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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Huge clouds roll over Launch Pad 39B where Space Shuttle Atlantis still sits after the scrub of its launch on mission STS-115. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch at 12:29 p.m. EDT on this date, but a 24-hour scrub was called by mission managers due to a concern with fuel cell 1. Towering above the shuttle is the 80-foot lightning mast. At left is the rolled-back rotating service structure with the payload changeout room open. Just above the orange external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the space shuttle vehicle. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd2055

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Huge clouds roll over Launch Pad 39B w...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Huge clouds roll over Launch Pad 39B where Space Shuttle Atlantis still sits after the scrub of its launch on mission STS-115. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch at 12:... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the early morning hours, the Rotating Service Structure (left) begins rolling back to free Space Shuttle Discovery for launch of mission STS-92 at 8:05 p.m. Oct. 9. Above the external tank can be seen the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm with its vent hood, commonly referred to as the “beanie cap.” The system is designed to vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Shuttle after cryogenic loading. The scheduled launch is the second attempt after an earlier scrub. STS-92 is making the fifth flight for construction of the International Space Station. The mission is also the 100th in the history of the Shuttle program KSC-00pp1508

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the early morning hours, the Rotatin...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the early morning hours, the Rotating Service Structure (left) begins rolling back to free Space Shuttle Discovery for launch of mission STS-92 at 8:05 p.m. Oct. 9. Above the e... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The morning sky lightens behind Space Shuttle Atlantis while lights on the fixed service structure (FSS) still illuminate the orbiter on Launch Pad 39B. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch at 12:29 p.m. EDT on this date, but a 24-hour scrub was called by mission managers due to a concern with Fuel Cell 1. Seen poised above the orange external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the space shuttle vehicle. Extending from the FSS to Atlantis is the orbiter access arm with the White Room at the end. The White Room provides entry into the orbiter through the hatch. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-06pd2050

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The morning sky lightens behind Space ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The morning sky lightens behind Space Shuttle Atlantis while lights on the fixed service structure (FSS) still illuminate the orbiter on Launch Pad 39B. Atlantis was originally s... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Endeavour is bathed in light. Twin solid rocket boosters flank the orange external tank behind Endeavour. Above the external tank is the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm that vents gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Shuttle. The vent hood assembly at the end is often referred to as the "beanie cap." Stretching to the crew hatch on the side of Endeavour is the Orbiter Access Arm with its environmentally controlled White Room at the end, through which the crew enters the vehicle. The Shuttle sits on the Mobile Launcher Platform with the two service tail masts on either side of the main engines. The tail masts support the fluid, gas and electrical requirements of the orbiter's liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen aft T-0 umbilicals. Each tail mast is 31 feet (9.4 meters) high, 15 feet (4.6 meters) long and 9 feet (3.1 meters) wide. Endeavour is scheduled to launch on mission STS-108 Dec. 4 at 5:45 p.m. EST. On this 12th flight to the International Space Station, known as a Utilization Flight, Endeavour will carry a crew of four plus the Expedition 4 crew, who will replace Expedition 3 aboard the ISS. The payload includes the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, filled with supplies, equipment and experiments KSC01PD1763

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Endeavour is bathed in light. Twin solid rocket boosters flank the orange external tank behind En... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rolled back, Space Shuttle Discovery is revealed, poised for launch on mission STS-102 at 6:42 a.m. EST March 8. It sits on the Mobile Launcher Platform, which straddles the flame trench below that helps deflect the intense heat of launch. Made of concrete and refractory brick, the trench is 490 feet long, 58 feet wide and 40 feet high. Situated above the external tank is the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm with the “beanie cap,” a vent hood. On this eighth construction flight to the International Space Station, Discovery carries the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the primary delivery system used to resupply and return Station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. Leonardo will deliver up to 10 tons of laboratory racks filled with equipment, experiments and supplies for outfitting the newly installed U.S. Laboratory Destiny KSC01padig145

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rolled back, Space Shuttle Discovery is revealed, poised for launch on mission STS-102 at 6:42 a.m. EST March 8. It sits on the Mobile Launcher ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Flags wave near Launch Pad 39A where space shuttle Endeavour waits for liftoff. The rotating service structure was rolled back starting at 8:23 a.m. and complete at 8:55 a.m. Above the orange external tank is seen the "beanie cap" at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm, extending from the fixed service structure. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the space shuttle vehicle. Below is the orbiter access arm with the White Room at the end, flush against the shuttle. The crew gains access into the orbiter through the White Room. The rotating structure provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad. The structure is supported by a rotating bridge that pivots about a vertical axis on the west side of the pad's flame trench. After the RSS is rolled back, the orbiter is ready for fuel cell activation and external tank cryogenic propellant loading operations. The pad is cleared to the perimeter gate for operations to fill the external tank with about 500,000 gallons of cryogenic propellants used by the shuttle’s main engines. This is done at the pad approximately eight hours before the scheduled launch. Endeavour and its crew will deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre. Launch is scheduled for 2:28 a.m. EDT March 11. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0673

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Flags wave near Launch Pad 39A where spa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Flags wave near Launch Pad 39A where space shuttle Endeavour waits for liftoff. The rotating service structure was rolled back starting at 8:23 a.m. and complete at 8:55 a.m. Abo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the glow of a setting sun, Space Shuttle Endeavour is revealed after the rollback of the Rotating Service Structure (left) on Launch Pad 39A. At the top of the external tank can be seen the “beanie cap,” a venting apparatus at the end of the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm. Endeavour is expected to lift off on mission STS-100 on April 19, carrying the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello and the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, with a crew of seven to the International Space Station KSC-01pp0909

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the glow of a setting sun, Space Shu...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the glow of a setting sun, Space Shuttle Endeavour is revealed after the rollback of the Rotating Service Structure (left) on Launch Pad 39A. At the top of the external tank ca... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the orbiter access arm and White Room are extended toward space shuttle Discovery after rollback of the rotating service structure. Above the external tank is the oxygen vent hood, called the "beanie cap." The rollback is in preparation for Discovery's liftoff on the STS-119 mission with a crew of seven. The rotating structure provides protected access to the shuttle for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad. After the RSS is rolled back, the orbiter is ready for fuel cell activation and external tank cryogenic propellant loading operations. The mission is the 28th to the International Space Station and the 125th space shuttle flight. Discovery will deliver the final pair of power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment. Installation of S6 will signal the station's readiness to house a six-member crew for conducting increased science. Liftoff of Discovery is scheduled for 9:20 p.m. EDT on March 11. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2020

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the orbiter access arm and White Room are extended toward space shuttle Discovery after rollback of the rotating service struc... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Flaming rockets propel Space Shuttle Atlantis off Launch Pad 39B for a rendezvous with the International Space Station on mission STS-115. In the background is the Atlantic Ocean. Appearing above the nose of the orbiter is the end of the gaseous vent line that leads from the hood, or beanie cap, which has been moved away from the shuttle for liftoff. Liftoff was on-time at 11:14:55 a.m. EDT. After several launch attempts were scrubbed due to weather and technical concerns, this launch was executed perfectly. Mission STS-115 is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC KSC-06pp2147

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Flaming rockets propel Space Shuttle Atl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Flaming rockets propel Space Shuttle Atlantis off Launch Pad 39B for a rendezvous with the International Space Station on mission STS-115. In the background is the Atlantic Ocean.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The late afternoon sun highlights the external tank and solid rocket booster on Space Shuttle Columbia after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A. Visible are the orbiter access arm with the White Room extended to Columbia's cockpit, and at the top, the gaseous oxygen vent arm and cap, called the "beanie cap." Columbia is scheduled for launch Jan. 16 at 10:39 a.m. EST on mission STS-107, a research mission. KSC-03pd0077

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The late afternoon sun highlights the ex...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The late afternoon sun highlights the external tank and solid rocket booster on Space Shuttle Columbia after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A. Visible a... More

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

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

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

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

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In preparation for the July 1 launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121, the Launch Pad 39B rotating service structure (RSS) enclosing the shuttle rolls away. Above the golden external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the space shuttle vehicle. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad. The structure is supported by a rotating bridge that pivots about a vertical axis on the west side of the pad's flame trench. The hinge column rests on the pad surface and is braced to the fixed service structure. Support for the outer end of the bridge is provided by two eight-wheel, motor-driven trucks that move along circular twin rails installed flush with the pad surface. The track crosses the flame trench on a permanent bridge. The RSS is 102 feet long, 50 feet wide and 130 feet high. The structure has orbiter access platforms at five levels to provide access to the payload bay while the orbiter is being serviced in the RSS. Each platform has independent extendable planks that can be arranged to conform to a payload's configuration. This mission is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1302

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In preparation for the July 1 launch of ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In preparation for the July 1 launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121, the Launch Pad 39B rotating service structure (RSS) enclosing the shuttle rolls away. Above the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Under a blue sky streaked with clouds, Launch Pad 39B holds Space Shuttle Discovery, ready for launch of mission STS-116. At the far left is the rotating service structure, rolled back after midnight in preparation for launch. Next to Discovery is the fixed service structure, with the 80-foot-high lightning mast on top, part of the lightning protection system on the pad. Beneath Discovery's wings are the tail masts, which provide several umbilical connections to the orbiter, including a liquid-oxygen line through one and a liquid-hydrogen line through another. Seen above the golden external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm, extending from the FSS. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the space shuttle vehicle. Below it, also extending toward Discovery from the FSS, is the orbiter access arm with the White Room at the end. The crew gains access into the orbiter through the White Room. Discovery is scheduled to launch on mission STS-116 at 9:35 p.m. today. On the mission, the crew will deliver truss segment, P5, to the International Space Station and begin the intricate process of reconfiguring and redistributing the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. The P5 will be mated to the P4 truss that was delivered and attached during the STS-115 mission in September. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd2674

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Under a blue sky streaked with clouds...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Under a blue sky streaked with clouds, Launch Pad 39B holds Space Shuttle Discovery, ready for launch of mission STS-116. At the far left is the rotating service structure, rol... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The upper part of the space shuttle vehicle showing the "beanie cap" in place. Photo credit: NASA KSC-81PC-0052

