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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a crane lifts a frustum towards platforms separating the transfer aisle from a high bay. The solid rocket booster segment is being moved into a high bay where it will be added to the stack being prepared for space shuttle mission STS-122, targeted for launch in December. On this mission, Atlantis will carry the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the International Space Station. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, also called Harmony, to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to support a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd2848

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a crane lifts a frustum towards platforms separating the transfer aisle from a high bay. The solid rocket booster... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility 1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers monitor the progress of space shuttle Atlantis as it backs out of its hangar for its move to the Vehicle Assembly Building. The rollover began about 7 a.m. EDT and was complete at 8:25 a.m. when Atlantis was towed into the VAB's transfer aisle. Next, Atlantis will be lifted over a transom and lowered into the VAB's high bay 1, where it will be attached to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters. Rollout of the shuttle stack to Kennedy’s Launch Pad 39A, a significant milestone in launch processing activities, is planned for Oct. 13. Liftoff of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is targeted for 4:04 p.m. EST during a 10-minute launch window on Nov. 12. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-5320

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility 1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers monitor the progress of space shuttle Atlantis as it backs out of its hangar for its move to the Vehicl... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, the orbiter Atlantis hangs suspended from an overhead crane that will lift the orbiter to a vertical position. Once in position, it will be mated with its external tank and solid rocket boosters before being transported to Launch Pad 39A. Atlantis will fly on mission STS-101 to the International Space Station, where its crew of seven will prepare the Station for the arrival of the next pressurized module, the Russian-built Zvezda. Atlantis is expected to launch no earlier than April 17, 2000 KSC00pp0356

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle inside the Vehicle...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, the orbiter Atlantis hangs suspended from an overhead crane that will lift the orbiter to a vertical position. Once in p... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, orbiter Atlantis is lifted toward a vertical position in the transfer aisle. The 122-foot long orbiter is easily accommodated inside the 525-foot-tall, 518-foot-wide VAB. Once in position, Atlantis will be mated with its external tank and solid rocket boosters before being transported to Launch Pad 39A. Atlantis will fly on mission STS-101 to the International Space Station, where its crew of seven will prepare the Station for the arrival of the next pressurized module, the Russian-built Zvezda. Atlantis is expected to launch no earlier than April 17, 2000 KSC-00pp0357

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, or...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, orbiter Atlantis is lifted toward a vertical position in the transfer aisle. The 122-foot long orbiter is easily accommodated inside the 525-f... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Atlantis is towed away from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The orbiter was demated from its external tank in the high bay, lifted over the transom, then lowered and shifted to the horizontal position in the transfer aisle. Atlantis is being moved to the Orbiter Processing Facility. KSC-03pd0690

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Atlantis is towed away from the Vehicle ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Atlantis is towed away from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The orbiter was demated from its external tank in the high bay, lifted over the transom, then lowered and shifted to the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External Tank 118 (ET-118) is slowly moved above the transporter in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building before being lowered. The tank will be transferred to NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. The tank is being installed with an improved bipod fitting, which connects the external fuel tank to the Shuttle during launch. The new design, a significant milestone in the effort to return the Shuttle to safe flight, replaces the foam that was used to prevent ice buildup on the tank’s bipod fittings with four rod-shaped heaters. The heaters are being retrofitted on the 11 existing tanks and incorporated into the manufacture of all new tanks. KSC-04pd2132

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External Tank 118 (ET-118) is slowly move...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External Tank 118 (ET-118) is slowly moved above the transporter in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building before being lowered. The tank will be transferred to NASA’s ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, workers prepare to refoam the cover, called the "manhole," on the bottom of external tank number 119. The manhole was removed to access the area where the tank's four liquid hydrogen engine cutoff sensors were replaced. The tank is being prepared to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 in July. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0612

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Ass...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, workers prepare to refoam the cover, called the "manhole," on the bottom of external tank number 119. The manhole was remove... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, workers pack type 2 ablator over the bolts around the "manhole" or cover on the bottom of external tank number 119. The manhole was removed to access the area where the tank's four liquid hydrogen engine cutoff sensors were replaced. The tank is being prepared to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 in July. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0619

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Ass...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, workers pack type 2 ablator over the bolts around the "manhole" or cover on the bottom of external tank number 119. The man... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, the external tank designated for Space Shuttle Discovery is ready to be lifted and moved to high bay 3. There it will be stacked with the solid rocket boosters already in place on the mobile launcher platform. Discovery is scheduled to launch on mission STS-121 in July. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-06pd0721

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle As...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, the external tank designated for Space Shuttle Discovery is ready to be lifted and moved to high bay 3. There it will be s... More

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

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Still aboard its transporter, external tank No. 117 sits in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The tank was offloaded from the Pegasus barge in the nearby turn basin. ET-117 arrived aboard the barge after its voyage around the Florida Peninsula from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. The tank is slated for mission STS-118, which is targeted for launch in early August. ET-117 will be moved into a checkout cell in high bay 2 of the VAB for processing. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd0987

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Still aboard its transporter, external ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Still aboard its transporter, external tank No. 117 sits in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The tank was offloaded from the Pegasus barge in the nearby turn ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Hanging vertically above the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, the orbiter Endeavour is being lifted into the upper levels of the Vehicle Assembly Building. It will be moved laterally over a crossbeam and lowered into high bay 1 for stacking with the external tank and solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. Endeavour will be launched on mission STS-118, its first flight in more than four years. The shuttle has undergone extensive modifications, including the addition of safety upgrades already added to shuttles Discovery and Atlantis. Endeavour also features new hardware, such as the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System that will allow the docked shuttle to draw electrical power from the station and extend its visits to the orbiting lab. Endeavour is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-07pd1768

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Hanging vertically above the transfer a...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Hanging vertically above the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, the orbiter Endeavour is being lifted into the upper levels of the Vehicle Assembly Building. It wil... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Endeavour hangs above the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The attached sling will raise it to vertical and lift it into the upper levels of the VAB. Then it will be moved to high bay 1 and stacked with the e1ternal tank and solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. Endeavour will be launched on mission STS-118, its first flight in more than four years. The shuttle has undergone e1tensive modifications, including the addition of safety upgrades already added to shuttles Discovery and Atlantis. Endeavour also features new hardware, such as the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System that will allow the docked shuttle to draw electrical power from the station and e1tend its visits to the orbiting lab. Endeavour is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-07pd1753

