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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A canister, carrying the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS) and Express Logistics Carrier-3 for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission, arrives at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Next, crews at the pad will move the payload into the Payload Ground Handling Mechanism (PGHM), and the rotating service structure (RSS) that protects the shuttle from the elements and provides access to its components will be rotated back into place. The payload is scheduled to be installed into the shuttle's cargo bay March 25. Endeavour and its six-member STS-134 crew are targeted to lift off April 19 at 7:48 p.m. EDT to deliver the payload to the International Space Station. This is Endeavour's final scheduled mission. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2011-2386

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A canister, carrying the Alpha Magnetic Spectr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A canister, carrying the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS) and Express Logistics Carrier-3 for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission, arrives at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Sp... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi is helped by the Closeout Crew with his launch and entry suit before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. This is Noguchi’s first Shuttle flight. He represents the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station carries the External Stowage Platform-2, equipped with spare part assemblies, and a replacement Control Moment Gyroscope contained in the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure and Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, housing 15 tons of hardware and supplies that will be transferred to the Station after the Shuttle docks to the complex . On this mission, the crew will perform inspections on-orbit for the first time of all of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) panels on the leading edge of the wings and the Thermal Protection System tiles using the new Canadian-built Orbiter Boom Sensor System and the data from 176 impact and temperature sensors. Mission Specialists will also practice repair techniques on RCC and tile samples during a spacewalk in the payload bay. KSC-05pp1797

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguch...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi is helped by the Closeout Crew with his launch and entry suit before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. This is Noguchi’s first Shuttle fl... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Space Shuttle Discovery’s payload bay, STS-92 Mission Specialist William S. McArthur Jr. explains something about the Pressurized Mating Adapter in front of him to other Mission Specialists Michael E. Lopez-Alegria and Peter J.K. Wisoff. The STS-92 crew has been inspecting the payload in preparation for launch Oct. 5, 2000. The mission is the fifth flight for the construction of the International Space Station. The payload also includes the Integrated Truss Structure Z-1. During the 11-day mission, four extravehicular activities (EVAs), or space walks, are planned KSC00pp1479

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Space Shuttle Discovery’s payload bay...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Space Shuttle Discovery’s payload bay, STS-92 Mission Specialist William S. McArthur Jr. explains something about the Pressurized Mating Adapter in front of him to other Mission... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Pad 39B, the cargo in Space Shuttle Atlantis' payload bay is seen before the closing of the bay doors. The cargo is the 17-and-a-half-ton P3/P4 truss segment for the International Space Station. Scheduled to launch Aug. 27, Atlantis will fly on mission STS-115 with a crew of six to deliver and install the P3/P4 segment to the port side of the integrated truss system on the orbital outpost. The truss includes a new set of photovoltaic solar arrays. When unfurled to their full length of 240 feet, the arrays will provide additional power for the station in preparation for the delivery of international science modules over the next two years. STS-115 is expected to last 11 days and includes three scheduled spacewalks. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd1915

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Pad 39B, the cargo in Space S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Pad 39B, the cargo in Space Shuttle Atlantis' payload bay is seen before the closing of the bay doors. The cargo is the 17-and-a-half-ton P3/P4 truss segment for the In... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the high bay of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a worker from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center cuts away the protective wrapping from the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier for the Hubble Space Telescope. The Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, is one of four carriers supporting hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to service the telescope. The Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, and the Flight Support System, or FSS, have also arrived at Kennedy. The Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment carrier will be delivered in late July. The carriers will be prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the Hubble servicing mission, targeted for launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd2076

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the high bay of the Payload Hazardous Servic...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the high bay of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a worker from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center cuts away the protective wrapping from the Orb... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The payload canister arrives under the payload changeout room in the rotating service structure on Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The canister holds the payloads for mission STS-121: the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo, with supplies and equipment for the International Space Station; the lightweight multi-purpose experiment support structure carrier; and the integrated cargo carrier, with the mobile transporter reel assembly and a spare pump module. The payload canister will be lifted into the changeout room where the payloads will be transferred to Space Shuttle Discovery's payload bay. Discovery is scheduled to launch on mission STS-121 from Launch Pad 39B in a window that opens July 1 and extends to July 19. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0851

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The payload canister arrives under the...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The payload canister arrives under the payload changeout room in the rotating service structure on Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The canister holds the payloads... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, arcane moves the cover of the shipping container away from its cargo, the Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment (MULE) carrier. The MULE is part of the payload for the fifth and final shuttle servicing mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, STS-125. The MULE carrier will join the Flight Support System, the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier and the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where the Hubble payload is being prepared for launch. The Relative Navigation Sensors and the New Outer Blanket Layers will be on the MULE. The payload is scheduled to go to Launch Pad 39A in mid-September to be installed into Atlantis' payload bay. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 8 at 1:34 a.m. EDT. .Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-08pd2298

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, arcane moves the cover of the shipping container away from its cargo, the Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment (MULE... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 crew put on their launch-and-entry suits before heading to the Astrovan for the ride to Launch Pad 39A. The crew is participating in a dress rehearsal for their upcoming launch, known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. Making his second spaceflight on STS-130 is Mission Specialist Robert Behnken, seen here. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Tranquility node, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Launch of STS-130 is targeted for Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-1354

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 crew put on their launch-and-entry suits before heading to ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Launch Pad 39B, both of Space Shuttle Discovery's payload bay doors are closed for launch. Inside the payload bay, the cargo includes the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo and the integrated cargo carrier. Discovery is scheduled to launch on mission STS-121 at 3:49 p.m. July 1 carrying a crew of seven on the 12-day mission to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd1171

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Launch Pad 39B, both of Space Shuttl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Launch Pad 39B, both of Space Shuttle Discovery's payload bay doors are closed for launch. Inside the payload bay, the cargo includes the multi-purpose logistics module Leonar... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Technicians unload the replacement wrist joint for the Space Station Remote Manipulator System before installing it in Space Shuttle Endeavour's payload bay. The new wrist joint, called an Orbital Replacement Unit (ORU), will be installed next to the arm's Latching End Effector during the final of three planned spacewalks. Mission STS-111 is designated UF-2, the 14th assembly flight to the International Space Station. Endeavour's payload includes the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo and Mobile Base System. The mission also will swap resident crews on the Station, carrying the Expedition 5 crew and returning to Earth Expedition 4. Liftoff of Endeavour is scheduled between 4 and 8 p.m. May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0640

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Technicians unload the replacement wrist...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Technicians unload the replacement wrist joint for the Space Station Remote Manipulator System before installing it in Space Shuttle Endeavour's payload bay. The new wrist joint, c... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The container that carries the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module (MPLM), secured on its transportation vehicle, begins its journey from the Canister Rotation Facility to Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Once there, the canister will be lifted to the payload changeout room. The payload ground-handling mechanism then will be used to transfer Raffaello out of the canister into space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay. Next, the rotating service structure that protects the shuttle from the elements and provides access will be rotated back into place. Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley and Mission Specialists Sandra Magnus and Rex Walheim are targeted to lift off on Atlantis July 8, taking with them the MPLM packed with supplies, logistics and spare parts to the station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Frank Michaux KSC-2011-4484

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The container that carries the Raffaello multi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The container that carries the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module (MPLM), secured on its transportation vehicle, begins its journey from the Canister Rotation Facility to Launch Pa... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the IMAX 3D camera is lifted from a stand to be installed on the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC. The carrier will be installed in space shuttle Atlantis’ payload bay. The camera will record the STS-125 mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope. Space shuttle Atlantis' 11-day flight is targeted for launch May 12 and will include five spacewalks in which astronauts will refurbish and upgrade the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments. As a result, Hubble's capabilities will be expanded and its operational lifespan extended through at least 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2009-2341

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the IMAX 3D camera is lifted from a stand to be installed on the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC. Th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1, NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Space Station and Shuttle Programs Michael Kostelnik (left) and United Space Alliance (USA) Vice President and Space Shuttle Program Manager Howard DeCastro (right) are briefed by a USA technician (center) on Shuttle processing in the payload bay of orbiter Atlantis. NASA and USA Space Shuttle program management are participating in a leadership workday. The day is intended to provide management with an in-depth, hands-on look at Shuttle processing activities at KSC.

