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Space shuttle STS-127 - LAUNCH - Public domain NASA photogrpaph

Space shuttle STS-127 - LAUNCH - Public domain NASA photogrpaph

Description: SEQUENTIAL STILL COVERAGE OF LIFTOFF. FRAME VEHICLE AND LAUNCHER PLUS ONE VEHICLE LENGTH. Item: DD083-39A Date Taken: 7/15/2009 Image Type: DIGITAL STILLS STS127 LAUNCH AND LANDING

Space Shuttle Discovery, STS-51 G Launch

Space Shuttle Discovery, STS-51 G Launch

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery passes the control tower on Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as it touches down March 28, 2009, to complete the 13-day, 5.3-million mile journey on the STS-119 mission to the International Space Station. Main gear touchdown was at 3:13:17 p.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 3:13:40 p.m. and wheels stop was at 3:14:45 p.m. Discovery delivered the final pair of large power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment. The mission was the 28th flight to the station, the 36th flight of Discovery and the 125th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 70th landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Powers KSC-2009-2386

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery passes the control towe...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery passes the control tower on Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as it touches down March 28, 2009, to complete the 13-day, 5.3-million mile journey... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building, the external tank designated for Space Shuttle Discovery is lowered into high bay 3. There it will be stacked with the solid rocket boosters already in place on the mobile launcher platform. Discovery is scheduled to launch on mission STS-121 in July. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-06pd0725

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building, the e...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building, the external tank designated for Space Shuttle Discovery is lowered into high bay 3. There it will be stacked with the solid rocket boosters alre... More

Shuttle Discovery Is Demated From SCA

Shuttle Discovery Is Demated From SCA

The space shuttle Discovery is suspended from a sling held by two cranes shortly after the NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) was pushed back from underneath at Washington Dulles International Airport, Thu... More

Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, an overhead crane lifts the forward section of a solid rocket booster (SRB) to mate it with the components seen at lower left in the photo. The forward section of each booster, from nose cap to forward skirt contains avionics, a sequencer, forward separation motors, a nose cone separation system, drogue and main parachutes, a recovery beacon, a recovery light, a parachute camera on selected flights and a range safety system. Each SRB weighs approximately 1.3 million pounds at launch. The SRB is part of the stack for Space Shuttle Discovery and the STS-92 mission, scheduled for launch Oct. 5, from Launch Pad 39A, on the fifth flight to the International Space Station KSC-00pp0853

Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, an overhead crane lifts the forw...

Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, an overhead crane lifts the forward section of a solid rocket booster (SRB) to mate it with the components seen at lower left in the photo. The forward section of each boos... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Resupply Stowage Platform, or RSP, is moved into the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo. The module is part of the payload for space shuttle Discovery's STS-128 mission. Discovery will carry science and storage racks to the International Space Station . Launch of Discovery is targeted for Aug. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2944

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Resupply Stowage Platform, or RSP, is moved into the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo. The ... More

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

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is raised into the mate-demate device during operations to place it on top of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2168

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is raised into the mate-demate device during operations to place it on top of a Shuttle ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility, the 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with space shuttle Discovery on top is towed toward the mate-demate device. The piggybacked shuttle and aircraft touched down on runway 33 at 12:05 p.m. EDT. Discovery landed at Edwards Air Force Base in California on Sept. 11 after the 13-day STS-128 mission to the International Space Station. Landings at Kennedy were waved off on two days due to inclement weather, leading to the landing at Edwards. The two-day return flight from California began at 9:20 a.m. EDT Sept. 20. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-5160

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility, the 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with space shuttle Discovery on top is towed toward the mate-demate device. The piggybacked shu... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The fiery light of ignition spills over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as space shuttle Discovery roars toward space on the STS-119 mission. Liftoff was on time at 7:43 p.m. EDT. The STS-119 mission is the 28th to the International Space Station and the 125th space shuttle flight. Discovery will deliver the final pair of power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment. Installation of S6 will signal the station's readiness to house a six-member crew for conducting increased science. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Kevin O'Connell KSC-2009-2063

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The fiery light of ignition spills over Launch ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The fiery light of ignition spills over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as space shuttle Discovery roars toward space on the STS-119 mission. Liftoff was on time ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The payload canister arrives under the payload changeout room in the rotating service structure on Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The canister holds the payloads for mission STS-121: the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo, with supplies and equipment for the International Space Station; the lightweight multi-purpose experiment support structure carrier; and the integrated cargo carrier, with the mobile transporter reel assembly and a spare pump module. The payload canister will be lifted into the changeout room where the payloads will be transferred to Space Shuttle Discovery's payload bay. Discovery is scheduled to launch on mission STS-121 from Launch Pad 39B in a window that opens July 1 and extends to July 19. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0851

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The payload canister arrives under the...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The payload canister arrives under the payload changeout room in the rotating service structure on Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The canister holds the payloads... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, United Space Alliance and B.F. Goodrich technicians work on the starboard landing gear assembly of space shuttle Discovery. They will replace a leaking dynamic seal in Discovery's right main-gear strut. The struts act as shock absorbers during the shuttle's landing. Engineers determined the observed leak of hydraulic fluid in the main landing gear strut exceeded specification and could not be reduced to an acceptable rate. Removing the strut and replacing seals require disconnecting and replacing the brakes and tires, disconnecting and reconnecting instruments and other requirements to allow access to the strut. Discovery had been scheduled to roll over Sept. 19 from its processing hangar to the Vehicle Assembly Building. A new rollover date will be set after technicians determine how long replacing the seal will take. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd2494

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, Un...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, United Space Alliance and B.F. Goodrich technicians work on the starboard landing gear assembly of space shuttle Discovery. They will replace... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As the ground fills with smoke and steam, Space Shuttle Discovery creates its own fireworks display, fitting for the first ever launch to be made on Independence Day. It was the third launch attempt in four days; the others were scrubbed due to weather concerns. Liftoff on mission STS-121 was on-time at 2:38 p.m. EDT. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew of seven will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Landing is scheduled for July 16 or 17 at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility. Photo courtesy of Nikon/Scott Andrews KSC-06pd1443

