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

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Working at the main landing gear, a technician supports weight and center-of-gravity checks of space shuttle Atlantis in Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18, 2012, for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex during November in preparation for the exhibit's grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3559

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Working at the main landing gear, a technician ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Working at the main landing gear, a technician supports weight and center-of-gravity checks of space shuttle Atlantis in Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center i... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Working at the main landing gear, technicians complete weight and center-of-gravity checks of space shuttle Atlantis in Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18, 2012, for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex during November in preparation for the exhibit's grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3557

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Working at the main landing gear, technicians c...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Working at the main landing gear, technicians complete weight and center-of-gravity checks of space shuttle Atlantis in Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Looking along the underbelly toward the main landing gear of the space shuttle Atlantis, technicians monitor weight and center-of-gravity checks in Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18, 2012, for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex during November in preparation for the exhibit's grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3555

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Looking along the underbelly toward the main la...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Looking along the underbelly toward the main landing gear of the space shuttle Atlantis, technicians monitor weight and center-of-gravity checks in Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NA... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod is lifted toward space shuttle Atlantis on which it will be installed. The orbital maneuvering system provided the shuttle with thrust for orbit insertion, rendezvous and deorbit, and could provide up to 1,000 pounds of propellant to the aft reaction control system. The OMS is housed in two independent pods located on each side of the shuttle's aft fuselage. Each pod contains one OMS engine and the hardware needed to pressurize, store and distribute the propellants to perform the velocity maneuvers. Atlantis’ OMS pods were removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of residual toxic propellant. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3334

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod is lifted toward space shuttle Atlantis on which it will be installe... More

LAUNCH PAD 39-B (AERIAL) - KSC. NASA public domain image colelction.

LAUNCH PAD 39-B (AERIAL) - KSC. NASA public domain image colelction.

S86-38627 (9 Oct. 1986) --- The space shuttle Atlantis is rolled out to Launch Pad 39-B in the early morning of Oct. 9, 1986. Atlantis is scheduled to remain at Pad B for seven weeks where it will support check... More

Endeavour, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 105, roll out to KSC Launch Complex Pad 39B

Endeavour, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 105, roll out to KSC Launch Complex Pa...

S92-34862 (13 March 1992) --- An otter, surprised by the unexpected presence of the photographer, seems unaware of the Space Shuttle Endeavour rolling behind it to Launch Pad 39B. Endeavour is the newest orbit... More

In this artist's concept, the X-33 Venture Star, a Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV), manufactured by Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, is shown in orbit with a deployed payload. The Venture Star was one of the earliest versions of the RLV's developed to replace the aging shuttle fleet. The X-33 program was cancelled in 2001. X-33

In this artist's concept, the X-33 Venture Star, a Reusable Launch Veh...

In this artist's concept, the X-33 Venture Star, a Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV), manufactured by Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, is shown in orbit with a deployed payload. The Venture Star was one of the earliest... More

In this artist's concept, the X-33 Venture Star, a Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV), manufactured by Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, is shown in orbit with a deployed payload. The Venture Star was one of the earliest versions of the RLV's developed to replace the aging shuttle fleet. The X-33 program was cancelled in 2001. X-33

In this artist's concept, the X-33 Venture Star, a Reusable Launch Veh...

In this artist's concept, the X-33 Venture Star, a Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV), manufactured by Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, is shown in orbit with a deployed payload. The Venture Star was one of the earliest... More

KidSat earth observations taken during STS-85

KidSat earth observations taken during STS-85

S81E5015 (13 January 1997) --- An Electronic Still Camera (ESC), mounted in the Space Shuttle Atlantis' aft flight deck overhead window, recorded this view of China, featuring two large lakes, Mapam Yumco and ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance employees (from left) Dave Sanborn, Butch Lato, and Bill Brooks conduct a bond verification test on Thermal Protection System tiles newly installed on a main landing gear door of Space Shuttle orbiter Enterprise (OV-101). Sections of Enterprise were borrowed from the Smithsonian Institution's Air and Space Museum where the orbiter is being stored at the Washington Dulles International Airport. Enterprise was the first orbiter built in the Shuttle fleet and was used to conduct the Approach and Landing Test Program before the first powered Shuttle flight. After the tile installation is complete, the sections will be transferred to the Southwest Research Institute for testing requested by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. KSC-03pd1082

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance employees (from left) Dave Sanborn, Butch Lato, and Bill Brooks conduct a bond verification test on Thermal Protection Sys... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance employee Mike Cote works on installing Thermal Protection System tiles on a main landing gear door of Space Shuttle orbiter Enterprise (OV-101). Sections of Enterprise were borrowed from the Smithsonian Institution's Air and Space Museum where the orbiter is being stored at the Washington Dulles International Airport. Enterprise was the first orbiter built in the Shuttle fleet and was used to conduct the Approach and Landing Test Program before the first powered Shuttle flight. After the tile installation is complete, the sections will be transferred to the Southwest Research Institute for testing requested by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. KSC-03pd1078

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance employee Mike Cote works on installing Thermal Protection System tiles on a main landing gear door of Space Shuttle orbite... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance employees (from left) Mike Cote, Tom Baggitt, and Jason Levandusky install Thermal Protection System tiles on a main landing gear door of Space Shuttle orbiter Enterprise (OV-101). Sections of Enterprise were borrowed from the Smithsonian Institution's Air and Space Museum where the orbiter is being stored at the Washington Dulles International Airport. Enterprise was the first orbiter built in the Shuttle fleet and was used to conduct the Approach and Landing Test Program before the first powered Shuttle flight. After the tile installation is complete, the sections will be transferred to the Southwest Research Institute for testing requested by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. KSC-03pd1085

