cell

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission is moved out of the checkout cell. The tank will be lowered into high bay 3 onto the mobile launcher platform and attached to the solid rocket boosters already installed. Atlantis' STS-125 mission is the fifth and final shuttle servicing mission to NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. Launch is targeted for May 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-1166

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission is moved out of the checkout cell. The tan... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, external tank No. 125 is raised off its transporter. The tank will be raised to a vertical position and then lifted into a checkout cell in high bay 4 to allow for processing. The tank will be part of the space shuttle stack for mission STS-122 targeted to launch Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-07pd2473

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, external tank No. 125 is raised off its transporter. The tank will be raised to a vertical position and then lifted into a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 is being transported from the Pegasus barge in the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area to the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, shipped from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, has undergone major safety changes, including removal of the protuberance air load ramps. It is designated to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-116 in December. Mission STS-116 will deliver the P5 truss segment, a SPACEHAB module and other key components to the International Space Station. Launch is currently scheduled no earlier than Dec. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd2178

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 is being transpor...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 is being transported from the Pegasus barge in the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area to the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will be lifted into a c... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 makes the turn toward the Vehicle Assembly Building after being offloaded from the Pegasus barge in the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area. Once inside the VAB, the tank will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. Shipped from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, the tank has undergone major safety changes, including removal of the protuberance air load ramps. It is designated to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-116 in December. Mission STS-116 will deliver the P5 truss segment, a SPACEHAB module and other key components to the International Space Station. Launch is currently scheduled no earlier than Dec. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd2180

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Pegasus barge carrying the external tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope is tied to the dock in the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area of NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The tank will offloaded and moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building. Once inside the building, the tank will be raised to vertical, lifted and moved into a checkout cell. Stacking of the tank and solid rocket boosters is planned to start Aug. 7. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd1979

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Pegasus barge carrying the external tank ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Pegasus barge carrying the external tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope is tied to the dock in the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission is being lifted from the checkout cell of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building for transfer into high bay 2 and assembly with the solid rocket boosters already stacked on the mobile launch platform. The STS-129 mission is targeted to launch Nov. 12 on an 11-day supply mission to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-5179

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission is being lifted from the checkout cell of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building for transfer into high b... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- External tank No. 120 is suspended vertically above the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at KSC. The tank will next be lifted into a checkout cell. ET-120 will be prepared for stacking with solid rocket boosters to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-120 in October. The mission is the 23rd to the International Space Station and will launch an Italian-built, U.S. multi-port module known as Harmony for the station. Christened after a school contest, Harmony will provide attachment points for European and Japanese laboratory modules. NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd2150

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- External tank No. 120 is suspended vert...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- External tank No. 120 is suspended vertically above the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at KSC. The tank will next be lifted into a checkout cell. ET-120 will be... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- External tank No. 124 is moved from its checkout cell in the Vehicle Assembly Building to high bay 1 where it will be mated with the solid rocket boosters for mission STS-117. The boosters are already in place on the mobile launcher platform in the VAB. The mission is targeted to launch on March 16 aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0138

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- External tank No. 124 is moved from its...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- External tank No. 124 is moved from its checkout cell in the Vehicle Assembly Building to high bay 1 where it will be mated with the solid rocket boosters for mission STS-117. Th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the external tank for space shuttle Discovery is suspended over the transfer aisle as it is lifted up into a checkout cell for processing. The tank will be stacked with solid rocket boosters for Discovery's launch on the STS-124 mission. On the mission, the shuttle will transport the Kibo Japanese Experiment Module - Pressurized Module and the Japanese Remote Manipulator System. Launch is targeted for May 25. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd0889

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the external tank for space shuttle Discovery is suspended over the transfer aisle as it is lifted up into a checko... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Liberty Star (left) tows the Pegasus barge through Port Canaveral, the last leg of its journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to Kennedy Space Center. The barge carries the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115. A tugboat will continue the journey upriver to the Turn Basin where, after off-loading, the tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-118, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd1013

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Liberty Star (left) tows the Pegasu...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Liberty Star (left) tows the Pegasus barge through Port Canaveral, the last leg of its journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to Kennedy Space Center. The b... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at KSC, a crane lifts external tank No. 120 into the upper regions. The tank is being lifted for a move into a checkout cell. The tank will be prepared for stacking with solid rocket boosters to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-120 in October. The mission is the 23rd to the International Space Station and will launch an Italian-built, U.S. multi-port module known as Harmony for the station. Christened after a school contest, Harmony will provide attachment points for European and Japanese laboratory modules. NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd2151

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at KSC, a crane lifts external tank No. 120 into the upper regions. The tank is being lifted for a move into a checkout cell. The tank will be ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission is being moved from the checkout cell of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to high bay 2 for assembly with the solid rocket boosters already stacked on the mobile launch platform. The STS-129 mission is targeted to launch Nov. 12 on an 11-day supply mission to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-5181

