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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblies are positioned along the floor of high bay 4 in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, part of the preparations for the test of the Ares IX rocket. These ballast assemblies will be installed in the upper stage 1 and 7 segments and will mimic the mass of the fuel. Their total weight is approximately 160,000 pounds. The test launch of the Ares IX in 2009 will be the first designed to determine the flight-worthiness of the Ares I rocket. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the space shuttle. Ares I’s fifth booster segment allows the launch vehicle to lift more weight and reach a higher altitude before the first stage separates from the upper stage, which ignites in midflight to propel the Orion spacecraft to Earth orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3248

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblie...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblies are positioned along the floor of high bay 4 in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, part of the preparations for... More

Under the goals of the Vision for Space Exploration, Ares I is a chief component of the cost-effective space transportation infrastructure being developed by NASA's Constellation Program. This transportation system will safely and reliably carry human explorers back to the moon, and then onward to Mars and other destinations in the solar system. The Ares I effort includes multiple project element teams at NASA centers and contract organizations around the nation, and is managed by the Exploration Launch Projects Office at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MFSC). ATK Launch Systems near Brigham City, Utah, is the prime contractor for the first stage booster. ATK's subcontractor, United Space Alliance of Houston, is designing, developing and testing the parachutes at its facilities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston hosts the Constellation Program and Orion Crew Capsule Project Office and provides test instrumentation and support personnel. Together, these teams are developing vehicle hardware, evolving proven technologies, and testing components and systems. Their work builds on powerful, reliable space shuttle propulsion elements and nearly a half-century of NASA space flight experience and technological advances. Ares I is an inline, two-stage rocket configuration topped by the Crew Exploration Vehicle, its service module, and a launch abort system. This HD video image depicts friction stir welding used in manufacturing aluminum panels that will fabricate the Ares I upper stage barrel. The aluminum panels are subjected to confidence panel tests during which the bent aluminum is stressed to breaking point and thoroughly examined. The panels are manufactured by AMRO Manufacturing located in El Monte, California. (Highest resolution available) n/a

Under the goals of the Vision for Space Exploration, Ares I is a chief...

Under the goals of the Vision for Space Exploration, Ares I is a chief component of the cost-effective space transportation infrastructure being developed by NASA's Constellation Program. This transportation sy... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, parachutes for the Ares rockets are being prepared for packing. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. As with the shuttle, this booster will fall away when spent, lowered by parachute into the Atlantic Ocean where it can be retrieved for re-use. Unlike the shuttle, the booster will be flying faster, at Mach 6, when its separation from the rest of Ares I occurs. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd1801

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at N...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, parachutes for the Ares rockets are being prepared for packing. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that wil... More

N-222; 2 x 2ft Transonic Wind Tunnel is a closed return, variable-density tunnel equipped with an adjustable flexible-wall nozzle and a slotted test section. Airflow is produced by a two-stage, axial-flow compressor powered by four, variable-speed induction motors mounted in tandem, delivering a total of 4,000 horsepower. For conventional, steady-state testing models are generally supported on a sting. Internal, strain-gage balances are used for measuring forces and moments. This facility is also used for panel-flutter testing (one test-section wall is replaced with another containing the test specimen. ARC-1965-A-35705

N-222; 2 x 2ft Transonic Wind Tunnel is a closed return, variable-dens...

N-222; 2 x 2ft Transonic Wind Tunnel is a closed return, variable-density tunnel equipped with an adjustable flexible-wall nozzle and a slotted test section. Airflow is produced by a two-stage, axial-flow comp... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, parachutes for the Ares rockets are being prepared for packing. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. As with the shuttle, this booster will fall away when spent, lowered by parachute into the Atlantic Ocean where it can be retrieved for re-use. Unlike the shuttle, the booster will be flying faster, at Mach 6, when its separation from the rest of Ares I occurs. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd1800

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at N...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, parachutes for the Ares rockets are being prepared for packing. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that wil... More

AMEL-ADEL full wedge for two stage

AMEL-ADEL full wedge for two stage

Public domain photograph - New England history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

AMEL-ADEL full wedge for two stage

AMEL-ADEL full wedge for two stage

Public domain photograph - New England history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

AMEL-ADEL full wedge for two stage

AMEL-ADEL full wedge for two stage

Public domain photograph - New England history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

AMEL ADEL full wedge for two stage

AMEL ADEL full wedge for two stage

Public domain photograph - New England history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

AMEL-ADEL full wedge for two stage

AMEL-ADEL full wedge for two stage

Public domain photograph of military equipment, module, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

AMEL-ADEL full wedge for two stage

AMEL-ADEL full wedge for two stage

Public domain photograph - New England history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

AMEL-ADEL full wedge for two stage

AMEL-ADEL full wedge for two stage

Public domain photograph - New England history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

AMEL-ADEL full wedge for two stage

AMEL-ADEL full wedge for two stage

Public domain photograph related to army, military forces, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

AMEL-ADEL full wedge for two stage

AMEL-ADEL full wedge for two stage

Public domain photograph related to army, military forces, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

AMEL ADEL full wedge for two stage

AMEL ADEL full wedge for two stage

Public domain photograph - New England history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

AMEL-ADEL full wedge for two stage

AMEL-ADEL full wedge for two stage

Public domain photograph - New England history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

AMEL-ADEL full wedge for two stage

AMEL-ADEL full wedge for two stage

Public domain photograph of military equipment, module, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

