernesto and its projected direction convinced Launch Integration Manager LeRoy Cain and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach to return the shuttle to the launch pad.   Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2009

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After sunset, Space Shuttle Atlantis is b...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After sunset, Space Shuttle Atlantis is bathed in light from the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B. Seen on either side of Atlantis' engine nozzles are the tail masts, which... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  After reversing its direction to the Vehicle Assembly Building, Space Shuttle Atlantis nears Launch Pad 39B. The shuttle had been moved off the launch pad due to concerns about the impact of Tropical Storm Ernesto, expected within 24 hours.  The forecast of lesser winds expected from Ernesto and its projected direction convinced Launch Integration Manager LeRoy Cain and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach to return the shuttle to the launch pad.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1998

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After reversing its direction to the Veh...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After reversing its direction to the Vehicle Assembly Building, Space Shuttle Atlantis nears Launch Pad 39B. The shuttle had been moved off the launch pad due to concerns about the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A late-day sun spotlights Space Shuttle Atlantis as it rolls up the ramp to Launch Pad 39B atop the crawler-transporter.   The crawler has a leveling system designed to keep the top of the space shuttle vertical while negotiating the 5-percent grade leading to the top of the launch pad. Also, a laser docking system provides almost pinpoint accuracy when the crawler and mobile launcher platform are positioned at the launch pad.  At left are the open rotating service structure and the fixed service structure topped by the 80-foot lightning mast. The shuttle had been moved off the launch pad due to concerns about the impact of Tropical Storm Ernesto, expected within 24 hours.  The forecast of lesser winds expected from Ernesto and its projected direction convinced Launch Integration Manager LeRoy Cain and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach to return the shuttle to the launch pad.   Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2003

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A late-day sun spotlights Space Shuttle A...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A late-day sun spotlights Space Shuttle Atlantis as it rolls up the ramp to Launch Pad 39B atop the crawler-transporter. The crawler has a leveling system designed to keep the top... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-117 Mission Specialist John (Danny) Olivas practices photographing the orbiter Atlantis with a camera to be used on the mission.  He and other crew members are at KSC to take part in a Crew Equipment Interface Test that allows them opportunities to become familiar with equipment and hardware for their mission. STS-117 will deliver the S3/S4 and another pair of solar arrays to the space station.  The 21st shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-117 is scheduled to launch no earlier than March 16.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2836

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-117 Mission Specialist John (Danny) Olivas practices photographing the orbiter Atlantis with a camera to be used on the mission. He and ot... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault (left) and Mission Specialist James Reilly (right) look over the external airlock in the payload bay of Atlantis.   They and other crew members are at KSC to take part in a Crew Equipment Interface Test that allows them opportunities to become familiar with equipment and hardware for their mission. STS-117 will deliver the S3/S4 and another pair of solar arrays to the space station.  The 21st shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-117 is scheduled to launch no earlier than March 16.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2837

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault (left) and Mission Specialist James Reilly (right) look over the external airlock in the payload bay of Atlantis.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  The orbiter Atlantis is suspended vertically above the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building.  It will be lifted up into high bay 1 and lowered onto the mobile launcher platform where the external tank and solid rocket boosters are already stacked.  Space Shuttle Atlantis is targeted to roll out to Launch Pad 39A on February 14 for mission STS-117. The mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station and construction flight 13A. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-07pd0329

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Atlantis is suspended verti...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Atlantis is suspended vertically above the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. It will be lifted up into high bay 1 and lowered onto the mobile launcher ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  Columns of fire flow from the solid rocket boosters launching Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-117 while masses of smoke and steam billow across Launch Pad 39A.   Atlantis passes the fixed service structure at left, topped by the 80-foot-tall lightning mast.  Liftoff was on-time at 7:38:04 p.m. EDT. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the International Space Station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007.   Photo courtesy of Nikon/Scott Andrews KSC-07pd1449

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Columns of fire flow from the solid roc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Columns of fire flow from the solid rocket boosters launching Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-117 while masses of smoke and steam billow across Launch Pad 39A. Atlantis pa... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  Twin columns of fire rocket the Space Shuttle Atlantis into the sky above Kennedy Space Center.  Liftoff of Atlantis on mission STS-117 to the International Space Station from Launch Pad 39A was on-time at 7:38:04 p.m. EDT. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the International Space Station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007.   Photo credit: NASA/Chris Lynch KSC-07pd1454