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance employees (from left) Mike Cote, Tom Baggitt, and Jason Levandusky install Thermal Protection System tiles on a main land... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance employee Dave Sanborn installs Thermal Protection System tiles on a main landing gear door of Space Shuttle orbiter Enterprise (OV-101). Sections of Enterprise were borrowed from the Smithsonian Institution's Air and Space Museum where the orbiter is being stored at the Washington Dulles International Airport. Enterprise was the first orbiter built in the Shuttle fleet and was used to conduct the Approach and Landing Test Program before the first powered Shuttle flight. After the tile installation is complete, the sections will be transferred to the Southwest Research Institute for testing requested by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. KSC-03pd1081

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance employee Dave Sanborn installs Thermal Protection System tiles on a main landing gear door of Space Shuttle orbiter Enterp... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance employee Harrell Watts applies RTV, a room-temperature vulcanizing silicone adhesive, to a main landing gear door of Space Shuttle orbiter Enterprise (OV-101) on which Thermal Protection System tiles are being installed. Sections of Enterprise were borrowed from the Smithsonian Institution's Air and Space Museum where the orbiter is being stored at the Washington Dulles International Airport. Enterprise was the first orbiter built in the Shuttle fleet and was used to conduct the Approach and Landing Test Program before the first powered Shuttle flight. After the tile installation is complete, the sections will be transferred to the Southwest Research Institute for testing requested by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. KSC-03pd1083

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance employee Harrell Watts applies RTV, a room-temperature vulcanizing silicone adhesive, to a main landing gear door of Space... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance employees (from left) Harrell Watts, Mike Cote, and Jason Levandusky install Thermal Protection System tiles on a main landing gear door of Space Shuttle orbiter Enterprise (OV-101). Sections of Enterprise were borrowed from the Smithsonian Institution's Air and Space Museum where the orbiter is being stored at the Washington Dulles International Airport. Enterprise was the first orbiter built in the Shuttle fleet and was used to conduct the Approach and Landing Test Program before the first powered Shuttle flight. After the tile installation is complete, the sections will be transferred to the Southwest Research Institute for testing requested by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. KSC-03pd1086

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance employees (from left) Harrell Watts, Mike Cote, and Jason Levandusky install Thermal Protection System tiles on a main la... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance employees (from left) John Kuhn, Mike Cote, and Tom Baggitt discuss the installation of Thermal Protection System tiles on a main landing gear door of Space Shuttle orbiter Enterprise (OV-101). Sections of Enterprise were borrowed from the Smithsonian Institution's Air and Space Museum where the orbiter is being stored at the Washington Dulles International Airport. Enterprise was the first orbiter built in the Shuttle fleet and was used to conduct the Approach and Landing Test Program before the first powered Shuttle flight. After the tile installation is complete, the sections will be transferred to the Southwest Research Institute for testing requested by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. KSC-03pd1080

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance employees (from left) John Kuhn, Mike Cote, and Tom Baggitt discuss the installation of Thermal Protection System tiles on... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance employee Dave Sanborn (left) conducts a bond verification test on Thermal Protection System tiles installed on a main landing gear door of Space Shuttle orbiter Enterprise (OV-101). Sections of Enterprise were borrowed from the Smithsonian Institution's Air and Space Museum where the orbiter is being stored at the Washington Dulles International Airport. Enterprise was the first orbiter built in the Shuttle fleet and was used to conduct the Approach and Landing Test Program before the first powered Shuttle flight. After the tile installation is complete, the sections will be transferred to the Southwest Research Institute for testing requested by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. KSC-03pd1084

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance employee Dave Sanborn (left) conducts a bond verification test on Thermal Protection System tiles installed on a main land... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance employee Harrell Watts (right) installs Thermal Protection System tiles on a main landing gear door of Space Shuttle orbiter Enterprise (OV-101). Sections of Enterprise were borrowed from the Smithsonian Institution's Air and Space Museum where the orbiter is being stored at the Washington Dulles International Airport. Enterprise was the first orbiter built in the Shuttle fleet and was used to conduct the Approach and Landing Test Program before the first powered Shuttle flight. After the tile installation is complete, the sections will be transferred to the Southwest Research Institute for testing requested by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. KSC-03pd1079

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance employee Harrell Watts (right) installs Thermal Protection System tiles on a main landing gear door of Space Shuttle orbi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance employee Harrell Watts installs Thermal Protection System tiles on a main landing gear door of Space Shuttle orbiter Enterprise (OV-101). Sections of Enterprise were borrowed from the Smithsonian Institution's Air and Space Museum where the orbiter is being stored at the Washington Dulles International Airport. Enterprise was the first orbiter built in the Shuttle fleet and was used to conduct the Approach and Landing Test Program before the first powered Shuttle flight. After the tile installation is complete, the sections will be transferred to the Southwest Research Institute for testing requested by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. KSC-03pd1067

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance employee Harrell Watts installs Thermal Protection System tiles on a main landing gear door of Space Shuttle orbiter Enter... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance employee Mike Cote installs Thermal Protection System tiles on a test panel. The test panel and sections of Space Shuttle orbiter Enterprise (OV-101) will be transferred to the Southwest Research Institute for testing after the tile installation is complete. The testing has been requested by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. Sections of Enterprise were borrowed from the Smithsonian Institution's Air and Space Museum where the orbiter is being stored at the Washington Dulles International Airport. Enterprise was the first orbiter built in the Shuttle fleet and was used to conduct the Approach and Landing Test Program before the first powered Shuttle flight. KSC-03pd1064

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance employee Mike Cote installs Thermal Protection System tiles on a test panel. The test panel and sections of Space Shuttle... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF), United Space Alliance (USA) employee Harrell Watts (right) installs Thermal Protection System (TPS) tiles on a main landing gear door of Space Shuttle orbiter Enterprise (OV-101). In the background, other USA employees, members of the OPF midbody TPS crew, prepare to install TPS tile on a simulated orbiter wing. The wing and the sections of Enterprise will be transferred to the Southwest Research Institute for testing after the tile installation is complete. The testing has been requested by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. Sections of Enterprise were borrowed from the Smithsonian Institution's Air and Space Museum where the orbiter is being stored at the Washington Dulles International Airport. Enterprise was the first orbiter built in the Shuttle fleet and was used to conduct the Approach and Landing Test Program before the first powered Shuttle flight. KSC-03pd1066

