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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is towed from the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), beginning its move to Orbiter Processing Facility-1 (OPF-1).  Discovery is switching places with shuttle Endeavour which has been undergoing decommissioning activities in OPF-1.  Both shuttles will stop briefly outside OPF-3 for a "nose-to-nose" photo opportunity. Discovery then will be rolled into OPF-1 and Endeavour into the VAB.    In OPF-1, Discovery will undergo further preparations for public display at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. Endeavour will be stored in the VAB until October when it will be moved into OPF-2 for further work to get it ready for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles.  For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2011-6420

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is towed from the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), beginning its move to Orbiter Processing Facility-1 (O... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is towed toward the work platforms in  Orbiter Processing Facility-1 (OPF-1) after participating in a unique "nose-to-nose" photo opportunity outside OPF-3 with shuttle Endeavour. Discovery is switching places with Endeavour which temporarily is being placed in storage in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB).    In OPF-1, Discovery will undergo further preparations for public display at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. Endeavour will be stored in the VAB until October when it will be moved into OPF-2 for further work to get it ready for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles.  For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2011-6437

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is towed toward the work platforms in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 (OPF-1) after participating in a unique "nose-to-n... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is towed toward the work platforms in  Orbiter Processing Facility-1 (OPF-1) after participating in a unique "nose-to-nose" photo opportunity outside OPF-3 with shuttle Endeavour. Discovery is switching places with Endeavour which temporarily is being placed in storage in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB).    In OPF-1, Discovery will undergo further preparations for public display at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. Endeavour will be stored in the VAB until October when it will be moved into OPF-2 for further work to get it ready for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles.  For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2011-6436

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is towed toward the work platforms in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 (OPF-1) after participating in a unique "nose-to-n... More

ML is rolled to Pad 39B, shot from VAB roof 2011-7799

ML is rolled to Pad 39B, shot from VAB roof 2011-7799

ML is rolled to Pad 39B, shot from VAB roof

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Slowly, carefully, space shuttle Atlantis backs away from the work platforms in Orbiter Processing Facility-2 on its move to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    Atlantis will be stored temporarily in the VAB while transition and retirement processing resumes on shuttle Endeavour in the processing hangar. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home -- a 65,000-square-foot exhibit in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. For additional information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-1087

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Slowly, carefully, space shuttle Atlantis back...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Slowly, carefully, space shuttle Atlantis backs away from the work platforms in Orbiter Processing Facility-2 on its move to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space C... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The tail fin of space shuttle Atlantis emerges through the open door of Orbiter Processing Facility-2 on its move to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    Atlantis will be stored temporarily in the VAB while transition and retirement processing resumes on shuttle Endeavour in the processing hangar. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home -- a 65,000-square-foot exhibit in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. For additional information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-1089

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The tail fin of space shuttle Atlantis emerges...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The tail fin of space shuttle Atlantis emerges through the open door of Orbiter Processing Facility-2 on its move to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis is towed toward the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) high bay 4 doors after being towed around from the VAB transfer aisle.    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-2012-1231

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 toward the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) high bay 4 doors after being towed around from the VAB transfer aisle... 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. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis is towed toward Orbiter Processing Facility-1 OPF-1 after being towed from the Vehicle Assembly Building VAB. In the foreground, space shuttle Discovery is being towed to the VAB after being towed out of OPF-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-2012-1737

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 toward Orbiter Processing Facility-1 OPF-1 after being towed from the Vehicle Assembly Building VAB. In the fore... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis has been towed to the doors of Orbiter Processing Facility-1 OPF-1 after being towed from the Vehicle Assembly Building VAB. At left, space shuttle Discovery is being towed to the VAB after being towed out of OPF-1. The tail cone protects Discovery’s three replica shuttle main engines.        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-2012-1740

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 has been towed to the doors of Orbiter Processing Facility-1 OPF-1 after being towed from the Vehicle Assembly Building V... More

T&R Atlantis Move from OPF-1 to VAB HB 2012-3577

T&R Atlantis Move from OPF-1 to VAB HB 2012-3577

T&R Atlantis Move from OPF-1 to VAB HB Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft development, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

T&R Atlantis Move from OPF-1 to VAB HB 2012-3581

T&R Atlantis Move from OPF-1 to VAB HB 2012-3581

T&R Atlantis Move from OPF-1 to VAB HB Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft development, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

T&R Atlantis Move from OPF-1 to VAB HB 2012-3574

T&R Atlantis Move from OPF-1 to VAB HB 2012-3574

T&R Atlantis Move from OPF-1 to VAB HB Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft development, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery begins its trip to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the background is the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB.    Discovery was in storage in the VAB’s high bay 4 awaiting departure from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39 area for the final time.  At the SLF, Discovery will be hoisted onto a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with the aid of a mate-demate device.  The SCA, a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.  For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2061

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery begins its trip to the ...

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery executes a three-point turnaround outside the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, for its trip to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF. Its move got under way at 5 a.m. EDT. A tail cone has been installed over its three replica shuttle main engines to reduce aerodynamic drag and turbulence during its upcoming ferry flight.     Discovery was in storage in the VAB’s high bay 4 awaiting departure from Kennedy’s Launch Complex 39 area for the final time.  At the SLF, Discovery will be hoisted onto a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with the aid of a mate-demate device.  The SCA, a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, is scheduled to transport Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.  For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2057

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery executes a three-point ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery executes a three-point turnaround outside the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, for its trip to the Shuttle Landing Fac... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, cable trays run along the walls in high bay 3 in the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, as part of a centerwide refurbishment initiative under the Ground Systems Development and Operations GSDO Program.            The cable replacement project is under way in high bays 1 and 3 on the east side of the building, facing Launch Complex 39’s pads A and B.  Approximately 150 miles of existing Apollo/shuttle era cabling is being removed to make room for installation of state-of-the-art command, communication and control systems that will be needed by future users to perform vehicle testing and verification prior to rollout to the launch pad.  For more information, visit http://go.nasa.gov/groundsystems.  Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2597

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, cable trays run along the walls in high bay 3 in the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, as part of a centerwide refurbishment initiative under t... More

T&R/Atlantis - Weight and CG in Preparation for Roll to VAB 2012-3553

T&R/Atlantis - Weight and CG in Preparation for Roll to VAB 2012-3553

T&R/Atlantis - Weight and CG in Preparation for Roll to VAB

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. – The space shuttle Endeavour moves into the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Endeavour moved from Bay 2 of the Orbiter Processing Facility to switch places with Atlantis which had been in the VAB. Endeavour will undergo final preparations for its cross-country ferry flight targeted for mid-September. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the remaining space shuttles, Endeavour and Atlantis. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour was the last space shuttle added to NASA’s orbiter fleet. Over the course of its 19-year career, Endeavour spent 299 days in space during 25 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-4494