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Twin columns of fire rocket the Space S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Twin columns of fire rocket the Space Shuttle Atlantis into the sky above Kennedy Space Center. Liftoff of Atlantis on mission STS-117 to the International Space Station from Lau... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the external tank is lowered between the solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform below. After mating, the boosters-tank configuration will be used on space shuttle Atlantis for mission STS-122, which is targeted for launch on Dec. 6.  Photo credit:  Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2880

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NAS...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the external tank is lowered between the solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform below. After mating... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In high bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Atlantis is lowered alongside the external tank and solid rocket boosters waiting below, already secured atop the mobile launcher platform.  On this mission, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The module is approximately 23 feet long and 15 feet wide, allowing it to hold 10 large racks of experiments. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences. Mission STS-122 is targeted for launch on Dec. 6.  Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3101

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In high bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Bu...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In high bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Atlantis is lowered alongside the external tank and solid rocket boosters waiting below... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  Doug Lyons, STS-122 launch director, participates in a news briefing following the conclusion of a Mission Management Team, or MMT, meeting. The meeting followed the morning's launch scrub of the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 mission caused by problems experienced with the external tank's engine cutoff sensor system during tanking for the second launch attempt.  An announcement was made during the briefing that the STS-122 launch is postponed to no earlier than Jan. 2, 2008, to give the team time to resolve the system's problems.  Atlantis will carry the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment.  Permanently attached to the Harmony node of the space station, the laboratory will carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as perform a number of technological applications.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3599

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Doug Lyons, STS-122 launch director, pa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Doug Lyons, STS-122 launch director, participates in a news briefing following the conclusion of a Mission Management Team, or MMT, meeting. The meeting followed the morning's lau... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  Space shuttle Atlantis begins its climb into the sky after liftoff on mission STS-122, which occurred on time at 2:45 p.m. EST, from Launch Pad 39A.  Seen below the tail and the main engines is the flood of water over the mobile launcher platform that helps with sound suppression. This is the third launch attempt for Atlantis since December 2007 to carry the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory to the International Space Station.  During the 11-day mission, the crew's prime objective is to attach the laboratory to the Harmony module, adding to the station's size and capabilities.   Photo credit: NASA/Scott Haun, Richard Prickett KSC-08pp0286

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis begins its climb...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis begins its climb into the sky after liftoff on mission STS-122, which occurred on time at 2:45 p.m. EST, from Launch Pad 39A. Seen below the tail and the m... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  On the Shuttle Landing Facility runway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center,  a tractor tow vehicle is backed up to space shuttle Atlantis for towing to the Orbiter Processing Facility, or OPF, where processing Atlantis for another flight will take place. Towing normally begins within four hours after landing and is completed within six hours unless removal of time-sensitive experiments is required on the runway. In the OPF, turnaround processing procedures on Atlantis will include various post-flight deservicing and maintenance functions, which are carried out in parallel with payload removal and the installation of equipment needed for the next mission.  After a round trip of nearly 5.3 million miles, Atlantis and crew returned to Earth with a landing at 9:07 a.m. EST to complete the STS-122 mission.   Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd0423

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the Shuttle Landing Facility runway ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the Shuttle Landing Facility runway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a tractor tow vehicle is backed up to space shuttle Atlantis for towing to the Orbiter Processing Facility,... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   The American flag flies on the NASA News Center grounds at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, giving witness to the passage of space shuttle Atlantis as it rolls out to Launch Pad 39A.  The shuttle stack, with solid rocket boosters and external fuel tank attached to Atlantis, rest on the mobile launcher platform.  Movement is provided by the crawler-transporter underneath.  First motion occurred at 9:19 a.m. EDT. The Sept. 2 rollout date was postponed due to Tropical Storm Hanna’s shift to a northern track. Atlantis is scheduled to launch on the STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope.  Launch is targeted for Oct. 8.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2537

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The American flag flies on the NASA News Cent...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The American flag flies on the NASA News Center grounds at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, giving witness to the passage of space shuttle Atlantis as it rolls out to Launch Pad 39A. The s... More

S125E007050 - STS-125 - Caddy in the Atlantis (OV-104) Airlock

S125E007050 - STS-125 - Caddy in the Atlantis (OV-104) Airlock

The original finding aid described this as: Description: View of an equipment caddy in the airlock of the space shuttle Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle 104 (OV-104). Subject Terms: STS-125, Tools Date Taken: 5/13/... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter slowly rolls space shuttle Atlantis out of High Bay 1. First motion out of the bay was at 6:38 a.m. EDT Oct. 14. The 3.4-mile trip, known as rollout, is expected to take about six hours.    Liftoff of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is targeted for Nov. 12. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-5417

