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Space Shuttle Discovery, STS-51 G Launch

Space Shuttle Discovery, STS-51 G Launch

(June 17, 1985) On June 17, 1985, Space Shuttle Discovery's STS-51 G mission launched on a Comsat deployment mission. It deployed three communication satellites. The mission lasted a little over seven days. ..I... More

Astronaut Edward White Ready For Gemini IV Liftoff

Astronaut Edward White Ready For Gemini IV Liftoff

(June 3, 1965) Astronaut Edward H. White II, pilot for NASA's Gemini IV mission is shown in the crew's ready room at Launch Complex 16, suited and ready to ride the van to Launch Complex 19 for insertion in the... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane moves the Ares I-X crew module simulator toward a stand at right. Other Ares I-X segments are stacked around the floor of the bay. Ares I-X is the test flight for the Ares I. The I-X flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with Ares I. The launch of the 327-foot-tall, full-scale Ares I-X, targeted for July 2009, will be the first in a series of unpiloted rocket launches from Kennedy. When fully developed, the 16-foot diameter crew module will furnish living space and reentry protection for the astronauts. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2009-1866

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane moves the Ares I-X crew module simulator toward a stand at right. Other Ares I-X segment... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF), the multi-purpose logistics module Donatello is being prepared for a move to a payload canister. Donatello is being transferred to the Operations and Checkout Building to make room in the SSPF for the arrival of elements for future flights from other ISS partners. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0527

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF), the multi-purpose logistics module Donatello is being prepared for a move to a payload canister. Donate... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - An overhead crane is attached to the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello in order to move it to another work stand in the Space Station Processing Facility. Raffaello is the second MPLM built by the Italian Space Agency, serving as a reusable logistics carrier and primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. It is being moved to allow the third MPLM, Donatello, to be brought in for routine testing. Donatello has been stored in the Operations and Checkout Building. This is the first time all three MPLMs are in the SSPF; the other one is the Leonardo. Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - An overhead crane is attached to the Mult...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - An overhead crane is attached to the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello in order to move it to another work stand in the Space Station Processing Facility. Raffaello is the s... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Space Station Processing Facility secure the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello onto a new work stand. Raffaello is the second MPLM built by the Italian Space Agency, serving as a reusable logistics carrier and primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. It has been moved to allow the third MPLM, Donatello, to be brought in for routine testing. Donatello has been stored in the Operations and Checkout Building. This is the first time all three MPLMs are in the SSPF; the other one is the Leonardo. Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Space Station Processing F...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Space Station Processing Facility secure the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello onto a new work stand. Raffaello is the second MPLM built by the Italian Space ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello is lifted from its stand in the Space Station Processing Facility to move to another work stand. Raffaello is the second MPLM built by the Italian Space Agency, serving as a reusable logistics carrier and primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. It is being moved to allow the third MPLM, Donatello, to be brought in for routine testing. Donatello has been stored in the Operations and Checkout Building. This is the first time all three MPLMs are in the SSPF; the other one is the Leonardo. Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffae...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello is lifted from its stand in the Space Station Processing Facility to move to another work stand. Raffaello is the second MPLM built by ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A contrast in speed and design, the F/A-18 Super Hornet jet (behind) flies alongside a World War II Vought F4U Corsair during the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This year’s show brought together the best in military aircraft, such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-16 Fighting Falcon, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event included a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3598

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A contrast in speed and design, the F/A-18 S...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A contrast in speed and design, the F/A-18 Super Hornet jet (behind) flies alongside a World War II Vought F4U Corsair during the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Sho... More

Apollo 12 - Saturn Apollo Program

Apollo 12 - Saturn Apollo Program

The second manned lunar landing mission, Apollo 12, launched from launch pad 39-A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on November 14, 1969 via a Saturn V launch vehicle. The Saturn V vehicle was developed by the... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 Mission Specialist Michael Good puts on his launch-and-entry suit before heading for Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This launch will be Good's first space shuttle flight. Liftoff is scheduled for 2:01 p.m. May 11 EDT. Atlantis' 11-day flight will include five spacewalks to refurbish and upgrade NASA's Hubble Space Telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments that will expand Hubble's capabilities and extend its operational lifespan through at least 2014. The payload includes a Wide Field Camera 3, fine guidance sensor and the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-3043

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 Mission Specialist Michael Good puts on...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 Mission Specialist Michael Good puts on his launch-and-entry suit before heading for Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This launch will be Good's first sp... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, hardware that will be used in the launch of the Ares I-X rocket is being offloaded from the C-5 aircraft. The hardware consists of a precisely machined, full-scale simulator crew module and launch abort system to form the tip of NASA's Ares I-X rocket. The launch of the 321-foot-tall, full-scale Ares I-X, targeted for July 2009, will be the first in a series of unpiloted rocket launches from Kennedy. When fully developed, the 16-foot diameter crew module will furnish living space and reentry protection for the astronauts, while their launch abort system will provide safe evacuation if a launch vehicle failure occurs. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-1405

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, hardware that will be used in the launch of the Ares I-X rocket is being offloaded from the C-5 aircraft. The ha... More

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

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

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

The STS-92 crew exits the Operations and Checkout Building on their way to the Astrovan and Launch Pad 39A for a simulated countdown. Walking left to right are (foreground) Mission Specialists Koichi Wakata of Japan, Peter J.K. “Jeff” Wisoff and Leroy Chiao; and Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy. Behind them are Mission Specialists Michael E. Lopez-Alegria and William S. McArthur Jr.; and Commander Brian Duffy. The crew is taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities that provide emergency egress training, opportunities to inspect the mission payload, and the simulated countdown. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program KSC-00pp1360

The STS-92 crew exits the Operations and Checkout Building on their wa...

The STS-92 crew exits the Operations and Checkout Building on their way to the Astrovan and Launch Pad 39A for a simulated countdown. Walking left to right are (foreground) Mission Specialists Koichi Wakata of ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-110 Mission Specialist Steven Smith relaxes during suit fit, which is part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide flight crews an opportunity to participate in simulated launch countdown activities. Scheduled for launch April 4, the 11-day mission will feature Shuttle Atlantis docking with the International Space Station (ISS) and delivering the S0 truss, the centerpiece-segment of the primary truss structure that will eventually extend over 300 feet KSC-02pd0296

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-110 Mission Specialist Steven Smith ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-110 Mission Specialist Steven Smith relaxes during suit fit, which is part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shut... More

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

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-107 Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli astronaut, participates in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, a standard part of Shuttle launch preparations. STS-107 is a mission devoted to research and will include more than 80 experiments that will study Earth and space science, advanced technology development, and astronaut health and safety. Launch is planned for Jan. 16, 2003, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. EST aboard Space Shuttle Columbia. KSC-02pd1926

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-107 Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon, ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-107 Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli astronaut, participates in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, a standard part of Shuttle launch preparation... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the slidewire basket area of Launch Pad 39A, the STS-92 crew poses for a group photograph after a question and answer session with the media. Standing left to right are Commander Brian Duffy, Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy and Mission Specialists Leroy Chiao, William S. McArthur Jr. (with microphone), Peter J.K. “Jeff” Wisoff, Michael E. Lopez-Alegria and Koichi Wakata of Japan. The crew is at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities that provide emergency egress training, opportunities to inspect the mission payload, and take part in a simulated countdown. The slidewire basket area is a landing site for the crew if they have to use the slidewire baskets to exit the orbiter on the pad in an emergency. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program KSC00pp1367