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The space shuttle Endeavour moves into the Vehi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The space shuttle Endeavour moves into the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Endeavour moved from Bay 2 of the Orbiter Processing Facility to swit... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Endeavour is seen inside the Mate-Demate Device, or MDD, at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, is seen on the ramp. The SCA will carry Endeavour to Los Angeles where it will be placed on public display. The center's Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, and the mobile launcher built for the Space Launch System are also visible in the background. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-5153

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Endeavour is seen inside the Mate...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Endeavour is seen inside the Mate-Demate Device, or MDD, at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, is ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As part of NASA's Ground Systems Development and Operations Program at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a large work platform is being removed from the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB. As part of a modernization effort, flexible settings are being designed for multiple launch vehicles instead of the whole building supporting one design.      The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is developing the necessary ground systems, infrastructure and operational approaches required to safely process, assemble, transport and launch the next generation of rockets and spacecraft in support of NASA’s exploration objectives. Future work also will replace the antiquated communications, power and vehicle access resources with modern efficient systems. Some of the utilities and systems slated for replacement have been used since the VAB opened in 1965. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/index.html Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-5567

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As part of NASA's Ground Systems Development an...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As part of NASA's Ground Systems Development and Operations Program at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a large work platform is being removed from the Vehicle Assembly Building, or V... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As part of NASA's Ground Systems Development and Operations Program at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a large work platform is being removed from the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB. As part of a modernization effort, flexible settings are being designed for multiple launch vehicles instead of the whole building supporting one design.      The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is developing the necessary ground systems, infrastructure and operational approaches required to safely process, assemble, transport and launch the next generation of rockets and spacecraft in support of NASA’s exploration objectives. Future work also will replace the antiquated communications, power and vehicle access resources with modern efficient systems. Some of the utilities and systems slated for replacement have been used since the VAB opened in 1965. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/index.html Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-5569

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As part of NASA's Ground Systems Development an...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As part of NASA's Ground Systems Development and Operations Program at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a large work platform is being removed from the Vehicle Assembly Building, or V... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, construction workers lower the large space shuttle-era Level E north work platform from high bay 3 inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB. The platform will be moved to the VAB north parking area for temporary storage.    The work is part of a center-wide refurbishment initiative under the Ground Systems Development and Operations, or GSDO, Program. High bay 3 is being refurbished to accommodate NASA’s Space Launch System and a variety of other spacecraft.  For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-5650

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, construction workers lower the large space shuttle-era Level E north work platform from high bay 3 inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As part of NASA's Ground Systems Development and Operations Program at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a large space shuttle-era work platform is being removed from high bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB. The work is part of a center-wide modernization and refurbishment initiative to accommodate NASA’s Space Launch System and a variety of other spacecraft instead of the whole building supporting one design.      The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is developing the necessary ground systems, infrastructure and operational approaches required to safely process, assemble, transport and launch the next generation of rockets and spacecraft in support of NASA’s exploration objectives. Future work also will replace the antiquated communications, power and vehicle access resources with modern efficient systems. Some of the utilities and systems slated for replacement have been used since the VAB opened in 1965. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/index.html Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-5900

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As part of NASA's Ground Systems Development an...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As part of NASA's Ground Systems Development and Operations Program at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a large space shuttle-era work platform is being removed from high bay 3 of 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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As part of NASA's Ground Systems Development and Operations Program at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a large space shuttle-era work platform is being removed from high bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB. The work is part of a center-wide modernization and refurbishment initiative to accommodate NASA’s Space Launch System and a variety of other spacecraft instead of the whole building supporting one design.      The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is developing the necessary ground systems, infrastructure and operational approaches required to safely process, assemble, transport and launch the next generation of rockets and spacecraft in support of NASA’s exploration objectives. Future work also will replace the antiquated communications, power and vehicle access resources with modern efficient systems. Some of the utilities and systems slated for replacement have been used since the VAB opened in 1965. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/index.html Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-5967

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As part of NASA's Ground Systems Development an...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As part of NASA's Ground Systems Development and Operations Program at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a large space shuttle-era work platform is being removed from high bay 3 of the... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- All is quiet and orderly inside the mobile launcher, or ML, at the park site adjacent to the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.     Preparations are underway for modifications to begin to the outside of the 355-foot-tall ML structure this fall. NASA’s Ground Systems Development and Operations Program, or GSDO, is preparing the ML to support NASA’s Space Launch System, the heavy-lift rocket that will launch astronauts into deep space on future exploration missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2013-3508

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- All is quiet and orderly inside the mobile lau...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- All is quiet and orderly inside the mobile launcher, or ML, at the park site adjacent to the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Preparation... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- An adult osprey prepares to land in its nest atop a speaker platform in the Press Site parking lot at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carrying a fish in its talons. In the background is the 209-foot-tall U.S. flag painted on the side of the 52-story Vehicle Assembly Building VAB. The parking lot borders the water of the Launch Complex 39 turn basin, making it an ideal source of food for the osprey.    The undeveloped property on Kennedy Space Center is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.  The refuge provides a habitat for a plethora of wildlife, including 330 species of birds. For information on the refuge, visit http://www.fws.gov/merrittisland/Index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper KSC-2014-2848

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- An adult osprey prepares to land in its nest a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- An adult osprey prepares to land in its nest atop a speaker platform in the Press Site parking lot at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carrying a fish in its talons. In the backgr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, construction workers are hanging protective cloths around a work level near High Bay 3. Modifications are underway in the VAB to prepare High Bay 3 for a new platform system.    The modifications are part of a centerwide refurbishment initiative under the Ground Systems Development and Operations Program. High bay 3 is being refurbished to accommodate NASA’s Space Launch System and a variety of other spacecraft.  For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2014-3266

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, construction workers are hanging protective cloths around a work level near High Bay 3. Modificati... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A view looking up from the ground level inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. High above is the 175-ton crane. Modifications are underway inside the VAB to prepare High Bay 3 for a new platform system.     The modifications are part of a centerwide refurbishment initiative under the Ground Systems Development and Operations Program. High bay 3 is being refurbished to accommodate NASA’s Space Launch System and a variety of other spacecraft.  For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2014-3261

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A view looking up from the ground level inside ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A view looking up from the ground level inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. High above is the 175-ton crane. Modifications are underwa... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the 175-ton crane is being lowered from Level 16 down to the transfer aisle floor. Upgrades to the crane's 45-year-old controls will be performed 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-2014-4017

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, the 175-ton crane is being lowered from Level 16 down to the transfer aisle floor. Upgrades to the... More

Platform E South Installation. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

Platform E South Installation. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space...

