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

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This is the cockpit of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, a modified Boeing 747, at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The SCA will carry space shuttle Atlantis on its ferry flight to Florida. Atlantis landed at Edwards on May 24, which concluded mission STS-125, after two landing opportunities at Kennedy were waved off due to weather concerns. Atlantis is being returned to Florida on a ferry flight on the SCA. Atlantis' next assignment is the STS-129 mission, targeted to launch in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2009-3453

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This is the cockpit of the Shuttle Carrier Airc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This is the cockpit of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, a modified Boeing 747, at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The SCA will carry space shuttle Atlantis on its ferry flight... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Under the mate/demate device at Edwards Air Force Base in California, Atlantis is fitted with a sling to lift it for attachment to the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, a modified Boeing 747. Atlantis landed at Edwards on May 24, which concluded mission STS-125, after two landing opportunities at Kennedy were waved off due to weather concerns. Atlantis is being returned to Florida on a ferry flight on the SCA. Atlantis' next assignment is the STS-129 mission, targeted to launch in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2009-3450

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Under the mate/demate device at Edwards Air For...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Under the mate/demate device at Edwards Air Force Base in California, Atlantis is fitted with a sling to lift it for attachment to the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, a modified Boeing ... More

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

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

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

EDWARDS, Calif. – Against a setting sun, space shuttle Endeavour undergoes recovery operations on Edwards Air Force Base in California after its landing. The orbiter convoy normally begins recovery operations in earnest about two hours before the shuttle is scheduled to land. Specially designed vehicles or units and a team of trained personnel “safe” the orbiter and prepare it for towing. Purge and Coolant Umbilical Access Vehicles are moved into position behind the orbiter to get access to the umbilical areas. The flight crew is replaced aboard the orbiter by exchange sup¬port personnel who prepare the orbiter for ground tow operations, install switch guards and remove data packages from any onboard experiments. After a total safety downgrade, vehicle ground personnel make numerous preparations for the towing operation, including install¬ing landing gear lock pins, disconnecting the nose landing gear drag link, positioning the towing vehicle in front of the orbiter and connecting the tow bar. The decision to land Endeavour at Edwards was made due to weather concerns at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the 52nd landing at Edwards, Endeavour touched down at 4:25 p.m. EST to end the STS-126 mission, completing its 16-day journey of more than 6.6 million miles in space. Endeavour will be returned to Kennedy atop a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, a modified Boeing 747 jetliner. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Landis, VAFB KSC-08pd3887

EDWARDS, Calif. – Against a setting sun, space shuttle Endeavour und...

EDWARDS, Calif. – Against a setting sun, space shuttle Endeavour undergoes recovery operations on Edwards Air Force Base in California after its landing. The orbiter convoy normally begins recovery operation... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, a modified Boeing 747, is fitted with struts on top that will attach to space shuttle Atlantis for a piggyback flight. Atlantis landed at Edwards on May 24, which concluded mission STS-125, after two landing opportunities at Kennedy were waved off due to weather concerns. Atlantis is being returned to Florida on a ferry flight on the SCA. Atlantis' next assignment is the STS-129 mission, targeted to launch in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2009-3448

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, a modifi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, a modified Boeing 747, is fitted with struts on top that will attach to space shuttle Atlantis for a piggyback flight. Atlantis landed at Edwards o... More

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

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

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

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

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Edwards Air Force Base in California, space shuttle Atlantis is fitted with a tail cone, which protects the aft engine area and provides a more efficient aeronautical dimension during its piggyback flight on the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, a modified Boeing 747. Atlantis landed at Edwards on May 24, which concluded mission STS-125, after two landing opportunities at Kennedy were waved off due to weather concerns. Atlantis is being returned to Florida on a ferry flight on the SCA. Atlantis' next assignment is the STS-129 mission, targeted to launch in November 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2009-3449

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Edwards Air Force Base in California, space ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Edwards Air Force Base in California, space shuttle Atlantis is fitted with a tail cone, which protects the aft engine area and provides a more efficient aeronautical dimension during ... More

