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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the first of three space shuttle main engines is installed in space shuttle Atlantis. Each engine is 14 feet long, weighs about 6,700 pounds, and is 7.5 feet in diameter at the end of the nozzle. This is the final planned engine installation for the Space Shuttle Program. Atlantis is being prepared for the "launch on need," or potential rescue mission, for the final planned shuttle flight, Endeavour's STS-134 mission. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-5789

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Ken...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the first of three space shuttle main engines is installed in space shuttle Atlantis. Each engine is 14 feet l... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Clouds of smoke and steam roll across Launch Pad 39A as Space Shuttle Endeavour leaps free above them, beginning its journey on mission STS-118. Liftoff of Endeavour was on time at 6:36 p.m. EDT. The mission is the 22nd shuttle flight to the International Space Station. It will continue space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5, and other payloads such as the SPACEHAB module and the external stowage platform 3. The 11-day mission may be extended to as many as 14 depending on the test of the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System that will allow the docked shuttle to draw electrical power from the station and extend its visits to the orbiting lab. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray KSC-07pd2261

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Clouds of smoke and steam roll across L...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Clouds of smoke and steam roll across Launch Pad 39A as Space Shuttle Endeavour leaps free above them, beginning its journey on mission STS-118. Liftoff of Endeavour was on time ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Billows of smoke and steam roll away from Launch Pad 39B as Space Shuttle Endeavour hurtles into space on mission STS-108. The second attempt in two days, liftoff occurred at 5:19:28 p.m. EST (22:19.28 GMT). Endeavour will dock with the International Space Station on Dec. 7. STS-108 is the final Shuttle mission of 2001and the 107th Shuttle flight overall. It is the 12th flight to the Space Station. Landing of the orbiter at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility is targeted for 1:05 p.m. EST (18:05 p.m. GMT) Dec. 16 KSC-01pp1789

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Billows of smoke and steam roll away fr...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Billows of smoke and steam roll away from Launch Pad 39B as Space Shuttle Endeavour hurtles into space on mission STS-108. The second attempt in two days, liftoff occurred at 5:19... More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians prepare to move an aft access platform into place behind shuttle Atlantis, following the installation of the spacecraft's three main engines. Shown is the right-hand orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pod and engine taken from the right-hand access arm. Atlantis is being prepared for the "launch on need," or potential rescue mission, for the final planned shuttle flight, Endeavour's STS-134 mission. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-5830

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Ken...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians prepare to move an aft access platform into place behind shuttle Atlantis, following the installat... More

Before entering the orbiter Endeavour, STS-99 Mission Specialist Gerhard Thiele of Germany is helped with final suit preparations by Travis Thompson, mechanical technician and a member of the White Room closeout crew. The White Room is an environmental chamber at the end of the orbiter access arm, on the fixed service structure, that provides entry to the orbiter crew compartment. STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Scheduled for liftoff at 12:30 p.m. EST, the mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC-00pp0235

Before entering the orbiter Endeavour, STS-99 Mission Specialist Gerha...

Before entering the orbiter Endeavour, STS-99 Mission Specialist Gerhard Thiele of Germany is helped with final suit preparations by Travis Thompson, mechanical technician and a member of the White Room closeou... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- As the sun sinks in the west, Space Shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39A is silhouetted. Only one solid rocket booster and external tank is visible with the Rotating Service Structure still in place. The 80-foot-tall fiberglass mast on top of the Fixed Service Structure points to the sky. Endeavour waits for mission STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), which will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the SRTM could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC-00pp0218

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- As the sun sinks in the west, Space Shu...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- As the sun sinks in the west, Space Shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39A is silhouetted. Only one solid rocket booster and external tank is visible with the Rotating Service Struct... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-111 startles a large bird to flight over nearby waters. Liftoff occurred at 5:22:49 p.m. EDT. This mission marks the 14th Shuttle flight to the International Space Station and the third Shuttle mission this year. Mission STS-111 is the 18th flight of Endeavour and the 110th flight overall in NASA's Space Shuttle program KSC-02PP0913

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour on mis...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-111 startles a large bird to flight over nearby waters. Liftoff occurred at 5:22:49 p.m. EDT. This mission marks the 14th Shuttle ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the rotating service structure (RSS) on Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Discovery stands bathed in lights from the RSS and fixed service structure. The rollback was in preparation for launch July 1 on mission STS-121. Extending toward the cockpit of the shuttle is the orbiter access arm with the White Room extended. The White Room provides access into the orbiter for the astronauts. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad. The structure is supported by a rotating bridge that pivots about a vertical axis on the west side of the pad's flame trench. The hinge column rests on the pad surface and is braced to the fixed service structure. Support for the outer end of the bridge is provided by two eight-wheel, motor-driven trucks that move along circular twin rails installed flush with the pad surface. The track crosses the flame trench on a permanent bridge. The RSS is 102 feet long, 50 feet wide and 130 feet high. The structure has orbiter access platforms at five levels to provide access to the payload bay while the orbiter is being serviced in the RSS. Each platform has independent extendable planks that can be arranged to conform to a payload's configuration. This mission is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1308

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the rotating service ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the rotating service structure (RSS) on Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Discovery stands bathed in lights from the RSS and fixed service structure. The rollback w... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Pilot Mark Kelly arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility to get ready for launch on July 1. The launch will be his second space flight. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. This mission is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1243

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Pilot Mark Kelly arrives at th...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Pilot Mark Kelly arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility to get ready for launch on July 1. The launch will be his second space flight. During the 12-day mission, the S... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the rotating service structure (RSS) on Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Discovery stands bathed in lights from the RSS and fixed service structure. The rollback was in preparation for launch July 1 on mission STS-121. Extending toward the cockpit of the shuttle is the orbiter access arm with the White Room extended. The White Room provides access into the orbiter for the astronauts. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad. The structure is supported by a rotating bridge that pivots about a vertical axis on the west side of the pad's flame trench. The hinge column rests on the pad surface and is braced to the fixed service structure. Support for the outer end of the bridge is provided by two eight-wheel, motor-driven trucks that move along circular twin rails installed flush with the pad surface. The track crosses the flame trench on a permanent bridge. The RSS is 102 feet long, 50 feet wide and 130 feet high. The structure has orbiter access platforms at five levels to provide access to the payload bay while the orbiter is being serviced in the RSS. Each platform has independent extendable planks that can be arranged to conform to a payload's configuration. This mission is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1307

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the rotating service ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the rotating service structure (RSS) on Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Discovery stands bathed in lights from the RSS and fixed service structure. The rollback w... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Cameras are prepared to record the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis from Launch Pad 39A following sunrise on a cloudy Florida day. Rollback of the pad's rotating service structure, or RSS, is one of the milestones in preparation for the launch of mission STS-117 on June 8. Rollback started at 10:56 p.m. EDT June 7 and was complete at 11:34 p.m. The RSS, the massive structure to the left of the shuttle, provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad. The structure is supported by a rotating bridge that pivots about a vertical axis on the side of the pad's flame trench. The hinge column rests on the pad surface and is braced to the fixed service structure. Support for the outer end of the bridge is provided by two eight-wheel, motor-driven trucks that move along circular twin rails installed flush with the pad surface. The track crosses the flame trench on a permanent bridge. The RSS is 102 feet long, 50 feet wide and 130 feet high. The structure has orbiter access platforms at five levels to provide access to the payload bay while the orbiter is being serviced in the RSS. Each platform has independent extendable planks that can be arranged to conform to a payload's configuration. This mission is the 118th shuttle flight and the 21st U.S. flight to the International Space Station and will deliver and install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-07pd1399