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The upper part of the space shuttle vehicle sho...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The upper part of the space shuttle vehicle showing the "beanie cap" in place. Photo credit: NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39B reveals the Space Shuttle Discovery, scheduled to launch on mission STS-96 at 6:49 a.m. EDT on May 27. Above the top of the external tank is a vent hood, known as the "beanie cap," at the end of the external tank gaseous oxygen vent arm. STS-96 is a 10-day logistics and resupply mission for the International Space Station, carrying about 4,000 pounds of supplies to be stored aboard the station, for use by future crews, including laptop computers, cameras, tools, spare parts, and clothing. The mission also includes such payloads as a Russian crane, the Strela; a U.S.-built crane; the Spacehab Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), a logistics items carrier; and STARSHINE, a student-involved experiment. The mission will include a space walk to attach the cranes to the outside of the ISS for use in future construction. Space Shuttle Discovery is due to launch on May 27 at 6:49 a.m. EDT. Landing is expected at the SLF on June 6 about 1:58 a.m. EDT KSC-99pp0579

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Rollback of the Rotating Service Structu...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39B reveals the Space Shuttle Discovery, scheduled to launch on mission STS-96 at 6:49 a.m. EDT on May 27. Above the top of... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39B reveals the Space Shuttle Discovery, scheduled to launch on mission STS-96 at 6:49 a.m. EDT on May 27. Above the top of the external tank is the external tank gaseous oxygen vent arm, with a vent hood, known as the "beanie cap," at the outer end. Below it up against Discovery is the orbiter access arm, which allows entry into the orbiter crew compartment. through an environmental chamber or "white room" at the outer end. STS-96 is a 10-day logistics and resupply mission for the International Space Station, carrying about 4,000 pounds of supplies to be stored aboard the station, for use by future crews, including laptop computers, cameras, tools, spare parts, and clothing. The mission also includes such payloads as a Russian crane, the Strela; a U.S.-built crane; the Spacehab Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), a logistics items carrier; and STARSHINE, a student-involved experiment. The mission will include a space walk to attach the cranes to the outside of the ISS for use in future construction. Space Shuttle Discovery is due to launch on May 27 at 6:49 a.m. EDT. Landing is expected at the SLF on June 6 about 1:58 a.m. EDT KSC-99pp0580

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Rollback of the Rotating Service Structu...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39B reveals the Space Shuttle Discovery, scheduled to launch on mission STS-96 at 6:49 a.m. EDT on May 27. Above the top of... More

Just after sundown, Space Shuttle Discovery is framed with light from the Fixed Service Structure on Launch Pad 39B as it waits for liftoff on mission STS-103. At the top is seen the external tank gaseous oxygen vent arm system with the vent hood (commonly called the "beanie cap") poised above the external tank. The retractable arm and the beanie cap are designed to vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle. The arm truss section is 65 feet long and the diameter of the beanie cap is 13 feet. Extending toward the cabin of the orbiter is the orbiter access arm, with the environmental chamber (called the White Room) at the end. Through this chamber the crew enters the orbiter. The STS-103 mission, to service the Hubble Space Telescope, is scheduled for launch Dec. 17 at 8:47 p.m. EST. Mission objectives include replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing another solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation in the telescope. The mission is expected to last about 8 days and 21 hours. Discovery is expected to land at KSC Sunday, Dec. 26, at about 6:25 p.m. EST KSC-99padig045

Just after sundown, Space Shuttle Discovery is framed with light from ...

Just after sundown, Space Shuttle Discovery is framed with light from the Fixed Service Structure on Launch Pad 39B as it waits for liftoff on mission STS-103. At the top is seen the external tank gaseous oxyge... More

After sunup, which is obscured by a cloud-filled sky, Space Shuttle Discovery waits atop the mobile launcher platform for launch of mission STS-103. At the top is seen the external tank gaseous oxygen vent arm system with the vent hood (commonly called the "beanie cap") poised above the external tank. The retractable arm and the beanie cap are designed to vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle. The arm truss section is 65 feet long and the diameter of the vent hood is 13 feet. Extending toward the cabin of the orbiter below is the orbiter access arm, with the environmental chamber (called the White Room) at the end. Through this chamber the crew enters the orbiter. The STS-103 mission, to service the Hubble Space Telescope, is scheduled for launch Dec. 17 at 8:47 p.m. EST. Mission objectives include replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing another solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation in the telescope. The mission is expected to last about 8 days and 21 hours. Discovery is expected to land at KSC Sunday, Dec. 26, at about 6:25 p.m. EST KSC-99padig047

After sunup, which is obscured by a cloud-filled sky, Space Shuttle Di...

After sunup, which is obscured by a cloud-filled sky, Space Shuttle Discovery waits atop the mobile launcher platform for launch of mission STS-103. At the top is seen the external tank gaseous oxygen vent arm ... More

In the early morning hours, Space Shuttle Discovery is framed with light from the Fixed Service Structure on Launch Pad 39B as it waits for flight and mission STS-103. At the top is seen the external tank gaseous oxygen vent arm system with the vent hood (commonly called the "beanie cap") poised above the external tank. The retractable arm and the beanie cap are designed to vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle. The arm truss section is 65 feet long and the diameter of the vent hood is 13 feet. Extending toward the cabin of the orbiter below is the orbiter access arm, with the environmental chamber (called the White Room) at the end. Through this chamber the crew enters the orbiter. The STS-103 mission, to service the Hubble Space Telescope, is scheduled for launch Dec. 17 at 8:47 p.m. EST. Mission objectives include replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing another solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation in the telescope. The mission is expected to last about 8 days and 21 hours. Discovery is expected to land at KSC Sunday, Dec. 26, at about 6:25 p.m. EST KSC-99padig046

In the early morning hours, Space Shuttle Discovery is framed with lig...

In the early morning hours, Space Shuttle Discovery is framed with light from the Fixed Service Structure on Launch Pad 39B as it waits for flight and mission STS-103. At the top is seen the external tank gaseo... More

A cloud-streaked sky provides backdrop for Space Shuttle Discovery as it waits for liftoff on mission STS-103 from Launch Pad 39B. The tower at its left is the Fixed Service Structure, topped by the 80-foot-tall fiberglass mast that helps provide protection from lightning strikes. Below it, extending outward, is the external tank gaseous oxygen vent arm system with the vent hood (commonly called the "beanie cap") poised above the external tank. The retractable arm and the beanie cap are designed to vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle. The arm truss section is 65 feet long and the diameter of the vent hood is 13 feet. Extending toward the cabin of the orbiter below is the orbiter access arm, with the environmental chamber (called the White Room) at the end. Through this chamber the crew enters the orbiter. The STS-103 mission, to service the Hubble Space Telescope, is scheduled for launch Dec. 17 at 8:47 p.m. EST. Mission objectives include replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing another solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation in the telescope. The mission is expected to last about 8 days and 21 hours. Discovery is expected to land at KSC Sunday, Dec. 26, at about 6:25 p.m. EST KSC-99pp1440

A cloud-streaked sky provides backdrop for Space Shuttle Discovery as ...

A cloud-streaked sky provides backdrop for Space Shuttle Discovery as it waits for liftoff on mission STS-103 from Launch Pad 39B. The tower at its left is the Fixed Service Structure, topped by the 80-foot-tal... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After the rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Endeavour is marked with shadows from the lights on the Fixed Service Structure. Above the orange external tank is the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Hood, often called the "beanie cap," waiting to be lowered. The hood helps vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle until launch, when it is raised and retracted two and a half minutes before liftoff. Endeavour waits for mission STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), which will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the SRTM could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC00pp0215

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After the rollback of the Rotating Ser...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After the rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Endeavour is marked with shadows from the lights on the Fixed Service Structure. Above the o... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After the rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Endeavour is marked with shadows from the lights on the Fixed Service Structure. Above the orange external tank is the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Hood, often called the "beanie cap," waiting to be lowered. The hood helps vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle until launch, when it is raised and retracted two and a half minutes before liftoff. Endeavour waits for mission STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), which will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the SRTM could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC-00pp0215

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After the rollback of the Rotating Ser...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After the rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Endeavour is marked with shadows from the lights on the Fixed Service Structure. Above the o... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour, with its solid rocket boosters (left and right) and external tank (center), shines in the spotlight on Launch Pad 39A, ready for launch on mission STS-99. On top of the external tank is the 13-foot-wide Gaseous Oxygen Vent Hood, often called the "beanie cap." The hood helps vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle. The hood will be raised and retracted two and a half minutes before launch. STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), is scheduled for liftoff at 12:30 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39A. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last about 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC-00padig002

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour, with its soli...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour, with its solid rocket boosters (left and right) and external tank (center), shines in the spotlight on Launch Pad 39A, ready for launch on mission STS-99... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure at Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Endeavour, mated with its solid rocket boosters (left and right) and external tank (center), is bathed in light, ready for launch on mission STS-99. On top of the external tank, a light gleams like a star on the 13-foot-wide Gaseous Oxygen Vent Hood, often called the "beanie cap." The hood helps vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle. The hood will be raised and retracted two and a half minutes before launch. STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), is scheduled for liftoff at 12:30 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39A. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last about 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC-00padig001

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure at Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Endeavour, mated with its solid rocket boosters (left and right) and external tank (center), is ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure at Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Endeavour, mated with its solid rocket boosters (left and right) and external tank (center), is bathed in light, ready for launch on mission STS-99. On top of the external tank, a light gleams like a star on the 13-foot-wide Gaseous Oxygen Vent Hood, often called the "beanie cap." The hood helps vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle. The hood will be raised and retracted two and a half minutes before launch. STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), is scheduled for liftoff at 12:30 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39A. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last about 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC00padig001

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure at Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Endeavour, mated with its solid rocket boosters (left and right) and external tank (center), is ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Atlantis is poised and ready on Launch Pad 39A for a fourth launch attempt on mission STS-101. At the top of the photo can be seen the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Hood, often called the "beanie cap." The hood helps vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle. The hood will be raised and retracted two and a half minutes before launch. Abutting the side of Atlantis is the orbiter access arm with the environmental chamber known as the White Room at the end. The White Room provides access to the crew compartment. In the background of the photo is the Atlantic Ocean. This will be the third assembly flight to the International Space Station. Liftoff of Space Shuttle Atlantis for the 10-day mission is scheduled for about 6:12 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A. Landing is targeted for May 29 at 2:19 a.m. EDT. This is the 98th Shuttle flight and the 21st flight for Shuttle Atlantis KSC-00pp0634

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Atlantis is poised and ready on Launch Pad 39A for a fourth launch attempt on mission STS-101. At the top of the p... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure at Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Atlantis awaits a fourth launch attempt on mission STS-101. At the top of the orange external tank can be seen the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Hood, often called the "beanie cap." The hood helps vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle. The hood will be raised and retracted two and a half minutes before launch. Abutting the side of Atlantis is the orbiter access arm with the environmental chamber known as the White Room at the end. The White Room provides access to the crew compartment. This will be the third assembly flight to the International Space Station. Liftoff of Space Shuttle Atlantis for the 10-day mission is scheduled for about 6:12 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A. Landing is targeted for May 29 at 2:19 a.m. EDT. This is the 98th Shuttle flight and the 21st flight for Shuttle Atlantis KSC00pp0635

