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Space shuttle STS-127 - LAUNCH - Public domain NASA photogrpaph

Space shuttle STS-127 - LAUNCH - Public domain NASA photogrpaph

Description: SEQUENTIAL STILL COVERAGE OF LIFTOFF. FRAME VEHICLE AND LAUNCHER PLUS ONE VEHICLE LENGTH. Item: DD083-39A Date Taken: 7/15/2009 Image Type: DIGITAL STILLS STS127 LAUNCH AND LANDING

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello is lifted from its stand in the Space Station Processing Facility to move to another work stand.  Raffaello is the second MPLM built by the Italian Space Agency, serving as a reusable logistics carrier and primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment.  It is being moved to allow the third MPLM, Donatello, to be brought in for routine testing.  Donatello has been stored in the Operations and Checkout Building.  This is the first time all three MPLMs are in the SSPF; the other one is the Leonardo.  Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffae...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello is lifted from its stand in the Space Station Processing Facility to move to another work stand. Raffaello is the second MPLM built by ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A worker on the floor watches as the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello moves toward another work stand in the Space Station Processing Facility.  Raffaello is the second MPLM built by the Italian Space Agency, serving as a reusable logistics carrier and primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment.  It has been moved across the floor to allow the third MPLM, Donatello, to be brought in for routine testing.  Donatello has been stored in the Operations and Checkout Building.  This is the first time all three MPLMs are in the SSPF; the other one is the Leonardo.  Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A worker on the floor watches as the Mult...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A worker on the floor watches as the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello moves toward another work stand in the Space Station Processing Facility. Raffaello is the second MPLM... More

S129E010229 - STS-129 - Earth Observation taken by the STS-129 Crew

S129E010229 - STS-129 - Earth Observation taken by the STS-129 Crew

The original finding aid described this as: Description: Earth observations taken by the STS-129 crew aboard the space shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: STS-129, Earth Observations (From Space) Date Taken: 11... More

Lockheed JF-104A (AF56-745A Tail No. 60745) Starfighter airplane piloted by Fred Drinkwater  conducted flight testing that demonstrated steep approaches that were ultimately used by the space shuttle.  Steep descent testing, including power-off landing approaches and demonstration of minimum lift-to-drag ratio (L/D) landings came out of the interest in the use of low L/D lifting bodies for recovery to landing from space. Note:  Used in publication in Flight Research at Ames;  57 Years of Development and Validation of Aeronautical Technology NASA SP-1998-3300 fig 93 ARC-1959-A-24953

Lockheed JF-104A (AF56-745A Tail No. 60745) Starfighter airplane pilot...

Lockheed JF-104A (AF56-745A Tail No. 60745) Starfighter airplane piloted by Fred Drinkwater conducted flight testing that demonstrated steep approaches that were ultimately used by the space shuttle. Steep de... More

MS Ivins with hair loose on the AFD

MS Ivins with hair loose on the AFD

STS098-348-015 (7-20 February 2001) --- Astronaut Marsha S. Ivins, STS-98 mission specialist, is photographed on the mid deck of the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Atlantis.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Access platforms at Launch Pad 39A are moved into position against Space Shuttle Discovery atop a mobile launch platform. Discovery arrived at its seaside launch pad around noon and was hard down at 1:15 p.m.  First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 6:47 a.m. EDT.  Rollout is a milestone for Discovery's launch to the International Space Station on mission STS-120, targeted for Oct. 23. The crew will be delivering and installing the Italian-built U.S. Node 2, named Harmony. The pressurized module will act as an internal connecting port and passageway to additional international science labs and cargo spacecraft. In addition to increasing the living and working space inside the station, it also will serve as a work platform outside for the station's robotic arm.   Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd2634

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Access platforms at Launch Pad 39A are m...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Access platforms at Launch Pad 39A are moved into position against Space Shuttle Discovery atop a mobile launch platform. Discovery arrived at its seaside launch pad around noon an... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   Atop twin columns of fire, space shuttle Discovery hurtles past the lightning rod atop the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Smoke and steam from liftoff billow across the pad.  Liftoff was on time at 11:38:19 a.m. EDT.  Discovery carries the Italian-built U.S. Node 2, called Harmony.  During the 14-day STS-120 mission, the crew will install Harmony and move the P6 solar arrays to their permanent position and deploy them. Discovery is expected to complete its mission and return home at 4:47 a.m. EST on Nov. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray & Robert Murray KSC-07pd2966

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Atop twin columns of fire, space shutt...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Atop twin columns of fire, space shuttle Discovery hurtles past the lightning rod atop the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Smoke and ste... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first free flight of the Project Morpheus prototype lander was conducted at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Smoke fills the air as the engine fires and the Morpheus lander launched from the ground over a flame trench. During the 54-second test, it ascended approximately 50 feet, and hovered for about 15 seconds. The lander then flew forward and landed on its pad about 23 feet from the launch point. Testing of the prototype lander was performed at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston in preparation for tethered and free flight testing at Kennedy. Project Morpheus integrates NASA’s automated landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, with an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, or green propellants, into a fully-operational lander that could deliver cargo to asteroids and other planetary surfaces.    The landing facility will provide the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2013-4325

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first free flight of the Project Morpheus p...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first free flight of the Project Morpheus prototype lander was conducted at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Smoke fills the air as the engine f... More

Jan Zysko (left) and Rich Mizell (right) test a Personal Cabin Pressure Altitude Monitor in an altitude chamber at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida. Zysko invented the pager-sized monitor that alerts wearers of a potentially dangerous or deteriorating cabin pressure altitude condition, which can lead to life-threatening hypoxia. Zysko is chief of the KSC Spaceport Engineering and Technology directorate's data and electronic systems branch. Mizell is a Shuttle processing engineer. The monitor, which has drawn the interest of such organizations as the Federal Aviation Administration for use in commercial airliners and private aircraft, was originally designed to offer Space Shuttle and Space Station crew members added independent notification about any depressurization KSC-00padig049

Jan Zysko (left) and Rich Mizell (right) test a Personal Cabin Pressur...

Jan Zysko (left) and Rich Mizell (right) test a Personal Cabin Pressure Altitude Monitor in an altitude chamber at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida. Zysko invented the pager-sized monitor that alerts wearers o... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -   The STS-115 crew is in the White Room on the orbiter access arm on Launch Pad 39B to get instruction on using the emergency egress system. From left are Commander Brent Jett, Pilot Chris Ferguson, and Mission Specialists Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, Joseph Tanner, Steven MacLean and Daniel Burbank.  MacLean is with the Canadian Space Agency.  The White Room provides access into the orbiter through the crew access hatch. The mission crew is at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities that are preparation for launch on Space Shuttle Atlantis, scheduled to take place in a window that opens Aug. 27.  During their 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the STS-115 crew will continue construction of the station and attach the payload elements, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-06pd1774

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-115 crew is in the White Room o...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-115 crew is in the White Room on the orbiter access arm on Launch Pad 39B to get instruction on using the emergency egress system. From left are Commander Brent Jett, Pilo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Before the arrival of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, or AMS, to the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Professor Maurice Bourquin, AMS Swiss Coordinator, speaks to the media.      AMS, a state-of-the-art particle physics detector, is designed to operate as an external module on the International Space Station. It will use the unique environment of space to study the universe and its origin by searching for dark matter. AMS will fly to the International Space Station aboard space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission targeted to launch Feb. 26, 2011. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-4468

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Before the arrival of the Alpha Magnetic Spect...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Before the arrival of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, or AMS, to the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Professor Maurice Bourquin, AMS Swiss Coordinato... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery approached the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 3.4-mile trek, called rollback, from Launch Pad 39A began at 10:48 p.m. yesterday and took about eight hours. Next, Discovery's external fuel tank will be examined and foam reapplied where 89 sensors were installed on the tank's aluminum skin for an instrumented tanking test on Dec. 17. The sensors were used to measure changes in the tank as super-cold propellants were pumped in and drained out. Data and analysis from the test will be used to determine what caused the tops of two, 21-foot-long support beams, called stringers, on the outside of the intertank to crack during fueling on Nov. 5.          Discovery's next launch opportunity to the International Space Station on the STS-133 mission is no earlier than Feb. 3, 2011. For more information on STS-133, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Frank Michaux KSC-2010-5930

