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Triomfwagen van de Wereld - Engraving, Public domain image

Triomfwagen van de Wereld - Engraving, Public domain image

Public domain photo of art print, 16th-17th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

Atlas draagt de wereld op zijn schouders

Atlas draagt de wereld op zijn schouders

Public domain photo of art print, 16th-17th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.

La sphere artificielle ou armilaire oblique : elevée sur l'horizon a la latitude de Paris  /

La sphere artificielle ou armilaire oblique : elevée sur l'horizon a l...

Includes diagrams of the Copernican, Brahean, Cartesian, and Ptolemaic systems, maps of the Sun and Moon, Venus, Mercury, Mars and Jupiter, and two diagrams showing the Earth's parallels. Available also through... More

fauna from "The Voyages and Travels of Capt. Cook, Mungo Park, La Perouse, and others; ... with a ... geographical description of the World. Embellished with ... engravings and maps. (The World or the present state of the Universe. ... Vol. II.)"

fauna from "The Voyages and Travels of Capt. Cook, Mungo Park, La Pero...

This image has been taken from scan 000155 from volume 02 of "The Voyages and Travels of Capt. Cook, Mungo Park, La Perouse, and others; ... with a ... geographical description of the World. Embellished with ..... More

A celestial planisphere, or map of the heavens /

A celestial planisphere, or map of the heavens /

"Entered according to Act of Congress Septr. 1st. 1835 by F.J. Huntington of the State of Connecticut." "Pl. VIII." Available also through the Library of Congress Web site as a raster image. LC copy imperfect: ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, check the progress of the Payload Attach System, or PAS, as it is lifted up to the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, where it will be attached to the bottom of the AMS. The PAS provides a method of securely connecting the payload to the International Space Station.      AMS, a state-of-the-art particle physics detector, is designed to operate as an external module on the International Space Station. It will use the unique environment of space to study the universe and its origin by searching for dark matter. AMS will fly to the station aboard space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission targeted to launch Feb. 26, 2011. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2010-4548

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Space Station Processing Fa...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, check the progress of the Payload Attach System, or PAS, as it is lifted up to the Alpha M... More

. Skylab 1973 spacelab space station, science technology.

. Skylab 1973 spacelab space station, science technology.

Free images of Universe. Download Universe art and posters. Use free Universe pictures without any copyright restrictions.

An image of a nebula with stars in the background. Orion nebula emission nebula constellation orion, science technology.

An image of a nebula with stars in the background. Orion nebula emissi...

Free images of Universe. Download Universe art and posters. Use free Universe pictures without any copyright restrictions.

History of Hubble Space Telescope (HST)

History of Hubble Space Telescope (HST)

This artist's concept depicts the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) being positioned for release from the Space Shuttle orbiter by the Remote Manipulator System (RMS). The HST is the product of a partnership between... More

STS061-23-026 - STS-061 - Various views of Musgrave during EVA to repair HST

STS061-23-026 - STS-061 - Various views of Musgrave during EVA to repa...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: STS-61 mission specialist Story Musgrave stands on the Remote Manipulator System (RMS) arm above the Endeavour's payload bay during an Extravehicular Ac... More

STS082-372-005 - STS-082 - Earth observations taken from shuttle orbiter Discovery during STS-82 mission

STS082-372-005 - STS-082 - Earth observations taken from shuttle orbit...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: Earth observation views taken of the Earth limb from the shuttle orbiter Discovery during STS-82 mission. Subject Terms: STS-82, DISCOVERY (ORBITER), E... More

STS082-372-029 - STS-082 - Earth observations taken from shuttle orbiter Discovery during STS-82 mission

STS082-372-029 - STS-082 - Earth observations taken from shuttle orbit...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: Earth observation views taken of the Earth limb from the shuttle orbiter Discovery during STS-82 mission. Subject Terms: STS-82, DISCOVERY (ORBITER), E... More

STS082-372-015 - STS-082 - Earth observations taken from shuttle orbiter Discovery during STS-82 mission

STS082-372-015 - STS-082 - Earth observations taken from shuttle orbit...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: Earth observation views taken of the Earth limb from the shuttle orbiter Discovery during STS-82 mission. Subject Terms: STS-82, DISCOVERY (ORBITER), E... More

During the Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT) for mission STS-93, Mission Commander Eileen M. Collins checks out the flight deck on the orbiter Columbia, in the Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3. The CEIT provides an opportunity for crew members to check equipment and facilities that will be aboard the orbiter during their mission. The STS-93 mission will deploy the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF) which comprises three major elements: the spacecraft, the telescope, and the science instrument module (SIM). AXAF will allow scientists from around the world to obtain unprecedented X-ray images of a variety of high-energy objects to help understand the structure and evolution of the universe. Collins is the first woman to serve as a shuttle mission commander. The other STS-93 crew members are Mission Specialist Catherine G. Coleman, Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby, Mission Specialist Steven A. Hawley and Mission Specialist Michel Tognini of France. Targeted date for the launch of STS-93 is March 18, 1999 KSC-98pc1688

During the Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT) for mission STS-93, Mi...

During the Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT) for mission STS-93, Mission Commander Eileen M. Collins checks out the flight deck on the orbiter Columbia, in the Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3. The CEIT pro... More

In the Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3, during the Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT), Mission Specialist Catherine G. Coleman checks equipment that will fly on mission STS-93. The STS-93 mission will deploy the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF) which comprises three major elements: the spacecraft, the telescope, and the science instrument module (SIM). AXAF will allow scientists from around the world to obtain unprecedented X-ray images of a variety of high-energy objects to help understand the structure and evolution of the universe. The other STS-93 crew members are Mission Commander Eileen M. Collins, Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby, Mission Specialist Steven A. Hawley and Mission Specialist Michel Tognini of France. Targeted date for the launch of STS-93 is March 18, 1999 KSC-98pc1690

In the Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3, during the Crew Equipment In...

In the Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3, during the Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT), Mission Specialist Catherine G. Coleman checks equipment that will fly on mission STS-93. The STS-93 mission will deplo... More

Workers in Hangar AE, Cape Canaveral Air Station, begin removing the plastic covering from NASA's Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) satellite before prelaunch processing. FUSE will undergo a functional test of its systems, followed by installation of the flight batteries and solar arrays. Tests are also scheduled for the communications and data systems linking FUSE with the spacecraft control center at The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md. FUSE was developed and will be operated by The Johns Hopkins University under contract to Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md. FUSE will investigate the origin and evolution of the lightest elements in the universe hydrogen and deuterium. In addition, the FUSE satellite will examine the forces and process involved in the evolution of the galaxies, stars and planetary systems by investigating light in the far ultraviolet portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The launch aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket is targeted for May 20 at Launch Complex 17 KSC-99pp0380

Workers in Hangar AE, Cape Canaveral Air Station, begin removing the p...