AMEL-ADEL full wedge for two stage

AMEL-ADEL full wedge for two stage

Public domain photograph - New England history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

AMEL-ADEL full wedge for two stage

AMEL-ADEL full wedge for two stage

Public domain photograph of military equipment, module, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

A view of a model of the first stage of a two-stage horizontal takeoff and landing vehicle designed to place shuttle class payloads in low earth orbit. The model will be used in launcher studies by the Aeromechanics Division of the Flight Dynamics Laboratory

A view of a model of the first stage of a two-stage horizontal takeoff...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released... More

A close-up view of a model of the first stage of a two-stage horizontal takeoff and landing vehicle designed to place shuttle class payloads in low earth orbit. The model will be used in launcher studies by the Aeromechanics Division of the Flight Dynamics Laboratory

A close-up view of a model of the first stage of a two-stage horizonta...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released... More

Prelaunch processing begins on the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) spacecraft in the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility-2 (SAEF-2). ACE will investigate the origin and evolution of solar phenomenon, the formation of the solar corona, solar flares and the acceleration of the solar wind. ACE was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. The spacecraft is scheduled to be launched Aug. 21 aboard a two-stage Delta II 7920-8 rocket from Space Launch Complex 17, Pad A KSC-97PC905

Prelaunch processing begins on the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE...

Prelaunch processing begins on the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) spacecraft in the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility-2 (SAEF-2). ACE will investigate the origin and evolution of solar pheno... More

Workers in the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility-2 (SAEF-2) begin prelaunch processing of the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) which will investigate the origin and evolution of solar phenomenon, the formation of the solar corona, solar flares and the acceleration of the solar wind. ACE was built for NASA by the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. The spacecraft is scheduled to be launched Aug. 21 aboard a two-stage Delta II 7920-8 rocket from Space Launch Complex 17, Pad A KSC-97PC904

Workers in the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility-2 (SAEF...

Workers in the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility-2 (SAEF-2) begin prelaunch processing of the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) which will investigate the origin and evolution of solar phenome... More

Workers from the Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) install the Cosmic Ray Isotope Spectrometer (CRIS) on the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) spacecraft in KSC’s Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility-2 (SAEF-2). From left, are Al Sadilek, Marcos Gonzalez and Cliff Willey. CRIS is one of nine instruments on ACE, which will investigate the origin and evolution of solar phenomenon, the formation of the solar corona, solar flares and the acceleration of the solar wind. ACE was developed for NASA by the APL. The spacecraft is scheduled to be launched Aug. 21 aboard a two-stage Delta II 7920-8 rocket from Space Launch Complex 17, Pad A KSC-97PC1013

Workers from the Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laborator...

Workers from the Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) install the Cosmic Ray Isotope Spectrometer (CRIS) on the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) spacecraft in KSC’s Spacecraft Assemb... More

At Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station, the Mobile Service Tower has been retracted away from the Titan IVB/Centaur carrying the Cassini spacecraft and its attached Huygens probe. This is the second launch attempt for the Saturn-bound mission; a first try Oct. 13 was scrubbed primarily due to concerns about upper level wind conditions. Liftoff Oct. 15 is set to occur during a launch window opening at 4:43 a.m. EDT and extending until 7:03 a.m. Clearly visible in this view are the 66-foot-tall, 17-foot-wide payload fairing atop the vehicle, in which Cassini and the attached Centaur stage are encased, the two-stage liquid propellant core vehicle, and the twin 112-foot long solid rocket motor upgrades (SRMUs) straddling the core vehicle. It is the SRMUs which ignite first to begin the launch sequence KSC-97PC1542

At Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station, the Mobile Service...

At Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station, the Mobile Service Tower has been retracted away from the Titan IVB/Centaur carrying the Cassini spacecraft and its attached Huygens probe. This is the second... More

Altus II aircraft flying over southern California desert EC98-44684-3

Altus II aircraft flying over southern California desert EC98-44684-3

Altus II aircraft flying over southern California desert Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Altus II aircraft flying over southern California desert EC98-44684-2

Altus II aircraft flying over southern California desert EC98-44684-2

Altus II aircraft flying over southern California desert Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Altus II aircraft flying over southern California desert EC98-44684-1

Altus II aircraft flying over southern California desert EC98-44684-1

Altus II aircraft flying over southern California desert Public domain photograph of NASA experimental aircraft, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Ultra-Efficient Engine Technology - UEET - Proof of Concept Compressor, Two-stage Compressor GRC-2003-C-02140

Ultra-Efficient Engine Technology - UEET - Proof of Concept Compressor...

Ultra-Efficient Engine Technology - UEET - Proof of Concept Compressor, Two-stage Compressor

Ultra-Efficient Engine Technology - UEET - Proof of Concept Compressor, Two-stage Compressor GRC-2003-C-02133

Ultra-Efficient Engine Technology - UEET - Proof of Concept Compressor...

Ultra-Efficient Engine Technology - UEET - Proof of Concept Compressor, Two-stage Compressor

Ultra-Efficient Engine Technology - UEET - Proof of Concept Compressor, Two-stage Compressor GRC-2003-C-02150

Ultra-Efficient Engine Technology - UEET - Proof of Concept Compressor...