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery approached the Vehicle...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery approached the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 3.4-mile trek, called rollback, from Launch Pad 39A began at 10:48 p.m. ye... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Clouds of smoke and steam roll across Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as towers of flame propel space shuttle Endeavour into the night sky on the STS-126 mission. Liftoff was on time at 7:55 p.m. EST. STS-126 is the 124th space shuttle flight and the 27th flight to the International Space Station. The mission will feature four spacewalks and work that will prepare the space station to house six crew members for long-duration missions. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray-Tom Farrar KSC-08pd3717

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Clouds of smoke and steam roll across Launch Pa...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Clouds of smoke and steam roll across Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as towers of flame propel space shuttle Endeavour into the night sky on the STS-126 mission.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -  In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the open doors of the payload canister reveal the first of the carriers associated with the STS-125 mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope that have been installed in it. Four carriers in all will be transferred to Launch Pad 39A. At the pad, all the carriers will be loaded into space shuttle Atlantis’ payload bay. Launch of Atlantis is targeted for Oct. 10.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd2708

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the open doors of the payload canister reveal the first of the carriers associated with the STS-125 mission to... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Bay 2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians using a Hyster forklift remove main engine no. 2 from space shuttle Endeavour.  Engine removal is part of the post-landing processing. Endeavour returned from the STS-127 mission July 31.  Endeavour's next mission is STS-130 targeted for February 2010.  Endeavour will deliver to the International Space Station the Tranquility pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-4702

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Bay 2 at NASA's Kennedy S...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Bay 2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians using a Hyster forklift remove main engine no. 2 from space shuttle Endeavour. Engine removal is part o... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the left orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod has been installed onto space shuttle Atlantis. The OMS provided the shuttle with thrust for orbit insertion, rendezvous and deorbit, and could provide up to 1,000 pounds of propellant to the aft reaction control system.    The OMS is housed in two independent pods located on each side of the shuttle’s aft fuselage. Each pod contains one OMS engine and the hardware needed to pressurize, store and distribute the propellants to perform the velocity maneuvers. Atlantis’ OMS pods were removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of residual toxic propellant. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the space shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis’ future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2012-3351

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the left orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod has been installed onto space shuttle Atlantis. The OMS pr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility  at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the S6 truss segment is on display for the media.  The S6 truss segment, with its set of large U.S. solar arrays, will be attached to the starboard, or right, side of the station during space shuttle Discovery's STS-119 mission.  The S6 truss will complete the backbone of the station. The two solar wings will provide one-fourth of the total power needed to support a crew of six astronauts. The segment is expected to be loaded into the payload transportation canister Jan. 7, in preparation for its targeted journey to the launch pad Jan. 11. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd4071

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the S6 truss segment is on display for the media. The S6 truss segment, with its set of large U.S. s... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -   On a tour of the KSC Beach Corrosion Test Site, Center Director Jim Kennedy (second from right) learns from Testbed Manager Louis MacDowell (right) about a project being undertaken for the U.S. Navy.  Being studied are nonchrome primers for aircraft.  At left are Lead Scientist Dr. Luz Marina Calle and  Dr. Paul Hintze, who is working on a graduate project for the National Research Council.  The KSC Beach Corrosion Test Site was established in the 1960s and has provided more than 30 years of historical information on the long-term performance of many materials in use at KSC and other locations around the world. Located 100 feet from the Atlantic Ocean approximately 1 mile south of the Space Shuttle launch sites, the test facility includes an atmospheric exposure site, a flowing seawater exposure site, and an on-site electrochemistry laboratory and monitoring station. The beach laboratory is used to conduct real-time corrosion experiments and provides for the remote monitoring of surrounding weather conditions. The newly added flowing seawater immersion facility provides for the immersion testing of materials and devices under controlled conditions.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On a tour of the KSC Beach Corrosion Te...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On a tour of the KSC Beach Corrosion Test Site, Center Director Jim Kennedy (second from right) learns from Testbed Manager Louis MacDowell (right) about a project being undertake... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Two GetAway Special (GAS) experiments SEM-06 (left) and MARS (right), part of the payload on mission STS-101, are seen here in the payload bay of Space Shuttle Atlantis prior to door closure. The SEM program is student-developed, focusing on the science of zero-gravity and microgravity. Selected student experiments on this sixth venture are testing the effects of space on Idaho tubers, seeds, paint, yeast, film, liquids, electronics and magnetic chips. MARS is the name for part of the KSC Space Life Sciences Outreach Program. It includes 20 participating schools (ranging from elementary to high school) from all over the nation and one in Canada who have been involved in KSC Space Life Sciences projects over the past seven years. The MARS payload has 20 tubes filled with materials for various classroom investigations designed by the MARS schools. The primary mission of STS-101 is to deliver logistics and supplies to the International Space Station, plus prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. The crew will conduct one space walk to perform maintenance on the Space Station. This will be the third assembly flight for the Space Station. STS-101 is scheduled to launch April 24 at 4:15 p.m. from Launch Pad 39A KSC-00pp0489

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Two GetAway Special (GAS) experiments SE...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Two GetAway Special (GAS) experiments SEM-06 (left) and MARS (right), part of the payload on mission STS-101, are seen here in the payload bay of Space Shuttle Atlantis prior to do... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A lightning strike on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is captured by an Operational Television camera.  Eleven lightning strikes occurred within .35 miles of the pad during a thunderstorm July 10 as space shuttle Endeavour was prepared for launch. Mission managers decided to delay Endeavour's planned liftoff July 11 as a precaution to allow engineers and safety personnel time to analyze data and retest systems on the orbiter and solid rockets boosters.  The next launch attempt for the STS-127 mission is planned for Sunday, July 12, at 7:13 p.m. EDT.  The Operational Television cameras can be used to triangulate the location of lightning strikes. Other detection systems include the Cloud-To-Ground Lightning Surveillance System, Strikenet/National Lightning Detection Network, Lightning Induced Voltage Instrumentation System and the Catenary Wire Lightning Instrumentation System.  Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, in the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station.  STS-127 is the 29th flight for the assembly of the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Analex KSC-2009-3940

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A lightning strike on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A lightning strike on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is captured by an Operational Television camera. Eleven lightning strikes occurred within .35 miles of the ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is lowered alongside the external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters already stacked on the mobile launcher platform. Discovery will be mated with the stack. After additional preparations are made, the shuttle will be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A for a targeted launch on Feb. 12. Discovery will carry the final starboard truss (S6) in the assembly of the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-1055

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Ken...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is lowered alongside the external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters already stacked ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, engine #2, the last of three space shuttle main engines is installed in shuttle Atlantis.      Each engine is 14 feet long, weighs about 6,700 pounds, and is 7.5 feet in diameter at the end of the nozzle. This is the final planned engine installation for the Space Shuttle Program. Atlantis is being prepared for the "launch on need," or potential rescue mission, for the final planned shuttle flight, Endeavour's STS-134 mission. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-5828

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, engine #2, the last of three space shuttle main engines is installed in shuttle Atlantis. Each engine is ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  Under a feather-painted sky, Space Shuttle Atlantis, mounted on a mobile launch platform atop a crawler transporter, creeps up the ramp to Launch Pad 39A.  This is the second rollout for the shuttle.  First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 5:02 a.m. EDT. In late February, while Atlantis was on the launch pad, Atlantis' external tank received hail damage during a severe thunderstorm that passed through the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 area. The hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation, as well as minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. The shuttle was returned to the VAB for repairs. The launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-117 is now targeted for June 8. A flight readiness review will be held on May 30 and 31.  Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-07pd1196

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Under a feather-painted sky, Space Shut...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Under a feather-painted sky, Space Shuttle Atlantis, mounted on a mobile launch platform atop a crawler transporter, creeps up the ramp to Launch Pad 39A. This is the second roll... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  Liftoff of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-123 mission lights up Launch Pad 39A and the night sky.  Liftoff was on time at 2:28 a.m. EDT.  The crew will make a record-breaking 16-day mission to the International Space Station and deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre.  Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray KSC-08pd0712