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure at Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Atlantis awaits a fourth launch attempt on mission STS-101. At the top of the orange external ta... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure at Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Atlantis awaits a fourth launch attempt on mission STS-101. At the top of the orange external tank can be seen the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Hood, often called the "beanie cap." The hood helps vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle. The hood will be raised and retracted two and a half minutes before launch. Abutting the side of Atlantis is the orbiter access arm with the environmental chamber known as the White Room at the end. The White Room provides access to the crew compartment. This will be the third assembly flight to the International Space Station. Liftoff of Space Shuttle Atlantis for the 10-day mission is scheduled for about 6:12 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A. Landing is targeted for May 29 at 2:19 a.m. EDT. This is the 98th Shuttle flight and the 21st flight for Shuttle Atlantis KSC-00pp0635

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure at Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Atlantis awaits a fourth launch attempt on mission STS-101. At the top of the orange external ta... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure at Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Atlantis awaits a fourth launch attempt on mission STS-101. At the top of the orange external tank can be seen the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Hood, often called the “beanie cap.” The hood helps vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle. The hood will be raised and retracted two and a half minutes before launch. Abutting the side of Atlantis is the orbiter access arm with the environmental chamber known as the White Room at the end. The White Room provides access to the crew compartment. This will be the third assembly flight to the International Space Station. Liftoff of Space Shuttle Atlantis for the 10-day mission is scheduled for about 6:12 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A. Landing is targeted for May 29 at 2:19 a.m. EDT. This is the 98th Shuttle flight and the 21st flight for Shuttle Atlantis KSC-00pp0636

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure at Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Atlantis awaits a fourth launch attempt on mission STS-101. At the top of the orange external ta... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Atlantis is poised and ready on Launch Pad 39A for a fourth launch attempt on mission STS-101. At the top of the photo can be seen the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Hood, often called the "beanie cap." The hood helps vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle. The hood will be raised and retracted two and a half minutes before launch. Abutting the side of Atlantis is the orbiter access arm with the environmental chamber known as the White Room at the end. The White Room provides access to the crew compartment. In the background of the photo is the Atlantic Ocean. This will be the third assembly flight to the International Space Station. Liftoff of Space Shuttle Atlantis for the 10-day mission is scheduled for about 6:12 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A. Landing is targeted for May 29 at 2:19 a.m. EDT. This is the 98th Shuttle flight and the 21st flight for Shuttle Atlantis KSC00pp0634

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Atlantis is poised and ready on Launch Pad 39A for a fourth launch attempt on mission STS-101. At the top of the p... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure at Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Atlantis awaits a fourth launch attempt on mission STS-101. At the top of the orange external tank can be seen the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Hood, often called the “beanie cap.” The hood helps vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle. The hood will be raised and retracted two and a half minutes before launch. Abutting the side of Atlantis is the orbiter access arm with the environmental chamber known as the White Room at the end. The White Room provides access to the crew compartment. This will be the third assembly flight to the International Space Station. Liftoff of Space Shuttle Atlantis for the 10-day mission is scheduled for about 6:12 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A. Landing is targeted for May 29 at 2:19 a.m. EDT. This is the 98th Shuttle flight and the 21st flight for Shuttle Atlantis KSC00pp0636

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure at Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Atlantis awaits a fourth launch attempt on mission STS-101. At the top of the orange external ta... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Atlantis can be seen atop the mobile launcher platform (MLP) on Launch Pad 39A. Below the MLP is the flame trench, part of the flame deflector system that insulates pad structures from the intense heat of launch. Made of concrete and refractory brick, the trench is 490 feet long, 48 feet wide and 40 feet high. At the top of the orange external tank can be seen the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Hood, often called the "beanie cap." The hood helps vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle. The hood will be raised and retracted two and a half minutes before launch. Abutting the side of Atlantis is the orbiter access arm with the environmental chamber known as the White Room at the end. The White Room provides access to the crew compartment. This will be the third assembly flight to the International Space Station. Liftoff of Space Shuttle Atlantis for the 10-day STS-101 mission is scheduled for about 6:12 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A. Landing is targeted for May 29 at 2:19 a.m. EDT. This is the 98th Shuttle flight and the 21st flight for Shuttle Atlantis KSC-00pp0637

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Atlantis can be seen atop the mobile launcher platform (MLP) on Launch Pad 39A. Below the MLP is the flame trench,... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Atlantis can be seen atop the mobile launcher platform (MLP) on Launch Pad 39A. Below the MLP is the flame trench, part of the flame deflector system that insulates pad structures from the intense heat of launch. Made of concrete and refractory brick, the trench is 490 feet long, 48 feet wide and 40 feet high. At the top of the orange external tank can be seen the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Hood, often called the "beanie cap." The hood helps vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle. The hood will be raised and retracted two and a half minutes before launch. Abutting the side of Atlantis is the orbiter access arm with the environmental chamber known as the White Room at the end. The White Room provides access to the crew compartment. This will be the third assembly flight to the International Space Station. Liftoff of Space Shuttle Atlantis for the 10-day STS-101 mission is scheduled for about 6:12 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A. Landing is targeted for May 29 at 2:19 a.m. EDT. This is the 98th Shuttle flight and the 21st flight for Shuttle Atlantis KSC00pp0637

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Atlantis can be seen atop the mobile launcher platform (MLP) on Launch Pad 39A. Below the MLP is the flame trench,... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rolling back, Space Shuttle Atlantis is revealed on the Mobile Launcher Platform. At the top is the 13-foot-wide “beanie cap,” at the end of the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm, designed to vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle. Lower is the Orbiter Access Arm with the environmental chamber, known as the “white room,” extended to the orbiter. The chamber provides entry for the crew into the orbiter and also serves as emergency egress up to 7 minutes 24 seconds before launch KSC-00pp1249

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rolling back, Space Shuttle Atlantis is revealed on the Mobile Launcher Platform. At the top is the 13-foot-wide “beanie cap,” at the end of the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Clouds hover overhead the Space Shuttle Atlantis after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure. On top of the external tank is the 13-foot-wide “beanie cap,” at the end of the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm, designed to vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle. Lower is the Orbiter Access Arm with the environmental chamber, known as the “white room,” extended to the orbiter. The chamber provides entry for the crew into the orbiter and also serves as emergency egress up to 7 minutes 24 seconds before launch. Ready for launch of mission STS-106 at 8:45 a.m. EDT on Sept. 8, Atlantis carries supplies to prepare the Russian Zvezda living quarters on the International Space Station for the first long-duration crew. The crew will also be transferring supplies from the Russian Progress resupply ship already docked to the aft of Zvezda. The fourth U.S. launch for the Space Station, the mission is expected to last 10 days, 19 hours and 9 minutes, landing at KSC 4:59 a.m. EDT on Sept. 19 KSC-00pp1251

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Clouds hover overhead the Space Shuttle ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Clouds hover overhead the Space Shuttle Atlantis after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure. On top of the external tank is the 13-foot-wide “beanie cap,” at the end of the G... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Clouds hover overhead the Space Shuttle Atlantis after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure. On top of the external tank is the 13-foot-wide “beanie cap,” at the end of the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm, designed to vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle. Lower is the Orbiter Access Arm with the environmental chamber, known as the “white room,” extended to the orbiter. The chamber provides entry for the crew into the orbiter and also serves as emergency egress up to 7 minutes 24 seconds before launch. Ready for launch of mission STS-106 at 8:45 a.m. EDT on Sept. 8, Atlantis carries supplies to prepare the Russian Zvezda living quarters on the International Space Station for the first long-duration crew. The crew will also be transferring supplies from the Russian Progress resupply ship already docked to the aft of Zvezda. The fourth U.S. launch for the Space Station, the mission is expected to last 10 days, 19 hours and 9 minutes, landing at KSC 4:59 a.m. EDT on Sept. 19 KSC00pp1251

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Clouds hover overhead the Space Shuttle ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Clouds hover overhead the Space Shuttle Atlantis after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure. On top of the external tank is the 13-foot-wide “beanie cap,” at the end of the G... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Against a backdrop of the cloudy sky and blue-gray Atlantic Ocean, Space Shuttle Atlantis is revealed after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure. On top of the external tank is the 13-foot-wide “beanie cap,” at the end of the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm, designed to vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle. Lower is the Orbiter Access Arm with the environmental chamber, known as the “white room,” extended to the orbiter. The chamber provides entry for the crew into the orbiter and also serves as emergency egress up to 7 minutes 24 seconds before launch. Ready for launch of mission STS-106 at 8:45 a.m. EDT on Sept. 8, Atlantis carries supplies to prepare the Russian Zvezda living quarters on the International Space Station for the first long-duration crew. The crew will also be transferring supplies from the Russian Progress resupply ship already docked to the aft of Zvezda. The fourth U.S. launch for the Space Station, the mission is expected to last 10 days, 19 hours and 9 minutes, landing at KSC 4:59 a.m. EDT on Sept. 19 KSC-00pp1250

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Against a backdrop of the cloudy sky and...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Against a backdrop of the cloudy sky and blue-gray Atlantic Ocean, Space Shuttle Atlantis is revealed after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure. On top of the external tank ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Against a backdrop of the cloudy sky and blue-gray Atlantic Ocean, Space Shuttle Atlantis is revealed after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure. On top of the external tank is the 13-foot-wide “beanie cap,” at the end of the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm, designed to vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle. Lower is the Orbiter Access Arm with the environmental chamber, known as the “white room,” extended to the orbiter. The chamber provides entry for the crew into the orbiter and also serves as emergency egress up to 7 minutes 24 seconds before launch. Ready for launch of mission STS-106 at 8:45 a.m. EDT on Sept. 8, Atlantis carries supplies to prepare the Russian Zvezda living quarters on the International Space Station for the first long-duration crew. The crew will also be transferring supplies from the Russian Progress resupply ship already docked to the aft of Zvezda. The fourth U.S. launch for the Space Station, the mission is expected to last 10 days, 19 hours and 9 minutes, landing at KSC 4:59 a.m. EDT on Sept. 19 KSC00pp1250