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Endeavour hangs above the ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Endeavour hangs above the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The attached sling will raise it to vertical and lift it into the upper levels of the VAB.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Endeavour hangs nearly vertical above the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. It will be lifted into the upper levels of the VAB, moved to high bay 1 and stacked with the e1ternal tank and solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. Endeavour will be launched on mission STS-118, its first flight in more than four years. The shuttle has undergone e1tensive modifications, including the addition of safety upgrades already added to shuttles Discovery and Atlantis. Endeavour also features new hardware, such as the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System that will allow the docked shuttle to draw electrical power from the station and e1tend its visits to the orbiting lab. Endeavour is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-07pd1755

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Endeavour hangs nearly ver...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Endeavour hangs nearly vertical above the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. It will be lifted into the upper levels of the VAB, moved to high bay 1 an... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis rolls into the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building after its move from Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1. Rollover from its processing bay began at 7:05 a.m. EDT. Atlantis arrived in the VAB's transfer aisle at 8:03 a.m. In the VAB, the shuttle will be lifted 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-07pd3071

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis rolls into the tr...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis rolls into the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building after its move from Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1. Rollover from its processing bay began... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis moves through the door of the Vehicle Assembly Building into the transfer aisle after rolling out of Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1. Rollover from its processing bay began at 7:05 a.m. EDT. Atlantis arrived in the VAB's transfer aisle at 8:03 a.m. In the VAB, the shuttle will be lifted 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-07pd3070

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis moves through the...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis moves through the door of the Vehicle Assembly Building into the transfer aisle after rolling out of Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1. Rollover from its pr... 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 into a vertical position. Atlantis will next 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-07pd3086

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Atlantis is raised into a vertical position. Atlantis will next be lifted into... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The external tank for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-123 mission is moved into the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The tank was shipped from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans aboard the Pegasus barge. Endeavour is targeted for launch to the International Space Station on Feb. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd3495

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The external tank for space shuttle End...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The external tank for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-123 mission is moved into the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The tank was shipped from NASA's Michoud Assemb... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After a short journey from Orbiter Processing Facility 2, space shuttle Endeavour arrives in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. In the VAB, Endeavour will be attached to its external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters. After additional preparations are made, the shuttle will be rolled out to Launch Pad 39B. Endeavour is the backup shuttle, if needed for rescue, for space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope targeted for October. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd2605

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After a short journey from Orbiter Processing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After a short journey from Orbiter Processing Facility 2, space shuttle Endeavour arrives in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. In the V... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis is lifted off its transporter in the transfer aisle. The shuttle will be raised to a vertical position and lifted into High Bay 3 where it will be attached to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. After additional preparations are made, the shuttle will be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A for a targeted launch on May 12 on the STS-125 Hubble servicing mission. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2009-2263

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis is lifted off its transporter in the transfer aisle. The shuttle will be raised to a ver... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis rolls into the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. First motion was at 11:30 a.m. EDT. From the transfer aisle, Atlantis will be lifted into High Bay 3 and mated to the solid rocket booster-external fuel tank already installed on the mobile launcher platform. Atlantis is targeted to launch May 12 for the STS-125 Hubble servicing mission. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-2262

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis rolls into the transfer ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis rolls into the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. First motion was at 11:30 a.m. EDT. From the transfer ais... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Endeavour is suspended above the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In this position, it is ready to be lifted into High Bay 1 and attached to the external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters already installed on the mobile launcher platform. Endeavour is scheduled to roll out to Launch Pad 39B on April 17. Endeavour will be prepared on the pad for liftoff in the unlikely event that a rescue mission is necessary following space shuttle Atlantis' launch on the STS-125 mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope. After Atlantis is cleared to land, Endeavour will move to Launch Pad 39A for its upcoming STS-127 mission to the International Space Station, targeted to launch in mid-June. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-2617

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Endeavour is suspended above the ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Endeavour is suspended above the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In this position, it is ready to be lifted into ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers monitor the conjoined forward and center segments of the fifth segment simulator for the Ares I-X as a crane lifts them toward the simulator’s aft segment. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, a component of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond. Ares I is the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. The launch of the Ares I-X flight test is targeted for August 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-3248

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly B...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers monitor the conjoined forward and center segments of the fifth segment simulator ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building's transfer aisle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an overhead crane is attached to the Ares I-X aft center booster segment. The segment will be lifted and then lowered into High Bay 3 for attachment to the aft booster segment with the aft skirt. Part of the Constellation Program, the Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is the essential core of a space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system . The flight test of the Ares I-X is targeted for no earlier than Aug. 30. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2009-3946

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building's transfer ais...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building's transfer aisle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an overhead crane is attached to the Ares I-X aft center booster segment. The segment will be... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building's High Bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lifts Super Stack 2, part of the Ares I-X upper stage. The stack will be attached to Super Stack 1 across the transfer aisle in High Bay 3. At left is Super Stack 3. The upper stage comprises five super stacks, which are integrated with the four-segment solid rocket booster first stage on the mobile launch platform. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond. The Ares I-X flight test is targeted for Oct. 31, pending formal NASA Headquarters approval. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2009-4439

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building's High Bay 4 a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building's High Bay 4 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lifts Super Stack 2, part of the Ares I-X upper stage. The stack will be attached to Supe... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a United Space Alliance technician attaches a lifting sling to space shuttle Endeavour. Next, Endeavour will be hoisted over a transom and lowered into High Bay 1, where it will be attached to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters. Rollout of the shuttle stack to Kennedy’s Launch Pad 39A, a significant milestone in launch processing activities, is planned for early January 2010. The Italian-built Tranquility module, the primary payload for Endeavour's STS-130 mission, will be installed in the payload bay after the shuttle arrives at the pad. Launch is targeted for early February. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2009-6760

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly B...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a United Space Alliance technician attaches a lifting sling to space shuttle Endeavour. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, External Tank-135 arrives in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The tank arrived in Florida on Dec. 26 aboard the Pegasus barge, towed by a solid rocket booster retrieval ship from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. ET-135 will be used to launch space shuttle Discovery on the STS-131 mission to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for March 18. For information on the components of the space shuttle and the STS-131 mission, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts131/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2010-1007

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Exte...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, External Tank-135 arrives in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The tank arrived in Florida on Dec. 26 aboard the Pegasus bar... More

STS-133 ET-137 LIFT FROM TRANSFER AISLE AND MOVE TO TEST CELL 2010-3278

STS-133 ET-137 LIFT FROM TRANSFER AISLE AND MOVE TO TEST CELL 2010-327...