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the slidewire basket area of Launch P...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the slidewire basket area of Launch Pad 39A, the STS-92 crew poses for a group photograph after a question and answer session with the media. Standing left to right are Commande... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 Mission Specialist Randy Bresnik prepares to enter space shuttle Atlantis with the help of the closeout crew in the White Room. The six astronauts for space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-129 mission are participating in their launch dress rehearsal, the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. Additional training associated with the test was done last month, but the simulated countdown was postponed because of a scheduling conflict with the launch of NASA’s Ares I-X test rocket. Launch of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is set for Nov. 16. On STS-129, the crew will deliver to the station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. For information on the STS-129 crew and mission objectives, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-6065

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 Mission Specialist Randy Bresnik prepares to enter space shuttle Atlantis with the help of the closeout crew in the Wh... 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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA and Sierra Nevada Space Systems (SNSS) of Sparks, Nev., sign a Space Act Agreement that will offer the company technical capabilities from Kennedy Space Center's uniquely skilled work force. Sitting, from left, are Kennedy Public Affairs Director Lisa Malone; NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden; Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana; and Mark Sirangelo, head of Sierra Nevada. Standing, from left, are Frank DiBello, president of Space Florida; Joyce Riquelme, manager of Kennedy's Center Planning and Development Office; John Curry, director of Sierra Nevada's Systems Integration, Test and Operations; Kennedy Deputy Director Janet Petro; Jim Voss, vice president of Sierra Nevada's Space Exploration Systems; and Merri Sanchez, senior director of Sierra Nevada's Space Exploration Systems. Kennedy will help Sierra Nevada with the ground operations support of its lifting body reusable spacecraft called "Dream Chaser," which resembles a smaller version of the space shuttle orbiter. The spacecraft would carry as many as seven astronauts to the space station. Through the new agreement, Kennedy's work force will use its experience of processing the shuttle fleet for 30 years to help Sierra Nevada define and execute Dream Chaser's launch preparations and post-landing activities. In 2010 and 2011, Sierra Nevada was awarded grants as part of the initiative to stimulate the private sector in developing and demonstrating human spaceflight capabilities for NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The goal of the program, which is based in Florida at Kennedy, is to facilitate the development of a U.S. commercial crew space transportation capability by achieving safe, reliable and cost-effective access to and from the space station and future low Earth orbit destinations. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-5116

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA and Sierra Nevada Space Systems (SNSS) of...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA and Sierra Nevada Space Systems (SNSS) of Sparks, Nev., sign a Space Act Agreement that will offer the company technical capabilities from Kennedy Space Center's uniquely skilled wo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Discovery's main landing gear touches down on Runway 15 at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida after 13-days in space, completing the 5.3-million-mile STS-133 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 11:57:17 a.m., followed by nose gear touchdown at 11:57:28, and wheelstop at 11:58:14 a.m. On board are Commander Steve Lindsey, Pilot Eric Boe, and Mission Specialists Nicole Stott, Michael Barratt, Alvin Drew and Steve Bowen. Discovery and its six-member crew delivered the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the orbiting outpost. STS-133 was Discovery's 39th and final mission. This was the 133rd Space Shuttle Program mission and the 35th shuttle voyage to the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Linda Perry KSC-2011-2083

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Discovery's main landing gear tou...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Discovery's main landing gear touches down on Runway 15 at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida after 13-days in space, completing the 5.3-... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The crew members for the STS-126 mission arrive at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to prepare for launch. Pilot Eric Boe (left) and Commander Chris Ferguson (right) are greeted by Center Director Bob Cabana. Boe will be making his first shuttle flight while Ferguson will make his second. STS-126 is the 124th space shuttle flight and the 27th flight to the International Space Station. The mission will feature four spacewalks and important repair work and will prepare the space station to house six crew members for long- duration missions. Liftoff is scheduled for 7:55 p.m. EST Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3608

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The crew members for the STS-126 mission arriv...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The crew members for the STS-126 mission arrive at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to prepare for launch. Pilot Eric Boe (left) and Commander Chris Ferguson (right) are greeted b... More

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

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Firing Room No. 1 in the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the number of new equipment cabinets increases as workers put the elements together. The firing room will support the future Ares rocket launches as part of the Constellation Program. Future astronauts will ride to orbit on Ares I, which uses a single five-segment solid rocket booster, a derivative of the space shuttle's solid rocket booster, for the first stage. Ares will be launched from Pad 39B, which is being reconfigured from supporting space shuttle launches. The Launch Control Center firing rooms face the launch pads. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1095

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Firing Room No. 1 in the Launch Control Cen...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Firing Room No. 1 in the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the number of new equipment cabinets increases as workers put the elements together. The firing room wi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 Mission Specialist Dave Williams, who represents the Canadian Space Agency, gets ready to practice driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of emergency exit training. Behind him is Mission Specialist Barbara R. Morgan. They and other crew members are at Kennedy for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), a dress rehearsal for launch. TCDT activities include the M-113 training, payload familiarization, emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown. The STS-118 payload aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour includes the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and is targeted for launch on Aug.7. NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1895

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 Mission Specialist Dave Willia...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 Mission Specialist Dave Williams, who represents the Canadian Space Agency, gets ready to practice driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of emergency exit tr... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Sitting on top of the mobile launcher platform, Space Shuttle Atlantis is on its slow rollout to Launch Pad 39B. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was 1:05 a.m. The slow speed of the crawler results in a 6-hour trek to the pad approximately 4 miles away. Atlantis' launch window begins Aug. 27 for an 11-day mission to the International Space Station. The STS-115 crew of six astronauts will continue construction of the station and install their cargo, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-06pd1705

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Sitting on top of the mobile launcher pl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Sitting on top of the mobile launcher platform, Space Shuttle Atlantis is on its slow rollout to Launch Pad 39B. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was 1:05 a.m. Th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-115 crew members stride out of the Operations and Checkout Building eager to get to Launch Pad 39B and the start of their mission to the International Space Station. This is the second attempt at launch after a week's postponement due to weather and technical concerns. On the left side, front to back, are Pilot Christopher Ferguson and Mission Specialists Steven MacLean and Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper. On the right side, front to back, are Commander Brent Jett and Mission Specialists Daniel Burbank and Joseph Tanner. On its second attempt for launch, Atlantis is scheduled to lift off at 11:41 a.m. EDT today from Launch Pad 39B. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the ISS. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2088

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-115 crew members stride out of ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-115 crew members stride out of the Operations and Checkout Building eager to get to Launch Pad 39B and the start of their mission to the International Space Station. This ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Atlantis, attached to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters atop a mobile launcher platform, makes its final debut outside the Vehicle Assembly Building. "Rollout," as it's called, to Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida began at 8:42 p.m. EDT. It will take the crawler-transporter about six hours to carry the shuttle stack to its seaside launch pad. The milestone move paves the way for the launch of the STS-135 mission to the International Space Station, targeted for July 8. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-4105

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Atlantis, attached to its extern...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Atlantis, attached to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters atop a mobile launcher platform, makes its final debut outside the Vehicle Assembly Building. "Rollou... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the white room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Mission Specialist Sunita Williams is helped with her gear before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The mission crew is taking part in a simulated launch countdown, part of the terminal countdown demonstration test that includes prelaunch preparations. The STS-116 mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-06pd2602