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF)...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF), United Space Alliance (USA) employee Harrell Watts (right) installs Thermal Protection System (TPS) tiles on a main landing gear door of S... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance employees (from left) Harrell Watts, Lynn Wozniak, and Jason Levandusky install Thermal Protection System tiles on a main landing gear door of Space Shuttle orbiter Enterprise (OV-101). Sections of Enterprise were borrowed from the Smithsonian Institution's Air and Space Museum where the orbiter is being stored at the Washington Dulles International Airport. Enterprise was the first orbiter built in the Shuttle fleet and was used to conduct the Approach and Landing Test Program before the first powered Shuttle flight. After the tile installation is complete, the sections will be transferred to the Southwest Research Institute for testing requested by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. KSC-03pd1065

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance employees (from left) Harrell Watts, Lynn Wozniak, and Jason Levandusky install Thermal Protection System tiles on a main ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, employees from The Boeing Co., Huntington Beach, Calif., install a strain gauge on a test panel prior to installation of Thermal Protection System tile on the panel. The test panel and sections of Space Shuttle orbiter Enterprise (OV-101) will be transferred to the Southwest Research Institute for testing after the tile installation is complete. The testing has been requested by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. Sections of Enterprise were borrowed from the Smithsonian Institution's Air and Space Museum where the orbiter is being stored at the Washington Dulles International Airport. Enterprise was the first orbiter built in the Shuttle fleet and was used to conduct the Approach and Landing Test Program before the first powered Shuttle flight. KSC-03pd1069

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, employees from The Boeing Co., Huntington Beach, Calif., install a strain gauge on a test panel prior to installation of Thermal Protection Syst... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, an employee from The Boeing Co., Huntington Beach, Calif., installs a strain gauge on a test panel prior to installation of Thermal Protection System tile on the panel. The test panel and sections of Space Shuttle orbiter Enterprise (OV-101) will be transferred to the Southwest Research Institute for testing after the tile installation is complete. The testing has been requested by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. Sections of Enterprise were borrowed from the Smithsonian Institution's Air and Space Museum where the orbiter is being stored at the Washington Dulles International Airport. Enterprise was the first orbiter built in the Shuttle fleet and was used to conduct the Approach and Landing Test Program before the first powered Shuttle flight. KSC-03pd1068

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, an employee from The Boeing Co., Huntington Beach, Calif., installs a strain gauge on a test panel prior to installation of Thermal Protection S... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF), United Space Alliance (USA) technician Mark Jetton installs Thermal Protection System (TPS) tile on a simulated orbiter wing. The wing, along with sections of Space Shuttle orbiter Enterprise (OV-101), will be transferred to the Southwest Research Institute for testing after the tile installation is complete. The testing has been requested by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. For this initiative, sections of Enterprise were borrowed from the Smithsonian Institution's Air and Space Museum where the orbiter is being stored at the Washington Dulles International Airport. Enterprise was the first orbiter built in the Shuttle fleet and was used to conduct the Approach and Landing Test Program before the first powered Shuttle flight. KSC-03pd1151

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF)...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF), United Space Alliance (USA) technician Mark Jetton installs Thermal Protection System (TPS) tile on a simulated orbiter wing. The wing, ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A main landing gear door mounting fixture in the Launch Equipment Shop is being used to support the Columbia mishap investigation. A simulated orbiter wing and several test panels, along with sections of Space Shuttle orbiter Enterprise (OV-101), will be transferred to the Southwest Research Institute for testing after Thermal Protection System (TPS) tile installation is complete. The testing has been requested by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. For this initiative, sections of Enterprise were borrowed from the Smithsonian Institution's Air and Space Museum where the orbiter is being stored at the Washington Dulles International Airport. Enterprise was the first orbiter built in the Shuttle fleet and was used to conduct the Approach and Landing Test Program before the first powered Shuttle flight. KSC-03pd1145

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A main landing gear door mounting fixtur...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A main landing gear door mounting fixture in the Launch Equipment Shop is being used to support the Columbia mishap investigation. A simulated orbiter wing and several test panels... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF), Paul King, an employee of The Boeing Co., Huntington Beach, Calif., installs a strain gauge on a simulated orbiter wing in preparation for Thermal Protection System (TPS) tile installation. The wing, along with sections of Space Shuttle orbiter Enterprise (OV-101), will be transferred to the Southwest Research Institute for testing after the tile installation is complete. The testing has been requested by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. For this initiative, sections of Enterprise were borrowed from the Smithsonian Institution's Air and Space Museum where the orbiter is being stored at the Washington Dulles International Airport. Enterprise was the first orbiter built in the Shuttle fleet and was used to conduct the Approach and Landing Test Program before the first powered Shuttle flight. KSC-03pd1150

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF)...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF), Paul King, an employee of The Boeing Co., Huntington Beach, Calif., installs a strain gauge on a simulated orbiter wing in preparation for... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF), United Space Alliance (USA) technician Mark Jetton installs Thermal Protection System (TPS) tile on a simulated orbiter wing. The wing, along with sections of Space Shuttle orbiter Enterprise (OV-101), will be transferred to the Southwest Research Institute for testing after the tile installation is complete. The testing has been requested by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. For this initiative, sections of Enterprise were borrowed from the Smithsonian Institution's Air and Space Museum where the orbiter is being stored at the Washington Dulles International Airport. Enterprise was the first orbiter built in the Shuttle fleet and was used to conduct the Approach and Landing Test Program before the first powered Shuttle flight. KSC-03pd1147