STS-133 ET-137 LIFT FROM TRANSFER AISLE AND MOVE TO TEST CELL

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis is towed from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) transfer aisle on its way around to the VAB high bay 4 doors. Shuttle Atlantis will remain in temporary storage in high bay 4, while Space Shuttle Program transition and retirement work continues on Discovery and Endeavour in the orbiter processing facilities. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1224

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 is towed from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) transfer aisle on its way around to the VAB high bay 4 doors. Shuttl... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians monitor the progress as space shuttle Atlantis is towed out of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) transfer aisle and around to the VAB high bay 4 doors. Shuttle Atlantis will remain in temporary storage in high bay 4, while Space Shuttle Program transition and retirement work continues on Discovery and Endeavour in the orbiter processing facilities. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1218

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians monitor the progress as space shuttle Atlantis is towed out of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) transfer aisle and around to the ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An Orion mockup spacecraft atop its service module simulator is lowered onto a transporter in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Orion mockup is exact in details on the outside, but mostly empty on the inside. The work in the VAB is crucial to making sure the designs are accurate. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry crews to space beyond low Earth orbit. It will provide emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during the space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket and in 2017 on a Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion Photo credit: NASA/ Dmitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-5893

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An Orion mockup spacecraft atop its service mod...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An Orion mockup spacecraft atop its service module simulator is lowered onto a transporter in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center i... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, crane operators and technicians practice lowering a mock-up of the Orion launch abort system onto a transporter in order to keep processing procedures and skills current. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry crews to space beyond low Earth orbit. It will provide emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during the space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. Orion’s first unpiloted test flight is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket. A second uncrewed flight test is scheduled for 2017 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2013-2855

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, crane operators and technicians practice lowering a mock-up of the Orion launch abort sy... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a full-size mockup of the Orion spacecraft sits on a transporter. Crane operators and technicians are preparing to lift the mockup and transfer it into High Bay 4 in order to keep processing procedures and skills current for the Ground Systems Development and Operations Program. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry crews to space beyond low Earth orbit. It will provide emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during the space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. Orion’s first unpiloted test flight is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket. A second uncrewed flight test is scheduled for 2017 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper KSC-2013-3043

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a full-size mockup of the Orion spacecraft sits on a transporter. Crane operators and te... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane is used to remove a portion of the catwalk on the west side of Level 16. The catwalk is being removed to allow room for the removal of the 175-ton crane that is situated above the transfer aisle. The crane will be lowered to the floor to perform upgrades to its 45-year-old controls in order to improve reliability, precision and safety. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is overseeing upgrades and modifications to the VAB. The crane will be upgraded so that it can support lifting needs for NASA and other exploration vehicles, including the agency's Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2014-3897

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane is used to remove a portion of the catwalk on the west side of Level 16. The catwalk is be... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers monitor the progress as a crane lifts up a portion of the catwalk on the east side of Level 16. The catwalk is being removed to allow room for the removal of the 175-ton crane that is situated above the transfer aisle. The crane will be lowered to the floor to perform upgrades to its 45-year-old controls in order to improve reliability, precision and safety. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is overseeing upgrades and modifications to the VAB. The crane will be upgraded so that it can support lifting needs for NASA and other exploration vehicles, including the agency's Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2014-3894

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers monitor the progress as a crane lifts up a portion of the catwalk on the east side of Leve... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, preparations are underway to lower the 175-ton crane. The crane is being lowered from Level 16 down to the floor of the transfer aisle to perform upgrades to its 45-year-old controls in order to improve reliability, precision and safety. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is overseeing upgrades and modifications to the VAB. The crane will be upgraded so that it can support lifting needs for NASA and other exploration vehicles, including the agency's Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper KSC-2014-4010

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, preparations are underway to lower the 175-ton crane. The crane is being lowered from Level 16 dow... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, construction workers continue with refurbishment and upgrades to the 175-ton crane on the ground floor of the transfer aisle. The crane's 45-year-old controls are being upgraded to improve reliability, precision and safety. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is overseeing upgrades and modifications to the crane so that it can support lifting needs for NASA and other exploration vehicles, including the agency's Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4858

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, construction workers continue with refurbishment and upgrades to the 175-ton crane on the ground floor of t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1, technicians work on the Forward Reaction Control System (FRCS) of space shuttle Atlantis as it sits in the transfer aisle prior to installation. The FRCS provides the thrust for attitude (rotational) maneuvers (pitch, yaw and roll) and for small velocity changes along the orbiter axis (translation maneuvers). Processing of Atlantis is under way for mission STS-115, the 19th flight to the International Space Station. KSC-05pd2545

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1, t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1, technicians work on the Forward Reaction Control System (FRCS) of space shuttle Atlantis as it sits in the transfer aisle prior to installati... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Towed on its 76-wheeled orbiter transporter, space shuttle Discovery rolls into the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Discovery will be raised to vertical and lifted into high bay 3 for attachment to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters in preparation for its upcoming STS-124 mission to the International Space Station. On the mission, the STS-124 crew will transport the Japanese Experiment Module - Pressurized Module and the Japanese Remote Manipulator System to the space station. Launch of Discovery is targeted for May 31. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd1029

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Towed on its 76-wheeled orbiter transporter, ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Towed on its 76-wheeled orbiter transporter, space shuttle Discovery rolls into the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Discovery will be ra... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Discovery reaches its destination, the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. There it will be lifted to vertical , then raised and moved to high bay 3 for mating with the external tank and solid rocket boosters. Discovery is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:30 p.m. EDT on mission STS-92, delivering two elements of the International Space Station: the Z-1 truss and Pressurized Mating Adapter-3. The launch will be the 100th flight in the Shuttle program KSC00pp1204