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Cameras are prepared to record the launc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Cameras are prepared to record the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis from Launch Pad 39A following sunrise on a cloudy Florida day. Rollback of the pad's rotating service structure,... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour races into the sky trailing columns of fire from the solid rocket boosters as it begins mission STS-118. The liftoff from Launch Pad 39A was on time at 6:36 p.m. EDT. The mission is the 22nd shuttle flight to the International Space Station. It will continue space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5, and other payloads such as the SPACEHAB module and the external stowage platform 3. The 11-day mission may be extended to as many as 14 depending on the test of the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System that will allow the docked shuttle to draw electrical power from the station and extend its visits to the orbiting lab. Photo credit: NASA/Jerry Cannon, Mike Kerley KSC-07pd2271

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour races into the ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour races into the sky trailing columns of fire from the solid rocket boosters as it begins mission STS-118. The liftoff from Launch Pad 39A was on time at 6:3... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-118 crew arrives at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility to prepare for launch on Aug. 8 aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour. Seen here is Mission Specialist Dave Williams, with the Canadian Space Agency. Endeavour's STS-118 mission is the 22nd shuttle flight to the International Space Station. It will continue space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5. Other payloads include the SPACEHAB module, making its last voyage, and the external stowage platform 3 with a control moment gyroscope on it. The flight will include at least three spacewalks. The crew will also debut a new system that enables docked shuttles to draw electrical power from the station to extend visits to the outpost. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2160

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-118 crew arrives at Kennedy Sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-118 crew arrives at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility to prepare for launch on Aug. 8 aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour. Seen here is Mission Specialist Dave W... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In this view of the launch from the roof of the Vehicle Assembly Building, the liftoff of Space Shuttle Atlantis challenges the early dawn. The light is reflected in waters all around the Launch Pad 39A while clouds of steam and smoke roll away from the pad. Liftoff occurred at 6:11:10 a.m. EDT. The mission is taking the crew of seven to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies as well as to prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk and will reboost the space station from 230 statute miles to 250 statute miles. This will be the third assembly flight to the Space Station. After a 10-day mission, landing is targeted for May 29 at 2:19 a.m. EDT. This is the 98th Shuttle flight and the 21st flight for Shuttle Atlantis KSC00pp0649

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In this view of the launch from the roof...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In this view of the launch from the roof of the Vehicle Assembly Building, the liftoff of Space Shuttle Atlantis challenges the early dawn. The light is reflected in waters all aro... More

During pre-pack and fit check, STS-92 Commander Brian Duffy tests his launch and entry suit for comfort and ease while sitting. This mission will be Duffy’s fourth Shuttle flight. He and the rest of the crew are at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT provides emergency egress training, simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payload. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program KSC-00pp1342

During pre-pack and fit check, STS-92 Commander Brian Duffy tests his ...

During pre-pack and fit check, STS-92 Commander Brian Duffy tests his launch and entry suit for comfort and ease while sitting. This mission will be Duffy’s fourth Shuttle flight. He and the rest of the crew ar... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- A perfect launch on a perfect Florida day! Space Shuttle Endeavour, with its crew of five, scatters billows of steam and smoke as it lifts off at 12:43:40 p.m. EST on mission STS-99. Employees and visitors watch intently from across the turn basin. Known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), STS-99 will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the SRTM could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC00padig004

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- A perfect launch on a perfect Florida ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- A perfect launch on a perfect Florida day! Space Shuttle Endeavour, with its crew of five, scatters billows of steam and smoke as it lifts off at 12:43:40 p.m. EST on mission STS... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-110 Mission Specialist Steven Smith is wished good luck by a member of the Closeout Crew before entering Space Shuttle Atlantis for launch. The White Room provides entry into the cockpit area of the orbiter. This is Smith's fourth Shuttle flight. STS-110 is carrying the S0 Integrated Truss Structure and Mobile Transporter (MT) on this 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station. On the 11-day mission, astronauts, including Smith, will make four spacewalks to attach the S0 truss, which will become the backbone of the Space Station, to the U.S. Lab, "Destiny." The MT, a space "railcar," is attached to the truss segment and will make its debut run during the flight. Launch is scheduled for 4:40 p.m. EDT (20:40 GMT) KSC-02pp0477

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-110 Mission Specialist Steven Smith is wished good luck by a member of the Closeout Crew before entering Space Shuttle Atlantis for launch. The White Room provides entry into t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Lisa Nowak shows she is happy and excited to be preparing for launch with the fitting of her launch and entry suit. Nowak is making her first space flight. The launch is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1327

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Lisa Nowak s...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Lisa Nowak shows she is happy and excited to be preparing for launch with the fitting of her launch and entry suit. Nowak is making her first space flig... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- As Space Shuttle Atlantis lifts off from Launch Pad 39A on mission STS-101, twin columns of smoke from the solid rocket boosters trail behind. Liftoff occurred on time at 6:11:10 a.m. EDT. The mission is taking the crew of seven to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies as well as to prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk and will reboost the space station from 230 statute miles to 250 statute miles. This will be the third assembly flight to the Space Station. After a 10-day mission, landing is targeted for May 29 at 2:19 a.m. EDT. This is the 98th Shuttle flight and the 21st flight for Shuttle Atlantis KSC00pp0653

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- As Space Shuttle Atlantis lifts off fro...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- As Space Shuttle Atlantis lifts off from Launch Pad 39A on mission STS-101, twin columns of smoke from the solid rocket boosters trail behind. Liftoff occurred on time at 6:11:10 ... More

The brilliant exhaust from the solid rocket boosters (center) and blue mach diamonds from the main engine nozzles mark the perfect launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour from Launch Pad 39A. Launch of Endeavour into a clear blue Florida sky occurred at 12:43:40 p.m. EST. Known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), STS-99 will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the SRTM could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC00pp0230

The brilliant exhaust from the solid rocket boosters (center) and blue...

The brilliant exhaust from the solid rocket boosters (center) and blue mach diamonds from the main engine nozzles mark the perfect launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour from Launch Pad 39A. Launch of Endeavour into... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the rotating service structure, or RSS, on Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Endeavour stands bathed in spotlights. Rollback started at 9 p.m. EDT Aug. 7 and was complete at 10:40 p.m. Beneath the shuttle is the mobile launcher platform, which spans the flame trench below. The flame deflector system includes an inverted, V-shaped steel structure that receives and deflects the flames from the orbiter main engines on one side; the opposite side deflects the flames from the solid rocket boosters. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad. Rollback of the pad's RSS is one of the milestones in preparation for the launch of mission STS-118 at 6:36 p.m. EDT on Aug. 8. Space Shuttle Endeavour's STS-118 mission is the 22nd shuttle flight to the International Space Station. It will continue space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5, and other payloads such as the SPACEHAB module and the external stowage platform 3. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2225

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the rotating service st...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the rotating service structure, or RSS, on Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Endeavour stands bathed in spotlights. Rollback started at 9 p.m. EDT Aug. 7 and was compl... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a Hyster forklift moves the second of three space shuttle main engines closer to shuttle Atlantis for installation. Each engine is 14 feet long, weighs about 6,700 pounds, and is 7.5 feet in diameter at the end of the nozzle. This is the final planned engine installation for the Space Shuttle Program. Atlantis is being prepared for the "launch on need," or potential rescue mission, for the final planned shuttle flight, Endeavour's STS-134 mission. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-5813

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Ken...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a Hyster forklift moves the second of three space shuttle main engines closer to shuttle Atlantis for installa... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, engine #2, the last of three space shuttle main engines is installed in shuttle Atlantis. Each engine is 14 feet long, weighs about 6,700 pounds, and is 7.5 feet in diameter at the end of the nozzle. This is the final planned engine installation for the Space Shuttle Program. Atlantis is being prepared for the "launch on need," or potential rescue mission, for the final planned shuttle flight, Endeavour's STS-134 mission. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-5828