Ultra-Efficient Engine Technology - UEET - Proof of Concept Compressor, Two-stage Compressor

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, CALIF. - On Space Launch Complex 2, the Delta II rocket stands ready for fueling in preparation for launch. The CALIPSO and CloudSat satellites are set to launch at 6:02 a.m. EDT on April 23 from Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) on missions to study clouds and aerosols, tiny particles in the air. CALIPSO and CloudSat are set to fly into orbit aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket. The Delta II is designed to boost medium-sized satellites and robotic explorers into space. NASA selected a model 7420-10C for this mission, which is a two-stage rocket equipped with four strap-on motors and a protective 10-foot payload fairing. Photo credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls KSC-06pd0696

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, CALIF. - On Space Launch Complex 2, the De...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, CALIF. - On Space Launch Complex 2, the Delta II rocket stands ready for fueling in preparation for launch. The CALIPSO and CloudSat satellites are set to launch at 6:02 a.m. EDT on... More

Under the goals of the Vision for Space Exploration, Ares I is a chief component of the cost-effective space transportation infrastructure being developed by NASA's Constellation Program. This transportation system will safely and reliably carry human explorers back to the moon, and then onward to Mars and other destinations in the solar system. The Ares I effort includes multiple project element teams at NASA centers and contract organizations around the nation, and is managed by the Exploration Launch Projects Office at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MFSC). ATK Launch Systems near Brigham City, Utah, is the prime contractor for the first stage booster. ATK's subcontractor, United Space Alliance of Houston, is designing, developing and testing the parachutes at its facilities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston hosts the Constellation Program and Orion Crew Capsule Project Office and provides test instrumentation and support personnel. Together, these teams are developing vehicle hardware, evolving proven technologies, and testing components and systems. Their work builds on powerful, reliable space shuttle propulsion elements and nearly a half-century of NASA space flight experience and technological advances. Ares I is an inline, two-stage rocket configuration topped by the Crew Exploration Vehicle, its service module, and a launch abort system. This HD video image depicts a manufactured aluminum panel that will be used to fabricate the Ares I upper stage barrel, undergoing a confidence panel test. In this test, the bent aluminum is stressed to breaking point and thoroughly examined. The panels are manufactured by AMRO Manufacturing located in El Monte, California. n/a

Under the goals of the Vision for Space Exploration, Ares I is a chief...

Under the goals of the Vision for Space Exploration, Ares I is a chief component of the cost-effective space transportation infrastructure being developed by NASA's Constellation Program. This transportation sy... More

Under the goals of the Vision for Space Exploration, Ares I is a chief component of the cost-effective space transportation infrastructure being developed by NASA's Constellation Program. This transportation system will safely and reliably carry human explorers back to the moon, and then onward to Mars and other destinations in the solar system. The Ares I effort includes multiple project element teams at NASA centers and contract organizations around the nation, and is managed by the Exploration Launch Projects Office at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MFSC). ATK Launch Systems near Brigham City, Utah, is the prime contractor for the first stage booster. ATK's subcontractor, United Space Alliance of Houston, is designing, developing and testing the parachutes at its facilities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston hosts the Constellation Program and Orion Crew Capsule Project Office and provides test instrumentation and support personnel. Together, these teams are developing vehicle hardware, evolving proven technologies, and testing components and systems. Their work builds on powerful, reliable space shuttle propulsion elements and nearly a half-century of NASA space flight experience and technological advances. Ares I is an inline, two-stage rocket configuration topped by the Crew Exploration Vehicle, its service module, and a launch abort system. This HD video image depicts a manufactured panel that will be used for the Ares I upper stage barrel fabrication. The aluminum panels are manufacturing process demonstration articles that will undergo testing until perfected. The panels are built by AMRO Manufacturing located in El Monte, California. (Highest resolution available) n/a

Under the goals of the Vision for Space Exploration, Ares I is a chief...

Under the goals of the Vision for Space Exploration, Ares I is a chief component of the cost-effective space transportation infrastructure being developed by NASA's Constellation Program. This transportation sy... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A worker sews a parachute being prepared for an upcoming test at the Parachute Refurbishment Facility. The first stage of the new Ares I rocket and Orion spacecraft will use parachutes to return to Earth. Current tests are being performed in Arizona to make sure the designs can safely handle their intended weight. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. As with the shuttle, this booster will fall away when spent, lowered by parachute into the Atlantic Ocean where it can be retrieved for re-use. Unlike the shuttle, the booster will be flying faster, at Mach 6, when its separation from the rest of Ares I occurs. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2571

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A worker sews a parachute being prepared...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A worker sews a parachute being prepared for an upcoming test at the Parachute Refurbishment Facility. The first stage of the new Ares I rocket and Orion spacecraft will use parach... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A worker sews a parachute being prepared for an upcoming test at the Parachute Refurbishment Facility. The first stage of the new Ares I rocket and Orion spacecraft will use parachutes to return to Earth. Current tests are being performed in Arizona to make sure the designs can safely handle their intended weight. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. As with the shuttle, this booster will fall away when spent, lowered by parachute into the Atlantic Ocean where it can be retrieved for re-use. Unlike the shuttle, the booster will be flying faster, at Mach 6, when its separation from the rest of Ares I occurs. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2575