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As the ground fills with smoke and steam...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As the ground fills with smoke and steam, Space Shuttle Discovery creates its own fireworks display, fitting for the first ever launch to be made on Independence Day. It was the ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers prepare to begin removing the quick disconnect from the ground umbilical carrier plate (GUCP) on space shuttle Discovery's external fuel tank. A hydrogen gas leak at that location during tanking for the STS-133 mission to the International Space Station caused the launch attempt to be scrubbed Nov. 5. The GUCP will be examined to determine the cause of the hydrogen leak and then repaired. The GUCP is the overboard vent to the pad and the flame stack where the vented hydrogen is burned off. Discovery's next launch attempt is targeted for no earlier than Nov. 30 at 4:02 a.m. EST. For more information on STS-133, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-5569

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers prepare to begin removing the quick disconnect from the ground umbilical carrier plate (GUCP) on space shuttle Discov... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The flag at right identifies Space Shuttle Discovery on Launch Pad 39A after its rollout and before the Rotating Service Structure is moved around it. Scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT on mission STS-92, Discovery will be making the 100th Space Shuttle mission launched from Kennedy Space Center. Discovery also will be making its 28th flight into space, more than any of the other orbiters to date. STS-92 is a mission to the International Space Station, carrying the Z1 truss, which is the first of 10 trusses on the Station, and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter KSC00pp1415

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The flag at right identifies Space Shutt...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The flag at right identifies Space Shuttle Discovery on Launch Pad 39A after its rollout and before the Rotating Service Structure is moved around it. Scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at... More

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

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

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

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

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Viewed from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Discovery has cleared the clouds over the seaside launch pad and hurtles toward space. Liftoff was on time at 11:38:19 a.m. EDT. Discovery carries the Italian-built U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. During the 14-day STS-120 mission, the crew will install Harmony and move the P6 solar arrays to their permanent position and deploy them. Discovery is expected to complete its mission and return home at 4:47 a.m. EST on Nov. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Chuck Tintera KSC-07pd2956

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Viewed from the Shuttle Landing Facilit...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Viewed from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Discovery has cleared the clouds over the seaside launch pad and hurtles toward space. Lift... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Launch Pad 39B, both of Space Shuttle Discovery's payload bay doors are closed for launch. Inside the payload bay, the cargo includes the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo and the integrated cargo carrier. Discovery is scheduled to launch on mission STS-121 at 3:49 p.m. July 1 carrying a crew of seven on the 12-day mission to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd1171

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Launch Pad 39B, both of Space Shuttl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Launch Pad 39B, both of Space Shuttle Discovery's payload bay doors are closed for launch. Inside the payload bay, the cargo includes the multi-purpose logistics module Leonar... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the crew members of space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 mission go for a ride in an M-113 armored personnel carrier with Battalion Chief David Seymour. An M-113 is kept at the foot of the launch pad in case an emergency egress from the vicinity of the pad is needed, and training on the vehicle is part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT). TCDT provides each shuttle crew and launch team an opportunity to participate in various simulated activities, including equipment familiarization and a launch countdown. Space shuttle Discovery and its STS-133 crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. For more information on the STS-133 mission, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-5109

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the crew members of space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 mission go for a ride in an M-113 armored personnel carrier with Battalion Chief David Se... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers prepare to tow a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft to the mate-demate device for mating with space shuttle Discovery. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a Boeing 747 jet originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. Discovery’s new home will be the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2209

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers prepare to tow a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft to the mate-demate device for mating with space shuttle Discov... More

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

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star delivers a spent shuttle booster to workers at Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The booster was used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-1940

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star delivers a spent shuttle booster to workers at Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The booster was used during ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the Shuttle Training Aircraft is ready for STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault or Pilot Tony Antonelli to practice shuttle landings on the Shuttle Landing Facility's runway. The mission crew members arrived in the afternoon at Kennedy to prepare for launch. The mission is the 28th to the International Space Station and the 125th space shuttle flight. Space shuttle Discovery will deliver the final pair of power-generating solar array wings and truss element, S6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1991

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the Shuttle Training Aircraft is ready for STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault or Pilot Tony Antonelli to p... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians reattach the vent line to the ground umbilical carrier plate (GUCP) on space shuttle Discovery's external fuel tank. A hydrogen gas leak at that location during tanking for Discovery's STS-133 mission to the International Space Station caused the launch attempt to be scrubbed Nov. 5. The GUCP is the overboard vent to the pad and the flame stack where the excess hydrogen is burned off. Discovery's next launch attempt is no earlier than Nov. 30 at 4:02 a.m. EST. For more information on STS-133, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2010-5706

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians reattach the vent line to the ground umbilical carrier plate (GUCP) on space shuttle Discovery's external fuel ta... More

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

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

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

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

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis is towed from the Vehicle Assembly Building toward Orbiter Processing Facility-1 OPF-1. In the background, space shuttle Discovery faces Atlantis after it was completely towed out from OPF-1. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the three space shuttles. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and is scheduled to rollover to the complex in November. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2012-1728

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis is towed from the Vehicle Assembly Building toward Orbiter Processing Facility-1 OPF-1. In the background, space shuttle ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On the Skid Strip at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney is saluted by officers from Patrick Air Force Base as he boards Air Force Two for a return trip to Washington. Cheney and his family flew in earlier to witness the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121. The launch was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1352

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On the Skid Strip at Cape Canaveral Air F...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On the Skid Strip at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney is saluted by officers from Patrick Air Force Base as he boards Air Force Two for a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, United Space Alliance shuttle technicians remove the hard cover from a window on Space Shuttle Discovery to enable STS-121 crew members to inspect the window from the cockpit. Launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121, the second return-to-flight mission, is scheduled no earlier than May. KSC-06pd0316