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Ken...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, engine #2, the last of three space shuttle main engines is installed in shuttle Atlantis. Each engine is ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-108 and Expedition 4 crews head for the Astrovan and a ride to Launch Pad 39B. Leading the way are Pilot Mark E. Kelly (left) and Commander Dominic L. Gorie; behind them are Mission Specialists Daniel M. Tani and Linda A. Godwin; next is Expedition 4 Commander Yuri Onufrienko, followed by astronauts Daniel W. Bursch (left) and Carl E. Walz. This is the second launch attempt after the first attempt Dec. 4 was scrubbed due to poor weather conditions at KSC. The main goals of the mission are to carry the Expedition 4 crew to the International Space Station as replacement for Expedition 3; carry the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello filled with water, equipment and supplies; and install thermal blankets over equipment at the base of the ISS solar wings. STS-108 is the final Shuttle mission of 2001 and the 107th Shuttle flight overall. Launch is scheduled for 5:19 p.m. EST (22:19 GMT) Dec. 5, 2001, from Launch Pad 39B KSC01PD1784

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-108 and Expedition 4 crews head...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-108 and Expedition 4 crews head for the Astrovan and a ride to Launch Pad 39B. Leading the way are Pilot Mark E. Kelly (left) and Commander Dominic L. Gorie; behind them ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1 watch the progress of the Pressurized Mating Adapter-3 (PMA-3) as it is transferred to the payload bay of the orbiter Discovery. A component of the International Space Station, the PMA-3 will fly on Shuttle mission STS-92, scheduled to launch October 5. The mission will be the fifth flight to the Space Station, and the 100th Shuttle flight overall. PMA-3 provides shuttle docking port for solar array installation on flight 4A (mission STS-97 scheduled for November 30), and Lab installation on flight 5A (mission STS-98, scheduled for January 18, 2001). KSC00PP-0878

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facil...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1 watch the progress of the Pressurized Mating Adapter-3 (PMA-3) as it is transferred to the payload bay of the orbiter Discovery. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis rumbles off Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on the STS-132 mission to the International Space Station at 2:20 p.m. EDT on May 14. The Russian-built Mini Research Module-1 known as Rassvet, or "dawn," is inside the shuttle's cargo bay. It will provide additional storage space and a new docking port for Russian Soyuz and Progress spacecraft. The laboratory will be attached to the bottom port of the station's Zarya module. The mission's three spacewalks will focus on storing spare components outside the station, including six batteries, a communications antenna and parts for the Canadian Dextre robotic arm. STS-132 is the 132nd shuttle flight, the 32nd for Atlantis and the 34th shuttle mission dedicated to station assembly and maintenance. For more information on the STS-132 mission objectives, payload and crew, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts132/index.html. Photo Credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-20103367

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis rumbles off Launch Pad 3...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis rumbles off Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on the STS-132 mission to the International Space Station at 2:20 p.m. EDT on May 14. The ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour soars into a twilight sky on mission STS-108, the second launch attempt over two days. Liftoff occurred at 5:19:28 p.m. EST (22:19.28 GMT). Endeavour will dock with the International Space Station on Dec. 7. STS-108 is the final Shuttle mission of 2001and the 107th Shuttle flight overall. It is the 12th flight to the Space Station. Landing of the orbiter at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility is targeted for 1:05 p.m. EST (18:05 p.m. GMT) Dec. 16 KSC-01pp1808

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour soars into a twi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour soars into a twilight sky on mission STS-108, the second launch attempt over two days. Liftoff occurred at 5:19:28 p.m. EST (22:19.28 GMT). Endeavour will d... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Pilot Mark Kelly gets help with his helmet fitting during suitup for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. The launch is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1373

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Pilot Mark Kelly gets help with ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Pilot Mark Kelly gets help with his helmet fitting during suitup for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians install cargo inside the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module for shuttle Atlantis' flight to the International Space Station. Atlantis and its payload is being prepared for the STS-135 mission, which will deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the station. Atlantis is targeted to launch June 28, and will be the last shuttle flight for the Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2011-2910

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians install cargo inside the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module for shuttle Atlantis' fl... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Mission Specialist Piers Sellers is happy to be making a third launch attempt on mission STS-121. Here, he fixes one of his gloves during suitup before heading to Launch Pad 39B. The July 2 launch attempt was scrubbed due to the presence of showers and thunderstorms within the surrounding area of the launch site. The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1393

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Mission Specialist Piers Sellers is happ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Mission Specialist Piers Sellers is happy to be making a third launch attempt on mission STS-121. Here, he fixes one of his gloves during suitup before heading to Launch Pad 39B. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Fiery clouds of smoke stream across Launch Pad 39A as Space Shuttle Endeavour lifts off on mission STS-118. The liftoff was on time at 6:36 p.m. EDT. The mission is the 22nd shuttle flight to the International Space Station. It will continue space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5, and other payloads such as the SPACEHAB module and the external stowage platform 3. The 11-day mission may be extended to as many as 14 depending on the test of the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System that will allow the docked shuttle to draw electrical power from the station and extend its visits to the orbiting lab. Photo credit: Jerry Cannon, Mike Kerley KSC-07pd2270

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Fiery clouds of smoke stream across Lau...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Fiery clouds of smoke stream across Launch Pad 39A as Space Shuttle Endeavour lifts off on mission STS-118. The liftoff was on time at 6:36 p.m. EDT. The mission is the 22nd shu... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis leaps off the Launch Pad 39A trailing a twin streams of flame from its solid rocket boosters to light up the pre-dawn sky on mission STS-101. Liftoff occurred on time at 6:11:10 a.m. EDT. The mission is taking the crew of seven to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies as well as to prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk and will reboost the space station from 230 statute miles to 250 statute miles. This will be the third assembly flight to the Space Station. After a 10-day mission, landing is targeted for May 29 at 2:19 a.m. EDT. This is the 98th Shuttle flight and the 21st flight for Shuttle Atlantis KSC00pp0658

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis leaps off the La...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis leaps off the Launch Pad 39A trailing a twin streams of flame from its solid rocket boosters to light up the pre-dawn sky on mission STS-101. Liftoff occurr... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On a cloudy Florida day, Space Shuttle Atlantis awaits launch atop a mobile launch platform at Launch Pad 39A. At the right of the pad is the 290-foot tall, 300,000-gallon water tank that is part of the sound suppression system during launches. In the foreground is the crawlerway. a 130-foot-wide roadway with a 5-percent grade leading to the top of the launch pad. Rollback of the pad's rotating service structure, or RSS, is one of the milestones in preparation for the launch of mission STS-117 on June 8. Rollback started at 10:56 p.m. EDT June 7 and was complete at 11:34 p.m. The RSS, the massive structure to the left of the shuttle, provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad. The structure is supported by a rotating bridge that pivots about a vertical axis on the side of the pad's flame trench. The hinge column rests on the pad surface and is braced to the fixed service structure. Support for the outer end of the bridge is provided by two eight-wheel, motor-driven trucks that move along circular twin rails installed flush with the pad surface. The track crosses the flame trench on a permanent bridge. The RSS is 102 feet long, 50 feet wide and 130 feet high. The structure has orbiter access platforms at five levels to provide access to the payload bay while the orbiter is being serviced in the RSS. Each platform has independent extendable planks that can be arranged to conform to a payload's configuration. This mission is the 118th shuttle flight and the 21st U.S. flight to the International Space Station and will deliver and install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-07pd1403