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1, NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Space Station and Shuttle Programs Michael Kostelnik (left) and United Space Alliance (USA) Vice Presi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of space shuttle Discovery's STS-131 crew participate in training activities during the Crew Equipment Interface Test, or CEIT, for their mission. Here, buckets are used to lower the crew members and their trainers into Discovery's payload bay without damaging the bay's lining. The CEIT provides the crew with hands-on training and observation of shuttle and flight hardware. The seven-member crew will deliver the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo, filled with resupply stowage platforms and racks to be transferred to locations around the International Space Station. Three spacewalks will include work to attach a spare ammonia tank assembly to the station's exterior and return a European experiment from outside the station's Columbus module. Discovery's launch is targeted for March 18. For information on the STS-131 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts131/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-1149

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility 3 at NASA's Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of space shuttle Discovery's STS-131 crew participate in training activities during the Crew Equipment ... More

In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, STS-106 Mission Specialists Yuri I. Malenchenko (left) and Edward T. Lu (beside him) familiarize themselves with equipment in the payload bay of Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis with the help of KSC employees as part of Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT) activities for their mission. The other crew members are Commander Terrence W. Wilcutt, Pilot Scott D. Altman, and Mission Specialists Daniel C. Burbank, Boris V. Morukov and Richard A. Mastracchio. Malenchenko and Morukov represent the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. On the 11-day mission, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module for the first long-duration crew, dubbed "Expedition One," which is due to arrive at the Station in late fall. STS-106 is scheduled to launch Sept. 8, 2000, at 8:31 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B KSC-00pp0995

In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, STS-106 Mission Specialists Yuri...

In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, STS-106 Mission Specialists Yuri I. Malenchenko (left) and Edward T. Lu (beside him) familiarize themselves with equipment in the payload bay of Space Shuttle orbiter Atlan... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The payload canister arrives at the Rotating Service Structure (RSS) on Launch Pad 39B. The canister with its cargo of the SPACEHAB module and Integrated Cargo Carrier will be lifted up into the Payload Changeout Room near the top of the RSS for transfer to the payload bay of Shuttle Atlantis for mission STS-106. The PCR provides an environmentally controlled facility for the transfer. The 11-day mission to the International Space Station will include service module support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and outfit the Space Station for the first long-duration crew. Atlantis is scheduled to launch Sept. 8 at 8:31 a.m. EDT. KSC-00pp1116

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The payload canister arrives at the Rot...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The payload canister arrives at the Rotating Service Structure (RSS) on Launch Pad 39B. The canister with its cargo of the SPACEHAB module and Integrated Cargo Carrier will be lif... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-115 crew members inspect equipment in Atlantis's payload bay. The crew is at KSC for Crew Equipment Interface Test activities, which involves equipment familiarization, a routine part of astronaut training and launch preparations. The STS-115 mission will deliver the second port truss segment, the P3/P4 truss, to the International Space Station. The crew will attach the P3 to the first port truss segment, the P1 truss, as well as deploy solar array set 2A and 4A. Launch on Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled for late August. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1205

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-115 crew members inspect equipment in Atlantis's payload bay. The crew is at KSC for Crew Equipment Interfa... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Dressed in bunny suits, STS-107 Payload Commander Michael Anderson (left) and 107 Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon (right), who is with the Israeli Space Agency, review data in Columbia's payload bay for the Fast Reaction Experiments Enabling Science, Technology, Applications and Research (FREESTAR) experiments for the mission. FREESTAR comprises Mediterranean Israeli Dust, Solar Constant, Shuttle Ozone Limb Sounding, Critical Viscosity of Xenon, Low Power, and Space Experimental Module experiments. Another payload is the SHI Research Double Module (SHI/RDM), also known as SPACEHAB. The experiments range from material sciences to life sciences. STS-107 is scheduled to launch July 11, 2002 KSC-02pd0757

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Dressed in bunny suits, STS-107 Payload ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Dressed in bunny suits, STS-107 Payload Commander Michael Anderson (left) and 107 Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon (right), who is with the Israeli Space Agency, review data in Columb... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians inspect space shuttle Endeavour’s payload bay doors after they were closed for the final time. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the remaining space shuttles, Endeavour and Atlantis. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Its ferry flight to California is targeted for mid-September. Endeavour was the last space shuttle added to NASA’s orbiter fleet. Over the course of its 19-year career, Endeavour spent 299 days in space during 25 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3429

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians inspect space shuttle Endeavour’s payload bay doors after they were close... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers are disconnecting and dismantling components on shuttle Endeavour. Seen here is the view from inside the spacecraft's airlock looking toward the payload bay. The work is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. The spacecraft is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Endeavour's STS-134 and final mission was completed after landing on June 1, 2011. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-4911

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers are disconnecting and dismantling components on shuttle Endeavour. Seen here is the view from inside t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Installed on a transporter, the payload canister moves out of the Vertical Processing Facility. Inside the canister are the SPACEHAB module and the port 5 truss segment for mission STS-116. They will be moved into the payload changeout room at the pad and transferred into Space Shuttle Discovery's payload bay once the vehicle has rolled out to the pad. The payload canister is 65 feet long, 18 feet wide and 18 feet, 7 inches high. It has the capability to carry vertically or horizontally processed payloads up to 15 feet in diameter and 60 feet long, matching the capacity of the orbiter payload bay. It can carry payloads weighing up to 65,000 pounds. Clamshell-shaped doors at the top of the canister operate like the orbiter payload bay doors, with the same allowable clearances. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd2451

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Installed on a transporter, the payload...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Installed on a transporter, the payload canister moves out of the Vertical Processing Facility. Inside the canister are the SPACEHAB module and the port 5 truss segment for missi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Center Director Robert Cabana, second from right, joins space shuttle support personnel in a ceremony following the final power down of space shuttle Discovery during Space Shuttle Program transition and retirement activities. "Power down" followed the final closure of Discovery's payload bay doors. Discovery is being prepared for public display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., in 2012. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-8324

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Center Director Robert Cabana, second from right, joins space shuttle support personnel in a ceremony following... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of space shuttle Endeavour’s payload bay doors is closed. Endeavour’s payload bay doors will be closed for the final time. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the remaining space shuttles, Endeavour and Atlantis. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Its ferry flight to California is targeted for mid-September. Endeavour was the last space shuttle added to NASA’s orbiter fleet. Over the course of its 19-year career, Endeavour spent 299 days in space during 25 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3423

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of space shuttle Endeavour’s payload bay doors is closed. Endeavour’s payload bay doors will be closed ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery rolls to the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla. The first motion of the shuttle out from Orbiter Processing Facility 3 was at 7:22 a.m. EDT. In the VAB, Discovery will be lifted into High Bay 1 and mated to the external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters already installed on the mobile launcher platform. The shuttle is scheduled to roll out to Launch Pad 39A the first week of August to prepare for the STS-128 mission to the International Space Station. Discovery will carry the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module containing life support racks and science racks and the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure Carrier in its payload bay. Launch of Discovery is targeted for late August. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-4241

