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Low Angle Impacts: A Look at Qi Baishi and Hovnatanian

Low Angle Impacts: A Look at Qi Baishi and Hovnatanian

This NAC image shows Qi Baishi and Hovnatanian, two craters that were newly named in November 2008. Qi Baishi is named for the famous Chinese painter who died in 1957. Hovnatanian is named for the nineteenth ce... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - An X-band radar antenna is in place to observe the MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging) launch. This antenna and a C-band radar antenna are on loan to KSC from the USNS Pathfinder, a U.S. Navy instrumentation ship. They have been installed at site north of Haulover Canal where the National Center for Atmospheric Research previously had a radar for thunderstorm research. NASA is evaluating the pair of radars for their ability to observe possible debris coming from the Space Shuttle during launch, part of NASA’s initiative to return the Space Shuttle to flight. KSC-04pd1606

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - An X-band radar antenna is in place to ob...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - An X-band radar antenna is in place to observe the MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging) launch. This antenna and a C-band radar antenna are on l... More

Another Look at Atget, JPL/NASA images

Another Look at Atget, JPL/NASA images

Another Look at Atget NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Carnegie Institution of Washington

Newly Named Abedin in Mercury North

Newly Named Abedin in Mercury North

This impact crater in the high northern latitudes of Mercury was recently named for the Bangladeshi painter Zainul Abedin 1914-1976. Abedin exhibits a complex crater structure with a smooth floor, wall terraces... More

Carnegie Cuts a Crater, JPL/NASA images

Carnegie Cuts a Crater, JPL/NASA images

Carnegie Rupes makes a dramatic sight in this large image mosaic. The giant lobate scarp cuts through Duccio crater. If you were to approach the scarp from the southwest, you would find yourself facing a wall n... More

Berkel Leaves Its Mark, JPL/NASA images

Berkel Leaves Its Mark, JPL/NASA images

The crater in the lower left corner of this image is Berkel, recently named for Turkish painter and printmaker Sabri Berkel 1909-1993. NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Carnegie Instituti... More

Atget in Color, JPL/NASA images

Atget in Color, JPL/NASA images

Atget in Color NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Carnegie Institution of Washington

Voilà! Mercury Atget, NASA/JPL Mercury project images

Voilà! Mercury Atget, NASA/JPL Mercury project images

Voilà! Mercury Atget NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Carnegie Institution of Washington

Wherefore Stoppt Thou Me?, JPL/NASA images

Wherefore Stoppt Thou Me?, JPL/NASA images

Like the Wedding Guest in the thrall of the Ancient Mariner, we are transfixed by the stunning landscape of today's image and the dramatic story it tells. The large degraded impact crater near the center is Col... More

