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

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Pilot William Oefelein joins convoy personnel during post-landing inspections beneath Space Shuttle Discovery on Runway 15 at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility. During the STS-116 mission, three spacewalks attached the P5 integrated truss structure to the station, and completed the rewiring of the orbiting laboratory's power system. A fourth spacewalk retracted a stubborn solar array. Main gear touchdown was at 5:32 p.m. EST. Nose gear touchdown was at 5:32:12 p.m. and wheel stop was at 5:32:52 p.m. At touchdown -- nominally about 2,500 ft. beyond the runway threshold -- the orbiter is traveling at a speed ranging from 213 to 226 mph. Discovery traveled 5,330,000 miles, landing on orbit 204. Mission elapsed time was 12 days, 20 hours, 44 minutes and 16 seconds. This is the 64th landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2876

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Pilot William Oefelein joins co...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Pilot William Oefelein joins convoy personnel during post-landing inspections beneath Space Shuttle Discovery on Runway 15 at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing F... More

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

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Shuttle Main Engine Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, two of six space shuttle main engines are prepared for the STS-134 and STS-335 missions. Postflight inspections and maintenance of each engine are conducted in the facility between shuttle missions by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne aerospace technicians. Three main engines are clustered at the aft end of the shuttle and have a combined thrust of more than 1.2 million pounds. Each engine utilizes liquid hydrogen for fuel and liquid oxygen as oxidizer and operates during the entire eight-and-a-half minute ride to orbit. Space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission is the final planned mission of the Space Shuttle Program and will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, as well as critical spare components, to the International Space Station next year. Shuttle Atlantis will be prepared for STS-335, which is the planned "launch on need," or potential rescue mission, for Endeavour's STS-134 mission. For information, visit www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2010-4670

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Shuttle Main Engine Processing Fa...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Shuttle Main Engine Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, two of six space shuttle main engines are prepared for the STS-134 and STS-335 missions. P... More

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

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians remove the top emergency escape window from space shuttle Atlantis. The window is being removed in order to gain access to remove hazardous pyrotechnics from the shuttle. The window will be shipped to Johnson Space Center in Houston for inspections and a replacement outer pane will be installed in its place. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Atlantis. The shuttle is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1003

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians remove the top emergency escape window from space shuttle Atlantis. The window is being re... More

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

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) Processing Facility, Boeing-Rocketdyne crane operator Joe Ferrante (left) lowers SSME 2058, the first SSME fully assembled at KSC, onto an engine stand with the assistance of other technicians on his team. The engine is being moved from its vertical work stand into a horizontal position in preparation for shipment to NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi to undergo a hot fire acceptance test. It is the first of five engines to be fully assembled on site to reach the desired number of 15 engines ready for launch at any given time in the Space Shuttle program. A Space Shuttle has three reusable main engines. Each is 14 feet long, weighs about 7,800 pounds, is seven-and-a-half feet in diameter at the end of its nozzle, and generates almost 400,000 pounds of thrust. Historically, SSMEs were assembled in Canoga Park, Calif., with post-flight inspections performed at KSC. Both functions were consolidated in February 2002. The Rocketdyne Propulsion and Power division of The Boeing Co. manufactures the engines for NASA. KSC-04pd1646

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) P...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) Processing Facility, Boeing-Rocketdyne crane operator Joe Ferrante (left) lowers SSME 2058, the first SSME fully assembled at KSC, onto an en... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Discovery's forward reaction control system (FRCS), which helped steer the shuttle in orbit, is moved to a transporter in Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. To maneuver, the FRCS used hypergolic fuel and oxidizer, which were purged from Discovery after its final spaceflight, STS-133. Next, the FRCS will be shipped to a maintenance facility at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico, where additional inspections will be performed and its components made safe to go on public display. The transition and retirement processing is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for display. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-2428

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Discovery's forward reaction cont...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Discovery's forward reaction control system (FRCS), which helped steer the shuttle in orbit, is moved to a transporter in Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Spa... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Columbia, atop its Mobile Launcher Platform, inches its way along the path to Launch Pad 39A. Columbia is scheduled to be launched Feb. 28 on mission STS-109, a Hubble Servicing Mission. The goal of the mission is to replace Solar Array 2 with Solar Array 3, replace the Power Control Unit, remove the Faint Object Camera and install the ACS, install the Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) Cooling System, and install New Outer Blanket Layer insulation. The launch will be the first for Columbia after returning from California where it underwent extensive maintenance, inspections and enhancements. More than 100 upgrades make Columbia safer and more reliable than ever before KSC-02pd0047

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Columbia, atop its Mobile ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Columbia, atop its Mobile Launcher Platform, inches its way along the path to Launch Pad 39A. Columbia is scheduled to be launched Feb. 28 on mission STS-109, a Hubbl... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, prepare to jack crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the roller bearing assemblies. After inspections, new assemblies will be installed. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades to CT-2 so that it can carry NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket and new Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2013-1919

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, prepare to jack crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are jacking crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the roller bearing assemblies. After inspections, new assemblies will be installed. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades to CT-2 so that it can carry NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket and new Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2013-1930

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are jacking crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the r... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are preparing to jack crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the roller bearing assemblies. After inspections, new assemblies will be installed. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades to CT-2 so that it can carry NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket and new Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2013-1921

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are preparing to jack crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate remova... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are jacking crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the roller bearing assemblies. After inspections, new assemblies will be installed. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades to CT-2 so that it can carry NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket and new Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2013-1928

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are jacking crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the r... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are jacking crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the roller bearing assemblies. After inspections, new assemblies will be installed. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades to CT-2 so that it can carry NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket and new Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2013-1929

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are jacking crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the r... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a technician positions a jack to lift crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the roller bearing assemblies. After inspections, new assemblies will be installed. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades to CT-2 so that it can carry NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket and new Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2013-1926

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, a technician positions a jack to lift crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate re... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are preparing to jack crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the roller bearing assemblies. After inspections, new assemblies will be installed. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades to CT-2 so that it can carry NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket and new Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2013-1917

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are preparing to jack crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate remova... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, prepare to jack crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the roller bearing assemblies. After inspections, new assemblies will be installed. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades to CT-2 so that it can carry NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket and new Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2013-1923

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, prepare to jack crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, begin jacking crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the roller bearing assemblies. After inspections, new assemblies will be installed. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades to CT-2 so that it can carry NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket and new Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2013-1927

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, begin jacking crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are preparing to jack crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the roller bearing assemblies. After inspections, new assemblies will be installed. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades to CT-2 so that it can carry NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket and new Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2013-1920

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are preparing to jack crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate remova... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are removing track shoes from crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, prior to jacking it four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the roller bearing assemblies. After inspections, new assemblies will be installed. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades to CT-2 so that it can carry NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket and new Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2013-1925

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are removing track shoes from crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, prior to jacking it four feet off t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a technician uses a fork lift to remove track shoes from crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, prior to jacking it four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the roller bearing assemblies. After inspections, new assemblies will be installed. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades to CT-2 so that it can carry NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket and new Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2013-1924

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, a technician uses a fork lift to remove track shoes from crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, prior to jacking it f... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are removing track shoes from crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, prior to jacking it four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the roller bearing assemblies. After inspections, new assemblies will be installed. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades to CT-2 so that it can carry NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket and new Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2013-1922

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are removing track shoes from crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, prior to jacking it four feet off th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, prepare to jack crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the roller bearing assemblies. After inspections, new assemblies will be installed. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades to CT-2 so that it can carry NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket and new Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2013-1918

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, prepare to jack crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of t... More

Workers offload the shipping container with the Cassini orbiter from what looks like a giant shark mouth, but is really an Air Force C-17 air cargo plane which /1997/66-97.htm">just landed</a> at KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility from Edwards Air Force Base, California. The orbiter and the Huygens probe already being processed at KSC are the two primary components of the Cassini spacecraft, which will be launched on a Titan IVB/Centaur expendable launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Station. Cassini will explore Saturn, its rings and moons for four years. The Huygens probe, designed and developed for the European Space Agency (ESA), will be deployed from the orbiter to study the clouds, atmosphere and surface of Saturn’s largest moon, Titan. The orbiter was designed and assembled at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. Following postflight inspections, integration of the 12 science instruments not already installed on the orbiter will be completed. Then, the parabolic high-gain antenna and the propulsion module will be mated to the orbiter, followed by the Huygens probe, which will complete spacecraft integration. The Cassini mission is targeted for an Oct. 6 launch to begin its 6.7-year journey to the Saturnian system. Arrival at the planet is expected to occur around July 1, 2004 KSC-97pc678

Workers offload the shipping container with the Cassini orbiter from w...

Workers offload the shipping container with the Cassini orbiter from what looks like a giant shark mouth, but is really an Air Force C-17 air cargo plane which kscpao/release/1997/66-97.htm">just landed</a> at ... More

Workers prepare to move the shipping container with the Cassini orbiter inside the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) for prelaunch processing, testing and integration. The /1997/66-97.htm">orbiter arrived</a> at KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility in a U.S. Air Force C-17 air cargo plane from Edwards Air Force Base, California. The orbiter and the Huygens probe already being processed at KSC are the two primary components of the Cassini spacecraft, which will be launched on a Titan IVB/Centaur expendable launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Station. Cassini will explore Saturn, its rings and moons for four years. The Huygens probe, designed and developed for the European Space Agency (ESA), will be deployed from the orbiter to study the clouds, atmosphere and surface of Saturn’s largest moon, Titan. The orbiter was designed and assembled at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. Following postflight inspections, integration of the 12 science instruments not already installed on the orbiter will be completed. Then, the parabolic high-gain antenna and the propulsion module will be mated to the orbiter, followed by the Huygens probe, which will complete spacecraft integration. The Cassini mission is targeted for an Oct. 6 launch to begin its 6.7-year journey to the Saturnian system. Arrival at the planet is expected to occur around July 1, 2004 KSC-97pc682

Workers prepare to move the shipping container with the Cassini orbite...

