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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A crack formed on a piece of insulation on a strut that attaches the liquid oxygen feedline to External Tank-119, being used to launch space shuttle mission STS-121. This piece of foam, weighing approximately 0.0057 pounds, is three inches long and one-eighth to one-quarter inch wide. It fell from the tank and was recovered by the Ice Team from the mobile launch platform at Pad 39B. It is believed that the rain experienced during yesterday’s launch attempt of Discovery caused water to run down the feedline and form ice near the strut next to the feedline bracket. As the tank warmed and expanded, the ice that formed most likely pinched the foam on the top of the strut, causing a crack and eventual loss of the small piece of foam. Photo credit: NASA KSC-06pd1384

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A crack formed on a piece of insulation o...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A crack formed on a piece of insulation on a strut that attaches the liquid oxygen feedline to External Tank-119, being used to launch space shuttle mission STS-121. This piece of f... 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

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

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- 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

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

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a United Space Alliance technician removes foam insulation revealing the fastener holes on the covers over the feed-through connector box on the external tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission. The covers will be removed for access to the feed-through connectors. Following the failure of some of the tank's engine cutoff sensors, or ECO sensors, during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, a tanking test was conducted on Dec. 18 to aid in troubleshooting the cause. Technicians spliced test wiring into the ECO sensor electrical system and used time domain reflectometry equipment to help locate the electrical anomaly. Results of the tanking test pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. During the holiday period, workers from Lockheed Martin will begin inspecting and testing the connector. Shuttle program managers will meet on Dec. 27 to review the test and analysis, and decide on a forward plan. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3656

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a United Space Allian...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a United Space Alliance technician removes foam insulation revealing the fastener holes on the covers over the feed-through connector box on the external tank fo... 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. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the external tank for space shuttle Atlantis is lowered toward the solid rocket boosters (the nose cone of one of the boosters is seen here) for mating. The tank and boosters will be secured on the mobile launcher platform below. Atlantis' STS-125 mission is the fifth and final shuttle servicing mission to NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. Launch is targeted for Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd2265

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the external tank for space shuttle Atlantis is lowered toward the solid rocket boosters (the nose cone of one of the boos... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After leaving the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 2, the orbiter Endeavour, atop its transporter, rolls toward the Vehicle Assembly Building. In the VAB, it will be stacked with the external tank and solid rocket boosters atop the mobile launcher platform for its launch on mission STS-118. The mission will be Endeavour's first flight in more than four years. The shuttle has undergone extensive modifications, including the addition of safety upgrades already added to shuttles Discovery and Atlantis. Endeavour also features new hardware, such as the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System that will allow the docked shuttle to draw electrical power from the station and extend its visits to the orbiting lab. Endeavour is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd1709

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After leaving the Orbiter Processing Fa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After leaving the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 2, the orbiter Endeavour, atop its transporter, rolls toward the Vehicle Assembly Building. In the VAB, it will be stacked with... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Tugboats tow the Pegasus barge, with its cargo of external tank No. 125, on the Banana River. Seen in the background are the Atlas V (left) and Titan IV launch complexes. After it is offloaded, the tank will be moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building. The external tank will be used on space shuttle Atlantis for mission STS-122 targeted for launch on Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-07pd2456

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Tugboats tow the Pegasus barge, with ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Tugboats tow the Pegasus barge, with its cargo of external tank No. 125, on the Banana River. Seen in the background are the Atlas V (left) and Titan IV launch complexes. Afte... More

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

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- 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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Highbay 1 inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, workers secure scaffolding around the external tank to prepare it for repairs. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation and minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. A new target launch date has not been determined, but teams will focus on preparing Atlantis for liftoff in late April on mission STS-117. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd0601

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Highbay 1 inside the Vehicle Assembly...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Highbay 1 inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, workers secure scaffolding around the external tank to prepare it for repairs. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail ca... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the rotating service structure has been retracted from space shuttle Atlantis as the countdown progresses toward launch on Nov. 16 at 2:28 p.m. EST of the STS-129 mission. The movable structure, which provides weather protection and access for technicians to work on the shuttle, began being retracted at 5:20 p.m. EST and was in the park position by 5:56 p.m. STS-129 crew members are Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr. On the STS-129 mission to the International Space Station, the crew will deliver two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory. STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-6299

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the rotating service structure has been retracted from space shuttle Atlantis as the countdown progresses toward launch on Nov... More

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

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After a perfect on-time launch on mission STS-106 at 8:45:47 a.m. EDT, Space Shuttle Atlantis rolls and displays its external tank and solid rocket boosters. On the 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed “Expedition One,” is due to arrive at the Station in late fall. Landing of Atlantis is targeted for 4:45 a.m. EDT on Sept. 19 KSC00padig035

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After a perfect on-time launch on missio...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After a perfect on-time launch on mission STS-106 at 8:45:47 a.m. EDT, Space Shuttle Atlantis rolls and displays its external tank and solid rocket boosters. On the 11-day mission ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Endeavour is bathed in light. Twin solid rocket boosters flank the orange external tank behind Endeavour. Above the external tank is the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm that vents gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Shuttle. The vent hood assembly at the end is often referred to as the "beanie cap." Stretching to the crew hatch on the side of Endeavour is the Orbiter Access Arm with its environmentally controlled White Room at the end, through which the crew enters the vehicle. The Shuttle sits on the Mobile Launcher Platform with the two service tail masts on either side of the main engines. The tail masts support the fluid, gas and electrical requirements of the orbiter's liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen aft T-0 umbilicals. Each tail mast is 31 feet (9.4 meters) high, 15 feet (4.6 meters) long and 9 feet (3.1 meters) wide. Endeavour is scheduled to launch on mission STS-108 Dec. 4 at 5:45 p.m. EST. On this 12th flight to the International Space Station, known as a Utilization Flight, Endeavour will carry a crew of four plus the Expedition 4 crew, who will replace Expedition 3 aboard the ISS. The payload includes the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, filled with supplies, equipment and experiments KSC01PD1763