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A worker sews a parachute being prepared...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A worker sews a parachute being prepared for an upcoming test at the Parachute Refurbishment Facility. The first stage of the new Ares I rocket and Orion spacecraft will use parach... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A worker hangs portions of a parachute in preparation for an upcoming test at the Parachute Refurbishment Facility. The first stage of the new Ares I rocket and Orion spacecraft will use parachutes to return to Earth. Current tests are being performed in Arizona to make sure the designs can safely handle their intended weight. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. As with the shuttle, this booster will fall away when spent, lowered by parachute into the Atlantic Ocean where it can be retrieved for re-use. Unlike the shuttle, the booster will be flying faster, at Mach 6, when its separation from the rest of Ares I occurs. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2574

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A worker hangs portions of a parachute i...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A worker hangs portions of a parachute in preparation for an upcoming test at the Parachute Refurbishment Facility. The first stage of the new Ares I rocket and Orion spacecraft wi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A worker measures straps for parachutes being prepared for an upcoming test at the Parachute Refurbishment Facility. The first stage of the new Ares I rocket and Orion spacecraft will use parachutes to return to Earth. Current tests are being performed in Arizona to make sure the designs can safely handle their intended weight. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. As with the shuttle, this booster will fall away when spent, lowered by parachute into the Atlantic Ocean where it can be retrieved for re-use. Unlike the shuttle, the booster will be flying faster, at Mach 6, when its separation from the rest of Ares I occurs. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2576

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A worker measures straps for parachutes ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A worker measures straps for parachutes being prepared for an upcoming test at the Parachute Refurbishment Facility. The first stage of the new Ares I rocket and Orion spacecraft w... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers prepare a parachute for an upcoming test at the Parachute Refurbishment Facility. The first stage of the new Ares I rocket and Orion spacecraft will use parachutes to return to Earth. Current tests are being performed in Arizona to make sure the designs can safely handle their intended weight. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. As with the shuttle, this booster will fall away when spent, lowered by parachute into the Atlantic Ocean where it can be retrieved for re-use. Unlike the shuttle, the booster will be flying faster, at Mach 6, when its separation from the rest of Ares I occurs. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2569

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers prepare a parachute for an upcom...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers prepare a parachute for an upcoming test at the Parachute Refurbishment Facility. The first stage of the new Ares I rocket and Orion spacecraft will use parachutes to retur... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A worker prepares a parachute for an upcoming test at the Parachute Refurbishment Facility. The first stage of the new Ares I rocket and Orion spacecraft will use parachutes to return to Earth. Current tests are being performed in Arizona to make sure the designs can safely handle their intended weight. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. As with the shuttle, this booster will fall away when spent, lowered by parachute into the Atlantic Ocean where it can be retrieved for re-use. Unlike the shuttle, the booster will be flying faster, at Mach 6, when its separation from the rest of Ares I occurs. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2570

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A worker prepares a parachute for an upc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A worker prepares a parachute for an upcoming test at the Parachute Refurbishment Facility. The first stage of the new Ares I rocket and Orion spacecraft will use parachutes to ret... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A worker prepares a parachute for an upcoming test at the Parachute Refurbishment Facility. The first stage of the new Ares I rocket and Orion spacecraft will use parachutes to return to Earth. Current tests are being performed in Arizona to make sure the designs can safely handle their intended weight. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. As with the shuttle, this booster will fall away when spent, lowered by parachute into the Atlantic Ocean where it can be retrieved for re-use. Unlike the shuttle, the booster will be flying faster, at Mach 6, when its separation from the rest of Ares I occurs. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2572

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A worker prepares a parachute for an up...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A worker prepares a parachute for an upcoming test at the Parachute Refurbishment Facility. The first stage of the new Ares I rocket and Orion spacecraft will use parachutes to re... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers prepare a parachute for an upcoming test at the Parachute Refurbishment Facility. The first stage of the new Ares I rocket and Orion spacecraft will use parachutes to return to Earth. Current tests are being performed in Arizona to make sure the designs can safely handle their intended weight. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. As with the shuttle, this booster will fall away when spent, lowered by parachute into the Atlantic Ocean where it can be retrieved for re-use. Unlike the shuttle, the booster will be flying faster, at Mach 6, when its separation from the rest of Ares I occurs. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2573

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers prepare a parachute for an upco...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers prepare a parachute for an upcoming test at the Parachute Refurbishment Facility. The first stage of the new Ares I rocket and Orion spacecraft will use parachutes to retu... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, parachutes for the Ares rockets are being packed. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. As with the shuttle, this booster will fall away when spent, lowered by parachute into the Atlantic Ocean where it can be retrieved for re-use. Unlike the shuttle, the booster will be flying faster, at Mach 6, when its separation from the rest of Ares I occurs. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd1803

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, parachutes for the Ares rockets are being packed. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, parachutes for the Ares rockets are being prepared for packing. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. As with the shuttle, this booster will fall away when spent, lowered by parachute into the Atlantic Ocean where it can be retrieved for re-use. Unlike the shuttle, the booster will be flying faster, at Mach 6, when its separation from the rest of Ares I occurs. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd1799

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at N...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, parachutes for the Ares rockets are being prepared for packing. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that wil... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, parachutes for the Ares rockets are being packed. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. As with the shuttle, this booster will fall away when spent, lowered by parachute into the Atlantic Ocean where it can be retrieved for re-use. Unlike the shuttle, the booster will be flying faster, at Mach 6, when its separation from the rest of Ares I occurs. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd1802