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Liftoff of space shuttle Endeavour on t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Liftoff of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-123 mission lights up Launch Pad 39A and the night sky. Liftoff was on time at 2:28 a.m. EDT. The crew will make a record-breaking ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  At the Launch Pad 39A slidewire basket landing site at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a Mode II-IV exercise is underway, involving NASA fire rescue personnel, volunteers portraying astronauts with simulated injuries, helicopters and personnel from the Air Force’s 920th Rescue Wing and medical trauma teams at three central Florida hospitals.  The drill allows teams to practice an emergency response at Pad 39A, including helicopter evacuation to local hospitals. The Space Shuttle Program and U.S. Air Force are conducting the emergency simulation.  Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2009-5261

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Launch Pad 39A slidewire basket landing...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Launch Pad 39A slidewire basket landing site at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a Mode II-IV exercise is underway, involving NASA fire rescue personnel, volunteers portray... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA management waits for the launch of space shuttle Discovery on the STS-119 mission.  From left are (standing) Director of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center Dave King, Center Director Bob Cabana, Director of NASA's Johnson Space Center Michael Coats, (seated) Space Shuttle Program Manager John Shannon, NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier and NASA Acting Administrator Chris Scolese. Launch was on time at 7:43 p.m. EDT. The STS-119 mission is the 28th to the space station and Discovery's 36th flight.  Discovery will deliver the final pair of power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment.  Installation of S6 will signal the station's readiness to house a six-member crew for conducting increased science.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2097

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA management waits for the launch of space shuttle Discovery on the STS-119 mission. From left... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, heat lamps assist United Space Alliance technician Jeff Holmes in a putty repair on some of the high-temperature reusable surface insulation tiles, or HRSI tiles, on the lower forward fuselage of space shuttle Atlantis.    An average of 125 tiles are replaced after each mission either due to handling damage or accumulated repairs.  These black tiles are optimized for maximum emissivity, which means they lose heat faster than white tiles.  This property is required to maximize heat rejection during the hot phase of reentry.  Atlantis next is slated to deliver an Integrated Cargo Carrier and Russian-built Mini Research Module to the International Space Station on the STS-132 mission.  Launch is targeted for May 14, 2010.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-6812

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, heat lamps assist United Space Alliance technician Jeff Holmes in a putty repair on some of the high-temper... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-107 Mission Specialist Laurel Clark looks over experiments equipment in the SHI Research Double Module (SHI/RDM), part of the payload on the mission.  The crew is taking part in Crew Equipment Interface Test activities, which include equipment and payload familiarization.  A research mission, STS-107 also will carry the Fast Reaction Experiments Enabling Science, Technology, Applications and Research (FREESTAR) that incorporates eight high priority secondary attached shuttle experiments.  STS-107 is scheduled to launch July 19, 2002 KSC-02pd0943

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-107 Mission Specialist Laurel Clark l...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-107 Mission Specialist Laurel Clark looks over experiments equipment in the SHI Research Double Module (SHI/RDM), part of the payload on the mission. The crew is taking part in... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -  The STS-125 crew members listen to instructions for driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier.  From left are Mission Specialists John Grunsfeld, Megan McArthur, Michael Good, Mike Massimino and Gregory C. Johnson. The crew members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission will each practice driving the M-113 in turn as part of their training on emergency egress procedures. An M-113 will be available to transport the crew to safety in the event of a contingency on the pad before their launch. The crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for a dress launch rehearsal called the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. It provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization,  emergency training and a simulated launch countdown. The STS-125 mission aboard space shuttle Atlantis to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted to launch Oct. 10.    Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2807

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew members listen to instruction...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew members listen to instructions for driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier. From left are Mission Specialists John Grunsfeld, Megan McArthur, Michael Good, Mike Mas... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a tanking test on June 15 at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, there was an apparent liquid hydrogen leak in the main fuel valve in Atlantis' space shuttle main engine No. 3. Technicians now are replacing the suspect valve and a leak check of the valve and associated systems will be conducted. The work is expected to take about a week, which still would support Atlantis' targeted July 8 launch date.               STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley and Mission Specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim are targeted to lift off on space shuttle Atlantis July 8, taking with them the MPLM packed with supplies, logistics and spare parts to the International Space Station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-4568

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a tanking test on June 15 at Launch Pad...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a tanking test on June 15 at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, there was an apparent liquid hydrogen leak in the main fuel valve in Atlantis' space shuttle... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians prepare the right side tail cone for buildup on space shuttle Endeavour. The tail cone protects space shuttle main engines during ferry flights on top of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA.     The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the remaining space shuttles, Endeavour and Atlantis. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Its ferry flight to California is targeted for mid-September. Endeavour was the last space shuttle added to NASA’s orbiter fleet. Over the course of its 19-year career, Endeavour spent 299 days in space during 25 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2838

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians prepare the right side tail cone for buildup on space shuttle Endeavour. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -   Two bird detection radars have been set up near Launch Pad 39B to get ready for the July 1 launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121.  When birds, especially vultures, are near the shuttle during a launch, impact on a critical area is possible and could cause catastrophic damage to the vehicle.  Already proven affective for aviation where threats posed by bird strikes have been a problem, the avian radar, known as Aircraft Birdstrike Avoidance Radar, provides horizontal and vertical scanning and can monitor either launch pad for movement of vultures around them.  If data relayed from the avian radar indicates large birds are dangerously close to the vehicle, controllers could hold the countdown. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-06pd1337

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Two bird detection radars have been set...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Two bird detection radars have been set up near Launch Pad 39B to get ready for the July 1 launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121. When birds, especially vultures, ... More

Crewmember activity in the shuttle middeck

Crewmember activity in the shuttle middeck

STS091-780-001 (2-12 June 1998) --- Cosmonaut Valery V. Ryumin, mission specialist representing the Russian Space Agency (RSA), organizes a meal on the mid deck of the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Discovery. T... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Endeavour roars into the night sky on the STS-126 mission.  Blue cones of light, the shock or mach diamonds that are a formation of shock waves in the exhaust plume of an aerospace propulsion system can be seen beneath the nozzles of the main engines.   Liftoff was on time at 7:55 p.m. EST.  STS-126 is the 124th space shuttle flight and the 27th flight to the International Space Station. The mission will feature four spacewalks and work that will prepare the space station to house six crew members for long-duration missions. Photo credit: NASA/Rusty Backer-George Roberts KSC-08pd3716

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Endeavour roars into the night sky on the STS-126 mission. Blue cones of light, the shock or mach diamonds that are a form... More

Space Shuttle Discovery during Expedition 16

Space Shuttle Discovery during Expedition 16

ISS016-E-009251 (1 Nov. 2007) --- Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-120), docked to the International Space Station, is featured in this image captured by a crewmember onboard the station.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -  At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility, emergency rescue personnel get equipment ready for a simulated emergency rescue of a shuttle crew after landing.  Known as a Mode VI exercise, the operation uses volunteer workers from the Center to pose as astronauts. The purpose of the simulation is to exercise emergency preparedness personnel, equipment and facilities in rescuing astronauts from a downed orbiter and providing immediate medical attention. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0487

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility, emergency rescue personnel get equipment ready for a simulated emergency rescue of a shuttle crew after landing. Known as... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, the U.S. Lab, named Destiny, is lowered into the rotation and handling fixture in preparation for testing in the altitude chamber. Destiny is scheduled to fly on mission STS-98 in early 2001. During the mission, the crew will install the Lab in the Space Station during a series of three space walks. The STS-98 mission will provide the Station with science research facilities and expand its power, life support and control capabilities. The U.S. Lab module continues a long tradition of microgravity materials research, first conducted by Skylab and later Shuttle and Spacelab missions. Destiny is expected to be a major feature in future research, providing facilities for biotechnology, fluid physics, combustion, and life sciences research KSC00pp0830

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, the U.S. Lab, named Destiny, is lowered into the rotation and handling fixture in preparation for testing in the altitude chamber. Destiny ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians monitor the progress as a Hyster forklift moves replica shuttle main engine 2, or RSME 2, closer for installation on space shuttle Endeavour. The orbiter is surrounded by work platforms allowing access to all areas of the spacecraft.    The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the remaining space shuttles, Endeavour and Atlantis. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Its ferry flight to California is targeted for mid-September. Endeavour was the last space shuttle added to NASA’s orbiter fleet. Over the course of its 19-year career, Endeavour spent 299 days in space during 25 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle.  Photo credit: NASA/David Lee KSC-2012-3823

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians monitor the progress as a Hyster forklift moves replica shuttle main engi... More

In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers help guide the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo as it moves toward the weight and balance scale. The Italian-built MPLM is one of three such pressurized modules that will serve as the International Space Station's "moving vans," carrying laboratory racks filled with equipment, experiments and supplies to and from the station aboard the Space Shuttle. The cylindrical module is approximately 21 feet long and 15 feet in diameter, weighing almost 4.1 metric tons. It can carry up to 9.1 metric tons of cargo packed into 16 standard space station equipment racks. The Leonardo will be launched on mission STS-102 March 8. On that flight, Leonardo will be filled with equipment and supplies to outfit the U.S. laboratory module, to be carried to the ISS on the Feb. 7 launch of STS-98 KSC-01pp0253

In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers help guide the Multi...