Workers prepare to move the shipping container with the Cassini orbiter inside the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) for prelaunch processing, testing and integration. The kscpao/release/1997/66-97.ht... More

Workers prepare to tow away the large container with the Cassini orbiter from KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility. The orbiter /1997/66-97.htm">just arrived</a> on the U.S. Air Force C-17 air cargo plane, shown here, from Edwards Air Force Base, California. The orbiter and the Huygens probe already being processed at KSC are the two primary components of the Cassini spacecraft, which will be launched on a Titan IVB/Centaur expendable launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Station. Cassini will explore Saturn, its rings and moons for four years. The Huygens probe, designed and developed for the European Space Agency (ESA), will be deployed from the orbiter to study the clouds, atmosphere and surface of Saturn’s largest moon, Titan. The orbiter was designed and assembled at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. Following postflight inspections, integration of the 12 science instruments not already installed on the orbiter will be completed. Then, the parabolic high-gain antenna and the propulsion module will be mated to the orbiter, followed by the Huygens probe, which will complete spacecraft integration. The Cassini mission is targeted for an Oct. 6 launch to begin its 6.7-year journey to the Saturnian system. Arrival at the planet is expected to occur around July 1, 2004 KSC-97pc679

Workers prepare to tow away the large container with the Cassini orbit...

Workers prepare to tow away the large container with the Cassini orbiter from KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility. The orbiter kscpao/release/1997/66-97.htm">just arrived</a> on the U.S. Air Force C-17 air cargo pla... More

Workers begin unloading the Cassini orbiter from a U.S. Air Force C-17 air cargo plane after its /1997/66-97.htm">arrival</a> at KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility from Edwards Air Force Base, California. The orbiter and the Huygens probe already being processed at KSC are the two primary components of the Cassini spacecraft, which will be launched on a Titan IVB/Centaur expendable launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Station. Cassini will explore Saturn, its rings and moons for four years. The Huygens probe, designed and developed for the European Space Agency (ESA), will be deployed from the orbiter to study the clouds, atmosphere and surface of Saturn’s largest moon, Titan. The orbiter was designed and assembled at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. Following postflight inspections, integration of the 12 science instruments not already installed on the orbiter will be completed. Then, the parabolic high-gain antenna and the propulsion module will be mated to the orbiter, followed by the Huygens probe, which will complete spacecraft integration. The Cassini mission is targeted for an Oct. 6 launch to begin its 6.7-year journey to the Saturnian system. Arrival at the planet is expected to occur around July 1, 2004 KSC-97pc677

Workers begin unloading the Cassini orbiter from a U.S. Air Force C-17...

Workers begin unloading the Cassini orbiter from a U.S. Air Force C-17 air cargo plane after its kscpao/release/1997/66-97.htm">arrival</a> at KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility from Edwards Air Force Base, Califor... More

Workers prepare to move the shipping container with the Cassini orbiter inside the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) for prelaunch processing, testing and integration. The /1997/66-97.htm">orbiter arrived</a> at KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility in a U.S. Air Force C-17 air cargo plane from Edwards Air Force Base, California. The orbiter and the Huygens probe already being processed at KSC are the two primary components of the Cassini spacecraft, which will be launched on a Titan IVB/Centaur expendable launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Station. Cassini will explore Saturn, its rings and moons for four years. The Huygens probe, designed and developed for the European Space Agency (ESA), will be deployed from the orbiter to study the clouds, atmosphere and surface of Saturn’s largest moon, Titan. The orbiter was designed and assembled at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. Following postflight inspections, integration of the 12 science instruments not already installed on the orbiter will be completed. Then, the parabolic high-gain antenna and the propulsion module will be mated to the orbiter, followed by the Huygens probe, which will complete spacecraft integration. The Cassini mission is targeted for an Oct. 6 launch to begin its 6.7-year journey to the Saturnian system. Arrival at the planet is expected to occur around July 1, 2004 KSC-97pc681

Workers prepare to move the shipping container with the Cassini orbite...

Workers prepare to move the shipping container with the Cassini orbiter inside the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) for prelaunch processing, testing and integration. The kscpao/release/1997/66-97.ht... More

Workers prepare to move the shipping container with the Cassini orbiter inside the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) for prelaunch processing, testing and integration. The /1997/66-97.htm">orbiter arrived</a> at KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility in a U.S. Air Force C-17 air cargo plane from Edwards Air Force Base, California. The orbiter and the Huygens probe already being processed at KSC are the two primary components of the Cassini spacecraft, which will be launched on a Titan IVB/Centaur expendable launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Station. Cassini will explore Saturn, its rings and moons for four years. The Huygens probe, designed and developed for the European Space Agency (ESA), will be deployed from the orbiter to study the clouds, atmosphere and surface of Saturn’s largest moon, Titan. The orbiter was designed and assembled at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. Following postflight inspections, integration of the 12 science instruments not already installed on the orbiter will be completed. Then, the parabolic high-gain antenna and the propulsion module will be mated to the orbiter, followed by the Huygens probe, which will complete spacecraft integration. The Cassini mission is targeted for an Oct. 6 launch to begin its 6.7-year journey to the Saturnian system. Arrival at the planet is expected to occur around July 1, 2004 KSC-97pc680

Workers prepare to move the shipping container with the Cassini orbite...

Workers prepare to move the shipping container with the Cassini orbiter inside the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) for prelaunch processing, testing and integration. The kscpao/release/1997/66-97.ht... More

Workers in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) stand around the upper experiment module and base of the Cassini orbiter during prelaunch processing, testing and integration in that facility. The Cassini orbiter and Huygens probe being processed at KSC are the two primary components of the Cassini spacecraft, which will be launched on a Titan IVB/Centaur expendable launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Station. Cassini will explore Saturn, its rings and moons for four years. The Huygens probe, designed and developed for the European Space Agency (ESA), will be deployed from the orbiter to study the clouds, atmosphere and surface of Saturn’s largest moon, Titan. The orbiter was designed and assembled at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. Following postflight inspections, integration of the 12 science instruments not already installed on the orbiter will be completed. Then, the parabolic high-gain antenna and the propulsion module will be mated to the orbiter, followed by the Huygens probe, which will complete spacecraft integration. The Cassini mission is targeted for an Oct. 6 launch to begin its 6.7-year journey to the Saturnian system. Arrival at the planet is expected to occur around July 1, 2004 KSC-97pc731

Workers in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) stand aroun...

Workers in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) stand around the upper experiment module and base of the Cassini orbiter during prelaunch processing, testing and integration in that facility. The Cas... More

A worker in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) stands behind the bottom side of the experiment platform for the Huygens probe that will accompany the Cassini orbiter to Saturn during prelaunch processing testing and integration in that facility. The Huygens probe and the Cassini orbiter being processed at KSC are the two primary components of the Cassini spacecraft, which will be launched on a Titan IVB/Centaur expendable launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Station. Cassini will explore Saturn, its rings and moons for four years. The Huygens probe, designed and developed for the European Space Agency (ESA), will be deployed from the orbiter to study the clouds, atmosphere and surface of Saturn’s largest moon, Titan. The orbiter was designed and assembled at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. Following postflight inspections, integration of the 12 science instruments not already installed on the orbiter will be completed. Then, the parabolic high-gain antenna and the propulsion module will be mated to the orbiter, followed by the Huygens probe, which will complete spacecraft integration. The Cassini mission is targeted for an Oct. 6 launch to begin its 6.7-year journey to the Saturnian system. Arrival at the planet is expected to occur around July 1, 2004 KSC-97pc732

A worker in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) stands beh...

A worker in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) stands behind the bottom side of the experiment platform for the Huygens probe that will accompany the Cassini orbiter to Saturn during prelaunch proc... More

An employee in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) sews thermal insulation material on the front heat shield of the Huygens probe during prelaunch processing testing and integration in that facility, with the probe’s back cover in the background. The Huygens probe and the Cassini orbiter being processed at KSC are the two primary components of the Cassini spacecraft, which will be launched on a Titan IVB/Centaur expendable launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Station. Cassini will explore Saturn, its rings and moons for four years. The Huygens probe, designed and developed for the European Space Agency (ESA), will be deployed from the orbiter to study the clouds, atmosphere and surface of Saturn’s largest moon, Titan. The orbiter was designed and assembled at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. Following postflight inspections, integration of the 12 science instruments not already installed on the orbiter will be completed. Then, the parabolic high-gain antenna and the propulsion module will be mated to the orbiter, followed by the Huygens probe, which will complete spacecraft integration. The Cassini mission is targeted for an Oct. 6 launch to begin its 6.7-year journey to the Saturnian system. Arrival at the planet is expected to occur around July 1, 2004 KSC-97pc729

An employee in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) sews th...

An employee in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) sews thermal insulation material on the front heat shield of the Huygens probe during prelaunch processing testing and integration in that facility... More

Workers in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) perform checkouts of the upper experiment module and base of the Cassini orbiter during prelaunch processing, testing and integration in that facility. The Cassini orbiter and Huygens probe being processed at KSC are the two primary components of the Cassini spacecraft, which will be launched on a Titan IVB/Centaur expendable launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Station. Cassini will explore Saturn, its rings and moons for four years. The Huygens probe, designed and developed for the European Space Agency (ESA), will be deployed from the orbiter to study the clouds, atmosphere and surface of Saturn’s largest moon, Titan. The orbiter was designed and assembled at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. Following postflight inspections, integration of the 12 science instruments not already installed on the orbiter will be completed. Then, the parabolic high-gain antenna and the propulsion module will be mated to the orbiter, followed by the Huygens probe, which will complete spacecraft integration. The Cassini mission is targeted for an Oct. 6 launch to begin its 6.7-year journey to the Saturnian system. Arrival at the planet is expected to occur around July 1, 2004 KSC-97pc727

Workers in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) perform che...