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Discovery reaches its destin...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Discovery reaches its destination, the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. There it will be lifted to vertical , then raised and moved to high bay 3 for ma... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Discovery is viewed from below as it is lifted in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The orbiter will be transferred to high bay 3 to be mated to an external tank and solid rocket boosters. Discovery is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:30 p.m. EDT on mission STS-92, delivering two elements of the International Space Station: the Z-1 truss and Pressurized Mating Adapter-3. The launch will be the 100th flight in the Shuttle program KSC00pp1208

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Discovery is viewed from bel...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Discovery is viewed from below as it is lifted in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The orbiter will be transferred to high bay 3 to be mated to an e... More

The orbiter Discovery finally hangs vertically, suspended from overhead cranes in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. It will next be lifted into high bay 1 for mating with its solid rocket boosters and external tank. Discovery will be launched March 8 on mission STS-102, the eighth construction flight to the International Space Station. The Shuttle will carry the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the first of three pressurized modules provided by the Italian Space Agency to carry supplies and equipment to the Space Station and back to Earth KSC01pp0231

The orbiter Discovery finally hangs vertically, suspended from overhea...

The orbiter Discovery finally hangs vertically, suspended from overhead cranes in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. It will next be lifted into high bay 1 for mating with its solid rocket boo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, the orbiter Atlantis is suspended vertically via overhead cranes. The orbiter will be rotated and lifted up and over to a high bay and stacked with its external tank and solid rocket boosters. Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to launch on mission STS-104 in early July KSC01padig220

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Ass...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, the orbiter Atlantis is suspended vertically via overhead cranes. The orbiter will be rotated and lifted up and over to a hi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Atlantis is lifted up and away from the orange external tank after demating. The orbiter will be lifted out of the high bay in the Vehicle Assembly Building and lowered into the transfer aisle. Atlantis will then be moved to the Orbiter Processing Facility. KSC-03pd0679

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Atlantis is lifted up and away from the o...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Atlantis is lifted up and away from the orange external tank after demating. The orbiter will be lifted out of the high bay in the Vehicle Assembly Building and lowered into the tr... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Atlantis is towed away from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The orbiter was demated from its external tank in the high bay, lifted over the transom, then lowered and shifted to the horizontal position in the transfer aisle. Atlantis is being moved to the Orbiter Processing Facility. KSC-03pd0688

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Atlantis is towed away from the Vehicle ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Atlantis is towed away from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The orbiter was demated from its external tank in the high bay, lifted over the transom, then lowered and shifted to the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from the transfer aisle inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, one of the massive doors undergoes a face-lift. The North Transfer Aisle and the High Bay 3 Vertical and Horizontal doors have entered a 13-month restoration period to repair the damage caused by prolonged exposure to the Florida environment - one of the most corrosive in the nation. Extensive corrosion damage exists on the interior of the framework of the existing doors in both locations. All exterior siding is to be replaced, as well as all the hardware. The work contributes to the ongoing safety infrastructure upgrade efforts at Kennedy Space Center. KSC-04pd1297

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from the transfer aisle inside t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from the transfer aisle inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, one of the massive doors undergoes a face-lift. The North Transfer Aisle and the High Bay 3 Vertical and Ho... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building prepare to lower the External Tank 118 (ET-118) to a horizontal position before being placed on a transporter. The tank will be transferred to NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. The tank is being installed with an improved bipod fitting, which connects the external fuel tank to the Shuttle during launch. The new design, a significant milestone in the effort to return the Shuttle to safe flight, replaces the foam that was used to prevent ice buildup on the tank’s bipod fittings with four rod-shaped heaters. The heaters are being retrofitted on the 11 existing tanks and incorporated into the manufacture of all new tanks. KSC-04pd2131

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the transfer aisle of the Vehi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building prepare to lower the External Tank 118 (ET-118) to a horizontal position before being placed on a transporter. The tan... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Orbiter Atlantis sits in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The orbiter will be raised to a vertical position, and lifted into a high bay for further processing. Atlantis will be flying on mission STS-114, a Utilization Logistics Flight -1 to the International Space Station. Along with a Multi-Purpose Logistics Module, Atlantis will also transport the next resident ISS crew, Expedition 7. Mission STS-114 is scheduled to launch March 1, 2003. KSC-03pd0208

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Orbiter Atlantis sits in the transfer ais...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Orbiter Atlantis sits in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The orbiter will be raised to a vertical position, and lifted into a high bay for further processing. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Forward Reaction Control System (FRCS) of space shuttle Atlantis sits in the transfer aisle of Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 in anticipation of being installed. The FRCS provides the thrust for attitude (rotational) maneuvers (pitch, yaw and roll) and for small velocity changes along the orbiter axis (translation maneuvers). Processing of Atlantis is under way for mission STS-115, the 19th flight to the International Space Station. KSC-05pd2537

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Forward Reaction Control System (FR...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Forward Reaction Control System (FRCS) of space shuttle Atlantis sits in the transfer aisle of Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 in anticipation of being installed. The FRCS p... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The orbiter Discovery, atop an orbiter transporter, reaches its destination, the transfer aisle of NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The rollover to the VAB marks the start of the journey to the launch pad and, ultimately, launch. After the slings of the overhead crane are in place, Discovery will be raised to vertical and lifted up and over into high bay 3 for stacking with its redesigned external tank and twin solid rocket boosters. The rollout of Space Shuttle Discovery to Launch Pad 39B is expected in approximately a week. Launch of Discovery on mission STS-121 is scheduled to take place in a window extending July 1 to July 19. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd0829

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The orbiter Discovery, atop an orbiter...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The orbiter Discovery, atop an orbiter transporter, reaches its destination, the transfer aisle of NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The rollover to the VAB marks the star... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, an overhead crane and sling raise Atlantis to a vertical position. The orbiter will next be lifted into high bay 3 for stacking with the external tank and solid rocket boosters already installed on the mobile launcher platform. After mating with the external tank and boosters, Atlantis will undergo a shuttle interface test and other prelaunch processing. Atlantis' launch window begins Aug. 28. During its 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the STS-115 crew of six astronauts will continue construction of the station and install their cargo, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1660