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Endeavour is bathed in light. Twin solid rocket boosters flank the orange external tank behind En... 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

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. - At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-129 Mission Specialist Robert L. Satcher Jr. addresses the media and others on hand to welcome his crew to Florida. The six astronauts for space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-129 mission arrived at Kennedy aboard a NASA Shuttle Training Aircraft, a modified Gulfstream II jet, to make final preparations for their launch. On STS-129, the crew will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Launch is set for Nov. 16. For information on the STS-129 mission objectives and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-6201

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, STS-129 Mission Specialist Robert L. Satcher Jr. addresses the media and others on hand to welcome his crew to Florida. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Twitter followers and media representatives at the NASA Press Site have front-row seats as space shuttle Atlantis launches through the clouds from Launch Pad 39A on a balmy Florida afternoon at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16. Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr. On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory. STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Gianni Woods KSC-2009-6337

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Twitter followers and media representatives at ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Twitter followers and media representatives at the NASA Press Site have front-row seats as space shuttle Atlantis launches through the clouds from Launch Pad 39A on a balmy Florida aftern... More

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

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis, attached to its external tank and solid rocket boosters atop a mobile launcher platform, arrives at Launch Complex 39A. First motion on the 3.4-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building, known as rollout, was at 6:38 a.m. EDT Oct. 14. The rollout took about six hours, and the shuttle was secure on the pad at 1:31 p.m. Liftoff of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is targeted for Nov. 12. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-5438

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, attached to its external tank and solid rocket boosters atop a mobile launcher platform, arrives at Launch Complex 39A. ... 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. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-134 Mission Specialist Greg Chamitoff, left, and Commander Mark Kelly take a break from training on the M113 armored personnel carrier at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. An M113 is kept at the foot of the launch pad in case an emergency exit from the pad is needed and every shuttle crew is trained on driving the vehicle before launch. Endeavour's six crew members are at Kennedy for the launch countdown dress rehearsal called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) and related training. Targeted to launch April 19 at 7:48 p.m. EDT, they will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), a high-pressure gas tank, additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper and micrometeoroid debris shields to the space station. This will be the final spaceflight for Endeavour. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-2552

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-134 Mission Specialist Greg Chamitoff, left, and Commander Mark Kelly take a break from training on the M113 armored personnel carrier at NA... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, external tank No. 125 is raised off its transporter. The tank will be raised to a vertical position and then lifted into a checkout cell in high bay 4 to allow for processing. The tank will be part of the space shuttle stack for mission STS-122 targeted to launch Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-07pd2473

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle As...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, external tank No. 125 is raised off its transporter. The tank will be raised to a vertical position and then lifted into a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour rests on Launch Pad 39A after rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The Shuttle comprises the orbiter, in front, and the taller orange external tank behind it flanked by twin solid rocket boosters. On either side of Endeavour's tail and main engines are the tail service masts that support the fluid,, gas and electrical requirements of the orbiter's liquid oxyen and liquid hydrogen aft T-0 umbilicals. Mission STS-111 is designated UF-2, the 14th assembly flight to the International Space Station. Endeavour's payload includes the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo and Mobile Base System. The mission also will swap resident crews on the Station, carrying the Expedition 5 crew and returning to Earth Expedition 4. Liftoff of Endeavour is scheduled between 4 and 8 p.m. May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0591

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour rests on Launch Pad 39A after rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The Shuttle comprises the orbiter, in front, and the taller orange external tank ... 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. -- In high bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Atlantis is lowered alongside the external tank and solid rocket boosters waiting below, already secured atop the mobile launcher platform. On this mission, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The module is approximately 23 feet long and 15 feet wide, allowing it to hold 10 large racks of experiments. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences. Mission STS-122 is targeted for launch on Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3099

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In high bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Bu...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In high bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Atlantis is lowered alongside the external tank and solid rocket boosters waiting below... 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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-98 crew poses for a group photo on the 215-foot level of the Fixed Service Structure at Launch Pad 39A. Dressed in their orange launch and entry suits are (left to right) Commander Ken Cockrell, Mission Specialist Marsha Ivins, Pilot Mark Polansky and Mission Specialists Robert Curbeam and Thomas Jones. Behind them can be seen the white nose cone of a solid rocket booster and the orange external tank on Space Shuttle Atlantis. The crew is taking part in emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. STS-98 is the seventh construction flight to the International Space Station, carrying as payload the U.S. Lab Destiny, a key element in the construction of the ISS. Launch of STS-98 is scheduled for Jan. 19 at 2:11 a.m. EST KSC01pp0058

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-98 crew poses for a group photo ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-98 crew poses for a group photo on the 215-foot level of the Fixed Service Structure at Launch Pad 39A. Dressed in their orange launch and entry suits are (left to right) C... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Commander Steve Frick (right) and Pilot Alan Poindexter arrive at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in a shuttle training aircraft jet for launch aboard space shuttle Atlantis on Feb. 7. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission, at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7. This will be the third launch attempt for the mission. Some of the tank's ECO sensors gave failed readings during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, subsequently scrubbing further attempts until the cause could be found and repairs made. Atlantis will carry the Columbus module, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to the Harmony module of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0121

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Commander Steve Frick (right) a...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Commander Steve Frick (right) and Pilot Alan Poindexter arrive at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in a shuttle training aircraft jet for launch aboard space shuttle Atlantis o... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arriving at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 Commander Steve Frick is greeted by Doug Lyons, launch director for STS-122 mission. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission, at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7. This will be the third launch attempt for the mission. Some of the tank's ECO sensors gave failed readings during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, subsequently scrubbing further attempts until the cause could be found and repairs made. Atlantis will carry the Columbus module, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to the Harmony module of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0122

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arriving at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 Commander Steve Frick is greeted by Doug Lyons, launch director for STS-122 mission. The crew's arrival signals the imminent... 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. -- External tank No. 125 is moved out of the Pegasus barge at the Launch Complex 39 Area turn basin. After offloading, the tank will be transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building. The tank arrived at Kennedy on the Pegasus barge from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. The external tank will be used on space shuttle Atlantis for mission STS-122 targeted for launch on Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-07pd2465