In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers help guide the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo as it moves toward the weight and balance scale. The Italian-built MPLM is one of three such pressurized ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility, STS-129 Mission Specialist Randy Bresnik gets a close look at hardware installed on the Express Logistics Carrier, or ELC.  The crew is at Kennedy for a Crew Equipment Interface Test, which provides hands-on training and observation of shuttle and flight hardware. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12.   Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-5080

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station P...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility, STS-129 Mission Specialist Randy Bresnik gets a close look at hardware installed on the Express Logistics Carrier, or EL... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  External tank No. 120 is suspended vertically above the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at KSC.  The tank will next be lifted into a checkout cell.  ET-120 will be prepared for stacking with solid rocket boosters to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-120 in October. The mission is the 23rd to the International Space Station and will launch an Italian-built, U.S. multi-port module known as Harmony for the station.  Christened after a school contest, Harmony will provide attachment points for European and Japanese laboratory modules. NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd2150

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- External tank No. 120 is suspended vert...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- External tank No. 120 is suspended vertically above the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at KSC. The tank will next be lifted into a checkout cell. ET-120 will be... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   In the airlock of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers prepare to move the ground support equipment for the STS-125 Hubble Servicing Mission delivered July 16.  The GSE are carriers, or pallets, that will hold equipment in space shuttle Atlantis’ payload bay.  This carrier will be moved to a work stand. The carriers will be prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the servicing mission.  The three payload carriers or pallets are the Flight Support System, the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier and the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier.  At the end of July, a fourth and final carrier, the Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment carrier will join the others in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where the Hubble payload is being prepared for launch. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd2004

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the airlock of the Payload Hazardous Servi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the airlock of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers prepare to move the ground support equipment for the STS-125 Hubble Servicing Mission ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Google used an assortment of vehicles to precisely map NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to be featured on the company's map page. The work allows Internet users to see inside buildings at Kennedy as they were used during the space shuttle era. Google used a car, tricycle and pushcart to maneuver around the center and through some of its facilities. Photo credit: Google/Wendy Wang KSC-2013-3233

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Google used an assortment of vehicles to precis...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Google used an assortment of vehicles to precisely map NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to be featured on the company's map page. The work allows Internet users to see inside buildi... More

Forrester exercises in the MDDK on STS-117 Space Shuttle Atlantis

Forrester exercises in the MDDK on STS-117 Space Shuttle Atlantis

S117-E-06927 (10 June 2007) --- Astronaut Patrick Forrester, STS-117 mission specialist, exercises on a bicycle ergometer on the middeck of the Space Shuttle Atlantis.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-98 Mission Commander Kenneth Cockrell speaks to the media at the Shuttle Landing Facility after the crew's arrival Sunday to complete preparations for launch. The crew also includes Pilot Mark Polansky and Mission Specialists Thomas Jones, Marsha Ivins and Robert Curbeam.; STS-98 is the seventh construction flight to the International Space Station, carrying as payload the U.S. Lab Destiny, a key element in the construction of the ISS. Launch of STS-98 is scheduled for Feb. 7 at 6:11 p.m. EST KSC01padig042

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-98 Mission Commander Kenneth Cockrel...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-98 Mission Commander Kenneth Cockrell speaks to the media at the Shuttle Landing Facility after the crew's arrival Sunday to complete preparations for launch. The crew also inc... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A, the crew for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-123 mission receives instruction for emergency egress from the pad.  In blue flight suits, from left, are Mission Specialist Mike Foreman; Pilot Gregory H. Johnson; Mission Specialists Takao Doi of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Garrett Reisman and Robert L. Behnken; and Commander Dominic Gorie. The crew is at Kennedy for a full launch dress rehearsal, known as the terminal countdown demonstration test or TCDT.  The terminal countdown demonstration test provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. Endeavour is targeted to launch March 11 at 2:28 a.m. EDT on a 16-day mission to the International Space Station.  On the mission, Endeavour and its crew will deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0506

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A, the crew for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-123 mission receives instruction for emergency egress from the pad. In blue flight suits,... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   At the Canister Rotation Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the shipping container with the Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment (MULE) carrier inside is pressure cleaned after its arrival. The MULE is part of the payload for the fifth and final shuttle servicing mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, STS-125. The MULE carrier will join the Flight Support System, the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier and the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where the Hubble payload is being prepared for launch. The Relative Navigation Sensors and the New Outer Blanket Layers will be on the MULE. The payload is scheduled to go to Launch Pad 39A in mid-September to be installed into Atlantis' payload bay.  Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 8 at 1:34 a.m. EDT. .Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-08pd2289

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Canister Rotation Facility at NASA's K...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Canister Rotation Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the shipping container with the Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment (MULE) carrier inside is pressure cleaned after its arr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane moves the Express Logistics Carrier, or ELC, to a rotation stand.  The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-4686

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Pr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane moves the Express Logistics Carrier, or ELC, to a rotation stand. The carrier is part of the STS-129 p... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  --  Another STS-120 solid rocket booster segment waits to be stacked in the Vehicle Assembly Building on the mobile launcher platform.  STS-120 will be the 23rd flight to the International Space Station.  Space Shuttle Discovery will carry the U.S. Node 2.  Launch is targeted for Oct. 20.   NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd2088

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Another STS-120 solid rocket booster s...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Another STS-120 solid rocket booster segment waits to be stacked in the Vehicle Assembly Building on the mobile launcher platform. STS-120 will be the 23rd flight to the Interna... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Closeout Crew in the White Room help STS-128 crew members complete their suit-up before entering space shuttle Discovery for the 11:59 p.m. EDT liftoff.  Seen here at center is Mission Specialist Patrick Forrester.  Near Discovery's hatch at right is Mission Specialist Danny Olivas. The first launch attempt on Aug. 24 was postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions.  The second attempt on Aug. 25 also was postponed due to an issue with a valve in space shuttle Discovery's main propulsion system.  The STS-128 mission is the 30th International Space Station assembly flight and the 128th space shuttle flight. The 13-day mission will deliver more than 7 tons of supplies, science racks and equipment, as well as additional environmental hardware to sustain six crew members on the International Space Station. The equipment includes a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and the COLBERT treadmill.  Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph-Kevin O'Connell KSC-2009-4960

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Closeout Crew in the White Room help STS-128 crew members complete their suit-up before entering space shuttle Discovery ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The nose of NASA's Super Guppy aircraft opens to reveal the /2000/78-00.htm">Joint Airlock Module</a> the gateway from which crew members aboard the International Space Station (ISS) will enter and exit the 470-ton orbiting research facility. The airlock was transported from NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. The airlock will be transported to the Operations and Checkout Building in the KSC industrial area where it will undergo vacuum chamber testing. It will then be moved to the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) for further prelaunch preparation and checkout. The massive, spindle-shaped airlock is 20 feet long, has a diameter of 13 feet at its widest point, and weighs six and a half tons. It was manufactured at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center by the Huntsville division of The Boeing Company. The Space Shuttle Atlantis will carry the airlock to orbit on mission STS-104, the tenth International Space Station flight, currently targeted for liftoff in May 2001 KSC00pp1344