Delaying the Inevitable, NASA/JPL Mercury project images

Delaying the Inevitable, NASA/JPL Mercury project images

At approximately 1.1 meters/pixel, this image is among the highest-resolution views MESSENGER has ever taken of the surface of Mercury. The final orbital correction maneuver (OCM) of the mission is planned for... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, an overhead crane lowers NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft onto a work stand. There employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will perform an initial state-of-health check. Then processing for launch can begin, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be launched May 11 on a six-year mission aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket. Liftoff is targeted for 2:26 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 11.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations proces...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, an overhead crane lowers NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft onto a work stand. There employees of the Johns Hopkins University App... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, a lift begins lowering NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft onto the ground. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be taken into a high bay clean room and employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will perform an initial state-of-health check. Then processing for launch can begin, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER will be launched May 11 on a six-year mission aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket. Liftoff is targeted for 2:26 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 11.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations proces...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, a lift begins lowering NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft onto the ground. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, a lift helps offload NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft shipped from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be taken into a high bay clean room and employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will perform an initial state-of-health check. Then processing for launch can begin, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER will be launched May 11 on a six-year mission aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket. Liftoff is targeted for 2:26 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 11.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations proces...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, a lift helps offload NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft shipped from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the high bay clean room at the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, workers attach an overhead crane to NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. The spacecraft will be moved to a work stand where employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will perform an initial state-of-health check. Then processing for launch can begin, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be launched May 11 on a six-year mission aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket. Liftoff is targeted for 2:26 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 11.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the high bay clean room at the Astrot...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the high bay clean room at the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, workers attach an overhead crane to NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. The spacecraft will b... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the high bay clean room at the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, workers prepare to attach an overhead crane to NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. The spacecraft will be moved to a work stand where employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will perform an initial state-of-health check. Then processing for launch can begin, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be launched May 11 on a six-year mission aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket. Liftoff is targeted for 2:26 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 11.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the high bay clean room at the Astrot...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the high bay clean room at the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, workers prepare to attach an overhead crane to NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. The spacec... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the high bay clean room at the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, workers remove the protective cover from NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. Employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will perform an initial state-of-health check. Then processing for launch can begin, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be launched May 11 on a six-year mission aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket. Liftoff is targeted for 2:26 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 11.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the high bay clean room at the Astrot...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the high bay clean room at the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, workers remove the protective cover from NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. Employees of the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, workers check the placement of NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft on a work stand. There employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will perform an initial state-of-health check. Then processing for launch can begin, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be launched May 11 on a six-year mission aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket. Liftoff is targeted for 2:26 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 11.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations proces...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, workers check the placement of NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft on a work stand. There employees of the Johns Hopkins University... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft is lifted off the pallet for transfer to a work stand. There employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will perform an initial state-of-health check. Then processing for launch can begin, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be launched May 11 on a six-year mission aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket. Liftoff is targeted for 2:26 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 11.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations proces...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft is lifted off the pallet for transfer to a work stand. There employees of the Johns Hopkins Uni... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft is lifted off the pallet for transfer to a work stand. There employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will perform an initial state-of-health check. Then processing for launch can begin, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be launched May 11 on a six-year mission aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket. Liftoff is targeted for 2:26 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 11.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations proces...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft is lifted off the pallet for transfer to a work stand. There employees of the Johns Hopkins Uni... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, an overhead crane moves NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft toward a work stand. There employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will perform an initial state-of-health check. Then processing for launch can begin, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be launched May 11 on a six-year mission aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket. Liftoff is targeted for 2:26 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 11.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations proces...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, an overhead crane moves NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft toward a work stand. There employees of the Johns Hopkins University Ap... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, workers move NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft into a high bay clean room. Employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will perform an initial state-of-health check. Then processing for launch can begin, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be launched May 11 on a six-year mission aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket. Liftoff is targeted for 2:26 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 11.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations proces...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, workers move NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft into a high bay clean room. Employees of the Johns Hopkins University Ap... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, workers begin moving NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft into the building MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - is being taken into a high bay clean room where employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will perform an initial state-of-health check. Then processing for launch can begin, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER will be launched May 11 on a six-year mission aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket. Liftoff is targeted for 2:26 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 11.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations proces...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, workers begin moving NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft into the building MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space E... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, workers check the placement of NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft on a work stand. There employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will perform an initial state-of-health check. Then processing for launch can begin, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be launched May 11 on a six-year mission aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket. Liftoff is targeted for 2:26 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 11.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations proces...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, workers check the placement of NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft on a work stand. There employees of the Johns Hopkins University... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shipped in an air-conditioned transportation van from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft, the first Mercury orbiter, arrives at the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be offloaded and taken into a high bay clean room. After the spacecraft is removed from its shipping container, employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will perform an initial state-of-health check. Then processing for launch can begin, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER will be launched May 11 on a six-year mission aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket. Liftoff is targeted for 2:26 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 11.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shipped in an air-conditioned transporta...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shipped in an air-conditioned transportation van from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft, the first Mercury orbiter, arrives at the A... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., is offloaded. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be taken into a high bay clean room and employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will perform an initial state-of-health check. Then processing for launch can begin, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER will be launched May 11 on a six-year mission aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket. Liftoff is targeted for 2:26 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 11.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations proces...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., is offloaded. MESSENGER - ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the high bay clean room at the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, workers get ready to remove the protective cover from NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. Employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will perform an initial state-of-health check. Then processing for launch can begin, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be launched May 11 on a six-year mission aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket. Liftoff is targeted for 2:26 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 11.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the high bay clean room at the Astrot...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the high bay clean room at the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, workers get ready to remove the protective cover from NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. Emp... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft is secure after transfer to the work stand. There employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will perform an initial state-of-health check. Then processing for launch can begin, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be launched May 11 on a six-year mission aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket. Liftoff is targeted for 2:26 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 11.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations proces...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft is secure after transfer to the work stand. There employees of the Johns Hopkins University App... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the high bay clean room at the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft is revealed. Employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will perform an initial state-of-health check. Then processing for launch can begin, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be launched May 11 on a six-year mission aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket. Liftoff is targeted for 2:26 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 11.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the high bay clean room at the Astrot...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the high bay clean room at the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft is revealed. Employees of the Johns Hopkins University App... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the high bay clean room at the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, workers prepare NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft for transfer to a work stand. There employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will perform an initial state-of-health check. Then processing for launch can begin, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be launched May 11 on a six-year mission aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket. Liftoff is targeted for 2:26 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 11.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the high bay clean room at the Astrot...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the high bay clean room at the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, workers prepare NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft for transfer to a work stand. There employ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, an overhead crane lowers NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft onto a work stand. There employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will perform an initial state-of-health check. Then processing for launch can begin, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be launched May 11 on a six-year mission aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket. Liftoff is targeted for 2:26 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 11.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations proces...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, an overhead crane lowers NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft onto a work stand. There employees of the Johns Hopkins University App... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, workers check the moveable pallet holding NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be taken into a high bay clean room and employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will perform an initial state-of-health check. Then processing for launch can begin, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER will be launched May 11 on a six-year mission aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket. Liftoff is targeted for 2:26 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 11.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations proces...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, workers check the moveable pallet holding NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Spa... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the high bay clean room at the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, workers remove the protective cover from NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. Employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will perform an initial state-of-health check. Then processing for launch can begin, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be launched May 11 on a six-year mission aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket. Liftoff is targeted for 2:26 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 11.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the high bay clean room at the Astrot...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the high bay clean room at the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, workers remove the protective cover from NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. Employees of the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Doors are open on the air-conditioned transportation van that carried NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., to the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC. After offloading, MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be taken into a high bay clean room and employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will perform an initial state-of-health check. Then processing for launch can begin, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER will be launched May 11 on a six-year mission aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket. Liftoff is targeted for 2:26 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 11.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Doors are open on the air-conditioned tr...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Doors are open on the air-conditioned transportation van that carried NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., to the Astrotech Space ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, workers prepare to move NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft onto a test stand using an overhead crane. There, employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will begin final processing for launch, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be launched aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket no earlier than July 30 on a six-year mission to study the planet Mercury. KSC-04pd0594

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Astrotech Space Operations proces...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, workers prepare to move NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft onto a test stand using an overhead crane. There, employees of the John... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, workers lower NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft onto a test stand using an overhead crane. Once in place, employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will begin final processing for launch, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be launched aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket no earlier than July 30 on a six-year mission to study the planet Mercury. KSC-04pd0595

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Astrotech Space Operations proces...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, workers lower NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft onto a test stand using an overhead crane. Once in place, employees of the Johns ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, workers prepare for contact of NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft with a test stand. Once in place, employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will begin final processing for launch, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be launched aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket no earlier than July 30 on a six-year mission to study the planet Mercury. KSC-04pd0597

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Astrotech Space Operations proces...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, workers prepare for contact of NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft with a test stand. Once in place, employees of the Johns Hopkins... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, workers check for the correct alignment of NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft as it is lowered onto a test stand. Once in place, employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will begin final processing for launch, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be launched aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket no earlier than July 30 on a six-year mission to study the planet Mercury. KSC-04pd0598

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Astrotech Space Operations proces...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, workers check for the correct alignment of NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft as it is lowered onto a test stand. Once in place, e... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, workers secure NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft on a test stand. Once in place, employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will begin final processing for launch, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be launched aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket no earlier than July 30 on a six-year mission to study the planet Mercury. KSC-04pd0602

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Astrotech Space Operations proces...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, workers secure NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft on a test stand. Once in place, employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applie... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, workers verify the correct placement of NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft on a test stand. Once in place, employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will begin final processing for launch, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be launched aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket no earlier than July 30 on a six-year mission to study the planet Mercury. KSC-04pd0599

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Astrotech Space Operations proces...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, workers verify the correct placement of NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft on a test stand. Once in place, employees of the Johns ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, workers monitor NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft as it is lowered onto a test stand by an overhead crane. Once in place, employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will begin final processing for launch, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be launched aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket no earlier than July 30 on a six-year mission to study the planet Mercury. KSC-04pd0596

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Astrotech Space Operations proces...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, workers monitor NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft as it is lowered onto a test stand by an overhead crane. Once in place, employe... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, workers secure NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft on a test stand. Once in place, employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will begin final processing for launch, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be launched aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket no earlier than July 30 on a six-year mission to study the planet Mercury. KSC-04pd0601