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- External tank No. 125 is moved out of t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- External tank No. 125 is moved out of the Pegasus barge at the Launch Complex 39 Area turn basin. After offloading, the tank will be transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building.... 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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Changeout Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the STS-129 crew, dressed in clean-room attire known as "bunny suits," pause a moment during their payload familiarization training for a photo. From left are Mission Specialists Robert L. Satcher Jr. and Leland Melvin. The training affords the crew an opportunity to observe the placement of the Express Logistics Carriers 1 and 2 in space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay before launch. The six astronauts for space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-129 mission came to Kennedy to participate in their launch dress rehearsal, the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. Additional training associated with the test was done last month, but the simulated countdown was postponed because of a scheduling conflict with the launch of NASA’s Ares I-X test rocket. Launch of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is set for Nov. 16. On STS-129, the crew will deliver to the station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. For information on the STS-129 crew and mission objectives, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-6105

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Changeout Room on Launch Pad 39A...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Changeout Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the STS-129 crew, dressed in clean-room attire known as "bunny suits," pause a moment... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, an overhead crane and sling raise Atlantis off its transporter in preparation for lifting it to a vertical position. Atlantis then will be lifted into high bay 3 for stacking with the external tank and solid rocket boosters already installed on the mobile launcher platform. After mating with the external tank and boosters, Atlantis will undergo a shuttle interface test and other prelaunch processing. Atlantis' launch window begins Aug. 28. During its 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the STS-115 crew of six astronauts will continue construction of the station and install their cargo, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1657

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle A...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, an overhead crane and sling raise Atlantis off its transporter in preparation for lifting it to a vertical position. Atla... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In high bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Atlantis is lowered toward the external tank and solid rocket boosters waiting below, already secured atop the mobile launcher platform. On this mission, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The module is approximately 23 feet long and 15 feet wide, allowing it to hold 10 large racks of experiments. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences. Mission STS-122 is targeted for launch on Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3097

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In high bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Bu...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In high bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Atlantis is lowered toward the external tank and solid rocket boosters waiting below, a... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space shuttle Atlantis emerges from the exhaust cloud building on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16. Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr. On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory. STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tom Farrar and Tony Gray KSC-2009-6361

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space shuttle Atlantis emerges from the exhaust cloud building on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-12... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - As the sun sets behind Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the rotating service structure has been moved away from space shuttle Atlantis during the T-11 hour hold in the launch countdown. Liftoff of the STS-129 mission is set for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16. The movable structure, which provides weather protection and access for technicians to work on the shuttle, began being retracted at 5:20 p.m. EST and was in the park position by 5:56 p.m. STS-129 crew members are Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr. On the STS-129 mission to the International Space Station, the crew will deliver two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory. STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-6300

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - As the sun sets behind Launch Pad 39A at NASA's...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - As the sun sets behind Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the rotating service structure has been moved away from space shuttle Atlantis during the T-11 hour hold i... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians roll the test equipment away from an external tank door on space shuttle Atlantis following the successful completion of a push test. Two umbilical doors, located on the shuttle's aft fuselage, close after external tank separation following launch. The test confirms that the door's actuators are functioning properly and that signals sent from the actuators correctly indicate that the doors have closed, creating the necessary thermal barrier for reentry. Atlantis is next slated to deliver an Integrated Cargo Carrier and Russian-built Mini Research Module to the International Space Station on the STS-132 mission. The second in a series of new pressurized components for Russia, the module will be permanently attached to the Zarya module. Three spacewalks are planned to store spare components outside the station, including six spare batteries, a boom assembly for the Ku-band antenna and spares for the Canadian Dextre robotic arm extension. A radiator, airlock and European robotic arm for the Russian Multi-purpose Laboratory Module also are payloads on the flight. Launch is targeted for May 14, 2010. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-1076

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians roll the test equipment away from an external tank door on space shuttle Atla... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist John Phillips is eager for launch as he puts on his launch-and-entry suit. The crew will be heading for Launch Pad 39A and liftoff of space shuttle 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-2009-2033

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 John Phillips is eager for launch as he puts on his launch-and-entry suit. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lifts the gaseous nitrogen tank from space shuttle Discovery's payload bay with the aid of a "fish pole" lifting fixture. The tank is being removed during processing for the shuttle's STS-131 mission to the International Space Station. The tanks are used for atmosphere conditioning and for moving potable water in the crew module. The seven-member STS-131 crew will deliver a Multi-Purpose Logistics Module filled with science racks to be transferred to laboratories on the 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. This will be the 33rd shuttle mission to the station. Launch is targeted for March 18, 2010. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-6101

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lifts the gaseous nitrogen tank from space shuttle Discovery's payload bay with the aid of a "fish ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Endeavour's main engines ignite for liftoff at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Endeavour began its final flight, the STS-134 mission to the International Space Station, at 8:56 a.m. EDT on May 16. Endeavour and its six-member crew will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), Express Logistics Carrier-3, a high-pressure gas tank and additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper to the space station. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2011-3712

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Endeavour's main engines ignite ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Endeavour's main engines ignite for liftoff at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Endeavour began its final flight, the STS-134 mission to... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a simulated launch countdown, the STS-134 crew pause for a photo opportunity before climbing onboard the Astrovan at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. As part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), the crew members ride to Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A in the silver vehicle and strap into space shuttle Endeavour to practice the steps that will be taken on launch day. From right to left are, Commander Mark Kelly, Pilot Greg H. Johnson , Mission Specialist Mike Fincke, Roberto Vittori, European Space Agency astronaut, and Mission Specialists Andrew Feustel and Greg Chamitoff. Endeavour's six crew members are targeted to launch April 19 at 7:48 p.m. EDT. They will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), a high-pressure gas tank, additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper and micrometeoroid debris shields to the International Space Station. This will be the final spaceflight for Endeavour. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-2665