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The nose of NASA's Super Guppy aircraft ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The nose of NASA's Super Guppy aircraft opens to reveal the kscpao/release/2000/78-00.htm">Joint Airlock Module</a> the gateway from which crew members aboard the International Spa... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-101 crew poses on the tarmac at the Shuttle Landing Facility after arriving to take part in a Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT). The two days of activities include emergency egress training and a dress rehearsal for launch. Standing left to right are Mission Specialist Susan Helms, Commander James Halsell, Pilot Scott Horowitz, and Mission Speciaists Jeffrey Williams, James Voss, Yury Usachev and Mary Ellen Weber. During their mission to the International Space Station, the STS-101 crew will be delivering logistics and supplies, plus preparing the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk to perform maintenance on the Space Station. This will be the third assembly flight for the Space Station. STS-101 is scheduled to launch April 24 at 4:15 p.m. from Launch Pad 39A KSC00pp0447

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-101 crew poses on the tarmac at ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-101 crew poses on the tarmac at the Shuttle Landing Facility after arriving to take part in a Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT). The two days of activities inclu... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   Brilliant lights illuminate the mobile launcher platform and crawler transporter as space shuttle Endeavour makes its way to Launch Pad 39A for the STS-123 mission.  At left, the launch pad glows against the night sky. The journey from the Vehicle Assembly Building began at 11:24 p.m. on Feb. 17, approximately 30 minutes before it's scheduled start time due to favorable weather conditions. The shuttle arrived at the launch pad at 4:45 a.m. Monday and was hard down at 6:22 a.m. On the mission, Endeavour and its crew will deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre.  Launch is targeted for March 11.    Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-08pd0346

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Brilliant lights illuminate the mobile...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Brilliant lights illuminate the mobile launcher platform and crawler transporter as space shuttle Endeavour makes its way to Launch Pad 39A for the STS-123 mission. At left, the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. --  The STS-108 and Expedition 4 crews head for the Astrovan and a ride to Launch Pad 39B.  Leading the way are Pilot Mark E. Kelly (left) and Commander Dominic L. Gorie; behind them are Mission Specialists Daniel M. Tani and Linda A. Godwin; next is Expedition 4 Commander Yuri Onufrienko, followed by astronauts Daniel W. Bursch (left) and Carl E. Walz. This is the second launch attempt after the first attempt Dec. 4 was scrubbed due to poor weather conditions at KSC.  The main goals of the mission are to carry the Expedition 4 crew to the International Space Station as replacement for Expedition 3; carry the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello filled with water, equipment and supplies; and  install thermal blankets over equipment at the base of the ISS solar wings. STS-108 is the final Shuttle mission of 2001 and the 107th Shuttle flight overall.  Launch is scheduled for 5:19 p.m. EST (22:19 GMT) Dec. 5, 2001, from Launch Pad 39B KSC01PD1784

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-108 and Expedition 4 crews head...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-108 and Expedition 4 crews head for the Astrovan and a ride to Launch Pad 39B. Leading the way are Pilot Mark E. Kelly (left) and Commander Dominic L. Gorie; behind them ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a three-person helicopter crew recently practiced using a Bambi Bucket to pick up water from a nearby waterway and dropping it on simulated targets at the center’s Shuttle Landing Facility.      Firefighters respond to wildfires with teams on the ground and in the air. The most up-to-date tools include helicopters that use Bambi Buckets large quantities of water. NASA Flight Operations teams are training to perfect the skills needed to ensure they are ready to use tools, such as the Bambi Bucket, in the event of an out-of-control blaze at the spaceport. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2014-4228

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a t...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a three-person helicopter crew recently practiced using a Bambi Bucket to pick up water from a nearby waterway and dropping it on simulated tar... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Discovery's forward reaction control system (FRCS), which helped steer the shuttle in orbit, is moved to a transporter in Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. To maneuver, the FRCS used hypergolic fuel and oxidizer, which were purged from Discovery after its final spaceflight, STS-133. Next, the FRCS will be shipped to a maintenance facility at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico, where additional inspections will be performed and its components made safe to go on public display. The transition and retirement processing is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for display.          Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-2428

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Discovery's forward reaction cont...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Discovery's forward reaction control system (FRCS), which helped steer the shuttle in orbit, is moved to a transporter in Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Spa... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Lights bathe space shuttle Discovery on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida after rollback of the rotating service structure. The orbiter access arm and White Room are extended toward Discovery. The White Room provides crew access into the shuttle. Above the external tank is the oxygen vent hood, called the "beanie cap."  The rollback is in preparation for Discovery's liftoff on the STS-119 mission with a crew of seven. The rotating structure provides protected access to the shuttle for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad. After the RSS is rolled back, the orbiter is ready for fuel cell activation and external tank cryogenic propellant loading operations. The mission is the 28th to the International Space Station and the 125th space shuttle flight.  Discovery will deliver the final pair of power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment.  Installation of S6 will signal the station's readiness to house a six-member crew for conducting increased science.  Liftoff of Discovery is scheduled for 9:20 p.m. EDT on March 11.   Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2024

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Lights bathe space shuttle Discovery on Launch ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Lights bathe space shuttle Discovery on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida after rollback of the rotating service structure. The orbiter access arm and White Room ar... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -  In the Canister Rotation Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers get ready to lift the payload canister to a vertical position for the trip to Launch Pad 39A. The canister’s cargo consists of four carriers holding various equipment for the STS-125 mission aboard space shuttle Atlantis to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope.  At the pad, the cargo will be moved into the Payload Changeout Room.  The changeout room is the enclosed, environmentally controlled portion of the rotating service structure that supports cargo delivery to the pad and subsequent vertical installation into the shuttle’s payload bay. Launch of Atlantis is targeted for Oct. 10.   Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd2773

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Canister Rotation Facility at NASA's Ke...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Canister Rotation Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers get ready to lift the payload canister to a vertical position for the trip to Launch Pad 39A. The canister’s car... More

S3/S4 Integrated Truss being moved into the Space Shuttle Payloa

S3/S4 Integrated Truss being moved into the Space Shuttle Payloa

In the Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane lowers the S3/S4 integrated truss into the open bay of the payload canister. After it is stowed in the canister, the S3/S4 truss will be transported t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -     Inside the payload changeout room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Mission Specialist Lisa Nowak takes a close look at part of the payload for the mission. She is dressed in a clean room suit, appropriate for the environmentally clean or "white room" condition in which the payload resides before being transferred to the shuttle's payload bay. The payload includes the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo, which is carrying supplies and equipment for the International Space Station, the lightweight multi-purpose experiment support structure carrier and the integrated cargo carrier. Crew members are at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown.  Mission STS-121 is scheduled for launch on Space Shuttle Discovery on July 1.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1123

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the payload changeout room on ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the payload changeout room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Mission Specialist Lisa Nowak takes a close look at part of the payload for the mission. She is dressed in a clean r... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -    Viewed from an upper level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Atlantis begins rolling back to the Vehicle Assembly Building.  First motion was at 10:04 a.m.   The rollback is a safety precaution as the area waits for the arrival of Tropical Storm Ernesto.  The storm is forecast to be bringing 58-mph to 70-mph winds in the next 24 hours.  The shuttle will be moved into high bay 2, on the southwest side of the VAB, for protection from the storm. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd1970

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from an upper level of the fixe...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from an upper level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Atlantis begins rolling back to the Vehicle Assembly Building. First motion was at 10:... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  At the Trident wharf, workers help guide the container with the Experiment Logistics Module Pressurized Section inside toward a flat bed on the dock.  The logistics module is part of the Japanese Experiment Module.  The logistics module will be transported to the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The Japanese Experiment Module is composed of three segments and is known as Kibo, which means "hope" in Japanese.   Kibo consists of six components: two research facilities -- the Pressurized Module and Exposed Facility; a Logistics Module attached to each of them; a Remote Manipulator System; and an Inter-Orbit Communication System unit. Kibo also has a scientific airlock through which experiments are transferred and exposed to the external environment of space. Kibo is Japan's first human space facility and its primary contribution to the station.  Kibo will enhance the unique research capabilities of the orbiting complex by providing an additional environment in which astronauts can conduct science experiments. The various components of JEM will be assembled in space over the course of three Space Shuttle missions. The first of those three missions, STS-123, will carry the Experiment Logistics Module Pressurized Section aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour, targeted for launch in 2007.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0633