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Astrotech Space Operations proces...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, workers secure NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft on a test stand. Once in place, employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applie... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, workers secure NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft on a test stand. Once in place, employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will begin final processing for launch, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be launched aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket no earlier than July 30 on a six-year mission to study the planet Mercury. KSC-04pd0600

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Astrotech Space Operations proces...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, workers secure NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft on a test stand. Once in place, employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applie... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, the attachment of NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft to a test stand is complete. The spacecraft is now ready for employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, to begin final processing for launch, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - will be launched aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket no earlier than July 30 on a six-year mission to study the planet Mercury. KSC-04pd0603

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Astrotech Space Operations proces...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities, the attachment of NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft to a test stand is complete. The spacecraft is now ready for employees of the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations facilities near KSC, workers adjust wires on the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft during rotation on the turnover fixture. Workers will perform the propulsion system phasing test - firing gas through the thrusters in order to verify that the right thrusters fire when expected - as part of prelaunch testing at the site. Launch is scheduled for May 11 from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The spacecraft will fly past Venus three times and Mercury twice before starting a year-long orbital study of Mercury in July 2009. KSC-04pd0676

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations facilities...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations facilities near KSC, workers adjust wires on the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft during rotation o... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations facilities near KSC, workers help while an overhead crane lowers the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft onto a turnover fixture. Workers will perform the propulsion system phasing test - firing gas through the thrusters in order to verify that the right thrusters fire when expected - as part of prelaunch testing at the site. Launch is scheduled for May 11 from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The spacecraft will fly past Venus three times and Mercury twice before starting a year-long orbital study of Mercury in July 2009. KSC-04pd0670

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations facilities...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations facilities near KSC, workers help while an overhead crane lowers the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecra... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Astrotech Space Operations facilities near KSC, workers again rotate the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft on the turnover fixture. Workers will perform the propulsion system phasing test - firing gas through the thrusters in order to verify that the right thrusters fire when expected - as part of prelaunch testing at the site. Launch is scheduled for May 11 from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The spacecraft will fly past Venus three times and Mercury twice before starting a year-long orbital study of Mercury in July 2009. KSC-04pd0677

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Astrotech Space Operations facilities ne...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Astrotech Space Operations facilities near KSC, workers again rotate the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft on the turnover fixture... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations facilities near KSC, workers make adjustments to the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft now resting on the turnover fixture. Workers will perform the propulsion system phasing test - firing gas through the thrusters in order to verify that the right thrusters fire when expected - as part of prelaunch testing at the site. Launch is scheduled for May 11 from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The spacecraft will fly past Venus three times and Mercury twice before starting a year-long orbital study of Mercury in July 2009. KSC-04pd0671

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations facilities...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations facilities near KSC, workers make adjustments to the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft now resting o... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers at Astrotech Space Operations facilities near KSC get ready to attach an overhead crane to the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft before lifting. They are moving it to a turnover fixture that will rotate it for prelaunch testing. Launch is scheduled for May 11 from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The spacecraft will fly past Venus three times and Mercury twice before starting a year-long orbital study of Mercury in July 2009. KSC-04pd0666

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers at Astrotech Space Operations fa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers at Astrotech Space Operations facilities near KSC get ready to attach an overhead crane to the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spac... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Astrotech Space Operations facilities near KSC, workers check the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft after completing rotation on the turnover fixture. Workers will perform the propulsion system phasing test - firing gas through the thrusters in order to verify that the right thrusters fire when expected - as part of prelaunch testing at the site. Launch is scheduled for May 11 from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The spacecraft will fly past Venus three times and Mercury twice before starting a year-long orbital study of Mercury in July 2009. KSC-04pd0679

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Astrotech Space Operations facilities ne...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Astrotech Space Operations facilities near KSC, workers check the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft after completing rotation on t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations facilities near KSC, the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft is ready for lifting. It is being moved to a turnover fixture that will rotate it for prelaunch testing. Launch is scheduled for May 11 from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The spacecraft will fly past Venus three times and Mercury twice before starting a year-long orbital study of Mercury in July 2009. KSC-04pd0667

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations facilities...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations facilities near KSC, the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft is ready for lifting. It is being moved ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Astrotech Space Operations facilities near KSC, workers remove protective covers from the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft now resting on the turnover fixture. Workers will perform the propulsion system phasing test - firing gas through the thrusters in order to verify that the right thrusters fire when expected - as part of prelaunch testing at the site. Launch is scheduled for May 11 from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The spacecraft will fly past Venus three times and Mercury twice before starting a year-long orbital study of Mercury in July 2009. KSC-04pd0672

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Astrotech Space Operations facilities ne...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Astrotech Space Operations facilities near KSC, workers remove protective covers from the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft now re... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Astrotech Space Operations facilities near KSC, workers begin to rotate the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft on the turnover fixture. Workers will perform the propulsion system phasing test - firing gas through the thrusters in order to verify that the right thrusters fire when expected - as part of prelaunch testing at the site. Launch is scheduled for May 11 from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The spacecraft will fly past Venus three times and Mercury twice before starting a year-long orbital study of Mercury in July 2009. KSC-04pd0674

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Astrotech Space Operations facilities ne...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Astrotech Space Operations facilities near KSC, workers begin to rotate the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft on the turnover fixt... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations facilities near KSC, the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft is carried across the floor by an overhead crane. MESSENGER is being moved to a turnover fixture that will rotate it for prelaunch testing. Launch is scheduled for May 11 from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The spacecraft will fly past Venus three times and Mercury twice before starting a year-long orbital study of Mercury in July 2009. KSC-04pd0668

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations facilities...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations facilities near KSC, the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft is carried across the floor by an overhea... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Astrotech Space Operations facilities near KSC, workers begin to rotate the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft on the turnover fixture. Workers will perform the propulsion system phasing test - firing gas through the thrusters in order to verify that the right thrusters fire when expected - as part of prelaunch testing at the site. Launch is scheduled for May 11 from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The spacecraft will fly past Venus three times and Mercury twice before starting a year-long orbital study of Mercury in July 2009. KSC-04pd0673

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Astrotech Space Operations facilities ne...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Astrotech Space Operations facilities near KSC, workers begin to rotate the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft on the turnover fixt... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations facilities near KSC, workers at left move a turnover fixture toward the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft. The turnover fixture will rotate the spacecraft for prelaunch testing. MESSENGER is undergoing prelaunch testing at the site. Launch is scheduled for May 11 from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The spacecraft will fly past Venus three times and Mercury twice before starting a year-long orbital study of Mercury in July 2009. KSC-04pd0669