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at N...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, parachutes for the Ares rockets are being packed. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Assembly and Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers help guide the aft skirt for the Ares 1-X rocket as it is moved. The segment is being lifted into a machine shop work stand for drilling modifications. The modifications will prepare it for the installation of the auxiliary power unit controller, the reduced-rate gyro unit, the booster decelerator motors and the booster tumble motors. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. Ares I-X is a test rocket. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. Ares I’s fifth booster segment allows the launch vehicle to lift more weight and reach a higher altitude before the first stage separates from the upper stage, which ignites in midflight to propel the Orion spacecraft to Earth orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd1861

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Assembly and Refurbishment Facility at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Assembly and Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers help guide the aft skirt for the Ares 1-X rocket as it is moved. The segment is being lifted into a ma... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Assembly and Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a worker attaches an overhead crane to the aft skirt for the Ares 1-X rocket. The segment is being lifted into a machine shop work stand for drilling modifications. The modifications will prepare it for the installation of the auxiliary power unit controller, the reduced-rate gyro unit, the booster decelerator motors and the booster tumble motors. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. Ares I-X is a test rocket. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. Ares I’s fifth booster segment allows the launch vehicle to lift more weight and reach a higher altitude before the first stage separates from the upper stage, which ignites in midflight to propel the Orion spacecraft to Earth orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd1860

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Assembly and Refurbishment Facility a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Assembly and Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a worker attaches an overhead crane to the aft skirt for the Ares 1-X rocket. The segment is being lifted in... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Assembly and Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a crane is lowered over the aft skirt for the Ares 1-X rocket. The segment is being lifted into a machine shop work stand for drilling modifications. The modifications will prepare it for the installation of the auxiliary power unit controller, the reduced-rate gyro unit, the booster decelerator motors and the booster tumble motors. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. Ares I-X is a test rocket. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. Ares I’s fifth booster segment allows the launch vehicle to lift more weight and reach a higher altitude before the first stage separates from the upper stage, which ignites in midflight to propel the Orion spacecraft to Earth orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd1859

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Assembly and Refurbishment Facility at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Assembly and Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a crane is lowered over the aft skirt for the Ares 1-X rocket. The segment is being lifted into a machine sh... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Assembly and Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the aft skirt for the Ares 1-X rocket has been lowered onto another stand. The segment is being moved onto a machine shop work stand for drilling modifications. The modifications will prepare it for the installation of the auxiliary power unit controller, the reduced-rate gyro unit, the booster decelerator motors and the booster tumble motors. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. Ares I-X is a test rocket. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. Ares I’s fifth booster segment allows the launch vehicle to lift more weight and reach a higher altitude before the first stage separates from the upper stage, which ignites in midflight to propel the Orion spacecraft to Earth orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd1862

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Assembly and Refurbishment Facility at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Assembly and Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the aft skirt for the Ares 1-X rocket has been lowered onto another stand. The segment is being moved onto a m... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians Mike Rothering (left) and James Murrell carefully fold an Ares-I parachute prior to packing. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. As with the shuttle, this booster will fall away when spent, lowered by parachute into the Atlantic Ocean where it can be retrieved for re-use. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd2163

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians Mike Rothering (left) and James Murrell carefully fold an Ares-I parachute prior to packing. Ares I ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians Mike Rothering (left) and James Murrell carefully fold an Ares-I parachute prior to packing. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. As with the shuttle, this booster will fall away when spent, lowered by parachute into the Atlantic Ocean where it can be retrieved for re-use. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd2161

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians Mike Rothering (left) and James Murrell carefully fold an Ares-I parachute prior to packing. Ares I i... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Dave Hillebrandt checks strapping used on Ares-I parachutes. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. As with the shuttle, this booster will fall away when spent, lowered by parachute into the Atlantic Ocean where it can be retrieved for re-use. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd2172

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Dave Hillebrandt checks strapping used on Ares-I parachutes. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will tr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Deborah Coombs, senior parachute technician, measures suspension lines for the Ares-I main canopy. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. As with the shuttle, this booster will fall away when spent, lowered by parachute into the Atlantic Ocean where it can be retrieved for re-use. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd2165

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Deborah Coombs, senior parachute technician, measures suspension lines for the Ares-I main canopy. Ares I is an in... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A look at strapping equipment used on parachutes in the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. As with the shuttle, this booster will fall away when spent, lowered by parachute into the Atlantic Ocean where it can be retrieved for re-use. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd2171

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A look at strapping equipment used on parachut...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A look at strapping equipment used on parachutes in the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the O... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Parachute technician Betty Smith sews Ares-I parachute suspension lines in the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. As with the shuttle, this booster will fall away when spent, lowered by parachute into the Atlantic Ocean where it can be retrieved for re-use. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd2169

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Parachute technician Betty Smith sews Ares-I p...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Parachute technician Betty Smith sews Ares-I parachute suspension lines in the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Dave Hillebrandt checks strapping equipment used on Ares-I parachutes. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. As with the shuttle, this booster will fall away when spent, lowered by parachute into the Atlantic Ocean where it can be retrieved for re-use. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd2170

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Dave Hillebrandt checks strapping equipment used on Ares-I parachutes. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket tha... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians Mike Rothering (left) and James Murrell carefully fold an Ares-I parachute prior to packing. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. As with the shuttle, this booster will fall away when spent, lowered by parachute into the Atlantic Ocean where it can be retrieved for re-use. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd2162