Workers in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) perform checkouts of the upper experiment module and base of the Cassini orbiter during prelaunch processing, testing and integration in that facility.... More

Employees in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) lower the upper experiment module and base of the Cassini orbiter onto a work stand during prelaunch processing, testing and integration work in that facility. The Cassini orbiter and Huygens probe being processed at KSC are the two primary components of the Cassini spacecraft, which will be launched on a Titan IVB/Centaur expendable launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Station. Cassini will explore Saturn, its rings and moons for four years. The Huygens probe, designed and developed for the European Space Agency (ESA), will be deployed from the orbiter to study the clouds, atmosphere and surface of Saturn’s largest moon, Titan. The orbiter was designed and assembled at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. Following postflight inspections, integration of the 12 science instruments not already installed on the orbiter will be completed. Then, the parabolic high-gain antenna and the propulsion module will be mated to the orbiter, followed by the Huygens probe, which will complete spacecraft integration. The Cassini mission is targeted for an Oct. 6 launch to begin its 6.7-year journey to the Saturnian system. Arrival at the planet is expected to occur around July 1, 2004 KSC-97pc726

Employees in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) lower the...

Employees in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) lower the upper experiment module and base of the Cassini orbiter onto a work stand during prelaunch processing, testing and integration work in that... More

An employee in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) sews thermal insulation material on the back cover and heat shield of the Huygens probe during prelaunch processing, testing and integration in that facility. The Huygens probe and the Cassini orbiter being processed at KSC are the two primary components of the Cassini spacecraft, which will be launched on a Titan IVB/Centaur expendable launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Station. Cassini will explore Saturn, its rings and moons for four years. The Huygens probe, designed and developed for the European Space Agency (ESA), will be deployed from the orbiter to study the clouds, atmosphere and surface of Saturn’s largest moon, Titan. The orbiter was designed and assembled at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. Following postflight inspections, integration of the 12 science instruments not already installed on the orbiter will be completed. Then, the parabolic high-gain antenna and the propulsion module will be mated to the orbiter, followed by the Huygens probe, which will complete spacecraft integration. The Cassini mission is targeted for an Oct. 6 launch to begin its 6.7-year journey to the Saturnian system. Arrival at the planet is expected to occur around July 1, 2004 KSC-97pc728

An employee in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) sews th...

An employee in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) sews thermal insulation material on the back cover and heat shield of the Huygens probe during prelaunch processing, testing and integration in tha... More

An employee in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) works on the top side of the experiment platform for the Huygens probe that will accompany the Cassini orbiter to Saturn during prelaunch processing, testing and integration in that facility. The Huygens probe and the Cassini orbiter being processed at KSC are the two primary components of the Cassini spacecraft, which will be launched on a Titan IVB/Centaur expendable launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Station. Cassini will explore Saturn, its rings and moons for four years. The Huygens probe, designed and developed for the European Space Agency (ESA), will be deployed from the orbiter to study the clouds, atmosphere and surface of Saturn’s largest moon, Titan. The orbiter was designed and assembled at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. Following postflight inspections, integration of the 12 science instruments not already installed on the orbiter will be completed. Then, the parabolic high-gain antenna and the propulsion module will be mated to the orbiter, followed by the Huygens probe, which will complete spacecraft integration. The Cassini mission is targeted for an Oct. 6 launch to begin its 6.7-year journey to the Saturnian system. Arrival at the planet is expected to occur around July 1, 2004 KSC-97pc730

An employee in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) works o...

An employee in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) works on the top side of the experiment platform for the Huygens probe that will accompany the Cassini orbiter to Saturn during prelaunch processin... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Atlantis rolls out of the Orbiter Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) for its journey to the Shuttle Landing Facility where it will be lifted and mated to the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft at KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility. Atlantis will then be ferried to California for its Orbiter Maintenance Down Period at Palmdale’s Orbiter Assembly Facility, where it will remain until August 1998. At Palmdale, modifications and structural inspections will be conducted in preparation for Atlantis’ future missions to support International Space Station assembly activities. Atlantis’ next flight into space is scheduled to be Space Shuttle mission STS-92, targeted for launch from KSC in January 1999 KSC-97PC1662

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Atlantis rolls out of the Or...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Atlantis rolls out of the Orbiter Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) for its journey to the Shuttle Landing Facility where it will be lifted and mated to... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Space Shuttle Atlantis sits atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft at Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility. Atlantis is being prepared for its ferry flight to California for its Orbiter Maintenance Down Period at Palmdale’s Orbiter Assembly Facility where it will remain until August 1998. At Palmdale, modifications and structural inspections will be conducted in preparation for Atlantis’ future missions to support International Space Station assembly activities. Atlantis’ next flight into space is scheduled to be Space Shuttle mission STS-92, targeted for launch from KSC in January 1999 KSC-97PC1665

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Space Shuttle Atlantis sits atop the...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Space Shuttle Atlantis sits atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft at Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility. Atlantis is being prepared for its ferry flight to California ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis sits under the Mate/Demate Device at Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility, where it will be lifted and mated to the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. Atlantis is being prepared for its ferry flight to California for its Orbiter Maintenance Down Period at Palmdale's Orbiter Assembly Facility where it will remain until August 1998. At Palmdale, modifications and structural inspections will be conducted in preparation for Atlantis' future missions to support International Space Station assembly activities. Atlantis' next flight into space is scheduled to be Space Shuttle mission STS-92, targeted for launch from KSC in January 1999 KSC-97PC1664

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis sits under the Ma...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis sits under the Mate/Demate Device at Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility, where it will be lifted and mated to the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. Atla... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Atlantis rolls from the Orbiter Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) for its journey to the Shuttle Landing Facility where it will be lifted and mated to the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft at KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility. Atlantis will then be ferried to California for its Orbiter Maintenance Down Period at Palmdale’s Orbiter Assembly Facility, where it will remain until August 1998. At Palmdale, modifications and structural inspections will be conducted in preparation for Atlantis’ future missions to support International Space Station assembly activities. Atlantis’ next flight into space is scheduled to be Space Shuttle mission STS-92, targeted for launch from KSC in January 1999 KSC-97PC1663

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Atlantis rolls from the Orbiter Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) for its journey to the Shuttle Landing Facility where it will be lifted and mated to t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Atlantis sits atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft at Kennedy Space Center’s (KSC’s) Shuttle Landing Facility. Atlantis is being prepared for its ferry flight to Palmdale, Calif., for its Orbiter Maintenance Down Period at Palmdale’s Orbiter Assembly Facility, where it will remain until August 1998. There, modifications and structural inspections will be conducted in preparation for Atlantis’ future missions to support International Space Station assembly activities. Atlantis’ next flight into space is scheduled to be Space Shuttle mission STS-92, targeted for launch from KSC in January 1999 KSC-97PC1666

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Atlantis sits atop the Shutt...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Atlantis sits atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft at Kennedy Space Center’s (KSC’s) Shuttle Landing Facility. Atlantis is being prepared for its ferry flight to Palmdale,... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Atlantis, riding atop the modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, departed Kennedy Space Center (KSC) on Nov. 11 at 1:53 p.m. en route to Palmdale, Calif., for its planned Orbiter Maintenance Down Period. Atlantis departed from KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 for Palmdale’s Orbiter Assembly Facility, where it will remain until August 1998. At Palmdale, modifications and structural inspections will be conducted in preparation for Atlantis’ future missions to support International Space Station assembly activities. Atlantis’ next flight into space is scheduled to be Space Shuttle mission STS-92, targeted for launch from KSC in January 1999 KSC-97PC1668

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Atlantis, riding atop the mo...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Atlantis, riding atop the modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, departed Kennedy Space Center (KSC) on Nov. 11 at 1:53 p.m. en route to Palmdale, Calif., for it... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Atlantis, riding atop the modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, departed Kennedy Space Center (KSC) at 1:53 p.m. on Nov. 11 en route to Palmdale, Calif., for the planned Orbiter Maintenance Down Period. Atlantis departed from KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 for Palmdale’s Orbiter Assembly Facility, where it will remain until August 1998. At Palmdale, modifications and structural inspections will be conducted in preparation for Atlantis’ future missions to support International Space Station assembly activities. Atlantis’ next flight into space is scheduled to be Space Shuttle mission STS-92, targeted for launch from KSC in January 1999 KSC-97PC1667

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Atlantis, riding atop the mo...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Atlantis, riding atop the modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, departed Kennedy Space Center (KSC) at 1:53 p.m. on Nov. 11 en route to Palmdale, Calif., for th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft rolls to a stop with its piggyback cargo orbiter Atlantis at the Shuttle Landing Facility. In the background is the Vehicle Assembly Building. Atlantis returns home after a 10-month stay in the Palmdale, CA, orbiter processing facility undergoing extensive inspections and modifications. They included several upgrades enabling it to support International Space Station missions, such as adding an external airlock for ISS docking missions and installing thinner, lighter thermal protection blankets for weight reduction which will allow it to haul heavier cargo. The flight from Palmdale included a fueling stop in Ft. Hood, TX, and overnight stay at Ft. Campbell, KY. Atlantis will undergo preparations in the Orbiter Processing Facility at KSC for its planned flight in June 1999 KSC-98pc1162