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission is being moved from the checkout cell of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to high bay 2 for assembl... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Pegasus barge passes under the Roy D. Bridges Bridge in the Banana River, as it nears the end of its journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to Kennedy Space Center. The barge carries the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Discovery on the next shuttle mission, STS-121. After off-loading, the tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-119, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from a ramp came off during the last shuttle launch in July 2005. The ramps were removed to eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. The next launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. KSC-06pd0405

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Pegasus barge passes under the Roy D...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Pegasus barge passes under the Roy D. Bridges Bridge in the Banana River, as it nears the end of its journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to Kennedy Space ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Pegasus barge, towed by the solid rocket booster retrieval ship Freedom Star to Port Canaveral from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, waits for a tug boat to finish the trip to the turn basin near NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building. The barge carries the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch the Space Shuttle Discovery on the next shuttle mission, STS-121. After off-loading, the tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-119, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from one of the ramps came off during the July 2005 launch of the last shuttle mission. The ramps were removed to help eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. Launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-06pd0382

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Pegasus barge, towed by the solid r...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Pegasus barge, towed by the solid rocket booster retrieval ship Freedom Star to Port Canaveral from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, waits for a tug boat to fini... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Freedom Star tows the Pegasus barge through Port Canaveral, the last leg of its journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to Kennedy Space Center. The barge carries the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Discovery on the next shuttle mission, STS-121. After off-loading, the tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-119, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from a ramp came off during the last shuttle launch in July 2005. The ramps were removed to eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. The next launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. KSC-06pd0402

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Freedom Star tows the Pegasus barge ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Freedom Star tows the Pegasus barge through Port Canaveral, the last leg of its journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to Kennedy Space Center. The barge ca... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Pegasus barge, towed by the solid rocket booster retrieval ship Freedom Star to Port Canaveral from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, waits for a tug boat to finish the trip to the turn basin near NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building. The barge carries the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch the Space Shuttle Discovery on the next shuttle mission, STS-121. After off-loading, the tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-119, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from one of the ramps came off during the July 2005 launch of the last shuttle mission. The ramps were removed to help eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. Launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-06pd0380

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Pegasus barge, towed by the solid r...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Pegasus barge, towed by the solid rocket booster retrieval ship Freedom Star to Port Canaveral from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, waits for a tug boat to fini... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A tow vehicle is connected to the transporter supporting the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Discovery on the next shuttle mission, STS-121. The Pegasus barge delivered the tank from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39 turn basin. After off-loading, the tank will be moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-119, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from a ramp came off during the last shuttle launch in July 2005. The ramps were removed to eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. The next launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. KSC-06pd0410

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A tow vehicle is connected to the transp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A tow vehicle is connected to the transporter supporting the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Discovery on the next shuttle mission, STS-121. The Pegasu... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Pegasus barge is docked in the turn basin close by the Vehicle Assembly Building. The barge delivered the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Discovery on the next shuttle mission, STS-121, from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. After off-loading, the tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-119, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from a ramp came off during the last shuttle launch in July 2005. The ramps were removed to eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. The next launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. KSC-06pd0408

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Pegasus barge is docked in the turn ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Pegasus barge is docked in the turn basin close by the Vehicle Assembly Building. The barge delivered the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Discovery... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Discovery on the next shuttle mission, STS-121, is towed from the Launch Complex 39 turn basin to the Vehicle Assembly Building. The Pegasus barge delivered the tank from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. After the tank is moved into the VAB, it will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-119, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from a ramp came off during the last shuttle launch in July 2005. The ramps were removed to eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. The next launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. KSC-06pd0411

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Discovery on the next shuttle mission, STS-121, is towed from the Launch Complex 39 turn basin to the Vehicle Assem... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Pegasus barge makes its way through Port Canaveral, the last leg of its journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to Kennedy Space Center. The barge carries the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Discovery on the next shuttle mission, STS-121. After off-loading, the tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-119, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from a ramp came off during the last shuttle launch in July 2005. The ramps were removed to eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. The next launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. KSC-06pd0403

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Pegasus barge makes its way through ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Pegasus barge makes its way through Port Canaveral, the last leg of its journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to Kennedy Space Center. The barge carries th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Pegasus barge, towed by the solid rocket booster retrieval ship Freedom Star, approaches Port Canaveral. The barge carries the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch the Space Shuttle Discovery on the next shuttle mission, STS-121. It left the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans Feb. 25, making the voyage around the Florida Peninsula in five days. Next stop for the barge is the turn basin near NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building. After off-loading, the tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-119, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from one of the ramps came off during the July 2005 launch of the last shuttle mission. The ramps were removed to help eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. Launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-06pd0378

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Pegasus barge, towed by the solid ro...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Pegasus barge, towed by the solid rocket booster retrieval ship Freedom Star, approaches Port Canaveral. The barge carries the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Pegasus barge traverses the locks at Port Canaveral, as it nears the end of its journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to Kennedy Space Center. The barge carries the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Discovery on the next shuttle mission, STS-121. After off-loading, the tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-119, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from a ramp came off during the last shuttle launch in July 2005. The ramps were removed to eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. The next launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. KSC-06pd0404