Workers in Hangar AE, Cape Canaveral Air Station, begin removing the plastic covering from NASA's Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) satellite before prelaunch processing. FUSE will undergo a functio... More

At Launch Pad 17A, Cape Canaveral Air Station (CCAS), workers look over NASA's Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) satellite after sections of the canister have been removed. FUSE is scheduled to be launched from CCAS June 23 aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket. FUSE is designed to scour the cosmos for the fossil record of the origins of the universe hydrogen and deuterium. Scientists will use FUSE to study hydrogen and deuterium to unlock the secrets of how the primordial chemical elements of which all stars, planets and life evolved, were created and distributed since the birth of the universe KSC-99pp0703

At Launch Pad 17A, Cape Canaveral Air Station (CCAS), workers look ove...

At Launch Pad 17A, Cape Canaveral Air Station (CCAS), workers look over NASA's Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) satellite after sections of the canister have been removed. FUSE is scheduled to be l... More

Inside the Vertical Processing Facility, the Chandra X-ray Observatory sits inside the payload canister, ready to be moved to Launch Pad 39B. Liftoff will take place no earlier than July 20 at 12:36 a.m. EDT aboard Space Shuttle Columbia, on mission STS-93. Chandra will allow scientists from around the world to obtain unprecedented X-ray images of exotic environments to help understand the structure and evolution of the universe. Chandra is expected to provide unique and crucial information on the nature of objects ranging from comets in our solar system to quasars at the edge of the observable universe, map the location of dark matter and help to identify it, and probe the faintest of active galaxies, allowing scientists to study not only how their energy output changes with time, but also how these objects produce their intense energy emissions in the first place. Since X-rays are absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere, space-based observatories are necessary to study these phenomena and allow scientists to analyze some of the greatest mysteries of the universe KSC-99pp0708

Inside the Vertical Processing Facility, the Chandra X-ray Observatory...

Inside the Vertical Processing Facility, the Chandra X-ray Observatory sits inside the payload canister, ready to be moved to Launch Pad 39B. Liftoff will take place no earlier than July 20 at 12:36 a.m. EDT ab... More

STS-93 Michel Tognini of France, who represents the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), pauses for the photographer before climbing into an M-113 armored personnel carrier at the launch pad to take part in emergency egress training. In preparation for their mission, the STS-93 crew are participating in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities that also include a launch-day dress rehearsal culminating with a simulated main engine cut-off. Others in the crew are Commander Eileen M. Collins, Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby, and Mission Specialists Steven A. Hawley (Ph.D.) and Catherine G. Coleman (Ph.D.). Collins is the first woman to serve as a mission commander. The primary mission of STS-93 is the release of the Chandra X-ray Observatory, which will allow scientists from around the world to obtain unprecedented X-ray images of exotic environments in space to help understand the structure and evolution of the universe. Chandra is expected to provide unique and crucial information on the nature of objects ranging from comets in our solar system to quasars at the edge of the observable universe. Since X-rays are absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere, space-based observatories are necessary to study these phenomena and allow scientists to analyze some of the greatest mysteries of the universe. The targeted launch date for STS-93 is no earlier than July 20 at 12:36 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B KSC-99pp0728

STS-93 Michel Tognini of France, who represents the Centre National d'...

STS-93 Michel Tognini of France, who represents the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), pauses for the photographer before climbing into an M-113 armored personnel carrier at the launch pad to take part ... More

As light peers over the horizon at the crack of dawn, NASA's Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) satellite waits for launch on Launch Pad 17A, Cape Canaveral Air Station, aboard the Boeing Delta II rocket. Liftoff is scheduled for 11:39 a.m. EDT. FUSE was developed to investigate the origin and evolution of the lightest elements in the universe hydrogen and deuterium. In addition, the FUSE satellite will examine the forces and process involved in the evolution of the galaxies, stars and planetary systems by investigating light in the far ultraviolet portion of the electromagnetic spectrum KSC-99pp0741

As light peers over the horizon at the crack of dawn, NASA's Far Ultra...

As light peers over the horizon at the crack of dawn, NASA's Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) satellite waits for launch on Launch Pad 17A, Cape Canaveral Air Station, aboard the Boeing Delta II ro... More

STS-93 Catherine G. Coleman (Ph.D.) sits inside the orbiter Columbia during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities that include emergency exit training and a launch-day dress rehearsal culminating with a simulated main engine cut-off. Other crew members participating are Commander Eileen M. Collins, Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby, and Mission Specialists Steven A. Hawley (Ph.D.) and Michel Tognini of France, who represents the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES). Collins is the first woman to serve as a Shuttle commander. The primary mission of STS-93 is the release of the Chandra X-ray Observatory, which will allow scientists from around the world to obtain unprecedented X-ray images of exotic environments in space to help understand the structure and evolution of the universe. The targeted launch date for STS-93 is no earlier than July 20 at 12:36 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B KSC-99pp0762

STS-93 Catherine G. Coleman (Ph.D.) sits inside the orbiter Columbia d...

STS-93 Catherine G. Coleman (Ph.D.) sits inside the orbiter Columbia during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities that include emergency exit training and a launch-day dress rehearsal culminat... More

STS-93 Commander Eileen Collins waves to spectators after landing at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. She and other crew members Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby and Mission Specialists Steven A. Hawley (Ph.D.), Catherine G. "Cady" Coleman (Ph.D.) and Michel Tognini of France, with the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), are arriving for pre-launch activities. Collins is the first woman to serve as mission commander. This is her third Shuttle flight. The primary mission of STS-93 is the release of the Chandra X-ray Observatory, which will allow scientists from around the world to study some of the most distant, powerful and dynamic objects in the universe. The new telescope is 20 to 50 times more sensitive than any previous X-ray telescope and is expected to unlock the secrets of supernovae, quasars and black holes KSC-99pp0822

STS-93 Commander Eileen Collins waves to spectators after landing at K...