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On a cloudy Florida day, Space Shuttle A...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On a cloudy Florida day, Space Shuttle Atlantis awaits launch atop a mobile launch platform at Launch Pad 39A. At the right of the pad is the 290-foot tall, 300,000-gallon water ta... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In preparation for the July 1 launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121, the Launch Pad 39B rotating service structure (RSS) enclosing the shuttle rolls away. Above the golden external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the space shuttle vehicle. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad. The structure is supported by a rotating bridge that pivots about a vertical axis on the west side of the pad's flame trench. The hinge column rests on the pad surface and is braced to the fixed service structure. Support for the outer end of the bridge is provided by two eight-wheel, motor-driven trucks that move along circular twin rails installed flush with the pad surface. The track crosses the flame trench on a permanent bridge. The RSS is 102 feet long, 50 feet wide and 130 feet high. The structure has orbiter access platforms at five levels to provide access to the payload bay while the orbiter is being serviced in the RSS. Each platform has independent extendable planks that can be arranged to conform to a payload's configuration. This mission is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1302

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In preparation for the July 1 launch of ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In preparation for the July 1 launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121, the Launch Pad 39B rotating service structure (RSS) enclosing the shuttle rolls away. Above the... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-135 Mission Specialist Sandy Magnus is inspecting the mid-deck of shuttle Atlantis. The four-member crew is at Kennedy participating in the Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT), which gives them an opportunity for hands-on training with the spacecraft and familiarization of the payload they'll deliver to the International Space Station. Atlantis and its payload is being prepared for the STS-135 mission, which will deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the station. Atlantis is targeted to launch June 28, and will be the last shuttle flight for the Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2011-2916

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-135 Mission Specialist Sandy Magnus is inspecting the mid-deck of shuttle Atlantis. The four-membe... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Lisa Nowak is helped with her launch suit during suitup for launch today on Space Shuttle Discovery. The launch is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1326A

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Lisa Nowak is...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Lisa Nowak is helped with her launch suit during suitup for launch today on Space Shuttle Discovery. The launch is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Birds take flight as Space Shuttle Endeavour lifts off from Launch Pad 39A on mission STS-111 to the International Space Station. Liftoff occurred at 5:22:49 p.m. EDT. The STS-111 crew includes Commander Kenneth Cockrell, Pilot Paul Lockhart, and Mission Specialists Franklin Chang-Diaz and Philippe Perrin (CNES), as well as the Expedition Five crew members Valeri Korzun, Peggy Whitson and Sergei Treschev. This mission marks the 14th Shuttle flight to the International Space Station and the third Shuttle mission this year. Mission STS-111 is the 18th flight of Endeavour and the 110th flight overall in NASA's Space Shuttle program KSC-02pd0903

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Birds take flight as Space Shuttle Ende...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Birds take flight as Space Shuttle Endeavour lifts off from Launch Pad 39A on mission STS-111 to the International Space Station. Liftoff occurred at 5:22:49 p.m. EDT. The STS-11... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Former astronaut Joe Engle acknowledges the applause as he is introduced as a previous inductee into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. He and other Hall of Fame members were present for the induction of five new space program heroes into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame: Richard O. Covey, commander of the Hubble Space Telescope repair mission; Norman E. Thagard, the first American to occupy Russia’s Mir space station; the late Francis R. "Dick" Scobee, commander of the ill-fated 1986 Challenger mission; Kathryn D. Sullivan, the first American woman to walk in space; and Frederick D. Gregory, the first African-American to command a space mission and the current NASA deputy administrator. Engle made 16 flights in the X-15 rocket plane before he became a NASA astronaut and flew two Space Shuttle missions. In 1981, he commanded the second flight of Columbia, the first manned spacecraft to be reflown in space, and in 1985 he commanded a five-man crew on the 20th shuttle flight, a satellite-deploy and repair mission. The induction ceremony was held at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at KSC. The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. The five inductees join 52 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs. KSC-04pd1018

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Former astronaut Joe Engle acknowledges ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Former astronaut Joe Engle acknowledges the applause as he is introduced as a previous inductee into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. He and other Hall of Fame members were prese... More

Astronaut Story Musgrave in launch/landing suit during STS-33 training

Astronaut Story Musgrave in launch/landing suit during STS-33 training

S89-48009 (29 Oct. 1996) --- About to embark on his sixth shuttle flight, astronaut Story Musgrave receives assistance with his launch and entry suit during a training session in the Johnson Space Center's (JSC... More

Space Shuttle Atlantis, STS-45 Launch

Space Shuttle Atlantis, STS-45 Launch

With its twin solid rocket boosters and three main engines churning at seven million pounds of thrust, the Space Shuttle Atlantis thunders skyward from Launch Pad 39A. Liftoff of Mission STS-45 occurred at 8:13... More

STS-50 Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102, on KSC Launch Pad 39A

STS-50 Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102, on KSC Launch Pad 39A

S92-41075 (3 June 1992) --- The Space Shuttle Columbia arrived at Launch Pad 39A for final preparation on its launch of STS-50 scheduled for later this month. The journey from the Vehicle Assembly Building be... More

Space Shuttle Discovery, Space Shuttle Projects

Space Shuttle Discovery, Space Shuttle Projects

The STS-53 crew portrait included astronauts (front left to right): Guion S. Bluford, and James S. Voss, mission specialists. On the back row, left to right, are David M. Walker, commander; Robert D. Cabana, Pi... More

STS-61. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

STS-61. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

Launch: December 2, 1993.Landing: December 13, 1993 Kennedy Space Center, Fl..Astronauts: Richard O. Covey, Kenneth D. Bowersox, F. Story Musgrave, Kathryn C. Thornton, Claude Nicollier, Jeffrey A. Hoffman and ... More

STS-62 crew prepare for emergency egress training

STS-62 crew prepare for emergency egress training

S93-48461 (5 Nov. 1993) --- In the Johnson Space Center's (JSC) Shuttle mockup and integration laboratory, astronaut John H. Casper simulates an emergency ejection from the space shuttle. Barely visible in the... More

Space Shuttle Project, Marshall Space Flight Center

Space Shuttle Project, Marshall Space Flight Center

Backdropped against the Earth, the Hubble Space Telescope (HST)is shown sporting new and modified solar arrays stowed against its barrel. Orbiting Earth at an altitude of 325 nautical miles, an astronaut begins... More

Space shuttle STS-66 Launch. NASA public domain image colelction.

Space shuttle STS-66 Launch. NASA public domain image colelction.

Hundreds of birds scatter as the typical quiet reverie of their day is temporarily broken by the roar of a Space Shuttle surging off the pad. The orbiter Atlantis returned to space after an approximately two-ye... More

STS-66 Launch. NASA public domain image colelction.

STS-66 Launch. NASA public domain image colelction.

The 66th Space Shuttle flight begins with a nearly ontime liftoff of Space Shuttle Mission STS-66 into clear Florida skies. The orbiter Atlantis returned to space after an approximately two year absence with a ... More

Space shuttle STS-60. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

Space shuttle STS-60. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

Launch: February 3, 1994.Landing: February 11, 1994 Kennedy Space Center, fl. .Astronauts: Charles F. Bolden Jr., Kenneth F. Reightler Jr., N. Jan Davis, Ronald M. Sega, Franklin R. Chang-Diaz and Sergei K. Kr... More

Los Angeles, California as seen from STS-59

Los Angeles, California as seen from STS-59

STS059-227-050 (9-20 April 1994) --- A low altitude, and unusually clear air, provided perhaps the most detailed view of Los Angeles, California ever obtained during a shuttle flight. Orient with the bulk of th... More

Astronaut Curtis Brown works with SAMS on Shuttle Atlantis middeck

Astronaut Curtis Brown works with SAMS on Shuttle Atlantis middeck

STS066-14-021 (3-14 Nov 1994) --- On the Space Shuttle Atlantis' mid-deck, astronaut Curtis L. Brown, Jr., pilot, works with the Space Acceleration Measurement System (SAMS), which is making its eleventh Shuttl... More

STS-63. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

STS-63. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

Launch: February 3, 1995.Landing: February 11, 1995 Kennedy Space Center, Fl..Astronauts: James D. Wetherbee, Eileen M. Collins, C. Michael Foale, Janice E. Voss, Bernard A. Harris, Jr. and Vladimar G. Titov.Sp... More

Space Shuttle Endeavor, STS-67 Rollout

Space Shuttle Endeavor, STS-67 Rollout

A massive 19 million pounds (8.6 million kilograms) of Space Shuttle, support and transport hardware, inch toward Launch Pad 39A from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The fully assembled Space Shuttle Endeavour, ... More

Launch of STS-63 Discovery. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

Launch of STS-63 Discovery. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space ce...