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, United Space Alliance shuttle technicians remove the hard cover from a window on Space Shuttle Discovery to enable... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The SRB Retrieval Ship Liberty Star tows a spent solid rocket booster toward Port Canaveral. The booster is from Space Shuttle Discovery, which launched on July 4. The space shuttle’s solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered at sea. The boosters impact the Atlantic Ocean approximately seven minutes after liftoff. The splashdown area is a square of about 6 by 9 nautical miles located about 140 nautical miles downrange from the launch pad. The retrieval ships are stationed approximately 8 to 10 nautical miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. As soon as the boosters enter the water, the ships accelerate to a speed of 15 knots and quickly close on the boosters. The pilot chutes and main parachutes are the first items to be brought on board. With the chutes and frustum recovered, attention turns to the boosters. The ship’s tow line is connected and the booster is returned to the Port and ,after transfer to a position alongside the ship, to Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. There, the expended boosters are disassembled, refurbished and reloaded with solid propellant for reuse. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd1492

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The SRB Retrieval Ship Liberty Star to...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The SRB Retrieval Ship Liberty Star tows a spent solid rocket booster toward Port Canaveral. The booster is from Space Shuttle Discovery, which launched on July 4. The space shu... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Lockheed Martin external tank technician from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans inspects the foam modification on external tank 120 in the Vehicle Assembly Building. The foam insulation and super lightweight ablator cork insulation were removed from the external tank and LO2 feed line bracket on Aug. 24 and replaced only with BX265 foam insulation. The tank is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Discovery in October 2007 on mission STS-120. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd2374

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Lockheed Martin external tank technici...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Lockheed Martin external tank technician from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans inspects the foam modification on external tank 120 in the Vehicle Assembly Building. ... More

JSC2010-E-046777 (5 April 2010) --- Astronaut Rick Sturckow, spacecraft communicator (CAPCOM) for the STS-131 mission, is pictured at his console in the space shuttle flight control room in the Johnson Space Center's Mission Control Center during launch countdown activities a few hundred miles away in Florida, site of space shuttle Discovery's STS-131 launch. jsc2010e046777

JSC2010-E-046777 (5 April 2010) --- Astronaut Rick Sturckow, spacecraf...

JSC2010-E-046777 (5 April 2010) --- Astronaut Rick Sturckow, spacecraft communicator (CAPCOM) for the STS-131 mission, is pictured at his console in the space shuttle flight control room in the Johnson Space Ce... More

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

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

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

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

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery is towed from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Discovery's landing ended the 14-day, STS-124 mission to the International Space Station. The STS-124 mission delivered the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system to the space station. The landing was on time at 11:15 a.m. EDT. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd1738

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery is towed from the Shu...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery is towed from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Discovery's landing ended the 14-day, STS-124 mission to the International Space Stat... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, inspect the left spent booster used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch, after it was lowered onto a tracked dolly for processing. The shuttle's two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1920

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembl...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, inspect the left spent booster used during space shuttle Discovery's... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members inspect the Columbus European Laboratory, part of the payload on their mission. Seen here is Commander Steve Frick. The crew is participating in a crew equipment interface test that provides opportunities for hands-on experience with payloads and equipment. The other crew members are Pilot Alan Poindexter and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim, Stan Love, Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency. The 24th mission to the International Space Station, STS-122 will also include the Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure - Non-Deployable (MPESS-ND). Launch of STS-122 on Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled no earlier than October. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0058

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members inspect the Columbus European Laboratory, part of the payload on their mission. Seen here is Commander Steve Frick.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- One of the shuttle training aircraft, or STA, flies over NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility during landing practice. The commander and pilot of the STS-124 mission, Mark Kelly and Ken Ham, are making the practice landings. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate an orbiter's cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the aircraft duplicates the orbiter's atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. Space shuttle Discovery is scheduled to lift off on the STS-124 mission at 5:02 p.m. May 31. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1473

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- One of the shuttle training aircraft, or STA,...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- One of the shuttle training aircraft, or STA, flies over NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility during landing practice. The commander and pilot of the STS-124 mission, M... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the early morning hours, the Rotating Service Structure (left) begins rolling back to free Space Shuttle Discovery for launch of mission STS-92 at 8:05 p.m. Oct. 9. Above the external tank can be seen the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm with its vent hood, commonly referred to as the “beanie cap.” The system is designed to vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Shuttle after cryogenic loading. The scheduled launch is the second attempt after an earlier scrub. STS-92 is making the fifth flight for construction of the International Space Station. The mission is also the 100th in the history of the Shuttle program KSC-00pp1508

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the early morning hours, the Rotatin...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the early morning hours, the Rotating Service Structure (left) begins rolling back to free Space Shuttle Discovery for launch of mission STS-92 at 8:05 p.m. Oct. 9. Above the e... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dawn breaks over the Atlantic Ocean near Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to reveal space shuttle Discovery newly arrived for its upcoming launch. First motion on its 3.4-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 7:58 p.m. EST Jan. 31, and was secured or "hard down" on the pad a little before 3 a.m. Feb. 1. Discovery's next launch opportunity to the International Space Station on the STS-133 mission is targeted for Feb. 24. For more information on STS-133, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-1324

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dawn breaks over the Atlantic Ocean near Launc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dawn breaks over the Atlantic Ocean near Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to reveal space shuttle Discovery newly arrived for its upcoming launch. First motion on... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Crews in Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida remove space shuttle Discovery's right-hand inner heat shield from engine No. 1. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display.Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2011-2396

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Crews in Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA'...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Crews in Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida remove space shuttle Discovery's right-hand inner heat shield from engine No. 1. The removal is part of Di... More

Inside the Payload Changeout Room (PCR), workers prepare to move the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 out of the payload canister. Once inside the PCR, workers will get ready to move the Z1 into the payload bay of Space Shuttle Discovery. The Z1 truss is the first of 10 that will become the backbone of the International Space Station, eventually stretching the length of a football field. Along with its companion payload, the third Pressurized Mating Adapter, the Z1 is scheduled to be launched aboard Discovery Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT KSC-00pp1358

Inside the Payload Changeout Room (PCR), workers prepare to move the I...