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations facilities...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations facilities near KSC, workers at left move a turnover fixture toward the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) space... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- - Astrotech Space Operations facilities near KSC, workers check the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft as it rotates on the turnover fixture. Workers will perform the propulsion system phasing test - firing gas through the thrusters in order to verify that the right thrusters fire when expected - as part of prelaunch testing at the site. Launch is scheduled for May 11 from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The spacecraft will fly past Venus three times and Mercury twice before starting a year-long orbital study of Mercury in July 2009. KSC-04pd0675

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- - Astrotech Space Operations facilities ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- - Astrotech Space Operations facilities near KSC, workers check the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft as it rotates on the turnov... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Astrotech Space Operations facilities near KSC, workers complete rotation of the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft on the turnover fixture. Workers will perform the propulsion system phasing test - firing gas through the thrusters in order to verify that the right thrusters fire when expected - as part of prelaunch testing at the site. Launch is scheduled for May 11 from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The spacecraft will fly past Venus three times and Mercury twice before starting a year-long orbital study of Mercury in July 2009. KSC-04pd0678

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Astrotech Space Operations facilities ne...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Astrotech Space Operations facilities near KSC, workers complete rotation of the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft on the turnover... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers at Astrotech Space Operations facilities in Titusville, Fla., finish encapsulating the MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging) spacecraft for a move from its current location in the hazardous processing facility, where it has been since arrival March 10, to an adjacent nonhazardous payload processing facility. The remainder of its final assembly and testing will be completed there. The spacecraft will return to the hazardous processing facility when ready for fueling, spin balance testing and mating to the upper stage. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch no earlier than July 30 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. MESSENGER is a scientific investigation of the planet Mercury, the least explored terrestrial planet. Understanding Mercury and how it was formed is essential to understanding the other terrestrial planets and their evolution. The MESSENGER mission will orbit Mercury after making two flybys of the planet, using data collected during the flybys as an initial guide to perform a more focused scientific investigation of this mysterious world. The spacecraft will enter Mercury orbit in March 2011 and carry out comprehensive measurements for one full Earth year. KSC-04pd0856

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers at Astrotech Space Operations fa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers at Astrotech Space Operations facilities in Titusville, Fla., finish encapsulating the MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging) spacecraft f... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers at Astrotech Space Operations facilities in Titusville, Fla., finish encapsulating the MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging) spacecraft for a move from its current location in the hazardous processing facility, where it has been since arrival March 10, to an adjacent nonhazardous payload processing facility. The remainder of its final assembly and testing will be completed there. The spacecraft will return to the hazardous processing facility when ready for fueling, spin balance testing and mating to the upper stage. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch no earlier than July 30 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. MESSENGER is a scientific investigation of the planet Mercury, the least explored terrestrial planet. Understanding Mercury and how it was formed is essential to understanding the other terrestrial planets and their evolution. The MESSENGER mission will orbit Mercury after making two flybys of the planet, using data collected during the flybys as an initial guide to perform a more focused scientific investigation of this mysterious world. The spacecraft will enter Mercury orbit in March 2011 and carry out comprehensive measurements for one full Earth year. KSC-04pd0857

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers at Astrotech Space Operations fa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers at Astrotech Space Operations facilities in Titusville, Fla., finish encapsulating the MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging) spacecraft f... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - - Workers at Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., remove the cover from the MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging) spacecraft inside the nonhazardous payload processing facility. Final assembly and testing will be completed at this site. The spacecraft will return to the hazardous processing facility when ready for fueling, spin balance testing and mating to the upper stage. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch no earlier than July 30 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. MESSENGER is a scientific investigation of the planet Mercury, the least explored terrestrial planet. Understanding Mercury and how it was formed is essential to understanding the other terrestrial planets and their evolution. The MESSENGER mission will orbit Mercury after making two flybys of the planet, using data collected during the flybys as an initial guide to perform a more focused scientific investigation of this mysterious world. The spacecraft will enter Mercury orbit in March 2011 and carry out comprehensive measurements for one full Earth year. KSC-04pd0863

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - - Workers at Astrotech Space Operations ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - - Workers at Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., remove the cover from the MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging) spacecraft inside th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations facilities in Titusville, Fla., the MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging) spacecraft is ready for encapsulation before being moved from its current location in the hazardous processing facility, where it has been since arrival March 10. It is being moved to an adjacent nonhazardous payload processing facility where the remainder of its final assembly and testing will be completed. The spacecraft will return to the hazardous processing facility when ready for fueling, spin balance testing and mating to the upper stage. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch no earlier than July 30 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. MESSENGER is a scientific investigation of the planet Mercury, the least explored terrestrial planet. Understanding Mercury and how it was formed is essential to understanding the other terrestrial planets and their evolution. The MESSENGER mission will orbit Mercury after making two flybys of the planet, using data collected during the flybys as an initial guide to perform a more focused scientific investigation of this mysterious world. The spacecraft will enter Mercury orbit in March 2011 and carry out comprehensive measurements for one full Earth year. KSC-04pd0854

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations facilitie...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations facilities in Titusville, Fla., the MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging) spacecraft is ready for encapsulation be... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The encapsulated MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging) spacecraft sits inside the nonhazardous payload processing facility at Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., after leaving the hazardous processing facility, where it has been since arrival March 10. The remainder of its final assembly and testing will be completed in the new facility. The spacecraft will return to the hazardous processing facility when ready for fueling, spin balance testing and mating to the upper stage. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch no earlier than July 30 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. MESSENGER is a scientific investigation of the planet Mercury, the least explored terrestrial planet. Understanding Mercury and how it was formed is essential to understanding the other terrestrial planets and their evolution. The MESSENGER mission will orbit Mercury after making two flybys of the planet, using data collected during the flybys as an initial guide to perform a more focused scientific investigation of this mysterious world. The spacecraft will enter Mercury orbit in March 2011 and carry out comprehensive measurements for one full Earth year. KSC-04pd0861

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The encapsulated MESSENGER (Mercury Surf...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The encapsulated MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging) spacecraft sits inside the nonhazardous payload processing facility at Astrotech Space Ope... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - An overhead crane lifts the MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging) spacecraft from its transporter inside the nonhazardous payload processing facility at Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla. Final assembly and testing will be completed at this facility. The spacecraft will return to the hazardous processing facility when ready for fueling, spin balance testing and mating to the upper stage. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch no earlier than July 30 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. MESSENGER is a scientific investigation of the planet Mercury, the least explored terrestrial planet. Understanding Mercury and how it was formed is essential to understanding the other terrestrial planets and their evolution. The MESSENGER mission will orbit Mercury after making two flybys of the planet, using data collected during the flybys as an initial guide to perform a more focused scientific investigation of this mysterious world. The spacecraft will enter Mercury orbit in March 2011 and carry out comprehensive measurements for one full Earth year. KSC-04pd0864