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Pegasus barge traverses the locks at...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Pegasus barge traverses the locks at Port Canaveral, as it nears the end of its journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to Kennedy Space Center. The barge ca... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Freedom Star tows the Pegasus barge to the entrance of Port Canaveral, the last leg of its journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to Kennedy Space Center. The barge carries the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Discovery on the next shuttle mission, STS-121. After off-loading, the tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-119, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from a ramp came off during the last shuttle launch in July 2005. The ramps were removed to eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. The next launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. KSC-06pd0400

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Freedom Star tows the Pegasus barge ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Freedom Star tows the Pegasus barge to the entrance of Port Canaveral, the last leg of its journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to Kennedy Space Center. T... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Pegasus barge, towed by the solid rocket booster retrieval ship Freedom Star to Port Canaveral from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, waits for a tug boat to finish the trip to the turn basin near NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building. The barge carries the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch the Space Shuttle Discovery on the next shuttle mission, STS-121. After off-loading, the tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-119, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from one of the ramps came off during the July 2005 launch of the last shuttle mission. The ramps were removed to help eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. Launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-06pd0381

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Pegasus barge, towed by the solid r...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Pegasus barge, towed by the solid rocket booster retrieval ship Freedom Star to Port Canaveral from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, waits for a tug boat to fini... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Towed by the Freedom Star, the Pegasus barge enters Port Canaveral, the last leg of its journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to Kennedy Space Center. The barge carries the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Discovery on the next shuttle mission, STS-121. After off-loading, the tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-119, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from a ramp came off during the last shuttle launch in July 2005. The ramps were removed to eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. The next launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. KSC-06pd0401

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Towed by the Freedom Star, the Pegasus b...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Towed by the Freedom Star, the Pegasus barge enters Port Canaveral, the last leg of its journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to Kennedy Space Center. The barg... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Towed by the solid rocket booster retrieval ship Freedom Star, the Pegasus barge approaches the dock in the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building. The barge is on the last leg of its journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The barge carries the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Discovery on the next shuttle mission, STS-121. After off-loading, the tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-119, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from a ramp came off during the last shuttle launch in July 2005. The ramps were removed to eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. The next launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. KSC-06pd0407

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Towed by the solid rocket booster retrie...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Towed by the solid rocket booster retrieval ship Freedom Star, the Pegasus barge approaches the dock in the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building. The barge is on the last ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Discovery on the next shuttle mission, STS-121, arrives safely in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The Pegasus barge delivered the tank from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Next, the tank will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-119, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from a ramp came off during the last shuttle launch in July 2005. The ramps were removed to eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. The next launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. KSC-06pd0413

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Discovery on the next shuttle mission, STS-121, arrives safely in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Buildi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Pegasus barge, towed by the solid rocket booster retrieval ship Freedom Star, approaches Port Canaveral. The barge carries the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch the Space Shuttle Discovery on the next shuttle mission, STS-121. It left the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans Feb. 25, making the voyage around the Florida Peninsula in five days. Next stop for the barge is the turn basin near NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building. After off-loading, the tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-119, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from one of the ramps came off during the July 2005 launch of the last shuttle mission. The ramps were removed to help eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. Launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-06pd0379

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Pegasus barge, towed by the solid ro...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Pegasus barge, towed by the solid rocket booster retrieval ship Freedom Star, approaches Port Canaveral. The barge carries the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians monitor the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Discovery on the next shuttle mission, STS-121, as it is moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building in the background. The Pegasus barge delivered the tank from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Once in the VAB, the tank will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-119, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from a ramp came off during the last shuttle launch in July 2005. The ramps were removed to eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. The next launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. KSC-06pd0412

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians monitor the redesigned exter...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians monitor the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Discovery on the next shuttle mission, STS-121, as it is moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - One of the two space shuttle launch pads in Launch Complex 39 is visible behind the Pegasus barge as it traverses the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building. The barge is on the last leg of its journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The barge carries the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Discovery on the next shuttle mission, STS-121. After off-loading, the tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-119, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from a ramp came off during the last shuttle launch in July 2005. The ramps were removed to eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. The next launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. KSC-06pd0406

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - One of the two space shuttle launch pads...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - One of the two space shuttle launch pads in Launch Complex 39 is visible behind the Pegasus barge as it traverses the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building. The barge is on... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Off-loading of the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Discovery on the next shuttle mission, STS-121, begins in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin. The Pegasus barge delivered the tank from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. After off-loading, the tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-119, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from a ramp came off during the last shuttle launch in July 2005. The ramps were removed to eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. The next launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. KSC-06pd0409

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Off-loading of the redesigned external f...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Off-loading of the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Discovery on the next shuttle mission, STS-121, begins in the Launch Complex 39 turn basin. The Pega... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, the newly delivered external tank is lifted off its transporter. Designated ET-119, the 154-foot tank is being raised to vertical and then will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, which will launch space shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from a ramp came off during the last shuttle launch in July 2005. The ramps were removed to eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. The next launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0420