STS-93 Commander Eileen Collins waves to spectators after landing at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. She and other crew members Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby and Missi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mrs. Lalitha Chandrasekhar (right), wife of the late Indian-American Nobel Laureate Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, addresses the media and other invited guests in the TRW Media Hospitality Tent at the NASA Press Site at KSC as Dr. Alan Bunner, Science Program Director, Structure and Evolution of the Universe, Office of Space Science, NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C., looks on. The name "Chandra," a shortened version of her husband's name which he preferred among friends and colleagues, was chosen in a contest to rename the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility. "Chandra" also means "Moon" or "luminous" in Sanskrit. The observatory is scheduled to be launched aboard Columbia on Space Shuttle mission STS-93 KSC-99pp0977

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mrs. Lalitha Chandrasekhar (right), wife...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mrs. Lalitha Chandrasekhar (right), wife of the late Indian-American Nobel Laureate Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, addresses the media and other invited guests in the TRW Media Hospit... More

Generating her own attention waiting for the launch of STS-93 at the VIP viewing site is Chelsea Clinton, daughter of the President and Mrs. Clinton. The First Lady and Chelsea arrived earlier to view the launch. Much attention has been generated over STS-93 due to Commander Eileen M. Collins, the first woman to serve as commander of a Shuttle mission. The primary payload of the five-day mission is the Chandra X-ray Observatory, which will allow scientists from around the world to study some of the most distant, powerful and dynamic objects in the universe. The new telescope is 20 to 50 times more sensitive than any previous X-ray telescope and is expected to unlock the secrets of supernovae, quasars and black holes. Liftoff of Space Shuttle Columbia is scheduled for 12:36 a.m. EDT July 20 KSC-99pp0897

Generating her own attention waiting for the launch of STS-93 at the V...

Generating her own attention waiting for the launch of STS-93 at the VIP viewing site is Chelsea Clinton, daughter of the President and Mrs. Clinton. The First Lady and Chelsea arrived earlier to view the launc... More

The STS-93 crew wave to onlookers as they walk out of the Operations and Checkout Building enroute to Launch Pad 39-B and liftoff of Space Shuttle Columbia. In their orange launch and entry suits, they are (starting at rear, left to right) Mission Specialists Michel Tognini of France, who represents the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), and Catherine G. Coleman (Ph.D.); Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby; Mission Specialist Stephen A. Hawley (Ph.D.); and Commander Eileen M. Collins. STS-93 is a five-day mission primarily to release the Chandra X-ray Observatory, which will allow scientists from around the world to study some of the most distant, powerful and dynamic objects in the universe. The new telescope is 20 to 50 times more sensitive than any previous X-ray telescope and is expected unlock the secrets of supernovae, quasars and black holes. Collins is the first woman to serve as commander of a Shuttle mission. STS-93 is scheduled to lift off at 12:36 a.m. EDT July 20. The target landing date is July 24 at 11:31 p.m. EDT KSC-99pp0872

The STS-93 crew wave to onlookers as they walk out of the Operations a...

The STS-93 crew wave to onlookers as they walk out of the Operations and Checkout Building enroute to Launch Pad 39-B and liftoff of Space Shuttle Columbia. In their orange launch and entry suits, they are (sta... More

Entering the Banana Creek viewing site, First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton is joined by NASA Administrator Daniel Goldin (right), and in the background, Deputy Director of Business Operations Jim Jennings (far left) and Director of Installation Operations Marv Jones (right, behind Goldin). Mrs. Clinton and others are at the site to watch the second launch attempt of STS-93. Moments before the first scheduled launch, July 20, STS-93 was scrubbed at the T-7 second mark in the countdown due to an indication of a high concentration of hydrogen in an aft engine compartment. The reading proved to be a false alarm. The launch was rescheduled for July 22 at 12:28 a.m. Much attention has been generated over STS-93 due to Commander Eileen M. Collins, the first woman to serve as commander of a Shuttle mission. The primary payload of the five-day mission is the Chandra X-ray Observatory, which will allow scientists from around the world to study some of the most distant, powerful and dynamic objects in the universe KSC-99pp0929

Entering the Banana Creek viewing site, First Lady Hillary Rodham Clin...

Entering the Banana Creek viewing site, First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton is joined by NASA Administrator Daniel Goldin (right), and in the background, Deputy Director of Business Operations Jim Jennings (far l... More

In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-93 Commander Eileen M. Collins gets help donning her launch and entry suit. After Space Shuttle Columbia's July 20 launch attempt was scrubbed at the T-7 second mark in the countdown, the launch was rescheduled for Thursday, July 22, at 12:28 a.m. EDT. The target landing date is July 26, 1999, at 11:24 p.m. EDT. STS-93 is a five-day mission primarily to release the Chandra X-ray Observatory, which will allow scientists from around the world to study some of the most distant, powerful and dynamic objects in the universe. The new telescope is 20 to 50 times more sensitive than any previous X-ray telescope and is expected unlock the secrets of supernovae, quasars and black holes. The STS-93 crew numbers five: Commander Collins, Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby, and Mission Specialists Stephen A. Hawley (Ph.D.), Catherine G. Coleman (Ph.D.) and Michel Tognini of France, with the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES). Collins is the first woman to serve as commander of a shuttle mission KSC-99pp0915

In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-93 Commander Eileen M. Co...

In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-93 Commander Eileen M. Collins gets help donning her launch and entry suit. After Space Shuttle Columbia's July 20 launch attempt was scrubbed at the T-7 second mark... More

The STS-93 crew gathers a second time for a pre-launch breakfast in the Operations and Checkout Building before suiting up for launch. After Space Shuttle Columbia's July 20 launch attempt was scrubbed at the T-7 second mark in the countdown, the launch was rescheduled for Thursday, July 22, at 12:28 a.m. EDT. Seated from left are Mission Specialists Michel Tognini, of France, who represents the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), and Steven A. Hawley (Ph.D.), Commander Eileen M. Collins, Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby, and Mission Specialist Catherine G. Coleman (Ph.D.). STS-93 is a five-day mission primarily to release the Chandra X-ray Observatory, which will allow scientists from around the world to study some of the most distant, powerful and dynamic objects in the universe. The new telescope is 20 to 50 times more sensitive than any previous X-ray telescope and is expected unlock the secrets of supernovae, quasars and black holes. Collins is the first woman to serve as commander of a Shuttle mission. The target landing date is July 26, 1999, at 11:24 p.m. EDT KSC-99pp0914

The STS-93 crew gathers a second time for a pre-launch breakfast in th...

The STS-93 crew gathers a second time for a pre-launch breakfast in the Operations and Checkout Building before suiting up for launch. After Space Shuttle Columbia's July 20 launch attempt was scrubbed at the T... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The Space Shuttle orbiter Columbia swoops out of the darkness onto runway 33 at the Shuttle Landing Facility after a successful mission of nearly five days and 1.8 million miles. Main gear touchdown was at 11:20:35 p.m. EDT on July 27. Aboard are the STS-93 crew members: Commander Eileen M. Collins, Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby, and Mission Specialists Steven A. Hawley (Ph.D.), Catherine G. Coleman (Ph.D.) and Michel Tognini of France, with the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES). The mission's primary objective was to deploy the Chandra X-ray Observatory, which will allow scientists from around the world to study some of the most distant, powerful and dynamic objects in the universe. This was the 95th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 26th for Columbia. The landing was the 19th consecutive Shuttle landing in Florida and the 12th night landing in Shuttle program history KSC-99pp0985

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The Space Shuttle orbiter Columbia swoop...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The Space Shuttle orbiter Columbia swoops out of the darkness onto runway 33 at the Shuttle Landing Facility after a successful mission of nearly five days and 1.8 million miles. M... More

At the Skid Strip at the Cape Canaveral Air Station, Commander Eileen Collins and her daughter, Bridget Youngs, prepare to board an aircraft for their return flight to Houston following the completion of the STS-93 Space Shuttle mission. Landing occurred on runway 33 at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility on July 27 with main gear touchdown at 11:20:35 p.m. EDT. The mission's primary objective was to deploy the Chandra X-ray Observatory, which will allow scientists from around the world to study some of the most distant, powerful and dynamic objects in the universe. This was the 95th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 26th for Columbia. The landing was the 19th consecutive Shuttle landing in Florida and the 12th night landing in Shuttle program history. On this mission, Collins became the first woman to serve as a Shuttle commander KSC-99pp0991

At the Skid Strip at the Cape Canaveral Air Station, Commander Eileen ...