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Trident wharf, workers help guid...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Trident wharf, workers help guide the container with the Experiment Logistics Module Pressurized Section inside toward a flat bed on the dock. The logistics module is part... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the tail cone is moved into position for attachment to the space shuttle Endeavour. The tail cone covers the main engines in the aft providing aerodynamic stability during the cross-country ferry flight.      The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the remaining space shuttles, Endeavour and Atlantis. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Its ferry flight to California is targeted for mid-September. Endeavour was the last space shuttle added to NASA’s orbiter fleet. Over the course of its 19-year career, Endeavour spent 299 days in space during 25 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-4271

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 at NASA’s ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the tail cone is moved into position for attachment to the space shuttle Endeavour. The tail cone covers th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, takes off from runway 15 at 7 a.m. EDT. The SCA will deliver 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 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 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/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-2365

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, takes off f... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Shuttle Atlantis' three main engines take center stage in this image as Atlantis is being moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) from Orbiter Processing Faciity-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.      The move called "rollover" is a major milestone in processing for the STS-135 mission to the International Space Station. Inside the VAB, the shuttle will be attached to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters. Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley and Mission Specialists Sandra Magnus and Rex Walheim are targeted to launch in early July, taking with them the Raffaello multipurpose logistics module packed with supplies, logistics and spare parts. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing spacecraft and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2011-3657

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Shuttle Atlantis' three main engines take cent...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Shuttle Atlantis' three main engines take center stage in this image as Atlantis is being moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) from Orbiter Processing Faciity-1 at NASA's Kennedy... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, invited guests tour the blockhouse at Complex 5/6 during a celebration of Alan Shepard's historic flight 50 years ago. From left are Robert Sieck, former shuttle launch director; Andy Anderson, former manager for communications in the Mercury Mission Control Center; Bob Moser, former chief test conductor for the Mercury-Redstone launches; and John Twigg, former backup chief test conductor for the Mercury-Redstone launches.    The celebration was held at the launch site of the first U.S. manned spaceflight May 5, 1961, to mark the 50th anniversary of the flight.  Fifty years ago, astronaut Alan Shepard lifted off inside the Mercury capsule, "Freedom 7," atop an 82-foot-tall Mercury-Redstone rocket at 9:34 a.m. EST, sending him on a remarkably successful, 15-minute suborbital flight. The event was attended by more than 200 workers from the original Mercury program and included a re-creation of Shepard's flight and recovery, as well as a tribute to his contributions as a moonwalker on the Apollo 14 lunar mission. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/topics/history/milestones/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-3333

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, invited guests tour the blockhouse at Complex 5/6 during a celebration of Alan Shepard's historic flight 50 years ago. From left are Rober... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A, a worker inside space shuttle Endeavour's aft section removes a cover to provide access for the removal and replacement of the Load Control Assembly-2 (LCA-2).      Located in the orbiter's aft avionics bay 5, the LCA-2 assembly, which feeds power to the fuel line heaters, is believed to have caused the heaters for Endeavour's auxiliary power unit-1 (APU-1) to fail April 29 during the first launch attempt for the STS-134 mission. STS-134 will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), a high-pressure gas tank and additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper to the International Space Station. The mission also will be the final spaceflight for Endeavour. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett. KSC-2011-3212

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A,...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A, a worker inside space shuttle Endeavour's aft section removes a cover to provide access for the removal and replacement of the Load Control... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On a cloudy and overcast day on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers prepare to roll the rotating service structure (RSS) away from space shuttle Atlantis. The RSS provides weather protection and access to the shuttle while it awaits liftoff. RSS "rollback" marks a major milestone in Atlantis' STS-135 mission countdown.          Atlantis and its crew of four; Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley and Mission Specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim, are scheduled to lift off at 11:26 a.m. EDT on July 8 to deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. Atlantis also will fly the Robotic Refueling Mission experiment that will investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites in orbit. In addition, Atlantis will return with a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2011-5122

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On a cloudy and overcast day on Launch Pad 39A...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On a cloudy and overcast day on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers prepare to roll the rotating service structure (RSS) away from space shuttle Atlantis. T... More

The STS-101 crew wave at onlookers as they walk from the Operations and Checkout Building to the Astrovan, which will take them to Space Shuttle Atlantis on Launch Pad 39A for a simulated countdown exercise. Leading the way are (left) Pilot Scott J. "Doc" Horowitz and (right) Commander James D. Halsell Jr. In the second row are Mission Specialists (left) Mary Ellen Weber and (right) Jeffrey N. Williams. In the third row are Mission Specialists (left) James Voss, (waving) Susan J. Helms, and (right) Yury Usachev of Russia. The dress rehearsal for launch is part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities that include emergency egress training and familiarization with the payload. During their mission to the International Space Station, the STS-101 crew will be delivering logistics and supplies, plus preparing the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk to perform maintenance on the Space Station. This will be the third assembly flight for the Space Station. STS-101 is scheduled to launch April 24 at 4:15 p.m. from Launch Pad 39A KSC-00pp0460

The STS-101 crew wave at onlookers as they walk from the Operations an...

The STS-101 crew wave at onlookers as they walk from the Operations and Checkout Building to the Astrovan, which will take them to Space Shuttle Atlantis on Launch Pad 39A for a simulated countdown exercise. Le... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -  In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a technician uncovers the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC.  Contamination discovered Sept. 17 during preparations to deliver NASA's Hubble Space Telescope servicing payload to Launch Pad 39A will be removed. Cleanliness is extremely important for space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to Hubble, and the teams have insured that the SLIC is ready to fly. The SLIC, which holds battery module assemblies for servicing of the Hubble Space Telescope on the STS-125 mission, is built with state-of-the-art, lightweight, composite materials - carbon fiber with a cyanate ester resin and a titanium metal matrix composite. These composites have greater strength-to-mass ratios than the metals typically used in spacecraft design. The carrier is one of four being transferred to Launch Pad 39A. At the pad, the carriers will be loaded into Atlantis’ payload bay.  Launch of Atlantis is targeted for Oct. 10.   Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd2643

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a technician uncovers the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC. Contamination discovered Sept. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis' main engines and solid rocket boosters ignite on Launch Pad 39A producing billows of smoke and steam as it lifts off on its STS-135 mission to the International Space Station.    Atlantis with its crew of four; Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, Mission Specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim, lifted off at 11:29 a.m. EDT on July 8, 2011 to deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts for the station. Atlantis also will fly the Robotic Refueling Mission experiment that will investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites in orbit. In addition, Atlantis will return with a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 is the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2011-5351

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 Atlantis' main engines and solid rocket boosters ignite on Launch Pad 39A producing billows of smoke and steam as it lifts off on... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson and Pilot Doug Hurley perform touch-and-go landings on the Shuttle Landing Facility runway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The pilot and commander of every shuttle mission routinely practice landings aboard Shuttle Training Aircraft, which are Gulfstream II jets modified to mimic the shuttle's handling during the final phase of landing. The STS-135 flight crew of four arrived aboard T-38 training jets to watch two historic milestones of NASA's Space Shuttle Program -- the final landing of shuttle Endeavour, which will bookend its STS-134 mission to the International Space Station, and the final rollout of their vehicle, space shuttle Atlantis, to Launch Pad 39A.      STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of the shuttle program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-4080

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson and Pilot Dou...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson and Pilot Doug Hurley perform touch-and-go landings on the Shuttle Landing Facility runway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The pilot and comma... More

Space Shuttle 3% scale model to analyze removal of PAL ramp and other effects i the 9x7ft w.t. with Bill Van Zuylen, Ames ARC-2006-ACD06-0050-033

Space Shuttle 3% scale model to analyze removal of PAL ramp and other ...