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, the newly delivered external tank is lifted off its transporter. Designated ET-119, the 154-foot tank is being raised to... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, workers are attaching a crane to the newly delivered external tank, which is resting on a transporter in the transfer aisle. Designated ET-119, the 154-foot tank will be raised to vertical and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, which will launch space shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from a ramp came off during the last shuttle launch in July 2005. The ramps were removed to eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. The next launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0417

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, workers are attaching a crane to the newly delivered external tank, which is resting on a transporter in the transfer ais... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, the newly delivered external tank is suspended vertically just above the floor. Designated ET-119, the 154-foot tank will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, which will launch space shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from a ramp came off during the last shuttle launch in July 2005. The ramps were removed to eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. The next launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0422

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of NASA Kennedy S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, the newly delivered external tank is suspended vertically just above the floor. Designated ET-119,... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, a crane has been attached to the newly delivered external tank, which is resting on a transporter in the transfer aisle. Designated ET-119, the 154-foot tank will be raised to vertical and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, which will launch space shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from a ramp came off during the last shuttle launch in July 2005. The ramps were removed to eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. The next launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0418a

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle As...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, a crane has been attached to the newly delivered external tank, which is resting on a transporter in the transfer aisle. De... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, workers are attaching a crane to the newly delivered external tank, which is resting on a transporter in the transfer aisle. Designated ET-119, the 154-foot tank will be raised to vertical and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, which will launch space shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from a ramp came off during the last shuttle launch in July 2005. The ramps were removed to eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. The next launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0418

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, workers are attaching a crane to the newly delivered external tank, which is resting on a transporter in the transfer ais... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, the newly delivered external tank has been raised nearly to vertical. Designated ET-119, the 154-foot tank will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, which will launch space shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from a ramp came off during the last shuttle launch in July 2005. The ramps were removed to eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. The next launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0421

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, the newly delivered external tank has been raised nearly to vertical. Designated ET-119, the 154-foot tank will be lifte... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From the upper regions of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, the newly delivered external tank is lowered toward a checkout cell for further work. Designated ET-119, the 154-foot tank will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, which will launch space shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from a ramp came off during the last shuttle launch in July 2005. The ramps were removed to eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. The next launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0427

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From the upper regions of NASA Kennedy Sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From the upper regions of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, the newly delivered external tank is lowered toward a checkout cell for further work. Designated ET-... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the upper regions of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, the newly delivered external tank is moved over a crossbeam toward a checkout cell for further work. Designated ET-119, the 154-foot tank will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, which will launch space shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from a ramp came off during the last shuttle launch in July 2005. The ramps were removed to eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. The next launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0426

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the upper regions of NASA Kennedy Spac...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the upper regions of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, the newly delivered external tank is moved over a crossbeam toward a checkout cell for further work. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In In the transfer aisle of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, the newly delivered external tank is suspended vertically just above the floor. Designated ET-119, the 154-foot tank will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, which will launch space shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from a ramp came off during the last shuttle launch in July 2005. The ramps were removed to eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. The next launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0423

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In In the transfer aisle of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, the newly delivered external tank is suspended vertically just above the floor. Designated ET-1... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, workers attach another crane to the newly delivered external tank in order to lift it up vertically and over a crossbeam into a checkout cell for further work. Designated ET-119, the 154-foot tank will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, which will launch space shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from a ramp came off during the last shuttle launch in July 2005. The ramps were removed to eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. The next launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0424

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle A...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, workers attach another crane to the newly delivered external tank in order to lift it up vertically and over a crossbeam i... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, the newly delivered external tank is lifted off its transporter. Designated ET-119, the 154-foot tank is being raised to vertical and then will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, which will launch space shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from a ramp came off during the last shuttle launch in July 2005. The ramps were removed to eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. The next launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0419

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, the newly delivered external tank is lifted off its transporter. Designated ET-119, the 154-foot tank is being raised to... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, the newly delivered external tank is lifted off its transporter. Designated ET-119, the 154-foot tank is being raised to vertical and then will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, which will launch space shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from a ramp came off during the last shuttle launch in July 2005. The ramps were removed to eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. The next launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0419a

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle As...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, the newly delivered external tank is lifted off its transporter. Designated ET-119, the 154-foot tank is being raised to ve... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, the newly delivered external tank is lifted high into the upper regions. It will be moved over a crossbeam into a checkout cell for further work. Designated ET-119, the 154-foot tank will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, which will launch space shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from a ramp came off during the last shuttle launch in July 2005. The ramps were removed to eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. The next launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0425

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle As...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, the newly delivered external tank is lifted high into the upper regions. It will be moved over a crossbeam into a checkout... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From the upper regions of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, the newly delivered external tank is lowered into a checkout cell for further work. Designated ET-119, the 154-foot tank will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, which will launch space shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from a ramp came off during the last shuttle launch in July 2005. The ramps were removed to eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. The next launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0428