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery rolls to the Vehicle A...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery rolls to the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla. The first motion of the shuttle out from Orbiter Processing Facility 3 was at 7:22 a.m... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The payload for mission STS-118 is being installed in the payload bay on Space Shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39A. Seen at center is the SPACEHAB module. At left and right in the photo are the shuttle robotic arm and the orbiter boom sensor system. The payload also includes the S5 truss and external stowage platform 3. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and is targeted for launch on Aug.7. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-07pd1860

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The payload for mission STS-118 is be...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The payload for mission STS-118 is being installed in the payload bay on Space Shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39A. Seen at center is the SPACEHAB module. At left and right in... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance workers attach lifting cranes to the container holding the remote manipulator system, or RMS. The RMS is placed on a flatbed truck for shipment back to the Canadian Space Agency. The RMS, also called the Canadarm, was manufactured for NASA’s Space Shuttle Program by SPAR Aerospace Ltd., which later became a part of MD Robotics in Ontario, Canada. During shuttle missions, the RMS was attached in the payload bay. Mission specialists operated the arm to remove payloads from the payload bay and hand them off to the larger Canadarm 2 on the International Space Station. The shuttle arm also was used during astronaut spacewalks. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3838

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance workers attach lifting cranes to the container holding the remote manipulator system,... More

Members of the STS-92 crew look over the payload (left) in Space Shuttle Discovery’s payload bay. Left to right, in masks, are Mission Specialists Leroy Chiao, Peter J.K. “Jeff” Wisoff and William S. McArthur Jr. They and the other crew members Commander Brian Duffy, Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy and Mission Specialists Koichi Wakata of Japan, and Michael E. Lopez-Alegria are preparing for launch on Oct. 5, 2000. The mission is the fifth flight for the construction of the International Space Station. The payload includes the Integrated Truss Structure Z-1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. During the 11-day mission, four extravehicular activities (EVAs), or space walks, are planned KSC-00pp1472

Members of the STS-92 crew look over the payload (left) in Space Shutt...

Members of the STS-92 crew look over the payload (left) in Space Shuttle Discovery’s payload bay. Left to right, in masks, are Mission Specialists Leroy Chiao, Peter J.K. “Jeff” Wisoff and William S. McArthur J... More

Inside the Payload Changeout Room (PCR), workers prepare to move the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 out of the payload canister. Once inside the PCR, workers will get ready to move the Z1 into the payload bay of Space Shuttle Discovery. The Z1 truss is the first of 10 that will become the backbone of the International Space Station, eventually stretching the length of a football field. Along with its companion payload, the third Pressurized Mating Adapter, the Z1 is scheduled to be launched aboard Discovery Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT KSC-00pp1358

Inside the Payload Changeout Room (PCR), workers prepare to move the I...

Inside the Payload Changeout Room (PCR), workers prepare to move the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 out of the payload canister. Once inside the PCR, workers will get ready to move the Z1 into the payload bay of... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3, technicians install a remote manipulator system, or space shuttle arm, previously installed on the orbiter Atlantis, in Discovery’s payload bay. The arms were switched because the arm that was installed on Atlantis has special instrumentation to gather loads data from the second return-to-flight mission, STS-121. Discovery is the designated orbiter to fly on STS-121. scheduled to launch no earlier than May 2006. KSC-05pd2490

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Orbiter P...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3, technicians install a remote manipulator system, or space shuttle arm, previously installed on the orbiter Atlanti... More

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

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from a camera in the midst of Florida greenery across the marshy water, Space Shuttle Discovery leaps through billows of smoke and steam on Launch Pad 39B on the historic Return to Flight mission STS-114. Liftoff occurred at 10:39 a.m. EDT. This is the 114th Space Shuttle flight and the 31st for Discovery. The 12-day mission is expected to end with touchdown at the Shuttle Landing Facility on Aug. 7. On this mission to the International Space Station the crew will perform inspections on-orbit for the first time of all of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) panels on the leading edge of the wings and the Thermal Protection System tiles using the new Canadian-built Orbiter Boom Sensor System and the data from 176 impact and temperature sensors. Mission Specialists will also practice repair techniques on RCC and tile samples during a spacewalk in the payload bay. During two additional spacewalks, the crew will install the External Stowage Platform-2, equipped with spare part assemblies, and a replacement Control Moment Gyroscope contained in the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure. KSC-05pp1779

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from a camera in the midst of Fl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from a camera in the midst of Florida greenery across the marshy water, Space Shuttle Discovery leaps through billows of smoke and steam on Launch Pad 39B on the historic R... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Changeout Room (part of the Rotation Service Structure at the launch pad), the doors of the payload canister open to reveal its cargo, the SPACEHAB module (bottom) and Unpressurized Cargo Pallet (top). The payload will be transferred from this environmentally controlled room into the payload bay of Shuttle Atlantis for mission STS-106. The 11-day mission to the International Space Station will include service module support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and outfit the Space Station for the first long-duration crew. Atlantis is scheduled to launch Sept. 8 at 8:30 a.m. EDT. KSC-00pp1126

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Changeout Room (part of t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Changeout Room (part of the Rotation Service Structure at the launch pad), the doors of the payload canister open to reveal its cargo, the SPACEHAB module (bottom) a... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers are disconnecting and dismantling components on shuttle Endeavour. Seen here is the spacecraft's docking port in the payload bay. The work is part of Endeavour's transition and retirement processing. The spacecraft is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. Endeavour's STS-134 and final mission was completed after landing on June 1, 2011. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-4918

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers are disconnecting and dismantling components on shuttle Endeavour. Seen here is the spacecraft's docki... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1, members of the STS-92 crew examine equipment that will be part of their mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The fourth U.S. flight to the ISS, the mission payload includes the Integrated Truss Structure Z1, an early exterior framework to allow the first U.S. solar arrays on a future flight to be temporarily installed on Unity for early power; Ku-band communication to support early science capability and U.S. television; and PMA-3 to provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. The crew comprises Mission Commander Brian Duffy, Pilot Pamela Melroy, and Mission Specialists Koichi Wakata, Leroy Chiao, Peter "Jeff" Wisoff, Michael Lopez-Alegria, and William McArthur. Launch of STS-92 is scheduled for Sept. 21, 2000. Wakata is with the National Space Development Agency of Japan KSC00pp0522

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1, members of the STS-92 crew examine equipment that will be part of their mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The fourth U.S. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media get an up close view of space shuttle Atlantis in her new home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The shuttle is wrapped in a protective plastic to protect it from dust and debris while being prepared for display. Atlantis was lifted 26 feet from the ground level and slowly tilted to exactly a 43.21 angle to its portside to allow optimum viewing of the vehicle with its payload bay doors open. Atlantis is being prepared for display in the new 90,000-square-foot facility under construction at the visitor complex which is managed by Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-6364

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media get an up close view of sp...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media get an up close view of space shuttle Atlantis in her new home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The shuttle is wrapped in a protective plastic ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 crew put on their launch-and-entry suits before heading to the Astrovan for the ride to Launch Pad 39A. The crew is participating in a dress rehearsal for their upcoming launch, known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. Making his second spaceflight on STS-130 is Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick, seen here in his helmet. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Tranquility node, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Launch of STS-130 is targeted for Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-1358