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft rolls to a ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft rolls to a stop with its piggyback cargo orbiter Atlantis at the Shuttle Landing Facility. In the background is the Vehicle Assembly Building. Atlantis... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft gently lands its piggyback cargo orbiter Atlantis at the Shuttle Landing Facility. Atlantis returns home after a 10-month stay in the Palmdale, CA, orbiter processing facility undergoing extensive inspections and modifications. They included several upgrades enabling it to support International Space Station missions, such as adding an external airlock for ISS docking missions and installing thinner, lighter thermal protection blankets for weight reduction which will allow it to haul heavier cargo. The flight from Palmdale included a fueling stop in Ft. Hood, TX, and overnight stay at Ft. Campbell, KY. Atlantis will undergo preparations in the Orbiter Processing Facility at KSC for its planned flight in June 1999 KSC-98pc1161

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft gently land...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft gently lands its piggyback cargo orbiter Atlantis at the Shuttle Landing Facility. Atlantis returns home after a 10-month stay in the Palmdale, CA, orb... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Stairs are rolled to the forward opening of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with its piggyback cargo, the orbiter Atlantis after it rolls to a stop at the Shuttle Landing Facility. Atlantis returns home after a 10-month stay in the Palmdale, CA, orbiter processing facility undergoing extensive inspections and modifications. They included several upgrades enabling it to support International Space Station missions, such as adding an external airlock for ISS docking missions and installing thinner, lighter thermal protection blankets for weight reduction which will allow it to haul heavier cargo. The flight from Palmdale included a fueling stop in Ft. Hood, TX, and overnight stay at Ft. Campbell, KY. Atlantis will undergo preparations in the Orbiter Processing Facility at KSC for its planned flight in June 1999 KSC-98pc1163

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Stairs are rolled to the forward opening...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Stairs are rolled to the forward opening of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with its piggyback cargo, the orbiter Atlantis after it rolls to a stop at the Shuttle Landing Facility. At... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with orbiter Atlantis on top arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility. Atlantis returns home after a 10-month stay in the Palmdale, CA, orbiter processing facility undergoing extensive inspections and modifications. They included several upgrades enabling it to support International Space Station missions, such as adding an external airlock for ISS docking missions and installing thinner, lighter thermal protection blankets for weight reduction which will allow it to haul heavier cargo. The flight from Palmdale included a fueling stop in Ft. Hood, TX, and overnight stay at Ft. Campbell, KY. Atlantis will undergo preparations in the Orbiter Processing Facility at KSC for its planned flight in June 1999 KSC-98pc1159

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with orbite...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with orbiter Atlantis on top arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility. Atlantis returns home after a 10-month stay in the Palmdale, CA, orbiter processi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with orbiter Atlantis on top touches down at the Shuttle Landing Facility. Atlantis returns home after a 10-month stay in the Palmdale, CA, orbiter processing facility undergoing extensive inspections and modifications. They included several upgrades enabling it to support International Space Station missions, such as adding an external airlock for ISS docking missions and installing thinner, lighter thermal protection blankets for weight reduction which will allow it to haul heavier cargo. The flight from Palmdale included a fueling stop in Ft. Hood, TX, and overnight stay at Ft. Campbell, KY. Atlantis will undergo preparations in the Orbiter Processing Facility at KSC for its planned flight in June 1999 KSC-98pc1160

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with orbite...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with orbiter Atlantis on top touches down at the Shuttle Landing Facility. Atlantis returns home after a 10-month stay in the Palmdale, CA, orbiter pro... More

Seen from behind, the orbiter Atlantis moves into the Orbiter Processing Facility 2 (OPF-2) where it will undergo preparations for its planned flight in June 1999. Atlantis spent 10 months in Palmdale, CA, undergoing extensive inspections and modifications in the orbiter processing facility there. The modifications included several upgrades enabling it to support International Space Station missions, such as adding an external airlock for ISS docking missions and installing thinner, lighter thermal protection blankets for weight reduction which will allow it to haul heavier cargo. OPF-2 consists of two 2,700-square-meter (29,000 square feet) high bays. It measures 29 meters (95 ft). high, 121 meters (397 ft) long and 71 meters (233 ft) wide KSC-98pc1168

Seen from behind, the orbiter Atlantis moves into the Orbiter Processi...

Seen from behind, the orbiter Atlantis moves into the Orbiter Processing Facility 2 (OPF-2) where it will undergo preparations for its planned flight in June 1999. Atlantis spent 10 months in Palmdale, CA, unde... More

The orbiter Atlantis, being towed from the Shuttle Landing Facility toward the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) , intersects the morning sun's rays. In the background, to the right of the VAB, are the Orbiter Processing Facility 1 and 2. Atlantis spent 10 months in Palmdale, CA, undergoing extensive inspections and modifications in the orbiter processing facility there. The modifications included several upgrades enabling it to support International Space Station missions, such as adding an external airlock for ISS docking missions and installing thinner, lighter thermal protection blankets for weight reduction which will allow it to haul heavier cargo. Atlantis will undergo preparations at KSC in Orbiter Processing Facility 2 for its planned flight in June 1999 KSC-98pc1166

The orbiter Atlantis, being towed from the Shuttle Landing Facility to...

The orbiter Atlantis, being towed from the Shuttle Landing Facility toward the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) , intersects the morning sun's rays. In the background, to the right of the VAB, are the Orbiter Pr... More

The orbiter Atlantis is towed away from the Shuttle Landing Facility after returning home from California atop its Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. The orbiter spent 10 months in Palmdale undergoing extensive inspections and modifications in the orbiter processing facility there. The modifications included several upgrades enabling it to support International Space Station missions, such as adding an external airlock for ISS docking missions and installing thinner, lighter thermal protection blankets for weight reduction which will allow it to haul heavier cargo. Atlantis will undergo preparations in the Orbiter Processing Facility at KSC for its planned flight in June 1999 KSC-98pc1164

The orbiter Atlantis is towed away from the Shuttle Landing Facility a...

The orbiter Atlantis is towed away from the Shuttle Landing Facility after returning home from California atop its Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. The orbiter spent 10 months in Palmdale undergoing extensive inspecti... More

Seen from behind, the orbiter Atlantis approaches the entrance of Orbiter Processing Facility 2 (OPF-2) where it will undergo preparations for its planned flight in June 1999. Atlantis spent 10 months in Palmdale, CA, undergoing extensive inspections and modifications in the orbiter processing facility there. The modifications included several upgrades enabling it to support International Space Station missions, such as adding an external airlock for ISS docking missions and installing thinner, lighter thermal protection blankets for weight reduction which will allow it to haul heavier cargo. OPF-2 consists of a 2,700-square-meter (29,000 square ft.) high bay. The building measures 29 meters (95 ft). high, 121 meters (397 ft.) long and 71 meters (233 ft.) wide KSC-98pc1167

Seen from behind, the orbiter Atlantis approaches the entrance of Orbi...

Seen from behind, the orbiter Atlantis approaches the entrance of Orbiter Processing Facility 2 (OPF-2) where it will undergo preparations for its planned flight in June 1999. Atlantis spent 10 months in Palmda... More

The orbiter Atlantis, being towed from the Shuttle Landing Facility, is reflected in waters from the Banana Creek next to the towway. The orbiter spent 10 months in Palmdale, CA, undergoing extensive inspections and modifications in the orbiter processing facility there. The modifications included several upgrades enabling it to support International Space Station missions, such as adding an external airlock for ISS docking missions and installing thinner, lighter thermal protection blankets for weight reduction which will allow it to haul heavier cargo. Atlantis will undergo preparations in the Orbiter Processing Facility at KSC for its planned flight in June 1999 KSC-98pc1165

The orbiter Atlantis, being towed from the Shuttle Landing Facility, i...

The orbiter Atlantis, being towed from the Shuttle Landing Facility, is reflected in waters from the Banana Creek next to the towway. The orbiter spent 10 months in Palmdale, CA, undergoing extensive inspection... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An orbiter has more than 300 miles of wires such as these shown here in the cable tray inside Columbia's payload bay. During launch of Columbia on mission STS-93, a damaged wire caused a short circuit in two separate main engine controllers. As a result of the findings, Shuttle program managers have decided to conduct inspections of the wiring in Endeavour's payload bay before its next mission, STS-99. The inspection and possible repair work will lead to a delayed launch date no earlier than Oct.7. The primary payload of the mission is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, a specially modified radar system that will gather data for the most accurate and complete topographic map of the Earth's surface that has ever been assembled KSC-99pd-812-06

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An orbiter has more than 300 miles of wi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An orbiter has more than 300 miles of wires such as these shown here in the cable tray inside Columbia's payload bay. During launch of Columbia on mission STS-93, a damaged wire ca... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- KSC workers stand inside the payload bay of the orbiter Columbia following completion of electrical wiring inspections. At right, behind and below them is the cable tray with the wiring. During launch of Columbia on mission STS-93, a damaged wire caused a short circuit in two separate main engine controllers. As a result of the findings, Shuttle program managers decided to conduct inspections of the wiring in Endeavour's payload bay before its next mission, STS-99. The inspection and possible repair work will lead to a delayed launch date no earlier than Oct.7. The primary payload of the mission is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, a specially modified radar system that will gather data for the most accurate and complete topographic map of the Earth's surface that has ever been assembled KSC-99pd-812-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- KSC workers stand inside the payload bay...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- KSC workers stand inside the payload bay of the orbiter Columbia following completion of electrical wiring inspections. At right, behind and below them is the cable tray with the w... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- KSC workers stand inside the payload bay of the orbiter Columbia following completion of electrical wiring inspections. In the background is the open cable tray with the wiring. During launch of Columbia on mission STS-93, a damaged wire caused a short circuit in two separate main engine controllers. As a result of the findings, Shuttle program managers decided to conduct inspections of the wiring in Endeavour's payload bay before its next mission, STS-99. The inspection and possible repair work will lead to a delayed launch date no earlier than Oct.7. The primary payload of the mission is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, a specially modified radar system that will gather data for the most accurate and complete topographic map of the Earth's surface that has ever been assembled KSC-99pd-812-03