Space Shuttle 3% scale model to analyze removal of PAL ramp and other effects i the 9x7ft w.t. with Bill Van Zuylen, Ames

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   STS-107 Commander Rick Husband makes a few comments after the crew's arrival at KSC for pre-launch preparations.  Other crew members are Pilot William "Willie" McCool, Payload Commander Michael Anderson, Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon, and Mission Specialists Kalpana Chawla, David Brown and Laurel Clark.  Ramon is the first Israeli astronaut to fly on a Shuttle mission.  STS-107 is a mission devoted to research and will include more than 80 experiments that will study Earth and space science, advanced technology development, and astronaut health and safety. The payload on Space Shuttle Columbia includes FREESTAR (Fast Reaction Experiments Enabling Science, Technology, Applications and Research) and the SHI Research Double Module (SHI/RDM), known as SPACEHAB.  Experiments on the module range from material sciences to life sciences. Launch of Columbia is targeted for Jan. 16 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. KSC-03pd0053

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-107 Commander Rick Husband makes a...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-107 Commander Rick Husband makes a few comments after the crew's arrival at KSC for pre-launch preparations. Other crew members are Pilot William "Willie" McCool, Payload Co... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft or SCA, takes off from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The SCA, a modified 747 jetliner, will fly Endeavour to Los Angeles where it will be placed on public display at the California Science Center. This is the final ferry flight scheduled in the Space Shuttle Program era. For more information on the shuttles' transition and retirement, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Robert Murray KSC-2012-5473

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's Sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft or SCA, takes off from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The SCA, a modified 74... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -  STS-125 Mission Specialist Megan McArthur is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier. The crew members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission will each practice driving the M-113 in turn as part of their training on emergency egress procedures. An M-113 will be available to transport the crew to safety in the event of a contingency on the pad before their launch. The crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for a dress launch rehearsal called the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. It provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization,  emergency training and a simulated launch countdown. The STS-125 mission aboard space shuttle Atlantis to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted to launch Oct. 10.    Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2811

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist Megan McArthur is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier. The crew members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission will each practice... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - While talking to the media, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach points to some of the investigative tools in the RLV Hangar, where Columbia debris is being examined.  The items shipped to KSC number more than 82,000 and weigh 84,800 pounds or 38 percent of the total dry weight of Columbia.  Of those items, 78,760 have been identified, with 753 placed on the left wing grid in the Hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - While talking to the media, Shuttle Launc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - While talking to the media, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach points to some of the investigative tools in the RLV Hangar, where Columbia debris is being examined. The items sh... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 mission crew members stride out of the Operations and Checkout Building, eager to ride to the launch pad and take their seats in space shuttle Atlantis for the planned launch today at 2:45 p.m. EST.  Seen on the right, front to back, are Commander Steve Frick and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim and Hans Schlegel.  On the left, front to back, are Pilot Alan Poindexter, followed by Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Stanley Love and Leopold Eyharts.  Schlegel and Eyharts represent the European Space Agency.  The launch will be the third 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/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0199

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 mission crew members stride out of the Operations and Checkout Building, eager to ride to the launch pad and take their seats in space ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour backs out of Orbiter Processing Facility-1 (OPF-1).  Endeavour is switching places with shuttle Discovery which temporarily has been housed in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB).  Both shuttles will stop briefly outside OPF-3 for a "nose-to-nose" photo opportunity. Discovery then will be rolled into OPF-1 and Endeavour into the VAB.    The image was taken from the top of the VAB.  In OPF-1, Discovery will undergo further preparations for public display at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. Endeavour will be stored in the VAB until October when it will be moved into OPF-2 for further work to get it ready for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles.  For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2011-6361

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 Endeavour backs out of Orbiter Processing Facility-1 (OPF-1). Endeavour is switching places with shuttle Discovery which tempora... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Before daybreak at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery hovers above the ground at the mate-demate device. Operations are under way to position Discovery on top of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft in preparation for its departure from Kennedy on Tuesday. A tail cone has been installed over Discovery’s three replica shuttle main engines to reduce aerodynamic drag and turbulence during the ferry flight.    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-2012-2177

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Before daybreak at the Shuttle Landing Facility...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Before daybreak at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery hovers above the ground at the mate-demate device. Operations are under ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   In the Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane moves the external stowage platform 3 to the payload canister at right.  The platform is part of the payload on mission STS-118 and will be loaded into Space Shuttle Endeavour's payload bay at the pad.  Endeavour is targeted for launch on Aug. 9 to the International Space Station. The mission will continue space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5, as well as carrying the external stowage platform 3.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd1579

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane moves the external stowage platform 3 to the payload canister at right. The platform is part of the payload on missio... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  After rotation of the Wide Field Camera 3 (background left), or WFC3, in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians check the data.  The WFC3 will be transferred to the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier.  WFC3 is part of the payload on space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission for the fifth and final Hubble servicing flight to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The curved edge shown at top is the radiator, the "outside" of WFC3 that will be exposed to space and will expel heat out of Hubble and into space through black body radiation.  As Hubble enters the last stage of its life, WFC3 will be Hubble's next evolutionary step, allowing Hubble to peer ever further into the mysteries of the cosmos. WFC3 will study a diverse range of objects and phenomena, from young and extremely distant galaxies, to much more nearby stellar systems, to objects within our very own solar system. WFC3 will take the place of Wide Field Planetary Camera 2, which astronauts will bring back to Earth aboard the shuttle. Launch of Atlantis is targeted at 1:34 a.m. EDT Oct. 8.  Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-08pd2467

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After rotation of the Wide Field Camera 3 (bac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After rotation of the Wide Field Camera 3 (background left), or WFC3, in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians check the data. The WFC3 wi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The landing convoy that will make space shuttle Atlantis safe and secure for towing to its processing hangar begins to pull up around the spacecraft following wheelstop on the Shuttle Landing Facility's Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Atlantis' final return from space at 5:57 a.m. EDT completed the 13-day, 5.2-million-mile STS-135 mission. Securing the space shuttle fleet's place in history, Atlantis safely and successfully brought a close to NASA's Space Shuttle Program.            STS-135 delivered spare parts, equipment and supplies in the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module that will sustain station operations for the next year. STS-135 was the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis, which has spent 307 days in space, orbited Earth 4,848 times and traveled 125,935,769 miles. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-5666

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The landing convoy that will make space shuttl...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The landing convoy that will make space shuttle Atlantis safe and secure for towing to its processing hangar begins to pull up around the spacecraft following wheelstop on the Shuttle La... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, one of two Materials International Space Station Experiments, or MISSE, is lowered into space shuttle Endeavour's payload bay for installation. The MISSE is part of the payload onboard Endeavour for mission STS-123. The MISSE project is a NASA/Langley Research Center-managed cooperative endeavor to fly materials and other types of space exposure experiments on the International Space Station. The objective is to develop early, low-cost, non-intrusive opportunities to conduct critical space exposure tests of space materials and components planned for use on future spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3319

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, one of two Materials International Space Station Experiments, or MISSE, is lowered into space shuttle Endeavour's payload bay for installation. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The crew of mission STS-115 arrives at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility to prepare for a second launch attempt on Sept. 6 to the International Space Station. Seen here is Mission Specialist Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper (center) shaking hands with Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach as Mission Specialist Joe Tanner looks on. Mission managers cancelled Atlantis' first launch campaign due to a lightning strike at the pad and the passage of Tropical Storm Ernesto along Florida's east coast. The mission will deliver and install the 17-and-a-half-ton P3/P4 truss segment to the port side of the integrated truss system on the orbital outpost. The truss includes a new set of photovoltaic solar arrays. When unfurled to their full length of 240 feet, the arrays will provide additional power for the station in preparation for the delivery of international science modules over the next two years. STS-115 is expected to last 11 days and includes three scheduled spacewalks. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2017

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The crew of mission STS-115 arrives at NA...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The crew of mission STS-115 arrives at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility to prepare for a second launch attempt on Sept. 6 to the International Space Station. See... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Atlantis is raised off its transporter.  After raised to a vertical position, Atlantis will be lifted into high bay 3 and mated with the external tank and solid rocket boosters designated for mission STS-122, already secured atop a 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-07pd3085