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians Mike Rothering (left) and James Murrell carefully fold an Ares-I parachute prior to packing. Ares I i... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Deborah Coombs, senior parachute technician, measures suspension lines for the Ares-I main canopy. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. As with the shuttle, this booster will fall away when spent, lowered by parachute into the Atlantic Ocean where it can be retrieved for re-use. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd2166

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Deborah Coombs, senior parachute technician, measures suspension lines for the Ares-I main canopy. Ares I is an in... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Parachute technician Betty Smith sews Ares-I parachute suspension lines in the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. As with the shuttle, this booster will fall away when spent, lowered by parachute into the Atlantic Ocean where it can be retrieved for re-use. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd2168

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Parachute technician Betty Smith sews Ares-I p...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Parachute technician Betty Smith sews Ares-I parachute suspension lines in the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket tha... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Dave Hillebrandt checks strapping on an Ares-I parachute. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. As with the shuttle, this booster will fall away when spent, lowered by parachute into the Atlantic Ocean where it can be retrieved for re-use. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd2164

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Parachute Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Dave Hillebrandt checks strapping on an Ares-I parachute. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will trans... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Workers lower an Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assembly onto the floor of high bay 4 in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, part of the preparations for the test of the Ares IX rocket. These ballast assemblies will be installed in the upper stage 1 and 7 segments and will mimic the mass of the fuel. Their total weight is approximately 160,000 pounds. The test launch of the Ares IX in 2009 will be the first designed to determine the flight-worthiness of the Ares I rocket. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the space shuttle. Ares I’s fifth booster segment allows the launch vehicle to lift more weight and reach a higher altitude before the first stage separates from the upper stage, which ignites in midflight to propel the Orion spacecraft to Earth orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3246

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Workers lower an Ares IX upper stage segments’ ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Workers lower an Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assembly onto the floor of high bay 4 in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, part of the preparations for ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblies have arrived at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and are positioned along the floor of high bay 4 in the Vehicle Assembly Building, part of the preparations for the test of the Ares IX rocket. These ballast assemblies will be installed in the upper stage 1 and 7 segments and will mimic the mass of the fuel. Their total weight is approximately 160,000 pounds. The test launch of the Ares IX in 2009 will be the first designed to determine the flight-worthiness of the Ares I rocket. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the space shuttle. Ares I’s fifth booster segment allows the launch vehicle to lift more weight and reach a higher altitude before the first stage separates from the upper stage, which ignites in midflight to propel the Orion spacecraft to Earth orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3249

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assem...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblies have arrived at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and are positioned along the floor of high bay 4 in the Vehicle Assembly Building, part of... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblies are offloaded from one of five trucks which delivered them to the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, part of the preparations for the test of the Ares IX rocket. These ballast assemblies will be installed in the upper stage 1 and 7 segments and will mimic the mass of the fuel. Their total weight is approximately 160,000 pounds. The test launch of the Ares IX in 2009 will be the first designed to determine the flight-worthiness of the Ares I rocket. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the space shuttle. Ares I’s fifth booster segment allows the launch vehicle to lift more weight and reach a higher altitude before the first stage separates from the upper stage, which ignites in midflight to propel the Orion spacecraft to Earth orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3244

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assem...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblies are offloaded from one of five trucks which delivered them to the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, part of th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Workers lift the Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblies off a truck in high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, part of the preparations for the test of the Ares IX rocket. These ballast assemblies will be installed in the upper stage 1 and 7 segments and will mimic the mass of the fuel. Their total weight is approximately 160,000 pounds. The test launch of the Ares IX in 2009 will be the first designed to determine the flight-worthiness of the Ares I rocket. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the space shuttle. Ares I’s fifth booster segment allows the launch vehicle to lift more weight and reach a higher altitude before the first stage separates from the upper stage, which ignites in midflight to propel the Orion spacecraft to Earth orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3245

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Workers lift the Ares IX upper stage segments’ ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Workers lift the Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblies off a truck in high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, part of the preparations for t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblies have arrived at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and are positioned along the floor of high bay 4 in the Vehicle Assembly Building, part of the preparations for the test of the Ares IX rocket. These ballast assemblies will be installed in the upper stage 1 and 7 segments and will mimic the mass of the fuel. Their total weight is approximately 160,000 pounds. The test launch of the Ares IX in 2009 will be the first designed to determine the flight-worthiness of the Ares I rocket. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the space shuttle. Ares I’s fifth booster segment allows the launch vehicle to lift more weight and reach a higher altitude before the first stage separates from the upper stage, which ignites in midflight to propel the Orion spacecraft to Earth orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3250

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assem...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblies have arrived at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and are positioned along the floor of high bay 4 in the Vehicle Assembly Building, part of... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - One of five trucks transporting the Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblies arrives at the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space, part of the preparations for the test of the Ares IX rocket. These ballast assemblies will be installed in the upper stage 1 and 7 segments and will mimic the mass of the fuel. Their total weight is approximately 160,000 pounds. The test launch of the Ares IX in 2009 will be the first designed to determine the flight-worthiness of the Ares I rocket. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the space shuttle. Ares I’s fifth booster segment allows the launch vehicle to lift more weight and reach a higher altitude before the first stage separates from the upper stage, which ignites in midflight to propel the Orion spacecraft to Earth orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3243