A heavy-lift crane lowers the first half of the E-level work platforms, E south, for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, into position for installation in High Bay 3 in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) ... More

Aft Skirt Move from Hangar AF to BFF

Aft Skirt Move from Hangar AF to BFF

The left hand aft skirt for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket arrives at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, from the Hangar AF facility at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The aft skirt will b... More

Platform C North Installation. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

Platform C North Installation. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space...

Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the second half of the C-level work platforms, C north, for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, is lowered into position for ... More

Platform B South Installation. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

Platform B South Installation. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space...

A heavy-lift crane lowers the first half of the B-level work platforms, B south, for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, for installation on the south side of High Bay 3 in the Vehicle Assembly Building (V... More

Platform A North Arrival. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

Platform A North Arrival. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space cent...

Workers prepare to unload the second half of the A-level work platforms, A north, for NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, from a heavy load transport truck near the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA'... More

Crawler Transporter 2 (CT-2) Trek from Pad 39B to VAB

Crawler Transporter 2 (CT-2) Trek from Pad 39B to VAB

Ground support technicians walks alongside crawler-transporter 2 (CT-2) as the vehicle moves slowly along the crawlerway toward the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crawl... More

Orion EFT-1 Heat Shield Move from LASF to VAB Highbay 2

Orion EFT-1 Heat Shield Move from LASF to VAB Highbay 2

The Orion heat shield from Exploration Flight Test-1 has arrived in High Bay 2 in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The heat shield was moved from the Launch Abort S... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis, atop a mobile launch platform, passes by the turn basin in Launch Complex 39 toward Pad A as the sun rises on a balmy Florida morning. First motion out of the VAB was at 4:43 a.m. EST.  Rollout is a milestone for Atlantis' launch to the International Space Station on mission STS-122, targeted for Dec. 6. 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.   Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3262

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis, atop a mobile la...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis, atop a mobile launch platform, passes by the turn basin in Launch Complex 39 toward Pad A as the sun rises on a balmy Florida morning. First motion out of t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Workers move the Orbiter Transporter System (OTS) into Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The OTS will be moved under shuttle Atlantis for its rollover to the nearby Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB).            Once inside the VAB, Atlantis will be joined to its solid rocket boosters and external fuel tank on the mobile launcher platform. Later this month, Atlantis is scheduled to "rollout" to Launch Pad 39A on the STS-135 mission, which will deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. STS-135, targeted to launch June 28, will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the 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. NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2011-3350

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Workers move the Orbiter Transporter System (OT...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Workers move the Orbiter Transporter System (OTS) into Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The OTS will be moved under shuttle Atlantis for its rollov... More

VAB Topping Off Ceremony. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

VAB Topping Off Ceremony. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space cent...

Colonel Rocco Patrone (Director, Plans, Programs and Resources Office NASA-KSC) signs the last major beam also autographed by construction workers, NASA, and Corps of Engineers employees to be installed during... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the crawler-transporter delivers space shuttle Discovery atop the mobile launcher platform onto Launch Pad 39A.  Traveling from the Vehicle Assembly Building, the shuttle took nearly 12 hours on the journey as technicians stopped several times to clear mud from the crawler's treads and bearings caused by the waterlogged crawlerway.  First motion out of the VAB was at 2:07 a.m. EDT Aug. 4. Rollout was delayed approximately 2 hours due to lightning in the area.  In the background is the blue water of the Atlantic Ocean.  At left is the White Room at the end of the orbiter access arm.  When in place against shuttle, the White Room provides entry into the cockpit.  Discovery's 13-day flight will deliver a new crew member and 33,000 pounds of equipment to the International Space Station. The equipment includes science and storage racks, a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and the COLBERT treadmill.  Launch of Discovery on its STS-128 mission is targeted for late August.   Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-4423

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the crawler-transporter delivers space shuttle Discovery atop the mobile launcher platform onto Launch Pad 39A. Traveling from the Vehicle Assem... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour enters the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). In the VAB, Endeavour will be lifted into a high bay where it will be attached to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters for its final mission, STS-134.    Endeavour and its STS-134 crew will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, a high-pressure gas tank, additional spare parts for Dextre and micrometeoroid debris shields to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for April 19 at 7:48 p.m. EDT. For more information visit, http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2011-1904

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour enters the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). In the VAB, Endeavour will be lifted into a high bay ... More

STS-28 Columbia, OV-102, ET/SRB mating preparations at KSC VAB

STS-28 Columbia, OV-102, ET/SRB mating preparations at KSC VAB

S89-39624 (3 July 1989) --- Following rollover from the Orbiter Processing Facility, the orbiter Columbia is prepared for mating with the ET/SRB stack in the Vehicle Assembly Building transfer aisle as work con... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The space shuttle Discovery heads out of the VAB to Launch Pad 39B. Discovery is set to leftoff on shuttle mission STS-41, carrying a five-member crew and the Ulysses solar explorer during a launch period extending from Oct. 5 through Oct. 23, 1990.    Photo credit: NASA KSC-90PC-1339

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The space shuttle Discovery heads out of the VA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The space shuttle Discovery heads out of the VAB to Launch Pad 39B. Discovery is set to leftoff on shuttle mission STS-41, carrying a five-member crew and the Ulysses solar explorer durin... More

Earth observations taken during STS-77 mission

Earth observations taken during STS-77 mission

STS077-713-010 (19-29 May 1996) --- Like a number of Shuttle flight crews that preceded them, the members of the crew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour made eastern Florida one of their photographic targets. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The American flag is being repainted on the side of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The flag spans an area 209 feet by 110 feet, or about 23, 437 square feet. Each stripe is 9 feet wide and each star is 6 feet in diameter. Workers, suspended on platforms from the top of the 525-foot-high VAB, are using rollers and brushes to do the painting. In addition to the flag, the NASA logo, also known as the "meatball," is being painted on the VAB. When finished, the logo will measure 110 feet by 132 feet, or about 12,300 square feet. The entire fleet of orbiters is also receiving the addition of the NASA logo on their wings and sidewalls. The painting honors NASA’s 40th anniversary on Oct. 1 and is expected to be complete in mid-September KSC-98pc988

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The American flag is being repainted on ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The American flag is being repainted on the side of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The flag spans an area 209 feet by 110 feet, or about 23, 437 square feet. Each stripe is 9... More

This aerial view shows the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) getting a facelift with the repainting of the American flag and replacing of the Bicentennial emblem with the NASA logo. The painting honors NASA's 40th anniversary on Oct. 1 and is expected to be complete in mid-September. The flag spans an area 209 feet by 110 feet, or about 23, 437 square feet. Each stripe is 9 feet wide and each star is 6 feet in diameter. The logo, also known as the 'meatball,' measures 110 feet by 132 feet, or about 12,300 square feet. Workers, suspended on platforms from the top of the 525-foot-high VAB, are using rollers and brushes to do the painting. The entire fleet of orbiters is also receiving the addition of the NASA logo on their wings and sidewalls. KSC-98PC-0998

This aerial view shows the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) getting a f...