At the Skid Strip at the Cape Canaveral Air Station, Commander Eileen Collins and her daughter, Bridget Youngs, prepare to board an aircraft for their return flight to Houston following the completion of the ST... More

Stephan Quintet - Hubble space telescope images

Stephan Quintet - Hubble space telescope images

In the image from NASA Hubble Space Telescope, angelic figures take on the form of the galactic group called Stephan Quintet. NASA, Jayanne English University of Manitoba, Sally Hunsberger Pennsylvania State U... More

Galaxy M82 - Hubble space telescope images

Galaxy M82 - Hubble space telescope images

A colorful image showing violent star formation triggered when two galaxies bumped into each other has been captured by NASA Hubble Space Telescope. NASA, ESA, R. de Grijs Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge, UK

Orion Nebula and Bow Shock. NASA public domain image colelction.

Orion Nebula and Bow Shock. NASA public domain image colelction.

Astronomers using NASA Hubble Space Telescope have found a bow shock around a very young star in the nearby Orion nebula, an intense star-forming region of gas and dust. NASA and the Hubble Heritage Team STScI/AURA

After landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-103 crew looks over the orbiter Discovery. In the foreground, from left, are Mission Specialist Jean-Francois Clervoy of France, Pilot Scott J. Kelly, Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr. and Mission Specialist C. Michael Foale (Ph.D.); behind them, from left, are Mission Specialists Steven L. Smith and Claude Nicollier of Switzerland. The remaining crew member (not shown) is Mission Specialist John M. Grunsfeld (Ph.D.). The crew of seven completed a successful eight-day mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope, spending the Christmas holiday in space in order to accomplish their mission before the end of 1999. During the mission, Discovery's four space-walking astronauts, Smith, Foale, Grunsfeld and Nicollier, spent 24 hours and 33 minutes upgrading and refurbishing Hubble, making it more capable than ever to renew its observations of the universe. Mission objectives included replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing another solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation in the telescope. Hubble was released from the end of Discovery's robot arm on Christmas Day. Main gear touchdown was at 7:00:47 p.m. EST. Nose gear touchdown occurred at 7:00:58 p.m. EST and wheel stop at 7:01:34 p.m. EST. This was the 96th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 27th for the orbiter Discovery. The landing was the 20th consecutive Shuttle landing in Florida and the 13th night landing in Shuttle program history KSC-99pp1506

After landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-103 crew looks ...

After landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-103 crew looks over the orbiter Discovery. In the foreground, from left, are Mission Specialist Jean-Francois Clervoy of France, Pilot Scott J. Kelly, Comm... More

Edge-on Galaxy - Hubble space telescope images

Edge-on Galaxy - Hubble space telescope images

NASA Hubble Space Telescope has imaged an unusual edge-on galaxy, revealing remarkable details of its warped dusty disc and showing how colliding galaxies trigger the birth of new stars. NASA/Space Telescope S... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Multi-Payload Processing Facility, workers check the deployment of the cover of the telescope on the GALEX satellite. The Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) is an orbiting space telescope that will observe galaxies in ultraviolet light across 10 billion years of cosmic history. Led by the California Institute of Technology, GALEX will conduct several first-of-a-kind sky surveys, including an extra-galactic (beyond our galaxy) ultraviolet all-sky survey. During its 29-month mission GALEX will produce the first comprehensive map of a Universe of galaxies under construction, bringing more understanding of how galaxies like the Milky Way were formed.  GALEX is due to be launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station March 25 via a Pegasus rocket. KSC-03pd0486

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Multi-Payload Processing Facility...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Multi-Payload Processing Facility, workers check the deployment of the cover of the telescope on the GALEX satellite. The Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) is an orbiting sp... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Multi-Payload Processing Facility look over the GALEX satellite before solar array testing. The Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) is an orbiting space telescope that will observe galaxies in ultraviolet light across 10 billion years of cosmic history. Led by the California Institute of Technology, GALEX will conduct several first-of-a-kind sky surveys, including an extra-galactic (beyond our galaxy) ultraviolet all-sky survey. During its 29-month mission GALEX will produce the first comprehensive map of a Universe of galaxies under construction, bringing more understanding of how galaxies like the Milky Way were formed.  GALEX is due to be launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station March 25 via a Pegasus rocket. KSC-03pd0481

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Multi-Payload Processing F...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Multi-Payload Processing Facility look over the GALEX satellite before solar array testing. The Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) is an orbiting space telescope that ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -  The Galaxy Evolution Explorer  (GALEX) spacecraft is placed on a work stand.  Foreign object debris shields will be installed before its launch.  The GALEX is an orbiting space telescope that will observe galaxies in ultraviolet light across 10 billion years of cosmic history.  During its 29-month mission GALEX will produce the first comprehensive map of a Universe of galaxies under construction, bringing more understanding how galaxies like the Milky Way were formed.  The GALEX launch date is under review. KSC-03pd0804

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - The Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) s...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - The Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) spacecraft is placed on a work stand. Foreign object debris shields will be installed before its launch. The GALEX is an orbiting space tel... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  Technicians prepare to lift the Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) spacecraft into a vertical position after it is demated from its Pegasus launch vehicle in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility.  A borescope inspection will be conducted to locate a small fastener and associated clip missing from a demated connector identified during preflight testing.  GALEX is an orbiting space telescope that will observe galaxies in ultraviolet light across 10 billion years of cosmic history. During its 29-month mission, GALEX will produce the first comprehensive map of a Universe of galaxies under construction, bringing more understanding to how galaxies like the Milky Way were formed. The GALEX launch date in late April is currently under review. KSC-03pd0857