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Against a backdrop of the cloudy sky and...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Against a backdrop of the cloudy sky and blue-gray Atlantic Ocean, Space Shuttle Atlantis is revealed after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure. On top of the external tank ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rolling back, Space Shuttle Atlantis is revealed on the Mobile Launcher Platform. At the top is the 13-foot-wide “beanie cap,” at the end of the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm, designed to vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle. Lower is the Orbiter Access Arm with the environmental chamber, known as the “white room,” extended to the orbiter. The chamber provides entry for the crew into the orbiter and also serves as emergency egress up to 7 minutes 24 seconds before launch KSC00pp1249

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rolling back, Space Shuttle Atlantis is revealed on the Mobile Launcher Platform. At the top is the 13-foot-wide “beanie cap,” at the end of the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rolled back, Space Shuttle Discovery is revealed on the Mobile Launcher Platform at Launch Pad 39A. Discovery is being readied for the STS-92 mission launch to the International Space Station (ISS). At the top is the 13-foot-wide “beanie cap,” at the end of the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm, designed to vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle. Lower is the Orbiter Access Arm with the environmental chamber, known as the “white room,” extended to the orbiter. The chamber provides entry for the crew into the orbiter and also serves as emergency egress up to 7 minutes 24 seconds before launch. The STS-92 mission payload includes Integrated Truss Structure Z-1, 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 the third Pressurized Mating Adapter to provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. The 11-day mission will include four spacewalks. Liftoff is scheduled for Oct. 6 at 9:16 p.m. EDT KSC-00pp1494

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rol...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rolled back, Space Shuttle Discovery is revealed on the Mobile Launcher Platform at Launch Pad 39A. Discovery is being readied for the STS-92 m... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rolled back, Space Shuttle Discovery is revealed on the Mobile Launcher Platform at Launch Pad 39A. Discovery is being readied for the STS-92 mission launch to the International Space Station (ISS). At the top is the 13-foot-wide “beanie cap,” at the end of the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm, designed to vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle. Lower is the Orbiter Access Arm with the environmental chamber, known as the “white room,” extended to the orbiter. The chamber provides entry for the crew into the orbiter and also serves as emergency egress up to 7 minutes 24 seconds before launch. The STS-92 mission payload includes Integrated Truss Structure Z-1, 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 the third Pressurized Mating Adapter to provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. The 11-day mission will include four spacewalks. Liftoff is scheduled for Oct. 6 at 9:16 p.m. EDT KSC00pp1494

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rol...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rolled back, Space Shuttle Discovery is revealed on the Mobile Launcher Platform at Launch Pad 39A. Discovery is being readied for the STS-92 m... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rolled back, Space Shuttle Discovery is revealed on the Mobile Launcher Platform at Launch Pad 39A. Discovery is being readied for the STS-92 mission launch to the International Space Station (ISS). At the top is the 13-foot-wide “beanie cap,” at the end of the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm, designed to vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle. Lower is the Orbiter Access Arm with the environmental chamber, known as the “white room,” extended to the orbiter. The chamber provides entry for the crew into the orbiter and also serves as emergency egress up to 7 minutes 24 seconds before launch. The STS-92 mission payload includes Integrated Truss Structure Z-1, 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 the third Pressurized Mating Adapter to provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. The 11-day mission will include four spacewalks. Liftoff is scheduled for Oct. 6 at 9:16 p.m. EDT KSC00pp1493

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rol...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rolled back, Space Shuttle Discovery is revealed on the Mobile Launcher Platform at Launch Pad 39A. Discovery is being readied for the STS-92 m... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- An early morning shot of the Space Shuttle Discovery on the Mobile Launcher Platform and Launch Pad 39A. Discovery is being readied for the STS-92 mission launch to the International Space Station (ISS). At the top is the 13-foot-wide “beanie cap,” at the end of the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm, designed to vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle. Lower is the Orbiter Access Arm with the environmental chamber, known as the “white room,” extended to the orbiter. The chamber provides entry for the crew into the orbiter and also serves as emergency egress up to 7 minutes 24 seconds before launch. The STS-92 mission payload includes Integrated Truss Structure Z-1, 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 the third Pressurized Mating Adapter to provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. The 11-day mission will include four spacewalks. Liftoff is scheduled for Oct. 6 at 9:16 p.m. EDT KSC00pp1495

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- An early morning shot of the Space Shut...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- An early morning shot of the Space Shuttle Discovery on the Mobile Launcher Platform and Launch Pad 39A. Discovery is being readied for the STS-92 mission launch to the Internatio... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rolled back, Space Shuttle Discovery is revealed on the Mobile Launcher Platform at Launch Pad 39A. Discovery is being readied for the STS-92 mission launch to the International Space Station (ISS). At the top is the 13-foot-wide “beanie cap,” at the end of the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm, designed to vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle. Lower is the Orbiter Access Arm with the environmental chamber, known as the “white room,” extended to the orbiter. The chamber provides entry for the crew into the orbiter and also serves as emergency egress up to 7 minutes 24 seconds before launch. The STS-92 mission payload includes Integrated Truss Structure Z-1, 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 the third Pressurized Mating Adapter to provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. The 11-day mission will include four spacewalks. Liftoff is scheduled for Oct. 6 at 9:16 p.m. EDT KSC-00pp1493

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rol...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rolled back, Space Shuttle Discovery is revealed on the Mobile Launcher Platform at Launch Pad 39A. Discovery is being readied for the STS-92 m... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- An early morning shot of the Space Shuttle Discovery on the Mobile Launcher Platform and Launch Pad 39A. Discovery is being readied for the STS-92 mission launch to the International Space Station (ISS). At the top is the 13-foot-wide “beanie cap,” at the end of the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm, designed to vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle. Lower is the Orbiter Access Arm with the environmental chamber, known as the “white room,” extended to the orbiter. The chamber provides entry for the crew into the orbiter and also serves as emergency egress up to 7 minutes 24 seconds before launch. The STS-92 mission payload includes Integrated Truss Structure Z-1, 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 the third Pressurized Mating Adapter to provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. The 11-day mission will include four spacewalks. Liftoff is scheduled for Oct. 6 at 9:16 p.m. EDT KSC-00pp1495

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- An early morning shot of the Space Shut...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- An early morning shot of the Space Shuttle Discovery on the Mobile Launcher Platform and Launch Pad 39A. Discovery is being readied for the STS-92 mission launch to the Internatio... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the early morning hours, the Rotating Service Structure (left) begins rolling back to free Space Shuttle Discovery for launch of mission STS-92 at 8:05 p.m. Oct. 9. Above the external tank can be seen the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm with its vent hood, commonly referred to as the “beanie cap.” The system is designed to vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Shuttle after cryogenic loading. The scheduled launch is the second attempt after an earlier scrub. STS-92 is making the fifth flight for construction of the International Space Station. The mission is also the 100th in the history of the Shuttle program KSC00pp1508

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the early morning hours, the Rotatin...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the early morning hours, the Rotating Service Structure (left) begins rolling back to free Space Shuttle Discovery for launch of mission STS-92 at 8:05 p.m. Oct. 9. Above the e... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure in the early morning hours, Space Shuttle Discovery stands ready for launch of mission STS-92. Above the external tank can be seen the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm with its vent hood, commonly referred to as the “beanie cap.” The system is designed to vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Shuttle after cryogenic loading. The scheduled launch is the second attempt after an earlier scrub. STS-92 is making the fifth flight for construction of the International Space Station. The mission is also the 100th in the history of the Shuttle program KSC00pp1509

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure in the early morning hours, Space Shuttle Discovery stands ready for launch of mission STS-92. Above the external tank can be seen... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure in the early morning hours, Space Shuttle Discovery stands ready for launch of mission STS-92. Above the external tank can be seen the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm with its vent hood, commonly referred to as the “beanie cap.” The system is designed to vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Shuttle after cryogenic loading. The scheduled launch is the second attempt after an earlier scrub. STS-92 is making the fifth flight for construction of the International Space Station. The mission is also the 100th in the history of the Shuttle program KSC-00pp1509

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure in the early morning hours, Space Shuttle Discovery stands ready for launch of mission STS-92. Above the external tank can be seen... More

After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Endeavour is spotlighted against the still-black sky of pre-dawn. At the top of the external tank is the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm and its vent hood, known as the “beanie cap.” The hood is raised to clear the external tank 2.5 minutes before launch. Endeavour is targeted for launch Nov. 30 at about 10:06 p.m. EST on mission STS-97. In the background, the sky prepares for dawn. The mission to the International Space Station carries the P6 Integrated Truss Segment containing solar arrays and batteries that will be temporarily installed to the Unity connecting module by the Z1 truss, recently delivered to and installed on the Station on mission STS-92. The two solar arrays are each more than 100 feet long. They will capture energy from the sun and convert it to power for the Station. Two spacewalks will be required to install the solar array connections KSC-00padig112

After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Endeav...

After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Endeavour is spotlighted against the still-black sky of pre-dawn. At the top of the external tank is the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm and its vent hood... More

After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Endeavour shines under spotlights. At the top of the external tank is the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm and its vent hood, known as the “beanie cap.” The hood is raised to clear the external tank 2.5 minutes before launch. Endeavour is targeted for launch Nov. 30 at about 10:06 p.m. EST on mission STS-97. In the background, the sky prepares for dawn. The mission to the International Space Station carries the P6 Integrated Truss Segment containing solar arrays and batteries that will be temporarily installed to the Unity connecting module by the Z1 truss, recently delivered to and installed on the Station on mission STS-92. The two solar arrays are each more than 100 feet long. They will capture energy from the sun and convert it to power for the Station. Two spacewalks will be required to install the solar array connections KSC-00padig111

After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Endeav...

After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Endeavour shines under spotlights. At the top of the external tank is the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm and its vent hood, known as the “beanie cap.” Th... More

As dawn breaks on the horizon, Space Shuttle Endeavour is seen standing ready for launch, targeted for 10:06 p.m. EST tonight on mission STS-97 to the International Space Station. The Rotating Service Structure was rolled back just before dawn. On top of the orange external tank is the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm and its vent hood, known as the “beanie cap.” The hood is raised to clear the external tank 2.5 minutes before launch. The orbiter carries the P6 Integrated Truss Segment containing solar arrays that will be temporarily installed to the Unity connecting module by the Z1 truss, recently delivered to and installed on the Station on mission STS-92. The two solar arrays are each more than 100 feet long. They will capture energy from the sun and convert it to power for the Station. Two spacewalks will be required to install the solar array connections KSC-00pp1777

As dawn breaks on the horizon, Space Shuttle Endeavour is seen standin...