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Ass...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, an overhead crane and sling raise Atlantis to a vertical position. The orbiter will next be lifted into high bay 3 for stac... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Discovery has come to a stop in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building after leaving bay 3 of the Orbiter Processing Facility. First motion was at 9:23 p.m. Oct. 31. Above Discovery and to the right is the overhead crane and sling that will be attached to the orbiter to raise it off the transporter and lift it into high bay 3. There, the orbiter will be mated to its large external tank and twin solid rocket boosters already stacked on the mobile launcher platform. Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled to roll out to Launch Pad 39B no earlier than Nov. 7 for mission STS-116. The mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. The launch window for mission STS-116 opens Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2420

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Discovery has come to a st...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Discovery has come to a stop in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building after leaving bay 3 of the Orbiter Processing Facility. First motion was at 9:23 p... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building, external tank No. 117 is suspended vertically above the transfer aisle. The tank will next be lifted into the checkout cell in high bay 2 for processing. ET-117 arrived aboard the Pegasus barge after its voyage around the Florida Peninsula from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. The tank is slated for mission STS-118, which is targeted for launch in early August. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd1001

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building, external tank No. 117 is suspended vertically above the transfer aisle. The tank will next be lifted into the checkout cell in high bay 2 for pr... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After leaving the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 2, the orbiter Endeavour, atop its transporter, rolls into the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. In the VAB, it will be stacked with the external tank and solid rocket boosters atop the mobile launcher platform for its launch on mission STS-118. The mission will be Endeavour's first flight in more than four years. The shuttle has undergone extensive modifications, including the addition of safety upgrades already added to shuttles Discovery and Atlantis. Endeavour also features new hardware, such as the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System that will allow the docked shuttle to draw electrical power from the station and extend its visits to the orbiting lab. Endeavour is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd1710

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After leaving the Orbiter Processing Fa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After leaving the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 2, the orbiter Endeavour, atop its transporter, rolls into the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. In the VAB, it ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Endeavour hangs above the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The attached sling will raise it to vertical and lift it into the upper levels of the VAB. Then it will be moved to high bay 1 and stacked with the e1ternal tank and solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. Endeavour will be launched on mission STS-118, its first flight in more than four years. The shuttle has undergone e1tensive modifications, including the addition of safety upgrades already added to shuttles Discovery and Atlantis. Endeavour also features new hardware, such as the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System that will allow the docked shuttle to draw electrical power from the station and e1tend its visits to the orbiting lab. Endeavour is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-07pd1751

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Endeavour hangs above the t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Endeavour hangs above the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The attached sling will raise it to vertical and lift it into the upper levels of the VAB. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Hanging above the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, the orbiter Endeavour is raised to vertical. It will be lifted into the upper levels of the VAB, moved to high bay 1 and stacked with the e1ternal tank and solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. Endeavour will be launched on mission STS-118, its first flight in more than four years. The shuttle has undergone e1tensive modifications, including the addition of safety upgrades already added to shuttles Discovery and Atlantis. Endeavour also features new hardware, such as the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System that will allow the docked shuttle to draw electrical power from the station and e1tend its visits to the orbiting lab. Endeavour is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-07pd1752

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Hanging above the transfer aisle of th...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Hanging above the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, the orbiter Endeavour is raised to vertical. It will be lifted into the upper levels of the VAB, moved to high... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, the suspended space shuttle Endeavour is slowly being raised to a vertical position. It will then be lifted up into high bay 1 to be attached to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters in preparation for launch on the STS-123 mission, targeted for March 11. The mission 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/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd0277

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Ass...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, the suspended space shuttle Endeavour is slowly being raised to a vertical position. It will then be lifted up into high ba... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building transfer aisle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers detach space shuttle Atlantis from its transporter. An overhead crane will lift Atlantis to vertical for transfer to high bay 3 to be stacked with its external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters. After additional preparations are made, the shuttle will be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A to prepare for launch on the STS-125 mission targeted for Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd2484

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building transfer ais...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building transfer aisle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers detach space shuttle Atlantis from its transporter. An overhead crane will lift Atlantis to vert... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This close-up shows space shuttle Atlantis being lowered onto its wheels in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Atlantis has been removed from its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters stack after the delay of its STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Atlantis will be returned to the Orbiter Processing Facility. Atlantis' targeted launch on Oct. 14 was delayed when a system that transfers science data from the orbiting observatory to Earth malfunctioned on Sept. 27. The new target launch date is under review. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3641

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This close-up shows space shuttle Atlantis bei...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This close-up shows space shuttle Atlantis being lowered onto its wheels in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Atlantis has be... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis is lowered onto its wheels in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Atlantis has been removed from its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters stack after the delay of its STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Atlantis will be returned to the Orbiter Processing Facility. Atlantis' targeted launch on Oct. 14 was delayed when a system that transfers science data from the orbiting observatory to Earth malfunctioned on Sept. 27. The new target launch date is under review. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3643

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis is lowered onto its whe...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis is lowered onto its wheels in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Atlantis has been removed from its ext... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Aboard its transporter, space shuttle Discovery rolls into the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Discovery left Orbiter Processing Facility 3 at 2:30 p.m. EST. In the VAB, Discovery will be attached to its external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters. After additional preparations are made, the shuttle will be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A for a targeted launch to the International Space Station on Feb. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-1032

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Aboard its transporter, space shuttle Discover...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Aboard its transporter, space shuttle Discovery rolls into the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Discovery left Orbiter Processin... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Ares I-X fifth segment simulator assembly is being lifted toward a stand in the Vehicle Assembly Building's transfer aisle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The assembly will later be lifted into the VAB's High Bay 4. Ares I-X is the flight test vehicle for the Ares I, the essential core of a safe, reliable, cost-effective space transportation system that eventually will carry crewed missions back to the moon, on to Mars and out into the solar system. Ares I-X is targeted for launch in August 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-3733