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a simulated launch countdown, the STS-1...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a simulated launch countdown, the STS-134 crew pause for a photo opportunity before climbing onboard the Astrovan at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. As part of the Termina... 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, Mission Specialists Rick Mastracchio, left, and Clay Anderson review the placement of the hardware in Discovery's payload bay. 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-2010-1143

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 makes the turn toward the Vehicle Assembly Building after being offloaded from the Pegasus barge in the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area. Once inside the VAB, the tank will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. Shipped from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, the tank 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-06pd2180

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 makes the turn to...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 makes the turn toward the Vehicle Assembly Building after being offloaded from the Pegasus barge in the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area. Once insid... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Pegasus barge carrying the external tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope is tied to the dock in the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area of NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The tank will offloaded and moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building. Once inside the building, the tank will be raised to vertical, lifted and moved into a checkout cell. Stacking of the tank and solid rocket boosters is planned to start Aug. 7. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd1979

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Pegasus barge carrying the external tank ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Pegasus barge carrying the external tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope is tied to the dock in the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the glow of a setting sun, Space Shuttle Endeavour is revealed after the rollback of the Rotating Service Structure (left) on Launch Pad 39A. At the top of the external tank can be seen the “beanie cap,” a venting apparatus at the end of the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm. Endeavour is expected to lift off on mission STS-100 on April 19, carrying the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello and the Canadian robotic arm, SSRMS, with a crew of seven to the International Space Station KSC-01pp0909

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the glow of a setting sun, Space Shu...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the glow of a setting sun, Space Shuttle Endeavour is revealed after the rollback of the Rotating Service Structure (left) on Launch Pad 39A. At the top of the external tank ca... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis, mounted on a mobile launch platform atop a crawler transporter, begins the climb to the top of Launch Pad 39A. First motion of the shuttle out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 5:02 a.m. EDT. In late February, while Atlantis was on the launch pad, Atlantis' external tank received hail damage during a severe thunderstorm that passed through the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 area. The hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation, as well as minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. The shuttle was returned to the VAB for repairs. The launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-117 is now targeted for June 8. A flight readiness review will be held on May 30 and 31. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd1192

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis, mounted on a mo...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis, mounted on a mobile launch platform atop a crawler transporter, begins the climb to the top of Launch Pad 39A. First motion of the shuttle out of the Vehi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, United Space Alliance technicians get ready to lower the external tank to be mated with the solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. The boosters-tank configuration will be used on space shuttle Atlantis for mission STS-122, which is targeted for launch on Dec. 6. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2872

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, United Space Alliance technicians get ready to lower the external tank to be mated with the solid rocket boosters o... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Discovery backs out of the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 for the short rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building. First motion was at 9:23 p.m. Oct. 31. In the VAB the orbiter will be mated to its large external tank and twin solid rocket boosters already stacked on the mobile launcher platform. Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled to roll out to Launch Pad 39B no earlier than Nov. 7 for mission STS-116. The 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. The launch window for mission STS-116 opens Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2413

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Discovery backs out of the ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Discovery backs out of the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 for the short rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building. First motion was at 9:23 p.m. Oct. 31. In the VA... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-129 Commander Charles O. Hobaugh, left, is welcomed by Space Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The six astronauts for space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-129 mission have arrived at Kennedy for their launch dress rehearsal, the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. Additional training associated with the test was done last month, but the simulated countdown was postponed because of a scheduling conflict with the launch of NASA’s Ares I-X test rocket. Launch of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is set for Nov. 16. On STS-129, the crew will deliver to the station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. For information on the STS-129 mission objectives and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-6035

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-129 Commander Charles O. Hobaugh, left, is ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-129 Commander Charles O. Hobaugh, left, is welcomed by Space Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The six a... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Backdropped by a beautiful blue sky and the crystal-clear Atlantic Ocean, space shuttle Endeavour is revealed on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida following the move of the rotating service structure (RSS). The structure provides weather protection and access to the shuttle while it awaits lift off on the pad. RSS "rollback," as it's called, began at 11:44 a.m. EDT on May 15 and was completed at 12:24 p.m. STS-134 will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), Express Logistics Carrier-3, a high-pressure gas tank and additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper to the International Space Station. May 16 at 8:56 a.m. will be the second launch attempt for Endeavour. The first attempt on April 29 was scrubbed because of an issue associated with a faulty power distribution box called the aft load control assembly-2 (ALCA-2). STS-134 will be the final spaceflight for Endeavour. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-3532

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Backdropped by a beautiful blue sky and the cry...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Backdropped by a beautiful blue sky and the crystal-clear Atlantic Ocean, space shuttle Endeavour is revealed on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida following the mov... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, STS-134 Commander Mark Kelly (right) and Pilot Greg H. Johnson disembark from the Shuttle Training Aircraft. The STS-134 crew members landed at about 9 a.m. EDT to get ready for space shuttle Endeavour's liftoff to the International Space Station scheduled for Monday, May 16 at 8:56 a.m. Endeavour and its crew will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), a high-pressure gas tank and additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper to the station. This will be the final spaceflight for Endeavour. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-3447

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, STS-134 Commander Mark Kelly (right) and Pilot Greg H. Johnson disembark from the Shuttle Training Aircraft. The STS-1... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-134 Mission Specialist Michael Fincke, left, and Pilot Gregory H. Johnson pose in front of space shuttle Endeavour's landing gear inside NASA Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility-1 following a crew return event. Commander Mark Kelly, Johnson and Mission Specialists Fincke, Greg Chamitoff, Andrew Feustel and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori lifted off May 16, 2011 aboard space shuttle Endeavour. During the nearly 16-day STS-134 mission, Endeavour delivered to the International Space Station the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) and spare parts, including two S-band communications antennas, a high-pressure gas tank and additional spare parts for Dextre. This was the 36th shuttle mission to the station and Endeavour's 25th and final flight. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/main/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-5563