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the white room on Launch Pad 39B, S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the white room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Mission Specialist Sunita Williams is helped with her gear before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The mission crew is taking part ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - STS-112 Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus gets help donning her boots during suit check, part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT also includes emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. The mission aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to launch no earlier than Oct. 2, between 2 and 6 p.m. EDT. STS-112 is the 15th assembly mission to the International Space Station. Atlantis will be carrying the S1 Integrated Truss Structure, the first starboard truss segment. The S1 will be attached to the central truss segment, S0, during the 11-day mission. Magnus will serve as one of two operators of the Canadarm2 robotic arm for S1 truss installation and during three scheduled spacewalks. STS-112 is her first Shuttle flight. KSC-02pd1320

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - STS-112 Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - STS-112 Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus gets help donning her boots during suit check, part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT also includes emergency... More

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

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson speaks during the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-1051

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson speaks during the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-128 Pilot Kevin Ford walks away from the Shuttle Training Aircraft, or STA, after completing shuttle landing practice. The practice is in preparation for launch of space shuttle Discovery's STS-128 mission in late August to the International Space Station. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulfstream II jet that was modified to simulate a shuttle’s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. The STS-128 crew is at Kennedy for a launch dress rehearsal called the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, which includes emergency exit training and equipment familiarization, as well as a simulated launch countdown. Discovery will deliver 33,000 pounds of equipment to the station, including science and storage racks, a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and the COLBERT treadmill. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-4483

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kenned...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-128 Pilot Kevin Ford walks away from the Shuttle Training Aircraft, or STA, after completing shuttle landing ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility remove the protective cover from the Wide Field Camera 3, or WFC3. The WFC3 is part of the payload on space shuttle Atlantis for the fifth and final Hubble servicing mission, STS-125. As Hubble enters the last stage of its life, WFC3 will be Hubble's next evolutionary step, allowing Hubble to peer ever further into the mysteries of the cosmos. WFC3 will study a diverse range of objects and phenomena, from young and extremely distant galaxies, to much more nearby stellar systems, to objects within our very own solar system. WFC3 will take the place of Wide Field Planetary Camera 2, which astronauts will bring back to Earth aboard the shuttle. Launch of Atlantis is targeted at 1:34 a.m. EDT Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd2450

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians in the Payload Hazardous Servicin...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technicians in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility remove the protective cover from the Wide Field Camera 3, or WFC3. The WFC3 is part of the payload on space shuttle Atlantis for... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-123 Pilot Gregory H. Johnson dons his launch and entry suit before heading to Launch Pad 39A for liftoff on space shuttle Endeavour. The crew will make a record-breaking 16-day mission to the International Space Station. On STS-123, Endeavour and its crew will deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre. Launch is scheduled for 2:28 a.m. EDT March 11. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0687

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-123 Pilot Gregory H. Johnson dons h...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-123 Pilot Gregory H. Johnson dons his launch and entry suit before heading to Launch Pad 39A for liftoff on space shuttle Endeavour. The crew will make a record-breaking 16-da... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dressed in their bright-orange launch-and-entry suits, the final four astronauts to launch aboard a space shuttle exit the Astronaut Crew Quarters in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson is followed by Pilot Doug Hurley and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim and Sandy Magnus. The astronauts, who will head to Launch Pad 39A aboard the silver Astrovan, are scheduled to lift off aboard space shuttle Atlantis at 11:26 a.m. EDT on July 8 for their mission to the International Space Station. STS-135 will deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts for the orbiting outpost. Atlantis also will fly the Robotic Refueling Mission experiment that will investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites in orbit. In addition, Atlantis will return with a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-5204

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dressed in their bright-orange launch-and-entr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dressed in their bright-orange launch-and-entry suits, the final four astronauts to launch aboard a space shuttle exit the Astronaut Crew Quarters in the Operations and Checkout Building... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-92 crew gather outside the gate to Launch Pad 39A where Space Shuttle Discovery waits in the background for liftoff Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT. From left to right are Commander Brian Duffy, Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy, and Mission Specialists Leroy Chiao, William S. McArthur Jr., Peter J.K. “Jeff” Wisoff, Michael E. Lopez-Alegria and Koichi Wakata of Japan. The mission payload includes Integrated Truss Structure Z-1, an early exterior framework to allow the first U.S. solar arrays on a future flight to be temporarily installed on Unity for early power; Ku-band communication to support early science capability and U.S. television; and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter to provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. The 11-day mission will include four spacewalks KSC-00pp1486

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-92 crew gather outside the gate...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-92 crew gather outside the gate to Launch Pad 39A where Space Shuttle Discovery waits in the background for liftoff Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT. From left to right are Command... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Just at dawn, Steve Fossett (left) climbs into the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer parked on NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility. Fossett will pilot the GlobalFlyer on a record-breaking attempt by flying solo, non-stop without refueling, to surpass the current record for the longest flight of any aircraft. This is the second attempt in two days after a fuel leak was detected Feb. 7. The expected time of takeoff is 7 a.m. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0237

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Just at dawn, Steve Fossett (left) clim...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Just at dawn, Steve Fossett (left) climbs into the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer parked on NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility. Fossett will pilot the GlobalFlyer ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the SRB Assembly and Refurbishment Facility, STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi looks at a mockup of a booster separation motor (BSM) igniter. Noguchi is with the Japanese Aerospace and Exploration Agency. The crew is at KSC for familiarization with Shuttle and mission equipment. The STS-114 mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment, plus the external stowage platform, to the International Space Station. KSC-04pd0387

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the SRB Assembly and Refurbishment Fa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the SRB Assembly and Refurbishment Facility, STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi looks at a mockup of a booster separation motor (BSM) igniter. Noguchi is with the Japane... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-123 Mission Specialist Mike Foreman dons his launch and entry suit before heading to Launch Pad 39A for liftoff on space shuttle Endeavour. The crew will make a record-breaking 16-day mission to the International Space Station. On STS-123, Endeavour and its crew will deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre. Launch is scheduled for 2:28 a.m. EDT March 11. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0685

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-123 Mission Specialist Mike Foreman...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-123 Mission Specialist Mike Foreman dons his launch and entry suit before heading to Launch Pad 39A for liftoff on space shuttle Endeavour. The crew will make a record-breakin... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 Pilot Barry E. Wilmore, right, arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility to practice landings in a Shuttle Training Aircraft in preparation for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission. The Shuttle Training Aircraft is a Gulfstream II jet, modified to handle like the space shuttle. On STS-129, the crew will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Launch is set for Nov. 16. For information on the STS-129 mission objectives and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-6256

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 Pilot Barry E. Wilmore, right, arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility to practice landings in a Shuttle Training Aircraft in preparatio... More

Cape Canaveral, Fla. -- Hall of Fame astronaut Fred Haise thanks the audience for their applause at the 2011 U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame induction ceremony at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Hall of Fame astronauts and visitors gathered to honor 2011 inductees Karol "Bo" Bobko and Susan Helms. During his 19 years in the astronaut program, Bobko flew on three space shuttle missions and logged more than 386 hours in space. He served as pilot during the first voyage of space shuttle Challenger aboard STS-6 in April 1983 and as commander during the maiden flight of space shuttle Atlantis aboard STS-51J in October 1985. Helms, a five-time space shuttle astronaut, has logged 5,064 hours in space. During her stay onboard the International Space Station as a member of the Expedition-2 crew in 2001, Helms performed a world record 8 hour and 56 minute spacewalk. Bobko and Helms join the ranks of the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame bringing the number of space explorers enshrined in the Hall of Fame to 79. Photo Credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-3401

Cape Canaveral, Fla. -- Hall of Fame astronaut Fred Haise thanks the a...