Inside the Payload Changeout Room (PCR), workers prepare to move the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 out of the payload canister. Once inside the PCR, workers will get ready to move the Z1 into the payload bay of... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA hosted a media event featuring Robonaut (R2), a dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the public. R2 will fly to the International Space Station aboard space shuttle Discovery on the STS-133 mission. Although it will initially only participate in operational tests, upgrades could eventually allow the robot to realize its true purpose -- helping spacewalking astronauts with tasks outside the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2010-4375

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, NASA hosted a media event featuring Robonaut (R2), a dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the publi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Installed on a transporter, the payload canister moves out of the Vertical Processing Facility. Inside the canister are the SPACEHAB module and the port 5 truss segment for mission STS-116. They will be moved into the payload changeout room at the pad and transferred into Space Shuttle Discovery's payload bay once the vehicle has rolled out to the pad. The payload canister is 65 feet long, 18 feet wide and 18 feet, 7 inches high. It has the capability to carry vertically or horizontally processed payloads up to 15 feet in diameter and 60 feet long, matching the capacity of the orbiter payload bay. It can carry payloads weighing up to 65,000 pounds. Clamshell-shaped doors at the top of the canister operate like the orbiter payload bay doors, with the same allowable clearances. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd2451

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Installed on a transporter, the payload...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Installed on a transporter, the payload canister moves out of the Vertical Processing Facility. Inside the canister are the SPACEHAB module and the port 5 truss segment for missi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After a 15-day mission to the International Space Station, space shuttle Discovery kicks up dust as its wheels touch down on Runway 33 of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center at 1:01 p.m. EST on Nov. 7, completing mission STS-120. Main gear touchdown was 1:01:16 p.m. Wheel stop was at 1:02:07 p.m. Mission elapsed time was 15 days, 2 hours, 24 minutes and 2 seconds. The STS-120 crew continued the construction of the station with the installation of the Harmony Node 2 module and the relocation of the P6 truss. Photo credit: NASA/Tom Farrar KSC-07pd3153

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After a 15-day mission to the Internati...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After a 15-day mission to the International Space Station, space shuttle Discovery kicks up dust as its wheels touch down on Runway 33 of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Ke... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center aboard a Grumman G2 aircraft, the STS-121 crew gathers at a microphone for the media. Seen here at center is Pilot Mark Kelly. Other crew members are Mission Commander Steven Lindsey and Mission Specialists Michael Fossum, Lisa Nowak, Stephanie Wilson, Piers Sellers and Thomas Reiter, who represents the European Space Agency. The crew is at the space center to take part in a Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT. Over several days, the crew will practice emergency egress from the pad and suit up in their orange flight suits for the simulated countdown to launch. Space Shuttle Discovery is designated to launch July 1 on mission STS-121. It will carry supplies to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1042

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Cen...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center aboard a Grumman G2 aircraft, the STS-121 crew gathers at a microphone for the media. Seen here at center is Pilot Mark Kelly. Other c... More

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

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

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

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

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Center Director Robert Cabana, second from right, joins space shuttle support personnel in a ceremony following the final power down of space shuttle Discovery during Space Shuttle Program transition and retirement activities. "Power down" followed the final closure of Discovery's payload bay doors. Discovery is being prepared for public display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., in 2012. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-8324

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Center Director Robert Cabana, second from right, joins space shuttle support personnel in a ceremony following... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After a 15-day mission to the International Space Station, space shuttle Discovery glides to a smooth landing on Runway 33 of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center at 1:01 p.m. EST on Nov. 7, completing mission STS-120. Main gear touchdown was 1:01:16 p.m. Wheel stop was at 1:02:07 p.m. Mission elapsed time was 15 days, 2 hours, 24 minutes and 2 seconds. The STS-120 crew continued the construction of the station with the installation of the Harmony Node 2 module and the relocation of the P6 truss. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3156

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After a 15-day mission to the Internatio...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After a 15-day mission to the International Space Station, space shuttle Discovery glides to a smooth landing on Runway 33 of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space C... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Like a roman candle shooting through the blue sky, the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 kicks off the fireworks for the U.S. holiday in its third launch attempt in four days. Liftoff was on-time at 2:38 p.m. EDT. The countdown clock on the grounds of the NASA News Center shows 17 seconds into the launch. Media crowd the banks of the turn basin to capture the sight of the launch. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew of seven will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Landing is scheduled for July 16 or 17 at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd1413

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Like a roman candle shooting through t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Like a roman candle shooting through the blue sky, the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 kicks off the fireworks for the U.S. holiday in its third launch attem... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is suspended 60 feet off the ground inside the mate-demate device in preparation for the arrival of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, in the background. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2200

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is suspended 60 feet off the ground inside the mate-demate device in preparation for the... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Brilliant flames spread light across Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as space shuttle Discovery roars toward space on the STS-128 mission. Liftoff from Launch Pad 39A was on time at 11:59 p.m. EDT. The first launch attempt on Aug. 24 was postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions. The second attempt on Aug. 25 also was postponed due to an issue with a valve in space shuttle Discovery's main propulsion system. The STS-128 mission is the 30th International Space Station assembly flight and the 128th space shuttle flight. The 13-day mission will deliver more than 7 tons of supplies, science racks and equipment, as well as additional environmental hardware to sustain six crew members on the International Space Station. The equipment includes a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and the COLBERT treadmill. Photo courtesy of Scott Andrews KSC-2009-4927

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Brilliant flames spread light across Launch Pad...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Brilliant flames spread light across Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as space shuttle Discovery roars toward space on the STS-128 mission. Liftoff from Launch Pad... More