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter slowly rolls space shuttle Atlantis out of High Bay 1. First motion out of the bay was at... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a United Space Alliance technician, lying on a work platform, does his part in the removal of window #8 from the top of the crew module of space shuttle Atlantis.    Inspection and maintenance of the crew module windows is standard procedure between shuttle missions.  Atlantis is next slated to deliver an Integrated Cargo Carrier and Russian-built Mini Research Module to the International Space Station on the STS-132 mission.  The second in a series of new pressurized components for Russia, the module will be permanently attached to the Zarya module. Three spacewalks are planned to store spare components outside the station, including six spare batteries, a boom assembly for the Ku-band antenna and spares for the Canadian Dextre robotic arm extension. A radiator, airlock and European robotic arm for the Russian Multi-purpose Laboratory Module also are payloads on the flight.  Launch is targeted for May 14.  Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2010-1081

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, a United Space Alliance technician, lying on a work platform, does his part in the removal of window #8 from th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a United Space Alliance technician prepares to install window #8 on the top of space shuttle Atlantis' crew module.     Inspection and maintenance of the crew module windows is standard procedure between shuttle missions.  Atlantis is next slated to deliver an Integrated Cargo Carrier and Russian-built Mini Research Module to the International Space Station on the STS-132 mission.  The second in a series of new pressurized components for Russia, the module will be permanently attached to the Zarya module. Three spacewalks are planned to store spare components outside the station, including six spare batteries, a boom assembly for the Ku-band antenna and spares for the Canadian Dextre robotic arm extension. A radiator, airlock and European robotic arm for the Russian Multi-purpose Laboratory Module also are payloads on the flight.  Launch is targeted for May 14.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2010-1228

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, a United Space Alliance technician prepares to install window #8 on the top of space shuttle Atlantis' crew mod... More

Space shuttle Atlantis STS-135 Rollout

Space shuttle Atlantis STS-135 Rollout

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

Space shuttle Atlantis STS-135 Rollout

Space shuttle Atlantis STS-135 Rollout

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

STS-135 Launch Day. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

STS-135 Launch Day. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

Space shuttle Atlantis is seen on launch pad 39a moments after the STS-135 crew arrived for their launch, Friday, July 8, 2011, at the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The launch of Atlantis, S... More

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Landing

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Landing

NASA Astronaut and STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson walks underneath the space shuttle Atlantis shortly after he and the rest of the STS-135 crew landed at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility (... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -   After its overnight rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building, Space Shuttle Atlantis rests on the hard stand on Launch Pad 39B.   The shuttle sits on top of the mobile launcher platform.  The crawler, which transported it, is still underneath.  To the left is the rotating service structure, with the payload changeout room (PCR) open.  When the shuttle's payload is transported to the pad, it will be lifted into the PCR, the service structure will rotate to enclose the shuttle and the payload will be installed in Atlantis' payload bay.  The slow speed of the crawler results in a 6-hour trek to the pad approximately 4 miles away.  Atlantis' launch window begins Aug. 27 for an 11-day mission to the International Space Station. The STS-115 crew of six astronauts will continue construction of the station and install their cargo, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays.   Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-06pd1713

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After its overnight rollout from the Ve...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After its overnight rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building, Space Shuttle Atlantis rests on the hard stand on Launch Pad 39B. The shuttle sits on top of the mobile launcher ... More

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Landing

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Landing

STS-135 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim walks under the space shuttle Atlantis shortly after he and the rest of the STS-135 crew landed at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF), completing a... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis rumbles off Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on the STS-132 mission to the International Space Station at 2:20 p.m. EDT on May 14.      The Russian-built Mini Research Module-1 known as Rassvet, or "dawn," is inside the shuttle's cargo bay. It will provide additional storage space and a new docking port for Russian Soyuz and Progress spacecraft. The laboratory will be attached to the bottom port of the station's Zarya module.  The mission's three spacewalks will focus on storing spare components outside the station, including six batteries, a communications antenna and parts for the Canadian Dextre robotic arm.  STS-132 is the 132nd shuttle flight, the 32nd for Atlantis and the 34th shuttle mission dedicated to station assembly and maintenance. For more information on the STS-132 mission objectives, payload and crew, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts132/index.html. Photo Credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-20103367

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis rumbles off Launch Pad 3...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis rumbles off Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on the STS-132 mission to the International Space Station at 2:20 p.m. EDT on May 14. The ... More

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Landing

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Landing

NASA and contractor personnel work on the space shuttle Atlantis at the Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) shortly after Atlantis (STS-135) landed early Thursday morning, July 21, 2011, in Cape... More