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 crew put on their launch-and-entry suits before heading to ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers prepare to roll the transportation case protecting the Russian-built Mini Research Module1, or MRM1, from the cargo bay of a Volga-Dnepr Antonov AN-124-100, a Ukranian/Russian aircraft. The second in a series of new pressurized components for Russia, the module, named Rassvet, will be permanently attached to the International Space Station's Zarya module on space shuttle Atlantis' STS-132 mission. An Integrated Cargo Carrier will join the MRM in Atlantis' payload bay. Three spacewalks are planned to store spare components outside the station, including six spare batteries, a boom assembly for the Ku-band antenna and spares for the Canadian Dextre robotic arm extension. A radiator, airlock, and European robotic arm for the Russian Multi-purpose Laboratory Module also will be delivered to the station. Launch is targeted for May 14, 2010. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-6857

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers prepare to roll the transportation case protecting the Russian-built Mini Research Module1, or MRM1, fro... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay has been thoroughly cleaned and is ready to receive the carriers transporting the instruments and equipment needed to service the Hubble Space Telescope. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 8 on the STS-125 mission to service Hubble. The mission crew will perform history-making, on-orbit “surgery” on two important science instruments aboard the telescope. After capturing the telescope, two teams of spacewalking astronauts will perform the repairs during five planned spacewalks. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd2122

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay has been thoroughly cleaned and is ready to receive the carriers transporting the inst... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 crew members take part in a payload bay walkdown to check out the cargo secured in Atlantis' bay. Seen here inspecting the airlock is Commander Chris Ferguson. The astronauts are at Kennedy to participate in a launch countdown dress rehearsal called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) and related training. Atlantis and its crew are targeted to lift off July 8, taking with them the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-4736

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 crew members take part in a payload bay walkdown to check out the cargo secured in Atlantis' ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers check the attachments on the ground support equipment for the STS-125 Hubble Servicing Mission as it is transferred to a work stand. The GSE are carriers, or pallets, that will hold equipment in space shuttle Atlantis’ payload bay. Under the protective covering of the carrier can be seen the soft capture mechanism. The carriers will be prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the servicing mission. The three payload carriers or pallets are the Flight Support System, the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier and the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier. At the end of July, a fourth and final carrier, the Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment carrier will join the others in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where the Hubble payload is being prepared for launch. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd2010

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers check the attachments on the ground support equipment for the STS-125 Hubble Servicing Mission as it i... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Sitting atop the Mobile Launcher Platform, Space Shuttle Atlantis inches its way to the launch pad. The Shuttle and MLP rest on top of the crawler-transporter beneath it, which moves about 1 mile per hour. Atlantis is scheduled for launch April 4 on mission STS-110, which will install the S0 truss, the framework that eventually will hold the power and cooling systems needed for future international research laboratories on the International Space Station. The Canadarm2 robotic arm will be used exclusively to hoist the 13-ton truss from the payload bay to the Station. The S0 truss will be the first major U.S. component launched to the Station since the addition of the Quest airlock in July 2001. The four spacewalks planned for the construction will all originate from the airlock. The mission will be Atlantis' 25th trip to space KSC-02pd0275

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Sitting atop the Mobile Launcher Platfor...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Sitting atop the Mobile Launcher Platform, Space Shuttle Atlantis inches its way to the launch pad. The Shuttle and MLP rest on top of the crawler-transporter beneath it, which mo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Orbiter Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-125 Mission Specialist Michael Good checks out part of the equipment in space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay. Equipment familiarization is part of the crew equipment interface test, which provides hands-on experience with hardware and equipment for the mission. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 8 on the STS-125 mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope. The mission crew will perform history-making, on-orbit “surgery” on two important science instruments aboard the telescope. After capturing the telescope, two teams of spacewalking astronauts will perform the repairs during five planned spacewalks. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1957

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Orbiter Processing Facility at NASA's K...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Orbiter Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-125 Mission Specialist Michael Good checks out part of the equipment in space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay. Equip... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In High Bay 1 in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour hovers over the mobile launcher platform to which its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters are secured. Next, Endeavour will be attached to the tank to complete the shuttle stack. Rollout of the stack to Kennedy’s Launch Pad 39A, a significant milestone in launch processing activities, is planned for early January 2010. The Italian-built Tranquility module, the primary payload for Endeavour's STS-130 mission, will be installed in the payload bay after the shuttle arrives at the pad. Launch is targeted for early February. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-6777

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In High Bay 1 in the Vehicle Assembly Building ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In High Bay 1 in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour hovers over the mobile launcher platform to which its external fuel tank ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A view from inside the new “Space Shuttle Atlantis” exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, shows the buildup of the replica solid rocket boosters and external fuel tank are nearly complete near the entrance. Atlantis is being prepared for display in the 90,000-square-foot facility, scheduled to open June 29, 2013. The new $100 million facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlight the future of space exploration. Visitors to the exhibit will get an up close look at Atlantis with its payload bay doors open, similar to how it looked in space. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2013-2590

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A view from inside the new “Space Shuttle Atlan...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A view from inside the new “Space Shuttle Atlantis” exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, shows the buildup of the replica solid rocket boosters and external fue... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Changeout Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the STS-129 crew, dressed in clean-room attire known as "bunny suits," pause a moment during their payload familiarization training for a photo. From left are Mission Specialists Robert L. Satcher Jr. and Leland Melvin. The training affords the crew an opportunity to observe the placement of the Express Logistics Carriers 1 and 2 in space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay before launch. The six astronauts for space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-129 mission came to Kennedy to participate in their launch dress rehearsal, the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. Additional training associated with the test was done last month, but the simulated countdown was postponed because of a scheduling conflict with the launch of NASA’s Ares I-X test rocket. Launch of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is set for Nov. 16. On STS-129, the crew will deliver to the station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. For information on the STS-129 crew and mission objectives, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-6105

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Changeout Room on Launch Pad 39A...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Changeout Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the STS-129 crew, dressed in clean-room attire known as "bunny suits," pause a moment... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians in the payload changeout room have maneuvered space shuttle Atlantis' cargo, the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module (MPLM) into the shuttle's payload bay using the payload ground-handling mechanism at Launch Pad 39A. The rotating service structure that protects the shuttle from the elements and provides access has been moved back into place. STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley and Mission Specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim are targeted to lift off on Atlantis July 8, taking with them the MPLM packed with supplies, logistics and spare parts to the station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-4598

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians in the payload changeout room have maneuvered space shuttle Atlantis' cargo, the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module (MPLM) in... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 crew put on their launch-and-entry suits before heading to the Astrovan for the ride to Launch Pad 39A. The crew is participating in a dress rehearsal for their upcoming launch, known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. Making his first spaceflight on STS-130 is Pilot Terry Virts, seen here in his helmet. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Tranquility node, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Launch of STS-130 is targeted for Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-1363

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 crew put on their launch-and-entry suits before heading to ... More

In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers help guide the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello as it moves the length of the SSPF toward a workstand. In the SSPF, Donatello will undergo processing by the payload test team, including integrated electrical tests with other Station elements in the SSPF, leak tests, electrical and software compatibility tests with the Space Shuttle (using the Cargo Integrated Test equipment) and an Interface Verification Test once the module is installed in the Space Shuttle’s payload bay at the launch pad. The most significant mechanical task to be performed on Donatello in the SSPF is the installation and outfitting of the racks for carrying the various experiments and cargo. Donatello will be launched on mission STS-130, currently planned for September 2004 KSC-01pp0247

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

In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers help guide the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello as it moves the length of the SSPF toward a workstand. In the SSPF, Donatello will undergo processing by... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, the P5 truss for mission STS-116 is lowered into the payload canister. The canister will transport the truss to Launch Pad 39B where it will wait for installation in Space Shuttle Discovery’s payload bay. The third port truss segment, the P5 will be attached to the P3/P4 truss on the International Space Station during the 11-day mission. The window for launch of mission STS-116 opens Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd2409