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

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

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

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

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The blue cones of light, known as shock or mach diamonds, beneath Space Shuttle Discovery's main engines confirm its rapid rise into the night sky after liftoff on mission STS-116. Mach diamonds are a formation of shock waves in the exhaust plume of an aerospace propulsion system. Liftoff occurred on time at 8:47 p.m. EST. This was the second launch attempt for mission STS-116. The first launch attempt on Dec. 7 was postponed due a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2003. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 21 at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-06pp2766

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The blue cones of light, known as shock...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The blue cones of light, known as shock or mach diamonds, beneath Space Shuttle Discovery's main engines confirm its rapid rise into the night sky after liftoff on mission STS-116... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The early morning sun falls on Launch Pad 39A and Space Shuttle Discovery, which is waiting for launch on mission STS-92 Oct. 5, 2000. Leading to the pad (from the foreground) is the ramp leading from the crawlerway, the specially built road that provides the Shuttles access to the pads from the Vehicle Assembly Building. At the right of the pad is the 300,000-gallon water tank that is part of the sound suppression system during launches. Beyond is the Atlantic Ocean. At the far left can be seen Launch Pad 39B with its water tank KSC-00pp1298

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The early morning sun falls on Launch P...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The early morning sun falls on Launch Pad 39A and Space Shuttle Discovery, which is waiting for launch on mission STS-92 Oct. 5, 2000. Leading to the pad (from the foreground) is ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane moves towards the SPACEHAB Module to transport in to the Payload Canister. The SPACEHAB Module will carry racks of experiments, flight hardware, spacewalk equipment and supplies to support mission STS-116 to the International Space Station. STS-116 will be mission number 20 to the station and construction flight 12A.1. Along with SPACEHAB, the mission payload on Space Shuttle Discovery includes the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. The launch window opens Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-06pd2444

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the Space Station Processing Fac...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane moves towards the SPACEHAB Module to transport in to the Payload Canister. The SPACEHAB Module will carry racks of ... More

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

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Steve Swanson adjusts his helmet as he puts on the launch-and-entry suit for the launch of space shuttle Discovery. The crew will be heading for Launch Pad 39A and liftoff of Discovery, scheduled for 7:43 p.m. EDT on March 15. An earlier launch attempt March 11 was scrubbed at 2:36 p.m. due to a gaseous hydrogen leak from the external tank at the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate during tanking. A seven-inch quick disconnect and two seals were replaced. The STS-119 mission is the 28th to the International Space Station and the 125th space shuttle flight. Discovery will deliver the final pair of power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment. Installation of S6 will signal the station's readiness to house a six-member crew for conducting increased science. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2044

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Steve Swanson adjusts his helmet as he puts on the launch-and-entry suit for ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Deputy Director of NASA's Stennis Space Center Patrick Scheuermann and Mission Management Chair Mike Moses go through the tie-cutting ritual after working their first shuttle launch. Space shuttle Discovery lifted off on time at 7:43 p.m. EDT. The STS-119 mission is the 28th to the space station and Discovery's 36th flight. Discovery will deliver the final pair of power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment. Installation of S6 will signal the station's readiness to house a six-member crew for conducting increased science. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2104

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Deputy Director of NASA's Stennis Space Center Patrick Scheuermann and Mission Management Chair Mi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Repair work to space shuttle Discovery's external fuel tank begins in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Technicians will modify 32 support beams, called stringers, on the tank's intertank region by fitting pieces of metal, called radius blocks, over the stringers' edges where they attach to the thrust panel area. The thrust panel is where the tank meets the two solid rocket boosters and sees the most stress during the flight into orbit. After the modifications and additional scans of the stringers are complete, foam insulation will be re-applied. Discovery's next launch opportunity to the International Space Station on the STS-133 mission is no earlier than Feb. 3, 2011. For more information on STS-133, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2011-1000

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Repair work to space shuttle Discovery's exter...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Repair work to space shuttle Discovery's external fuel tank begins in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Technicians will modify 32 support beams, c... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Shadows in the water next to the runway reflect space shuttle Discovery being towed from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Discovery's landing ended the 14-day, STS-124 mission to the International Space Station. The STS-124 mission delivered the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system to the International Space Station. The landing was on time at 11:15 a.m. EDT. Photo courtesy of Scott Andrews. KSC-08pd1750

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Shadows in the water next to the runway refle...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Shadows in the water next to the runway reflect space shuttle Discovery being towed from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Discovery's landing ended the 14-d... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A Rawinsonde weather balloon sails into the sky after release from the Cape Canaveral forecast facility in Florida. The release was planned as part of a media tour prior to the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 July 1. Rawinsonde balloons are GPS-tracked and can collect such data as atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity and wind speed and direction up to 100,000 feet. At the facility, which is operated by the U.S. Air Force 45th Weather Squadron, media saw the tools used by the weather team to create the forecast for launch day. They received a briefing on how the launch weather forecast is developed by Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters and met the forecasters for the space shuttle and the expendable launch vehicles. Also participating were members of the Applied Meteorology Unit who provide special expertise to the forecasters by analyzing and interpreting unusual or inconsistent weather data. The media were able to see the release of the Rawinsonde weather balloon carrying instruments aloft to be used as part of developing the forecast. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd1283

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A Rawinsonde weather balloon sails into...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A Rawinsonde weather balloon sails into the sky after release from the Cape Canaveral forecast facility in Florida. The release was planned as part of a media tour prior to the ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From the viewing area of the Operations and Support Building II, U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney will be able to view the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121. Cheney flew in earlier to view the launch. Standing next to him is Shana Dale, NASA deputy administrator. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1351

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From the viewing area of the Operations a...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From the viewing area of the Operations and Support Building II, U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney will be able to view the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121. Chen... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As the sun comes up over the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is suspended above the ground at the mate-demate device during operations to place it on top of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. A tail cone has been installed over Discovery’s three replica shuttle main engines to reduce aerodynamic drag and turbulence during the ferry flight. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2167