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF)...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF), United Space Alliance (USA) technician Mark Jetton installs Thermal Protection System (TPS) tile on a simulated orbiter wing. The wing, a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF), United Space Alliance (USA) technician Mark Jetton installs Thermal Protection System (TPS) tile on a simulated orbiter wing. The wing, along with sections of Space Shuttle orbiter Enterprise (OV-101), will be transferred to the Southwest Research Institute for testing after the tile installation is complete. The testing has been requested by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. For this initiative, sections of Enterprise were borrowed from the Smithsonian Institution's Air and Space Museum where the orbiter is being stored at the Washington Dulles International Airport. Enterprise was the first orbiter built in the Shuttle fleet and was used to conduct the Approach and Landing Test Program before the first powered Shuttle flight. KSC-03pd1148

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF)...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF), United Space Alliance (USA) technician Mark Jetton installs Thermal Protection System (TPS) tile on a simulated orbiter wing. The wing,... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- United Space Alliance technician Matt Boonstra works on a main landing gear door mounting fixture in the Launch Equipment Shop. The fixture is being used to support the Columbia mishap investigation. A simulated orbiter wing and several test panels, along with sections of Space Shuttle orbiter Enterprise (OV-101), will be transferred to the Southwest Research Institute for testing after Thermal Protection System (TPS) tile installation on them is complete. The testing has been requested by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. For this initiative, sections of Enterprise were borrowed from the Smithsonian Institution's Air and Space Museum where the orbiter is being stored at the Washington Dulles International Airport. Enterprise was the first orbiter built in the Shuttle fleet and was used to conduct the Approach and Landing Test Program before the first powered Shuttle flight. KSC-03pd1146

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- United Space Alliance technician Matt Bo...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- United Space Alliance technician Matt Boonstra works on a main landing gear door mounting fixture in the Launch Equipment Shop. The fixture is being used to support the Columbia mi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF), United Space Alliance (USA) technician Mark Jetton installs Thermal Protection System (TPS) tile on a simulated orbiter wing. The wing, along with sections of Space Shuttle orbiter Enterprise (OV-101), will be transferred to the Southwest Research Institute for testing after the tile installation is complete. The testing has been requested by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board. For this initiative, sections of Enterprise were borrowed from the Smithsonian Institution's Air and Space Museum where the orbiter is being stored at the Washington Dulles International Airport. Enterprise was the first orbiter built in the Shuttle fleet and was used to conduct the Approach and Landing Test Program before the first powered Shuttle flight. KSC-03pd1149

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF)...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF), United Space Alliance (USA) technician Mark Jetton installs Thermal Protection System (TPS) tile on a simulated orbiter wing. The wing, ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour, the last orbiter to join the shuttle fleet, begins rolling off Launch Pad 39B for the 3.4-mile rollaround to Launch Pad 39A. First motion was at 3:16 a.m. EDT. Endeavour was on standby on Pad 39B to be used in the unlikely event that a rescue mission was necessary during space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The payload on the STS-127 mission includes the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module Exposed Section of the International Space Station. They will be installed on the Kibo laboratory already on the station. Launch of STS-127 is targeted for June 13. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-3318

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour, the last orbiter to join the shuttle fleet, begins rolling off Launch Pad 39B for the 3.4-mile rollaround to Launch Pad... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA and Sierra Nevada Space Systems (SNSS) of Sparks, Nev., prepare to sign a Space Act Agreement that will offer the company technical capabilities from Kennedy Space Center's uniquely skilled work force. Sitting, from left, are Kennedy Public Affairs Director Lisa Malone; NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden; Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana; and Mark Sirangelo, head of Sierra Nevada. Standing, from left, are Joyce Riquelme, manager of Kennedy's Center Planning and Development Office; John Curry, director of Sierra Nevada's Systems Integration, Test and Operations; Kennedy Deputy Director Janet Petro; Jim Voss, vice president of Sierra Nevada's Space Exploration Systems; and Merri Sanchez, senior director of Sierra Nevada's Space Exploration Systems. Kennedy will help Sierra Nevada with the ground operations support of its lifting body reusable spacecraft called "Dream Chaser," which resembles a smaller version of the space shuttle orbiter. The spacecraft would carry as many as seven astronauts to the space station. Through the new agreement, Kennedy's work force will use its experience of processing the shuttle fleet for 30 years to help Sierra Nevada define and execute Dream Chaser's launch preparations and post-landing activities. In 2010 and 2011, Sierra Nevada was awarded grants as part of the initiative to stimulate the private sector in developing and demonstrating human spaceflight capabilities for NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The goal of the program, which is based in Florida at Kennedy, is to facilitate the development of a U.S. commercial crew space transportation capability by achieving safe, reliable and cost-effective access to and from the space station and future low Earth orbit destinations. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-5115

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA and Sierra Nevada Space Systems (SNSS) of Sparks, Nev., enter into a Space Act Agreement that will offer the company technical capabilities from Kennedy Space Center's uniquely skilled work force. Sitting, from left, are NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden; Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana; and Mark Sirangelo, head of Sierra Nevada. Standing, from left, Kennedy Deputy Director Janet Petro; Jim Voss, vice president of Sierra Nevada's Space Exploration Systems; and Merri Sanchez, senior director of Sierra Nevada's Space Exploration Systems. Kennedy will help Sierra Nevada with the ground operations support of its lifting body reusable spacecraft called "Dream Chaser," which resembles a smaller version of the space shuttle orbiter. The spacecraft would carry as many as seven astronauts to the space station. Through the new agreement, Kennedy's work force will use its experience of processing the shuttle fleet for 30 years to help Sierra Nevada define and execute Dream Chaser's launch preparations and post-landing activities. In 2010 and 2011, Sierra Nevada was awarded grants as part of the initiative to stimulate the private sector in developing and demonstrating human spaceflight capabilities for NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The goal of the program, which is based in Florida at Kennedy, is to facilitate the development of a U.S. commercial crew space transportation capability by achieving safe, reliable and cost-effective access to and from the space station and future low Earth orbit destinations. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-5117