Cape Canaveral, Fla. -- Hall of Fame astronaut Fred Haise thanks the audience for their applause at the 2011 U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame induction ceremony at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Flor... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Sitting on top of the mobile launcher platform, Space Shuttle Atlantis rolls out to Launch Pad 39B via the crawlerway. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was 1:05 a.m. The slow speed of the crawler results in a 6-hour trek to the pad approximately 4 miles away. Atlantis' launch window begins Aug. 27 for an 11-day mission to the International Space Station. The STS-115 crew of six astronauts will continue construction of the station and install their cargo, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-06pd1706

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Sitting on top of the mobile launcher p...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Sitting on top of the mobile launcher platform, Space Shuttle Atlantis rolls out to Launch Pad 39B via the crawlerway. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was 1:05 ... More

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

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-120 crew is at Kennedy for a crew equipment interface test, or CEIT. Giving a close inspection to space shuttle Discovery in Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 are Mission Specialist Stephanie D. Wilson and Commander Pamela A. Melroy. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. The STS-120 mission will deliver the Harmony module, christened after a school contest, which will provide attachment points for European and Japanese laboratory modules on the International Space Station. Known in technical circles as Node 2, it is similar to the six-sided Unity module that links the U.S. and Russian sections of the station. Built in Italy for the United States, Harmony will be the first new U.S. pressurized component to be added. The STS-120 mission is targeted to launch on Oct. 20. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd2196

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-120 crew is at Kennedy for a crew...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-120 crew is at Kennedy for a crew equipment interface test, or CEIT. Giving a close inspection to space shuttle Discovery in Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 are Mission S... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with the space shuttle Endeavour mounted atop, taxis on the runway for its ferry flight to California. The SCA, a modified 747 jetliner, will fly Endeavour to Los Angeles where it will be placed on public display at the California Science Center. This is the final ferry flight scheduled in the Space Shuttle Program era. For more information on the shuttles' transition and retirement, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/George Sampson KSC-2012-5414

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with the space shuttle Endeavour mounted atop, taxis on the runway for ... More

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

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

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

The STS-92 crew wave to onlookers as they exit the Operations and Checkout Building on their way to Launch Pad 39A for liftoff at 8:05 p.m. EDT to the International Space Station (ISS). They are (from front to back) Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy and Commander Brian Duffy; and Mission Specialists Leroy Chiao and William S. McArthur Jr.; Peter J.K. Wisoff; Michael E. Lopez-Alegria and Koichi Wakata of Japan. The mission is the fifth flight for the construction of the ISS. The payload includes the Integrated Truss Structure Z-1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. During the 11-day mission, four extravehicular activities (EVAs), or spacewalks, are planned. The Z-1 truss is the first of 10 that will become the backbone of the International Space Station, eventually stretching the length of a football field. PMA-3 will provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. This launch is the fourth for Duffy and Wisoff, the third for Chiao and McArthur, second for Wakata and Lopez-Alegria, and first for Melroy. Landing is expected Oct. 21 at 3:55 p.m. EDT KSC-00padig037

The STS-92 crew wave to onlookers as they exit the Operations and Chec...

The STS-92 crew wave to onlookers as they exit the Operations and Checkout Building on their way to Launch Pad 39A for liftoff at 8:05 p.m. EDT to the International Space Station (ISS). They are (from front to ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame member John Blaha is introduced at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, prior to the ceremony in which Bonnie Dunbar, Curt Brown and Eileen Collins will be inducted into the group of space pioneers. This induction is the twelfth group of space shuttle astronauts named to the AHOF, and the first time two women are inducted at the same time. The year’s inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The selection process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. For more on the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, go to http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/astronaut-hall-of-fame.aspx For more on the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, go to http://astronautscholarship.org/ Photo credit: NASA/ Kim Shiflett KSC-2013-2065

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame member John Blaha i...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame member John Blaha is introduced at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, prior to the ceremony in which Bonnie Dunbar, Curt Brown and Eileen ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After greeting the media on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 crew stands in front of space shuttle Atlantis for a final group photo. From left are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim and Stanley Love, Pilot Alan Poindexter and Commander Steve Frick. Schlegel represents the European Space Agency. After a round trip of nearly 5.3 million miles, space shuttle Atlantis and crew returned to Earth with a landing at 9:07 a.m. EST. The shuttle landed on orbit 202 to complete the 13-day STS-122 mission. Main gear touchdown was 9:07:10 a.m. Nose gear touchdown was 9:07:20 a.m. Wheel stop was at 9:08:08 a.m. Mission elapsed time was 12 days, 18 hours, 21 minutes and 44 seconds. During the mission, Atlantis' crew installed the new Columbus laboratory, leaving a larger space station and one with increased science capabilities. The Columbus Research Module adds nearly 1,000 cubic feet of habitable volume and affords room for 10 experiment racks, each an independent science lab. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd0407

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After greeting the media on the Shuttle...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After greeting the media on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 crew stands in front of space shuttle Atlantis for a final group photo. From ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-135 Pilot Doug Hurley pauses for a photo. The space shuttle Atlantis crew arrived at Kennedy at about 5:30 p.m. EDT to participate in a launch countdown dress rehearsal called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) and related training in preparation for the upcoming STS-135 mission. Atlantis and its crew is targeted to lift off on July 8, taking with them the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-4609

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-135 Pilot Doug Hurley pauses for a photo. The space shuttle Atlantis crew arrived at Kennedy at about 5:30 ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, the Titusville Naval Junior ROTC from Titusville High School in Florida, presents the colors to open the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction ceremony. Space shuttle astronauts and space explorers Shannon Lucid and Jerry Ross were inducted into the Hall of Fame Class of 2014. The 2014 inductees are selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians and journalists. The process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. To be eligible, an astronaut must have made his or her first flight at least 17 years before the induction. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen and a NASA-trained commander, pilot or mission specialist who has orbited the earth at least once. Including Lucid and Ross, 87 astronauts have been inducted into the AHOF. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2385

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, the Titusville Naval Junior ROTC from Titusville High School in Florida, presents t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, members of the STS-122 crew arrive for launch. From left are Mission Specialists Leopold Eyharts, Stanley Love, Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim and Leland Melvin. They were greeted by Doug Lyons (left, yellow shirt), launch director for the mission, and Pete Nickolenko (right, green shirt), lead shuttle test director. Eyharts and Schlegel represent the European Space Agency. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission, at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7. This will be the third launch attempt for the mission. Some of the tank's ECO sensors gave failed readings during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, subsequently scrubbing further attempts until the cause could be found and repairs made. Atlantis will carry the Columbus module, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to the Harmony module of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0125

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, members...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, members of the STS-122 crew arrive for launch. From left are Mission Specialists Leopold Eyharts, Stanley Love, Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim and Lel... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the Fixed Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-92 Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy and Commander Brian Duffy learn more about the emergency egress training they and the rest of the crew have received. The training is part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities that also include a simulated countdown. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program KSC-00pp1382