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From the upper regions of NASA Kennedy Sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From the upper regions of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, the newly delivered external tank is lowered into a checkout cell for further work. Designated ET-11... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a worker watches external tank number 119 as it is being lifted from the checkout cell. The tank will be placed horizontally on the transporter in the transfer aisle. Once in the transfer aisle, technicians will reapply the thermal protection system foam that was removed in order to replace the tank's four liquid hydrogen engine cutoff sensors. The tank is being prepared to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 in July. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-06pd0599

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a worker watches external tank number 119 as it is being lifted from the checkout cell. The tank will be plac... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, external tank number 119 is being lifted from the checkout cell and will be placed horizontally on the transporter in the transfer aisle. Once in the transfer aisle, technicians will reapply the thermal protection system foam that was removed in order to replace the tank's four liquid hydrogen engine cutoff sensors. The tank is being prepared to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 in July. KSC-06pd0598

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, external tank number 119 is being lifted from the checkout cell and will be placed horizontally on the transpo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, external tank number 119 is being moved from the checkout cell and will be placed horizontally on the transporter in the transfer aisle. Once in the transfer aisle, technicians will reapply the thermal protection system foam that was removed in order to replace the tank's four liquid hydrogen engine cutoff sensors. The tank is being prepared to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 in July. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-06pd0600

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, external tank number 119 is being moved from the checkout cell and will be placed horizontally on the transpor... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The redesigned external fuel tank, designated ET-118, rolls toward the open door of the Vehicle Assembly Building. Inside, it will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work . The tank arrived at KSC aboard the Pegasus barge after a journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. ET-118, which will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps, will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next space shuttle mission, STS-115. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1025

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The redesigned external fuel tank, designated ET-118, rolls toward the open door of the Vehicle Assembly Building. Inside, it will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Tug boats maneuver the Pegasus barge next to the dock in the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area. The barge holds the redesigned external fuel tank, seen inside, that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115. The tank, designated ET-118, was shipped from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. After off-loading, the tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1019

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Tug boats maneuver the Pegasus barge ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Tug boats maneuver the Pegasus barge next to the dock in the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area. The barge holds the redesigned external fuel tank, seen inside, that will... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The redesigned external fuel tank, designated ET-118, rolls into the open door of the Vehicle Assembly Building. Inside, it will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work . The tank arrived at KSC aboard the Pegasus barge after a journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. ET-118, which will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps, will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next space shuttle mission, STS-115. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1026

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The redesigned external fuel tank, designated ET-118, rolls into the open door of the Vehicle Assembly Building. Inside, it will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work ... More

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

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Liberty Star tows the Pegasus barge to Port Canaveral, the last leg of its journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to Kennedy Space Center. The barge carries the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115. A tugboat will continue the journey upriver to the Turn Basin where, after off-loading, the tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-118, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd1015

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Liberty Star tows the Pegasus barge ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Liberty Star tows the Pegasus barge to Port Canaveral, the last leg of its journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to Kennedy Space Center. The barge carries ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The redesigned external fuel tank, designated ET-118, that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission, STS-115 begins moving out of the Pegasus barge that carried it from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. The tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. It will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1021

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The redesigned external fuel tank, designated ET-118, that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission, STS-115 begins moving out of the Pegasus barge that carried it from the ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The redesigned external fuel tank, designated ET-118, is transported on the road toward the Vehicle Assembly Building, seen at right. The tank, which arrived at KSC aboard the Pegasus barge after a journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, will be moved into the VAB and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. ET-118, which will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps, will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next space shuttle mission, STS-115. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1023

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The redesigned external fuel tank, designated ET-118, is transported on the road toward the Vehicle Assembly Building, seen at right. The tank, which arrived at KSC aboard the Pe... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The redesigned external fuel tank, designated ET-118, rolls into the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building where will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work . The tank arrived at KSC aboard the Pegasus barge after a journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. ET-118, which will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps, will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next space shuttle mission, STS-115. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1027

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The redesigned external fuel tank, designated ET-118, rolls into the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building where will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work .... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Liberty Star (left) tows the Pegasus barge through Port Canaveral, the last leg of its journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to Kennedy Space Center. The barge carries the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115. A tugboat will continue the journey upriver to the Turn Basin where, after off-loading, the tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-118, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd1012

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Liberty Star (left) tows the Pegasu...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Liberty Star (left) tows the Pegasus barge through Port Canaveral, the last leg of its journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to Kennedy Space Center. The b... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The redesigned external fuel tank, designated ET-118, that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-115 is offloaded from the Pegasus barge that carried it from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. The tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. It will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1022

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The redesigned external fuel tank, designated ET-118, that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-115 is offloaded from the Pegasus barge that carried it from the Mic... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from the NASA News Center, a tug boat in the background maneuvers the Pegasus barge into the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area. The barge holds the redesigned external fuel tank, designated ET-118, that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115. The tank was shipped from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. After off-loading, the tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1016

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from the NASA News Center, a tug...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from the NASA News Center, a tug boat in the background maneuvers the Pegasus barge into the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area. The barge holds the redesigned exte... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A Great Blue Heron on the near bank has a front row perch for the arrival of the Pegasus barge being towed into the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area. The barge holds the redesigned external fuel tank, designated ET-118, that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115. The tank was shipped from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. After off-loading, the tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1017