This aerial view shows the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) getting a facelift with the repainting of the American flag and replacing of the Bicentennial emblem with the NASA logo. The painting honors NASA's 40t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This aerial view shows workers, suspended on platforms from the top of the 525-foot-high VAB, using rollers and brushes to repaint the flag on the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The facelift honors NASA's 40th anniversary on Oct. 1 and is expected to be complete in mid-September. The flag spans an area 209 feet by 110 feet, or about 23,437 square feet. Each stripe is 9 feet wide and each star is 6 feet in diameter KSC-98pc1002

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This aerial view shows workers, suspende...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This aerial view shows workers, suspended on platforms from the top of the 525-foot-high VAB, using rollers and brushes to repaint the flag on the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the grounds of the Kennedy Space Center, members of the 1998 astronaut candidate class (Group 17) watch as candidate Sunita L. Williams practices using firefighting equipment during fire training. The class is at KSC for training activities, including a flight awareness program, plus touring the OPF, VAB, SSPF, SSME Processing Facility, launch pads, SLF, Apollo/Saturn V Center, and the crew quarters. The other U.S. candidates in the '98 class are Clayton C. Anderson, Lee J. Archambault, Tracy E. Caldwell (Ph.D.), Gregory E. Chamitoff (Ph.D.), Timothy J. Creamer, Christopher J. Ferguson, Michael J. Foreman, Michael E. Fossum, Kenneth T. Ham, Patricia C. Hilliard (M.D.), Gregory C. Johnson, Gregory H. Johnson, Stanley G. Love (Ph.D.), Leland D. Melvin, Barbara R. Morgan, William A. Oefelein, John D. Olivas (Ph.D.), Nicholas J.M. Patrick (Ph.D.), Alan G. Poindexter, Garrett E. Reisman (Ph.D.), Steven R. Swanson, Douglas H. Wheelock, Neil W. Woodward III, George D. Zamka; and the international candidates are Leopold Eyharts, Paolo Nespoli, Hans Schlegel, Roberto Vittori, Bjarni V. Tryggvason, and Marcos Pontes KSC-99pp1161

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the grounds of the Kennedy Space Cent...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the grounds of the Kennedy Space Center, members of the 1998 astronaut candidate class (Group 17) watch as candidate Sunita L. Williams practices using firefighting equipment du... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers accompany space shuttle Endeavour as it is being transported from Orbiter Processing Facility-2 to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). In the VAB, Endeavour will be lifted into a high bay where it will be attached to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters for its final mission, STS-134.          Endeavour and its STS-134 crew will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, a high-pressure gas tank, additional spare parts for Dextre and micrometeoroid debris shields to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for April 19 at 7:48 p.m. EDT. For more information visit, http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2011-1901

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers accompany space shuttle Endeavour as it is being transported from Orbiter Processing Facility-2 to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB).... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A crawler-transporter with mobile launcher platform on top tests the buried portion of the Apollo-era crawlerway leading to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) high bay 2 on the southwest side. The road was restored as part of KSC’s Safe Haven project. High bay 2 provides a third stacking area. The primary goal of the Safe Haven construction project was to strengthen readiness for hurricane season by expanding the VAB’s storage capacity. The new area, in high bay 2, will allow NASA to preassemble stacks and still have room in the VAB to pull a Shuttle back from the pad if severe weather threatens. Potential rollouts of the Space Shuttle to the launch pad from high bay 2 will involve making a turn around the north side of the VAB in contrast to the straight rollouts from high bays 1 and 3, on the east side of the VAB facing the launch pads KSC00pp0716

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A crawler-transporter with mobile launch...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A crawler-transporter with mobile launcher platform on top tests the buried portion of the Apollo-era crawlerway leading to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) high bay 2 on the so... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Atlantis is moved aboard an orbiter transporter from the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) bay 3 over to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). In the background (right) are OPF bays 1 and 2. In the VAB it will be lifted to vertical and placed aboard the mobile launcher platform (MLP) for stacking with the solid rocket boosters and external tank. Atlantis is scheduled to launch Sept. 8 on mission STS-106, the fourth construction flight to the International Space Station, with a crew of seven KSC00pp1072

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Atlantis is moved aboard an ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Atlantis is moved aboard an orbiter transporter from the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) bay 3 over to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). In the background (right) ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Shuttle Atlantis, with twin solid rocket boosters and external tank atop the Mobile Launcher Platform and crawler-transorter, moves in the predawn hours into high bay 2 in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB).  For the first time in Space Shuttle history, a fully stacked Shuttle is rolling around the north side of the VAB into high bay 2 on the building's west side. The VAB and nearby rock-paved crawlerway have recently undergone major modifications to provide Shuttle fliglht hardware more storage space and protection - "Safe Haven" - from hurricanes or tropical storms.  Atlantis, the twin solid rocket boosters and external tank begain moving out of VAB high bay 1 on the east side at 2:59 a.m. EDT.  After the successful "Safe Haven" fit check, Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to roll out to Launch Pad 39B in preparation for the STS-106 launch on Sept. 8. KSC-00pp1113

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Shuttle Atlantis, with twin solid rocket...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Shuttle Atlantis, with twin solid rocket boosters and external tank atop the Mobile Launcher Platform and crawler-transorter, moves in the predawn hours into high bay 2 in the Vehi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Just after sunup, Shuttle Atlantis sits outside the Vehicle Assembly Building's (VAB) high bay 2 on the building's west side after completing a fit check.  This is the first time in Space Shuttle history that a fully stacked Shuttle is being moved into the space. The VAB and nearby rock-paved crawlerway have recently undergone major modifications to provide Shuttle fliglht hardware more storage space and protection - "Safe Haven" - from hurricanes or tropical storms.  Atlantis, the twin solid rocket boosters and external tank begain moving out of VAB high bay 1 on the east side at 2:59 a.m. EDT.  The 6-million pound crawler transporter carried the Mobile Launcher Platform and Space Shuttle around the north side of the VAB and into high bay 2.  After the successful "Safe Haven" fit check, Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to roll out to Launch Pad 39B in preparation for the STS-106 launch on Sept. 8. KSC-00pp1111