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the Fixed Servi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the Fixed Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-92 Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy and Commander Brian Duffy learn more about the emergency egress training they... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-115 Mission Specialist Joseph Tanner adjusts his helmet. Tanner is making his fourth flight on a shuttle. He and other crew members are checking their launch suits and apparatus before the launch on Space Shuttle Atlantis on Aug. 27. Mission STS-115 is scheduled to lift off about 4:30 p.m. Aug. 27. The crew will deliver and install the P3/P4 segment to the port side of the integrated truss system on the International Space Station. The truss includes a new set of photovoltaic solar arrays. When unfurled to their full length of 240 feet, the arrays will provide additional power for the station in preparation for the delivery of international science modules over the next two years. The mission is expected to last 11 days and includes three scheduled spacewalks. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1933

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-115 Mission Specialist Joseph Tanner...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-115 Mission Specialist Joseph Tanner adjusts his helmet. Tanner is making his fourth flight on a shuttle. He and other crew members are checking their launch suits and apparat... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 Mission Specialist Rick Mastracchio gets help with the fit of his launch and entry suit during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities, a dress rehearsal for launch. TCDT activities include the M-113 training, payload familiarization, emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown. The STS-118 payload aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour includes the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1917

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 Mission Specialist Rick Mastra...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 Mission Specialist Rick Mastracchio gets help with the fit of his launch and entry suit during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities, a dress rehearsal ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-115 Mission Specialist Joseph Tanner (foreground) examines tiles on the orbiter Atlantis, the designated launch vehicle for the mission. The crew is at the center for Crew Equipment Interface Test activities, which involves equipment familiarization, a routine part of astronaut training and launch preparations. The mission will deliver the second port truss segment, the P3/P4 Truss, to attach to the first port truss segment, the P1 Truss, as well as deploy solar array set 2A and 4A. Launch on Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled for late August. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1188

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-115 Mission Specialist Joseph Tanner (foreground) examines tiles on the orbiter Atlantis, the designated launch vehicle for the mission. ... More

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

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The rotating service structure (left) on Launch Pad 39B is rolled back to reveal Space Shuttle Atlantis. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad and then is rolled away before liftoff. Atlantis is scheduled to launch Sept. 6 at 12:29 p.m. EDT on mission STS-115. During the mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned KSC landing at about 8:03 a.m. EDT on Sept. 17. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd2039

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The rotating service structure (left) o...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The rotating service structure (left) on Launch Pad 39B is rolled back to reveal Space Shuttle Atlantis. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- A large crowd is gathered at the KSC Visitor Complex to honor the induction of the first four Shuttle astronauts into the Astronaut Hall of Fame. The four honored were Robert Crippen, Frederick "Rick" Hauck, Richard Truly and Joe Engle. KSC-01pp1753

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- A large crowd is gathered at the KSC Vi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- A large crowd is gathered at the KSC Visitor Complex to honor the induction of the first four Shuttle astronauts into the Astronaut Hall of Fame. The four honored were Robert Cri... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-101 Mission Specialist Susan J. Helms adjusts her helmet after climbing into her seat inside Space Shuttle Atlantis for a simulated launch countdown. The countdown is part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities that also include emergency egress training and familiarization with the payload. Other crew members taking part are Commander James D. Halsell Jr., Pilot Scott J. "Doc" Horowitz and Mission Specialists Mary Ellen Weber, James Voss, Jeffrey N. Williams, and Yury Usachev of Russia. During their mission to the International Space Station, the STS-101 crew will be delivering logistics and supplies, plus preparing the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk to perform maintenance on the Space Station. This will be the third assembly flight for the Space Station. STS-101 is scheduled to launch April 24 at 4:15 p.m. from Launch Pad 39A KSC00pp0473

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-101 Mission Specialist Susan J. Helm...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-101 Mission Specialist Susan J. Helms adjusts her helmet after climbing into her seat inside Space Shuttle Atlantis for a simulated launch countdown. The countdown is part of T... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis passes the turn basin as it slowly wends its way toward Launch Pad 39A. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 8:19 a.m. The 3.4-mile trip to the pad along the crawlerway will take about 6 hours. The mission payload aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, along with a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-07pd0390

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis passes the turn b...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis passes the turn basin as it slowly wends its way toward Launch Pad 39A. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 8:19 a.m. The 3.4-mile tri... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist John Phillips answers a question from the media during a news conference following landing of the space shuttle Discovery STS-119 mission to the International Space Station. Main gear touchdown was at 3:13:17 p.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 3:13:40 p.m. and wheels stop was at 3:14:45 p.m. Discovery delivered the final pair of large power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment. The mission was the 28th flight to the station, the 36th flight of Discovery and the 125th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 70th landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2412

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist John Phillips answers a question from the media during a news conference following landing of the space shuttle Disco... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Program Launch Integration Manager Mike Moses looks on proudly as Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach holds up a Discovery banner signed by the STS-133 astronauts, at a news conference held in the Press Site auditorium at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida following today's successful launch of space shuttle Discovery. Shuttle Discovery lifted off at 4:53 p.m. EST. The six-member crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the orbiting outpost. Discovery is flying on its 39th and final mission and is scheduled to be retired following STS-133. This is the 133rd Space Shuttle Program mission and the 35th shuttle voyage to the space station. For more information on the STS-133 mission, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-1699

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Program Launch Integration Manag...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Program Launch Integration Manager Mike Moses looks on proudly as Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach holds up a Discovery banner signed by the STS-133 astronauts, at a n... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A second shipping container of major flight hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope arrives at the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to begin preparations for its targeted October launch. The container holds the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier, or SLIC, and the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, or ORUC. The payload carriers will be prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the servicing mission. The three payload carriers or pallets are the Flight Support System, the SLIC and the ORUC. At the end of July, a fourth and final carrier, the Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment carrier will join the others in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where the Hubble payload is being prepared for launch. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-08pd2021

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A second shipping container of major flight h...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A second shipping container of major flight hardware for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope arrives at the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Seated in the cockpit of the shuttle training aircraft, or STA, STS-120 Commander Pamela Melroy is eager to begin landing practice on NASA's Shuttle Landing Facility runway. A modified Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet, the STA simulates an orbiter's cockpit, motion and visual cues and handling qualities. In flight, the STA duplicates the orbiter's atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. Melroy and other crew members are at Kennedy Space Center to take part in the terminal countdown demonstration test, which also includes a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-120 is targeted for Oct. 23. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2691

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Seated in the cockpit of the shuttle tr...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Seated in the cockpit of the shuttle training aircraft, or STA, STS-120 Commander Pamela Melroy is eager to begin landing practice on NASA's Shuttle Landing Facility runway. A mod... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 crew talk to the media. From left are Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Mission Specialists Mike Foreman and Leland Melvin; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore, at microphone; and Mission Specialists Robert L. Satcher Jr. and Randy Bresnik. The crew members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission are at Kennedy for training related to their launch dress rehearsal, the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. Launch of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is targeted for Nov. 16. For information on the STS-129 mission objectives and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-5578

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 crew talk to the media. From left are Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Mission Special... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the crew members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 mission pause from their M113 training for a group portrait. From left are Commander George Zamka; Pilot Terry Virts; and Mission Specialists Robert Behnken, Kathryn Hire, Stephen Robinson and Nicholas Patrick. An M113 is kept at the foot of the launch pad in case an emergency egress from the vicinity of the pad is needed. The crew members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 mission are at Kennedy for training related to their launch dress rehearsal, the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. The primary payload on STS-130 is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. Endeavour's launch is targeted for Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-1307