STS063-S-007 (3 Feb 1995) --- The race to catch up with the Russia's Mir gets underway as the Space Shuttle Discovery launches from Pad 39B, Kennedy Space Center (KSC) at 12:22:04 (EST), February 3, 1995. Disc... More

Launch of STS-63 Discovery. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

Launch of STS-63 Discovery. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space ce...

STS063-S-003 (3 Feb. 1995) --- A 35mm camera was used to expose this image of the space shuttle Discovery as it began its race to catch up with the Russia's Mir Space Station. Liftoff from Launch Pad 39B, Kenn... More

A massive 19 million pounds-plus (8.6 million kilograms) of Space Shuttle, support and transport hardware inch toward Launch Pad 39A from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The fully asssembled Space Shuttle Endeavour, minus its payloads, weighs about 4.5 million pounds (2 million kg.); the mobile launcher platform, on which it was assembled and from which it will lift off, weighs 9.25 million pounds (4.19 million kg.); and the crawler-transporter carrying the platform and Shuttle checks in at around 6 million pounds (2.7 million kg.). Once at the pad, the Shuttle and launch platform will be deposited atop support columns to complete preparations for the second Shuttle launch of 1995. The primary payload of mission STS-67 is the Astro-2 Astrophysics Observatory, carrying three ultraviolet telescopes that flew on the Astro-1 mission in 1990. STS-67 also is scheduled to become the longest shuttle flight to date, lasting 16 days KSC-95PC-0289

A massive 19 million pounds-plus (8.6 million kilograms) of Space Shut...

A massive 19 million pounds-plus (8.6 million kilograms) of Space Shuttle, support and transport hardware inch toward Launch Pad 39A from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The fully asssembled Space Shuttle Endeav... More

Startled birds scatter as the stillness of a summer morning is broken by a giant's roar. The Space Shuttle Discovery thundered into space from Launch Pad 39B at 9:41:55:078 a.m. EDT. STS-70 is the 70th Shuttle flight overall, the 21st for Discovery (OV-103), and the fourth Shuttle flight in 1995. On board for the nearly eight-day mission are a crew of five: Commander Terence "Tom" Henricks, Pilot Kevin R. Kregel, and Mission Specialists Nancy Jane Currie, Donald A. Thomas and Mary Ellen Weber. The crew's primary objective is to deploy the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-G (TDRS-G), which will join a constellation of other TDRS spacecraft already on orbit KSC-95pc1013

Startled birds scatter as the stillness of a summer morning is broken ...

Startled birds scatter as the stillness of a summer morning is broken by a giant's roar. The Space Shuttle Discovery thundered into space from Launch Pad 39B at 9:41:55:078 a.m. EDT. STS-70 is the 70th Shuttle ... More

STS-72. NASA public domain image colelction.

STS-72. NASA public domain image colelction.

Launch: January 11, 1996.Landing: January 20, 1996.Astronauts: Brian Duffy, Brent W. Jett, Leroy Chiao, Daniel T. Barry, Winston E. Scott and Koichi Wakata.Space Shuttle: Endeavor.First shuttle flight of 1996 h... More

Space shuttle STS-80. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

Space shuttle STS-80. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

Launched: November 19, 1996, 2:55:47 p.m. EST.Landing: December 7, 1996, 6:49:05 a.m. EST, Kennedy Space Center, Florida.Space Shuttle: Columbia.Crew: Kenneth D. Cockrell (Commander), Kent V. Rominger (Pilot), ... More

Space shuttle STS-77. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

Space shuttle STS-77. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

Launch: May 19, 1996, 6:30:00am EDT.Landing: May 29, 1996, 7:09:18 EDT, Kennedy Space Center, Florida.Space Shuttle: Endeavour .Crew: John H. Casper (Commander), Curtis L. Brown (Pilot), Daniel W. Bursch (Missi... More

STS-77 crew at KSC for TCDT. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

STS-77 crew at KSC for TCDT. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space c...

S96-08026 (22 April 1996) --- The STS-77 crew take time out from Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities to pose for a group portrait next to the slidewire baskets on the emergency egress system... More

STS-77 crew at KSC for TCDT. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

STS-77 crew at KSC for TCDT. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space c...

S96-08027 (22 April 1996) --- The crew talk to the news media at Launch Pad 39B, at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). From left are astronauts Andrew S. W. Thomas, mission specialist; Mario Runco, Jr., mission s... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The drag chute pops open as the orbiter Columbia glides down Runway 33 of the Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility. Main gear touchdown occurred at 8:36 a.m. EDT, July 7, 1996. A mission duration of 16 days, 21 hours, and 47 minutes made STS-78 the longest Shuttle flight to date. On board are a crew of seven: mission Commander Terence "Tom" Henricks; Pilot Kevin R. Kregel; Payload Commander Susan J. Helms; Mission Specialists Richard M. Linnehan and Charles E. Brady Jr.; and Payload Specialist Jean-Jacques Favier, representing the French Space Agency (CNES) and Robert Brent Thirsk, of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) . The primary payload of the 78th Shuttle flight was the Life and Microgravity Spacelab (LMS) KSC-96pc881

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The drag chute pops open as the orbiter ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The drag chute pops open as the orbiter Columbia glides down Runway 33 of the Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility. Main gear touchdown occurred at 8:36 a.m. EDT, July 7... More

Space Shuttle Project, Marshall Space Flight Center

Space Shuttle Project, Marshall Space Flight Center

The longest Shuttle flight to date came to a successful close as the orbiter Columbia (STS-78) touched down on Runway 33 of the Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility. During the nearly 17-day flight, ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Columbia completes the short journey from Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). During its approximately one-week stay inside the VAB, the spaceplane will be mated to the external tank and twin solid rocket boosters, and electrical and mechanical interfaces will be verified. Rollout to Launch Pad 39B is planned for Oct. 16, where the two primary payloads of the upcoming STS-80 mission -- the Wake Shield Facility-3 (WSF-3) and Orbiting and Retrievable Far and Extreme Ultraviolet Spectrograph-Shuttle Pallet Satellite-2 (ORFEUS-SPAS-2) -- will be installed. Liftoff on the final Shuttle flight of 1996 is targeted for no earlier than Nov 8 at 2:47 p.m. EST. KSC-96pc1160

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Columbia completes the short...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Columbia completes the short journey from Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). During its approximately one-week stay inside the VA... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Columbia completes the short journey from Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). During its approximately one-week stay inside the VAB, the spaceplane will be mated to the external tank and twin solid rocket boosters, and electrical and mechanical interfaces will be verified. Rollout to Launch Pad 39B is planned for Oct. 16, where the two primary payloads of the upcoming STS-80 mission -- the Wake Shield Facility-3 (WSF-3) and Orbiting and Retrievable Far and Extreme Ultraviolet Spectrograph-Shuttle Pallet Satellite-2 (ORFEUS-SPAS-2) -- will be installed. Liftoff on the final Shuttle flight of 1996 is targeted for no earlier than Nov 8 at 2:47 p.m. EST KSC-96pc1159