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-134 Mission Specialist Michael Fincke, left...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-134 Mission Specialist Michael Fincke, left, and Pilot Gregory H. Johnson pose in front of space shuttle Endeavour's landing gear inside NASA Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, STS-134 Mission Specialist Andrew Feustel disembarks from his T-38 jet. The STS-134 crew members landed at 12:52 p.m. EDT to get ready for shuttle Endeavour's launch to the International Space Station scheduled for Friday, April 29 at 3:47 p.m. Endeavour and its crew will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), a high-pressure gas tank and additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper to the station. This will be the final spaceflight for Endeavour. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-3058

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, STS-134 Mission Specialist Andrew Feustel disembarks from his T-38 jet. The STS-134 crew members landed at 12:52 p.m. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a battery charge-discharge unit is lifted by crane high above the hardware on the bay's floor. The unit is being moved toward an EXPRESS Logistics Carrier where it will be installed for flight. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-4680

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, a battery charge-discharge unit is lifted by crane high above the hardware on the bay's floor. The unit... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a technician gets ready to place the cover over the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system connector and wiring on space shuttle Atlantis' external tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The pins in the replacement connector were precisely soldered to create a connection that allows sensors inside the tank to send signals to the computers onboard Atlantis. The launch date for the shuttle's STS-122 mission has now been targeted for Feb. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0071

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a technician gets ready to place the cover over the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system connector and wiring on space shuttle A... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated with the aid of twin solid rocket boosters, space shuttle Atlantis roars into the blue skies over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16. Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr. On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory. STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Rusty Backer and Tom Farrar KSC-2009-6387

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generate...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated with the aid of twin solid rocket boosters, space shuttle Atlantis roars into the blue skies over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space C... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Discovery soars from Launch Pad 39A into the blue sky on mission STS-105 to the International Space Station. Liftoff occurred at 5:10:14 p.m. EDT. Besides the Shuttle crew of four, Discovery carries the Expedition Three crew who will replace Expedition Two on the Station. The mission includes the third flight of an Italian-built Multi-Purpose Logistics Module delivering additional scientific racks, equipment and supplies for the Space Station and the Early Ammonia Servicer (EAS) tank. The EAS, which will be attached to the Station during two spacewalks, contains spare ammonia for the Station’s cooling system. The three-member Expedition Two crew will be returning to Earth aboard Discovery after a five-month stay on the Station KSC-01PP1466

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Discovery soars from Launc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Discovery soars from Launch Pad 39A into the blue sky on mission STS-105 to the International Space Station. Liftoff occurred at 5:10:14 p.m. EDT. Besides the Shuttle... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-134 Pilot Greg H. Johnson is photographed after his arrival. The STS-134 crew members landed at about 9 a.m. EDT for final preparations for Endeavour's liftoff to the International Space Station scheduled for Monday, May 16 at 8:56 a.m. Endeavour and its crew will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), a high-pressure gas tank and additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper to the station. This will be the final spaceflight for Endeavour. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-3441

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-134 Pilot Greg H. Johnson is photographed after his arrival. The STS-134 crew members landed at about 9 a.m... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Endeavour, atop its transporter, rolls into the gaping doorway of the Vehicle Assembly Building. In the VAB, it will be stacked with the external tank and solid rocket boosters atop the mobile launcher platform for its launch on mission STS-118. The mission will be Endeavour's first flight in more than four years. The shuttle has undergone extensive modifications, including the addition of safety upgrades already added to shuttles Discovery and Atlantis. Endeavour also features new hardware, such as the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System that will allow the docked shuttle to draw electrical power from the station and extend its visits to the orbiting lab. Endeavour is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1707

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Endeavour, atop its transpor...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Endeavour, atop its transporter, rolls into the gaping doorway of the Vehicle Assembly Building. In the VAB, it will be stacked with the external tank and solid rocket... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-134 Mission Specialist Greg Chamitoff listens to Commander Mark Kelly address the media on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. While at Kennedy, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will participate in a launch countdown dress rehearsal called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) and related training in preparation for the upcoming STS-134 mission. Endeavour and its six STS-134 crew members will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), a high-pressure gas tank, additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper and micrometeoroid debris shields to the International Space Station. This will be the final spaceflight for Endeavour. Launch is targeted for April 19 at 7:48 p.m. EDT. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-2514

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-134 Mission Specialist Greg Chamitoff list...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-134 Mission Specialist Greg Chamitoff listens to Commander Mark Kelly address the media on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. While at Kennedy, s... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Following the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 on July 4, images from onboard cameras capture very small pieces of external tank foam that were liberated during the ascent phase. Engineers are continuing to conduct analysis of these and other photos. KSC-06pd1449

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Following the launch of Space Shuttle Di...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Following the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 on July 4, images from onboard cameras capture very small pieces of external tank foam that were liberated during... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated by twin solid rocket boosters and three main engines, space shuttle Atlantis clears the tower on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16. Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr. On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory. STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tom Farrar and Tony Gray KSC-2009-6392

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generate...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated by twin solid rocket boosters and three main engines, space shuttle Atlantis clears the tower on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Ce... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Four members of the STS-134 crew answer questions as part of a mission overview at the Visitor Complex of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Participating in the event, seated, from the left, former astronaut Bruce Melnick, along with Greg Johnson, Michael Fincke, Andrew Feustel and Gregory Chamitoff. STS-134 commander Mark Kelly, pilot Greg Johnson and Mission Specialists Michael Fincke, Gregory Chamitoff, Andrew Feustel and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori lifted off May 16, 2011 aboard space shuttle Endeavour. During the nearly 16-day STS-134 mission, Endeavour delivered to the International Space Station the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer and spare parts, including two S-band communications antennas and a high-pressure gas tank. This was the 36th shuttle mission to the station and Endeavour's 25th and final flight. For more information, visit: www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-5341