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the crew members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 mission pause from their M113 training for a group portrait. From left are Commander Geor... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, astronauts are getting first-hand experience with the fluid experiment rack of the Japanese Experiment Module, or JEM, part of the mission payload to the International Space Station. The JEM comprises six components: two research facilities -- the Pressurized Module and Exposed Facility; a Logistics Module attached to each of them; a Remote Manipulator System; and an Inter-Orbit Communication System unit. The various components of JEM will be assembled in space over the course of three Space Shuttle missions. The first of those three missions, STS-123, will carry the Experiment Logistics Module Pressurized Section aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour, targeted for launch in February 2008. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd1175

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, astronauts are getting first-hand experience with the fluid experiment rack of the Japanese Experiment Module, or JEM, part of the missio... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A tunnel beneath Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida leads to the blast-resistant "rubber room." The room is a steel dome floating on rubber isolators and was used as an escape route during the Apollo Program in case of an emergency. It has since been abandoned by astronauts, but throughout the years nature found its way inside, including raccoons, snakes, birds and even a bobcat and opossum. Starting in 2009, the structure above the room on the pad was no longer needed for NASA's Space Shuttle Program, so it is being restructured for future use. The new design will feature a "clean pad" for rockets to come with their own launcher, making it more versatile for a number of vehicles. For information on NASA's future plans, visit www.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-4668

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A tunnel beneath Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A tunnel beneath Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida leads to the blast-resistant "rubber room." The room is a steel dome floating on rubber isolators and was used a... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – With space shuttle Discovery as backdrop on Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the STS-119 crew address the workers and guests on hand to welcome them home following their 13-day, 5.3-million mile journey on the STS-119 mission to the International Space Station. From left are Commander Lee Archambault, Pilot Tony Antonelli and Mission Specialists Joseph Acaba, Steve Swanson, Richard Arnold and John Phillips. Main gear touchdown was at 3:13:17 p.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 3:13:40 p.m. and wheels stop was at 3:14:45 p.m. Discovery delivered the final pair of large power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment. The mission was the 28th flight to the station, the 36th flight of Discovery and the 125th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 70th landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2402

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – With space shuttle Discovery as backdrop on Run...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – With space shuttle Discovery as backdrop on Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the STS-119 crew address the workers and guests on hand to welcome them home fo... More

Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan -- Cosmonaut Yuri I. Malenchenko (foreground), Expedition Seven commander, and astronaut Edward T. Lu, NASA ISS science officer and flight engineer for Expedition Seven, walk down the Soyuz stand after the Soyuz inspection, seat liner checkMalenchenko and Lu were named as the primary crew, Expedition 7, for the launch to the International Space Station. Russian cosmonaut Alexander Kaleri and NASA astronaut Michael Foale are the backup crewmembers to Malenchenko and Lu. Expedition 6 Commander Ken Bowersox, Flight Engineer Nikolai Budarin and NASA Space Station Science Officer Don Pettit will return to Earth aboard the Soyuz TMA-1 craft in May 2003. The three Expedition 6 crewmembers were launched on Nov. 23, 2002. They have been aboard the Station since November 25. They were originally scheduled to return in March aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis during the STS-114 mission. Malenchenko and Lu will continue to operate the science payloads already on board, as well as maintaining the Station. Photo Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls KSC-03pd1269

Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan -- Cosmonaut Yuri I. Malenchenko (for...

Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan -- Cosmonaut Yuri I. Malenchenko (foreground), Expedition Seven commander, and astronaut Edward T. Lu, NASA ISS science officer and flight engineer for Expedition Seven, walk do... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Commander Chris Ferguson is helped by suit technicians to put on a harness over his launch and entry suit. In the background is the hatch for entry into space shuttle Endeavour. STS-126 is the 124th space shuttle flight and the 27th flight to the International Space Station. The mission will feature four spacewalks and work that will prepare the space station to house six crew members for long- duration missions. Liftoff is scheduled for 7:55 p.m. EST Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph-Kevin O'Connell KSC-08pd3688

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's K...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Commander Chris Ferguson is helped by suit technicians to put on a harness over his launch and entry... More

STS127-S-040 (15 July 2009) --- Space Shuttle Endeavour and its seven-member STS-127 crew head toward Earth orbit and rendezvous with the International Space Station. Liftoff was on time at 6:03 p.m. (EDT) on July 15, 2009 from launch pad 39A at NASA?s Kennedy Space Center. Onboard are astronauts Mark Polansky, commander; Doug Hurley, pilot; Christopher Cassidy, Tom Marshburn, Dave Wolf, Tim Kopra and Canadian Space Agency?s Julie Payette, all mission specialists. Kopra will join Expedition 20 in progress to serve as a flight engineer aboard the ISS. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section in the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the space station. sts127-s-040

STS127-S-040 (15 July 2009) --- Space Shuttle Endeavour and its seven-...

STS127-S-040 (15 July 2009) --- Space Shuttle Endeavour and its seven-member STS-127 crew head toward Earth orbit and rendezvous with the International Space Station. Liftoff was on time at 6:03 p.m. (EDT) on J... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson, left, and Pilot Doug Hurley head out on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to practice touch-and-go landings aboard two Shuttle Training Aircraft. The flight crew of four arrived aboard T-38 training jets to watch two historic milestones of NASA's Space Shuttle Program -- the final landing of shuttle Endeavour, which will bookend its STS-134 mission to the International Space Station, and the final rollout of their vehicle, space shuttle Atlantis, to Launch Pad 39A. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of the shuttle program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-4076

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson, left, and Pi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson, left, and Pilot Doug Hurley head out on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to practice touch-and-go landings aboard ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 Commander Mark Polansky checks the fit of his helmet before heading to Launch Pad 39A for launch on space shuttle Endeavour. Liftoff is scheduled for 6:51 p.m. EDT.Today's launch will be the fifth attempt. The mission was scrubbed on June 13 and again June 17 when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. The mission was scrubbed July 12 due to weather conditions near the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy that violated rules for launching. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, in the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. STS-127 is the 29th flight for the assembly of the space station. Photo credit: NASA/ Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-4004

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 Commander Mark Polansky checks the fit of his helmet before heading to Launch Pad 39A for launch... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Launch Pad 39A area, Mission STS-117 crew members receive instruction on emergency egress using the slidewire basket system during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. Here, Mission Specialists Steven Swanson (left) and Danny Olivas (right) practice exiting from the slidewire basket. The TCDT also includes M-113 armored personnel carrier training, and a simulated launch countdown. The mission payload aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, along with a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0494

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Launch Pad 39A area, Mission STS...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Launch Pad 39A area, Mission STS-117 crew members receive instruction on emergency egress using the slidewire basket system during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test act... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility 2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 crew participate in a crew equipment interface test, or CEIT. Shown here is Mission Specialist Shane Kimbrough. The CEIT provides hands-on experience with hardware and equipment slated to fly on their mission. Endeavour will deliver a multi-purpose logistics module to the International Space Station on the STS-126 mission. Launch is targeted for Nov. 10. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2230