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Columbia completes the short...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Columbia completes the short journey from Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). During its approximately one-week stay inside the VA... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Columbia completes the short journey from Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). During its approximately one-week stay inside the VAB, the spaceplane will be mated to the external tank and twin solid rocket boosters, and electrical and mechanical interfaces will be verified. Rollout to Launch Pad 39B is planned for Oct. 16, where the two primary payloads of the upcoming STS-80 mission -- the Wake Shield Facility-3 (WSF-3) and Orbiting and Retrievable Far and Extreme Ultraviolet Spectrograph-Shuttle Pallet Satellite-2 (ORFEUS-SPAS-2) -- will be installed. Liftoff on the final Shuttle flight of 1996 is targeted for no earlier than Nov 8 at 2:47 p.m. EST KSC-96pc1158

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Columbia completes the short...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Columbia completes the short journey from Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). During its approximately one-week stay inside the VA... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The final Space Shuttle flight of 1996 comes to a successful close as the orbiter Columbia touches down on Runway 33 of KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility. Main gear touchdown occurred at 6:49:05 a.m. EST, Dec. 7. The mission duration of 17 days, 15 hours and 53 minutes establishes a new record for extended Shuttle flight. The five- member STS-80 crew is led by Commander Kenneth D. Cockrell and Pilot Kent V. Rominger. The three mission specialists on board are Tamara E. Jernigan, Thomas D. Jones and Story Musgrave. At age 61, Musgrave is the oldest person ever to fly in space; he also becomes the first person to fly six times on the Shuttle. The two primary payloads of the 80th Shuttle flight are the Orbiting and Retrievable Far and Extreme Ultraviolet Spectrometer-Shuttle Pallet Satellite II (ORFEUS-SPAS II) and the Wake Shield Facility-3 (WSF-3). KSC-96pc1333

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The final Space Shuttle flight of 1996 c...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The final Space Shuttle flight of 1996 comes to a successful close as the orbiter Columbia touches down on Runway 33 of KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility. Main gear touchdown occurred... More

In the Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3, during the Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT) for mission STS-93, crew members pose for a photograph . From left they are Mission Commander Eileen M. Collins, Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby, and Mission Specialist Michel Tognini of France. Above Ashby's head is Mission Specialist Catherine G. Coleman. Not shown is Mission Specialist Steven A. Hawley. Collins is the first woman to serve as a mission commander on a shuttle flight. The CEIT provides an opportunity for crew members to check equipment and facilities that will be aboard the orbiter during their mission. The STS-93 mission will deploy the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF), which comprises three major elements: the spacecraft, the telescope, and the science instrument module (SIM). AXAF will allow scientists from around the world to obtain unprecedented X-ray images of a variety of high-energy objects to help understand the structure and evolution of the universe. Targeted date for the launch of STS-93 is March 18, 1999 KSC-98pc1692

In the Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3, during the Crew Equipment In...

In the Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3, during the Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT) for mission STS-93, crew members pose for a photograph . From left they are Mission Commander Eileen M. Collins, Pilot J... More

In the Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3, during the Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT) for mission STS-93, Mission Commander Eileen M. Collins checks out her seat in the orbiter Columbia. Collins is the first woman to serve as a mission commander on a shuttle flight. The CEIT provides an opportunity for crew members to check equipment and facilities that will be aboard the orbiter during their mission. The STS-93 mission will deploy the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF), which comprises three major elements: the spacecraft, the telescope, and the science instrument module (SIM). AXAF will allow scientists from around the world to obtain unprecedented X-ray images of a variety of high-energy objects to help understand the structure and evolution of the universe. The other STS-93 crew members are Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby, Mission Specialist Catherine G. Coleman, Mission Specialist Steven A. Hawley and Mission Specialist Michel Tognini of France. Targeted date for the launch of STS-93 is March 18, 1999 KSC-98pc1689

In the Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3, during the Crew Equipment In...

In the Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3, during the Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT) for mission STS-93, Mission Commander Eileen M. Collins checks out her seat in the orbiter Columbia. Collins is the firs... More

In the Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3, aboard the orbiter Columbia, STS-93 Mission Commander Eileen M. Collins listens to Mission Specialist Steven A. Hawley during the Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT). Collins is the first woman to serve as a mission commander on a shuttle flight. The CEIT provides an opportunity for crew members to check equipment and facilities that will be aboard the orbiter during their mission. The rest of the crew members are Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby, Mission Specialist Catherine G. Coleman, and Mission Specialist Michel Tognini of France. The STS-93 mission will deploy the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF), which comprises three major elements: the spacecraft, the telescope, and the science instrument module (SIM). AXAF will allow scientists from around the world to obtain unprecedented X-ray images of a variety of high-energy objects to help understand the structure and evolution of the universe. Targeted date for the launch of STS-93 is March 18, 1999 KSC-98pc1693

In the Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3, aboard the orbiter Columbia,...

In the Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3, aboard the orbiter Columbia, STS-93 Mission Commander Eileen M. Collins listens to Mission Specialist Steven A. Hawley during the Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT). ... More

STS-93 Mission Specialist Michel Tognini of France, with the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), prepares to leave the T-38 jet aircraft that brought him to KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility. He and other crew members Commander Eileen Collins, Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby, and Mission Specialists Steven A. Hawley (Ph.D.) and Catherine G. "Cady" Coleman (Ph.D.) are arriving for pre-launch activities. Tognini is making his inaugural Shuttle flight. The primary mission of STS-93 is the release of the Chandra X-ray Observatory, which will allow scientists from around the world to study some of the most distant, powerful and dynamic objects in the universe. The new telescope is 20 to 50 times more sensitive than any previous X-ray telescope and is expected to unlock the secrets of supernovae, quasars and black holes KSC-99pp0824

STS-93 Mission Specialist Michel Tognini of France, with the Centre Na...

STS-93 Mission Specialist Michel Tognini of France, with the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), prepares to leave the T-38 jet aircraft that brought him to KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility. He and other c... More

STS-93 Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby lands at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. He and other crew members Commander Eileen Collins and Mission Specialists Steven A. Hawley (Ph.D.), Catherine G. "Cady" Coleman (Ph.D.) and Michel Tognini of France, with the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), are arriving for pre-launch activities. STS-93 is Ashby's inaugural Shuttle flight. The primary mission of STS-93 is the release of the Chandra X-ray Observatory, which will allow scientists from around the world to study some of the most distant, powerful and dynamic objects in the universe. The new telescope is 20 to 50 times more sensitive than any previous X-ray telescope and is expected to unlock the secrets of supernovae, quasars and black holes KSC-99pp0823

STS-93 Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby lands at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle ...

STS-93 Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby lands at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. He and other crew members Commander Eileen Collins and Mission Specialists Steven A. Hawl... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Looking over a Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA-3) in the Space Station Processing Facility are Arne Aamodt, with Johnson Space Center, Yuriy Vladimirovich Usachev and Susan J. Helms. Usachev and Helms are two members of the STS-102 crew, who will be staying on the International Space Station (ISS). The third crew member is James S. Voss. They have been designated the Expedition II crew. Mission STS-102 also will be carrying the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) to the ISS. The Leonardo will be filled with equipment and supplies to outfit the U.S. laboratory module, which will have been carried to the ISS on a preceding Shuttle flight. In order to function as an attached station module as well as a cargo transport, logistics modules (there are three) also include components that provide some life support, fire detection and suppression, electrical distribution and computer functions. Eventually, the modules also will carry refrigerator freezers for transporting experiment samples and food to and from the station. On the return of STS-102 to Earth, it will bring back the first crew on the station: Bill Shepherd, Sergei Krikalev and Yuri Gidzenko. STS-102 is scheduled to launch no earlier than Oct. 19, 2000, from Launch Pad 39A, Kennedy Space Center KSC-99pp1375