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Ares I-X fifth segment simulator assembly ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Ares I-X fifth segment simulator assembly is being lifted toward a stand in the Vehicle Assembly Building's transfer aisle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The assembly wi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis appears to hover over the transporter from which it has been released. Next, Atlantis will be rotated to a vertical position, lifted over a transom and lowered onto a mobile launch platform in high bay 1. It then will be attached to an external fuel tank and pair of solid rocket boosters already secured to the platform. Rollout of the completed shuttle stack to Kennedy’s Launch Pad 39A, a significant milestone in launch processing activities, is planned for Oct. 13. Liftoff of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is targeted for 4:04 p.m. EST Nov. 12 during a 10-minute launch window. 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-2009-5332

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly B...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis appears to hover over the transporter from which it has been relea... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis is lifted from its transporter. Next, Atlantis will be rotated to a vertical position, lifted over a transom and lowered onto a mobile launch platform in high bay 1. It then will be attached to an external fuel tank and pair of solid rocket boosters already secured to the platform. Rollout of the completed shuttle stack to Kennedy’s Launch Pad 39A, a significant milestone in launch processing activities, is planned for Oct. 13. Liftoff of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is targeted for 4:04 p.m. EST Nov. 12 during a 10-minute launch window. 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-2009-5331

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly B...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis is lifted from its transporter. Next, Atlantis will be rotated... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a worker transports space shuttle Atlantis into the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The rollover from its hangar, Orbiter Processing Facility 1, began about 7 a.m. EDT and was complete at 8:25 a.m. when Atlantis was towed into the VAB's transfer aisle. Next, Atlantis will be lifted over a transom and lowered into the VAB's high bay 1, where it will be attached to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters. Rollout of the shuttle stack to Kennedy’s Launch Pad 39A, a significant milestone in launch processing activities, is planned for Oct. 13. Liftoff of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is targeted for 4:04 p.m. EST during a 10-minute launch window on Nov. 12. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-5326

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a worker transports space shuttle Atlantis into the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The rollover from its hangar, Orbiter Pr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a lifting sling is lowered toward space shuttle Endeavour following its arrival in the Vehicle Assembly Building transfer aisle. The rollover began at 12:53 a.m. EST and was completed at 2:08 p.m. when Endeavour was towed into the VAB's transfer aisle. Next, Endeavour will be attached to the sling, hoisted over a transom and lowered into High Bay 1, where it will be attached to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters. Rollout of the shuttle stack to Kennedy’s Launch Pad 39A, a significant milestone in launch processing activities, is planned for early January 2010. The Italian-built Tranquility module, the primary payload for Endeavour's STS-130 mission, will be installed in the payload bay after the shuttle arrives at the pad. Launch is targeted for early February. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2009-6750

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a li...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a lifting sling is lowered toward space shuttle Endeavour following its arrival in the Vehicle Assembly Building transfer aisle. The rollover... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers prepare to lift the external fuel tank for space shuttle Discovery's STS-131 mission, ET-135, from the transfer aisle into a test cell. The tank was delivered to Kennedy aboard the Pegasus barge from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility on Dec. 26. The tank will remain in the test cell until it is transferred into a high bay for mating with the twin solid rocket boosters that will be used on the mission. Launch of the STS-131 mission to the International Space Station is targeted for March 18. For information on the STS-131 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts131/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2010-1060

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers prepare to lift the external fuel tank for space shuttle Discovery's STS-131 mission, ET-135, from the ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a large yellow, metal sling lifts shuttle Discovery from the transfer aisle into High Bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building. In the bay, the shuttle will be attached to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters. The operation began Sept. 9 and wrapped up early Sept. 10. Discovery is scheduled to roll out to Launch Pad 39A later this month in preparation for its launch to the International Space Station on the STS-133 mission. Targeted to lift off Nov. 1, Discovery will take the Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM) packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2 (R2) to the station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-4617

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a large yellow, metal sling lifts shuttle Discovery from the transfer aisle into High Bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building. In the bay, the s... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, External Fuel Tank-122 is suspended vertically over the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building as it is lifted toward a test cell. ET-122, the Space Shuttle Program's last external fuel tank was delivered to Kennedy's Turn Basin from NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans aboard the Pegasus Barge. After testing, ET-122 eventually will be attached to space shuttle Endeavour for the STS-134 mission to the International Space Station targeted to launch February, 2011. For more information visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2010-4919

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Ext...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, External Fuel Tank-122 is suspended vertically over the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building as it is lifted toward a test cell. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, external fuel tank, ET-122, for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission, is suspended over the transfer aisle. When lowered in place, the tank will be attached to the solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. Endeavour and its crew will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3 and the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for April 19. For more information visit, http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2011-1134

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, external fuel tank, ET-122, for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission, is suspended over the transfer aisl... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an overhead crane slowly lifts shuttle Atlantis into a vertical position above the transfer aisle. The spacecraft will be moved to a high bay where it will be attached to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters already on the mobile launcher platform. Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley and Mission Specialists Sandra Magnus and Rex Walheim are expected to launch in mid-July, taking with them the Raffaello multi-purpose 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/Jack Pfaller KSC-2011-3791

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an overhead crane slowly lifts shuttle Atlantis into a vertical position above the transfer aisle. The spacecraft ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians prepare space shuttle Atlantis to be towed out of the transfer aisle and around to the VAB high bay 4 doors. Shuttle Atlantis will remain in temporary storage in high bay 4, while Space Shuttle Program transition and retirement work continues on Discovery and Endeavour in the orbiter processing facilities. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1215

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at N...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians prepare space shuttle Atlantis to be towed out of the transfer aisle and around to the VA... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians prepare space shuttle Atlantis to be towed out of the transfer aisle and over to Orbiter Processing Facility-1. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the three space shuttles. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and is scheduled to rollover to the complex in November. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2012-1717

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, technicians prepare space shuttle Atlantis to be towed out of the transfer aisle and over to Orbiter Proces... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Seen from overhead, mockup components of an Orion spacecraft are laid out in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the foreground is the Launch Abort System and the aerodynamic shell that will cover the capsule during launch. To the right is the Orion capsule model on top of a service module simulator. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry crews to space beyond low Earth orbit. It will provide emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during the space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first uncrewed test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket and in 2017 on a Space Launch System rocket. The Orion mockup is exact in details on the outside, but mostly empty on the inside except for four mockup astronaut seats and hatch. The work in the VAB is crucial to making sure the designs are accurate. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion Photo credit: NASA/ Dmitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-4321