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, left, Mark Sirangelo, head of Sierra Nevada Space Systems (SNSS) of Sparks, Nev., and NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden pose for a photo after signing a Space Act Agreement that will offer the company technical capabilities from Kennedy's uniquely skilled work force. Kennedy will help Sierra Nevada with the ground operations support of its lifting body reusable spacecraft called "Dream Chaser," which resembles a smaller version of the space shuttle orbiter. The spacecraft would carry as many as seven astronauts to the space station. Through the new agreement, Kennedy's work force will use its experience of processing the shuttle fleet for 30 years to help Sierra Nevada define and execute Dream Chaser's launch preparations and post-landing activities. In 2010 and 2011, Sierra Nevada was awarded grants as part of the initiative to stimulate the private sector in developing and demonstrating human spaceflight capabilities for NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The goal of the program, which is based in Florida at Kennedy, is to facilitate the development of a U.S. commercial crew space transportation capability by achieving safe, reliable and cost-effective access to and from the space station and future low Earth orbit destinations. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-5119

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, left...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, left, Mark Sirangelo, head of Sierra Nevada Space Systems (SNSS) of Sparks, Nev., and NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden pose for a photo after s... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Sierra Nevada Space Systems (SNSS) of Sparks, Nev., and NASA signed a Space Act Agreement that will offer the company technical capabilities from Kennedy's uniquely skilled work force. Kennedy will help Sierra Nevada with the ground operations support of its lifting body reusable spacecraft called "Dream Chaser." The spacecraft, seen here as a display, resembles a smaller version of the space shuttle orbiter. The spacecraft would carry as many as seven astronauts to the space station. Through the new agreement, Kennedy's work force will use its experience of processing the shuttle fleet for 30 years to help Sierra Nevada define and execute Dream Chaser's launch preparations and post-landing activities. In 2010 and 2011, Sierra Nevada was awarded grants as part of the initiative to stimulate the private sector in developing and demonstrating human spaceflight capabilities for NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The goal of the program, which is based in Florida at Kennedy, is to facilitate the development of a U.S. commercial crew space transportation capability by achieving safe, reliable and cost-effective access to and from the space station and future low Earth orbit destinations. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-5121

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Sierra Nevada Space Systems (SNSS) of Sparks, Nev., and NASA signed a Space Act Agreement that will offer the company technical capabilities from Kennedy's uniquely skilled work force. Kennedy will help Sierra Nevada with the ground operations support of its lifting body reusable spacecraft called "Dream Chaser." The spacecraft, seen here as a display, resembles a smaller version of the space shuttle orbiter. The spacecraft would carry as many as seven astronauts to the space station. Through the new agreement, Kennedy's work force will use its experience of processing the shuttle fleet for 30 years to help Sierra Nevada define and execute Dream Chaser's launch preparations and post-landing activities. In 2010 and 2011, Sierra Nevada was awarded grants as part of the initiative to stimulate the private sector in developing and demonstrating human spaceflight capabilities for NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The goal of the program, which is based in Florida at Kennedy, is to facilitate the development of a U.S. commercial crew space transportation capability by achieving safe, reliable and cost-effective access to and from the space station and future low Earth orbit destinations. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-5120

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

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

The space shuttle Discovery attached to its 747 transport passes over the nation's capital.

The space shuttle Discovery attached to its 747 transport passes over ...

WASHINGTON (Apr. 17, 2012) The space shuttle Discovery attached to its 747 transport passes over the nation's capital. It will land in Washington D.C. to become an exhibit at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museu... More

The space shuttle Discovery attached to its 747 transport passes over the nation's capital.

The space shuttle Discovery attached to its 747 transport passes over ...

WASHINGTON (Apr. 17, 2012) The space shuttle Discovery attached to its 747 transport passes over the nation's capital. It will land in Washington D.C. to become an exhibit at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museu... More

The space shuttle Discovery attached to its 747 transport passes over the nation's capita

The space shuttle Discovery attached to its 747 transport passes over ...

WASHINGTON (Apr. 17, 2012) The space shuttle Discovery attached to its 747 transport passes over the nation's capital. It will land in Washington D.C. to become an exhibit at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museu... More

The space shuttle Discovery attached to its 747 transport passes over the nation's capital.

The space shuttle Discovery attached to its 747 transport passes over ...

WASHINGTON (Apr. 17, 2012) The space shuttle Discovery attached to its 747 transport passes over the nation's capital. It will land in Washington D.C. to become an exhibit at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museu... More

The space shuttle Discovery attached to its 747 transport passes over the nation's capital.

The space shuttle Discovery attached to its 747 transport passes over ...

WASHINGTON (Apr. 17, 2012) The space shuttle Discovery attached to its 747 transport passes over the nation's capital. It will land in Washington D.C. to become an exhibit at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museu... More

The space shuttle Discovery attached to its 747 transport passes over the nation's capital.

The space shuttle Discovery attached to its 747 transport passes over ...

WASHINGTON (Apr. 17, 2012) The space shuttle Discovery attached to its 747 transport passes over the nation's capital. It will land in Washington D.C. to become an exhibit at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museu... More

The space shuttle Discovery attached to its 747 transport passes over the nation's capital.

The space shuttle Discovery attached to its 747 transport passes over ...

WASHINGTON (Apr. 17, 2012) The space shuttle Discovery attached to its 747 transport passes over the nation's capital. It will land in Washington D.C. to become an exhibit at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museu... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians prepare to reinstall the forward reaction control system on space shuttle Atlantis. The system helped the shuttle maneuver while it was in orbit. Atlantis’ FRCS was removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of its toxic propellants. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-3094

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians prepare to reinstall the forward reaction control system on space shuttle Atl... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians monitor the alignment of the forward reaction control system onto space shuttle Atlantis during the system’s reinstallation on the shuttle. The system helped the shuttle maneuver while it was in orbit. Atlantis’ FRCS was removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of its toxic propellants. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-3099

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians monitor the alignment of the forward reaction control system onto space shutt... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the forward reaction control system has been reinstalled on space shuttle Atlantis. The system helped the shuttle maneuver while it was in orbit. Atlantis’ FRCS was removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of its toxic propellants. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-3102