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- KSC workers stand inside the payload bay...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- KSC workers stand inside the payload bay of the orbiter Columbia following completion of electrical wiring inspections. In the background is the open cable tray with the wiring. Du... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Proper Wiring Protection: The cables closest to the heads of the screws in this photo are properly protected from abrasion. During launch of Columbia on mission STS-93, a wire damaged from abrasion caused a short circuit in two separate main engine controllers. As a result of the findings, Shuttle program managers decided to conduct inspections of the wiring in Endeavour's payload bay before its next mission, STS-99. The inspection and possible repair work will lead to a delayed launch date no earlier than Oct.7. The primary payload of the mission is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, a specially modified radar system that will gather data for the most accurate and complete topographic map of the Earth's surface that has ever been assembled KSC-99pd-812-02

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Proper Wiring Protection: The cables clo...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Proper Wiring Protection: The cables closest to the heads of the screws in this photo are properly protected from abrasion. During launch of Columbia on mission STS-93, a wire dama... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A wire damaged by abrasion from the head of a screw (seen below the bundle) was found during electrical wiring inspections in Columbia's payload bay. During launch of Columbia on mission STS-93, a damaged wire caused a short circuit in two separate main engine controllers. As a result of the findings, Shuttle program managers have decided to conduct inspections of the wiring in Endeavour's payload bay before its next mission, STS-99. The inspection and possible repair work will lead to a delayed launch date no earlier than Oct.7. The primary payload of the mission is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, a specially modified radar system that will gather data for the most accurate and complete topographic map of the Earth's surface that has ever been assembled KSC-99pd-812-04

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A wire damaged by abrasion from the head...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A wire damaged by abrasion from the head of a screw (seen below the bundle) was found during electrical wiring inspections in Columbia's payload bay. During launch of Columbia on m... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the orbiter Columbia's payload bay, the head of a screw (shown here) is identified as the probable cause of damage to a wire that caused a short circuit in two separate main engine controllers during launch of mission STS-93. As a result of the findings of electrical wiring inspections, Shuttle program managers have decided to inspect the wiring in Endeavour's payload bay before its next mission, STS-99. The inspection and possible repair work will lead to a delayed launch date no earlier than Oct.7. The primary payload of the mission is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, a specially modified radar system that will gather data for the most accurate and complete topographic map of the Earth's surface that has ever been assembled KSC-99pd-812-05

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the orbiter Columbia's payload bay, t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the orbiter Columbia's payload bay, the head of a screw (shown here) is identified as the probable cause of damage to a wire that caused a short circuit in two separate main eng... More

Workers inside orbiter Endeavour's payload bay observe as an overhead crane maneuvers to lift the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) for its transfer out of the orbiter to a payload canister. The payload on mission STS-99, SRTM is being removed to allow technicians access to the orbiter's midbody for planned wiring inspections. Endeavour is in the Orbiter Processing Facility. The entire fleet of orbiters is being inspected for wiring abrasions after the problem was first discovered in Columbia. Shuttle managers are reviewing several manifest options and could establish new target launch dates for the balance of 1999 next week. Shuttle Endeavour currently remains slated for launch in early October KSC-99pp1054

Workers inside orbiter Endeavour's payload bay observe as an overhead ...

Workers inside orbiter Endeavour's payload bay observe as an overhead crane maneuvers to lift the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) for its transfer out of the orbiter to a payload canister. The payload o... More

In the center of orbiter Endeavour's payload bay is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), being prepared for transfer out of the orbiter to a payload canister. The payload on mission STS-99, SRTM is being removed to allow technicians access to the orbiter's midbody for planned wiring inspections. Endeavour is in the Orbiter Processing Facility. The entire fleet of orbiters is being inspected for wiring abrasions after the problem was first discovered in Columbia. Shuttle managers are reviewing several manifest options and could establish new target launch dates for the balance of 1999 next week. Shuttle Endeavour currently remains slated for launch in early October KSC-99pp1053

In the center of orbiter Endeavour's payload bay is the Shuttle Radar ...

In the center of orbiter Endeavour's payload bay is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), being prepared for transfer out of the orbiter to a payload canister. The payload on mission STS-99, SRTM is bein... More

In the Orbiter Processing Facility, workers observe as an overhead crane lowers the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) into a payload canister. The payload on mission STS-99, SRTM was removed from orbiter Endeavour's payload bay to allow technicians access to the orbiter's midbody for planned wiring inspections. The entire fleet of orbiters is being inspected for wiring abrasions after the problem was first discovered in Columbia. Shuttle managers are reviewing several manifest options and could establish new target launch dates for the balance of 1999 next week. Shuttle Endeavour currently remains slated for launch in early October KSC-99pp1057

In the Orbiter Processing Facility, workers observe as an overhead cra...

In the Orbiter Processing Facility, workers observe as an overhead crane lowers the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) into a payload canister. The payload on mission STS-99, SRTM was removed from orbiter ... More

Inside orbiter Endeavour's payload bay, a crane lifts the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) clear of the orbiter for transfer to a payload canister. The payload on mission STS-99, SRTM is being removed to allow technicians access to the orbiter's midbody for planned wiring inspections. Endeavour is in the Orbiter Processing Facility. The entire fleet of orbiters is being inspected for wiring abrasions after the problem was first discovered in Columbia. Shuttle managers are reviewing several manifest options and could establish new target launch dates for the balance of 1999 next week. Shuttle Endeavour currently remains slated for launch in early October KSC-99pp1056

Inside orbiter Endeavour's payload bay, a crane lifts the Shuttle Rada...

Inside orbiter Endeavour's payload bay, a crane lifts the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) clear of the orbiter for transfer to a payload canister. The payload on mission STS-99, SRTM is being removed to... More

Inside orbiter Endeavour's payload bay, a crane lifts the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) for its transfer out of the orbiter to a payload canister. The payload on mission STS-99, SRTM is being removed to allow technicians access to the orbiter's midbody for planned wiring inspections. Endeavour is in the Orbiter Processing Facility. The entire fleet of orbiters is being inspected for wiring abrasions after the problem was first discovered in Columbia. Shuttle managers are reviewing several manifest options and could establish new target launch dates for the balance of 1999 next week. Shuttle Endeavour currently remains slated for launch in early October KSC-99pp1055

Inside orbiter Endeavour's payload bay, a crane lifts the Shuttle Rada...

Inside orbiter Endeavour's payload bay, a crane lifts the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) for its transfer out of the orbiter to a payload canister. The payload on mission STS-99, SRTM is being removed ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On an orbiter transporter, Columbia is turned, after rolling out of KSC's Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, for its move to the Shuttle Landing Facility's (SLF) Mate-Demate Device. At the SLF the orbiter is to be mated to the Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft for a ferry flight to Palmdale, Calif. On the rear of the orbiter can be seen the tail cone, a fairing that is installed over the aft fuselage of the orbiter to decrease aerodynamic drag and buffet when the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft is transporting the orbiter cross-country. It is 36 feet long, 25 feet wide, and 22 feet high. Columbia, the oldest of four orbiters in NASA's fleet, will undergo extensive inspections and modifications in Boeing's Orbiter Assembly Facility during a nine-month orbiter maintenance down period (OMDP), the second in its history. Orbiters are periodically removed from flight operations for an OMDP. Columbia's first was in 1994. Along with more than 100 modifications on the vehicle, Columbia will be the second orbiter to be outfitted with the multifunctional electronic display system, or "glass cockpit." Columbia is expected to return to KSC in July 2000 KSC-99pp1136

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On an orbiter transporter, Columbia is t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On an orbiter transporter, Columbia is turned, after rolling out of KSC's Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, for its move to the Shuttle Landing Facility's (SLF) Mate-Demate Device... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Columbia (foreground) moves under the Mate-Demate Device at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF). The crane seen above it will lift the orbiter so that the Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) in the background can move underneath Columbia, which will then be attached to the back of the SCA for a ferry flight to Palmdale, Calif. On the rear of the orbiter is the tail cone, a fairing that is installed over the aft fuselage of the orbiter to decrease aerodynamic drag and buffet when the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft is transporting the orbiter cross-country. It is 36 feet long, 25 feet wide, and 22 feet high. Columbia, the oldest of four orbiters in NASA's fleet, will undergo extensive inspections and modifications in Boeing's Orbiter Assembly Facility during a nine-month orbiter maintenance down period (OMDP), the second in its history. Orbiters are periodically removed from flight operations for an OMDP. Columbia's first was in 1994. Along with more than 100 modifications on the vehicle, Columbia will be the second orbiter to be outfitted with the multifunctional electronic display system, or "glass cockpit." Columbia is expected to return to KSC in July 2000 KSC-99pp1140

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Columbia (foreground) moves ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Columbia (foreground) moves under the Mate-Demate Device at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF). The crane seen above it will lift the orbiter so that the Boeing 747 S... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Aboard a transporter, the orbiter Columbia is moved on the tow-way along the Banana Creek. Columbia is heading to the Shuttle Landing Facility's (SLF) Mate-Demate Device where it will be mated to the Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft for a ferry flight to Palmdale, Calif. On the rear of the orbiter can be seen the tail cone, a fairing that is installed over the aft fuselage of the orbiter to decrease aerodynamic drag and buffet when the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft is transporting the orbiter cross-country. It is 36 feet long, 25 feet wide, and 22 feet high. Columbia, the oldest of four orbiters in NASA's fleet, will undergo extensive inspections and modifications in Boeing's Orbiter Assembly Facility during a nine-month orbiter maintenance down period (OMDP), the second in its history. Orbiters are periodically removed from flight operations for an OMDP. Columbia's first was in 1994. Along with more than 100 modifications on the vehicle, Columbia will be the second orbiter to be outfitted with the multifunctional electronic display system, or "glass cockpit." Columbia is expected to return to KSC in July 2000 KSC-99pp1138