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A Great Blue Heron on the near bank has...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A Great Blue Heron on the near bank has a front row perch for the arrival of the Pegasus barge being towed into the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area. The barge holds the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Tug boats maneuver the Pegasus barge next to the dock in the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area. The barge holds the redesigned external fuel tank, designated ET-118, that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115. The tank was shipped from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. After off-loading, the tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1018

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Tug boats maneuver the Pegasus barge n...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Tug boats maneuver the Pegasus barge next to the dock in the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area. The barge holds the redesigned external fuel tank, designated ET-118, tha... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - With the help of tug boats, the Liberty Star (left) tows the Pegasus barge toward Port Canaveral, the last leg of its journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to Kennedy Space Center. The barge carries the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115. The tugboats will continue the journey upriver to the Turn Basin where, after off-loading, the tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-118, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd1014

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - With the help of tug boats, the Liberty...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - With the help of tug boats, the Liberty Star (left) tows the Pegasus barge toward Port Canaveral, the last leg of its journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building, the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115, is prepared to be raised to a vertical position. Once it is raised, the tank will be moved into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-118, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd1028

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of NASA's Vehicl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building, the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115, is prep... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building, the suspended external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115, is moved toward the checkout cell where it will undergo further work. Designated ET-118, the tank will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd1035

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building, the suspended external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115, is moved toward the checkout cell... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Seen from an upper level of NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building, the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115, is lifted for transfer into a checkout cell for further work. Designated ET-118, the tank will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd1033

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Seen from an upper level of NASA's Vehi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Seen from an upper level of NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building, the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115, is li... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building, the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115, is lifted toward the upper levels for transfer into a checkout cell for further work. Designated ET-118, the tank will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd1034

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building, th...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building, the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115, is lifted toward the upper lev... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building, the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115, is raised to a vertical position. The tank will next be moved into a checkout cell for further work. Designated ET-118, the tank will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd1031

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of NASA's Vehicl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building, the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115, is rais... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building, the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115, is lifted off its transporter and will be raised to a vertical position. Once it is raised, the tank will be moved into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-118, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd1029

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of NASA's Vehicl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building, the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115, is lift... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building, the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115, is suspended above the transfer aisle where it will be raised to a vertical position. Once it is raised, the tank will be moved into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-118, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd1030

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building, t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building, the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115, is suspended above the transf... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building, the suspended external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115, is moved into a checkout cell where it will undergo further work. Designated ET-118, the tank will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd1036

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building, the suspended external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115, is moved into a checkout cell whe... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building, the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115, is ready to be lifted into the upper levels for transfer into a checkout cell for further work. Designated ET-118, the tank will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd1032

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of NASA's Vehic...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building, the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115, is rea... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building, the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115, is lowered into the checkout cell where it will undergo further work. Designated ET-118, the tank will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd1037

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building, the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115, is lowered into the checkout ce... More

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

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 moves into the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. Shipped from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans aboard the Pegasus barge, the tank has undergone major safety changes, including removal of the protuberance air load ramps. It is designated to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-116 in December. Mission STS-116 will deliver the P5 truss segment, a SPACEHAB module and other key components to the International Space Station. Launch is currently scheduled no earlier than Dec. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd2183

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 moves into the Veh...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 moves into the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. Shipped from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 heads toward the open doorway of the Vehicle Assembly Building. Once inside the VAB, the tank will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. Shipped from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans aboard the Pegasus barge, the tank has undergone major safety changes, including removal of the protuberance air load ramps. It is designated to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-116 in December. Mission STS-116 will deliver the P5 truss segment, a SPACEHAB module and other key components to the International Space Station. Launch is currently scheduled no earlier than Dec. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd2181

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 heads toward the ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 heads toward the open doorway of the Vehicle Assembly Building. Once inside the VAB, the tank will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. Shipped ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 is offloaded from the Pegasus barge in the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area. Designated to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-116 in December, the tank is being moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, which was shipped from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, has undergone major safety changes, including removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Mission STS-116 will deliver the P5 truss segment, a SPACEHAB module and other key components to the International Space Station. Launch is currently scheduled no earlier than Dec. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd2177

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 is offloaded from...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 is offloaded from the Pegasus barge in the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area. Designated to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-116 in Dece... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 heads into the open doorway of the Vehicle Assembly Building. Once inside the VAB, the tank will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. Shipped from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans aboard the Pegasus barge, the tank has undergone major safety changes, including removal of the protuberance air load ramps. It is designated to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-116 in December. Mission STS-116 will deliver the P5 truss segment, a SPACEHAB module and other key components to the International Space Station. Launch is currently scheduled no earlier than Dec. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd2182

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 heads into the ope...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 heads into the open doorway of the Vehicle Assembly Building. Once inside the VAB, the tank will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. Shipped fro... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, the external tank is transferred from the checkout cell for attaching to its twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launch platform in highbay 3 for mission STS-116. The gigantic, rust-colored external tank is the largest element of the Space Shuttle system at 27.6-feet wide and 154-feet tall. STS-116 will be mission no. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd2286