STS-86 Landing, NASA Space Shuttle Landing Facility

STS-86 Landing, NASA Space Shuttle Landing Facility

The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis touches down on Runway 15 of the Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at the conclusion of the nearly 11-day STS-86 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 5:55:09 ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The orbiter drag chute deploys after the Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis lands on Runway 15 of the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at the conclusion of the nearly 11-day STS-86 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 5:55:09 p.m. EDT, Oct. 6, 1997, with an unofficial mission-elapsed time of 10 days, 19 hours, 20 minutes and 50 seconds. The first two KSC landing opportunities on Sunday were waved off because of weather concerns. The 87th Space Shuttle mission was the 40th landing of the Shuttle at KSC. On Sunday evening, the Space Shuttle program reached a milestone: The total flight time of the Shuttle passed the two-year mark. STS86 was the seventh of nine planned dockings of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. STS-86 Mission Specialist David A. Wolf replaced NASA astronaut and Mir 24 crew member C. Michael Foale, who has been on the Mir since mid-May. Foale returned to Earth on Atlantis with the remainder of the STS-86 crew. The other crew members are Commander James D. Wetherbee, Pilot Michael J. Bloomfield, and Mission Specialists Wendy B. Lawrence, Scott E. Parazynski, Vladimir Georgievich Titov of the Russian Space Agency, and Jean-Loup J.M. Chretien of the French Space Agency, CNES. Wolf is scheduled to remain on the Mir until the STS-89 Shuttle mission in January. Besides the docking and crew exchange, STS-86 included the transfer of more than three-and-a-half tons of science/logistical equipment and supplies between the two orbiting spacecraft. Parazynski and Titov also conducted a spacewalk while Atlantis and the Mir were docked KSC-97PC1492

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The orbiter drag chute deploys after the...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The orbiter drag chute deploys after the Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis lands on Runway 15 of the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at the conclusion of the nearly 11-day STS-86 m... More

The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis touches down on Runway 15 of the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) to complete the nearly 11-day STS-86 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 5:55:09 p.m. EDT on Oct. 6, 1997. The unofficial mission-elapsed time at main gear touchdown was 10 days, 19 hours, 20 minutes and 50 seconds. The first two landing opportunities on Sunday were waved off because of weather concerns. The 87th Space Shuttle mission was the 40th landing of the Shuttle at KSC. On Sunday evening, the Space Shuttle program reached a milestone: The total flight time of the Shuttle passed the two-year mark. STS-86 was the seventh of nine planned dockings of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. STS-86 Mission Specialist David A. Wolf replaced NASA astronaut and Mir 24 crew member C. Michael Foale, who has been on the Mir since mid-May. Foale returned to Earth on Atlantis with the remainder of the STS-86 crew. The other crew members are Commander James D. Wetherbee, Pilot Michael J. Bloomfield, and Mission Specialists Wendy B. Lawrence, Scott E. Parazynski, Vladimir Georgievich Titov of the Russian Space Agency, and Jean-Loup J.M. Chretien of the French Space Agency, CNES. Wolf is scheduled to remain on the Mir until the STS-89 Shuttle mission in January. Besides the docking and crew exchange, STS-86 included the transfer of more than three-and-ahalf tons of science/logistical equipment and supplies between the two orbiting spacecraft. Parazynski and Titov also conducted a spacewalk while Atlantis and the Mir were docked KSC-97PC1505

The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis touches down on Runway 15 of the KS...