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Seen from overhead, mockup components of an Ori...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Seen from overhead, mockup components of an Orion spacecraft are laid out in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An Orion mockup spacecraft atop its service module simulator is lowered onto a transporter in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Orion mockup is exact in details on the outside, but mostly empty on the inside. The work in the VAB is crucial to making sure the designs are accurate. Visible in the background on the left is the space shuttle Atlantis being readied for its move to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry crews to space beyond low Earth orbit. It will provide emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during the space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket and in 2017 on a Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion Photo credit: NASA/ Dmitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-5894

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An Orion mockup spacecraft atop its service mod...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An Orion mockup spacecraft atop its service module simulator is lowered onto a transporter in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center i... 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

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

Carried atop an orbiter transporter, the Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis rolls into the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) . The "rollover" of the orbiter from the Orbiter Processing Facility to the nearby VAB is one of the prelaunch milestones. Atlantis is being readied for the next mission, STS-86, which is targeted for a September launch. STS-86 will be the seventh of nine planned dockings of the Space Shuttle orbiter with the Russian Space Station Mir KSC-97PC1226

Carried atop an orbiter transporter, the Space Shuttle orbiter Atlanti...

Carried atop an orbiter transporter, the Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis rolls into the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) . The "rollover" of the orbiter from the Orbiter Processing Facility ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Discovery reaches its destination, the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. There it will be lifted to vertical , then raised and moved to high bay 3 for mating with the external tank and solid rocket boosters. Discovery is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:30 p.m. EDT on mission STS-92, delivering two elements of the International Space Station: the Z-1 truss and Pressurized Mating Adapter-3. The launch will be the 100th flight in the Shuttle program KSC-00pp1204

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Discovery reaches its destin...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Discovery reaches its destination, the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. There it will be lifted to vertical , then raised and moved to high bay 3 for ma... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, an overhead crane begins to turn the orbiter Discovery slightly before its transfer to high bay 3. There Discovery will be mated to an external tank and solid rocket boosters. Discovery is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:30 p.m. EDT on mission STS-92, delivering two elements of the International Space Station: the Z-1 truss and Pressurized Mating Adapter-3. The launch will be the 100th flight in the Shuttle program KSC-00pp1207

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Ass...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, an overhead crane begins to turn the orbiter Discovery slightly before its transfer to high bay 3. There Discovery will be m... More

In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, the orbiter Discovery (seen from the back) is lifted to vertical. It will then be lifted up and into high bay 1 for mating with its solid rocket boosters and external tank. Discovery will be launched March 8 on mission STS-102, the eighth construction flight to the International Space Station. The Shuttle will carry the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the first of three pressurized modules provided by the Italian Space Agency to carry supplies and equipment to the Space Station and back to earth KSC01padig034

In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, the orbiter Di...

In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, the orbiter Discovery (seen from the back) is lifted to vertical. It will then be lifted up and into high bay 1 for mating with its solid rocket boosters ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Columbia rolls into the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will be mated with the external tank-solid rocket booster stack. Columbia is scheduled to be launched Feb. 28 on mission STS-109, a Hubble Servicing Mission. The goal of the mission is to service the HST, replacing Solar Array 2 with Solar Array 3, replacing the Power Control Unit, removing the Faint Object Camera and installing the ACS, installing the Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) Cooling System, and installing New Outer Blanket Layer insulation KSC-02pd0023

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Columbia rolls into the tra...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Columbia rolls into the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will be mated with the external tank-solid rocket booster stack. Columbia is schedul... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Atlantis is lowered toward the floor of the transfer aisle in the Vehicle Assembly Building. After demating from its external tank, Atlantis was lifted out of the high bay to the transfer aisle. Atlantis will now be moved to the Orbiter Processing Facility. KSC-03pd0681

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Atlantis is lowered toward the floor of t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Atlantis is lowered toward the floor of the transfer aisle in the Vehicle Assembly Building. After demating from its external tank, Atlantis was lifted out of the high bay to the ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Atlantis is lowered toward the floor of the transfer aisle in the Vehicle Assembly Building. After demating from its external tank, Atlantis was lifted out of the high bay to the transfer aisle. Atlantis will now be moved to the Orbiter Processing Facility. KSC-03pd0680

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Atlantis is lowered toward the floor of t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Atlantis is lowered toward the floor of the transfer aisle in the Vehicle Assembly Building. After demating from its external tank, Atlantis was lifted out of the high bay to the ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After being lowered from its cell in the Vehicle Assembly Building, External Tank 118 (ET-118) is suspended above the transfer aisle before being placed on the transporter at left. The tank will be transferred to NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. The tank is being installed with an improved bipod fitting, which connects the external fuel tank to the Shuttle during launch. The new design, a significant milestone in the effort to return the Shuttle to safe flight, replaces the foam that was used to prevent ice buildup on the tank’s bipod fittings with four rod-shaped heaters. The heaters are being retrofitted on the 11 existing tanks and incorporated into the manufacture of all new tanks. KSC-04pd2130

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After being lowered from its cell in the ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After being lowered from its cell in the Vehicle Assembly Building, External Tank 118 (ET-118) is suspended above the transfer aisle before being placed on the transporter at left.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building, after being removed from the solid rocket booster (SRB), the forward assembly is lowered from high above the transfer aisle. The destacking is part of time and cycle activities. The SRB was part of the stack on Atlantis originally scheduled for a March 1, 2003, launch on mission STS-114. The SRBs and external tank were demated in February 2003. The mission is now scheduled to occur no earlier than Sept. 12, 2004, on Atlantis.