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Looking over a Pressurized Mating Adapte...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Looking over a Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA-3) in the Space Station Processing Facility are Arne Aamodt, with Johnson Space Center, Yuriy Vladimirovich Usachev and Susan J. Helm... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From a work stand in the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-102 crew members James S. Voss (left) and Yuriy Vladimirovich Usachev (right), of Russia, look over the Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA-3). The PMA-3 is a component of the International Space Station (ISS). Voss and Usachev are two crew members who will be staying on the ISS as the Expedition II crew. The third is Susan J. Helms. Along with the crew, Mission STS-102 also will be carrying the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) to the ISS. The Leonardo will be filled with equipment and supplies to outfit the U.S. laboratory module, which will have been carried to the ISS on a preceding Shuttle flight. In order to function as an attached station module as well as a cargo transport, logistics modules (there are three) also include components that provide some life support, fire detection and suppression, electrical distribution and computer functions. Eventually, the modules also will carry refrigerator freezers for transporting experiment samples and food to and from the station. On the return of STS-102 to Earth, it will bring back the first crew on the station: Bill Shepherd, Sergei Krikalev and Yuri Gidzenko. STS-102 is scheduled to launch no earlier than Oct. 19, 2000, from Launch Pad 39A, Kennedy Space Center KSC-99pp1378

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From a work stand in the Space Station P...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From a work stand in the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-102 crew members James S. Voss (left) and Yuriy Vladimirovich Usachev (right), of Russia, look over the Pressurized ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-102's Expedition II discuss the Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA-3) (top of photo) with workers from Johnson Space Center. From left are Yuriy Vladimirovich Usachev, Dave Moore (JSC), Susan J. Helms, James S. Voss, Arne Aamodt and Matt Myers (both of JSC). The PMA-3 is a component of the International Space Station (ISS). Voss, Helms and Usachev will be staying on the ISS, replacing the Expedition I crew, Bill Shepherd, Sergei Krikalev and Yuri Gidzenko. Along with the crew, Mission STS-102 also will be carrying the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) to the ISS. The Leonardo will be filled with equipment and supplies to outfit the U.S. laboratory module, which will have been carried to the ISS on a preceding Shuttle flight. In order to function as an attached station module as well as a cargo transport, logistics modules (there are three) also include components that provide some life support, fire detection and suppression, electrical distribution and computer functions. Eventually, the modules also will carry refrigerator freezers for transporting experiment samples and food to and from the station. STS-102 is scheduled to launch no earlier than Oct. 19, 2000, from Launch Pad 39A, Kennedy Space Center KSC-99pp1379

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-102's Expedition II discuss the Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA-3) (top of photo) with workers from Johnson Space Center. From left ar... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the STS-102 crew, known as the Expedition II crew, and workers from Johnson Space Center get a close look at the Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA-3) in the Space Station Processing Facility. The PMA-3 is a component of the International Space Station (ISS). Making up the Expedition II crew are James S. Voss, Susan J. Helms and Yuriy Vladimirovich Usachev, of Russia. Along with the crew, Mission STS-102 also will be carrying the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) to the ISS. The Leonardo will be filled with equipment and supplies to outfit the U.S. laboratory module, which will have been carried to the ISS on a preceding Shuttle flight. In order to function as an attached station module as well as a cargo transport, logistics modules (there are three) also include components that provide some life support, fire detection and suppression, electrical distribution and computer functions. Eventually, the modules also will carry refrigerator freezers for transporting experiment samples and food to and from the station. On the return of STS-102 to Earth, it will bring back the first crew on the station: Bill Shepherd, Sergei Krikalev and Yuri Gidzenko. STS-102 is scheduled to launch no earlier than Oct. 19, 2000, from Launch Pad 39A, Kennedy Space Center KSC-99pp1377

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the STS-102 crew, known as th...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the STS-102 crew, known as the Expedition II crew, and workers from Johnson Space Center get a close look at the Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA-3) in the Space Station ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-102 crew member Susan J. Helms looks over a Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA-3) in the Space Station Processing Facility. The PMA-3 is a component of the International Space Station (ISS). Helms is one of three who will be staying on the ISS as the Expedition II crew. The others are Yuriy Vladimirovich Usachev and James S. Voss. Along with the crew, Mission STS-102 also will be carrying the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) to the ISS. The Leonardo will be filled with equipment and supplies to outfit the U.S. laboratory module, which will have been carried to the ISS on a preceding Shuttle flight. In order to function as an attached station module as well as a cargo transport, logistics modules (there are three) also include components that provide some life support, fire detection and suppression, electrical distribution and computer functions. Eventually, the modules also will carry refrigerator freezers for transporting experiment samples and food to and from the station. On the return of STS-102 to Earth, it will bring back the first crew on the station: Bill Shepherd, Sergei Krikalev and Yuri Gidzenko. STS-102 is scheduled to launch no earlier than Oct. 19, 2000, from Launch Pad 39A, Kennedy Space Center KSC-99pp1376

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-102 crew member Susan J. Helms looks...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-102 crew member Susan J. Helms looks over a Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA-3) in the Space Station Processing Facility. The PMA-3 is a component of the International Space Sta... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, members of the STS-102 crew pose with workers from Johnson Space Center in front of the Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA-3), a component of the International Space Station (ISS). From left are Dave Moore (JSC), Susan J. Helms, Arne Aamodt (JSC), Yuriy Vladimirovich Usachev, Matt Myers (JSC) and James S. Voss. Voss, Helms and Usachev, known as the Expedition II crew, will be staying on the ISS, replacing the Expedition I crew, Bill Shepherd, Sergei Krikalev and Yuri Gidzenko. Along with the crew, Mission STS-102 also will be carrying the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) to the ISS. The Leonardo will be filled with equipment and supplies to outfit the U.S. laboratory module, which will have been carried to the ISS on a preceding Shuttle flight. In order to function as an attached station module as well as a cargo transport, logistics modules (there are three) also include components that provide some life support, fire detection and suppression, electrical distribution and computer functions. Eventually, the modules also will carry refrigerator freezers for transporting experiment samples and food to and from the station. STS-102 is scheduled to launch no earlier than Oct. 19, 2000, from Launch Pad 39A, Kennedy Space Center KSC-99pp1380

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, members of the STS-102 crew pose with workers from Johnson Space Center in front of the Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA-3), a component of... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Endeavour is viewed late at night from a point on the Rotating Service Structure more than 225 feet from the ground. Abutting the side of Endeavour is the orbiter access arm with the environmental chamber known as the White Room at the end. The White Room provides access to the crew compartment. Endeavour waits for mission STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), which will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the SRTM could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC00pp0216

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Endeav...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Endeavour is viewed late at night from a point on the Rotating Service Structure more than 225 feet from the ground. Abutting the side of Endeavou... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The day before launch, KSC videographer Glen Benson captures the setting sun behind Space Shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39A. This is a popular view of the Shuttle. Endeavour waits for mission STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), which will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the SRTM could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC-00pp0217

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The day before launch, KSC videographer...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The day before launch, KSC videographer Glen Benson captures the setting sun behind Space Shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39A. This is a popular view of the Shuttle. Endeavour wai... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Endeavour is viewed late at night from a point on the Rotating Service Structure more than 225 feet from the ground. Abutting the side of Endeavour is the orbiter access arm with the environmental chamber known as the White Room at the end. The White Room provides access to the crew compartment. Endeavour waits for mission STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), which will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the SRTM could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC-00pp0216

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Endeav...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Endeavour is viewed late at night from a point on the Rotating Service Structure more than 225 feet from the ground. Abutting the side of Endeavou... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After the rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Endeavour is marked with shadows from the lights on the Fixed Service Structure. Above the orange external tank is the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Hood, often called the "beanie cap," waiting to be lowered. The hood helps vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle until launch, when it is raised and retracted two and a half minutes before liftoff. Endeavour waits for mission STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), which will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the SRTM could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC00pp0215

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After the rollback of the Rotating Ser...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After the rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Endeavour is marked with shadows from the lights on the Fixed Service Structure. Above the o... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After the rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Endeavour is marked with shadows from the lights on the Fixed Service Structure. Above the orange external tank is the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Hood, often called the "beanie cap," waiting to be lowered. The hood helps vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle until launch, when it is raised and retracted two and a half minutes before liftoff. Endeavour waits for mission STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), which will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the SRTM could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC-00pp0215