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - An overhead crane lifts the MESSENGER (M...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - An overhead crane lifts the MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging) spacecraft from its transporter inside the nonhazardous payload processing faci... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - - A technician at Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., checks the MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging) spacecraft after its move to a stand inside the nonhazardous payload processing facility. Final assembly and testing will be completed at this site. The spacecraft will return to the hazardous processing facility when ready for fueling, spin balance testing and mating to the upper stage. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch no earlier than July 30 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. MESSENGER is a scientific investigation of the planet Mercury, the least explored terrestrial planet. Understanding Mercury and how it was formed is essential to understanding the other terrestrial planets and their evolution. The MESSENGER mission will orbit Mercury after making two flybys of the planet, using data collected during the flybys as an initial guide to perform a more focused scientific investigation of this mysterious world. The spacecraft will enter Mercury orbit in March 2011 and carry out comprehensive measurements for one full Earth year. KSC-04pd0865

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - - A technician at Astrotech Space Operat...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - - A technician at Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., checks the MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging) spacecraft after its move to a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging) spacecraft arrives at the nonhazardous payload processing facility at Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., after leaving the hazardous processing facility, where it has been since arrival March 10. The remainder of its final assembly and testing will be completed in the new facility. The spacecraft will return to the hazardous processing facility when ready for fueling, spin balance testing and mating to the upper stage. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch no earlier than July 30 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. MESSENGER is a scientific investigation of the planet Mercury, the least explored terrestrial planet. Understanding Mercury and how it was formed is essential to understanding the other terrestrial planets and their evolution. The MESSENGER mission will orbit Mercury after making two flybys of the planet, using data collected during the flybys as an initial guide to perform a more focused scientific investigation of this mysterious world. The spacecraft will enter Mercury orbit in March 2011 and carry out comprehensive measurements for one full Earth year. KSC-04pd0860

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space En...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging) spacecraft arrives at the nonhazardous payload processing facility at Astrotech Space Operations in Tit... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging) spacecraft is transported from the hazardous processing facility at Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., where it has been since arrival March 10, to an adjacent nonhazardous payload processing facility. The remainder of its final assembly and testing will be completed there. The spacecraft will return to the hazardous processing facility when ready for fueling, spin balance testing and mating to the upper stage. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch no earlier than July 30 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. MESSENGER is a scientific investigation of the planet Mercury, the least explored terrestrial planet. Understanding Mercury and how it was formed is essential to understanding the other terrestrial planets and their evolution. The MESSENGER mission will orbit Mercury after making two flybys of the planet, using data collected during the flybys as an initial guide to perform a more focused scientific investigation of this mysterious world. The spacecraft will enter Mercury orbit in March 2011 and carry out comprehensive measurements for one full Earth year. KSC-04pd0859

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space En...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging) spacecraft is transported from the hazardous processing facility at Astrotech Space Operations in Titus... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers at Astrotech Space Operations facilities in Titusville, Fla., encapsulate the MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging) spacecraft for a move from its current location in the hazardous processing facility, where it has been since arrival March 10. It is being moved to an adjacent nonhazardous payload processing facility where the remainder of its final assembly and testing will be completed. The spacecraft will return to the hazardous processing facility when ready for fueling, spin balance testing and mating to the upper stage. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch no earlier than July 30 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. MESSENGER is a scientific investigation of the planet Mercury, the least explored terrestrial planet. Understanding Mercury and how it was formed is essential to understanding the other terrestrial planets and their evolution. The MESSENGER mission will orbit Mercury after making two flybys of the planet, using data collected during the flybys as an initial guide to perform a more focused scientific investigation of this mysterious world. The spacecraft will enter Mercury orbit in March 2011 and carry out comprehensive measurements for one full Earth year. KSC-04pd0855

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers at Astrotech Space Operations f...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers at Astrotech Space Operations facilities in Titusville, Fla., encapsulate the MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging) spacecraft for a mov... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers at Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., prepare to remove the cover from the MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging) spacecraft inside the nonhazardous payload processing facility. Final assembly and testing will be completed at this site. The spacecraft will return to the hazardous processing facility when ready for fueling, spin balance testing and mating to the upper stage. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch no earlier than July 30 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. MESSENGER is a scientific investigation of the planet Mercury, the least explored terrestrial planet. Understanding Mercury and how it was formed is essential to understanding the other terrestrial planets and their evolution. The MESSENGER mission will orbit Mercury after making two flybys of the planet, using data collected during the flybys as an initial guide to perform a more focused scientific investigation of this mysterious world. The spacecraft will enter Mercury orbit in March 2011 and carry out comprehensive measurements for one full Earth year. KSC-04pd0862

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers at Astrotech Space Operations in...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers at Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., prepare to remove the cover from the MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging) spacecraft ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - - Workers at Astrotech Space Operations facilities in Titusville, Fla., secure the cover on the MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging) spacecraft for a move from its current location in the hazardous processing facility, where it has been since arrival March 10, to an adjacent nonhazardous payload processing facility. The remainder of its final assembly and testing will be completed there. The spacecraft will return to the hazardous processing facility when ready for fueling, spin balance testing and mating to the upper stage. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch no earlier than July 30 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. MESSENGER is a scientific investigation of the planet Mercury, the least explored terrestrial planet. Understanding Mercury and how it was formed is essential to understanding the other terrestrial planets and their evolution. The MESSENGER mission will orbit Mercury after making two flybys of the planet, using data collected during the flybys as an initial guide to perform a more focused scientific investigation of this mysterious world. The spacecraft will enter Mercury orbit in March 2011 and carry out comprehensive measurements for one full Earth year. KSC-04pd0858

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - - Workers at Astrotech Space Operations ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - - Workers at Astrotech Space Operations facilities in Titusville, Fla., secure the cover on the MESSENGER (Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging) spacecraft ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., a worker checks wiring on the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft. Two solar arrays will be installed June 24-25, followed by a deployment testLaunch is scheduled for July 30, 2004 from Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The spacecraft will fly past Earth once, Venus twice and Mercury three times before starting a year-long orbital study of Mercury in March 2011. MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1326

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusvi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., a worker checks wiring on the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft. Two solar arr... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft’s two solar arrays are undergoing cleaning inspections and voltage checks in preparation for installation on June 24 -25. One array will be installed each day, followed by a deployment test. The spacecraft will fly past Earth once, Venus twice and Mercury three times before starting a year-long orbital study of Mercury in March 2011. Launch is scheduled for July 30, 2004, from Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1328