The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis touches down on Runway 15 of the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) to complete the nearly 11-day STS-86 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 5:55:09 p.m. EDT on Oct. 6, 1997. ... More

The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis touches down on Runway 15 of the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) to complete the nearly 11-day STS-86 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 5:55:09 p.m. EDT on Oct. 6, 1997. The unofficial mission-elapsed time at main gear touchdown was 10 days, 19 hours, 20 minutes and 50 seconds. The first two landing opportunities on Sunday were waved off because of weather concerns. The 87th Space Shuttle mission was the 40th landing of the Shuttle at KSC. On Sunday evening, the Space Shuttle program reached a milestone: The total flight time of the Shuttle passed the two-year mark. STS-86 was the seventh of nine planned dockings of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. STS-86 Mission Specialist David A. Wolf replaced NASA astronaut and Mir 24 crew member C. Michael Foale, who has been on the Mir since mid-May. Foale returned to Earth on Atlantis with the remainder of the STS-86 crew. The other crew members are Commander James D. Wetherbee, Pilot Michael J. Bloomfield, and Mission Specialists Wendy B. Lawrence, Scott E. Parazynski, Vladimir Georgievich Titov of the Russian Space Agency, and Jean-Loup J.M. Chretien of the French Space Agency, CNES. Wolf is scheduled to remain on the Mir until the STS-89 Shuttle mission in January. Besides the docking and crew exchange, STS-86 included the transfer of more than three-and-ahalf tons of science/logistical equipment and supplies between the two orbiting spacecraft. Parazynski and Titov also conducted a spacewalk while Atlantis and the Mir were docked KSC-97PC1504

The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis touches down on Runway 15 of the KS...

The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis touches down on Runway 15 of the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) to complete the nearly 11-day STS-86 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 5:55:09 p.m. EDT on Oct. 6, 1997. ... More

The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis touches down on Runway 15 of the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) to complete the nearly 11-day STS-86 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 5:55:09 p.m. EDT on Oct. 6, 1997. The unofficial mission-elapsed time at main gear touchdown was 10 days, 19 hours, 20 minutes and 50 seconds. The first two landing opportunities on Sunday were waved off because of weather concerns. The 87th Space Shuttle mission was the 40th landing of the Shuttle at KSC. On Sunday evening, the Space Shuttle program reached a milestone: The total flight time of the Shuttle passed the two-year mark. STS-86 was the seventh of nine planned dockings of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. STS-86 Mission Specialist David A. Wolf replaced NASA astronaut and Mir 24 crew member C. Michael Foale, who has been on the Mir since mid-May. Foale returned to Earth on Atlantis with the remainder of the STS-86 crew. The other crew members are Commander James D. Wetherbee, Pilot Michael J. Bloomfield, and Mission Specialists Wendy B. Lawrence, Scott E. Parazynski, Vladimir Georgievich Titov of the Russian Space Agency, and Jean-Loup J.M. Chretien of the French Space Agency, CNES. Wolf is scheduled to remain on the Mir until the STS-89 Shuttle mission in January. Besides the docking and crew exchange, STS-86 included the transfer of more than three-and-ahalf tons of science/logistical equipment and supplies between the two orbiting spacecraft. Parazynski and Titov also conducted a spacewalk while Atlantis and the Mir were docked KSC-97PC1495

The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis touches down on Runway 15 of the KS...

The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis touches down on Runway 15 of the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) to complete the nearly 11-day STS-86 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 5:55:09 p.m. EDT on Oct. 6, 1997. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis touches down on Runway 15 of the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) to complete the nearly 11-day STS-86 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 5:55:09 p.m. EDT on Oct. 6, 1997. The unofficial mission-elapsed time at main gear touchdown was 10 days, 19 hours, 20 minutes and 50 seconds. The first two landing opportunities on Sunday were waved off because of weather concerns. The 87th Space Shuttle mission was the 40th landing of the Shuttle at KSC. On Sunday evening, the Space Shuttle program reached a milestone: The total flight time of the Shuttle passed the two-year mark. STS-86 was the seventh of nine planned dockings of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. STS-86 Mission Specialist David A. Wolf replaced NASA astronaut and Mir 24 crew member C. Michael Foale, who has been on the Mir since mid-May. Foale returned to Earth on Atlantis with the remainder of the STS-86 crew. The other crew members are Commander James D. Wetherbee, Pilot Michael J. Bloomfield, and Mission Specialists Wendy B. Lawrence, Scott E. Parazynski, Vladimir Georgievich Titov of the Russian Space Agency, and Jean-Loup J.M. Chretien of the French Space Agency, CNES. Wolf is scheduled to remain on the Mir until the STS-89 Shuttle mission in January. Besides the docking and crew exchange, STS-86 included the transfer of more than three-and-ahalf tons of science/logistical equipment and supplies between the two orbiting spacecraft. Parazynski and Titov also conducted a spacewalk while Atlantis and the Mir were docked KSC-97PC1496