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building, after being removed from the solid rocket booster (SRB), the forward assembly is lowered from high above the transfer aisle. The destacking is pa... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The 154.2-foot-high external tank #120 is suspended above the transfer aisle of NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building. It will be lowered to a horizontal position and placed on a transporter to wait for the return of the Pegasus barge from delivering tank #119 to Louisiana. In a few weeks, tank #120 also will be returned to NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in Louisiana for routine testing and maintenance. This tank is the first of the newly designed tanks that were delivered to Kennedy. Previously stacked with Discovery, the tank has already gone through two tanking cycles during tanking tests but was replaced with tank #121 for Discovery’s return to flight mission STS-114 KSC-05pd2282

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The 154.2-foot-high external tank #120...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The 154.2-foot-high external tank #120 is suspended above the transfer aisle of NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building. It will be lowered to a horizontal positio... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, a worker packs type 2 ablator over the bolts around the "manhole" or cover on the bottom of external tank number 119. The manhole was removed to access the area where the tank's four liquid hydrogen engine cutoff sensors were replaced. The tank is being prepared to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 in July. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0618

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Ass...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, a worker packs type 2 ablator over the bolts around the "manhole" or cover on the bottom of external tank number 119. The m... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, workers pack type 2 ablator over the bolts around the "manhole" or cover on the bottom of external tank number 119. The manhole was removed to access the area where the tank's four liquid hydrogen engine cutoff sensors were replaced. The tank is being prepared to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 in July. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0620

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Ass...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, workers pack type 2 ablator over the bolts around the "manhole" or cover on the bottom of external tank number 119. The manh... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, the external tank designated for Space Shuttle Discovery is lifted by crane off its transporter for the move to high bay 3. There it will be stacked with the solid rocket boosters already in place on the mobile launcher platform. Discovery is scheduled to launch on mission STS-121 in July. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-06pd0722

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle As...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, the external tank designated for Space Shuttle Discovery is lifted by crane off its transporter for the move to high bay 3.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, workers are securing the sling attachment of the overhead crane that will lift the orbiter Atlantis into high bay 3. After Atlantis is lifted and moved into the high bay, the orbiter will be lowered and mated with the external tank and solid rocket boosters already stacked on the mobile launcher platform. Atlantis' launch window begins Aug. 28. During its 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the STS-115 crew of six astronauts will install the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd1655

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, workers are securing the sling attachment of the overhead crane that will lift the orbiter Atlantis into high bay 3. Afte... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Discovery is suspended vertically above the floor of the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. Discovery will be lifted up into high bay 3 and lowered onto the mobile launcher platform where the external tank and solid rocket boosters are already stacked. Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled to roll out to Launch Pad 39B no earlier than Nov. 7 for mission STS-116. The mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. The launch window for mission STS-116 opens Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd2425

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Discovery is suspended vert...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Discovery is suspended vertically above the floor of the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. Discovery will be lifted up into high bay 3 and lowered onto ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building, external tank No. 117 seems to float above the transfer aisle as it is lifted off its transporter. The tank will be raised to a vertical position and then lifted into the checkout cell in high bay 2 for processing. ET-117 arrived aboard the Pegasus barge after its voyage around the Florida Peninsula from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. The tank is slated for mission STS-118, which is targeted for launch in early August. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd0998

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building, external tank No. 117 seems to float above the transfer aisle as it is lifted off its transporter. The tank will be raised to a vertical position... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Seen from the back side, the orbiter Endeavour hangs vertically above the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. It will be lifted into the upper levels of the Vehicle Assembly Building , moved laterally over a crossbeam to high bay 1 and stacked with the external tank and solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. Endeavour will be launched on mission STS-118, its first flight in more than four years. The shuttle has undergone extensive modifications, including the addition of safety upgrades already added to shuttles Discovery and Atlantis. Endeavour also features new hardware, such as the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System that will allow the docked shuttle to draw electrical power from the station and extend its visits to the orbiting lab. Endeavour is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-07pd1767

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Seen from the back side, the orbiter E...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Seen from the back side, the orbiter Endeavour hangs vertically above the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. It will be lifted into the upper levels of the Vehicle... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, space shuttle Discovery begins the slow rotation to a vertical position. The vehicle will be hoisted into high bay 1 for mating with the external tank and solid rocket boosters waiting on the mobile launcher platform. Discovery is targeted for launch to the International Space Station for mission STS-120 on 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/Charisse Nahser KSC-07pd2546

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle As...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, space shuttle Discovery begins the slow rotation to a vertical position. The vehicle will be hoisted into high bay 1 for m... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A view of the underside of space shuttle Discovery as it is lifted above the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. Discovery will be moved into high bay 1 for mating with the external tank and solid rocket boosters waiting on the mobile launcher platform. Discovery is targeted for launch to the International Space Station for mission STS-120 on 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/Troy Cryder KSC-07pd2551

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A view of the underside of space shutt...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A view of the underside of space shuttle Discovery as it is lifted above the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. Discovery will be moved into high bay 1 for mating ... 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 to a nearly vertical position. Atlantis will next 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-07pd3088

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Atlantis is raised to a nearly vertical position. Atlantis will next be lifted... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- As the sun rises, workers accompany space shuttle Atlantis as it rolls from Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1 on a transporter to the Vehicle Assembly Building, at left. Rollover from its processing bay began at 7:05 a.m. EDT. Atlantis arrived in the VAB's transfer aisle at 8:03 a.m. In the VAB, the shuttle will be lifted 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-07pd3068

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- As the sun rises, workers accompany spac...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- As the sun rises, workers accompany space shuttle Atlantis as it rolls from Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1 on a transporter to the Vehicle Assembly Building, at left. Rollover ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1, workers monitor the readiness of space shuttle Atlantis for its move to the Vehicle Assembly Building. Rollover from its processing bay began at 7:05 a.m. EDT. Atlantis arrived in the VAB's transfer aisle at 8:03 a.m. In the VAB, the shuttle will be lifted 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-07pd3064

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1, wo...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1, workers monitor the readiness of space shuttle Atlantis for its move to the Vehicle Assembly Building. Rollover from its processing bay began... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building transfer aisle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the overhead crane lifts space shuttle Atlantis from its transporter. Atlantis will be raised to vertical for transfer to high bay 3. There it will be stacked with its external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters. After additional preparations are made, the shuttle will be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A to prepare for launch on the STS-125 mission targeted for 1:34 a.m. EDT Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd2488

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building transfer aisl...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building transfer aisle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the overhead crane lifts space shuttle Atlantis from its transporter. Atlantis will be raised to vertical... More

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