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the forward reaction control system has been reinstalled on space shuttle Atlantis. The system helped the... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians align the forward reaction control system onto space shuttle Atlantis during the system’s reinstallation on the shuttle. The system helped the shuttle maneuver while it was in orbit. Atlantis’ FRCS was removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of its toxic propellants. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-3098

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians align the forward reaction control system onto space shuttle Atlantis during... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians secure the forward reaction control system back in place on space shuttle Atlantis. The system helped the shuttle maneuver while it was in orbit. Atlantis’ FRCS was removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of its toxic propellants. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-3100

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians secure the forward reaction control system back in place on space shuttle Atl... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians lower the forward reaction control system toward space shuttle Atlantis during the system’s reinstallation on the shuttle. The system helped the shuttle maneuver while it was in orbit. Atlantis’ FRCS was removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of its toxic propellants. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-3096

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians lower the forward reaction control system toward space shuttle Atlantis duri... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians remove the lifting device from the forward reaction control system reinstalled on space shuttle Atlantis. The system helped the shuttle maneuver while it was in orbit. Atlantis’ FRCS was removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of its toxic propellants. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-3101

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians remove the lifting device from the forward reaction control system reinstalle... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians lift the forward reaction control system from a transporter during preparations to reinstall it on space shuttle Atlantis. The system helped the shuttle maneuver while it was in orbit. Atlantis’ FRCS was removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of its toxic propellants. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-3095

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians lift the forward reaction control system from a transporter during preparatio... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians position the forward reaction control system over space shuttle Atlantis during the system’s reinstallation on the shuttle. The system helped the shuttle maneuver while it was in orbit. Atlantis’ FRCS was removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of its toxic propellants. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-3097

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians position the forward reaction control system over space shuttle Atlantis dur... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a handling fixture is attached to an orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod to lift it from its transporter. The pod will be reinstalled on space shuttle Atlantis. The orbital maneuvering system provided the shuttle with thrust for orbit insertion, rendezvous and deorbit, and could provide up to 1,000 pounds of propellant to the aft reaction control system. The OMS is housed in two independent pods located on each side of the shuttle's aft fuselage. Each pod contains one OMS engine and the hardware needed to pressurize, store and distribute the propellants to perform the velocity maneuvers. Atlantis’ OMS pods were removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of residual toxic propellant. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3325

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a handling fixture is attached to an orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod to lift it from its transporter. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod is lifted across the ceiling in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The pod will be reinstalled on space shuttle Atlantis. The orbital maneuvering system provided the shuttle with thrust for orbit insertion, rendezvous and deorbit, and could provide up to 1,000 pounds of propellant to the aft reaction control system. The OMS is housed in two independent pods located on each side of the shuttle's aft fuselage. Each pod contains one OMS engine and the hardware needed to pressurize, store and distribute the propellants to perform the velocity maneuvers. Atlantis’ OMS pods were removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of residual toxic propellant. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3331

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod is l...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod is lifted across the ceiling in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The pod will be reinstalled on space s... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod hovers above its transporter in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The pod will be reinstalled on space shuttle Atlantis. The orbital maneuvering system provided the shuttle with thrust for orbit insertion, rendezvous and deorbit, and could provide up to 1,000 pounds of propellant to the aft reaction control system. The OMS is housed in two independent pods located on each side of the shuttle's aft fuselage. Each pod contains one OMS engine and the hardware needed to pressurize, store and distribute the propellants to perform the velocity maneuvers. Atlantis’ OMS pods were removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of residual toxic propellant. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3329

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod hove...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod hovers above its transporter in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The pod will be reinstalled on space s... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod is lifted from its transporter under the careful supervision of United Space Alliance technicians. The pod will be reinstalled on space shuttle Atlantis. The orbital maneuvering system provided the shuttle with thrust for orbit insertion, rendezvous and deorbit, and could provide up to 1,000 pounds of propellant to the aft reaction control system. The OMS is housed in two independent pods located on each side of the shuttle's aft fuselage. Each pod contains one OMS engine and the hardware needed to pressurize, store and distribute the propellants to perform the velocity maneuvers. Atlantis’ OMS pods were removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of residual toxic propellant. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3327

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod is lifted from its transporter under the careful supervision of Unit... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians prepare to reinstall on space shuttle Atlantis the orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod heading their way. The orbital maneuvering system provided the shuttle with thrust for orbit insertion, rendezvous and deorbit, and could provide up to 1,000 pounds of propellant to the aft reaction control system. The OMS is housed in two independent pods located on each side of the shuttle's aft fuselage. Each pod contains one OMS engine and the hardware needed to pressurize, store and distribute the propellants to perform the velocity maneuvers. Atlantis’ OMS pods were removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of residual toxic propellant. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3335

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians prepare to reinstall on space shuttle Atlantis the orbital maneuvering system... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod appears to be in flight as it glides across the ceiling in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The pod will be reinstalled on space shuttle Atlantis. The orbital maneuvering system provided the shuttle with thrust for orbit insertion, rendezvous and deorbit, and could provide up to 1,000 pounds of propellant to the aft reaction control system. The OMS is housed in two independent pods located on each side of the shuttle's aft fuselage. Each pod contains one OMS engine and the hardware needed to pressurize, store and distribute the propellants to perform the velocity maneuvers. Atlantis’ OMS pods were removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of residual toxic propellant. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3332

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod appe...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod appears to be in flight as it glides across the ceiling in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The pod wil... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the left orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod glides into position next to space shuttle Atlantis for reinstallation. The orbital maneuvering system provided the shuttle with thrust for orbit insertion, rendezvous and deorbit, and could provide up to 1,000 pounds of propellant to the aft reaction control system. The OMS is housed in two independent pods located on each side of the shuttle's aft fuselage. Each pod contains one OMS engine and the hardware needed to pressurize, store and distribute the propellants to perform the velocity maneuvers. Atlantis’ OMS pods were removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of residual toxic propellant. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3338