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Aboard a transporter, the orbiter Columb...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Aboard a transporter, the orbiter Columbia is moved on the tow-way along the Banana Creek. Columbia is heading to the Shuttle Landing Facility's (SLF) Mate-Demate Device where it w... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Columbia rolls out of KSC's Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, bound for the Shuttle Landing Facility's (SLF) Mate-Demate Device. At the SLF the orbiter is to be mated to the Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft for a ferry flight to Palmdale, Calif. On the rear of the orbiter can be seen the tail cone, a fairing that is installed over the aft fuselage of the orbiter to decrease aerodynamic drag and buffet when the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft is transporting the orbiter cross-country. It is 36 feet long, 25 feet wide, and 22 feet high. Columbia, the oldest of four orbiters in NASA's fleet, will undergo extensive inspections and modifications in Boeing's Orbiter Assembly Facility during a nine-month orbiter maintenance down period (OMDP), the second in its history. Orbiters are periodically removed from flight operations for an OMDP. Columbia's first was in 1994. Along with more than 100 modifications on the vehicle, Columbia will be the second orbiter to be outfitted with the multifunctional electronic display system, or "glass cockpit." Columbia is expected to return to KSC in July 2000 KSC-99pp1134

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Columbia rolls out of KSC's ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Columbia rolls out of KSC's Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, bound for the Shuttle Landing Facility's (SLF) Mate-Demate Device. At the SLF the orbiter is to be mated ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Photographed from overhead, the orbiter Columbia begins to turn after rolling out of KSC's Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, bound for the Shuttle Landing Facility's (SLF) Mate-Demate Device. At the SLF the orbiter is to be mated to the Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft for a ferry flight to Palmdale, Calif. On the rear of the orbiter can be seen the tail cone, a fairing that is installed over the aft fuselage of the orbiter to decrease aerodynamic drag and buffet when the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft is transporting the orbiter cross-country. It is 36 feet long, 25 feet wide, and 22 feet high. Columbia, the oldest of four orbiters in NASA's fleet, will undergo extensive inspections and modifications in Boeing's Orbiter Assembly Facility during a nine-month orbiter maintenance down period (OMDP), the second in its history. Orbiters are periodically removed from flight operations for an OMDP. Columbia's first was in 1994. Along with more than 100 modifications on the vehicle, Columbia will be the second orbiter to be outfitted with the multifunctional electronic display system, or "glass cockpit." Columbia is expected to return to KSC in July 2000 KSC-99pp1135

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Photographed from overhead, the orbiter ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Photographed from overhead, the orbiter Columbia begins to turn after rolling out of KSC's Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, bound for the Shuttle Landing Facility's (SLF) Mate-De... More

On an orbiter transporter, Columbia is ready for its move to the Shuttle Landing Facility's (SLF) Mate-Demate Device (MDD), in the distance at the top of the photo. Seen next to the MDD is the Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft which will carry the orbiter piggyback in a ferry flight to Palmdale, Calif. On the rear of the orbiter can be seen the tail cone, a fairing that is installed over the aft fuselage of the orbiter to decrease aerodynamic drag and buffet when the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft is transporting the orbiter cross-country. It is 36 feet long, 25 feet wide, and 22 feet high. Columbia, the oldest of four orbiters in NASA's fleet, will undergo extensive inspections and modifications in Boeing's Orbiter Assembly Facility during a nine-month orbiter maintenance down period (OMDP), the second in its history. Orbiters are periodically removed from flight operations for an OMDP. Columbia's first was in 1994. Along with more than 100 modifications on the vehicle, Columbia will be the second orbiter to be outfitted with the multifunctional electronic display system, or 'glass cockpit.' Columbia is expected to return to KSC in July 2000. KSC-99PP-1137

On an orbiter transporter, Columbia is ready for its move to the Shutt...

On an orbiter transporter, Columbia is ready for its move to the Shuttle Landing Facility's (SLF) Mate-Demate Device (MDD), in the distance at the top of the photo. Seen next to the MDD is the Boeing 747 Shuttl... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Aboard a transporter, the orbiter Columbia moves past the Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) at the Shuttle Landing Facility. There the orbiter will be mated to the SCA, with the help of a Mate-Demate Device, for a ferry flight to Palmdale, Calif. On the rear of the orbiter is the tail cone, a fairing that is installed over the aft fuselage of the orbiter to decrease aerodynamic drag and buffet when the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft is transporting the orbiter cross-country. It is 36 feet long, 25 feet wide, and 22 feet high. Columbia, the oldest of four orbiters in NASA's fleet, will undergo extensive inspections and modifications in Boeing's Orbiter Assembly Facility during a nine-month orbiter maintenance down period (OMDP), the second in its history. Orbiters are periodically removed from flight operations for an OMDP. Columbia's first was in 1994. Along with more than 100 modifications on the vehicle, Columbia will be the second orbiter to be outfitted with the multifunctional electronic display system, or "glass cockpit." Columbia is expected to return to KSC in July 2000 KSC-99pp1139

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Aboard a transporter, the orbiter Columb...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Aboard a transporter, the orbiter Columbia moves past the Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) at the Shuttle Landing Facility. There the orbiter will be mated to the SCA, wit... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy Space Center, the orbiter Columbia moves down the runway on the back of a Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft on a ferry flight to Palmdale, Calif. On the rear of the orbiter can be seen the tail cone, a fairing that is installed over the aft fuselage of the orbiter to decrease aerodynamic drag and buffet when the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft is transporting the orbiter cross-country. It is 36 feet long, 25 feet wide, and 22 feet high. Columbia, the oldest of four orbiters in NASA's fleet, will undergo extensive inspections and modifications in Boeing's Orbiter Assembly Facility during a nine-month orbiter maintenance down period (OMDP), the second in its history. Orbiters are periodically removed from flight operations for an OMDP. Columbia's first was in 1994. Along with more than 100 modifications on the vehicle, Columbia will be the second orbiter to be outfitted with the multifunctional electronic display system, or "glass cockpit." Columbia is expected to return to KSC in July 2000 KSC-99padig008

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the Shuttle Landing Facility at Ken...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy Space Center, the orbiter Columbia moves down the runway on the back of a Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft on a ferry flight to Palm... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy Space Center, the orbiter Columbia takes to the sky on the back of a Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft on a ferry flight to Palmdale, Calif. On the rear of the orbiter can be seen the tail cone, a fairing that is installed over the aft fuselage of the orbiter to decrease aerodynamic drag and buffet when the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft is transporting the orbiter cross-country. It is 36 feet long, 25 feet wide, and 22 feet high. Columbia, the oldest of four orbiters in NASA's fleet, will undergo extensive inspections and modifications in Boeing's Orbiter Assembly Facility during a nine-month orbiter maintenance down period (OMDP), the second in its history. Orbiters are periodically removed from flight operations for an OMDP. Columbia's first was in 1994. Along with more than 100 modifications on the vehicle, Columbia will be the second orbiter to be outfitted with the multifunctional electronic display system, or "glass cockpit." Columbia is expected to return to KSC in July 2000 KSC-99padig009

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kenne...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy Space Center, the orbiter Columbia takes to the sky on the back of a Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft on a ferry flight to Palmdale, C... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy Space Center, the orbiter Columbia takes off into a clear sky on the back of a Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft on a ferry flight to Palmdale, Calif. On the rear of the orbiter can be seen the tail cone, a fairing that is installed over the aft fuselage of the orbiter to decrease aerodynamic drag and buffet when the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft is transporting the orbiter cross-country. It is 36 feet long, 25 feet wide, and 22 feet high. Columbia, the oldest of four orbiters in NASA's fleet, will undergo extensive inspections and modifications in Boeing's Orbiter Assembly Facility during a nine-month orbiter maintenance down period (OMDP), the second in its history. Orbiters are periodically removed from flight operations for an OMDP. Columbia's first was in 1994. Along with more than 100 modifications on the vehicle, Columbia will be the second orbiter to be outfitted with the multifunctional electronic display system, or "glass cockpit." Columbia is expected to return to KSC in July 2000 KSC-99padig010

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kenne...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy Space Center, the orbiter Columbia takes off into a clear sky on the back of a Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft on a ferry flight to P... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility, egrets along the runway take flight as the orbiter Columbia leaves Kennedy Space Center on the back of a Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft on a ferry flight to Palmdale, Calif. Columbia, the oldest of four orbiters in NASA's fleet, will undergo extensive inspections and modifications in Boeing's Orbiter Assembly Facility during a nine-month orbiter maintenance down period (OMDP), the second in its history. Orbiters are periodically removed from flight operations for an OMDP. Columbia's first was in 1994. Along with more than 100 modifications on the vehicle, Columbia will be the second orbiter to be outfitted with the multifunctional electronic display system, or "glass cockpit." Columbia is expected to return to KSC in July 2000 KSC-99padig007

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility, egrets ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility, egrets along the runway take flight as the orbiter Columbia leaves Kennedy Space Center on the back of a Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft on a f... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the Shuttle Landing Facility, the orbiter Columbia leaves Kennedy Space Center on the back of a Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft on a ferry flight to Palmdale, Calif. Columbia, the oldest of four orbiters in NASA's fleet, will undergo extensive inspections and modifications in Boeing's Orbiter Assembly Facility during a nine-month orbiter maintenance down period (OMDP), the second in its history. Orbiters are periodically removed from flight operations for an OMDP. Columbia's first was in 1994. Along with more than 100 modifications on the vehicle, Columbia will be the second orbiter to be outfitted with the multifunctional electronic display system, or "glass cockpit." Columbia is expected to return to KSC in July 2000 KSC-99padig006