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusvi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft’s two solar arrays are undergoing cleanin... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft’s two solar arrays are undergoing cleaning inspections and voltage checks in preparation for installation on June 24 -25. One array will be installed each day, followed by a deployment test. The spacecraft will fly past Earth once, Venus twice and Mercury three times before starting a year-long orbital study of Mercury in March 2011. Launch is scheduled for July 30, 2004 from Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1329

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusvi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft’s two solar arrays are undergoing cleanin... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., a worker checks wiring on the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft. Two solar arrays will be installed June 24-25, followed by a deployment test. Launch is scheduled for July 30, 2004 from Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The spacecraft will fly past Earth once, Venus twice and Mercury three times before starting a year-long orbital study of Mercury in March 2011. MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1327

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusvi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., a worker checks wiring on the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft. Two solar arr... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., workers place insulating blankets around the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft. Two solar arrays will be installed June 24-25, followed by a deployment test. The spacecraft will fly past Earth once, Venus twice and Mercury three times before starting a year-long orbital study of Mercury in March 2011. Launch is scheduled for July 30, 2004 from Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1323

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusvi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., workers place insulating blankets around the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., a worker adjusts an insulating blanket around the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft. Two solar arrays will be installed June 24-25, followed by a deployment test. Launch is scheduled for July 30, 2004 from Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The spacecraft will fly past Earth once, Venus twice and Mercury three times before starting a year-long orbital study of Mercury in March 2011. MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1325

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusvi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., a worker adjusts an insulating blanket around the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacec... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., a worker adjusts an insulating blanket around the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft. Two solar arrays will be installed June 24-25, followed by a deployment test. The spacecraft will fly past Earth once, Venus twice and Mercury three times before starting a year-long orbital study of Mercury in March 2011. Launch is scheduled for July 30, 2004 from Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1324

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusvi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., a worker adjusts an insulating blanket around the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacec... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft’s two solar arrays are undergoing cleaning inspections and voltage checks in preparation for installation on June 24 -25. One array will be installed each day, followed by a deployment test. The spacecraft will fly past Earth once, Venus twice and Mercury three times before starting a year-long orbital study of Mercury in March 2011. Launch is scheduled for July 30, 2004 from Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1321

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusvi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft’s two solar arrays are undergoing cleanin... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft’s two solar arrays are undergoing cleaning inspections and voltage checks in preparation for installation on June 24 -25. One array will be installed each day, followed by a deployment test. The spacecraft will fly past Earth once, Venus twice and Mercury three times before starting a year-long orbital study of Mercury in March 2011. Launch is scheduled for July 30, 2004 from Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1320

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusvi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft’s two solar arrays are undergoing cleanin... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft’s two solar arrays are undergoing cleaning inspections and voltage checks in preparation for installation on June 24 -25. One array will be installed each day, followed by a deployment test. The spacecraft will fly past Earth once, Venus twice and Mercury three times before starting a year-long orbital study of Mercury in March 2011. Launch is scheduled for July 30, 2004 from Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1322

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusvi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., the Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft’s two solar arrays are undergoing cleanin... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., carry a solar panel toward NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft for installation. It is one of two large solar panels, supplemented with a nickel-hydrogen battery, that will provide MESSENGER’s power. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch Aug. 2 aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. It will return to Earth for a gravity boost in July 2005, then fly past Venus twice, in October 2006 and June 2007. The spacecraft uses the tug of Venus’ gravity to resize and rotate its trajectory closer to Mercury’s orbit. Three Mercury flybys, each followed about two months later by a course-correction maneuver, put MESSENGER in position to enter Mercury orbit in March 2011. During the flybys, MESSENGER will map nearly the entire planet in color, image most of the areas unseen by Mariner 10, and measure the composition of the surface, atmosphere and magnetosphere. It will be the first new data from Mercury in more than 30 years - and invaluable for planning MESSENGER’s year-long orbital mission. MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1339

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., carry a solar panel toward NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft for installation. It is one of two large solar panels, supplemented with a nic... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., guide a solar panel closer to NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft for installation. It is one of two large solar panels, supplemented with a nickel-hydrogen battery, that will provide MESSENGER’s power. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch Aug. 2 aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. It will return to Earth for a gravity boost in July 2005, then fly past Venus twice, in October 2006 and June 2007. The spacecraft uses the tug of Venus’ gravity to resize and rotate its trajectory closer to Mercury’s orbit. Three Mercury flybys, each followed about two months later by a course-correction maneuver, put MESSENGER in position to enter Mercury orbit in March 2011. During the flybys, MESSENGER will map nearly the entire planet in color, image most of the areas unseen by Mariner 10, and measure the composition of the surface, atmosphere and magnetosphere. It will be the first new data from Mercury in more than 30 years - and invaluable for planning MESSENGER’s year-long orbital mission. MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1343

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., guide a solar panel closer to NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft for installation. It is one of two large solar panels, supplemented with a ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., attach a bar to a solar panel in order to lift it and move it to NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft for installation. The two large solar panels, supplemented with a nickel-hydrogen battery, will provide MESSENGER’s power. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch Aug. 2 aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. It will return to Earth for a gravity boost in July 2005, then fly past Venus twice, in October 2006 and June 2007. The spacecraft uses the tug of Venus’ gravity to resize and rotate its trajectory closer to Mercury’s orbit. Three Mercury flybys, each followed about two months later by a course-correction maneuver, put MESSENGER in position to enter Mercury orbit in March 2011. During the flybys, MESSENGER will map nearly the entire planet in color, image most of the areas unseen by Mariner 10, and measure the composition of the surface, atmosphere and magnetosphere. It will be the first new data from Mercury in more than 30 years - and invaluable for planning MESSENGER’s year-long orbital mission. MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1338

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., attach a bar to a solar panel in order to lift it and move it to NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft for installation. The two large solar pa... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., adjust a solar panel suspended from above for installation on NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. It is one of two large solar panels, supplemented with a nickel-hydrogen battery, that will provide MESSENGER’s power. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch Aug. 2 aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. It will return to Earth for a gravity boost in July 2005, then fly past Venus twice, in October 2006 and June 2007. The spacecraft uses the tug of Venus’ gravity to resize and rotate its trajectory closer to Mercury’s orbit. Three Mercury flybys, each followed about two months later by a course-correction maneuver, put MESSENGER in position to enter Mercury orbit in March 2011. During the flybys, MESSENGER will map nearly the entire planet in color, image most of the areas unseen by Mariner 10, and measure the composition of the surface, atmosphere and magnetosphere. It will be the first new data from Mercury in more than 30 years - and invaluable for planning MESSENGER’s year-long orbital mission. MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1340