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Just after sunup, Shuttle Atlantis sits ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Just after sunup, Shuttle Atlantis sits outside the Vehicle Assembly Building's (VAB) high bay 2 on the building's west side after completing a fit check. This is the first time i... More

The orbiter Atlantis, on its transporter, heads into the turn toward the Vehicle Assembly Building, in the background. In the VAB it will be raised to vertical and lifted up and into high bay 3 for stacking with its external tank and solid rocket boosters. Atlantis will fly on mission STS-98, the seventh construction flight to the International Space Station. The orbiter will carry in its payload bay the U.S. Laboratory, named Destiny, that will have five system racks already installed inside of the module. After delivery of electronics in the lab, electrically powered attitude control for Control Moment Gyroscopes will be activated. Atlantis is scheduled for launch on Jan. 18, 2001, at 2:44 a.m. EST, with a crew of five KSC-00pp1826

The orbiter Atlantis, on its transporter, heads into the turn toward t...

The orbiter Atlantis, on its transporter, heads into the turn toward the Vehicle Assembly Building, in the background. In the VAB it will be raised to vertical and lifted up and into high bay 3 for stacking wit... More

Viewed from inside Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, Atlantis is ready for rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building. In the VAB it will be raised to vertical and lifted up and into high bay 3 for stacking with its external tank and solid rocket boosters. Atlantis will fly on mission STS-98, the seventh construction flight to the International Space Station. The orbiter will carry in its payload bay the U.S. Laboratory, named Destiny, that will have five system racks already installed inside of the module. After delivery of electronics in the lab, electrically powered attitude control for Control Moment Gyroscopes will be activated. Atlantis is scheduled for launch on Jan. 18, 2001, at 2:44 a.m. EST, with a crew of five KSC-00pp1824

Viewed from inside Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, Atlantis is read...

Viewed from inside Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, Atlantis is ready for rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building. In the VAB it will be raised to vertical and lifted up and into high bay 3 for stacking wit... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. –  This view shows much of the Launch Complex 39 Area  looking north.  At center is the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building.  Other buildings surrounding it are (counter clockwise from left) the Orbiter Processing Facility, Multi-Function Facility, Operations Support Building and Launch Control Center (next to VAB).  The crawlerway leads from the VAB toward the launch pads.  In the background are the waters of the Banana Creek. 03pd2225

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. – This view shows much of the Launch Compl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. – This view shows much of the Launch Complex 39 Area looking north. At center is the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building. Other buildings surrounding it are (counter clockwise... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -   Crawler-transporter (CT) number 2 nears the launch pad with a Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) on top.  After recent modifications to the cab and muffler system, the CT was taken on a test run.   The CT moves Space Shuttle vehicles, situated on the MLP, between the VAB and launch pad.  Moving on four double-tracked crawlers, the CT uses a laser guidance system and a leveling system for the journey that keeps the top of a Space Shuttle vertical within plus- or minus-10 minutes of arc.  The system enables the CT-MLP-Shuttle to negotiate the ramp leading to the launch pads and keep the load level.  Unloaded, the CT weighs 6 million pounds.  Seen on top of the MLP are two tail service masts that support the fluid, gas and electrical requirements of the orbiter’s liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen aft umbilicals.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Crawler-transporter (CT) number 2 near...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Crawler-transporter (CT) number 2 nears the launch pad with a Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) on top. After recent modifications to the cab and muffler system, the CT was taken o... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Endeavour rolls into the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) for temporary storage.  The orbiter has been moved from the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) to allow work to be performed in the OPF that can only be accomplished while the bay is empty. Work scheduled in the OPF includes annual validation of the bay’s cranes, work platforms, lifting mechanisms and jack stands. Endeavour will remain in the VAB for approximately 12 days, then return to the OPF.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Endeavour rolls into the Vehicle Assembl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Endeavour rolls into the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) for temporary storage. The orbiter has been moved from the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) to allow work to be performed... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The 525-foot high Vehicle Assembly Building dominates the Launch Complex 39 Area.  On the right is the Launch Control Center.  To the left are the Orbiter Processing Facility Bays 1, 2 and 3.  At lower left is the Operation Support Building at lower right is the construction area for Operations Support Building 2.  Behind the VAB meanders the Banana Creek.          Photo credit: NASA KSC-04pd0661

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The 525-foot high Vehicle Assembly Building do...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The 525-foot high Vehicle Assembly Building dominates the Launch Complex 39 Area. On the right is the Launch Control Center. To the left are the Orbiter Processing Facility Bays 1, 2 a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -   Members of a hurricane assessment team from Johnson Space Center and Marshall Space Flight Center tour the roof of the Vehicle Assembly Building  (VAB) a week after Hurricane Frances hit the east coast of Central Florida and Kennedy Space Center.  The VAB lost 820, 4- x 16-foot panels from the side walls, or more than 52,000 square feet of its surface. KSC-04pd1766

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of a hurricane assessment team ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of a hurricane assessment team from Johnson Space Center and Marshall Space Flight Center tour the roof of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) a week after Hurricane Fran... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A helicopter moves past the Vehicle Assembly Building at KSC following the category 3 Hurricane Jeanne.  The storm barreled through Central Florida Sept. 25-26 from the southeast.  The VAB had lost 850 panels from the south wall during Hurricane Frances.  Twenty-five additional panels were pulled off the east wall by the winds from Jeanne.   This was the fourth hurricane in 6 weeks to batter the state. KSC-04pd1906

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A helicopter moves past the Vehicle Assem...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A helicopter moves past the Vehicle Assembly Building at KSC following the category 3 Hurricane Jeanne. The storm barreled through Central Florida Sept. 25-26 from the southeast. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  A closeup of the Vehicle Assembly Building shows one of the scaffolds being used to allow workers to cover the holes with corrugated steel so the facility can be returned to performing operational activities.  Xenon lights on the ground provide the illumination.  The VAB lost 820 panels from the south wall during Frances, and 25 additional panels during Hurricane Jeanne.  The VAB stands 525 feet tall.  Central Florida, including Kennedy Space Center, was battered by four hurricanes between Aug. 13 and Sept. 26. KSC-04pd2029

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A closeup of the Vehicle Assembly Buildi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A closeup of the Vehicle Assembly Building shows one of the scaffolds being used to allow workers to cover the holes with corrugated steel so the facility can be returned to perfor... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This view of the Vehicle Assembly Building at KSC shows the patchwork of corrugated steel that covers holes created by recent hurricanes.  The VAB lost 820 panels from the south wall during Hurricane Frances, and 25 additional panels pulled off the east wall by Hurricane Jeanne.  Employees of Met-Con, a subcontractor in Cocoa, Fla., worked night and day on scaffolds hung from the 525-foot-high roof to close the holes and enable the facility to return to normal operations. KSC-04pd2094