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, the P5 truss for mission STS-116 is lowered into the payload canister. The canister will transport the truss to Launch Pad 39B where it ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) high bay 4, installation of a Payload Bay Door Drying Enclosure is in progress. The enclosure will keep moisture from being absorbed into the graphite epoxy used on the payload bay doors of the Shuttle orbiters with the assistance of mini-Portable Purge Units (PPUs). Once in operation, the enclosure will allow NASA the option to store an orbiter in the VAB bay up to 180 days in a "standby-to-stack" mode. KSC-02pd1147

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) high ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) high bay 4, installation of a Payload Bay Door Drying Enclosure is in progress. The enclosure will keep moisture from being absorbed into the gr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lifts the gaseous nitrogen tank from space shuttle Discovery's payload bay with the aid of a "fish pole" lifting fixture. The tank is being removed during processing for the shuttle's STS-131 mission to the International Space Station. The tanks are used for atmosphere conditioning and for moving potable water in the crew module. The seven-member STS-131 crew will deliver a Multi-Purpose Logistics Module filled with science racks to be transferred to laboratories on the station. Three spacewalks will include work to attach a spare ammonia tank assembly to the station's exterior and return a European experiment from outside the station's Columbus module. This will be the 33rd shuttle mission to the station. Launch is targeted for March 18, 2010. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-6101

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3 at NASA's ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lifts the gaseous nitrogen tank from space shuttle Discovery's payload bay with the aid of a "fish ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This bird's-eye view of a high bay in the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) shows the open payload bay of Space Shuttle Discovery surrounded by the standard platforms and equipment required to process a Space Shuttle orbiter. The high bay is 197 feet (60 meters) long, 150 feet (46 meters) wide, 95 feet (29 meters) high, and encompasses a 29,000-square-foot (2,694-meter) area. The 30-ton (27-metric-ton) bridge crane (yellow device, right) has a hook height of approximately 66 feet (20 meters). Platforms, a main access bridge, and two rolling bridges with trucks provide access to various parts of the orbiter. In addition to routine servicing and checkout, the inspections and modifications made to enhance Discovery's performance and upgrade its systems were performed in the OPF during its recently completed Orbiter Major Modification (OMM) period.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This bird's-eye view of a high bay in th...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This bird's-eye view of a high bay in the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) shows the open payload bay of Space Shuttle Discovery surrounded by the standard platforms and equipment... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of space shuttle Discovery's STS-131 crew participate in training activities during the Crew Equipment Interface Test, or CEIT, for their mission. Here, Mission Specialists Rick Mastracchio, left, and Clay Anderson review the placement of the hardware in Discovery's payload bay. The CEIT provides the crew with hands-on training and observation of shuttle and flight hardware. The seven-member crew will deliver the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo, filled with resupply stowage platforms and racks to be transferred to locations around the International Space Station. Three spacewalks will include work to attach a spare ammonia tank assembly to the station's exterior and return a European experiment from outside the station's Columbus module. Discovery's launch is targeted for March 18. For information on the STS-131 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts131/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-1143

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility 3 at NASA's Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of space shuttle Discovery's STS-131 crew participate in training activities during the Crew Equipment ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A technician controls a special crane as it lifts a newly removed fuel cell from space shuttle Endeavour's payload bay. The operation took place inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. All three of Endeavour's fuel cells were removed and will be drained of fluids. The hydrogen and oxygen dewars which feed reactants to the fuel cells remain in Endeavour's midbody and will be purged with inert gases and vented down. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program's transition and retirement processing of shuttle Endeavour, which is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Its ferry flight to California is targeted for mid-September. Endeavour was the last space shuttle added to NASA's orbiter fleet. Over the course of its 19-year career, Endeavour spent 299 days in space during 25 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-3109

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A technician controls a special crane as it lif...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A technician controls a special crane as it lifts a newly removed fuel cell from space shuttle Endeavour's payload bay. The operation took place inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NA... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a technician assists as a special crane lifts one of the three fuel cells away from space shuttle Atlantis’ payload bay. The fuel cells will be drained of all fluids. The hydrogen and oxygen dewars which feed reactants to the fuel cells remain in Atlantis’ mid-body and will be purged with inert gases and vented down. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Atlantis. The orbiter is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-8279

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a technician assists as a special crane lifts one of the three fuel cells away from space shuttle Atlantis’... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A forklift operator offloads NASA's Radiation Belt Storm Probe B, enclosed in a protective shipping container, from a flatbed truck at the Astrotech payload processing facility near NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida where Applied Physics Laboratory technicians will begin spacecraft testing and prelaunch preparations. The twin RBSP spacecraft arrived at Kennedy’s Shuttle Landing Facility in the cargo bay of a U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft earlier in the day. The RBSP mission will help us understand the sun’s influence on Earth and near-Earth space by studying the Earth’s radiation belts on various scales of space and time. The RBSP instruments will provide the measurements needed to characterize and quantify the plasma processes that produce very energetic ions and relativistic electrons. The mission is part of NASA’s broader Living With a Star Program that was conceived to explore fundamental processes that operate throughout the solar system, and in particular those that generate hazardous space weather effects in the vicinity of Earth and phenomena that could impact solar system exploration. RBSP is scheduled to begin its mission of exploration of Earth's Van Allen Radiation Belts and the extremes of space weather after launch. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket is scheduled for August 23. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/rbsp. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2638

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A forklift operator offloads NASA's Radiation B...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A forklift operator offloads NASA's Radiation Belt Storm Probe B, enclosed in a protective shipping container, from a flatbed truck at the Astrotech payload processing facility near NASA’... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Works at Launch Pad 39A begin closing the payload bay doors on Space Shuttle Atlantis. The payload includes the SPACEHAB Double Module (center) and two GetAway Special (GAS) canisters containing student experiments, known as MARS and SEM-06. The primary mission of STS-101 is to deliver logistics and supplies to the International Space Station, plus prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. The crew will conduct one space walk to perform maintenance on the Space Station. This will be the third assembly flight for the Space Station. STS-101 is scheduled to launch April 24 at 4:15 p.m. from Launch Pad 39A KSC-00pp0495

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Works at Launch Pad 39A begin closing th...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Works at Launch Pad 39A begin closing the payload bay doors on Space Shuttle Atlantis. The payload includes the SPACEHAB Double Module (center) and two GetAway Special (GAS) canist... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- With red umbilical lines attached, the payload containing space shuttle Discovery's S6 truss and solar arrays is lifted up to the Payload Changeout Room, or PCR, on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The payload will be transferred inside the PCR where it will wait until Discovery rolls out to the pad. Then the payload will be installed in the shuttle's payload bay. Launch of Discovery on the STS-119 mission is scheduled for Feb. 12. During Discovery's 14-day mission, the crew will install the S6 truss segment and its solar arrays to the starboard side of the station, completing the station's backbone, or truss. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-1096

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- With red umbilical lines attached, the payloa...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- With red umbilical lines attached, the payload containing space shuttle Discovery's S6 truss and solar arrays is lifted up to the Payload Changeout Room, or PCR, on Launch Pad 39A at NA... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the payload canister with the SPACEHAB Double Module and the Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) inside is lifted off the payload transporter toward the Payload Changeout Room (PCR) on the Rotating Service Structure (RSS). The PCR is an environmentally controlled facility supporting cargo delivery to the pad and vertical installation in the orbiter cargo bay. At right of the RSS is the Fixed Service Structure. The primary payloads on mission STS-101, the module and ICC contain internal logistics and resupply cargo for restoring full redundancy to the International Space Station power system in preparation for the arrival of the next pressurized module, the Russian-built Zvezda. The payloads will be transferred to Space Shuttle Atlantis after Atlantis rolls out to the pad. Launch of Atlantis on mission STS-101 is scheduled no earlier than April 17, 2000 KSC-00pp0369