As dawn breaks on the horizon, Space Shuttle Endeavour is seen standing ready for launch, targeted for 10:06 p.m. EST tonight on mission STS-97 to the International Space Station. The Rotating Service Structure... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Lights on the Fixed Service Structure give a holiday impression at Launch Pad 39A where Space Shuttle Atlantis is poised for launch. Above the yellow-orange external tank is the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm, with the “beanie cap” vent hood raised. Before cryogenic loading, the hood will be lowered into position over the external tank vent louvers to vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Shuttle. Atlantis is carrying the U.S. Laboratory Destiny, a key module in the growth of the International Space Station. Destiny will be attached to the Unity node on the Space Station using the Shuttle’s robotic arm. Three spacewalks are required to complete the planned construction work during the 11-day mission. Launch is targeted for 6:11 p.m. EST and the planned landing at KSC Feb. 18 about 1:39 p.m. This mission marks the seventh Shuttle flight to the Space Station, the 23rd flight of Atlantis and the 102nd flight overall in NASA’s Space Shuttle program KSC01padig055

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Lights on the Fixed Service Structure g...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Lights on the Fixed Service Structure give a holiday impression at Launch Pad 39A where Space Shuttle Atlantis is poised for launch. Above the yellow-orange external tank is the G... More

Space Shuttle Atlantis is revealed after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure. Extended to the side of Atlantis is the orbiter access arm, with the White Room at its end. The White Room is an environmentally controlled area that provides entry for the crew into Atlantis’s cockpit. Above the yellow-orange external tank is the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm, with the “beanie cap” vent hood raised. Before cryogenic loading, the hood will be lowered into position over the external tank vent louvers to vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Shuttle. Atlantis is carrying the U.S. Laboratory Destiny, a key module in the growth of the International Space Station. Destiny will be attached to the Unity node on the Space Station using the Shuttle’s robotic arm. Three spacewalks are required to complete the planned construction work during the 11-day mission. Launch is targeted for 6:11 p.m. EST and the planned landing at KSC Feb. 18 about 1:39 p.m. This mission marks the seventh Shuttle flight to the Space Station, the 23rd flight of Atlantis and the 102nd flight overall in NASA’s Space Shuttle program KSC01pp0274

Space Shuttle Atlantis is revealed after rollback of the Rotating Serv...

Space Shuttle Atlantis is revealed after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure. Extended to the side of Atlantis is the orbiter access arm, with the White Room at its end. The White Room is an environmenta... More

Space Shuttle Discovery sits poised on Launch Pad 39B, ready for launch at 6:42 a.m. EST March 8 on mission STS-102. Situated above the external tank is the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm with the “beanie cap,” a vent hood. The orbiter access arm is extended from the Fixed Service Structure (left) to the orbiter. An environmentally controlled chamber, known as the White Room, is at the end of the arm, providing entrance for the astronaut crew into the orbiter. In the distance, behind the Space Shuttle, can be seen the Atlantic Ocean. On this eighth construction flight to the International Space Station, Discovery carries the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the primary delivery system used to resupply and return Station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. Leonardo will deliver up to 10 tons of laboratory racks filled with equipment, experiments and supplies for outfitting the newly installed U.S. Laboratory Destiny KSC-01padig146

Space Shuttle Discovery sits poised on Launch Pad 39B, ready for launc...

Space Shuttle Discovery sits poised on Launch Pad 39B, ready for launch at 6:42 a.m. EST March 8 on mission STS-102. Situated above the external tank is the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm with the “beanie cap,” a vent... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Discovery shines on Launch Pad 39B after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure. Situated above the external tank is the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm with the “beanie cap,” a vent hood. Extended out from the Fixed Service Structure (left) to the orbiter is the orbiter access arm with an environmentally controlled chamber, known as the White Room, at the end of the arm. The White Room provides entrance for the astronaut crew into the orbiter. On either side of the tail and main engines are the tail service masts. Rising 31 feet above the Mobile Launcher Platform, the tail masts provide umbilical connections for liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen lines to fuel the external tank from storage tanks adjacent to the launch pad. Discovery carries the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the primary delivery system used to resupply and return Station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. Leonardo will deliver up to 10 tons of laboratory racks filled with equipment, experiments and supplies for outfitting the newly installed U.S. Laboratory Destiny. Launch on mission STS-102 is scheduled March 8 at 6:42 a.m. EST KSC01pp0443

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Discovery shines on Launch...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Discovery shines on Launch Pad 39B after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure. Situated above the external tank is the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm with the “beanie ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rolled back, Space Shuttle Discovery is revealed, poised for launch on mission STS-102 at 6:42 a.m. EST March 8. It sits on the Mobile Launcher Platform, which straddles the flame trench below that helps deflect the intense heat of launch. Made of concrete and refractory brick, the trench is 490 feet long, 58 feet wide and 40 feet high. Situated above the external tank is the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm with the “beanie cap,” a vent hood. On this eighth construction flight to the International Space Station, Discovery carries the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the primary delivery system used to resupply and return Station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. Leonardo will deliver up to 10 tons of laboratory racks filled with equipment, experiments and supplies for outfitting the newly installed U.S. Laboratory Destiny KSC01pp0442

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rolled back, Space Shuttle Discovery is revealed, poised for launch on mission STS-102 at 6:42 a.m. EST March 8. It sits on the Mobile Launcher ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Workers watch the rollback of the Rotating Service Structure (left) from around Space Shuttle Discovery on Launch Pad 39B. Poised above the orange external tank is the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm with the “beanie cap,” a vent hood. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads. It is supported by a rotating bridge that pivots about a vertical axis on the west side of the pad’s flame trench. Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled to launch March 8 at 6:42 a.m. EST on the eighth construction flight to the International Space Station. It carries the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the primary delivery system used to resupply and return Station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. Leonardo will deliver up to 10 tons of laboratory racks filled with equipment, experiments and supplies for outfitting the newly installed U.S. Laboratory Destiny KSC01pp0441

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Workers watch the rollback of the Rotati...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Workers watch the rollback of the Rotating Service Structure (left) from around Space Shuttle Discovery on Launch Pad 39B. Poised above the orange external tank is the Gaseous Oxyg... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After the rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Endeavour catches the glow of a setting sun and the lights surrounding it on Launch Pad 39A. At the top of the external tank can be seen the “beanie cap,” a venting apparatus at the end of the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm. Below it stretches the Orbiter Access Arm with the White Room extended to the orbiter. The White Room provides a controlled environment for entry into the orbiter. Endeavour is expected to lift off on mission STS-100 on April 19, carrying the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello and the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, with a crew of seven to the International Space Station KSC-01pp0910

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After the rollback of the Rotating Serv...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After the rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Endeavour catches the glow of a setting sun and the lights surrounding it on Launch Pad 39A. At the top of the ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- From this high-level view, Space Shuttle Discovery is seen after its rollout to Launch Pad 39A. Extending toward Discovery on the right is the orbiter access arm with the White Room at the end. The White Room provides entry into the orbiter. Above the orange external tank is the gaseous oxygen vent arm with the “beanie cap” hood at the end. Beyond the pad can be seen the Atlantic Ocean. Discovery is scheduled to launch in early August on mission STS-105. Photo by Scott Andrews using a Nikon D1X camera KSC01padig239

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- From this high-level view, Space Shuttle...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- From this high-level view, Space Shuttle Discovery is seen after its rollout to Launch Pad 39A. Extending toward Discovery on the right is the orbiter access arm with the White Roo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After RSS rollback, Space Shuttle Atlantis is ready for final launch preparations. The orbiter access arm, with the environmentally controlled White Room at the end, is extended to the orbiter to allow entry into Atlantis. Above it is the gaseous oxygen vent arm with its characteristic “beanie cap” or hood placed over the external tank. The retractable arm and vent hood assembly allows gaseous oxygen vapors to vent away from the Space Shuttle vehicle. The vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boils off. At the lower end of Atlantis are the tail service masts, in front of either wing. The masts support the fluid, gas and electrical requirements of the orbiter’s liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen aft T-0 umbilicals. Launch on mission STS-104 is scheduled for 5:04 a.m. July 12. The launch is the 10th assembly flight to the International Space Station. Along with a crew of five, Atlantis will carry the joint airlock module as primary payload KSC-01pp1276

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After RSS rollback, Space Shuttle Atlant...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After RSS rollback, Space Shuttle Atlantis is ready for final launch preparations. The orbiter access arm, with the environmentally controlled White Room at the end, is extended to... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Floodlights reveal the Space Shuttle Discovery after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure in preparation for launch on mission STS-105. Above the external tank, the “beanie cap” is poised, waiting for loading of the propellants. The cap, or vent hood, is on the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm that allows gaseous oxygen vapors to vent away from the Space Shuttle. On the mission, Discovery will be transporting the Expedition Three crew and several payloads and scientific experiments to the ISS, including the Early Ammonia Servicer (EAS) tank. The EAS, which will support the thermal control subsystems until a permanent system is activated, will be attached to the Station during two spacewalks. The three-member Expedition Two crew will be returning to Earth aboard Discovery after a five-month stay on the Station. Launch is scheduled for 5:38 p.m. EDT Aug. 9 KSC01padig260

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Floodlights reveal the Space Shuttle Dis...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Floodlights reveal the Space Shuttle Discovery after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure in preparation for launch on mission STS-105. Above the external tank, the “beanie c... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Floodlights reveal the Space Shuttle Discovery after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure in preparation for launch on mission STS-105. Above the external tank, the “beanie cap” is poised, waiting for loading of the propellants. The cap, or vent hood, is on the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm that allows gaseous oxygen vapors to vent away from the Space Shuttle. Below, on either side of the orbiter’s tail are the tail service masts that support the fluid, gas and electrical requirements of the orbiter’s liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen aft T-0 umbilicals. On the mission, Discovery will be transporting the Expedition Three crew and several scientific experiments and payloads to the International Space Station, including the Early Ammonia Servicer (EAS) tank. The EAS, which will support the thermal control subsystems until a permanent system is activated, will be attached to the Station during two spacewalks. The three-member Expedition Two crew will be returning to Earth aboard Discovery after a five-month stay on the Station. Launch is scheduled for 5:38 p.m. EDT Aug. 9 KSC-01pp1449