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This view of the Vehicle Assembly Buildin...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This view of the Vehicle Assembly Building at KSC shows the patchwork of corrugated steel that covers holes created by recent hurricanes. The VAB lost 820 panels from the south wal... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Crawler Transporter (CT) area, a worker places another load of new crawler shoes on the ground.  The new shoes were manufactured by ME Global in Duluth, Minn.  The CT transports the Mobile Launcher Platform, with the assembled Space Shuttle aboard, between the refurbishment area, the VAB and Launch Complex Pads 39A and 39B.  The crawlers have 456 shoes, 57 per belt (8 belts in all).  Each shoe weighs 2,200 pounds.  The original shoes were manufactured for the Apollo Program.  Cracks appeared in the shoes in recent years spurring a need for replacement.  The new manufacturer, in Duluth, Minn., has improved the design for Return to Flight and use through the balance of the Space Shuttle Program. KSC-04pd2137

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Crawler Transporter (CT) area, a w...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Crawler Transporter (CT) area, a worker places another load of new crawler shoes on the ground. The new shoes were manufactured by ME Global in Duluth, Minn. The CT transpo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis is moments away from a tow from the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The move will allow work to be performed in the OPF that can only be accomplished while the bay is empty. Work scheduled in the processing facility includes annual validation of the bay's cranes, work platforms, lifting mechanisms, and jack stands. Atlantis will remain in the VAB for about 10 days, then return to the OPF as work resumes to prepare it for launch in September 2004 on the first return-to-flight mission, STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis is mom...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis is moments away from a tow from the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The move will allow work to be perfo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis is moved into high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB).  It was towed from the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) to allow work to be performed in the bay that can only be accomplished while it is empty. Work scheduled in the processing facility includes annual validation of the bay's cranes, work platforms, lifting mechanisms, and jack stands. Atlantis will remain in the VAB for about 10 days, then return to the OPF as work resumes to prepare it for launch in September 2004 on the first return-to-flight mission, STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis is mov...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis is moved into high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). It was towed from the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) to allow work to be perf... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis arrives in high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB).  It was towed from the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) to allow work to be performed in the bay that can only be accomplished while it is empty. Work scheduled in the processing facility includes annual validation of the bay's cranes, work platforms, lifting mechanisms, and jack stands. Atlantis will remain in the VAB for about 10 days, then return to the OPF as work resumes to prepare it for launch in September 2004 on the first return-to-flight mission, STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis arrive...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis arrives in high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). It was towed from the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) to allow work to be perform... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  The orbiter Atlantis is backed out of the Vehicle Assembly Building for transfer back to the Orbiter Processing Facility.  Atlantis spent 10 days in the VAB to allow work to be performed in the OPF that can only be accomplished while the bay is empty. Work included annual validation of the bay's cranes, work platforms, lifting mechanisms and jack stands.  Work resumes to prepare Atlantis for launch in September 2004 on the first return-to-flight mission, STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The orbiter Atlantis is backed out of th...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The orbiter Atlantis is backed out of the Vehicle Assembly Building for transfer back to the Orbiter Processing Facility. Atlantis spent 10 days in the VAB to allow work to be per... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The orbiter Discovery, sitting on an orbiter transporter, slowly backs  out of NASA's Orbiter Processing Facility to begin the rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The rollover marks the start of the journey to the launch pad and, ultimately, launch.  Once inside the VAB, 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-06pd0822

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The orbiter Discovery, sitting on an orbi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The orbiter Discovery, sitting on an orbiter transporter, slowly backs out of NASA's Orbiter Processing Facility to begin the rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The r... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -    The redesigned external fuel tank, designated ET-118, turns the corner toward the Vehicle Assembly Building, seen at right.  The tank, which arrived at KSC aboard the Pegasus barge after a journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, will be moved into the VAB and lifted into a checkout cell for further work.  ET-118, which will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps, will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next space shuttle mission, STS-115.   Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1024

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The redesigned external fuel tank, des...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The redesigned external fuel tank, designated ET-118, turns the corner toward the Vehicle Assembly Building, seen at right. The tank, which arrived at KSC aboard the Pegasus bar... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -    Atlantis arrives in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, concluding its rollover from the Orbiter Processing Facility.  In the VAB, the orbiter will be lifted into high bay 3 for mating to the external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters.  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/Charisse Nahser KSC-06pd1642

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Atlantis arrives in the transfer aisl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Atlantis arrives in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, concluding its rollover from the Orbiter Processing Facility. In the VAB, the orbiter will be lifted in... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA.  -   After leaving the Orbiter Processing Facility, Atlantis makes its way to the Vehicle Assembly Building atop an orbiter transporter.  In the VAB, the orbiter will be lifted into high bay 3 for mating to the external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters.  Atlantis's 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/Charisse Nahser KSC-06pd1639

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After leaving the Orbiter Processing Facility, Atlantis makes its way to the Vehicle Assembly Building atop an orbiter transporter. In the VAB, the orbiter will be lifted into h... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  Crawler-transporter No. 2 sits outside the Vehicle Assembly Building.  Workers will be driving the crawler to test it before it is needed to move the STS-116 stack from VAB high bay 3 to high bay 2 and allow the rollback of Space Shuttle Atlantis into high bay 3. The rollback will be determined by the mission management team based on information about Hurricane Ernesto and its path through Florida. Atlantis has been poised on Launch Pad 39B for liftoff on mission STS-115 to the International Space Station to deliver the P3/P4 truss segment.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd9148

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Crawler-transporter No. 2 sits outside t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Crawler-transporter No. 2 sits outside the Vehicle Assembly Building. Workers will be driving the crawler to test it before it is needed to move the STS-116 stack from VAB high ba... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  Workers check on the crawler-transporters in the event they are needed for rolling back Space Shuttle Atlantis from Launch Pad 39B. Crawler No. 2 will be used to move the STS-116 stack from VAB high bay 3 to high bay 2 and crawler No. 1 will be used to transport Atlantis to high bay 3. The rollback will be determined by the mission management team based on information about Hurricane Ernesto and its path through Florida. Atlantis has been poised on Launch Pad 39B for liftoff on mission STS-115 to the International Space Station to deliver the P3/P4 truss segment.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd1950