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Four members of the STS-134 crew answer questio...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Four members of the STS-134 crew answer questions as part of a mission overview at the Visitor Complex of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Participating in the event, seated, from ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a strongback crane is lowered toward the EXPRESS Logistics Carrier to lift it to a stand. The carrier is part of the payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station components including two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2009-2247

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a strongback crane is lowered toward the EXPRESS Logistics Carrier to lift it to a stand. The carri... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lifts the plasma contactor unit, or PCU, that will be installed on the Express Logistics Carrier, or ELC. The PCU is used to disperse electrical charge build-ups on the International Space Station. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-5127

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, a crane lifts the plasma contactor unit, or PCU, that will be installed on the Express Logistics Carri... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-134 Mission Specialist Greg Chamitoff gives a thumbs-up as he takes his seat aboard space shuttle Endeavour during the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Part of TCDT includes practicing the final hours of a real launch day when astronauts put on their launch-and-entry suits, ride to the pad in the Astrovan and strap into the shuttle. Endeavour's six crew members are targeted to launch April 19 at 7:48 p.m. EDT. They will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), a high-pressure gas tank, additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper and micrometeoroid debris shields to the International Space Station. This will be the final spaceflight for Endeavour. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-2693

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-134 Mission Specialist Greg Chamitoff gives...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-134 Mission Specialist Greg Chamitoff gives a thumbs-up as he takes his seat aboard space shuttle Endeavour during the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) on Launch Pad 39A a... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers prepare to store External Tank-135, newly delivered to the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The tank arrived in Florida on Dec. 26 aboard the Pegasus barge, towed by a solid rocket booster retrieval ship from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. ET-135 will be used to launch space shuttle Discovery on the STS-131 mission to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for March 18. For information on the components of the space shuttle and the STS-131 mission, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts131/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2010-1008

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers prepare to store External Tank-135, newly delivered to the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The tank arrived in Florida... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, external tank number 119 hangs suspended horizontally. It will be lowered onto the transporter at lower left where technicians will reapply the thermal protection system foam that was removed in order to replace the tank's four liquid hydrogen engine cutoff sensors. The tank is being prepared to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 in July. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-06pd0605

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, external tank number 119 hangs suspended horizontally. It will be lowered onto the transporter at lower left ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This 30-second timed exposure captures the bright lights around the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) plus the equally bright moon (upper right) as Space Shuttle Atlantis (far left) rolls out of the east side bay 1. The Launch Control Center sits between the Shuttle and the VAB. The full stack of Shuttle, solid rocket boosters and external tank are taking part in a fit check for the newly renovated crawlerway and high bay 2, which is on the west side. The major modifications to the crawlerway and VAB provide Shuttle flight hardware more storage space and protection - "Safe Haven" - from hurricanes or tropical storms. Atlantis began moving out of VAB high bay 1 at 2:59 a.m. EDT. After the successful Safe Haven fit check, Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to roll out to Launch Pad 39B in preparation for the STS-106 launch on Sept. 8. KSC-00pp1127

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This 30-second timed exposure captures t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This 30-second timed exposure captures the bright lights around the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) plus the equally bright moon (upper right) as Space Shuttle Atlantis (far left) ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA managers brief the media about the Space Shuttle Program and mission STS-121 from the press site at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Public Information Officer Jessica Rye moderated. Seated at her right are Space Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale, NASA Launch Director Mike Leinbach and STS-114 External Tank Tiger Team lead Tim Wilson, with the NASA Engineering & Safety Center. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd0376

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA managers brief the media about the ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA managers brief the media about the Space Shuttle Program and mission STS-121 from the press site at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Public Information Officer Jessica... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the accordion-like arm of a rack insertion device moves a science rack into position for installation inside Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo during processing for space shuttle Discovery's STS-131 mission to the International Space Station. The science racks Leonardo delivers will be transferred to laboratories on the station. Three spacewalks during STS-131 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. STS-131 will be the 33rd shuttle mission to the station. Launch is targeted for March 18, 2010. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2009-6568

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 accordion-like arm of a rack insertion device moves a science rack into position for installation i... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The late afternoon sun highlights the external tank and solid rocket booster on Space Shuttle Columbia after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A. Visible are the orbiter access arm with the White Room extended to Columbia's cockpit, and at the top, the gaseous oxygen vent arm and cap, called the "beanie cap." Columbia is scheduled for launch Jan. 16 at 10:39 a.m. EST on mission STS-107, a research mission. KSC-03pd0077

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The late afternoon sun highlights the ex...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The late afternoon sun highlights the external tank and solid rocket booster on Space Shuttle Columbia after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A. Visible a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 1, the orbiter Atlantis is being lowered into position for mating to its external tank/solid rocket booster stack.; Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to launch on mission STS-104 in early July KSC01padig223

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 1,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 1, the orbiter Atlantis is being lowered into position for mating to its external tank/solid rocket booster stack.; Space Shuttle Atlantis is ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, at right, fly past Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center where space shuttle Endeavour waits to launch on the STS-123 mission. At left, the rotating service structure has closed around the shuttle, with only the tip of the external tank showing. The aircraft had flown earlier to support the Daytona 500, also celebrating its 50th anniversary, and chose to fly over Kennedy on their way to their next assignment. Endeavour is being prepared for launch on the STS-123 mission targeted for March 11. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-08pd0356

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, at right...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, at right, fly past Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center where space shuttle Endeavour waits to launch on the STS-123 mission. At left, the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39B, the payload transport canister, with the P6 integrated truss segment inside, is lifted toward the payload changeout room (PCR). The PCR is the enclosed, environmentally controlled portion of the Rotating Service Structure (RSS) (on the left) that supports payload delivery at the pad. At right is Space Shuttle Endeavour with its orange external tank and one solid rocket booster showing behind it. When the RSS is closed around Endeavour, the P6 truss will be able to be moved into the orbiter’s payload bay. The P6, payload on mission STS-97, comprises Solar Array Wing-3 and the Integrated Electronic Assembly, to be installed on the International Space Station. The Station’s electrical power system will use eight photovoltaic solar arrays, each 112 feet long by 39 feet wide, to convert sunlight to electricity. The solar arrays are mounted on a “blanket” that can be folded like an accordion for delivery. Once in orbit, astronauts will deploy the blankets to their full size. Gimbals will be used to rotate the arrays so that they will face the Sun to provide maximum power to the Space Station. Launch of STS-97 is scheduled for Nov. 30 at 10:06 p.m. EST KSC00pp1733