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the payload canister ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the payload canister with the SPACEHAB Double Module and the Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) inside is lifted off the payload transporter toward the Payload Chang... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-133 payload canister is lifted into the rotating service structure on Launch Pad 39A. The payload then will be moved into space shuttle Discovery's payload bay. Discovery and its STS-133 crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for 4:40 p.m. EDT, Nov. 1. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-5019

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-133 payload canister is lifted into the rotating service structure on Launch Pad 39A. The payload then will be moved into space sh... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the high bay of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a worker from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center removes the protective wrapping from the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier for the Hubble Space Telescope. The Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, is one of four carriers supporting hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to service the telescope. The Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, and the Flight Support System, or FSS, have also arrived at Kennedy. The Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment carrier will be delivered in late July. The carriers will be prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the Hubble servicing mission, targeted for launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd2081

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the high bay of the Payload Hazardous Servic...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the high bay of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a worker from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center removes the protective wrapping from the Orbit... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Discovery backs out of the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 for the short rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building. First motion was at 9:23 p.m. Oct. 31. In the VAB the orbiter will be mated to its large external tank and twin solid rocket boosters already stacked on the mobile launcher platform. Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled to roll out to Launch Pad 39B no earlier than Nov. 7 for mission STS-116. The mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. The launch window for mission STS-116 opens Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2413

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Discovery backs out of the ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Discovery backs out of the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 for the short rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building. First motion was at 9:23 p.m. Oct. 31. In the VA... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians prepare a mock air lock for installation in the payload bay of the space shuttle Atlantis in Bay 2 of the Orbiter Processing Facility. Atlantis is undergoing final preparations for its transfer to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex targeted for November. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the remaining space shuttles, Atlantis and Endeavour. Atlantis is being prepared for public display at Kennedy's Visitor Complex. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis spent 293 days in space during 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-4817

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians prepare a mock air lock for installation in the payload bay of the space shuttle Atlantis in Bay 2 of the Orbi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the 250-ton high bay crane suspends space shuttle Discovery above the transfer aisle, ready to lift the shuttle into the upper levels and lower it into High Bay 1. Visible on Discovery's underside are the umbilical areas, the external fuel tank attach points. In High Bay 1, Discovery will be attached to the external tank and solid rocket boosters already stacked on the mobile launcher platform. Discovery is scheduled to roll out to Launch Pad 39A the first week of August to prepare for the STS-128 mission to the International Space Station. The shuttle will carry the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module containing life support racks and science racks and the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure Carrier in its payload bay. Launch of Discovery is targeted for late August. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2009-4251

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the 250-ton high bay crane suspends space shuttle Discovery above the transfer aisle, ready to lift the shuttl... More

Members of the STS-102 crew check out Discovery’s payload bay in the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1. Dressed in green, they are Mission Specialist Paul W. Richards (left) and Pilot James W. Kelly. The crew is at KSC for Crew Equipment Interface Test activities. Above their heads on the left side are two of the experiments being carried on the flight. STS-102 is the 8th construction flight to the International Space Station and will carry the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo. STS-102 is scheduled for launch March 1, 2001. On that flight, Leonardo will be filled with equipment and supplies to outfit the U.S. laboratory module Destiny. The mission will also be carrying the Expedition Two crew to the Space Station, replacing the Expedition One crew who will return on Shuttle Discovery KSC01pp0173

Members of the STS-102 crew check out Discovery’s payload bay in the O...

Members of the STS-102 crew check out Discovery’s payload bay in the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1. Dressed in green, they are Mission Specialist Paul W. Richards (left) and Pilot James W. Kelly. The crew i... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a battery charge-discharge unit is lifted by crane high above the hardware on the bay's floor. The unit is being moved toward an EXPRESS Logistics Carrier where it will be installed for flight. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-4680

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a battery charge-discharge unit is lifted by crane high above the hardware on the bay's floor. The unit... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery -- its nose encased in protective plastic, its cockpit windows covered, and strongbacks attached to its payload bay doors -- awaits entry into the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, after rolling from Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2. Discovery will be stored inside the VAB for approximately one month while shuttle Atlantis undergoes processing in OPF-2 following its final mission, STS-135. Discovery flew its 39th and final mission, STS-133, in February and March 2011, and currently is being prepared for public display at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. For more information about Discovery's Transition and Retirement, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/discovery_rss_collection_archive_1.html. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2011-5550

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 -- its nose encased in protective plastic, its cockpit windows covered, and strongbacks attached to its payload bay doo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians oversee the lifting of the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph, or COS, from a stand. The COS will be moved to and placed on the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier that will be installed in space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay. The COS is part of the payload for the Hubble servicing mission, STS-125, targeted to launch in mid-May. Installing the COS during the mission will effectively restore spectroscopy to Hubble’s scientific arsenal, and at the same time provide the telescope with unique capabilities. COS is designed to study the large-scale structure of the universe and how galaxies, stars and planets formed and evolved. It will help determine how elements needed for life such as carbon and iron first formed and how their abundances have increased over the lifetime of the universe. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2162

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians oversee the lifting of the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph, or COS, from a stand. The COS w... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a technician works to replace the protective cover on the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC. The cover was removed to clean the carrier of contaminants found Sept. 17 during preparations to deliver NASA's Hubble Space Telescope servicing payload to Launch Pad 39A. Cleanliness is extremely important for space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to Hubble, and the teams have insured that the SLIC is ready to fly. The SLIC, which holds battery module assemblies, is built with state-of-the-art, lightweight, composite materials - carbon fiber with a cyanate ester resin and a titanium metal matrix composite. These composites have greater strength-to-mass ratios than the metals typically used in spacecraft design. The carrier is one of four being transferred to Launch Pad 39A. At the pad, the carriers will be loaded into Atlantis’ payload bay. Launch of Atlantis is targeted for Oct. 10. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd2655

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a technician works to replace the protective cover on the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery rolls along the towway from Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, to the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB. Railings, called strongbacks, are installed along Discovery's payload bay doors to assist with opening and closing of the doors when the shuttle's hydraulic system is not operational and support the doors while they are open. Discovery will be stored inside the VAB for approximately one month while shuttle Atlantis undergoes processing in OPF-2 following its final mission, STS-135. Discovery flew its 39th and final mission, STS-133, in February and March 2011, and currently is being prepared for public display at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. For more information about Discovery's Transition and Retirement, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/launch/discovery_rss_collection_archive_1.html. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2011-5540

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 rolls along the towway from Orbiter Processing Facility-2, or OPF-2, to the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB. Railing... More

In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers help guide the overhead crane as it lifts the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello out of the shipping container. In the SSPF, Donatello will undergo processing by the payload test team, including integrated electrical tests with other Station elements in the SSPF, leak tests, electrical and software compatibility tests with the Space Shuttle (using the Cargo Integrated Test equipment) and an Interface Verification Test once the module is installed in the Space Shuttle’s payload bay at the launch pad. The most significant mechanical task to be performed on Donatello in the SSPF is the installation and outfitting of the racks for carrying the various experiments and cargo. Donatello will be launched on mission STS-130, currently planned for September 2004 KSC-01pp0246