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the left orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod glides into position next to space shuttle Atlantis for reinst... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the left orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod is rotated into position on space shuttle Atlantis for reinstallation. The orbital maneuvering system provided the shuttle with thrust for orbit insertion, rendezvous and deorbit, and could provide up to 1,000 pounds of propellant to the aft reaction control system. The OMS is housed in two independent pods located on each side of the shuttle's aft fuselage. Each pod contains one OMS engine and the hardware needed to pressurize, store and distribute the propellants to perform the velocity maneuvers. Atlantis’ OMS pods were removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of residual toxic propellant. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3337

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the left orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod is rotated into position on space shuttle Atlantis for reinsta... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod glides across the ceiling toward space shuttle Atlantis on which it will be installed. The orbital maneuvering system provided the shuttle with thrust for orbit insertion, rendezvous and deorbit, and could provide up to 1,000 pounds of propellant to the aft reaction control system. The OMS is housed in two independent pods located on each side of the shuttle's aft fuselage. Each pod contains one OMS engine and the hardware needed to pressurize, store and distribute the propellants to perform the velocity maneuvers. Atlantis’ OMS pods were removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of residual toxic propellant. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3333

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod glides across the ceiling toward space shuttle Atlantis on which it ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod glides across the ceiling away from its transporter in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The pod will be reinstalled on space shuttle Atlantis. The orbital maneuvering system provided the shuttle with thrust for orbit insertion, rendezvous and deorbit, and could provide up to 1,000 pounds of propellant to the aft reaction control system. The OMS is housed in two independent pods located on each side of the shuttle's aft fuselage. Each pod contains one OMS engine and the hardware needed to pressurize, store and distribute the propellants to perform the velocity maneuvers. Atlantis’ OMS pods were removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of residual toxic propellant. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3330

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod glid...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod glides across the ceiling away from its transporter in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The pod will be... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a handling fixture lifts an orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod from its transporter. The pod will be reinstalled on space shuttle Atlantis. The orbital maneuvering system provided the shuttle with thrust for orbit insertion, rendezvous and deorbit, and could provide up to 1,000 pounds of propellant to the aft reaction control system. The OMS is housed in two independent pods located on each side of the shuttle's aft fuselage. Each pod contains one OMS engine and the hardware needed to pressurize, store and distribute the propellants to perform the velocity maneuvers. Atlantis’ OMS pods were removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of residual toxic propellant. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3326

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a handling fixture lifts an orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod from its transporter. The pod will be reins... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, preparations are under way to lift an orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod from its transporter. The pod will be reinstalled on space shuttle Atlantis. The orbital maneuvering system provided the shuttle with thrust for orbit insertion, rendezvous and deorbit, and could provide up to 1,000 pounds of propellant to the aft reaction control system. The OMS is housed in two independent pods located on each side of the shuttle's aft fuselage. Each pod contains one OMS engine and the hardware needed to pressurize, store and distribute the propellants to perform the velocity maneuvers. Atlantis’ OMS pods were removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of residual toxic propellant. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3324

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, preparations are under way to lift an orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod from its transporter. The pod wi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a United Space Alliance technician prepares to steady the orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod being lowered into position alongside space shuttle Atlantis. The orbital maneuvering system provided the shuttle with thrust for orbit insertion, rendezvous and deorbit, and could provide up to 1,000 pounds of propellant to the aft reaction control system. The OMS is housed in two independent pods located on each side of the shuttle's aft fuselage. Each pod contains one OMS engine and the hardware needed to pressurize, store and distribute the propellants to perform the velocity maneuvers. Atlantis’ OMS pods were removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of residual toxic propellant. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3336

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a United Space Alliance technician prepares to steady the orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod being lowered... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the underbelly of an orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod comes into view as it is lifted from its transporter. The pod will be reinstalled on space shuttle Atlantis. The orbital maneuvering system provided the shuttle with thrust for orbit insertion, rendezvous and deorbit, and could provide up to 1,000 pounds of propellant to the aft reaction control system. The OMS is housed in two independent pods located on each side of the shuttle's aft fuselage. Each pod contains one OMS engine and the hardware needed to pressurize, store and distribute the propellants to perform the velocity maneuvers. Atlantis’ OMS pods were removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of residual toxic propellant. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3328

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the underbelly of an orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod comes into view as it is lifted from its transport... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, preparations are under way to reinstall the left orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod on space shuttle Atlantis. The orbital maneuvering system provided the shuttle with thrust for orbit insertion, rendezvous and deorbit, and could provide up to 1,000 pounds of propellant to the aft reaction control system. The OMS is housed in two independent pods located on each side of the shuttle's aft fuselage. Each pod contains one OMS engine and the hardware needed to pressurize, store and distribute the propellants to perform the velocity maneuvers. Atlantis’ OMS pods were removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of residual toxic propellant. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2012-3339

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, preparations are under way to reinstall the left orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod on space shuttle Atlan... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians reinstall the left orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod on space shuttle Atlantis. The orbital maneuvering system provided the shuttle with thrust for orbit insertion, rendezvous and deorbit, and could provide up to 1,000 pounds of propellant to the aft reaction control system. The OMS is housed in two independent pods located on each side of the shuttle's aft fuselage. Each pod contains one OMS engine and the hardware needed to pressurize, store and distribute the propellants to perform the velocity maneuvers. Atlantis’ OMS pods were removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of residual toxic propellant. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2012-3341

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians reinstall the left orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod on space shuttle A... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians reinstall the left orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod on space shuttle Atlantis. The orbital maneuvering system provided the shuttle with thrust for orbit insertion, rendezvous and deorbit, and could provide up to 1,000 pounds of propellant to the aft reaction control system. The OMS is housed in two independent pods located on each side of the shuttle's aft fuselage. Each pod contains one OMS engine and the hardware needed to pressurize, store and distribute the propellants to perform the velocity maneuvers. Atlantis’ OMS pods were removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of residual toxic propellant. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2012-3340