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians prepare to lift the Galaxy E...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians prepare to lift the Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) spacecraft into a vertical position after it is demated from its Pegasus launch vehicle in the Payload Hazardous S... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  - In the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers watch as the first half of the fairing moves closer around the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF). SIRTF will obtain images and spectra by detecting the infrared energy, or heat, radiated by objects in space. Consisting of a 0.85-meter telescope and three cryogenically cooled science instruments, SIRTF will be the largest infrared telescope ever launched into space. It is the fourth and final element in NASA’s family of orbiting “Great Observatories.” Its highly sensitive instruments will give a unique view of the Universe and peer into regions of space that are hidden from optical telescopes.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the mobile service tower on Launch Pa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers watch as the first half of the fairing moves closer around the Space Infrared Telescope Fa... More

NASA NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM 2009 EVENT

NASA NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM 2009 EVENT

The original finding aid described this as: Description: NASA NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM EVENT 2009 - SPEAKERS :GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER DIRECTOR ROB STRAIN ,NASA ADMINISTRATOR CHARLES BOLDEN, ASTRONAUT ... More

NASA NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM 2009 EVENT

NASA NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM 2009 EVENT

The original finding aid described this as: Description: NASA NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM EVENT 2009 - SPEAKERS :GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER DIRECTOR ROB STRAIN ,NASA ADMINISTRATOR CHARLES BOLDEN, ASTRONAUT ... More

NASA NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM 2009 EVENT

NASA NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM 2009 EVENT

The original finding aid described this as: Description: NASA NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM EVENT 2009 - SPEAKERS :GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER DIRECTOR ROB STRAIN ,NASA ADMINISTRATOR CHARLES BOLDEN, ASTRONAUT ... More

NASA NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM 2009 EVENT

NASA NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM 2009 EVENT

The original finding aid described this as: Description: NASA NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM EVENT 2009 - SPEAKERS :GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER DIRECTOR ROB STRAIN ,NASA ADMINISTRATOR CHARLES BOLDEN, ASTRONAUT ... More

Supersized Disk Artist Concept, JPL/NASA images

Supersized Disk Artist Concept, JPL/NASA images

This illustration compares the size of a gargantuan star and its surrounding dusty disk top to that of our solar system. Monstrous disks like this one were discovered around two hypergiant stars by NASA Spitzer... More

Infrared Spotlight on Orion Sword

Infrared Spotlight on Orion Sword

This image composite outlines the region near Orion sword that was surveyed by NASA Spitzer Space Telescope white box. The Orion nebula, our closest massive star-making factory, is the brightest spot near the h... More

The Universe First Fireworks, JPL/NASA images

The Universe First Fireworks, JPL/NASA images

This is an image from NASA Spitzer Space Telescope of stars and galaxies in the Ursa Major constellation. This infrared image covers a region of space so large that light would take up to 100 million years to t... More

Evidence for Strange Stellar Family Artist Concept

Evidence for Strange Stellar Family Artist Concept

This artist concept based on data from NASA Spitzer Space Telescope, depicts a quadruple-star system called HD 98800. The system is approximately 10 million years old, and is located 150 light-years away in the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers prepare the Delta II second stage for GLAST for weighing. The Delta rocket will be used to launch the Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on CCAFS. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth;  probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0434

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, wor...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers prepare the Delta II second stage for GLAST for weighing. The Delta rocket will be used to launch the Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telesc... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   In the Astrotech payload processing facility, NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, sits uncovered before its move to a work stand in the facility for a complete checkout of the scientific instruments aboard.  The telescope will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.  A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0646

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Astrotech payload processing fa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility, NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, sits uncovered before its move to a work stand in the facility for a complete... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians install the second of twin solar arrays on NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST.  The telescope will launch aboard a Delta II rocket May 16 from Launch Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. A powerful space observatory, the GLAST will explore the most extreme environments in the universe, and answer questions about supermassive black hole systems, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays. It also will study the mystery of powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Photo credit: NASA/Chris Rhodes KSC-08pd0770

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Astrotech payload processing faci...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Astrotech payload processing facility, General Dynamics technicians install the second of twin solar arrays on NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST. The te... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. ---  At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a solid rocket booster is ready to be lifted into the mobile service tower for mating with the Delta II rocket to launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft.  A series of nine strap-on solid rocket motors will help power the first stage.  The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth;  probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.  Launch is currently planned for May 16 from Pad 17-B.   Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd0854

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Stat...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a solid rocket booster is ready to be lifted into the mobile service tower for mating with the Delta II rocket to launch NASA's Gamma-r... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. ---  At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a solid rocket booster is raised to a vertical position for lifting into the mobile service tower.  There it will be mated with the Delta II rocket to launch NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft.  A series of nine strap-on solid rocket motors will help power the first stage.  The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth;  probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.  Launch is currently planned for May 16 from Pad 17-B.   Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd0853

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Stat...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- At Pad 17-B on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a solid rocket booster is raised to a vertical position for lifting into the mobile service tower. There it will be mated with the Del... More

Astronomers Detect First Organic Molecule on an Exoplanet Artist Concept

Astronomers Detect First Organic Molecule on an Exoplanet Artist Conce...

A team of astronomers has made the first detection ever of an organic molecule in the atmosphere of a Jupiter-sized planet orbiting another star. The breakthrough was made with NASA Hubble Space Telescope. NASA/ESA

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. ---  In the mobile service tower on Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, United Launch Alliance technicians secure the bolts on the last set of three solid rocket boosters being mated to the Delta II rocket for the launch of  NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST. Because the Delta rocket is configured as a Delta II 7920 Heavy, the boosters are larger than those used on the standard configuration. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth;  probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.  Launch is currently planned in a window between 11:45 a.m. and 1:40 p.m. May 16.  Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd0899

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- In the mobile service tower on Pad 17-B at C...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- In the mobile service tower on Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, United Launch Alliance technicians secure the bolts on the last set of three solid rocket booste... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., the star tracker sun shades are waiting to be installed on NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth;  probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. A launch date is still to be determined.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0998

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., the star tracker sun shades are waiting to be installed on NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, space... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., workers prepare NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft for star tracker sun shade installation.  The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth;  probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. A launch date is still to be determined.  Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd0996

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., workers prepare NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft for star tracker sun shade installati... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., a worker looks over the star tracker sun shades installed on NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft.  The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth;  probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. A launch date is still to be determined.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1007

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., a worker looks over the star tracker sun shades installed on NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spa... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., the overhead crane continues to lower NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft onto the transporter. The spacecraft is being prepared for its move to the Hazardous Processing Facility for fueling. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth;  probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. A launch date is still to be determined.  Photo credit: NASA/Mike Kerley KSC-08pd1129

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., the overhead crane continues to lower NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft onto the transp... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., technicians check various parts of NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft after its transfer to a transporter.  The spacecraft is being prepared for its move to the Hazardous Processing Facility for fueling.  The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth;  probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. A launch date is still to be determined.  Photo credit: NASA/Mike Kerley KSC-08pd1132