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis touch...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis touches down on Runway 15 of the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) to complete the nearly 11-day STS-86 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 5:55... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The orbiter drag chute deploys after the Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis lands on Runway 15 of the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at the conclusion of the nearly 11-day STS-86 mission. The Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) can be seen in the background. Main gear touchdown was at 5:55:09 p.m. EDT, Oct. 6, 1997, with an unofficial mission-elapsed time of 10 days, 19 hours, 20 minutes and 50 seconds. The first two KSC landing opportunities on Sunday were waved off because of weather concerns. The 87th Space Shuttle mission was the 40th landing of the Shuttle at KSC. On Sunday evening, the Space Shuttle program reached a milestone: The total flight time of the Shuttle passed the two-year mark. STS86 was the seventh of nine planned dockings of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. STS-86 Mission Specialist David A. Wolf replaced NASA astronaut and Mir 24 crew member C. Michael Foale, who has been on the Mir since mid-May. Foale returned to Earth on Atlantis with the remainder of the STS-86 crew. The other crew members are Commander James D. Wetherbee, Pilot Michael J. Bloomfield, and Mission Specialists Wendy B. Lawrence, Scott E. Parazynski, Vladimir Georgievich Titov of the Russian Space Agency, and Jean-Loup J.M. Chretien of the French Space Agency, CNES. Wolf is scheduled to remain on the Mir until the STS-89 Shuttle mission in January. Besides the docking and crew exchange, STS-86 included the transfer of more than three-and-a-half tons of science/logistical equipment and supplies between the two orbiting spacecraft. Parazynski and Titov also conducted a spacewalk while Atlantis and the Mir were docked KSC-97PC1498

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The orbiter drag chute deploys after the...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The orbiter drag chute deploys after the Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis lands on Runway 15 of the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at the conclusion of the nearly 11-day STS-86 m... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The orbiter drag chute deploys after the Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis lands on Runway 15 of the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at the conclusion of the nearly 11-day STS-86 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 5:55:09 p.m. EDT, Oct. 6, 1997, with an unofficial mission-elapsed time of 10 days, 19 hours, 20 minutes and 50 seconds. The first two KSC landing opportunities on Sunday were waved off because of weather concerns. The 87th Space Shuttle mission was the 40th landing of the Shuttle at KSC. On Sunday evening, the Space Shuttle program reached a milestone: The total flight time of the Shuttle passed the two-year mark. STS86 was the seventh of nine planned dockings of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. STS-86 Mission Specialist David A. Wolf replaced NASA astronaut and Mir 24 crew member C. Michael Foale, who has been on the Mir since mid-May. Foale returned to Earth on Atlantis with the remainder of the STS-86 crew. The other crew members are Commander James D. Wetherbee, Pilot Michael J. Bloomfield, and Mission Specialists Wendy B. Lawrence, Scott E. Parazynski, Vladimir Georgievich Titov of the Russian Space Agency, and Jean-Loup J.M. Chretien of the French Space Agency, CNES. Wolf is scheduled to remain on the Mir until the STS-89 Shuttle mission in January. Besides the docking and crew exchange, STS-86 included the transfer of more than three-and-a-half tons of science/logistical equipment and supplies between the two orbiting spacecraft. Parazynski and Titov also conducted a spacewalk while Atlantis and the Mir were docked KSC-97PC1493