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, the external tank is transferred from the checkout cell for attaching to its twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launch platform in highb... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, workers prepare to transfer the external tank from the checkout cell for attaching to its twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launch platform in highbay 3 for mission STS-116. The gigantic, rust-colored external tank is the largest element of the Space Shuttle system at 27.6-feet wide and 154-feet tall. STS-116 will be mission no. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd2285

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, workers prepare to transfer the external tank from the checkout cell for attaching to its twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launch platf... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, the external tank is transferred from the checkout cell for attaching to its twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launch platform in highbay 3 for mission STS-116. The gigantic, rust-colored external tank is the largest element of the Space Shuttle system at 27.6-feet wide and 154-feet tall. STS-116 will be mission no. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd2288

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, the external tank is transferred from the checkout cell for attaching to its twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launch platform in highb... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, workers prepare to transfer the external tank from the checkout cell for attaching to its twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launch platform in highbay 3 for mission STS-116. The gigantic, rust-colored external tank is the largest element of the Space Shuttle system at 27.6-feet wide and 154-feet tall. STS-116 will be mission no. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd2284

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, workers prepare to transfer the external tank from the checkout cell for attaching to its twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launch platf... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, the external tank is transferred from the checkout cell for attaching to its twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launch platform in highbay 3 for mission STS-116. The gigantic, rust-colored external tank is the largest element of the Space Shuttle system at 27.6-feet wide and 154-feet tall. The gigantic, rust-colored external tank is the largest element of the Space Shuttle system at 27.6-feet wide and 154-feet tall. STS-116 will be mission no. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd2287

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, the external tank is transferred from the checkout cell for attaching to its twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launch platform in highb... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, workers prepare to transfer the external tank from the checkout cell for attaching to its twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launch platform in highbay 3 for mission STS-116. The gigantic, rust-colored external tank is the largest element of the Space Shuttle system at 27.6-feet wide and 154-feet tall. STS-116 will be mission no. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd2283

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, workers prepare to transfer the external tank from the checkout cell for attaching to its twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launch platf... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Aboard its transporter, external tank No. 117 moves away from the Pegasus barge, at right, heading for the Vehicle Assembly Building. ET-117 arrived aboard the barge after its voyage around the Florida Peninsula from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. The tank is slated for mission STS-118, which is targeted for launch in early August. ET-117 will be moved into a checkout cell in high bay 2 of the VAB for processing. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd0982

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Aboard its transporter, external tank No. 117 moves into the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The tank was offloaded from the Pegasus barge in the nearby turn basin. ET-117 arrived aboard the barge after its voyage around the Florida Peninsula from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. The tank is slated for mission STS-118, which is targeted for launch in early August. ET-117 will be moved into a checkout cell in high bay 2 of the VAB for processing. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd0986

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- External tank No. 117 is ready for offloading from the Pegasus barge in the turn basin near Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building. ET-117 arrived aboard the barge after its voyage around the Florida Peninsula from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. The tank is slated for mission STS-118, which is targeted for launch in early August. ET-117 will be moved into a checkout cell in high bay 2 of the VAB for processing. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd0978

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- External tank No. 117 is ready for off...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- External tank No. 117 is ready for offloading from the Pegasus barge in the turn basin near Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building. ET-117 arrived aboard the barge aft... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Aboard its transporter, external tank No. 117 moves toward the Vehicle Assembly Building, at right. ET-117 arrived aboard the barge after its voyage around the Florida Peninsula from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. The tank is slated for mission STS-118, which is targeted for launch in early August. ET-117 will be moved into a checkout cell in high bay 2 of the VAB for processing. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd0981

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Aboard its transporter, external tank No. 117 moves toward the Vehicle Assembly Building, at right. ET-117 arrived aboard the barge after its voyage around the Florida Peninsula... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- External tank No. 117 is towed out of the Pegasus barge in the turn basin near Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building. ET-117 arrived aboard the barge after its voyage around the Florida Peninsula from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. The tank is slated for mission STS-118, which is targeted for launch in early August. ET-117 will be moved into a checkout cell in high bay 2 of the VAB for processing. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd0980

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- External tank No. 117 is towed out of ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- External tank No. 117 is towed out of the Pegasus barge in the turn basin near Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building. ET-117 arrived aboard the barge after its voyage ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- External tank No. 117 begins to move out of the Pegasus barge in the turn basin near Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building. ET-117 arrived aboard the barge after its voyage around the Florida Peninsula from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. The tank is slated for mission STS-118, which is targeted for launch in early August. ET-117 will be moved into a checkout cell in high bay 2 of the VAB for processing. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd0979