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Fla., technicians check various parts of NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft after its transfer... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft is moved toward the Hazardous Processing Facility for fueling. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth;  probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. A launch date still is to be determined. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd1138

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft is moved toward the Hazardous Processing Facility for fueling. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will expl... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft is moved into the Hazardous Processing Facility for fueling. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth;  probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. A launch date still is to be determined. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd1139

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft is moved into the Hazardous Processing Facility for fueling. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explor... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  Technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., work on closeouts of the payload attach fitting on NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. The GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth;  probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. A launch date still is to be determined. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1390

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, Fla.,...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., work on closeouts of the payload attach fitting on NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, spacecraft. The GLAST is a powerf... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --   At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., the payload transportation canister is lifted so it can be installed over the GLAST spacecraft, behind it.  After installation, the spacecraft will be moved to pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.  At the pad, NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope will be lifted into the mobile service tower and encapsulated in the fairing for launch.  GLAST  is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth;  probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. The launch date is targeted no earlier than June 3.   Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1398

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., the payloa...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., the payload transportation canister is lifted so it can be installed over the GLAST spacecraft, behind it. After installation, the spacecraft will be... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  The GLAST spacecraft arrives at pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station aboard its transporter. At the pad, NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope will be lifted into the mobile service tower and attached to the Delta II second stage.  GLAST  is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth;  probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. The launch date is targeted no earlier than June 3.   Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1410

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The GLAST spacecraft arrives at pad 17-B at C...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The GLAST spacecraft arrives at pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station aboard its transporter. At the pad, NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope will be lifted into the mobi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  At pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers attach a cable from the hoist to the GLAST spacecraft to lift it into the mobile service tower. GLAST  is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth;  probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. The launch date is targeted no earlier than June 3.   Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1412

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Stati...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers attach a cable from the hoist to the GLAST spacecraft to lift it into the mobile service tower. GLAST is a powerful space obser... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  At pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers prepare to move the GLAST spacecraft into the mobile service tower.  In the tower, GLAST will be mated with the Delta II second stage.  GLAST  is a powerful space observatory that will explore the Universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth;  probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our Universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. The launch date is targeted no earlier than June 3.   Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1419

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Stati...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers prepare to move the GLAST spacecraft into the mobile service tower. In the tower, GLAST will be mated with the Delta II second ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.  --  The Delta II rocket with NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope , or GLAST, on top ignites for liftoff from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Pad 17-B.  Liftoff was at 12:05 p.m. EDT. GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth;  probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.  Launch is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. June 11.  Photo credit: Carleton Bailie photograph for United Launch Alliance KSC-08pd1629

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Delta II rocket with NASA's Gamma-Ray La...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Delta II rocket with NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope , or GLAST, on top ignites for liftoff from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Pad 17-B. Liftoff was at 12:... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.  --Smoke rises to obscure the Delta II rocket with NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope , or GLAST, aboard as it launches from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Pad 17-B. In the background can be seen the blue Atlantic Ocean between the beach and the cloud-filled sky. Liftoff was at 12:05 p.m. EDT.  GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth;  probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts.  Launch is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. June 11.  Photo credit: NASA/Jerry Cannon, Robert Murray KSC-08pd1638

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --Smoke rises to obscure the Delta II rocket wit...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --Smoke rises to obscure the Delta II rocket with NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope , or GLAST, aboard as it launches from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Pad 17-B. In ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the airlock of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center prepare to lift the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph, or COS, from its transportation canister.  The COS will be installed on the Hubble Space Telescope on space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission.  COS will be the most sensitive ultraviolet spectrograph ever flown on Hubble and will probe the "cosmic web" - the large-scale structure of the universe whose form is determined by the gravity of dark matter and is traced by galaxies and intergalactic gas.  COS's far-ultraviolet channel has a sensitivity 30 times greater than that of previous spectroscopic instruments for the detection of extremely low light levels.  Launch of STS-125 is targeted for Oct. 8.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd2185

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the airlock of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center prepare to lift the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph,... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center roll the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph, or COS, into the clean room of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility. The COS will be installed on the Hubble Space Telescope on space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission.  COS will be the most sensitive ultraviolet spectrograph ever flown on Hubble and will probe the "cosmic web" - the large-scale structure of the universe whose form is determined by the gravity of dark matter and is traced by galaxies and intergalactic gas.  COS's far-ultraviolet channel has a sensitivity 30 times greater than that of previous spectroscopic instruments for the detection of extremely low light levels.  Launch of STS-125 is targeted for Oct. 8.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd2189

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers from NA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center roll the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph, or COS, into the clean room of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facili... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center receive the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph, or COS, secured in its transportation canister, in the airlock of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility. The COS will be installed on the Hubble Space Telescope on space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission.  COS will be the most sensitive ultraviolet spectrograph ever flown on Hubble and will probe the "cosmic web" - the large-scale structure of the universe whose form is determined by the gravity of dark matter and is traced by galaxies and intergalactic gas.  COS's far-ultraviolet channel has a sensitivity 30 times greater than that of previous spectroscopic instruments for the detection of extremely low light levels.  Launch of STS-125 is targeted for Oct. 8.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd2180

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers from NA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center receive the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph, or COS, secured in its transportation canister, in the airlock of ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the clean room of the Payload Hazardous Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a worker from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center uses black light inspection for a thorough cleaning of the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph, or COS.  Black light inspection uses UVA fluorescence to detect possible particulate microcontamination, minute cracks or fluid leaks. The COS will be installed on the Hubble Space Telescope on space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission. COS will be the most sensitive ultraviolet spectrograph ever flown on Hubble and will probe the "cosmic web" - the large-scale structure of the universe whose form is determined by the gravity of dark matter and is traced by galaxies and intergalactic gas. The COS far-ultraviolet channel has a sensitivity 30 times greater than that of previous spectroscopic instruments for the detection of extremely low light levels. Launch of Atlantis on the STS-125 mission is targeted for Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2324

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the clean room of the Payload Hazardous Proc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the clean room of the Payload Hazardous Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a worker from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center uses black light inspection for a thorough ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   In the clean room of the Payload Hazardous Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, an overhead crane settles the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph, or COS, in a protective enclosure on the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, part of the payload for the fifth and final Hubble servicing mission, STS-125.  Other payloads include the Flight Support System, the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier and the Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment, or MULE, carrier. COS will be the most sensitive ultraviolet spectrograph ever flown on Hubble and will probe the "cosmic web" - the large-scale structure of the universe whose form is determined by the gravity of dark matter and is traced by galaxies and intergalactic gas. The COS far-ultraviolet channel has a sensitivity 30 times greater than that of previous spectroscopic instruments for the detection of extremely low light levels. Launch of Atlantis on the STS-125 mission is targeted for Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2339