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Floodlights reveal the Space Shuttle Dis...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Floodlights reveal the Space Shuttle Discovery after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure in preparation for launch on mission STS-105. Above the external tank, the “beanie c... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Lights surrounding Launch Pad 39A create shadows from Space Shuttle Discovery after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure. Seen extending to the orbiter is the orbiter access arm, ending at the White Room, an environmental chamber that mates with the orbiter and allows personnel to enter the crew compartment. Above the external tank, the “beanie cap” is poised, waiting for loading of the propellants. The cap, or vent hood, is on the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm that allows gaseous oxygen vapors to vent away from the Space Shuttle. On mission STS-105, Discovery will be transporting the Expedition Three crew and several scientific experiments and payloads to the International Space Station, including the Early Ammonia Servicer (EAS) tank. The EAS, which will support the thermal control subsystems until a permanent system is activated, will be attached to the Station during two spacewalks. The three-member Expedition Two crew will be returning to Earth aboard Discovery after a five-month stay on the Station. Launch is scheduled for 5:38 p.m. EDT Aug. 9 KSC-01pp1450

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Lights surrounding Launch Pad 39A create...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Lights surrounding Launch Pad 39A create shadows from Space Shuttle Discovery after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure. Seen extending to the orbiter is the orbiter access ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Endeavour is bathed in light. Seen is one of the twin solid rocket boosters that flank the orange external tank. Above the external tank is the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm that vents gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Shuttle. The vent hood assembly at the end is often referred to as the "beanie cap." Stretching to the crew hatch on the side is the Orbiter Access Arm with its environmentally controlled White Room at the end. The Shuttle sits on the Mobile Launcher Platform with the two service tail masts on either side of the main engines. The tail masts support the fluid, gas and electrical requirements of the orbiter's liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen aft T-0 umbilicals. Each tail mast is 31 feet (9.4 meters) high, 15 feet (4.6 meters) long and 9 feet (3.1 meters) wide. Endeavour is scheduled to launch on mission STS-108 Nov. 29 at 7:41 p.m. On this 12th flight to the International Space Station, known as a Utilization Flight, Endeavour will carry a crew of four plus the Expedition 4 crew, who will replace Expedition 3 aboard the ISS. The payload includes the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, filled with supplies, equipment and experiments KSC01PD1743

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Endeavour is bathed in light. Seen is one of the twin solid rocket boosters that flank the orange... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour is revealed after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39B. Seen is one of the twin solid rocket boosters that flank the orange external tank. Above the external tank is the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm that vents gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Shuttle. The vent hood assembly at the end is often referred to as the "beanie cap." Stretching to the crew hatch on the side is the Orbiter Access Arm with its environmentally controlled White Room at the end. The Shuttle sits on the Mobile Launcher Platform with the two service tail masts on either side of the main engines. The tail masts support the fluid, gas and electrical requirements of the orbiter's liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen aft T-0 umbilicals. Each tail mast is 31 feet (9.4 meters) high, 15 feet (4.6 meters) long and 9 feet (3.1 meters) wide. Endeavour is scheduled to launch on mission STS-108 Nov. 29 at 7:41 p.m. On this 12th flight to the International Space Station, known as a Utilization Flight, Endeavour will carry a crew of four plus the Expedition 4 crew, who will replace Expedition 3 aboard the ISS. The payload includes the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, filled with supplies, equipment and experiments KSC01PD1742

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour is revealed afte...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour is revealed after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39B. Seen is one of the twin solid rocket boosters that flank the orange externa... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39B rolls away from Space Shuttle Endeavour atop the Mobile Launcher Platform. The Space Shuttle comprises the orbiter and an external tank flanked by twin solid rocket boosters. Above the external tank is the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm that vents gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Shuttle. The vent hood assembly at the end is often referred to as the "beanie cap." On either side of the orbiter's tail and main engines are two tail masts that support the fluid, gas and electrical requirements of the orbiter's liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen aft T-0 umbilicals. . Each tail mast is 31 feet (9.4 meters) high, 15 feet (4.6 meters) long and 9 feet (3.1 meters) wide. Endeavour is scheduled to launch on mission STS-108 Dec. 4 at 5:45 p.m. EST. On this 12th flight to the International Space Station, known as a Utilization Flight, Endeavour will carry a crew of four plus the Expedition 4 crew, who will replace Expedition 3 aboard the ISS. The payload includes the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, filled with supplies, equipment and experiments KSC01PD1761

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The Rotating Service Structure on Launc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39B rolls away from Space Shuttle Endeavour atop the Mobile Launcher Platform. The Space Shuttle comprises the orbiter and an extern... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Rain on the ground around Space Shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39B reflects the many lights illluminating the Rotating Service Structure (at left), Fixed Service Structure and Shuttle. Twin solid rocket boosters flank the orange external tank behind Endeavour. Above the external tank is the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm that vents gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Shuttle. The vent hood assembly at the end is often referred to as the "beanie cap." Stretching from the FSS to the crew hatch on the side of Endeavour is the Orbiter Access Arm with its environmentally controlled White Room at the end, through which the crew enters the vehicle. The Shuttle sits on the Mobile Launcher Platform with the two service tail masts on either side of the main engines. The tail masts support the fluid, gas and electrical requirements of the orbiter's liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen aft T-0 umbilicals. Each tail mast is 31 feet (9.4 meters) high, 15 feet (4.6 meters) long and 9 feet (3.1 meters) wide. Endeavour is scheduled to launch on mission STS-108 Dec. 4 at 5:45 p.m. EST. On this 12th flight to the International Space Station, known as a Utilization Flight, Endeavour will carry a crew of four plus the Expedition 4 crew, who will replace Expedition 3 aboard the ISS. The payload includes the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, filled with supplies, equipment and experiments KSC01PD1762

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Rain on the ground around Space Shuttl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Rain on the ground around Space Shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39B reflects the many lights illluminating the Rotating Service Structure (at left), Fixed Service Structure and S... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Columbia is revealed waiting for launch Feb. 28, 2002, at 6:48 a.m. EST (11:48 GMT) on mission STS-109. In the photo is seen the Orbiter Access Arm stretched to Columbia's cockpit, plus the "beanie cap" above the external tank. The cap is a vent hood allowing release of gaseous oxygen. A Hubble Servicing Mission, the goal is to replace Solar Array 2 with Solar Array 3, replace the Power Control Unit, remove the Faint Object Camera and install the ACS, install the Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) Cooling System, and install New Outer Blanket Layer insulation. KSC-02pd0186

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the Rotating Service St...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Columbia is revealed waiting for launch Feb. 28, 2002, at 6:48 a.m. EST (11:48 GMT) on mission STS-109. In the photo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Rollback of the Rotating Service Structure for the second time after a scrub of mission STS-109 the day before reveals Space Shuttle Columbia on Launch Pad 39A. The clear blue Florida sky and Atlantic Ocean provide a backdrop. Above the orange-colored external tank is poised the "beanie cap," the gaseous oxygen vent hood. Extending to the side of Columbia is the Orbiter Access Arm with the environmentally controlled White Room at the end. The White Room provides entry for the crew into the orbiter. Columbia sits atop the Mobile Launcher Platform which has an opening to the flame trench below. Columbia is rescheduled for launch on mission STS-109 March 1 at 6:22 a.m. EST (11:22 GMT). The 11-day mission will provide maintenance and upgrade to the Hubble Space Telescope, replacing Solar Array 2 with Solar Array 3, replacing the Power Control Unit, installing the ACS (after removing the Faint Object Camera ), the Near Infrared Camera, the Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) Cooling System, and the New Outer Blanket Layer insulation. KSC-02pd0191

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Rollback of the Rotating Service Structur...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Rollback of the Rotating Service Structure for the second time after a scrub of mission STS-109 the day before reveals Space Shuttle Columbia on Launch Pad 39A. The clear blue Flor... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Rotating Service Structure (RSS) rolls back to launch position for the second time in two days after a scrub of mission STS-109 the day before. NASA managers had determined the unseasonably cold weather predicted at launch time was at the margin of acceptable limits. This view shows Space Shuttle Columbia atop the Mobile Launcher Platform on Launch Pad 39A. Twin solid rocket boosters flank the orange-colored external tank. Above the tank is the "beanie cap," the gaseous oxygen vent hood. Workers at the base of the RSS illustrate the colossal size of the launch apparatus. Columbia is rescheduled for launch on mission STS-109 March 1 at 6:22 a.m. EST (11:22 GMT). The 11-day mission will provide maintenance and upgrade to the Hubble Space Telescope, replacing Solar Array 2 with Solar Array 3, replacing the Power Control Unit, installing the ACS (after removing the Faint Object Camera ), the Near Infrared Camera, the Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) Cooling System, and the New Outer Blanket Layer insulation. KSC-02pd0189

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Rotating Service Structure (RSS) roll...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Rotating Service Structure (RSS) rolls back to launch position for the second time in two days after a scrub of mission STS-109 the day before. NASA managers had determined the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Rollback of the Rotating Service Structure for the second time, after a scrub of mission STS-109 the day before, provides an unfettered look at Space Shuttle Columbia on Launch Pad 39A. The nearby water gives an impressionistic view. Above the orange-colored external tank is poised the "beanie cap," the gaseous oxygen vent hood. Extending to the side of Columbia is the Orbiter Access Arm with the environmentally controlled White Room at the end. The White Room provides entry for the crew into the orbiter. Columbia sits atop the Mobile Launcher Platform. At right is the 290-foot-tall water tower that holds 300,000 gallons of water, part of the sound suppression system during a launch. Columbia is rescheduled for launch on mission STS-109 March 1 at 6:22 a.m. EST (11:22 GMT). The 11-day mission will provide maintenance and upgrade to the Hubble Space Telescope, replacing Solar Array 2 with Solar Array 3, replacing the Power Control Unit, installing the ACS (after removing the Faint Object Camera ), the Near Infrared Camera, the Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) Cooling System, and the New Outer Blanket Layer insulation. KSC-02pd0192

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Rollback of the Rotating Service Structu...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Rollback of the Rotating Service Structure for the second time, after a scrub of mission STS-109 the day before, provides an unfettered look at Space Shuttle Columbia on Launch Pad... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis is revealed as the Rotating Service Structure rolls back into launch position. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad. The structure has access platforms at five levels to provide access to the payload bay. The Shuttle rests on the Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP), which straddles the flame trench below. The flame trench is part of the Flame Deflector System that insulates pad structures from the intense heat of the launch. Above the golden external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle vehicle. Mission STS-110 is scheduled to launch April 4 on its 11-day mission to the International Space Station KSC-02pd0390