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians reinstall the left orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod on space shuttle A... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, reinstallation of the left orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod on space shuttle Atlantis is under way. The orbital maneuvering system provided the shuttle with thrust for orbit insertion, rendezvous and deorbit, and could provide up to 1,000 pounds of propellant to the aft reaction control system. The OMS is housed in two independent pods located on each side of the shuttle's aft fuselage. Each pod contains one OMS engine and the hardware needed to pressurize, store and distribute the propellants to perform the velocity maneuvers. Atlantis’ OMS pods were removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of residual toxic propellant. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2012-3342

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, reinstallation of the left orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod on space shuttle Atlantis is under way. T... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, reinstallation of the left orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod on space shuttle Atlantis is under way. The orbital maneuvering system provided the shuttle with thrust for orbit insertion, rendezvous and deorbit, and could provide up to 1,000 pounds of propellant to the aft reaction control system. The OMS is housed in two independent pods located on each side of the shuttle's aft fuselage. Each pod contains one OMS engine and the hardware needed to pressurize, store and distribute the propellants to perform the velocity maneuvers. Atlantis’ OMS pods were removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of residual toxic propellant. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2012-3343

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, reinstallation of the left orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod on space shuttle Atlantis is under way. T... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - While wearing a safety harness, a technician checks his communications equipment during weight and center-of-gravity checks on space shuttle Atlantis in Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18, 2012, for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex during November in preparation for the exhibit's grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3554

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - While wearing a safety harness, a technician ch...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - While wearing a safety harness, a technician checks his communications equipment during weight and center-of-gravity checks on space shuttle Atlantis in Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Working at the main landing gear, technicians complete weight and center-of-gravity checks of space shuttle Atlantis in Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18, 2012, for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex during November in preparation for the exhibit's grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3556

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Working at the main landing gear, technicians c...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Working at the main landing gear, technicians complete weight and center-of-gravity checks of space shuttle Atlantis in Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Looking along the underbelly toward the nose landing gear of space shuttle Atlantis, technicians complete weight and center-of-gravity checks in Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18, 2012, for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex during November in preparation for the exhibit's grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3560

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Looking along the underbelly toward the nose la...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Looking along the underbelly toward the nose landing gear of space shuttle Atlantis, technicians complete weight and center-of-gravity checks in Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA’... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Looking along the underbelly toward the nose landing gear of space shuttle Atlantis, technicians complete weight and center-of-gravity checks in Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18, 2012, for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex during November in preparation for the exhibit's grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3552

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Looking along the underbelly toward the nose la...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Looking along the underbelly toward the nose landing gear of space shuttle Atlantis, technicians complete weight and center-of-gravity checks in Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA’... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis is surrounded by work platforms in this wide-angle view inside Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Technicians are completing weight and center-or-gravity checks on the spacecraft. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18, 2012, for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex during November in preparation for the exhibit's grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3558

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis is surrounded by work pl...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis is surrounded by work platforms in this wide-angle view inside Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Technicians are completi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Technicians adjust a jack under space shuttle Atlantis as weight and center-of-gravity checks are completed in Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18, 2012, for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex during November in preparation for the exhibit's grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3553

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Technicians adjust a jack under space shuttle A...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Technicians adjust a jack under space shuttle Atlantis as weight and center-of-gravity checks are completed in Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Ed Hoffman, from left, Bob Sieck and Bob Cabana discuss techniques to handle a transition era during the second session in a weeklong series called "Masters with Masters" at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Hoffman, NASA's chief Knowledge officer, Sieck, a former space shuttle launch director, and Cabana, the director of Kennedy, focused on the transition from Apollo to the shuttle and the current transition under way following the shuttle fleet's retirement. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2013-2497

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Ed Hoffman, from left, Bob Sieck and Bob Cabana...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Ed Hoffman, from left, Bob Sieck and Bob Cabana discuss techniques to handle a transition era during the second session in a weeklong series called "Masters with Masters" at the agency's ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Ed Hoffman, from left, Bob Sieck and Bob Cabana discuss techniques to handle a transition era during the second session in a weeklong series called "Masters with Masters" at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Hoffman, NASA's chief Knowledge officer, Sieck, a former space shuttle launch director, and Cabana, the director of Kennedy, focused on the transition from Apollo to the shuttle and the current transition under way following the shuttle fleet's retirement. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2013-2499

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Ed Hoffman, from left, Bob Sieck and Bob Cabana...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Ed Hoffman, from left, Bob Sieck and Bob Cabana discuss techniques to handle a transition era during the second session in a weeklong series called "Masters with Masters" at the agency's ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Ed Hoffman, from left, Bob Sieck and Bob Cabana discuss techniques to handle a transition era during the second session in a weeklong series called "Masters with Masters" at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Hoffman, NASA's chief Knowledge officer, Sieck, a former space shuttle launch director, and Cabana, the director of Kennedy, focused on the transition from Apollo to the shuttle and the current transition under way following the shuttle fleet's retirement. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2013-2498

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Ed Hoffman, from left, Bob Sieck and Bob Cabana...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Ed Hoffman, from left, Bob Sieck and Bob Cabana discuss techniques to handle a transition era during the second session in a weeklong series called "Masters with Masters" at the agency's ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Ed Hoffman, from left, Bob Sieck and Bob Cabana discuss techniques to handle a transition era during the second session in a weeklong series called "Masters with Masters" at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Hoffman, NASA's chief Knowledge officer, Sieck, a former space shuttle launch director, and Cabana, the director of Kennedy, focused on the transition from Apollo to the shuttle and the current transition under way following the shuttle fleet's retirement. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2013-2500

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Ed Hoffman, from left, Bob Sieck and Bob Cabana...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Ed Hoffman, from left, Bob Sieck and Bob Cabana discuss techniques to handle a transition era during the second session in a weeklong series called "Masters with Masters" at the agency's ... More