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the clean room of the Payload Hazardous Pr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the clean room of the Payload Hazardous Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, an overhead crane settles the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph, or COS, in a protective enclosu... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  In the clean room of the Payload Hazardous Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, an overhead crane lifts the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph, or COS.  The COS is being lifted and moved to a protective enclosure on the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, part of the payload for the fifth and final Hubble servicing mission, STS-125. Other payloads include the Flight Support System, the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier and the Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment, or MULE, carrier. COS will be the most sensitive ultraviolet spectrograph ever flown on Hubble and will probe the "cosmic web" - the large-scale structure of the universe whose form is determined by the gravity of dark matter and is traced by galaxies and intergalactic gas. The COS far-ultraviolet channel has a sensitivity 30 times greater than that of previous spectroscopic instruments for the detection of extremely low light levels. Launch of Atlantis on the STS-125 mission is targeted for Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2330

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the clean room of the Payload Hazardous Pro...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the clean room of the Payload Hazardous Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, an overhead crane lifts the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph, or COS. The COS is being lifted a... More

Not-So-Bright Bulbs  Artist Concept

Not-So-Bright Bulbs Artist Concept

This artist concept based on data from NASA Spitzer shows the dimmest star-like bodies currently known -- twin brown dwarfs referred to as 2M 0939. The twins, which are about the same size, are drawn as if they... More

S125E013791 - STS-125 - Earth Observation taken by the STS-125 Crew

S125E013791 - STS-125 - Earth Observation taken by the STS-125 Crew

The original finding aid described this as: Description: Earth observations taken by the STS-125 crew aboard the space shuttle Atlantis. View of Earth's limb during sunset. Subject Terms: STS-125, Earth Obse... More

S125E013643 - STS-125 - Earth Observation taken by the STS-125 Crew

S125E013643 - STS-125 - Earth Observation taken by the STS-125 Crew

The original finding aid described this as: Description: Earth observations taken at night by the STS-125 crew aboard the space shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: STS-125, Earth Observations (From Space) Date ... More

S125E013640 - STS-125 - Earth Observation taken by the STS-125 Crew

S125E013640 - STS-125 - Earth Observation taken by the STS-125 Crew

The original finding aid described this as: Description: Earth observations taken at night by the STS-125 crew aboard the space shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: STS-125, Earth Observations (From Space) Date ... More

S125E013494 - STS-125 - Lunar Observation taken by the STS-125 Crew

S125E013494 - STS-125 - Lunar Observation taken by the STS-125 Crew

The original finding aid described this as: Description: Lunar observation taken by the STS-125 crew aboard the space shuttle Atlantis. Subject Terms: STS-125, Moon Date Taken: 5/22/2009 Categories: Lunar O... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane is moved to the shipping container with the  Cosmic Origins Spectrograph, or COS, inside.  The crane will remove the COS and place it on a test stand. The COS is part of the payload on space shuttle Atlantis for the Hubble servicing mission, targeted to launch in mid-May.  Installing the COS during the mission will effectively restore spectroscopy to Hubble’s scientific arsenal, and at the same time provide the telescope with unique capabilities. COS is designed to study the large-scale structure of the universe and how galaxies, stars and planets formed and evolved. It will help determine how elements needed for life such as carbon and iron first formed and how their abundances have increased over the lifetime of the universe.   Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-2147

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane is moved to the shipping container with the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph, or COS, inside. T... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers raise the overhead crane that will be attached to the shipping container that covers NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, spacecraft.  The satellite will survey the entire sky at infrared wavelengths, creating a cosmic clearinghouse of hundreds of millions of objects,  which will be catalogued, providing a vast storehouse of knowledge about the solar system, the Milky Way, and the universe. Launch is scheduled no earlier than Dec. 10.  Photo credit: NASA/Doug Kolkow, VAFB KSC-2009-4734

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the Astrotech payload processi...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers raise the overhead crane that will be attached to the shipping container tha... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers check the underside of NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, spacecraft before it is lowered onto a stand.  The satellite will survey the entire sky at infrared wavelengths, creating a cosmic clearinghouse of hundreds of millions of objects,  which will be catalogued, providing a vast storehouse of knowledge about the solar system, the Milky Way, and the universe. Launch is scheduled no earlier than Dec. 10.  Photo credit: NASA/Doug Kolkow, VAFB KSC-2009-4746

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the Astrotech payload processi...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, workers check the underside of NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, ... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base's Astrotech processing facility in California, workers secure NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, spacecraft onto a work stand.  At right is seen the fixed panel solar array.  The satellite will survey the entire sky at infrared wavelengths, creating a cosmic clearinghouse of hundreds of millions of objects,  which will be catalogued, providing a vast storehouse of knowledge about the solar system, the Milky Way, and the universe. Launch is scheduled no earlier than Dec. 10.  Photo credit: NASA/Moore, VAFB KSC-2009-4759

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base's As...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base's Astrotech processing facility in California, workers secure NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, spacecraft onto a work stand.... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base's Astrotech processing facility in California, workers prepare NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, spacecraft for its move from the travel dolly to a work stand. The satellite will survey the entire sky at infrared wavelengths, creating a cosmic clearinghouse of hundreds of millions of objects,  which will be catalogued, providing a vast storehouse of knowledge about the solar system, the Milky Way, and the universe. Launch is scheduled no earlier than Dec. 10.  Photo credit: NASA/Moore, VAFB KSC-2009-4753

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base's As...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base's Astrotech processing facility in California, workers prepare NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, spacecraft for its move from... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base's Astrotech processing facility in California, a technician working on NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, spacecraft  uses a dead blow hammer to seat the clampband on the test payload attach fitting to complete the mating with the conical adapter.  The satellite will survey the entire sky at infrared wavelengths, creating a cosmic clearinghouse of hundreds of millions of objects, which will be catalogued, providing a vast storehouse of knowledge about the solar system, the Milky Way, and the universe. Launch is scheduled no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Doug Kolkow KSC-2009-4847

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base's As...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base's Astrotech processing facility in California, a technician working on NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, spacecraft uses a d... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base's Astrotech processing facility in California, a technician fastens NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, spacecraft onto the flight conical adapter and test stand. The satellite will survey the entire sky at infrared wavelengths, creating a cosmic clearinghouse of hundreds of millions of objects, which will be catalogued, providing a vast storehouse of knowledge about the solar system, the Milky Way, and the universe. Launch is scheduled no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Doug Kolkow KSC-2009-4861