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As the sun comes up over the Shuttle Landing Fa...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As the sun comes up over the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is suspended above the ground at the mate-demate device during ope... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the tip-top of the bright-orange external fuel tank is where workers will prepare to begin removing the quick disconnect from the ground umbilical carrier plate (GUCP). A hydrogen gas leak at that location during tanking for space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 mission to the International Space Station caused the launch attempt to be scrubbed Nov. 5. The GUCP will be examined to determine the cause of the hydrogen leak and then repaired. The GUCP is the overboard vent to the pad and the flame stack where the vented hydrogen is burned off. Discovery's next launch attempt is targeted for no earlier than Nov. 30 at 4:02 a.m. EST. For more information on STS-133, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-5563

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the tip-top of the bright-orange external fuel tank is where workers will prepare to begin removing the quick disconnect from... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Swarms of people are at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida to watch space shuttle Discovery lift off on its final scheduled mission from Launch Pad 39A. Liftoff is set for 4:50 p.m. EST on Feb. 24. Discovery and its six-member STS-133 crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the International Space Station. Discovery, which will fly its 39th mission, is scheduled to be retired following STS-133. This will be the 133rd Space Shuttle Program mission and the 35th shuttle voyage to the space station. For more information on the STS-133 mission, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2011-1624

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Swarms of people are at the Kennedy Space Cent...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Swarms of people are at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida to watch space shuttle Discovery lift off on its final scheduled mission from Launch Pad 39A. Liftoff is ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey talks to media at Launch Pad 39A, where space shuttle Discovery is poised for launch next month. The six-member STS-133 crew is at Kennedy for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), which provides each shuttle crew and launch team an opportunity to participate in various simulated activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training at the launch pad. Discovery and its crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. For more information on the STS-133 mission, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-5148

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey talks to media at Launch Pad 39A, where space shuttle Discovery is poised for launch next month. The six-member... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, completes the turn on runway 15 in preparation for a takeoff at 7 a.m. EDT to deliver Discovery to its new home. The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-2359

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, completes t... 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. -- In NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building, orbiter Discovery is in place on the mobile launcher platform after being lowered into high bay 3 for mating with its external tank and solid rocket boosters. Space Shuttle Discovery is expected to roll out to Launch Pad 39B later this week via the crawler-transporter. Launch of Discovery on mission STS-121 is scheduled to take place in a window extending July 1 to July 19. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0833

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building, or...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building, orbiter Discovery is in place on the mobile launcher platform after being lowered into high bay 3 for mating with its external tank and solid ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Firing Room 4, STS-128 Launch Director Pete Nickolenko waits for the launch of space shuttle Discovery on the STS-128 mission. Liftoff from Launch Pad 39A was on time at 11:59 p.m. EDT. The first launch attempt on Aug. 24 was postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions. The second attempt on Aug. 25 also was postponed due to an issue with a valve in space shuttle Discovery's main propulsion system. The STS-128 mission is the 30th International Space Station assembly flight and the 128th space shuttle flight. The 13-day mission will deliver more than 7 tons of supplies, science racks and equipment, as well as additional environmental hardware to sustain six crew members on the International Space Station. The equipment includes a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and the COLBERT treadmill. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-4901

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Firing Room 4, ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Firing Room 4, STS-128 Launch Director Pete Nickolenko waits for the launch of space shuttle Discovery on the STS-128 mission. Liftoff from Launch Pad 39A... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-133 launch team members rehearse procedures for the liftoff of space shuttle Discovery's final mission in Firing Room 4. The team at Kennedy also participated in launch simulations with personnel at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. Discovery's next launch opportunity to the International Space Station on the STS-133 mission is planned for no earlier than Feb. 24. For more information on STS-133, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-1049

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-133 launch team members rehearse procedures for the liftoff of space shuttle Discovery's final mission in Firing Room 4. The team at Kenned... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery is being towed from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility to Orbiter Processing Facility 3. Discovery returned to Kennedy atop a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft Sept. 21 after a two-day ferry flight. The piggybacked shuttle and aircraft touched down on the Shuttle Landing Facility's runway 33 at 12:05 p.m. EDT and the shuttle later was demated from the aircraft. Discovery landed at Edwards Air Force Base in California on Sept. 11 after the 13-day STS-128 mission to the International Space Station. Landings at Kennedy were waved off on two days due to inclement weather, leading to the landing at Edwards. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-5168

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery is being towed from NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery is being towed from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility to Orbiter Processing Facility 3. Discovery returned to Kennedy atop a Shuttle Carrier Ai... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Touchdown of space shuttle Discovery on Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center disturbs the resident wildlife, unaware that the conclusion of the 13-day, 5.3-million mile journey on the STS-119 mission to the International Space Station was imminent on this lazy Florida afternoon. Main gear touchdown was at 3:13:17 p.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 3:13:40 p.m. and wheels stop was at 3:14:45 p.m. Discovery delivered the final pair of large power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment. The mission was the 28th flight to the station, the 36th flight of Discovery and the 125th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 70th landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Michael Kerley KSC-2009-2356

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Touchdown of space shuttle Discovery on Runway ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Touchdown of space shuttle Discovery on Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center disturbs the resident wildlife, unaware that the conclusion of the 13-day, 5.3-million mile journey on the... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a left-side main separation bolt attaches the bottom of space shuttle Discovery to its external fuel tank in the Vehicle Assembly Building. As technicians were attaching the bolt Sept. 10, a bolt nut slipped back into Discovery's aft compartment. To retrieve it, technicians entered Discovery’s aft section through an access door. They then moved the nut back into position to finish attaching the bolt, which is used to separate Discovery from the external tank once the shuttle is in orbit. Discovery is scheduled to roll out to Launch Pad 39A later this month for its STS-133 launch to the International Space Station. Targeted to lift off Nov. 1, Discovery will take the Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM) packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2 (R2) to the station. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2010-4648