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The orbiter drag chute deploys after the...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The orbiter drag chute deploys after the Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis lands on Runway 15 of the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at the conclusion of the nearly 11-day STS-86 m... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis touches down on Runway 15 of the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) to complete the nearly 11-day STS-86 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 5:55:09 p.m. EDT on Oct. 6, 1997. The unofficial mission-elapsed time at main gear touchdown was 10 days, 19 hours, 20 minutes and 50 seconds. The first two landing opportunities on Sunday were waved off because of weather concerns. The 87th Space Shuttle mission was the 40th landing of the Shuttle at KSC. On Sunday evening, the Space Shuttle program reached a milestone: The total flight time of the Shuttle passed the two-year mark. STS-86 was the seventh of nine planned dockings of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. STS-86 Mission Specialist David A. Wolf replaced NASA astronaut and Mir 24 crew member C. Michael Foale, who has been on the Mir since mid-May. Foale returned to Earth on Atlantis with the remainder of the STS-86 crew. The other crew members are Commander James D. Wetherbee, Pilot Michael J. Bloomfield, and Mission Specialists Wendy B. Lawrence, Scott E. Parazynski, Vladimir Georgievich Titov of the Russian Space Agency, and Jean-Loup J.M. Chretien of the French Space Agency, CNES. Wolf is scheduled to remain on the Mir until the STS-89 Shuttle mission in January. Besides the docking and crew exchange, STS-86 included the transfer of more than three-and-ahalf tons of science/logistical equipment and supplies between the two orbiting spacecraft. Parazynski and Titov also conducted a spacewalk while Atlantis and the Mir were docked KSC-97PC1494

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis touch...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis touches down on Runway 15 of the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) to complete the nearly 11-day STS-86 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 5:55... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The orbiter drag chute deploys after the Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis lands on Runway 15 of the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at the conclusion of the nearly 11-day STS-86 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 5:55:09 p.m. EDT, Oct. 6, 1997, with an unofficial mission-elapsed time of 10 days, 19 hours, 20 minutes and 50 seconds. The first two KSC landing opportunities on Sunday were waved off because of weather concerns. The 87th Space Shuttle mission was the 40th landing of the Shuttle at KSC. On Sunday evening, the Space Shuttle program reached a milestone: The total flight time of the Shuttle passed the two-year mark. STS86 was the seventh of nine planned dockings of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. STS-86 Mission Specialist David A. Wolf replaced NASA astronaut and Mir 24 crew member C. Michael Foale, who has been on the Mir since mid-May. Foale returned to Earth on Atlantis with the remainder of the STS-86 crew. The other crew members are Commander James D. Wetherbee, Pilot Michael J. Bloomfield, and Mission Specialists Wendy B. Lawrence, Scott E. Parazynski, Vladimir Georgievich Titov of the Russian Space Agency, and Jean-Loup J.M. Chretien of the French Space Agency, CNES. Wolf is scheduled to remain on the Mir until the STS-89 Shuttle mission in January. Besides the docking and crew exchange, STS-86 included the transfer of more than three-and-a-half tons of science/logistical equipment and supplies between the two orbiting spacecraft. Parazynski and Titov also conducted a spacewalk while Atlantis and the Mir were docked KSC-97PC1497

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The orbiter drag chute deploys after the...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The orbiter drag chute deploys after the Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis lands on Runway 15 of the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) at the conclusion of the nearly 11-day STS-86 m... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis touches down on Runway 15 of the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) to complete the nearly 11-day STS-86 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 5:55:09 p.m. EDT on Oct. 6, 1997. The unofficial mission-elapsed time at main gear touchdown was 10 days, 19 hours, 20 minutes and 50 seconds. The first two landing opportunities on Sunday were waved off because of weather concerns. The 87th Space Shuttle mission was the 40th landing of the Shuttle at KSC. On Sunday evening, the Space Shuttle program reached a milestone: The total flight time of the Shuttle passed the two-year mark. STS-86 was the seventh of nine planned dockings of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. STS-86 Mission Specialist David A. Wolf replaced NASA astronaut and Mir 24 crew member C. Michael Foale, who has been on the Mir since mid-May. Foale returned to Earth on Atlantis with the remainder of the STS-86 crew. The other crew members are Commander James D. Wetherbee, Pilot Michael J. Bloomfield, and Mission Specialists Wendy B. Lawrence, Scott E. Parazynski, Vladimir Georgievich Titov of the Russian Space Agency, and Jean-Loup J.M. Chretien of the French Space Agency, CNES. Wolf is scheduled to remain on the Mir until the STS-89 Shuttle mission in January. Besides the docking and crew exchange, STS-86 included the transfer of more than three-and-ahalf tons of science/logistical equipment and supplies between the two orbiting spacecraft. Parazynski and Titov also conducted a spacewalk while Atlantis and the Mir were docked KSC-97PC1499