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base's As...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base's Astrotech processing facility in California, a technician fastens NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, spacecraft onto the fli... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - At the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, is clearly identified by the mission and company logos affixed to the outside of the transportation canister in which it is enclosed for the its move to Space Launch Complex 2.    WISE will survey the entire sky at infrared wavelengths, creating a cosmic clearinghouse of hundreds of millions of objects which will be catalogued and provide a vast storehouse of knowledge about the solar system, the Milky Way, and the universe. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket is scheduled for Dec. 9.  For additional information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/wise.  Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Liberotti, VAFB KSC-2009-6549

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - At the Astrotech payload processin...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - At the Astrotech payload processing facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, is clearly identified by the mis... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - The build-up of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket for launch of NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, is well under way in the mobile service tower, in the background, at Space Launch Complex 2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.    WISE will survey the entire sky at infrared wavelengths, creating a cosmic clearinghouse of hundreds of millions of objects which will be catalogued and provide a vast storehouse of knowledge about the solar system, the Milky Way, and the universe. Launch is scheduled for Dec. 7.  For additional information, visit http://wise.ssl.berkeley.edu.  Photo credit: NASA/VAFB KSC-2009-5895

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - The build-up of the United Launch ...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - The build-up of the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket for launch of NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, is well under way in the mobile service tower, i... More

M20, Trifid Nebula - National Parks Gallery

M20, Trifid Nebula - National Parks Gallery

M20, Trifid Nebula taken from Chaco Observatory

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-134 Mission Specialist Andrew Feustel looks on as European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori greets the media after the arrival of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, or AMS.          AMS, a state-of-the-art particle physics detector, is designed to operate as an external module on the International Space Station. It will use the unique environment of space to study the universe and its origin by searching for dark matter. AMS will fly to the International Space Station aboard space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission targeted to launch Feb. 26, 2011. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-4475

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-134 Mission Specialist Andrew Feustel looks on as European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori greets th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida an overhead crane is poised above the floor of the Space Station Processing Facility to lift the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, or AMS, from the tractor-trailer that delivered it.          AMS, a state-of-the-art particle physics detector, is designed to operate as an external module on the International Space Station. It will use the unique environment of space to study the universe and its origin by searching for dark matter. The STS-134 crew will fly AMS to the International Space Station aboard space shuttle Endeavour,   targeted to launch Feb. 26, 2011. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2010-4501

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida an overhead crane is poised above the floor of the Space Station Processing Facility to lift the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, or AMS, from the t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an overhead crane is poised over the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, or AMS, to lift the Payload Attach System, or PAS, up to the AMS. The PAS provides a method of securely connecting the payload to the International Space Station.      AMS, a state-of-the-art particle physics detector, is designed to operate as an external module on the International Space Station. It will use the unique environment of space to study the universe and its origin by searching for dark matter. AMS will fly to the station aboard space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission targeted to launch Feb. 26, 2011. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2010-4543

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an overhead crane is poised over the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, or AMS, to lift the Payload Attach S... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Training Auditorium at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Professor Sam Ting talks to employees about the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS). Ting is the particle physics detector's principal investigator at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.        AMS is designed to operate as an external module on the International Space Station. It will use the unique environment of space to study the universe and its origin by searching for dark matter. AMS-2 will fly to the station aboard space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission targeted to launch Feb. 27, 2011. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2010-5276

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Training Auditorium at NASA's Kennedy S...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Training Auditorium at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Professor Sam Ting talks to employees about the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS). Ting is the particle physics de... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS) rotates 180 degrees to provide better access for work to be performed on its avionics box. Technicians also will install a flight releasable grappling fixture to AMS while it is upside down.          AMS is designed to operate as an external experiment on the International Space Station. It will use the unique environment of space to study the universe and its origin by searching for dark matter. AMS will fly to the station aboard space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission targeted to launch Feb. 27, 2011. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2010-5393

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS) rotates 180 degrees to provide better access for work to be pe... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS) moves from its primary work stand to the weight and center of gravity stand where final measurements will be taken before launch. Next, AMS will be moved into a payload canister. The canister will protect the space-bound payload on its journey to Launch Pad 39A, where it will later be installed into space shuttle Endeavour’s payload bay.    AMS is a particle physics detector, designed to operate as an external experiment on the International Space Station. It will use the unique environment of space to study the universe and its origin by searching for dark matter. AMS-2 will fly to the station aboard Endeavour's STS-134 mission targeted to launch April 19 at 7:48 p.m. EDT. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2011-2284

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS) moves from its primary work stand to the weight and center of ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS) is moved from the weight and center of gravity stand, where final measurements were taken before launch, to a payload canister. The canister will protect the space-bound payload on its journey to Launch Pad 39A, where it will later be installed into space shuttle Endeavour’s payload bay.             AMS is a particle physics detector, designed to operate as an external experiment on the International Space Station. It will use the unique environment of space to study the universe and its origin by searching for dark matter. AMS-2 will fly to the station aboard Endeavour's STS-134 mission targeted to launch April 19 at 7:48 p.m. EDT. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-2296

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS) is moved from the weight and center of gravity stand, where fi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS) is moved from the weight and center of gravity stand, where final measurements were taken before launch, to a payload canister. The canister will protect the space-bound payload on its journey to Launch Pad 39A, where it will later be installed into space shuttle Endeavour’s payload bay.           AMS is a particle physics detector, designed to operate as an external experiment on the International Space Station. It will use the unique environment of space to study the universe and its origin by searching for dark matter. AMS-2 will fly to the station aboard Endeavour's STS-134 mission targeted to launch April 19 at 7:48 p.m. EDT. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-2297

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS) is moved from the weight and center of gravity stand, where fi... More

Galactic Train Wrecks, JPL/NASA images

Galactic Train Wrecks, JPL/NASA images

This montage combines observations from NASA Spitzer Space Telescope and NASA Galaxy Evolution Explorer GALEX spacecraft showing three examples of colliding galaxies from a new photo atlas of galactic train wre... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The landing convoy that will make space shuttle Endeavour safe and secure for towing to its processing hangar begins to pull up around the vehicle following wheelstop on the Shuttle Landing Facility's Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Endeavour's final return from space completed the 16-day, 6.5-million-mile STS-134 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 2:34:51 a.m. EDT, followed by nose gear touchdown at 2:35:04 a.m., and wheelstop at 2:35:36 a.m.              Endeavour's final return from space completed the 16-day, 6.5-million-mile STS-134 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 2:34:51 a.m. EDT, followed by nose gear touchdown at 2:35:04 a.m., and wheelstop at 2:35:36 a.m.   Endeavour and its crew delivered the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS) and the Express Logistics Carrier-3 (ELC-3) to the International Space Station. AMS will help researchers understand the origin of the universe and search for evidence of dark matter, strange matter and antimatter from the station. ELC-3 carried spare parts that will sustain station operations once the shuttles are retired from service. STS-134 was the 25th and final flight for Endeavour, which spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2011-4241

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

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

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