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., adjust a solar panel suspended from above for installation on NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. It is one of two large solar panels, suppl... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., look over a solar panel ready to be installed on NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. It is one of two large solar panels, supplemented with a nickel-hydrogen battery, that will provide MESSENGER’s power. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch Aug. 2 aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. It will return to Earth for a gravity boost in July 2005, then fly past Venus twice, in October 2006 and June 2007. The spacecraft uses the tug of Venus’ gravity to resize and rotate its trajectory closer to Mercury’s orbit. Three Mercury flybys, each followed about two months later by a course-correction maneuver, put MESSENGER in position to enter Mercury orbit in March 2011. During the flybys, MESSENGER will map nearly the entire planet in color, image most of the areas unseen by Mariner 10, and measure the composition of the surface, atmosphere and magnetosphere. It will be the first new data from Mercury in more than 30 years - and invaluable for planning MESSENGER’s year-long orbital mission. MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1337

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., look over a solar panel ready to be installed on NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. It is one of two large solar panels, supplemented with ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., steady a solar panel suspended from above as others prepare to install it on NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. It is one of two large solar panels, supplemented with a nickel-hydrogen battery, that will provide MESSENGER’s power. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch Aug. 2 aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. It will return to Earth for a gravity boost in July 2005, then fly past Venus twice, in October 2006 and June 2007. The spacecraft uses the tug of Venus’ gravity to resize and rotate its trajectory closer to Mercury’s orbit. Three Mercury flybys, each followed about two months later by a course-correction maneuver, put MESSENGER in position to enter Mercury orbit in March 2011. During the flybys, MESSENGER will map nearly the entire planet in color, image most of the areas unseen by Mariner 10, and measure the composition of the surface, atmosphere and magnetosphere. It will be the first new data from Mercury in more than 30 years - and invaluable for planning MESSENGER’s year-long orbital mission. MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1342

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., steady a solar panel suspended from above as others prepare to install it on NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. It is one of two large sola... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., help guide a solar panel toward NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft for installation. It is one of two large solar panels, supplemented with a nickel-hydrogen battery, that will provide MESSENGER’s power. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch Aug. 2 aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. It will return to Earth for a gravity boost in July 2005, then fly past Venus twice, in October 2006 and June 2007. The spacecraft uses the tug of Venus’ gravity to resize and rotate its trajectory closer to Mercury’s orbit. Three Mercury flybys, each followed about two months later by a course-correction maneuver, put MESSENGER in position to enter Mercury orbit in March 2011. During the flybys, MESSENGER will map nearly the entire planet in color, image most of the areas unseen by Mariner 10, and measure the composition of the surface, atmosphere and magnetosphere. It will be the first new data from Mercury in more than 30 years - and invaluable for planning MESSENGER’s year-long orbital mission. MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1344

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., help guide a solar panel toward NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft for installation. It is one of two large solar panels, supplemented with... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., maneuver a solar panel into place for installation on NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. It is one of two large solar panels, supplemented with a nickel-hydrogen battery, that will provide MESSENGER’s power. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch Aug. 2 aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. It will return to Earth for a gravity boost in July 2005, then fly past Venus twice, in October 2006 and June 2007. The spacecraft uses the tug of Venus’ gravity to resize and rotate its trajectory closer to Mercury’s orbit. Three Mercury flybys, each followed about two months later by a course-correction maneuver, put MESSENGER in position to enter Mercury orbit in March 2011. During the flybys, MESSENGER will map nearly the entire planet in color, image most of the areas unseen by Mariner 10, and measure the composition of the surface, atmosphere and magnetosphere. It will be the first new data from Mercury in more than 30 years - and invaluable for planning MESSENGER’s year-long orbital mission. MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1341

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., maneuver a solar panel into place for installation on NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. It is one of two large solar panels, supplemented ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., technicians maneuver a second solar panel to a vertical position to move it toward NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft for installation. The two large solar panels, supplemented with a nickel-hydrogen battery, will provide MESSENGER’s power. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch Aug. 2 aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. It will return to Earth for a gravity boost in July 2005, then fly past Venus twice, in October 2006 and June 2007. The spacecraft uses the tug of Venus’ gravity to resize and rotate its trajectory closer to Mercury’s orbit. Three Mercury flybys, each followed about two months later by a course-correction maneuver, put MESSENGER in position to enter Mercury orbit in March 2011. During the flybys, MESSENGER will map nearly the entire planet in color, image most of the areas unseen by Mariner 10, and measure the composition of the surface, atmosphere and magnetosphere. It will be the first new data from Mercury in more than 30 years - and invaluable for planning MESSENGER’s year-long orbital mission. MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1345

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., techni...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., technicians maneuver a second solar panel to a vertical position to move it toward NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft for installation. The two large so... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., technicians secure guide wires on the second solar panel to be installed on NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. The two large solar panels, supplemented with a nickel-hydrogen battery, will provide MESSENGER’s power. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch Aug. 2 aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. It will return to Earth for a gravity boost in July 2005, then fly past Venus twice, in October 2006 and June 2007. The spacecraft uses the tug of Venus’ gravity to resize and rotate its trajectory closer to Mercury’s orbit. Three Mercury flybys, each followed about two months later by a course-correction maneuver, put MESSENGER in position to enter Mercury orbit in March 2011. During the flybys, MESSENGER will map nearly the entire planet in color, image most of the areas unseen by Mariner 10, and measure the composition of the surface, atmosphere and magnetosphere. It will be the first new data from Mercury in more than 30 years - and invaluable for planning MESSENGER’s year-long orbital mission. MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1347

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., techni...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., technicians secure guide wires on the second solar panel to be installed on NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. The two large solar panels, supplemented... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., technicians check the second solar panel that will be installed on NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. The two large solar panels, supplemented with a nickel-hydrogen battery, will provide MESSENGER’s power. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch Aug. 2 aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. It will return to Earth for a gravity boost in July 2005, then fly past Venus twice, in October 2006 and June 2007. The spacecraft uses the tug of Venus’ gravity to resize and rotate its trajectory closer to Mercury’s orbit. Three Mercury flybys, each followed about two months later by a course-correction maneuver, put MESSENGER in position to enter Mercury orbit in March 2011. During the flybys, MESSENGER will map nearly the entire planet in color, image most of the areas unseen by Mariner 10, and measure the composition of the surface, atmosphere and magnetosphere. It will be the first new data from Mercury in more than 30 years - and invaluable for planning MESSENGER’s year-long orbital mission. MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1346