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility 2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 crew participate in a crew equipment interface test, or CEIT. Shown here is ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-134 Commander Mark Kelly gets behind the controls of a Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA) to perform touch-and-go landings on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. STAs are Gulfstream II business jets that are modified to mimic the shuttle's handling during the final phase of landing. Practice landings are part of standard training before space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 launch to the International Space Station. Endeavour's six crew members are at Kennedy for the launch countdown dress rehearsal called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) and related training. Targeted to launch April 19 at 7:48 p.m. EDT, they will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), a high-pressure gas tank, additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper and micrometeoroid debris shields to the space station. This will be the final spaceflight for Endeavour. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-2521

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-134 Commander Mark Kelly gets behind the c...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-134 Commander Mark Kelly gets behind the controls of a Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA) to perform touch-and-go landings on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Sharing a humorous moment on Launch Pad 39A during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities are (left) Commander Rick Husband and (right) Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon (the first Israeli astronaut). The TCDT also includes a simulated launch countdown. STS-107 is a mission devoted to research and will include more than 80 experiments that will study Earth and space science, advanced technology development, and astronaut health and safety. Launch is planned for Jan. 16, 2003, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. EST aboard Space Shuttle Columbia. . KSC-02pd1979

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Sharing a humorous moment on Launch Pad ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Sharing a humorous moment on Launch Pad 39A during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities are (left) Commander Rick Husband and (right) Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon (the... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dressed in their bright-orange launch-and-entry suits, the final four astronauts to launch aboard a space shuttle exit the Astronaut Crew Quarters in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the left row, STS-135 Pilot Doug Hurley is followed by Mission Specialist Sandy Magnus. In the right row, Commander Chris Ferguson is followed by Mission Specialist Rex Walheim. The astronauts, who will head to Launch Pad 39A aboard the silver Astrovan, are scheduled to lift off aboard space shuttle Atlantis at 11:26 a.m. EDT on July 8 for their mission to the International Space Station. STS-135 will deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts for the orbiting outpost. Atlantis also will fly the Robotic Refueling Mission experiment that will investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites in orbit. In addition, Atlantis will return with a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-5202

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dressed in their bright-orange launch-and-entr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dressed in their bright-orange launch-and-entry suits, the final four astronauts to launch aboard a space shuttle exit the Astronaut Crew Quarters in the Operations and Checkout Building... More

The Expedition Two crew, along with workers at the Space Station Processing Facility, inspect the air lock from the inside. From left are cosmonauts Yury Usachev (foreground, back to camera) and astronauts Susan Helms (seated) James Voss and John Young, who flew on mission STS-1. Voss, Helms and Usachev will be flying on mission STS-102, launching March 8, to the International Space Station. The air lock will be carried to the Station during their tenure in space. STS-102 will be Helms’ and Voss’s fifth Shuttle flight, and Usachev’s second. They will be replacing the Expedition One crew (Bill Shepherd, Yuri Gidzenko and Sergei Krikalev), who will return to Earth March 20 on Discovery along with the STS-102 crew KSC-01pp0215

The Expedition Two crew, along with workers at the Space Station Proce...

The Expedition Two crew, along with workers at the Space Station Processing Facility, inspect the air lock from the inside. From left are cosmonauts Yury Usachev (foreground, back to camera) and astronauts Susa... More

ORLANDO, Fla. -- During the 2010 Tom Joyner Family Reunion, NASA astronaut Mike Foreman, left, space activist and actress Nichelle Nichols, and NASA astronaut Leland Melvin pose for a photo at the Gaylord Palms Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. To encourage student attendees to focus on pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), NASA featured some of its greatest legends and trailblazers during a panel discussion at the reunion event. In the 1960s, Nichols played communications officer Lieutenant Uhura in the Star Trek television series. Foreman and Melvin are both veterans of two space shuttle missions. NASA's Education Office sponsored the panel discussion and educational activities as part of the agency's "Summer of Innovation" initiative and the federal "Educate to Innovate" campaign. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2010-4572

ORLANDO, Fla. -- During the 2010 Tom Joyner Family Reunion, NASA astro...

ORLANDO, Fla. -- During the 2010 Tom Joyner Family Reunion, NASA astronaut Mike Foreman, left, space activist and actress Nichelle Nichols, and NASA astronaut Leland Melvin pose for a photo at the Gaylord Palms... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-118 Pilot Charlie Hobaugh is ready after suitup to head for the launch pad and board Space Shuttle Endeavour. The STS-118 mission is the 22nd shuttle flight to the International Space Station. It will continue space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5, and other payloads such as the SPACEHAB module and the external stowage platform 3. The 11-day mission may be extended to as many as 14 depending on the test of the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System that will allow the docked shuttle to draw electrical power from the station and extend its visits to the orbiting lab. NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2240

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-118 Pilot Charlie Hobaugh is ready after suitup to head for the launch pad and board Space Shuttle Endeavour. The STS-118 mission is... More

The STS-98 crew, gathered at Launch Pad 39A one day before launch, wave and give a thumbs up. From left, they are Pilot Mark Polansky, Commander Ken Cockrell and Mission Specialists Marsha Ivins, Robert Curbeam and Thomas Jones. Behind them is Space Shuttle Atlantis, poised for launch.This mission marks the seventh Shuttle flight to the International Space Station and the first Shuttle mission of the year. On the mission, the crew will deliver the U.S. Laboratory Destiny to the growing Space Station. Destiny will be attached to the Unity node using the Shuttle’s robotic arm. Three spacewalks are required to complete the planned construction work. The 11-day STS-98 mission is scheduled to launch Feb. 7 at 6:11 p.m. EST, with a planned KSC landing about 1:39 p.m. on Feb. 18 KSC01padig051

The STS-98 crew, gathered at Launch Pad 39A one day before launch, wav...

The STS-98 crew, gathered at Launch Pad 39A one day before launch, wave and give a thumbs up. From left, they are Pilot Mark Polansky, Commander Ken Cockrell and Mission Specialists Marsha Ivins, Robert Curbeam... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a United Space Alliance technician monitors the progress as an overhead crane moves one of Endeavour’s main propulsion system tanks away from the mid-body of the orbiter. The tanks will be retained for possible future use on the agency’s Space Launch System Program. The work is part of Endeavour’s transition and retirement processing. The spacecraft is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Endeavour flew 25 missions, spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122, 883, 151 miles over the course of its 19-year career. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-1883

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a United Space Alliance technician monitors the progress as an overhead crane moves one of Endeavour’s main pr... More

At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-97 Mission Specialist Joseph Tanner (left) is greeted by Center Director Roy Bridges on his arrival at KSC from Johnson Space Center. Tanner and the rest of the crew have returned to KSC for the launch, scheduled for Nov. 30 at about 10:06 p.m. EST. Mission STS-97is the sixth construction flight to the International Space Station. Its payload includes the P6 Integrated Truss Structure and a photovoltaic (PV) module, with giant solar arrays that will provide power to the Station. The mission includes two spacewalks to complete the solar array connections. STS-97 is scheduled to launch Nov. 30 at about 10:06 p.m. EST KSC-00pp1756

At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-97 Mission Specialist Joseph Tann...