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a left-side main separation bolt attaches the bottom of space shuttle Discovery to its external fuel tank in the Vehicle Assembly Building. As ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure Carrier, or LMC, lowered into the payload canister for installation. Part of the payload for space shuttle Discovery's STS-128 mission to the International Space Station, the carrier holds an ammonia tank assembly. The STS-128 flight also will carry science and storage racks to the space station on Discovery. Launch of Discovery is targeted for Aug. 18. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2009-3928

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure Carrier, or LMC, lowered into the payload ca... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As the orbiter Discovery, sitting on an orbiter transporter, moves away from NASA's Orbiter Processing Facility toward the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), workers accompany the vehicle. The rollover to the VAB marks the start of the journey to the launch pad and, ultimately, launch. Once inside the VAB, Discovery will be raised to vertical and lifted up and over into high bay 3 for stacking with its redesigned external tank and twin solid rocket boosters. The rollout of Space Shuttle Discovery to Launch Pad 39B is expected in approximately a week. Launch of Discovery on mission STS-121 is scheduled to take place in a window extending July 1 to July 19. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0818

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As the orbiter Discovery, sitting on an o...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As the orbiter Discovery, sitting on an orbiter transporter, moves away from NASA's Orbiter Processing Facility toward the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), workers accompany the veh... More

An STS-102 crew member reaches for the release lever for the slidewire basket, used for emergency egress from the orbiter and pad. The crew is at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include the emergency training and a simulated launch countdown. On the horizon in the background can be seen the Vehicle Assembly Building. STS-102 is the eighth construction flight to the International Space Station, with Space Shuttle Discovery carrying the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo. In addition, the Expedition Two crew will be on the mission, to replace Expedition One, who will return to Earth with Discovery. Launch on mission STS-102 is scheduled for March 8 KSC01pp0340

An STS-102 crew member reaches for the release lever for the slidewire...

An STS-102 crew member reaches for the release lever for the slidewire basket, used for emergency egress from the orbiter and pad. The crew is at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As the sun rises, preparations are under way for the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft carrying space shuttle Discovery to back out of the Shuttle Landing Facility's mate-demate device at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2250

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As the sun rises, preparations are under way fo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As the sun rises, preparations are under way for the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft carrying space shuttle Discovery to back out of the Shuttle Landing Facility's mate-demate device at NASA’s K... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Commander Mark Polansky is ready to begin practice flights on the shuttle training aircraft (STA) three days before launch. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate an orbiter's cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the STA duplicates the orbiter's atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. Because the orbiter is unpowered during re-entry and landing, its high-speed glide must be perfectly executed the first time. Launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-116 is scheduled for 9:35 p.m. Dec. 7. On the mission, the STS-116 crew will deliver truss segment, P5, to the International Space Station and begin the intricate process of reconfiguring and redistributing the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. The P5 will be mated to the P4 truss that was delivered and attached during the STS-115 mission in September. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2649

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Commander Mark Polansky is read...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Commander Mark Polansky is ready to begin practice flights on the shuttle training aircraft (STA) three days before launch. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built G... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Radar operator Scott Peabody tests the X-band radar array installed on the solid rocket booster retrieval ship Liberty before launch of Space Shuttle Discovery. It is one of two Weibel Continuous Pulse Doppler X-band radars located on each of the two SRB retrieval ships. This one will be located downrange of the launch site. It is one of two Weibel Continuous Pulse Doppler X-band radars located on each of the two SRB retrieval ships. This one will be located downrange of the launch site. Working with the land-based C-band radar, the X-band radars provide velocity and differential shuttle/debris motion information during launch. The radar data will be sent from the ships via satellite link and analyzed at the C-band radar site located on north Kennedy Space Center. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd2648

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Radar operator Scott Peabody tests the ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Radar operator Scott Peabody tests the X-band radar array installed on the solid rocket booster retrieval ship Liberty before launch of Space Shuttle Discovery. It is one of two... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an employee guides a replica shuttle main engine (RSME) toward installation on space shuttle Discovery. This is the first of three replica engines to be installed. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of Discovery. Discovery is being prepared for display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-8168

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an employee guides a replica shuttle main engine (RSME) toward installation on space shuttle Discovery. ... More

A close-up view of Space Shuttle Discovery's tail section is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 13 crew member on the International Space Station (ISS) during the STS-121 Rotating Pitch Maneuver (RPM) survey. Visible are the space shuttle's main engines (SSME), vertical stabilizer, orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pods and a portion of the aft cargo bay and wings. The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has management responsibility for development of the SSME. n/a

A close-up view of Space Shuttle Discovery's tail section is featured ...

A close-up view of Space Shuttle Discovery's tail section is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 13 crew member on the International Space Station (ISS) during the STS-121 Rotating Pitch Maneuv... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An overhead crane lowers a solid rocket booster segment toward a railroad car at the railroad yard at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The yellow transportation end cover has already been inserted and is secure. The spent segment is part of the booster used to launch space shuttle Discovery in October. The segment will be placed on the car and covered for the long trip back to Utah. After a mission, the spent boosters are recovered, cleaned, disassembled, refurbished and reused after each launch. After hydrolasing the interior of each segment, they are placed on flatbed trucks. The individual booster segments are transferred to a railhead located at the railroad yard at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The long train of segments is part of the twin solid rocket boosters used to launch space shuttle Discovery in October. The NASA Railroad locomotive backs up the rail cars and the segment is lowered onto the car. The covered segments are moved to Titusville for interchange with Florida East Coast Railway to begin the trip back to Utah. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-07pd3461

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An overhead crane lowers a solid rocket...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An overhead crane lowers a solid rocket booster segment toward a railroad car at the railroad yard at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The yellow transportation end cover has already... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies down the runway for a takeoff at 7 a.m. EDT to deliver Discovery to its new home. The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-2356