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Landing

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Landing

NASA and contractor personnel work on the space shuttle Atlantis at the Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) shortly after Atlantis (STS-135) landed early Thursday morning, July 21, 2011, in Cape... More

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Landing

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Landing

NASA and contractor personnel work on the space shuttle Atlantis at the Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) shortly after Atlantis (STS-135) landed early Thursday morning, July 21, 2011, in Cape... More

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Landing

Space shuttle STS-135 Atlantis Landing

NASA and contractor personnel work on the space shuttle Atlantis at the Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) shortly after Atlantis (STS-135) landed early Thursday morning, July 21, 2011, in Cape... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  - Shortly after midnight, the payload canister makes a slow journey to Launch Pad 39B.  Inside the canister is the payload for Atlantis and mission STS-115, the Port 3/4 truss segment with two large solar arrays.  The payload changeout room provides an environmentally clean or "white room" condition in which to receive a payload transferred from a protective payload canister. After the shuttle arrives at the pad, the rotating service structure will close around it and the payload will then be transferred into Atlantis' payload bay.  Atlantis' launch window begins Aug. 28. During its 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the STS-115 crew of six astronauts will install  the truss, a 17-ton segment of the space station's truss backbone.  Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd1670

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shortly after midnight, the payload cani...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shortly after midnight, the payload canister makes a slow journey to Launch Pad 39B. Inside the canister is the payload for Atlantis and mission STS-115, the Port 3/4 truss segmen... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -   In the bright light of day, Space Shuttle Atlantis nears the hard stand on Launch Pad 39B.  First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was 1:05 a.m.  The shuttle sits on top of the mobile launcher platform, which in turn rests on the crawler-transporter.  At right is the 290-foot high, 300,000- gallon water tank that aids in sound suppression during launch. The water releases just prior to the ignition of the shuttle engines and flows through 7-foot-diameter pipes for about 20 seconds, pouring into 16 nozzles atop the flame deflectors and from outlets in the main engines exhaust hole in the mobile launcher platform.  The slow speed of the crawler results in a 6-hour trek to the pad approximately 4 miles away.  Atlantis' launch window begins Aug. 27 for an 11-day mission to the International Space Station. The STS-115 crew of six astronauts will continue construction of the station and install their cargo, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays.   Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-06pd1710

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the bright light of day, Space Shutt...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the bright light of day, Space Shuttle Atlantis nears the hard stand on Launch Pad 39B. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was 1:05 a.m. The shuttle sits on to... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -    The tracks of the crawler-transporter are visible on the crawlerway (foreground) leading to Launch Pad 39B after the 4-mile journey of Space Shuttle Atlantis, which sits on the pad.  At right is the 290-foot high, 300,000- gallon water tank that aids in sound suppression during launch. The water releases just prior to the ignition of the shuttle engines and flows through 7-foot-diameter pipes for about 20 seconds, pouring into 16 nozzles atop the flame deflectors and from outlets in the main engines exhaust hole in the mobile launcher platform.   The slow speed of the crawler results in a 6-hour trek to the pad approximately 4 miles away.  Atlantis' launch window begins Aug. 27 for an 11-day mission to the International Space Station. The STS-115 crew of six astronauts will continue construction of the station and install their cargo, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays.   Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-06pd1716

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The tracks of the crawler-transporter ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The tracks of the crawler-transporter are visible on the crawlerway (foreground) leading to Launch Pad 39B after the 4-mile journey of Space Shuttle Atlantis, which sits on the p... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -    Reflected in the nearby pool of water, Space Shuttle Atlantis arrives on the hard stand on Launch Pad 39B, propelled by the crawler-transporter.  At right is the 290-foot high, 300,000-gallon water tank that aids in sound suppression during launch. The water releases just prior to the ignition of the shuttle engines and flows through 7-foot-diameter pipes for about 20 seconds, pouring into 16 nozzles atop the flame deflectors and from outlets in the main engines exhaust hole in the mobile launcher platform. Atop the fixed service structure is the 80-foot lightning mast that helps provide lightning protection. The slow speed of the crawler results in a 6- to 8-hour trek to the pad approximately 4 miles away.  Atlantis' launch window begins Aug. 27 for an 11-day mission to the International Space Station. The STS-115 crew of six astronauts will continue construction of the station and install their cargo, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays.   Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray KSC-06pd1718

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Reflected in the nearby pool of water,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Reflected in the nearby pool of water, Space Shuttle Atlantis arrives on the hard stand on Launch Pad 39B, propelled by the crawler-transporter. At right is the 290-foot high, 3... More

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