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis is revealed as t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis is revealed as the Rotating Service Structure rolls back into launch position. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With the Rotating Service Structure (left) rolled back from Space Shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39A, the xenon lights are turned on. Endeavour rests on the Mobile Launcher Platform that straddles the flame trench below. The trench is 490 feet long, 58 feet wide and 40 feet high. Above the orange external tank behind Endeavour is the "beanie cap," or vent hood assembly at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. STS-111 is the second Utilization Flight to the International Space Station, carrying the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the Mobile Base System (MBS), and a replacement wrist/roll joint for the Canadarm 2. Also onboard Space Shuttle Endeavour is the Expedition 5 crew who will replace Expedition 4 on board the Station. The MBS will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Expedition 4 crew members will return to Earth with the STS-111 crew on Endeavour. Launch is scheduled at 7:44 p.m. EDT, May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0816

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With the Rotating Service Structure (left) rolled back from Space Shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39A, the xenon lights are turned on. Endeavour rests on the Mobile Launcher Platf... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Endeavour is bathed in light. Seen above the orange external tank behind Endeavour is the "beanie cap," or vent hood assembly at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. The orbiter access arm extends to the cockpit area of Endeavour. At the end of the arm is the White Room, , an environmental chamber that provides crew access into the orbiter. STS-111 is the second Utilization Flight to the International Space Station, carrying the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the Mobile Base System (MBS), and a replacement wrist/roll joint for the Canadarm 2. Also onboard Space Shuttle Endeavour is the Expedition 5 crew who will replace Expedition 4 on board the Station. The MBS will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Expedition 4 crew members will return to Earth with the STS-111 crew on Endeavour. Launch is scheduled at 7:44 p.m. EDT, May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0817

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the Rotating Service St...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Endeavour is bathed in light. Seen above the orange external tank behind Endeavour is the "beanie cap," or vent hood... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Lights define the Fixed Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A where Space Shuttle Endeavour, also bathed in light, sits ready for launch atop the Mobile Launcher Platform. Seen above the orange external tank behind Endeavour is the "beanie cap," or vent hood assembly at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. STS-111 is the second Utilization Flight to the International Space Station, carrying the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the Mobile Base System (MBS), and a replacement wrist/roll joint for the Canadarm 2. Also onboard Space Shuttle Endeavour is the Expedition 5 crew who will replace Expedition 4 on board the Station. The MBS will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Expedition 4 crew members will return to Earth with the STS-111 crew on Endeavour. Launch is scheduled for 7:44 p.m. EDT, May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0820

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Lights define the Fixed Service Structu...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Lights define the Fixed Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A where Space Shuttle Endeavour, also bathed in light, sits ready for launch atop the Mobile Launcher Platform. Seen abov... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Atlantis is revealed on pad 39B prior to launch. The orbiter access arm with the White Room at the end can be seen extending toward the cockpit. The White Room provides entry into the Shuttle for the crew. Above the orange external tank is the vent hood, called the "beanie cap." The Shuttle is scheduled for launch Oct. 7 at 3:46 p.m. EDT on mission STS-112. KSC-02pd1442

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Atlantis is revealed on pad 39B prior to launch. The orbiter access arm with the White Room at the end can be seen ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Atlantis is revealed on pad 39B prior to launch. The orbiter access arm with the White Room at the end can be seen extending toward the cockpit. The White Room provides entry into the Shuttle for the crew. Above the orange external tank is the vent hood, called the "beanie cap." The Shuttle is scheduled for launch Oct. 7 at 3:46 p.m. EDT on mission STS-112. KSC-02pd1443

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Atlantis is revealed on pad 39B prior to launch. The orbiter access arm with the White Room at the end can be seen ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rolled back, Space Shuttle Endeavour stands ready for launch on mission STS-113. Above the golden external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle vehicle. The Orbiter Access Arm extends from the Fixed Service Structure (FSS) to the crew compartment hatch, through which the STS-113 crew will enter Endeavour. STS-113 is the 16th American assembly flight to the International Space Station. The primary mission is bringing the Expedition 6 crew to the Station and returning the Expedition 5 crew to Earth. The major objective of the mission is delivery of the Port 1 (P1) Integrated Truss Assembly, which will be attached to the port side of the S0 truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install and activate the truss and its associated equipment. Launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-113 is scheduled for Nov. 11 at 12:58 a.m. EST. KSC-02pd1697

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rolled back, Space Shuttle Endeavour stands ready for launch on mission STS-113. Above the golden external tank is the vent hood (known as the "... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A, the top of Space Shuttle Columbia's external tank and solid rocket booster are bathed in sunlight. Shadows from the Fixed Service Structure stretch across the Shuttle and landscape. Visible are the orbiter access arm with the White Room extended to Columbia's cockpit, and at the top, the gaseous oxygen vent arm and cap, called the "beanie cap." Columbia is scheduled for launch Jan. 16 at 10:39 a.m. EST on mission STS-107, a research mission. KSC-03pd0075

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A, the top of Space Shuttle Columbia's external tank and solid rocket booster are bathed in sunlight. Shadows from... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The driver in the foreground controls the rollback of the Rotating Service Structure from around Space Shuttle Columbia, which is bathed in shadows. Visible are the orbiter access arm with the White Room extended to Columbia's cockpit, and at the top, the gaseous oxygen vent arm and cap, called the "beanie cap." Columbia is scheduled for launch Jan. 16 at 10:39 a.m. EST on mission STS-107. KSC-03pd0073

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The driver in the foreground controls t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The driver in the foreground controls the rollback of the Rotating Service Structure from around Space Shuttle Columbia, which is bathed in shadows. Visible are the orbiter acces... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Cast in late afternoon shadows, Space Shuttle Columbia is revealed as the Rotating Service Structure rolls back. The Shuttle sits atop the Mobile Launcher Platform. Near the top is seen the orbiter access arm with the White Room at the end. The White Room provides entry into the Shuttle for the crew. Above the orange external tank is the gaseous oxygen vent arm and cap, called the "beanie cap." Columbia is scheduled for launch Jan. 16 at 10:39 a.m. EST on mission STS-107. KSC-03pd0072

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Cast in late afternoon shadows, Space Sh...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Cast in late afternoon shadows, Space Shuttle Columbia is revealed as the Rotating Service Structure rolls back. The Shuttle sits atop the Mobile Launcher Platform. Near the top i... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Columbia is revealed atop its Mobile Launch Platform. Visible is the gaseous oxygen vent arm and cap, called the "beanie cap", extended above the orange external tank. Columbia is scheduled for launch Jan. 16 at 10:39 a.m. EST on mission STS-107, a research mission. KSC-03pd0076

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Columbia is revealed atop its Mobile Launch Platform. Visible is the gaseous oxygen vent arm and... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The late afternoon sun highlights the external tank and solid rocket booster on Space Shuttle Columbia after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A. Visible are the orbiter access arm with the White Room extended to Columbia's cockpit, and at the top, the gaseous oxygen vent arm and cap, called the "beanie cap." Columbia is scheduled for launch Jan. 16 at 10:39 a.m. EST on mission STS-107, a research mission. KSC-03pd0074

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The late afternoon sun highlights the e...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The late afternoon sun highlights the external tank and solid rocket booster on Space Shuttle Columbia after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A. Visible ... More

U.S. Marine Corps CPL. Tameka Y. Shanks, Combat Engineer, attached to the 4th Civil Affair Detachment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, talks with an Iraqi girl and presents her with a Beanie Baby during a visit. The detachment brought toys, food and supplies to the small village during Security and Stabilization Operations in the Western Al Anbar Province of Iraq. Dec. 30, 2004. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by GUNNERY SGT. Kevin W. Williams) (Released)

U.S. Marine Corps CPL. Tameka Y. Shanks, Combat Engineer, attached to ...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Camera Operator: GUNNER SGT Kevin Williams, USMC Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service... More

An interpreter (extreme left) for the U.S. Army 33rd Army Support Group, along with U.S. Army STAFF SGT. Jason Deleff (center) and SPEC. Charles An (right), prepare to pass out Beanie Babies toys to children at the Khanabad Elementary School during a humanitarian mission at Khanabad, Uzbekistan, on Feb. 3, 2005. (U.S. Air Force PHOTO by LT. COL. Bob Champion) (Released)

An interpreter (extreme left) for the U.S. Army 33rd Army Support Grou...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Khanabad Country: Uzbekistan (UZB) Scene Camera Operator: LT COL Bob Champion, USAF Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service ... More

On March 17, 2006 soldiers from Bravo, 2-22 Infantry from Military Police Liberty and Iraqi soldiers from 3rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division located on Forward Operating Base Constitution held a MEDCAP for citizens of Bassam Village. The MEDCAP was held at Kardum Shihan School near Route Whalers. The purpose of the operation was to assist with humanitarn Iraqi Army needs and develop targetable intelligence. 1ST. LT. Mercy Ukpe from C 2-22 Infantry, 1ST Brigade Support Troops Battalion handed out Beanie Babies to children.(U.S. Army photo by STAFF SGT. Kevin L. Moses Sr.) (Released)

On March 17, 2006 soldiers from Bravo, 2-22 Infantry from Military Pol...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Liberty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 10TH MTN DIV Scene Camera Op... More

On March 17, 2006 soldiers from Bravo, 2-22 Infantry from Military Police Liberty and Iraqi soldiers from 3rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division located on Forward Operating Base Constitution held a MEDCAP for citizens of Bassam Village. The MEDCAP was held at Kardum Shihan School near Route Whalers. The purpose of the operation was to assist with humanitarn Iraqi Army needs and develop targetable intelligence. 1ST. LT. Mercy Ukpe from C 2-22 Infantry, 1ST Brigade Support Troops Battalion handed out Beanie Babies to children.(U.S. Army photo by STAFF SGT. Kevin L. Moses Sr.) (Released)

On March 17, 2006 soldiers from Bravo, 2-22 Infantry from Military Pol...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Liberty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 10TH MTN DIV Scene Camera Op... More

On March 17, 2006 soldiers from Bravo, 2-22 Infantry from Military Police Liberty and Iraqi soldiers from 3rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division located on Forward Operating Base Constitution held a MEDCAP for citizens of Bassam Village. The MEDCAP was held at Kardum Shihan School near Route Whalers. The purpose of the operation was to assist with humanitarn Iraqi Army needs and develop targetable intelligence. 1ST. LT. Mercy Ukpe from C 2-22 Infantry, 1ST Brigade Support Troops Battalion handed out Beanie Babies to children.(U.S. Army photo by STAFF SGT. Kevin L. Moses Sr.) (Released)

On March 17, 2006 soldiers from Bravo, 2-22 Infantry from Military Pol...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Liberty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 10TH MTN DIV Scene Camera Op... More