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers check on the crawler-transporter...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers check on the crawler-transporters in the event they are needed for rolling back Space Shuttle Atlantis from Launch Pad 39B. Crawler No. 2 will be used to move the STS-116 s... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -    From Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Atlantis begins rolling back to the Vehicle Assembly Building.  First motion was at 10:04 a.m. EDT.  First motion off the pad was at 10:04 a.m. EDT.   The rollback is a safety precaution as the area waits for the arrival of Tropical Storm Ernesto.  The storm is forecast to be bringing 58-mph to 70-mph winds in the next 24 hours.  The shuttle will be moved into high bay 2, on the southwest side of the VAB, for protection from the storm. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd1973

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Atl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Atlantis begins rolling back to the Vehicle Assembly Building. First motion was at 10:04 a.m. EDT. First motion off the pad was at 10:04 a.m.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -   External tank No. 123 makes the turn toward the Vehicle Assembly Building after being offloaded from the Pegasus barge in the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area.  Once inside the VAB, the tank will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work.  Shipped from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, the tank has undergone major safety changes, including removal of the protuberance air load ramps.  It is designated to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-116 in December.  Mission STS-116 will deliver the P5 truss segment, a SPACEHAB module and other key components to the International Space Station.  Launch is currently scheduled no earlier than Dec. 14.  Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd2179

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 makes the turn to...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 makes the turn toward the Vehicle Assembly Building after being offloaded from the Pegasus barge in the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area. Once insid... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  On platforms suspended from the top of the 525-foot-high VAB, workers use rollers and brushes to repaint the U.S. flag on the southwest side of the Vehicle Assembly Building.   The flag spans an area 209 feet by 110 feet, or about 23, 437 square feet. Each stripe is 9 feet wide and each star is 6 feet in diameter. The logo is also being painted.  Known as the "meatball," the logo measures 110 feet by 132 feet, or about 12,300 square feet.  The flag and logo were last painted in 1998, honoring NASA's 40th anniversary.  Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd0113

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On platforms suspended from the top of ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On platforms suspended from the top of the 525-foot-high VAB, workers use rollers and brushes to repaint the U.S. flag on the southwest side of the Vehicle Assembly Building. Th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  The orbiter Atlantis rolls through the door of the Orbiter Processing Facility to make the short trip to the Vehicle Assembly Building.  First motion was at 6:19 a.m. EST. Once in the VAB, Atlantis will be lifted into high bay 1 and mated with the external tank and solid rocket boosters already in place on the mobile launcher platform. The rollover signals the start of the journey to the launch pad for liftoff on mission STS-117 targeted for March 15.  The mission is the 21st to the International Space Station and will deliver the S3/S4 starboard truss segments.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0285

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Atlantis rolls through the ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Atlantis rolls through the door of the Orbiter Processing Facility to make the short trip to the Vehicle Assembly Building. First motion was at 6:19 a.m. EST. Once in... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  The orbiter Atlantis backs away from the Orbiter Processing Facility to make the short trip to the Vehicle Assembly Building, seen at left.  First motion was at 6:19 a.m. EST.  Once in the VAB, Atlantis will be lifted into high bay 1 and mated with the external tank and solid rocket boosters already in place on the mobile launcher platform. The rollover signals the start of the journey to the launch pad for liftoff on mission STS-117 targeted for March 15.  The mission is the 21st to the International Space Station and will deliver the S3/S4 starboard truss segments.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0286

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Atlantis backs away from th...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Atlantis backs away from the Orbiter Processing Facility to make the short trip to the Vehicle Assembly Building, seen at left. First motion was at 6:19 a.m. EST. On... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   Aboard its transporter, external tank No. 117 moves away from the Pegasus barge, at right, heading for the Vehicle Assembly Building. 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-07pd0982

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Aboard its transporter, external tank ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Aboard its transporter, external tank No. 117 moves away from the Pegasus barge, at right, heading for the Vehicle Assembly Building. ET-117 arrived aboard the barge after its vo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  Aboard its transporter, external tank No. 117 moves into 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-07pd0986

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Aboard its transporter, external tank N...

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   Viewed across an arm of the Banana River, Space Shuttle Atlantis sits on Launch Pad 39A.  At right of the pad is the 300,000-gallon water tower that provides the water for sound suppression during liftoff.  Atlantis rolled out to the pad for the second time before dawn.  First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 5:02 a.m. EDT. In late February, while Atlantis was on the launch pad, Atlantis' external tank received hail damage during a severe thunderstorm that passed through the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 area. The hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation, as well as minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. The shuttle was returned to the VAB for repairs. The launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-117 is now targeted for June 8. A flight readiness review will be held on May 30 and 31.  Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-07pd1201

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Viewed across an arm of the Banana Riv...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Viewed across an arm of the Banana River, Space Shuttle Atlantis sits on Launch Pad 39A. At right of the pad is the 300,000-gallon water tower that provides the water for sound ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  Just after sunrise, Space Shuttle Atlantis, mounted on a mobile launch platform, rolls a second time to Launch Pad 39A atop a crawler transporter.  First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 5:02 a.m. EDT. In late February, while Atlantis was on the launch pad, Atlantis' external tank received hail damage during a severe thunderstorm that passed through the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 area. The hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation, as well as minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. The shuttle was returned to the VAB for repairs. The launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-117 is now targeted for June 8. A flight readiness review will be held on May 30 and 31. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd1185

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Just after sunrise, Space Shuttle Atlan...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Just after sunrise, Space Shuttle Atlantis, mounted on a mobile launch platform, rolls a second time to Launch Pad 39A atop a crawler transporter. First motion out of the Vehicle... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  The leading edge of the mobile launch platform atop a crawler transporter, and carrying Space Shuttle Atlantis, heads toward the gate of Launch Pad 39A.  This is the second rollout for the shuttle.  First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 5:02 a.m. EDT. In late February, while Atlantis was on the launch pad, Atlantis' external tank received hail damage during a severe thunderstorm that passed through the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 area. The hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation, as well as minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. The shuttle was returned to the VAB for repairs. The launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-117 is now targeted for June 8. A flight readiness review will be held on May 30 and 31.  Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-07pd1195

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The leading edge of the mobile launch p...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The leading edge of the mobile launch platform atop a crawler transporter, and carrying Space Shuttle Atlantis, heads toward the gate of Launch Pad 39A. This is the second rollou... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, the external tank for Endeavour is lowered between the solid rocket boosters toward the mobile launcher platform below.  Endeavour is currently  targeted for rollover to the VAB July 5. Endeavour is the designated orbiter for mission STS-118, targeted for launch on Aug. 9 to the International Space Station. The mission will continue space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5, as well as carrying the external stowage platform 3.  Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-07pd1546