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- External tank No. 117 begins to move o...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- External tank No. 117 begins to move out of the Pegasus barge in the turn basin near Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building. ET-117 arrived aboard the barge after its ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Viewed across the turn basin are the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building and the Pegasus barge that brought external tank No. 117. The tank has been transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building. ET-117 arrived aboard the barge after its voyage around the Florida Peninsula from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. The tank is slated for mission STS-118, which is targeted for launch in early August. ET-117 will be moved into a checkout cell in high bay 2 of the VAB for processing. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd0988

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Viewed across the turn basin are the 52...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Viewed across the turn basin are the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building and the Pegasus barge that brought external tank No. 117. The tank has been transported to the Vehicl... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This closeup of external tank No. 117 reveals the enormity of the tank -- 154 feet long, 27.5 feet around and weighing 58,500 pounds -- as it dwarfs the workers behind it. Offloaded from the Pegasus barge in the nearby turn basin, the tank is heading for the Vehicle Assembly Building. ET-117 arrived aboard the barge after its voyage around the Florida Peninsula from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. The tank is slated for mission STS-118, which is targeted for launch in early August. ET-117 will be moved into a checkout cell in high bay 2 of the VAB for processing. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd0983

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This closeup of external tank No. 117 ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This closeup of external tank No. 117 reveals the enormity of the tank -- 154 feet long, 27.5 feet around and weighing 58,500 pounds -- as it dwarfs the workers behind it. Offlo... More

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

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Aboard its transporter, external tank No. 117 maneuvers around the corner as it heads for the Vehicle Assembly Building, seen behind it. The tank was offloaded from the Pegasus barge in the nearby turn basin. ET-117 arrived aboard the barge after its voyage around the Florida Peninsula from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. The tank is slated for mission STS-118, which is targeted for launch in early August. ET-117 will be moved into a checkout cell in high bay 2 of the VAB for processing. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd0984

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Aboard its transporter, external tank No. 117 maneuvers around the corner as it heads for the Vehicle Assembly Building, seen behind it. The tank was offloaded from the Pegasus ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building, a worker checks the cable attached from the framework around external tank No. 117 to the overhead crane. The tank is suspended vertically above the transfer aisle before being lifted into the checkout cell in high bay 2 for processing. ET-117 arrived aboard the Pegasus barge after its voyage around the Florida Peninsula from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. The tank is slated for mission STS-118, which is targeted for launch in early August. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd1002

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building, a worker checks the cable attached from the framework around external tank No. 117 to the overhead crane. The tank is suspended vertically above... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building, workers are attaching an overhead crane to external tank No. 117 in order to lift it to a vertical position. Once vertical, the tank will be lifted into the checkout cell in high bay 2 for processing. ET-117 arrived aboard the Pegasus barge after its voyage around the Florida Peninsula from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. The tank is slated for mission STS-118, which is targeted for launch in early August. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd0995

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building, workers are attaching an overhead crane to external tank No. 117 in order to lift it to a vertical position. Once vertical, the tank will be lift... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building, external tank No. 117 is lifted into the upper regions in order to move it over a crossbeam into the checkout cell in high bay 2 for processing. ET-117 arrived aboard the Pegasus barge after its voyage around the Florida Peninsula from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. The tank is slated for mission STS-118, which is targeted for launch in early August. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd1004

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building, external tank No. 117 is lifted into the upper regions in order to move it over a crossbeam into the checkout cell in high bay 2 for processing. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --In the Vehicle Assembly Building, the overhead crane lifts external tank No. 117 off its transporter. The tank will be raised to a vertical position and then lifted into the checkout cell in high bay 2 for processing. ET-117 arrived aboard the Pegasus barge after its voyage around the Florida Peninsula from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. The tank is slated for mission STS-118, which is targeted for launch in early August. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd0997

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --In the Vehicle Assembly Building, the overhead crane lifts external tank No. 117 off its transporter. The tank will be raised to a vertical position and then lifted into the checko... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building, external tank No. 117 is nearly raised to a vertical position above the transfer aisle. Once it is vertical, the tank will be lifted into the checkout cell in high bay 2 for processing. ET-117 arrived aboard the Pegasus barge after its voyage around the Florida Peninsula from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. The tank is slated for mission STS-118, which is targeted for launch in early August. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd1000

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building, external tank No. 117 is nearly raised to a vertical position above the transfer aisle. Once it is vertical, the tank will be lifted into the ch... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building, external tank No. 117 is lifted off its transporter in preparation for being lifted to a vertical position. Once vertical, the tank will be lifted into the checkout cell in high bay 2 for processing. ET-117 arrived aboard the Pegasus barge after its voyage around the Florida Peninsula from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. The tank is slated for mission STS-118, which is targeted for launch in early August. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd0996

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building, external tank No. 117 is lifted off its transporter in preparation for being lifted to a vertical position. Once vertical, the tank will be lifte... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building, external tank No. 117 is lifted into the upper regions in order to move it over a crossbeam into the checkout cell in high bay 2 for processing. ET-117 arrived aboard the Pegasus barge after its voyage around the Florida Peninsula from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. The tank is slated for mission STS-118, which is targeted for launch in early August. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd1003

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building, external tank No. 117 is lifted into the upper regions in order to move it over a crossbeam into the checkout cell in high bay 2 for processing. ... More

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