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

In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers help guide the overhead crane as it lifts the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello out of the shipping container. In the SSPF, Donatello will undergo proces... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the high bay of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a worker from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center documents the installation of a pallet support strut on the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier for the Hubble Space Telescope. The Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, is one of four carriers supporting hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to service the telescope. SLIC is built with state-of-the-art, lightweight, composite materials - carbon fiber with a cyanate ester resin and a titanium metal matrix composite. These composites have greater strength-to-mass ratios than the metals typically used in spacecraft design. The Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, and the Flight Support System, or FSS, have also arrived at Kennedy. The Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment carrier will be delivered in early August. The carriers will be prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the Hubble servicing mission, targeted for launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd2095

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the high bay of the Payload Hazardous Servi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the high bay of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a worker from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center documents the installation of a pallet suppor... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A canister, carrying the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module (MPLM) for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 mission to the International Space Station, arrives at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The canister will be lifted to the payload changeout room. The payload ground-handling mechanism then will be used to transfer Raffaello out of the canister into Atlantis' payload bay. Next, the rotating service structure that protects the shuttle from the elements and provides access will be rotated back into place. Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley and Mission Specialists Sandra Magnus and Rex Walheim are targeted to lift off on Atlantis July 8, taking with them the MPLM packed with supplies, logistics and spare parts to the station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2011-4453

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A canister, carrying the Raffaello multi-purpo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A canister, carrying the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module (MPLM) for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 mission to the International Space Station, arrives at Launch Pad 39A at NASA... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- As the sky grows lighter, , the payload canister (left) with the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 inside is slowly lifted up the side of the Rotating Service Structure to the Payload Changeout Room. There the Z1 truss will be removed and later transferred to Space Shuttle Discovery’s payload bay. The Z1 truss is the first of 10 that will become the backbone of the International Space Station, eventually stretching the length of a football field. Along with its companion payload, the third Pressurized Mating Adapter, the Z1 is scheduled to be launched aboard Discovery Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT KSC00pp1355

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- As the sky grows lighter, , the payload...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- As the sky grows lighter, , the payload canister (left) with the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 inside is slowly lifted up the side of the Rotating Service Structure to the Payload... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians check the sensors on the Soft Capture Mechanism (SCM), part of the Soft Capture and Rendezvous System, or SCRS, after mating of the SCM to the Flight Support System, or FSS, carrier. The SCRS will enable the future rendezvous, capture and safe disposal of NASA's Hubble Space Telescope by either a crewed or robotic mission. The ring-like device attaches to Hubble’s aft bulkhead. The SCRS greatly increases the current shuttle capture interfaces on Hubble, therefore significantly reducing the rendezvous and capture design complexities associated with the disposal mission. The FSS will join the Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment, or MULE, carrier, the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier and the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier as payload on space shuttle Atlantis's STS-125 mission. The payload is scheduled to go to Launch Pad 39A in mid-September to be installed into Atlantis' payload bay. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 8 at 1:34 a.m. EDT. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd2445

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians check the sensors on the Soft Capture Mechanism (SCM), part of the Soft Capture and Rendezvous Syst... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In space shuttle Discovery's payload bay, STS-120 crew members get a close look at the equipment and payloads. Seen here are Mission Specialists Stephanie Wilson and Paolo Nespoli, who represents the European Space Agency. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. The STS-120 mission will deliver the U.S. Node 2 module, named Harmony, aboard space shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station. Launch of Discovery on mission STS-120 is targeted for Oct. 23 at 11:38 a.m. EDT on a 14-day mission. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2756

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In space shuttle Discovery's payload bay...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In space shuttle Discovery's payload bay, STS-120 crew members get a close look at the equipment and payloads. Seen here are Mission Specialists Stephanie Wilson and Paolo Nespoli... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-92 Mission Specialist Bill McArthur (with tool in hand) gets a close look at the Pressurized Mating Adapter-3 in the payload bay of orbiter Discovery. He and other crew members Commander Brian Duffy, Pilot Pam Melroy and Mission Specialists Koichi Wakata, Leroy Chiao, Jeff Wisoff, and Michael Lopez-Alegria are at KSC to take part in Crew Equipment Interface Test activities. Discovery is in the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 on Shuttle Discovery from Launch Pad 39A on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. Discovery will carry the Integrated Truss Structure (ITS) Z1, the PMA-3, Ku-band Communications System, and Control Moment Gyros (CMGs) KSC00pp0915

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-92 Mission Specialist Bill McArthur ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-92 Mission Specialist Bill McArthur (with tool in hand) gets a close look at the Pressurized Mating Adapter-3 in the payload bay of orbiter Discovery. He and other crew members... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson is helped by the Closeout Crew with his launch and entry suit before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station carries the External Stowage Platform-2, equipped with spare part assemblies, and a replacement Control Moment Gyroscope contained in the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure and Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, housing 15 tons of hardware and supplies that will be transferred to the Station after the Shuttle docks to the complex . On this mission, the crew will perform inspections on-orbit for the first time of all of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) panels on the leading edge of the wings and the Thermal Protection System tiles using the new Canadian-built Orbiter Boom Sensor System and the data from 176 impact and temperature sensors. Mission Specialists will also practice repair techniques on RCC and tile samples during a spacewalk in the payload bay. KSC-05pp1799

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Stephen Robin...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson is helped by the Closeout Crew with his launch and entry suit before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The Return to Flight mission to ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the payload canister holding Space Shuttle Discovery's payloads is lifted off its transporter toward the payload changeout room on the rotating service structure. The payload changeout room provides an environmentally clean or "white room" condition in which to receive a payload transferred from a protective payload canister. After the shuttle arrives at the pad, the rotating service structure will close around it and the payloads, which include the multi-purpose logistics module and integrated cargo carrier, will then be transferred from the changeout room into Discovery's payload bay. Discovery's launch to the International Space Station on mission STS-121 is targeted for July 1 in a launch window that extends to July 19. During the 12-day mission, crew members will test new hardware and techniques to improve shuttle safety. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0855

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the payload canister holding Space Shuttle Discovery's payloads is lifted off its transporter toward the payload changeout room ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –– On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the payload canister is lifted toward the payload changeout room, or PCR, on the rotating service structure. The red umbilical lines are still attached. The canister's cargo of Hubble Space Telescope equipment will be deposited in the PCR and later transferred to the payload bay on space shuttle Atlantis, at right. Atlantis' 11-day STS-125 mission to service Hubble is targeted for launch May 12. The flight will include five spacewalks in which astronauts will refurbish and upgrade the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments. As a result, Hubble's capabilities will be expanded and its operational lifespan extended through at least 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2784

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –– On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the payload canister is lifted toward the payload changeout room, or PCR, on the rotating service structure. The red umbilica... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- In the Orbiter Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers prepare space shuttle Discovery's payload bay for payload installation. The launch of Discovery on its STS-124 mission is targeted for April 24. On the mission, Discovery will transport the Kibo Japanese Experiment Module - Pressurized Module and the Japanese Remote Manipulator System to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0772

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- In the Orbiter Processing Facility at NASA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- In the Orbiter Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers prepare space shuttle Discovery's payload bay for payload installation. The launch of Discovery on its STS... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, an overhead crane lifts the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, and moves it across the floor to install it in the payload canister. The carrier is one of four associated with the STS-125 mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope. It will be installed in the payload canister for transfer to Launch Pad 39A. At the pad, all the carriers will be loaded into space shuttle Atlantis’ payload bay. Launch of Atlantis is targeted for Oct. 10. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd2713