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After the rollback of the Rotating Ser...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After the rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Endeavour is marked with shadows from the lights on the Fixed Service Structure. Above the o... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- As the sun sinks in the west, Space Shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39A is silhouetted. Only one solid rocket booster and external tank is visible with the Rotating Service Structure still in place. The 80-foot-tall fiberglass mast on top of the Fixed Service Structure points to the sky. Endeavour waits for mission STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), which will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the SRTM could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC00pp0218

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- As the sun sinks in the west, Space Shu...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- As the sun sinks in the west, Space Shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39A is silhouetted. Only one solid rocket booster and external tank is visible with the Rotating Service Struct... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The day before launch, KSC videographer Glen Benson captures the setting sun behind Space Shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39A. This is a popular view of the Shuttle. Endeavour waits for mission STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), which will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the SRTM could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC00pp0217

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The day before launch, KSC videographer...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The day before launch, KSC videographer Glen Benson captures the setting sun behind Space Shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39A. This is a popular view of the Shuttle. Endeavour wai... More

In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-99 Mission Specialist Mamoru Mohri of Japan smiles as he dons his launch and entry suit during final launch preparations. Known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), STS-99 is scheduled for liftoff at 12:30 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39A. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC-00pp0204

In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-99 Mission Specialist Mam...

In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-99 Mission Specialist Mamoru Mohri of Japan smiles as he dons his launch and entry suit during final launch preparations. Known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Missi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour is captured moments after liftoff from Launch Pad 39A. The water used for sound suppression (at left and below right) is just being released. In the upper background can be seen the Atlantic Ocean. Launch of Endeavour occurred at 12:43:40 p.m. EST. Known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), STS-99 will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the SRTM could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC00pp0229

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour is captured mo...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour is captured moments after liftoff from Launch Pad 39A. The water used for sound suppression (at left and below right) is just being released. In the upper... More

In the Operations and Checkout Building, an eager and smiling STS-99 crew gathers for breakfast before suiting up for launch. From left are Mission Specialists Mamoru Mohri and Janice Voss, Pilot Dominic Gorie, Commander Kevin Kregel, and Mission Specialists Janet Lynn Kavandi and Gerhard Thiele. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. Known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), STS-99 is scheduled for liftoff at 12:30 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39A. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last about 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC-00pp0203

In the Operations and Checkout Building, an eager and smiling STS-99 c...

In the Operations and Checkout Building, an eager and smiling STS-99 crew gathers for breakfast before suiting up for launch. From left are Mission Specialists Mamoru Mohri and Janice Voss, Pilot Dominic Gorie,... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Viewed from the roof of the Vehicle Assembly Building, Space Shuttle Endeavour appears to rise from the sea as it lifts off from Launch Pad 39A at 12:43:40 p.m. EST. Known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), STS-99 will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the SRTM could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC00pp0214

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Viewed from the roof of the Vehicle As...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Viewed from the roof of the Vehicle Assembly Building, Space Shuttle Endeavour appears to rise from the sea as it lifts off from Launch Pad 39A at 12:43:40 p.m. EST. Known as the... More

Before entering the orbiter Endeavour, STS-99 Commander Kevin Kregel shakes hands with Chris Meinert, closeout chief of the White Room closeout crew. In the background is Carlos Gillis, suit technician. The White Room is an environmental chamber at the end of the orbiter access arm, on the fixed service structure, that provides entry to the orbiter crew compartment. STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Scheduled for liftoff at 12:30 p.m. EST, the mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeav KSC00pp0231

Before entering the orbiter Endeavour, STS-99 Commander Kevin Kregel s...

Before entering the orbiter Endeavour, STS-99 Commander Kevin Kregel shakes hands with Chris Meinert, closeout chief of the White Room closeout crew. In the background is Carlos Gillis, suit technician. The Whi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Clouds of steam and smoke nearly surround Space Shuttle Endeavour as it rises past the launch tower on Launch Pad 39A. Liftoff of the Shuttle on mission STS-99 occurred at 12:43:40 p.m. EST. Known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), STS-99 will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the SRTM could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC00pp0226

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Clouds of steam and smoke nearly surrou...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Clouds of steam and smoke nearly surround Space Shuttle Endeavour as it rises past the launch tower on Launch Pad 39A. Liftoff of the Shuttle on mission STS-99 occurred at 12:43:4... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Through the shrubs surrounding the water near Launch Pad 39A can be seen Space Shuttle Endeavour roaring into the clear blue Florida sky on mission STS-99. aunch of Endeavour occurred at 12:43:40 p.m. EST. Known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), STS-99 will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the SRTM could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC00pp0220

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Through the shrubs surrounding the wat...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Through the shrubs surrounding the water near Launch Pad 39A can be seen Space Shuttle Endeavour roaring into the clear blue Florida sky on mission STS-99. aunch of Endeavour occ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- A rainbow corona of light shimmers behind Space Shuttle Endeavour as a column of flame hurls it into space. Liftoff of the Shuttle on mission STS-99 occurred at 12:43:40 p.m. EST. Known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), STS-99 will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the SRTM could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC-00pp0227

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- A rainbow corona of light shimmers beh...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- A rainbow corona of light shimmers behind Space Shuttle Endeavour as a column of flame hurls it into space. Liftoff of the Shuttle on mission STS-99 occurred at 12:43:40 p.m. EST... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour, with its solid rocket boosters (left and right) and external tank (center), shines in the spotlight on Launch Pad 39A, ready for launch on mission STS-99. On top of the external tank is the 13-foot-wide Gaseous Oxygen Vent Hood, often called the "beanie cap." The hood helps vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle. The hood will be raised and retracted two and a half minutes before launch. STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), is scheduled for liftoff at 12:30 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39A. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last about 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC-00padig002

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour, with its soli...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour, with its solid rocket boosters (left and right) and external tank (center), shines in the spotlight on Launch Pad 39A, ready for launch on mission STS-99... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Clouds of steam and smoke nearly surround Space Shuttle Endeavour as it rises past the launch tower on Launch Pad 39A. Liftoff of the Shuttle on mission STS-99 occurred at 12:43:40 p.m. EST. Known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), STS-99 will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the SRTM could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC-00pp0226

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Clouds of steam and smoke nearly surrou...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Clouds of steam and smoke nearly surround Space Shuttle Endeavour as it rises past the launch tower on Launch Pad 39A. Liftoff of the Shuttle on mission STS-99 occurred at 12:43:4... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- A perfect launch on a perfect Florida day! Framed by two immense billows of steam, Space Shuttle Endeavour breaks its Earthly tethers to soar into a clear blue sky. Liftoff of mission STS-99 occurred at 12:43:40 p.m. EST. Known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), STS-99 will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the SRTM could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC00padig005

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- A perfect launch on a perfect Florida ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- A perfect launch on a perfect Florida day! Framed by two immense billows of steam, Space Shuttle Endeavour breaks its Earthly tethers to soar into a clear blue sky. Liftoff of mi... More

The STS-99 crew wave to onlookers as they step eagerly from the Operations and Checkout Building enroute to Launch Pad 39A for liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour. In their orange launch and entry suits, they are (foreground) Pilot Dominic Gorie and Commander Kevin Kregel. Behind them (left to right) are Mission Specialists Janice Voss, Mamoru Mohri of Japan, Gerhard Thiele of Germany and Janet Lynn Kavandi. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. Known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), STS-99 is scheduled for liftoff at 12:30 p.m. EST. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC-00padig003

The STS-99 crew wave to onlookers as they step eagerly from the Operat...

The STS-99 crew wave to onlookers as they step eagerly from the Operations and Checkout Building enroute to Launch Pad 39A for liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour. In their orange launch and entry suits, they ar... More

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