At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-97 Mission Specialist Joseph Tanner (left) is greeted by Center Director Roy Bridges on his arrival at KSC from Johnson Space Center. Tanner and the rest of the crew have re... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During suitup in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA Kennedy Space Center, STS-115 Mission Specialist Daniel Burbank tests the communication system in his helmet. Burbank is making his second shuttle flight on this mission to the International Space Station aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis. On its second attempt for launch, Atlantis is scheduled to lift off at 11:41 a.m. EDT today from Launch Pad 39B. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the ISS. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2086

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During suitup in the Operations and Che...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During suitup in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA Kennedy Space Center, STS-115 Mission Specialist Daniel Burbank tests the communication system in his helmet. Burban... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-123 Mission Specialist Takao Doi of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency is helped with the final flight suit fit check in the White Room before entering space shuttle Endeavour for launch. In the background is Mission Specialist Robert L. Behnken. The White Room provides access into the shuttle. Liftoff was on time at 2:28 a.m. EDT. The crew will make a record-breaking 16-day mission to the International Space Station and deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre. Photo credit: NASA/Scott Haun, Richard Prickett KSC-08pd0721

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-123 Mission Specialist Takao Doi of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency is helped with the final flight suit fit check in... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Prior to their departure, the STS-110 crew pauses for the media at the Shuttle Landing Facility. Standing left to right are Mission Specialists Jerry Ross, Steven Smith and Lee Morin; Commander Michael Bloomfield; Pilot Stephen Frick; and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim and Ellen Ochoa. The crew was at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities that included the payload familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. Scheduled for launch April 4, the 11-day STS-110 mission will feature Space Shuttle Atlantis docking with the International Space Station (ISS) and delivering the S0 truss, the centerpiece-segment of the primary truss structure that will eventually extend over 300 feet KSC-02PD0338

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Prior to their departure, the STS-110 c...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Prior to their departure, the STS-110 crew pauses for the media at the Shuttle Landing Facility. Standing left to right are Mission Specialists Jerry Ross, Steven Smith and Lee M... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata puts on his helmet as part of the final fitting of his launch and entry suit. Wakata is making his third shuttle flight. He will remain on the station, replacing Expedition 18 Flight Engineer Sandra Magnus, who returns to Earth with the STS-119 crew. The 14-day mission is the 28th to the International Space Station and the 125th space shuttle flight. Discovery will deliver the final pair of power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment. Installation of S6 will signal the station's readiness to house a six-member crew for conducting increased science. Liftoff of Discovery is scheduled for 9:20 p.m. EDT on March 11. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2015

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata puts on his helmet as part of the final fitting of his launch a... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach proudly displays a space shuttle Atlantis banner for STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson, front right, and Pilot Doug Hurley. Four astronauts brought Atlantis home to the Shuttle Landing Facility's Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 5:57 a.m. EDT bringing a close NASA's Space Shuttle Program. Atlantis' final return from space completed a 13-day, 5.2-million-mile journey to the International Space Station. STS-135 delivered spare parts, equipment and supplies in the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module that will sustain station operations for the next year. STS-135 was the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis, which has spent 307 days in space, orbited Earth 4,848 times and traveled 125,935,769 miles. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-5678

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach proudly ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach proudly displays a space shuttle Atlantis banner for STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson, front right, and Pilot Doug Hurley. Four astronauts brought A... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the STS-133 crew receive instruction by the catch nets for the slidewire baskets at the base of the pad as part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) emergency exit training. From left are Mission Specialist Tim Kopra, Pilot Eric Boe, Commander Steve Lindsey, and Mission Specialists Alvin Drew, Nicole Stott and Michael Barratt. TCDT provides each shuttle crew and launch team an opportunity to participate in various simulated activities, including equipment familiarization and a launch countdown. Space shuttle Discovery and its STS-133 crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. For more information on the STS-133 mission, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-5166

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the STS-133 crew receive instruction by the catch nets for the slidewire baskets at the base of the pad as part of... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialist Shane Kimbrough gets help with his suit before entering space shuttle Endeavour. He and other crew members will take part in a simulated launch countdown. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training and the simulated countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3433

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialist Shane Kimbrough gets help with his suit before entering space shuttle Endeavour.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Pilot Gregory C. Johnson is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier. The crew members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission will each practice driving the M-113 in turn as part of their training on emergency egress procedures. An M-113 will be available to transport the crew to safety in the event of a contingency on the pad before their launch. The crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for a dress launch rehearsal called the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. It provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and a simulated launch countdown. The STS-125 mission aboard space shuttle Atlantis to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted to launch Oct. 10. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2816

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Pilot Gregory C. Johnson is ready to p...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Pilot Gregory C. Johnson is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier. The crew members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission will each practice driving ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a simulated launch countdown on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-133 Mission Specialists Nicole Stott, left, and Michael Barratt are strapped into their seats on space shuttle Discovery. Next, they will practice escaping the shuttle, in preparation for an unlikely emergency at the pad on launch day. The simulated launch countdown and emergency exit training are part of a week-long Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT). Discovery and its STS-133 crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. For more information on the STS-133 mission, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-5204

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a simulated launch countdown on Launch ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a simulated launch countdown on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-133 Mission Specialists Nicole Stott, left, and Michael Barratt are strapped into the... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-128 crew members put on their launch-and-entry suits before heading to the Astrovan for the 3.4-mile drive to Launch Pad 39A. There, crew members will complete their suitup and enter space shuttle Discovery for the 1:36 a.m. EDT liftoff. Seen here is Mission Specialist Nicole Stott, checking communications in her helmet. The 13-day mission will deliver more than 7 tons of supplies, science racks and equipment, as well as additional environmental hardware to sustain six crew members on the International Space Station. The equipment includes a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and the COLBERT treadmill. The mission is the 128th in the Space Shuttle Program, the 37th flight of Discovery and the 30th station assembly flight. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-4824

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-128 crew members put on their launch-and-entry suits before heading to the Astrovan for the 3.4-mile... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 crew prepares to depart NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in T-38 training jets. Mission Specialist Michael Barratt, left, Pilot Eric Boe and Mission Specialist Nicole Stott and their three crewmates will wait until at least Nov. 30 to launch to the International Space Station because a leak was detected at the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate (GUCP) while Discovery's external fuel tank was being loaded for launch on Nov. 5. The GUCP is an attachment point between the external tank and a pipe that carries gaseous hydrogen safely away from the shuttle to the flare stack, where it is burned off. Engineers and managers also will evaluate a crack in the foam on the external tank. During the 11-day mission, STS-133 will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, to the orbiting laboratory. Discovery, which will fly its 39th mission, is scheduled to be retired following STS-133. This will be the 133rd Space Shuttle Program mission and the 35th shuttle voyage to the space station. For more information on STS-133, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-5505

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 crew prepare...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 crew prepares to depart NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in T-38 training jets. Mission Specialist Michael Barratt, left, Pilot Eric Boe and Missi... More

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

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the closeout crew in the White Room help STS-127 crew members complete their suitup before entering space shuttle Endeavour for the 7:13 p.m. EDT liftoff. Seen here is Mission Specialist Tom Marshburn. This is the fourth launch attempt for the STS-127 mission. The first two launch attempts on June 13 and June 17 were scrubbed when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. Mission managers also decided to delay tanking on July 11 for a launch attempt later in the day to allow engineers and safety personnel time to analyze data captured during lightning strikes near the pad on July 10. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, in the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. STS-127 is the 29th flight for the assembly of the space. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph & Kevin O'Connell KSC-2009-3980

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the closeout crew in the White Room help STS-127 crew members complete their suitup before entering space shuttle Endeavour fo... More

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