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, an overhead crane lifts the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, and moves it across the floor to instal... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians monitor the progress as space shuttle Endeavour’s payload bay doors begin to close for the final time. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the remaining space shuttles, Endeavour and Atlantis. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Its ferry flight to California is targeted for mid-September. Endeavour was the last space shuttle added to NASA’s orbiter fleet. Over the course of its 19-year career, Endeavour spent 299 days in space during 25 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3421

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians monitor the progress as space shuttle Endeavour’s payload bay doors begin... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility 2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-126 crew members are lowered inside space shuttle Endeavour's payload bay to inspect hardware like the shuttle's robotic arm and orbiter boom sensor system. Members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 crew are at Kennedy to participate in a crew equipment interface test, or CEIT. The CEIT provides experience handling tools, equipment and hardware they will use on the mission. Endeavour will deliver a multi-purpose logistics module to the International Space Station on the STS-126 mission. Launch is targeted for Nov. 10. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2255

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility 2 at NASA's Ken...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility 2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-126 crew members are lowered inside space shuttle Endeavour's payload bay to inspect hardware like the shuttle's robo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Space Station Processing Facility, the STS-104 crew look over equipment as part of Crew Equipment Interface Test activities. Starting second from left are Mission Specialists James F. Reilly II, Janet L. Kavandi, Pilot Charles O. Hobaugh, Commander Steven Lindsey and Mission Specialist Michael L. Gernhardt. The STS-104 mission will carry the Joint Airlock Module to the International Space Station. The U.S.-made module will allow astronauts and cosmonauts in residence on the Station to perform future spacewalks without the presence of a Space Shuttle. The module, which comprises a crew lock and an equipment lock, will be connected to the starboard (right) side of Node 1 Unity. Atlantis will also carry oxygen and nitrogen storage tanks, vital to operation of the Joint Airlock, on a Spacelab Logistics Double Pallet in the payload bay. The tanks, to be installed on the perimeter of the Joint Module during the mission’s spacewalks, will support future spacewalk operations and experiments plus agument the resupply system for the Station’s Service Module KSC-01pp0860

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Space Station Processing Facility, the STS-104 crew look over equipment as part of Crew Equipment Interface Test activities. Starting second from left are Mission Specialist... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After sunset, lights glow on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as space shuttle Atlantis awaits delivery of the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module (MPLM) in its transportation canister. Once delivered, the canister will be lifted to the payload changeout room. The payload ground-handling mechanism then will be used to transfer Raffaello out of the canister into Atlantis' payload bay. Next, the rotating service structure that protects the shuttle from the elements and provides access will be rotated back into place. Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley and Mission Specialists Sandra Magnus and Rex Walheim are targeted to lift off on Atlantis July 8, taking with them the MPLM packed with supplies, logistics and spare parts to the station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Frank Michaux KSC-2011-4479

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After sunset, lights glow on Launch Pad 39A at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After sunset, lights glow on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as space shuttle Atlantis awaits delivery of the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module (MPLM) in ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39B, the payload transport canister, with the P6 integrated truss segment inside, is lifted toward the payload changeout room (PCR). The PCR is the enclosed, environmentally controlled portion of the Rotating Service Structure (RSS) (on the left) that supports payload delivery at the pad. At right is Space Shuttle Endeavour with its orange external tank and one solid rocket booster showing behind it. When the RSS is closed around Endeavour, the P6 truss will be able to be moved into the orbiter’s payload bay. The P6, payload on mission STS-97, comprises Solar Array Wing-3 and the Integrated Electronic Assembly, to be installed on the International Space Station. The Station’s electrical power system will use eight photovoltaic solar arrays, each 112 feet long by 39 feet wide, to convert sunlight to electricity. The solar arrays are mounted on a “blanket” that can be folded like an accordion for delivery. Once in orbit, astronauts will deploy the blankets to their full size. Gimbals will be used to rotate the arrays so that they will face the Sun to provide maximum power to the Space Station. Launch of STS-97 is scheduled for Nov. 30 at 10:06 p.m. EST KSC00pp1733

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39B, the payload transport...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39B, the payload transport canister, with the P6 integrated truss segment inside, is lifted toward the payload changeout room (PCR). The PCR is the enclosed, environm... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers check data on the payload ground handling mechanism, or PGHM, in the Payload Changeout Room on Launch Pad 39A. The PGHM is being used to transfer the STS-125 mission payload into space shuttle Atlantis’ payload bay. STS-125 is the fifth and final shuttle servicing mission for NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 14 on the 11-day mission. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd2957

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers check data on the payload ground handling mechanism, or PGHM, in the Payload Changeout Room on Launch Pad 39A. The PGHM is being used... More

STS-99 Mission Specialist Mamoru Mohri of Japan and his wife, Akiko, wave before their departure from Patrick Air Force Base and return to Houston. With the postponement of the launch of STS-99 on Jan. 31, the crew have an opportunity for more training and time with their families. During the launch countdown, Endeavour's enhanced master events controller (E-MEC) No. 2 failed a standard preflight test. Launch was postponed and Shuttle managers decided to replace the E-MEC located in the orbiter's aft compartment. Launch controllers will be in a position to begin the STS-99 countdown the morning of Feb. 6 and ready to support a launch midto late next week pending availability of the Eastern Range. Known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, it will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay. The result could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety KSC00pp0148

STS-99 Mission Specialist Mamoru Mohri of Japan and his wife, Akiko, w...

STS-99 Mission Specialist Mamoru Mohri of Japan and his wife, Akiko, wave before their departure from Patrick Air Force Base and return to Houston. With the postponement of the launch of STS-99 on Jan. 31, the ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the Soft Capture Mechanism (SCM), part of the Soft Capture and Rendezvous System, or SCRS, is being prepared for transfer to the Flight Support System, or FSS, carrier. The SCRS will enable the future rendezvous, capture and safe disposal of NASA's Hubble Space Telescope by either a crewed or robotic mission. The ring-like device attaches to Hubble’s aft bulkhead. The SCRS greatly increases the current shuttle capture interfaces on Hubble, therefore significantly reducing the rendezvous and capture design complexities associated with the disposal mission. The FSS will join the Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment, or MULE, carrier, the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier and the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier as payload on space shuttle Atlantis's STS-125 mission. The payload is scheduled to go to Launch Pad 39A in mid-September to be installed into Atlantis' payload bay. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 8 at 1:34 a.m. EDT. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd2432

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the Soft Capture Mechanism (SCM), part of the Soft Capture and Rendezvous System, or SCRS, is being prepared ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With umbilical lines still attached, the payload canister containing the Columbus Laboratory module and integrated cargo carrier-lite is lifted up toward the payload changeout room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Once in place, the canister will be opened and the module transferred inside the payload changeout room. The payload will be installed in space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay. The canister contains the Columbus Lab module and integrated cargo carrier-lite payloads for space shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-122. Atlantis is targeted to launch on Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-07pd3243

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With umbilical lines still attached, the...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With umbilical lines still attached, the payload canister containing the Columbus Laboratory module and integrated cargo carrier-lite is lifted up toward the payload changeout room... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the IMAX 3D camera is lifted and moved toward the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, for installation. The carrier will be installed in space shuttle Atlantis’ payload bay. The camera will record the STS-125 mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope. Space shuttle Atlantis' 11-day flight is targeted for launch May 12 and will include five spacewalks in which astronauts will refurbish and upgrade the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments. As a result, Hubble's capabilities will be expanded and its operational lifespan extended through at least 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2009-2342

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the IMAX 3D camera is lifted and moved toward the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC, for installation. ... More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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