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies down... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rolled back, Space Shuttle Discovery is revealed, poised for launch on mission STS-102 at 6:42 a.m. EST March 8. It sits on the Mobile Launcher Platform, which straddles the flame trench below that helps deflect the intense heat of launch. Made of concrete and refractory brick, the trench is 490 feet long, 58 feet wide and 40 feet high. Situated above the external tank is the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm with the “beanie cap,” a vent hood. On this eighth construction flight to the International Space Station, Discovery carries the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the primary delivery system used to resupply and return Station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. Leonardo will deliver up to 10 tons of laboratory racks filled with equipment, experiments and supplies for outfitting the newly installed U.S. Laboratory Destiny KSC01padig145

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the Rotating Service Structure roll...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rolled back, Space Shuttle Discovery is revealed, poised for launch on mission STS-102 at 6:42 a.m. EST March 8. It sits on the Mobile Launcher ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-120 crew don their launch and entry suits before heading to Launch Pad 39A for launch aboard space shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station. Seen here is Pilot George Zamka, who is making his first shuttle flight. Discovery is scheduled for liftoff at 11:38 a.m. EDT. The mission will be the 23rd assembly flight to the space station and the 34th flight for Discovery. Payload on the mission is the Italian-built U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. During the 14-day mission, the crew will install Harmony and move the P6 solar arrays to their permanent position and deploy them. Discovery is expected to complete its mission and return home at 4:47 a.m. EST on Nov. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2937

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-120 crew don their launch and entry suits before heading to Launch Pad 39A for launch aboard space shuttle Discovery to the International S... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A replica shuttle main engine (RSME) is poised for installation on space shuttle Discovery in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The RSME is one of three that will be installed on Discovery during Space Shuttle Program transition and retirement activities. The replicas are being built in the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engine shop at Kennedy to replace the shuttle engines which will be placed in storage to support NASA's Space Launch System, under development. Discovery is being prepared for display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-8188

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A replica shuttle main engine (RSME) is poised ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A replica shuttle main engine (RSME) is poised for installation on space shuttle Discovery in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The RSME is one o... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 is being transported from the Pegasus barge in the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area to the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, shipped from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, has undergone major safety changes, including removal of the protuberance air load ramps. It is designated to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-116 in December. Mission STS-116 will deliver the P5 truss segment, a SPACEHAB module and other key components to the International Space Station. Launch is currently scheduled no earlier than Dec. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd2178

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 is being transpor...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 is being transported from the Pegasus barge in the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area to the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will be lifted into a c... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-92 Commander Brian Duffy is happy to return to KSC for the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on Oct. 5. . He and other crew members Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy and Mission Specialists Koichi Wakata of Japan, Leroy Chiao, Peter J.K. “Jeff” Wisoff, Michael E. Lopez-Alegria and William S. McArthur Jr. expressed their eagerness to launch to a waiting group of media at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The mission is the fifth flight for the construction of the International Space Station. The payload includes the Integrated Truss Structure Z-1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. During the 11-day mission, four extravehicular activities (EVAs), or space walks, are planned. KSC00pp1462

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-92 Commander Brian Duffy is happy to...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-92 Commander Brian Duffy is happy to return to KSC for the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on Oct. 5. . He and other crew members Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy and Mission Speciali... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home receives permission for a 7-a.m. takeoff from the control tower at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Lorne Mathre KSC-2012-2394

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home receives permission for a 7-a.m. takeoff from the control tower at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s... More

STS-124 Space Shuttle Discovery Landing

STS-124 Space Shuttle Discovery Landing

NASA Associate Administrator Chris Scolese, left and the Vice President of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Mr. Kaoru Mamiya talk underneath the wing of the space shuttle Discovery shortly after Di... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members in a skiff from Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, will usher a spent shuttle booster through the shallow waters of the locks at Port Canaveral, Fla. The booster, which was used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24, is on its way to Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-1934

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members in a skiff from Freedom Star, one...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members in a skiff from Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, will usher a spent shuttle booster through the shallow waters of the locks at Port Canavera... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery's STS-128 mission crew members arrive in T-38 training jets at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility. Mission Specialist Nicole Stott is seen here. Stott will join the Expedition 20 crew on the International Space Station as a flight engineer. The astronauts will be taking part in terminal countdown demonstration test activities that include equipment familiarization and emergency egress training, and will culminate in a simulated launch countdown aboard Discovery. The mission will deliver 33,000 pounds of equipment to the International Space Station. The equipment includes science and storage racks, a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and the COLBERT treadmill. Launch of Discovery is targeted for late August. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-4460

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery's STS-128 mission crew ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery's STS-128 mission crew members arrive in T-38 training jets at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility. Mission Specialist Nicole Stott is seen here... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On the Skid Strip at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Air Force Two, carrying U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney and his family, is ready for a return trip to Washington. Cheney flew in earlier to witness the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121. The launch was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1354

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On the Skid Strip at Cape Canaveral Air F...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On the Skid Strip at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Air Force Two, carrying U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney and his family, is ready for a return trip to Washington. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The SRB Retrieval Ship Liberty Star begins the rest of its journey to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station with a spent solid rocket booster alongside. The booster is from Space Shuttle Discovery, which launched on July 4. The space shuttle’s solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered at sea. The boosters impact the Atlantic Ocean approximately seven minutes after liftoff. The splashdown area is a square of about 6 by 9 nautical miles located about 140 nautical miles downrange from the launch pad. The retrieval ships are stationed approximately 8 to 10 nautical miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. As soon as the boosters enter the water, the ships accelerate to a speed of 15 knots and quickly close on the boosters. The pilot chutes and main parachutes are the first items to be brought on board. With the chutes and frustum recovered, attention turns to the boosters. The ship’s tow line is connected and the booster is returned to the Port and ,after transfer to a position alongside the ship, to Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. There, the expended boosters are disassembled, refurbished and reloaded with solid propellant for reuse. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd1495

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The SRB Retrieval Ship Liberty Star be...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The SRB Retrieval Ship Liberty Star begins the rest of its journey to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station with a spent solid rocket booster alongside. The booster is from Space Shu... More

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