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39B, the payload transport...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39B, the payload transport canister, with the P6 integrated truss segment inside, is lifted toward the payload changeout room (PCR). The PCR is the enclosed, environm... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The sun lights the early morning sky, revealing Space Shuttle Atlantis, atop the Mobile Launcher Platform and Crawler-Transporter, at Launch Pad 39B. It started its 8-hour rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 2 (Safe Haven) at 11:20 p.m., Aug. 13, arriving shortly after 7 a.m. Aug. 14. At its immediate left is the 290-foot high water tank that holds 300,000 gallons of water, part of the sound suppression system at the pad. At the edge of the photo can be seen part of the Rotating Service Structure. Atlantis is scheduled for launch Sept. 8 at 8:31 a.m. EDT on mission STS-106. KSC00pp1123

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The sun lights the early morning sky, r...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The sun lights the early morning sky, revealing Space Shuttle Atlantis, atop the Mobile Launcher Platform and Crawler-Transporter, at Launch Pad 39B. It started its 8-hour rollout... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 Mission Specialist Robert L. Satcher Jr., dressed in his launch-and-entry suit, is strapped into his seat aboard space shuttle Atlantis. The six astronauts for space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-129 mission are participating in their launch dress rehearsal, the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. Additional training associated with the test was done last month, but the simulated countdown was postponed because of a scheduling conflict with the launch of NASA’s Ares I-X test rocket. Launch of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is set for Nov. 16. On STS-129, the crew will deliver to the station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. For information on the STS-129 crew and mission objectives, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-6068

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 Mission Specialist Robert L. Satcher Jr., dressed in his launch-and-entry suit, is strapped into his seat aboard space... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility 1, technicians begin a functional test on the orbital docking system on space shuttle Atlantis. The STS-129 mission will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-4811

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility 1, technicians begin a functional test on the orbital docking system on space shuttle Atlantis. The STS-129 mission will delive... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Press Site auditorium at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA managers brief media about their unanimous approval to proceed with space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission. From left, are NASA Public Affairs Officer Candrea Thomas, Space Shuttle Program Launch Integration Manager Mike Moses, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach and Shuttle Weather Officer Kathy Winters. Endeavour's launch is scheduled for May 16 at 8:56 a.m. EDT. Endeavour and its crew will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), a high-pressure gas tank and additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper to the station. This will be the final spaceflight for Endeavour. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-3513

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Press Site auditorium at NASA's Kennedy...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Press Site auditorium at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA managers brief media about their unanimous approval to proceed with space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 missio... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Under a feather-painted sky, Space Shuttle Atlantis, mounted on a mobile launch platform atop a crawler transporter, creeps up the ramp to Launch Pad 39A. This is the second rollout for the shuttle. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 5:02 a.m. EDT. In late February, while Atlantis was on the launch pad, Atlantis' external tank received hail damage during a severe thunderstorm that passed through the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 area. The hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation, as well as minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. The shuttle was returned to the VAB for repairs. The launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-117 is now targeted for June 8. A flight readiness review will be held on May 30 and 31. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-07pd1196

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Under a feather-painted sky, Space Shut...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Under a feather-painted sky, Space Shuttle Atlantis, mounted on a mobile launch platform atop a crawler transporter, creeps up the ramp to Launch Pad 39A. This is the second roll... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- External tank No. 120 is suspended vertically above the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at KSC. The tank will next be lifted into a checkout cell. ET-120 will be prepared for stacking with solid rocket boosters to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-120 in October. The mission is the 23rd to the International Space Station and will launch an Italian-built, U.S. multi-port module known as Harmony for the station. Christened after a school contest, Harmony will provide attachment points for European and Japanese laboratory modules. NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd2150

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- External tank No. 120 is suspended vert...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- External tank No. 120 is suspended vertically above the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at KSC. The tank will next be lifted into a checkout cell. ET-120 will be... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Atlantis is raised off its transporter. After raised to a vertical position, Atlantis will be lifted into high bay 3 and mated with the external tank and solid rocket boosters designated for mission STS-122, already secured atop a mobile launcher platform. On this mission, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The module is approximately 23 feet long and 15 feet wide, allowing it to hold 10 large racks of experiments. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences. Mission STS-122 is targeted for launch on Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3085

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Asse...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Atlantis is raised off its transporter. After raised to a vertical position, At... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rolled back, Space Shuttle Atlantis stands ready for launch on mission STS-110. The Orbiter Access Arm extends from the Fixed Service Structure (FSS) to the crew compartment hatch, through which the STS-110 crew will enter Atlantis. Above the golden external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle vehicle. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad. The structure has access platforms at five levels to provide access to the payload bay. The FSS provides access to the orbiter and the RSS. Mission STS-110 is scheduled to launch April 4 on its 11-day mission to the International Space Station KSC-02pd0392

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rolled back, Space Shuttle Atlantis stands ready for launch on mission STS-110. The Orbiter Access Arm extends from the Fixed Service Structure... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Forward Reaction Control System, or FRCS, for space shuttle Discovery arrives at Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3. Discovery is being prepared for the STS-131 mission, the 33rd flight to the International Space Station. The FRCS provides the thrust for attitude (rotational) maneuvers (pitch, yaw and roll) and for small velocity changes along the orbiter axis (translation maneuvers). The seven-member STS-131 crew will deliver a Multi-Purpose Logistics Module filled with resupply stowage platforms and racks to be transferred to locations around the 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, 2010. For information on the STS-131 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts131/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-6706