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., techni...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., technicians check the second solar panel that will be installed on NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. The two large solar panels, supplemented with a n... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., hold steady the second solar panel being installed on NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. At left is the first panel already installed. The two large solar panels, supplemented with a nickel-hydrogen battery, will provide MESSENGER’s power. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch Aug. 2 aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. It will return to Earth for a gravity boost in July 2005, then fly past Venus twice, in October 2006 and June 2007. The spacecraft uses the tug of Venus’ gravity to resize and rotate its trajectory closer to Mercury’s orbit. Three Mercury flybys, each followed about two months later by a course-correction maneuver, put MESSENGER in position to enter Mercury orbit in March 2011. During the flybys, MESSENGER will map nearly the entire planet in color, image most of the areas unseen by Mariner 10, and measure the composition of the surface, atmosphere and magnetosphere. It will be the first new data from Mercury in more than 30 years - and invaluable for planning MESSENGER’s year-long orbital mission. MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1349

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., hold steady the second solar panel being installed on NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. At left is the first panel already installed. The... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At right, technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., guide into place the second solar panel to be installed on NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. At left is the first panel already installed. The two large solar panels, supplemented with a nickel-hydrogen battery, will provide MESSENGER’s power. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch Aug. 2 aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. It will return to Earth for a gravity boost in July 2005, then fly past Venus twice, in October 2006 and June 2007. The spacecraft uses the tug of Venus’ gravity to resize and rotate its trajectory closer to Mercury’s orbit. Three Mercury flybys, each followed about two months later by a course-correction maneuver, put MESSENGER in position to enter Mercury orbit in March 2011. During the flybys, MESSENGER will map nearly the entire planet in color, image most of the areas unseen by Mariner 10, and measure the composition of the surface, atmosphere and magnetosphere. It will be the first new data from Mercury in more than 30 years - and invaluable for planning MESSENGER’s year-long orbital mission. MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1348

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At right, technicians at Astrotech in Ti...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At right, technicians at Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., guide into place the second solar panel to be installed on NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. At left is the first panel already ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., technicians with The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) monitor the progress of the solar array deployment on the MESSENGER spacecraft. The two panels will provide MESSENGER’s power on its journey to Mercury. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch Aug. 2 aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. It will return to Earth for a gravity boost in July 2005, then fly past Venus twice, in October 2006 and June 2007. The spacecraft uses the tug of Venus’ gravity to resize and rotate its trajectory closer to Mercury’s orbit. Three Mercury flybys, each followed about two months later by a course-correction maneuver, put MESSENGER in position to enter Mercury orbit in March 2011. During the flybys, MESSENGER will map nearly the entire planet in color, image most of the areas unseen by Mariner 10, and measure the composition of the surface, atmosphere and magnetosphere. It will be the first new data from Mercury in more than 30 years - and invaluable for planning MESSENGER’s year-long orbital mission. MESSENGER was built for NASA by APL in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1369

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., techni...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., technicians with The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) monitor the progress of the solar array deployment on the MESSENGER... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The MESSENGER spacecraft is moved out the door at Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla.. It is being transferred to a hazardous processing facility where the spacecraft’s complement of hypergolic propellants will be loaded. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch Aug. 2 aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., bound for Mercury. The spacecraft is expected to reach orbit around Mercury in March 2011. MESSENGER was built for NASA by The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1376

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The MESSENGER spacecraft is moved out th...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The MESSENGER spacecraft is moved out the door at Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla.. It is being transferred to a hazardous processing facility where the spacecraft’s... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Secure on the back of a transport vehicle, the MESSENGER spacecraft is being transferred to a hazardous processing facility at Astrotech Space Operations where the spacecraft’s complement of hypergolic propellants will be loaded. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch Aug. 2 aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., bound for Mercury. The spacecraft is expected to reach orbit around Mercury in March 2011. MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1378

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Secure on the back of a transport vehicl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Secure on the back of a transport vehicle, the MESSENGER spacecraft is being transferred to a hazardous processing facility at Astrotech Space Operations where the spacecraft’s com... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The MESSENGER spacecraft is moved across the floor at Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla.. It is being transferred to a hazardous processing facility where the spacecraft’s complement of hypergolic propellants will be loaded. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch Aug. 2 aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., bound for Mercury. The spacecraft is expected to reach orbit around Mercury in March 2011. MESSENGER was built for NASA by The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1375

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The MESSENGER spacecraft is moved across...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The MESSENGER spacecraft is moved across the floor at Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla.. It is being transferred to a hazardous processing facility where the spacecra... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The MESSENGER spacecraft is moved toward a work stand inside Astrotech Space Operations’ hazardous processing facility. MESSENGER is being prepared for loading the spacecraft’s complement of hypergolic propellants. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch Aug. 2 aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., bound for Mercury. The spacecraft is expected to reach orbit around Mercury in March 2011. MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1383

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The MESSENGER spacecraft is moved toward...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The MESSENGER spacecraft is moved toward a work stand inside Astrotech Space Operations’ hazardous processing facility. MESSENGER is being prepared for loading the spacecraft’s c... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations’ hazardous processing facility, the MESSENGER spacecraft rests on a work stand, ready to receive the spacecraft’s complement of hypergolic propellants. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch Aug. 2 aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., bound for Mercury. The spacecraft is expected to reach orbit around Mercury in March 2011. MESSENGER was built for NASA by The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1385

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations’ hazardous...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech Space Operations’ hazardous processing facility, the MESSENGER spacecraft rests on a work stand, ready to receive the spacecraft’s complement of hypergolic propellants... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers at Astrotech Space Operations’ hazardous processing facility remove a protective cover around the MESSENGER spacecraft. It was moved the site in preparation for loading the spacecraft’s complement of hypergolic propellants. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch Aug. 2 aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., bound for Mercury. The spacecraft is expected to reach orbit around Mercury in March 2011. MESSENGER was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1381

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers at Astrotech Space Operations’ h...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers at Astrotech Space Operations’ hazardous processing facility remove a protective cover around the MESSENGER spacecraft. It was moved the site in preparation for loading th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., a technician with The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) watches as one of the solar array panels on the MESSENGER spacecraft is deployed. The two panels will provide MESSENGER’s power on its journey to Mercury. MESSENGER is scheduled to launch Aug. 2 aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket from Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. It will return to Earth for a gravity boost in July 2005, then fly past Venus twice, in October 2006 and June 2007. The spacecraft uses the tug of Venus’ gravity to resize and rotate its trajectory closer to Mercury’s orbit. Three Mercury flybys, each followed about two months later by a course-correction maneuver, put MESSENGER in position to enter Mercury orbit in March 2011. During the flybys, MESSENGER will map nearly the entire planet in color, image most of the areas unseen by Mariner 10, and measure the composition of the surface, atmosphere and magnetosphere. It will be the first new data from Mercury in more than 30 years - and invaluable for planning MESSENGER’s year-long orbital mission. MESSENGER was built for NASA by APL in Laurel, Md. KSC-04pd1368

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., a tech...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., a technician with The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) watches as one of the solar array panels on the MESSENGER spacecr... More

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