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - One of five trucks transporting the Ares IX upp...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - One of five trucks transporting the Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblies arrives at the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space, part of the preparations for the tes... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Workers position Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblies along the floor of high bay 4 in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, part of the preparations for the test of the Ares IX rocket. These ballast assemblies will be installed in the upper stage 1 and 7 segments and will mimic the mass of the fuel. Their total weight is approximately 160,000 pounds. The test launch of the Ares IX in 2009 will be the first designed to determine the flight-worthiness of the Ares I rocket. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the space shuttle. Ares I’s fifth booster segment allows the launch vehicle to lift more weight and reach a higher altitude before the first stage separates from the upper stage, which ignites in midflight to propel the Orion spacecraft to Earth orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3247

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Workers position Ares IX upper stage segments’ ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Workers position Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblies along the floor of high bay 4 in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, part of the preparations f... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft arrives at NASA's Hazardous Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company for its Advanced Television Infrared Observational Satellites -N series. It is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite will provide a platform to support environmental monitoring instruments for imaging and measuring the Earth's atmosphere, its surface and cloud cover, including Earth radiation, atmospheric ozone, aerosol distribution, sea surface temperature and vertical temperature and water profiles in the troposphere and stratosphere. The satellite will assist in measuring proton and electron fluxes at orbit altitude, collecting data from remote platforms to assist the Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking system. The satellite will be launched from the Western Range at Vandenberg AFB by a United Launch Alliance two-stage Delta II rocket managed by NASA's Launch Service Program at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jerry Nagy, VAFB KSC-08pd3500

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft arriv...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft arrives at NASA's Hazardous Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Space Sys... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers move the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft into NASA's Hazardous Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company for its Advanced Television Infrared Observational Satellites -N series. It is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite will provide a platform to support environmental monitoring instruments for imaging and measuring the Earth's atmosphere, its surface and cloud cover, including Earth radiation, atmospheric ozone, aerosol distribution, sea surface temperature and vertical temperature and water profiles in the troposphere and stratosphere. The satellite will assist in measuring proton and electron fluxes at orbit altitude, collecting data from remote platforms to assist the Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking system. The satellite will be launched from the Western Range at Vandenberg AFB by a United Launch Alliance two-stage Delta II rocket managed by NASA's Launch Service Program at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jerry Nagy, VAFB KSC-08pd3503

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers move the NOAA-N Prime spac...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Workers move the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft into NASA's Hazardous Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Space... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is offloaded from a C-5 aircraft after arrival at Vandenberg Air Force Base Airfield in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company for its Advanced Television Infrared Observational Satellites -N series. It is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite will provide a platform to support environmental monitoring instruments for imaging and measuring the Earth's atmosphere, its surface and cloud cover, including Earth radiation, atmospheric ozone, aerosol distribution, sea surface temperature and vertical temperature and water profiles in the troposphere and stratosphere. The satellite will assist in measuring proton and electron fluxes at orbit altitude, collecting data from remote platforms to assist the Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking system. The satellite will be launched from the Western Range at Vandenberg AFB by a United Launch Alliance two-stage Delta II rocket managed by NASA's Launch Service Program at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jerry Nagy, VAFB KSC-08pd3499

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is off...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is offloaded from a C-5 aircraft after arrival at Vandenberg Air Force Base Airfield in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Spa... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is offloaded from the transporter at NASA's Hazardous Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company for its Advanced Television Infrared Observational Satellites -N series. It is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite will provide a platform to support environmental monitoring instruments for imaging and measuring the Earth's atmosphere, its surface and cloud cover, including Earth radiation, atmospheric ozone, aerosol distribution, sea surface temperature and vertical temperature and water profiles in the troposphere and stratosphere. The satellite will assist in measuring proton and electron fluxes at orbit altitude, collecting data from remote platforms to assist the Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking system. The satellite will be launched from the Western Range at Vandenberg AFB by a United Launch Alliance two-stage Delta II rocket managed by NASA's Launch Service Program at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jerry Nagy, VAFB KSC-08pd3501

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is of...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is offloaded from the transporter at NASA's Hazardous Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by L... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is positioned for movement into NASA's Hazardous Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company for its Advanced Television Infrared Observational Satellites -N series. It is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite will provide a platform to support environmental monitoring instruments for imaging and measuring the Earth's atmosphere, its surface and cloud cover, including Earth radiation, atmospheric ozone, aerosol distribution, sea surface temperature and vertical temperature and water profiles in the troposphere and stratosphere. The satellite will assist in measuring proton and electron fluxes at orbit altitude, collecting data from remote platforms to assist the Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking system. The satellite will be launched from the Western Range at Vandenberg AFB by a United Launch Alliance two-stage Delta II rocket managed by NASA's Launch Service Program at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jerry Nagy, VAFB KSC-08pd3502

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is pos...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is positioned for movement into NASA's Hazardous Processing Facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockhee... More

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is offloaded from a C-5 aircraft after arrival at Vandenberg Air Force Base Airfield in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company for its Advanced Television Infrared Observational Satellites -N series. It is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The satellite will provide a platform to support environmental monitoring instruments for imaging and measuring the Earth's atmosphere, its surface and cloud cover, including Earth radiation, atmospheric ozone, aerosol distribution, sea surface temperature and vertical temperature and water profiles in the troposphere and stratosphere. The satellite will assist in measuring proton and electron fluxes at orbit altitude, collecting data from remote platforms to assist the Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking system. The satellite will be launched from the Western Range at Vandenberg AFB by a United Launch Alliance two-stage Delta II rocket managed by NASA's Launch Service Program at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jerry Nagy, VAFB KSC-08pd3498

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is off...