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Forward Reaction Control System, or FRCS, for space shuttle Discovery arrives at Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3. Discovery is being pr... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour, atop the mobile launcher platform, is hard down on Launch Pad 39A after rolling out overnight. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 8:10 p.m. July 10. The components of the shuttle are, first, the orbiter and then the solid rocket boosters flanking the external tank behind it. To the left of the shuttle is the rotating service structure, which can be rolled around to enclose the vehicle for access during processing. Behind it is the fixed service structure, topped by an 80-foot-tall lightning mast. Extending from it to Endeavour is the orbiter access arm, which provides access into the vehicle. Endeavour is scheduled to launch on mission STS-118 on Aug. 7. During the mission, Endeavour will carry into orbit the S5 truss, SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and will mark the first flight of Mission Specialist Barbara Morgan, the teacher-turned-astronaut whose association with NASA began more than 20 years ago. STS-118 will be the first flight since 2002 for Endeavour, which has undergone extensive modifications, including the addition of safety upgrades already added to orbiters Discovery and Atlantis. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-07pd1852

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour, atop the mobile...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour, atop the mobile launcher platform, is hard down on Launch Pad 39A after rolling out overnight. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 8:... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour is illuminated by bright xenon lights on Launch Pad 39A after the rotating service structure (RSS) was moved away. The structure provides weather protection and access to the shuttle while it awaits lift off on the pad. RSS "rollback," as it's called, began at 11:52 p.m. EDT on April 28. The move was scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., but storms over Kennedy delayed pad operations for a few hours. STS-134 will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), a high-pressure gas tank and additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper to the International Space Station. Endeavour was scheduled to launch at 3:47 p.m. on April 29, but that attempt was scrubbed for at least 72 hours while engineers assess an issue associated with the shuttle's Auxiliary Power Unit 1. STS-134 will be the final spaceflight for Endeavour. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-2011-3184

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour is illuminated by bright xenon lights on Launch Pad 39A after the rotating service structure (RSS) was moved away. The ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis, attached to its external tank and solid rocket boosters atop a mobile launcher platform, nears the end of its 3.4-mile trip, known as rollout, from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A. First motion was at 6:38 a.m. EDT Oct. 14. Rollout is expected to take about six hours. Liftoff of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is targeted for Nov. 12. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-5437

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, attached to its external tank and solid rocket boosters atop a mobile launcher platform, nears the end of its 3.4-mile t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane moves the Express Logistics Carrier, or ELC, to a rotation stand. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-4686

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Pr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane moves the Express Logistics Carrier, or ELC, to a rotation stand. The carrier is part of the STS-129 p... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility, STS-129 Mission Specialist Randy Bresnik gets a close look at hardware installed on the Express Logistics Carrier, or ELC. The crew is at Kennedy for a Crew Equipment Interface Test, which provides hands-on training and observation of shuttle and flight hardware. The carrier is part of the STS-129 payload on space shuttle Atlantis, which will deliver to the International Space Station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. STS-129 is targeted to launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-5080

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station P...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility, STS-129 Mission Specialist Randy Bresnik gets a close look at hardware installed on the Express Logistics Carrier, or EL... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- External tank No. 124 is moved from its checkout cell in the Vehicle Assembly Building to high bay 1 where it will be mated with the solid rocket boosters for mission STS-117. The boosters are already in place on the mobile launcher platform in the VAB. The mission is targeted to launch on March 16 aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0138

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- External tank No. 124 is moved from its...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- External tank No. 124 is moved from its checkout cell in the Vehicle Assembly Building to high bay 1 where it will be mated with the solid rocket boosters for mission STS-117. Th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, the orbiter Atlantis is suspended by a sling. The orbiter will be raised to vertical and lifted up into high bay 1. Then it will be lowered onto the mobile launcher platform where the external tank and solid rocket boosters are already stacked. Space Shuttle Atlantis is targeted to roll out to Launch Pad 39A on February 14 for mission STS-117. The mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station and construction flight 13A. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-07pd0321

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In In the transfer aisle of the Vehicl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, the orbiter Atlantis is suspended by a sling. The orbiter will be raised to vertical and lifted up into high bay 1. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a transporter carrying the canister containing the payload for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission to the International Space Station - Express Logistics Carriers 1 and 2 - moves past the Vehicle Assembly Building on its way to Launch Pad 39A. Once at the pad, the payload will be transferred into the Payload Changeout Room for installation in Atlantis' payload bay. The STS-129 crew will deliver two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Launch is set for Nov. 16. For information on the STS-129 mission objectives and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2009-6011

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a transporter carrying the canister containing the payload for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission to the International Space Station - Expr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 Commander Charles O. Hobaugh, dressed in his launch-and-entry suit, is strapped into his seat aboard space shuttle Atlantis. The six astronauts for space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-129 mission are participating in their launch dress rehearsal, the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. Additional training associated with the test was done last month, but the simulated countdown was postponed because of a scheduling conflict with the launch of NASA’s Ares I-X test rocket. Launch of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is set for Nov. 16. On STS-129, the crew will deliver to the station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. For information on the STS-129 crew and mission objectives, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-6071

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 Commander Charles O. Hobaugh, dressed in his launch-and-entry suit, is strapped into his seat aboard space shuttle Atl... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Launch of space shuttle Atlantis from Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is reflected in the marsh near the pad. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16. Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr. On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory. STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tom Farrar and Tony Gray KSC-2009-6374

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Launch of space shuttle Atlantis from Pad 39A a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Launch of space shuttle Atlantis from Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is reflected in the marsh near the pad. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST No... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the external tank for space shuttle Discovery is suspended over the transfer aisle as it is lifted up into a checkout cell for processing. The tank will be stacked with solid rocket boosters for Discovery's launch on the STS-124 mission. On the mission, the shuttle will transport the Kibo Japanese Experiment Module - Pressurized Module and the Japanese Remote Manipulator System. Launch is targeted for May 25. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd0889

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the external tank for space shuttle Discovery is suspended over the transfer aisle as it is lifted up into a checko... More

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