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the Shuttle Landing Facility, the o...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the Shuttle Landing Facility, the orbiter Columbia leaves Kennedy Space Center on the back of a Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft on a ferry flight to Palmdale, Calif. Colum... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, with the orbiter Columbia strapped to its back, waits at the Shuttle Landing Facility for clear weather to take off for its final destination, Palmdale, Calif. The oldest of four orbiters in NASA's fleet, Columbia is being ferried to Palmdale to undergo extensive inspections and modifications in Boeing's Orbiter Assembly Facility. The nine-month orbiter maintenance down period (OMDP) is the second in Columbia's history. Orbiters are periodically removed from flight operations for an OMDP. Columbia's first was in 1994. Along with more than 100 modifications on the vehicle, Columbia will be the second orbiter to be outfitted with the multifunctional electronic display system, or "glass cockpit." Columbia is expected to return to KSC in July 2000 KSC-99pp1142

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, with the orbiter Columbia strapped to its back, waits at the Shuttle Landing Facility for clear weather to take off for its final destinati... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft is cast in morning shadows as it backs away from the Mate/Demate Device with the orbiter Columbia strapped to its back. The oldest of four orbiters in NASA's fleet, Columbia is being ferried to Palmdale, Calif., where it will undergo extensive inspections and modifications in Boeing's Orbiter Assembly Facility. The nine-month orbiter maintenance down period (OMDP) is the second in Columbia's history. Orbiters are periodically removed from flight operations for an OMDP. Columbia's first was in 1994. Along with more than 100 modifications on the vehicle, Columbia will be the second orbiter to be outfitted with the multifunctional electronic display system, or "glass cockpit." Columbia is expected to return to KSC in July 2000 KSC-99pp1141

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft is cast in morning shadows as it backs away from the Mate/Demate Device with the orbiter Columbia strapped to its back. The oldest of four o... More

James Stickley (left) and Derry Dilby (right), who are with United Space Alliance, check over a spare four-inch diameter LH2 recirculation line that will be used to replace a damaged LH2 line in the orbiter Discovery. The line recirculates hydrogen from the Shuttle main engines back to the external tank during prelaunch engine conditioning. Workers noted a dent in the line during routine aft compartment inspections Tuesday, Dec. 7. The dent measures 12 inches long and about ½-inch deep. Managers expect the replacement work to take about 3 days, followed by system retests and final aft compartment close-outs. Preliminary assessments reflect a launch date of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-103 no earlier than Dec. 16. STS-103 is the third servicing mission for the Hubble Space Telescope KSC-99pp1398

James Stickley (left) and Derry Dilby (right), who are with United Spa...

James Stickley (left) and Derry Dilby (right), who are with United Space Alliance, check over a spare four-inch diameter LH2 recirculation line that will be used to replace a damaged LH2 line in the orbiter Dis... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Todd Biddle, with United Space Alliance, inspects wiring in the aft compartment of Discovery before launch. Electrical wire inspections and repairs in the orbiter's payload bay, external tank umbilical and engine compartment have been ongoing for more than a month and are near completion. Launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-103 is scheduled for Dec. 11 at 11:42 p.m. from Launch Pad 39B. STS-103 is the third servicing mission for the Hubble Space Telescope KSC-99pp1393

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Todd Biddle, with United Space Alliance,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Todd Biddle, with United Space Alliance, inspects wiring in the aft compartment of Discovery before launch. Electrical wire inspections and repairs in the orbiter's payload bay, ex... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Chris Kidd, with United Space Alliance (USA) stands by outside the aft compartment of Discovery while Todd Biddle (USA) inspects wiring inside. Electrical wire inspections and repairs in the orbiter's payload bay, external tank umbilical and engine compartment have been ongoing for more than a month and are near completion. Launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-103 is scheduled for Dec. 11 at 11:42 p.m. from Launch Pad 39B. STS-103 is the third servicing mission for the Hubble Space Telescope KSC-99pp1394

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Chris Kidd, with United Space Alliance (...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Chris Kidd, with United Space Alliance (USA) stands by outside the aft compartment of Discovery while Todd Biddle (USA) inspects wiring inside. Electrical wire inspections and repa... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Danny Wyatt, with NASA Quality, inspects wiring, using a flashlight and magnifying glass, in the aft compartment of Discovery before launch. Electrical wire inspections and repairs in the orbiter's payload bay, external tank umbilical and engine compartment have been ongoing for more than a month and are near completion. Launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-103 is scheduled for Dec. 11 at 11:42 p.m. from Launch Pad 39B. STS-103 is the third servicing mission for the Hubble Space Telescope KSC-99pp1395

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Danny Wyatt, with NASA Quality, inspects...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Danny Wyatt, with NASA Quality, inspects wiring, using a flashlight and magnifying glass, in the aft compartment of Discovery before launch. Electrical wire inspections and repairs... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Green dye penetrant helps pinpoint the dent discovered in this LH2 recirculation line in Space Shuttle Discovery's engine compartment. The 12-inch-long dent was discovered during routine aft compartment inspections Tuesday, Dec. 7. The LH2 line recirculates hydrogen from the Shuttle main engines back to the external tank during prelaunch engine conditioning. The line is being replaced and managers expect the replacement work to take about 3 days, followed by system retests and final aft compartment close-outs. Preliminary assessments reflect a launch date of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-103 no earlier than Dec. 16. STS-103 is the third servicing mission for the Hubble Space Telescope KSC-99padig039

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Green dye penetrant helps pinpoint the d...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Green dye penetrant helps pinpoint the dent discovered in this LH2 recirculation line in Space Shuttle Discovery's engine compartment. The 12-inch-long dent was discovered during r... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A small ruler shows the relative size of the bent LH2 recirculation line in Space Shuttle Discovery's engine compartment. Underneath the line is material draped to protect other components. The 12-inch-long dent was discovered during routine aft compartment inspections Tuesday, Dec. 7. The LH2 line recirculates hydrogen from the Shuttle main engines back to the external tank during prelaunch engine conditioning. The line is being replaced and managers expect the replacement work to take about 3 days, followed by system retests and final aft compartment close-outs. Preliminary assessments reflect a launch date of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-103 no earlier than Dec. 16. STS-103 is the third servicing mission for the Hubble Space Telescope KSC-99padig038

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A small ruler shows the relative size of...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A small ruler shows the relative size of the bent LH2 recirculation line in Space Shuttle Discovery's engine compartment. Underneath the line is material draped to protect other co... More

A spare four-inch diameter LH2 recirculation line (shown in photo) will be used to replace a damaged LH2 line in the orbiter Discovery. The line recirculates hydrogen from the Shuttle main engines back to the external tank during prelaunch engine conditioning. Workers noted a dent in the line during routine aft compartment inspections Tuesday, Dec. 7. The dent measures 12 inches long and about ½-inch deep. Managers expect the replacement work to take about 3 days, followed by system retests and final aft compartment close-outs. Preliminary assessments reflect a launch date of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-103 no earlier than Dec. 16. STS-103 is the third servicing mission for the Hubble Space Telescope KSC-99pp1397

A spare four-inch diameter LH2 recirculation line (shown in photo) wil...

A spare four-inch diameter LH2 recirculation line (shown in photo) will be used to replace a damaged LH2 line in the orbiter Discovery. The line recirculates hydrogen from the Shuttle main engines back to the e... More

Gary Hamilton (left) and James Stickley, both with United Space Alliance, check out a spare four-inch diameter LH2 recirculation line that will be used to replace a damaged LH2 line in the orbiter Discovery. The line recirculates hydrogen from the Shuttle main engines back to the external tank during prelaunch engine conditioning. Workers noted a dent in the line during routine aft compartment inspections Tuesday, Dec. 7. The dent measures 12 inches long and about ½-inch deep. Managers expect the replacement work to take about 3 days, followed by system retests and final aft compartment close-outs. Preliminary assessments reflect a launch date of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-103 no earlier than Dec. 16. STS-103 is the third servicing mission for the Hubble Space Telescope KSC-99pp1396

Gary Hamilton (left) and James Stickley, both with United Space Allian...

Gary Hamilton (left) and James Stickley, both with United Space Alliance, check out a spare four-inch diameter LH2 recirculation line that will be used to replace a damaged LH2 line in the orbiter Discovery. Th... More

Workers with United Space Alliance remove Shuttle Discovery's dented main propulsion system liquid hydrogen recirculation line. From left are James Stickley, George Atkins, and Todd Biddle. The 12-inch-long dent was discovered during routine aft compartment inspections Tuesday, Dec. 7. The line recirculates hydrogen from the Shuttle main engines back to the external tank during prelaunch engine conditioning. The line is being replaced and managers expect the replacement work to take about 3 days, followed by system retests and final aft compartment close-outs. Preliminary assessments reflect a launch date of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-103 no earlier than Dec. 16. STS-103 is the third servicing mission for the Hubble Space Telescope KSC-99pp1402

Workers with United Space Alliance remove Shuttle Discovery's dented m...

Workers with United Space Alliance remove Shuttle Discovery's dented main propulsion system liquid hydrogen recirculation line. From left are James Stickley, George Atkins, and Todd Biddle. The 12-inch-long den... More

This close-up shows the 12-inch-long dent on Shuttle Discovery's main propulsion system liquid hydrogen recirculation line that was discovered during routine aft compartment inspections Tuesday, Dec. 7. The line recirculates hydrogen from the Shuttle main engines back to the external tank during prelaunch engine conditioning. The line is being replaced and managers expect the replacement work to take about 3 days, followed by system retests and final aft compartment close-outs. Preliminary assessments reflect a launch date of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-103 no earlier than Dec. 16. STS-103 is the third servicing mission for the Hubble Space Telescope KSC-99pp1404

This close-up shows the 12-inch-long dent on Shuttle Discovery's main ...