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The NOAA-N Prime spacecraft is offloaded from a C-5 aircraft after arrival at Vandenberg Air Force Base Airfield in California. NOAA-N Prime was built by Lockheed Martin Spa... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit. SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-4345

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a tw... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit. SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Chris Rhodes KSC-2010-4329

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting o... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit. SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-4342

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a tw... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit. SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Chris Rhodes KSC-2010-4331

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting o... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit. SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-4337

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a tw... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit. SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Chris Rhodes KSC-2010-4333

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting o... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit. SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Chris Rhodes KSC-2010-4332

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting o... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit. SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-4334

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit. SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-4346

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a tw... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit. SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-4336

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a tw... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit. SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-4335

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a tw... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit. SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-4340

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit. SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-4338

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a tw... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit. SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-4344

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a tw... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit. SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-4341

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a tw... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit. SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-4343

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40's horizontal processing hangar. Once assembled, it will be a tw... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit. SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Chris Rhodes KSC-2010-4330

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting o... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit. SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-4339

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX COTS-2 Falcon 9 rocket is being moved into a SpaceX hangar at Pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit. SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2011-3178

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX COTS-2 Falcon 9 ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX COTS-2 Falcon 9 rocket is being moved into a SpaceX hangar at Pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Once assembled, it will be a ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX COTS-2 Falcon 9 rocket has been moved to a SpaceX hangar at Pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit. SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2011-3182

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX COTS-2 Falcon 9 ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX COTS-2 Falcon 9 rocket has been moved to a SpaceX hangar at Pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Once assembled, it will be a two-... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX COTS-2 Falcon 9 rocket is being moved into a SpaceX hangar at Pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Once assembled, it will be a two-stage fully integrated launch vehicle, consisting of a first stage powered by nine SpaceX-developed Merlin 1C engines, a second stage, an interstage, an unpressurized trunk and the Dragon spacecraft qualification unit. SpaceX was awarded procurement for three demonstration flights under the Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, or COTS, program managed by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. A subsequent contract for Commercial Resupply Services, or CRS, was awarded in late 2008 to resupply the International Space Station. The SpaceX CRS contract provides for 12 missions to resupply the station from 2011 through 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2011-3181

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX COTS-2 Falcon 9 ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first stage of the SpaceX COTS-2 Falcon 9 rocket is being moved into a SpaceX hangar at Pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Once assembled, it will be a ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A truck carrying the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The two-stage rocket will launch the company's Dragon spacecraft on the upcoming SpaceX CRS-2 mission. The flight will be the second commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station by Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX. NASA has contracted for a total of 12 commercial resupply flights from SpaceX and eight from the Orbital Sciences Corp. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-6530

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A truck carrying the first stage of the SpaceX ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A truck carrying the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The two-stage rocket will launch the company's Dragon spacecraf... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket arrives at the SpaceX Falcon Hangar at Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The two-stage rocket will launch the company's Dragon spacecraft on the upcoming SpaceX CRS-2 mission. The flight will be the second commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station by Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX. NASA has contracted for a total of 12 commercial resupply flights from SpaceX and eight from the Orbital Sciences Corp. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-6531

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket arrives ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket arrives at the SpaceX Falcon Hangar at Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The two-stage rocket will launch the com... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A truck carries the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket through the gate at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The two-stage rocket will launch the company's Dragon spacecraft on the upcoming SpaceX CRS-2 mission. The flight will be the second commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station by Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX. NASA has contracted for a total of 12 commercial resupply flights from SpaceX and eight from the Orbital Sciences Corp. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-6528

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A truck carries the first stage of the SpaceX F...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A truck carries the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket through the gate at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The two-stage rocket will launch the company's Dragon sp... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Backdropped by an array of palm trees, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives by truck at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The two-stage rocket will launch the company's Dragon spacecraft on the upcoming SpaceX CRS-2 mission. The flight will be the second commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station by Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX. NASA has contracted for a total of 12 commercial resupply flights from SpaceX and eight from the Orbital Sciences Corp. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-6529

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Backdropped by an array of palm trees, the firs...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Backdropped by an array of palm trees, the first stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket arrives by truck at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The two-stage rocket will launch ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A truck pulls the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket inside the SpaceX Falcon Hangar at Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The two-stage rocket will launch the company's Dragon spacecraft on the upcoming SpaceX-2 mission. SpaceX-2 will be the second commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station by Space Exploration Technologies SpaceX. NASA has contracted for a total of 12 commercial resupply flights from SpaceX and eight from the Orbital Sciences Corp. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-6533

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A truck pulls the first stage of the Falcon 9 r...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A truck pulls the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket inside the SpaceX Falcon Hangar at Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The two-stage rocket will la... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A truck pulls the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket inside the SpaceX Falcon Hangar at Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The two-stage rocket will launch the company's Dragon spacecraft on the upcoming SpaceX CRS-2 mission. The flight will be the second commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station by Space Exploration Technologies, or SpaceX. NASA has contracted for a total of 12 commercial resupply flights from SpaceX and eight from the Orbital Sciences Corp. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-6532

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A truck pulls the first stage of the Falcon 9 r...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A truck pulls the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket inside the SpaceX Falcon Hangar at Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The two-stage rocket will lau... More

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