On March 17, 2006 soldiers from Bravo, 2-22 Infantry from Military Police Liberty and Iraqi soldiers from 3rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division located on Forward Operating Base Constitution held a MEDCAP for citizens of Bassam Village. The MEDCAP was held at Kardum Shihan School near Route Whalers. The purpose of the operation was to assist with humanitarn Iraqi Army needs and develop targetable intelligence. 1ST. LT. Mercy Ukpe from C 2-22 Infantry, 1ST Brigade Support Troops Battalion handed out Beanie Babies to children.(U.S. Army photo by STAFF SGT. Kevin L. Moses Sr.) (Released)

On March 17, 2006 soldiers from Bravo, 2-22 Infantry from Military Pol...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Liberty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 10TH MTN DIV Scene Camera Op... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In preparation for the July 1 launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121, the Launch Pad 39B rotating service structure (RSS) enclosing the shuttle has been rolled away. Above the golden external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the space shuttle vehicle. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad. The structure is supported by a rotating bridge that pivots about a vertical axis on the west side of the pad's flame trench. The hinge column rests on the pad surface and is braced to the fixed service structure. Support for the outer end of the bridge is provided by two eight-wheel, motor-driven trucks that move along circular twin rails installed flush with the pad surface. The track crosses the flame trench on a permanent bridge. The RSS is 102 feet long, 50 feet wide and 130 feet high. The structure has orbiter access platforms at five levels to provide access to the payload bay while the orbiter is being serviced in the RSS. Each platform has independent extendable planks that can be arranged to conform to a payload's configuration. This mission is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1303

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In preparation for the July 1 launch of ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In preparation for the July 1 launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121, the Launch Pad 39B rotating service structure (RSS) enclosing the shuttle has been rolled away. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the rotating service structure (RSS) on Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Discovery stands bathed in lights. Rollback was in preparation for launch July 1 on mission STS-121. Extending toward the cockpit of the shuttle is the orbiter access arm with the White Room extended. The White Room provides access into the orbiter for the astronauts. Above the golden external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the space shuttle vehicle. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad. The structure is supported by a rotating bridge that pivots about a vertical axis on the west side of the pad's flame trench. The hinge column rests on the pad surface and is braced to the fixed service structure. Support for the outer end of the bridge is provided by two eight-wheel, motor-driven trucks that move along circular twin rails installed flush with the pad surface. The track crosses the flame trench on a permanent bridge. The RSS is 102 feet long, 50 feet wide and 130 feet high. The structure has orbiter access platforms at five levels to provide access to the payload bay while the orbiter is being serviced in the RSS. Each platform has independent extendable planks that can be arranged to conform to a payload's configuration. This mission is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1310

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the rotating service ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the rotating service structure (RSS) on Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Discovery stands bathed in lights. Rollback was in preparation for launch July 1 on missio... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Against a dimming sky after sunset, lights on the structures on Launch Pad 39B cast a warm glow on Space Shuttle Discovery. The rotating service structure at left has been rolled back in preparation for launch July 1 on mission STS-121. Extending toward the cockpit of the shuttle is the orbiter access arm with the White Room extended. The White Room provides access into the orbiter for the astronauts. Above the golden external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the space shuttle vehicle. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad. The structure is supported by a rotating bridge that pivots about a vertical axis on the west side of the pad's flame trench. The hinge column rests on the pad surface and is braced to the fixed service structure. Support for the outer end of the bridge is provided by two eight-wheel, motor-driven trucks that move along circular twin rails installed flush with the pad surface. The track crosses the flame trench on a permanent bridge. The RSS is 102 feet long, 50 feet wide and 130 feet high. The structure has orbiter access platforms at five levels to provide access to the payload bay while the orbiter is being serviced in the RSS. Each platform has independent extendable planks that can be arranged to conform to a payload's configuration. This mission is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1309

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Against a dimming sky after sunset, lig...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Against a dimming sky after sunset, lights on the structures on Launch Pad 39B cast a warm glow on Space Shuttle Discovery. The rotating service structure at left has been rolled... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Lights glow around Space Shuttle Discovery as it stands revealed after rollback of the rotating service structure in preparation for launch July 1 on mission STS-121. Above the golden external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the space shuttle vehicle. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad. The structure is supported by a rotating bridge that pivots about a vertical axis on the west side of the pad's flame trench. The hinge column rests on the pad surface and is braced to the fixed service structure. Support for the outer end of the bridge is provided by two eight-wheel, motor-driven trucks that move along circular twin rails installed flush with the pad surface. The track crosses the flame trench on a permanent bridge. The RSS is 102 feet long, 50 feet wide and 130 feet high. The structure has orbiter access platforms at five levels to provide access to the payload bay while the orbiter is being serviced in the RSS. Each platform has independent extendable planks that can be arranged to conform to a payload's configuration. This mission is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1305

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Lights glow around Space Shuttle Discove...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Lights glow around Space Shuttle Discovery as it stands revealed after rollback of the rotating service structure in preparation for launch July 1 on mission STS-121. Above the go... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the rotating service structure (RSS) on Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Discovery seems to glow in the spotlights. Rollback was in preparation for launch July 1 on mission STS-121. Seen above the golden external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the space shuttle vehicle. Extending toward the cockpit of the shuttle is the orbiter access arm with the White Room extended. The White Room provides access into the orbiter for the astronauts. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad. The structure is supported by a rotating bridge that pivots about a vertical axis on the west side of the pad's flame trench. The hinge column rests on the pad surface and is braced to the fixed service structure. Support for the outer end of the bridge is provided by two eight-wheel, motor-driven trucks that move along circular twin rails installed flush with the pad surface. The track crosses the flame trench on a permanent bridge. The RSS is 102 feet long, 50 feet wide and 130 feet high. The structure has orbiter access platforms at five levels to provide access to the payload bay while the orbiter is being serviced in the RSS. Each platform has independent extendable planks that can be arranged to conform to a payload's configuration. This mission is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1313

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the rotating service ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the rotating service structure (RSS) on Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Discovery seems to glow in the spotlights. Rollback was in preparation for launch July 1 o... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As the sun sets, painting pink and lavender clouds, the Space Shuttle Discovery is revealed after rollback of the rotating service structure in preparation for launch July 1 on mission STS-121. Above the golden external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the space shuttle vehicle. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad. The structure is supported by a rotating bridge that pivots about a vertical axis on the west side of the pad's flame trench. The hinge column rests on the pad surface and is braced to the fixed service structure. Support for the outer end of the bridge is provided by two eight-wheel, motor-driven trucks that move along circular twin rails installed flush with the pad surface. The track crosses the flame trench on a permanent bridge. The RSS is 102 feet long, 50 feet wide and 130 feet high. The structure has orbiter access platforms at five levels to provide access to the payload bay while the orbiter is being serviced in the RSS. Each platform has independent extendable planks that can be arranged to conform to a payload's configuration. This mission is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1304

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As the sun sets, painting pink and laven...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As the sun sets, painting pink and lavender clouds, the Space Shuttle Discovery is revealed after rollback of the rotating service structure in preparation for launch July 1 on mis... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In preparation for the July 1 launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121, the Launch Pad 39B rotating service structure (RSS) enclosing the shuttle begins to roll away as light starts to fade from the sky. Above the golden external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the space shuttle vehicle. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad. The structure is supported by a rotating bridge that pivots about a vertical axis on the west side of the pad's flame trench. The hinge column rests on the pad surface and is braced to the fixed service structure. Support for the outer end of the bridge is provided by two eight-wheel, motor-driven trucks that move along circular twin rails installed flush with the pad surface. The track crosses the flame trench on a permanent bridge. The RSS is 102 feet long, 50 feet wide and 130 feet high. The structure has orbiter access platforms at five levels to provide access to the payload bay while the orbiter is being serviced in the RSS. Each platform has independent extendable planks that can be arranged to conform to a payload's configuration. This mission is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1298

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In preparation for the July 1 launch of...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In preparation for the July 1 launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121, the Launch Pad 39B rotating service structure (RSS) enclosing the shuttle begins to roll away a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the rotating service structure (RSS) on Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Discovery stands bathed in spotlights (seen in foreground). Rollback was in preparation for launch July 1 on mission STS-121. Seen above the golden external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the space shuttle vehicle. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad. The structure is supported by a rotating bridge that pivots about a vertical axis on the west side of the pad's flame trench. The hinge column rests on the pad surface and is braced to the fixed service structure. Support for the outer end of the bridge is provided by two eight-wheel, motor-driven trucks that move along circular twin rails installed flush with the pad surface. The track crosses the flame trench on a permanent bridge. The RSS is 102 feet long, 50 feet wide and 130 feet high. The structure has orbiter access platforms at five levels to provide access to the payload bay while the orbiter is being serviced in the RSS. Each platform has independent extendable planks that can be arranged to conform to a payload's configuration. This mission is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1311

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the rotating service ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the rotating service structure (RSS) on Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Discovery stands bathed in spotlights (seen in foreground). Rollback was in preparation f... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis sits on the hardstand of Launch Pad 39B after its nearly 8-hour rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The "beanie cap," at the end of the external tank gaseous oxygen vent arm, is extended over the top of the external tank. The cap is a vent hood that vacuums away the very cold liquid oxygen vapors as they boil off from the top of the external tank before launch. Lower down on the left is the orbiter access arm, with the White Room on the outer end, extended toward Atlantis' crew access hatch. Below the orbiter, on each side of the main engine nozzles, are the tail service masts that provide several umbilical connections to the orbiter, including a liquid-oxygen line through one and a liquid-hydrogen line through another. The slow speed of the crawler results in a 6- to 8-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 & George Shelton KSC-06pd1722

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis sits on the har...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis sits on the hardstand of Launch Pad 39B after its nearly 8-hour rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The "beanie cap," at the end of the external ta... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This closeup of Space Shuttle Atlantis on the hardstand of Launch Pad 39B shows the surrounding area, including the Atlantic Ocean in the background. Above the orange external tank is the "beanie cap" at the end of the external tank gaseous oxygen vent arm. The cap is a vent hood that vacuums away the very cold liquid oxygen vapors as they boil off from the top of the external tank before launch. Lower down is the orbiter access arm, with the White Room on the outer end, extended toward Atlantis' crew access hatch. The slow speed of the crawler results in a 6- to 8-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 & George Shelton KSC-06pd1723

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This closeup of Space Shuttle Atlantis...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This closeup of Space Shuttle Atlantis on the hardstand of Launch Pad 39B shows the surrounding area, including the Atlantic Ocean in the background. Above the orange external t... More

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