This close-up shows the 12-inch-long dent on Shuttle Discovery's main propulsion system liquid hydrogen recirculation line that was discovered during routine aft compartment inspections Tuesday, Dec. 7. The lin... More

In the Payload Changeout Room, Launch Pad 39B, United Space Alliance and NASA workers look at the replacement main propulsion system liquid hydrogen recirculation line (left) to be installed in Shuttle Discovery's aft compartment. At right is the dented line that has been removed. The 12-inch-long dent was discovered during routine aft compartment inspections Tuesday, Dec. 7. The line recirculates hydrogen from the Shuttle main engines back to the external tank during prelaunch engine conditioning. The line is being replaced and managers expect the replacement work to take about 3 days, followed by system retests and final aft compartment close-outs. Preliminary assessments reflect a launch date of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-103 no earlier than Dec. 16. STS-103 is the third servicing mission for the Hubble Space Telescope KSC-99pp1403

In the Payload Changeout Room, Launch Pad 39B, United Space Alliance a...

In the Payload Changeout Room, Launch Pad 39B, United Space Alliance and NASA workers look at the replacement main propulsion system liquid hydrogen recirculation line (left) to be installed in Shuttle Discover... More

Workers in the Payload Changeout Room check the U.S. Lab Destiny as its moves from Atlantis’ payload bay into the PCR. Destiny will remain in the PCR while Atlantis rolls back to the Vehicle Assembly Building to allow workers to conduct inspections, continuity checks and X-ray analysis on the 36 solid rocket booster cables located inside each booster’s system tunnel. An extensive evaluation of NASA’s SRB cable inventory revealed conductor damage in four (of about 200) cables on the shelf. Shuttle managers decided to prove the integrity of the system tunnel cables already on Atlantis KSC01pp0130

Workers in the Payload Changeout Room check the U.S. Lab Destiny as it...

Workers in the Payload Changeout Room check the U.S. Lab Destiny as its moves from Atlantis’ payload bay into the PCR. Destiny will remain in the PCR while Atlantis rolls back to the Vehicle Assembly Building t... More

Workers in the Payload Changeout Room check the Payload Ground Handling Mechanism that will move the U.S. Lab Destiny out of Atlantis’ payload bay and into the PCR. After the move, Atlantis will roll back to the Vehicle Assembly Building to allow workers to conduct inspections, continuity checks and X-ray analysis on the 36 solid rocket booster cables located inside each booster’s system tunnel. An extensive evaluation of NASA’s SRB cable inventory revealed conductor damage in four (of about 200) cables on the shelf. Shuttle managers decided to prove the integrity of the system tunnel cables already on Atlantis KSC01pp0126

Workers in the Payload Changeout Room check the Payload Ground Handlin...

Workers in the Payload Changeout Room check the Payload Ground Handling Mechanism that will move the U.S. Lab Destiny out of Atlantis’ payload bay and into the PCR. After the move, Atlantis will roll back to th... More

Workers in the Payload Changeout Room check the U.S. Lab Destiny as its moves from Atlantis’ payload bay into the PCR. Destiny will remain in the PCR while Atlantis rolls back to the Vehicle Assembly Building to allow workers to conduct inspections, continuity checks and X-ray analysis on the 36 solid rocket booster cables located inside each booster’s system tunnel. An extensive evaluation of NASA’s SRB cable inventory revealed conductor damage in four (of about 200) cables on the shelf. Shuttle managers decided to prove the integrity of the system tunnel cables already on Atlantis KSC01pp0129

Workers in the Payload Changeout Room check the U.S. Lab Destiny as it...

Workers in the Payload Changeout Room check the U.S. Lab Destiny as its moves from Atlantis’ payload bay into the PCR. Destiny will remain in the PCR while Atlantis rolls back to the Vehicle Assembly Building t... More

The U.S. Lab Destiny moves out of Atlantis’ payload bay and into the Payload Changeout Room via the Payload Ground Handling Mechanism. Destiny will remain in the PCR while Atlantis rolls back to the Vehicle Assembly Building to allow workers to conduct inspections, continuity checks and X-ray analysis on the 36 solid rocket booster cables located inside each booster’s system tunnel. An extensive evaluation of NASA’s SRB cable inventory revealed conductor damage in four (of about 200) cables on the shelf. Shuttle managers decided to prove the integrity of the system tunnel cables already on Atlantis KSC01pp0128

The U.S. Lab Destiny moves out of Atlantis’ payload bay and into the P...

The U.S. Lab Destiny moves out of Atlantis’ payload bay and into the Payload Changeout Room via the Payload Ground Handling Mechanism. Destiny will remain in the PCR while Atlantis rolls back to the Vehicle Ass... More

The U.S. Lab Destiny (left) moves away from Atlantis’ payload bay doors (right) into the Payload Changeout Room. Destiny will remain in the PCR while Atlantis rolls back to the Vehicle Assembly Building to allow workers to conduct inspections, continuity checks and X-ray analysis on the 36 solid rocket booster cables located inside each booster’s system tunnel. An extensive evaluation of NASA’s SRB cable inventory revealed conductor damage in four (of about 200) cables on the shelf. Shuttle managers decided to prove the integrity of the system tunnel cables already on Atlantis KSC01pp0131

The U.S. Lab Destiny (left) moves away from Atlantis’ payload bay door...

The U.S. Lab Destiny (left) moves away from Atlantis’ payload bay doors (right) into the Payload Changeout Room. Destiny will remain in the PCR while Atlantis rolls back to the Vehicle Assembly Building to allo... More

The U.S. Lab Destiny is ready to be moved from Atlantis’ payload bay into the Payload Changeout Room. After the move, Atlantis will roll back to the Vehicle Assembly Building to allow workers to conduct inspections, continuity checks and X-ray analysis on the 36 solid rocket booster cables located inside each booster’s system tunnel. An extensive evaluation of NASA’s SRB cable inventory revealed conductor damage in four (of about 200) cables on the shelf. Shuttle managers decided to prove the integrity of the system tunnel cables already on Atlantis KSC01pp0125

The U.S. Lab Destiny is ready to be moved from Atlantis’ payload bay i...

The U.S. Lab Destiny is ready to be moved from Atlantis’ payload bay into the Payload Changeout Room. After the move, Atlantis will roll back to the Vehicle Assembly Building to allow workers to conduct inspect... More

The U.S. Lab Destiny begins moving out of Atlantis’ payload bay and into the Payload Changeout Room via the Payload Ground Handling Mechanism. Destiny will remain in the PCR while Atlantis rolls back to the Vehicle Assembly Building to allow workers to conduct inspections, continuity checks and X-ray analysis on the 36 solid rocket booster cables located inside each booster’s system tunnel. An extensive evaluation of NASA’s SRB cable inventory revealed conductor damage in four (of about 200) cables on the shelf. Shuttle managers decided to prove the integrity of the system tunnel cables already on Atlantis KSC01pp0127

The U.S. Lab Destiny begins moving out of Atlantis’ payload bay and in...

The U.S. Lab Destiny begins moving out of Atlantis’ payload bay and into the Payload Changeout Room via the Payload Ground Handling Mechanism. Destiny will remain in the PCR while Atlantis rolls back to the Veh... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Just before dawn, Space Shuttle Atlantis is spotlighted before it begins rolling back to the Vehicle Assembly Building from Launch Pad 39A. Atlantis is returning to the VAB so that workers can conduct inspections, make continuity checks and conduct X-ray analysis on the 36 solid rocket booster cables located inside each booster’s system tunnel. An extensive evaluation of NASA’s SRB cable inventory revealed conductor damage in four (of about 200) cables on the shelf. Shuttle managers decided to prove the integrity of the system tunnel cables already on Atlantis before launching Jan. 19. The launch has been rescheduled no earlier than Feb. 6 KSC01pp0132

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Just before dawn, Space Shuttle Atlantis...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Just before dawn, Space Shuttle Atlantis is spotlighted before it begins rolling back to the Vehicle Assembly Building from Launch Pad 39A. Atlantis is returning to the VAB so that... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle <a href="../../subjects/atlantis.htm"> Atlantis</a> moves past palm trees on its way back to the <a href="../../subjects/vab.htm"> Vehicle Assembly Building</a> from <a href="../../subjects/lc39a.htm"> Launch Pad 39A</a>. Atlantis is rolling back to the VAB from Launch Pad 39A. In the VAB workers will conduct inspections, make continuity checks and conduct X-ray analysis on the 36 solid rocket booster cables located inside each booster’s external system tunnel. An extensive evaluation of NASA’s SRB cable inventory revealed conductor damage in four (of about 200) cables on the shelf. Shuttle managers decided to prove the integrity of the system tunnel cables already on Atlantis before launching. The launch has been rescheduled no earlier than Feb. 6 KSC01pp0137

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle <a href="../../subjects/at...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle ../../subjects/atlantis.htm"> Atlantis</a> moves past palm trees on its way back to the ../../subjects/vab.htm"> Vehicle Assembly Building</a> from ../../subjects/lc3... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Viewed from the 235-foot level of the Fixed Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Atlantis is seen looming above the pad. Traveling about 1 mph on the crawler-transporter, Atlantis is making the 3.4-mile trek back to the Vehicle Assembly Building so that workers can conduct inspections, make continuity checks and conduct X-ray analysis on the 36 solid rocket booster cables located inside each booster’s system tunnel (seen at left on the outside of the SRB). An extensive evaluation of NASA’s SRB cable inventory revealed conductor damage in four (of about 200) cables on the shelf. Shuttle managers decided to prove the integrity of the system tunnel cables already on Atlantis before launching Jan. 19. The launch has been rescheduled no earlier than Feb. 6 KSC01padig019

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Viewed from the 235-foot level of the Fi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Viewed from the 235-foot level of the Fixed Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Atlantis is seen looming above the pad. Traveling about 1 mph on the crawler-transpor... More

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