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, the external tank for Endeavour is lowered between the solid rocket boosters toward the mobile launcher platform below. Endeavour is currentl... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  The orbiter Endeavour, atop its transporter, rolls under the overhead crane in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building.  In the VAB, the crane will lift the orbiter then lower it onto the mobile launcher platform where it will be stacked with the external tank and solid rocket boosters for 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-07pd1711

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Endeavour, atop its transpo...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Endeavour, atop its transporter, rolls under the overhead crane in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. In the VAB, the crane will lift the orbiter th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the top of external tank No. 120 is seen as the tank is lowered between the solid rocket boosters for mating on the mobile launcher platform.  The external tank-SRB stack is being prepared for the orbiter Discovery, which will be mated to the stack in the VAB in two weeks.  Space Shuttle Discovery is targeted to launch Oct. 23 on mission STS-120 to the International Space Station.  Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd2397

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the top of external tank No. 120 is seen as the tank is lowered between the solid rocket boosters for mating on t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  Seen from inside the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, space shuttle Discovery rolls through the opening for the short trip to the Vehicle Assembly Building.  In the VAB, the shuttle will be lifted and mated with the external tank and solid rocket boosters 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-07pd2538

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Seen from inside the Orbiter Processing...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Seen from inside the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, space shuttle Discovery rolls through the opening for the short trip to the Vehicle Assembly Building. In the VAB, the shu... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis rolls out of Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1 on a transporter as the sun rises.  The orbiter is headed for 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-07pd3066

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis rolls out of Orbi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis rolls out of Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1 on a transporter as the sun rises. The orbiter is headed for the Vehicle Assembly Building. Rollover from it... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis rolls out of Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1 on a transporter just before sunrise for the short trip 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-07pd3065

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis rolls out of Orbi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis rolls out of Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1 on a transporter just before sunrise for the short trip to the Vehicle Assembly Building. Rollover from its p... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On its transporter, space shuttle Endeavour rolls out of the Orbiter Processing Facility on its way to the Vehicle Assembly Building.  In high bay 1 of the VAB, Endeavour will be attached to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters in preparation for its upcoming mission, STS-123, to the International Space Station 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/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd0266

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On its transporter, space shuttle Endeav...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On its transporter, space shuttle Endeavour rolls out of the Orbiter Processing Facility on its way to the Vehicle Assembly Building. In high bay 1 of the VAB, Endeavour will be a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On its transporter, space shuttle Endeavour rolls toward the Vehicle Assembly Building after leaving the Orbiter Processing Facility.  In high bay 1 of the VAB, Endeavour will be attached to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters in preparation for its upcoming mission, STS-123, to the International Space Station 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/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd0270

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On its transporter, space shuttle Endeav...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On its transporter, space shuttle Endeavour rolls toward the Vehicle Assembly Building after leaving the Orbiter Processing Facility. In high bay 1 of the VAB, Endeavour will be a... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   The Pegasus barge containing the external fuel tank for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station arrives in Port Canaveral, Fla., after an ocean voyage under tow by one of the solid rocket booster retrieval ships (at right) from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans.  The barge is heading for the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The tank will be offloaded at the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building and transported to the VAB.  There it will be lifted and lowered into a checkout cell. The STS-126 mission will deliver a Multi-Purpose Logistics Module to the International Space Station.  Launch is targeted for Nov. 10. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2362

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Pegasus barge containing the external fue...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Pegasus barge containing the external fuel tank for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station arrives in Port Canaveral, Fla., after an ocean voya... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –   Two tugboats maneuver the Pegasus barge toward the dock in the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.  The barge contains the external fuel tank for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station.  The tank will be offloaded at the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building and transported to the VAB.  There it will be lifted and lowered into a checkout cell. The STS-126 mission will deliver a Multi-Purpose Logistics Module to the International Space Station.  Launch is targeted for Nov. 10. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2366

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two tugboats maneuver the Pegasus barge towar...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two tugboats maneuver the Pegasus barge toward the dock in the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The barge contains the external fuel tank for sp... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –    Towed by a tugboat, the Pegasus barge containing the external fuel tank for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station arrives in the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.  The tank will be offloaded at the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building and transported to the VAB.  There it will be lifted and lowered into a checkout cell. The STS-126 mission will deliver a Multi-Purpose Logistics Module to the International Space Station.  Launch is targeted for Nov. 10. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2365

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Towed by a tugboat, the Pegasus barge contai...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Towed by a tugboat, the Pegasus barge containing the external fuel tank for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station arrives in the turn basin at th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The external fuel tank for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station heads through the open door of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.  The tank arrived earlier after a six-day ocean voyage towed by a solid rocket booster retrieval ship from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans.  The tank will be moved into the VAB transfer aisle, lifted and lowered into a checkout cell. The STS-126 mission will deliver a Multi-Purpose Logistics Module to the International Space Station.  Launch is targeted for Nov. 10. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2370

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The external fuel tank for space shuttle Endeav...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The external fuel tank for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station heads through the open door of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Spac... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  A minor effect of Tropical Storm Hanna as it passed Florida’s east coast, part of a panel on the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center came off in a burst of high wind, causing minor damage to a UHF antenna on the roof of the Launch Control Center.  The panel is on the southeast corner of the VAB. Hanna kept well offshore, bearing only bursts of rain and wind along the coastline as it moved north.   Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd2551

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A minor effect of Tropical Storm Hanna as it p...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A minor effect of Tropical Storm Hanna as it passed Florida’s east coast, part of a panel on the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center came off in a burst of high wind... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -  Space shuttle Endeavour is hard down on Launch Pad 39B.  The shuttle and mobile launcher platform it sits on rest atop the crawler-transporter that carried them from the Vehicle Assembly Building. First motion out of the VAB was at 11:15 p.m. Sept. 18.  At left of the shuttle is the open rotating service structure with the payload changeout room revealed.  Endeavour completed the 4.2-mile journey to Launch Pad 39B on Sept. 19 at 6:59 a.m. EDT. For the first time since July 2001, two shuttles are on the launch pads at the same time at the center. Endeavour will stand by at pad B in the unlikely event that a rescue mission is necessary during space shuttle Atlantis' upcoming mission to repair NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, targeted to launch Oct. 10. After Endeavour is cleared from its duty as a rescue spacecraft, it will be moved to Launch Pad 39A for the STS-126 mission to the International Space Station. That flight is targeted for launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd2674

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Endeavour is hard down on Launch...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Endeavour is hard down on Launch Pad 39B. The shuttle and mobile launcher platform it sits on rest atop the crawler-transporter that carried them from the Vehicle Assembly... More

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