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Asse...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Atlantis is raised off its transporter. After raised to a vertical position, At... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -   A piece of metal lies on the ground near the NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building following the wrath of hurricane Wilma as it crossed the state Oct. 24.  Kennedy’s facilities sustained minor structural damage,  primarily to roofs or from water intrusion. The Vehicle Assembly Building lost some panels on the east and west sides. Some facilities lost power. A total of 13.6 inches of rain was recorded at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The highest wind gust recorded was 94 mph from the north-northwest at Launch Pad 39B, while the maximum sustained wind was 76 mph from the north-northwest at the top of the 492-foot weather tower located north of the Vehicle Assembly Building. KSC-05pd2349

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A piece of metal lies on the ground nea...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A piece of metal lies on the ground near the NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building following the wrath of hurricane Wilma as it crossed the state Oct. 24. Kennedy... More

Workers prepare to connect cables that will recharge the battery

Workers prepare to connect cables that will recharge the battery

In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a worker holds a cable that will help recharge the battery for the S6 integrated truss. The final starboard truss in the assembly of the ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle workers await landing of shuttle Atlantis on Runway 33 at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  After 11 days in space, Atlantis completed the 4.5-million mile STS-129 mission on orbit 171.    Main gear touchdown was at 9:44:23 a.m. EST. Nose gear touchdown was at 9:44:36 a.m., and wheels stop was at 9:45:05 a.m. Aboard Atlantis are Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.; and Expedition 20 and 21 Flight Engineer Nicole Stott who spent 87 days aboard the International Space Station. STS-129 is the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight on the manifest. On STS-129, the crew delivered 14 tons of cargo to the orbiting laboratory, including two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers containing spare parts to sustain station operations after the shuttles are retired next year. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-6583

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle workers await landing of shuttle ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle workers await landing of shuttle Atlantis on Runway 33 at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. After 11 days in space, Atlantis completed... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rolled back, Space Shuttle Atlantis stands ready for launch on mission STS-110.  The Orbiter Access Arm extends from the Fixed Service Structure (FSS) to the crew compartment hatch, through which the STS-110 crew will enter Atlantis. Above the golden external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm.  Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off.   The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle vehicle.  The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad.  The structure has access platforms at five levels to provide access to the payload bay.  The FSS provides access to the orbiter and the RSS.  Mission STS-110 is scheduled to launch April 4 on its 11-day mission to the International Space Station KSC-02pd0392

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With the Rotating Service Structure roll...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rolled back, Space Shuttle Atlantis stands ready for launch on mission STS-110. The Orbiter Access Arm extends from the Fixed Service Structure... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Forward Reaction Control System, or FRCS, for space shuttle Discovery arrives at Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3.    Discovery is being prepared for the STS-131 mission, the 33rd flight to the International Space Station.  The FRCS provides the thrust for attitude (rotational) maneuvers (pitch, yaw and roll) and for small velocity changes along the orbiter axis (translation maneuvers).  The seven-member STS-131 crew will deliver a Multi-Purpose Logistics Module filled with resupply stowage platforms and racks to be transferred to locations around the station.  Three spacewalks will include work to attach a spare ammonia tank assembly to the station's exterior and return a European experiment from outside the station's Columbus module.  Discovery's launch is targeted for March 18, 2010.  For information on the STS-131 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts131/index.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-6706

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Forward Reaction Control System, or FRCS, for space shuttle Discovery arrives at Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3. Discovery is being pr... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Viewed from Astronaut Rd., Space Shuttle Discovery breaks away from the cocoon of smoke below, blazing a trail into the dawn sky. Liftoff of Discovery on mission STS-102 occurred at 6:42:09 EST on the eighth flight to the International Space Station KSC01padig151

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Viewed from Astronaut Rd., Space Shuttle...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Viewed from Astronaut Rd., Space Shuttle Discovery breaks away from the cocoon of smoke below, blazing a trail into the dawn sky. Liftoff of Discovery on mission STS-102 occurred a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the North American Treaty Organization (NATO) Parliamentary Assembly  get a close look at a Space Shuttle main engine in the Vehicle Assembly Building during their tour of KSC.   The Parliamentarians are meeting in Orlando this year for their 49th annual gathering.  They chose to visit KSC with their families during their one-day excursion break from meetings.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the North American Treaty Orga...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the North American Treaty Organization (NATO) Parliamentary Assembly get a close look at a Space Shuttle main engine in the Vehicle Assembly Building during their tour o... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Firing Room-4 in the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, launch controllers took their posts at about 2:30 p.m. EST for space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 mission to the International Space Station. The countdown clock began ticking backward from the T-43 hour mark at 3 p.m.       Scheduled to lift off Feb. 24 at 4:50 p.m. EST, Discovery and its six-member crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the orbiting outpost. For more information on the STS-133 mission, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Frank Michaux KSC-2011-1543

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Firing Room-4 in the Launch Control Center ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Firing Room-4 in the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, launch controllers took their posts at about 2:30 p.m. EST for space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis awaits liftoff from Launch Pad 39A, at right, while processing of the Ares I-X rocket is almost finished on Launch Pad 39B, in the background.  The Ares I-X flight test is set for Oct. 27; space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 launch to the International Space Station is targeted for Nov. 16.  For information on the Ares I-X vehicle and flight test, visit http://www.nasa.gov/aresIX.  For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle.    Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-5779

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 awaits liftoff from Launch Pad 39A, at right, while processing of the Ares I-X rocket is almost finished on Launch Pad 39... More

Final Launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavour / STS-134 Mission

Final Launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavour / STS-134 Mission

STS134-S-051 (16 May 2011) --- Space shuttle Endeavour and its six-member STS-134 crew head toward Earth orbit and rendezvous with the International Space Station. Liftoff was at 8:56 a.m. (EDT) on May 16, 2011... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Following mission STS-105, the Crew Transfer Vehicle (CTV) is moved into place beside orbiter Discovery on KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility runway 15. Both the STS-105 and Expedition Two crews will exit the Space Shuttle into the CTV where they will be given preliminary physical examinations by a physician.  Main gear touchdown was at 2:22:58 p.m. EDT; wheel stop, at 2:24:06 p.m. EDT. The 11-day, 21-hour, 12-minute mission accomplished the goals set for the 11th flight to the International Space Station: swapout of the resident Station crew; delivery of equipment, supplies and scientific experiments; and installation of the Early Ammonia Servicer and heater cables for the S0 truss on the Station. Discovery traveled 4.3 million miles on its 30th flight into space, the 106th mission of the Space Shuttle program. Out of five missions in 2001, the landing was the first to occur in daylight at KSC KSC-01pp1506

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Following mission STS-105, the Crew Tran...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Following mission STS-105, the Crew Transfer Vehicle (CTV) is moved into place beside orbiter Discovery on KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility runway 15. Both the STS-105 and Expedition... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Employees check out space shuttle Atlantis after it was uncovered on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida following the move of the rotating service structure (RSS). The structure provides weather protection and access to the shuttle while it awaits liftoff on the pad. RSS "rollback" marks a major milestone in Atlantis' STS-135 mission countdown.        Atlantis and its crew of four; Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley and Mission Specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim, are scheduled to lift off at 11:26 a.m. EDT on July 8 to deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. Atlantis also will fly the Robotic Refueling Mission experiment that will investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites in orbit. In addition, Atlantis will return with a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2011-5147

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Employees check out space shuttle Atlantis aft...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Employees check out space shuttle Atlantis after it was uncovered on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida following the move of the rotating service structure (RSS). ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Endeavour glistens in the sun on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The rotating service structure (RSS) that protects the shuttle from the elements and provides access to its components is open to allow crews to move the primary payload for Endeavour's STS-134 mission into the pad's structure before installing it into the spacecraft's cargo bay.          Endeavour and its six-member STS-134 crew are targeted to lift off April 19 at 7:48 p.m. EDT to deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS) and Express Logistics Carrier-3 to the International Space Station. This is Endeavour's final scheduled mission. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Frank Michaux KSC-2011-2402

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Endeavour glistens in the sun on...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Endeavour glistens in the sun on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The rotating service structure (RSS) that protects the shuttle from the elements ... More

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