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis touch...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis touches down on Runway 15 of the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) to complete the nearly 11-day STS-86 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 5:55... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- United Space Alliance Aft Technician Bobby Wright looks at the gaseous nitrogen pressure regulator in the left Orbital Maneuvering System pod on Space Shuttle Endeavour. The component showed pressure differentials during the launch count May 30, 2002, and mission managers elected to replace it after the launch was scrubbed due to weather concerns. The launch of Endeavour on Mission STS-111, Utilization Flight 2 to the International Space Station, has been rescheduled for June 5, 2002 KSC-02pd0854

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- United Space Alliance Aft Technician Bo...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- United Space Alliance Aft Technician Bobby Wright looks at the gaseous nitrogen pressure regulator in the left Orbital Maneuvering System pod on Space Shuttle Endeavour. The comp... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Shown in the photo is the gaseous nitrogen pressure regulator in the left Orbital Maneuvering System pod on Space Shuttle Endeavour. The component showed pressure differentials during the launch count May 30, 2002, and mission managers elected to replace it after the launch was scrubbed due to weather concerns. The launch of Endeavour on Mission STS-111, Utilization Flight 2 to the International Space Station, has been rescheduled for June 5, 2002 KSC-02pd0853

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Shown in the photo is the gaseous nitro...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Shown in the photo is the gaseous nitrogen pressure regulator in the left Orbital Maneuvering System pod on Space Shuttle Endeavour. The component showed pressure differentials d... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- United Space Alliance Aft Technician Bobby Wright checks is the gaseous nitrogen pressure regulator in the left Orbital Maneuvering System pod on Space Shuttle Endeavour. The component showed pressure differentials during the launch count May 30, 2002, and mission managers elected to replace it after the launch was scrubbed due to weather concerns. The launch of Endeavour on Mission STS-111, Utilization Flight 2 to the International Space Station, has been rescheduled for June 5, 2002 KSC-02pd0855

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- United Space Alliance Aft Technician Bob...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- United Space Alliance Aft Technician Bobby Wright checks is the gaseous nitrogen pressure regulator in the left Orbital Maneuvering System pod on Space Shuttle Endeavour. The comp... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Boeing Delta II rocket and Mars Exploration Rover 2 (MER-A) are ready for the third launch attempt after weather concerns postponed earlier attempts. MER-A is the first of two rovers being launched to Mars. When the two rovers arrive at Mars in 2004, they will bounce to airbag-cushioned landings at sites offering a balance of favorable conditions for safe landings and interesting science. The rovers see sharper images, can explore farther and examine rocks better than anything that has ever landed on Mars. The designated site for MER-A mission is Gusev Crater, which appears to have been a crater lake. The second rover, MER-B, is scheduled to launch June 25.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral A...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Boeing Delta II rocket and Mars Exploration Rover 2 (MER-A) are ready for the third launch attempt after weather conce... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the launch tower rolls back from the Boeing Delta II rocket and its Mars Exploration Rover (MER-A) payload in preparation for another launch attempt. The first two attempts, June 8 and June 9, were postponed due to weather concerns. MER-A is the first of two rovers being launched to Mars. When the two rovers arrive at Mars in 2004, they will bounce to airbag-cushioned landings at sites offering a balance of favorable conditions for safe landings and interesting science. The rovers see sharper images, can explore farther and examine rocks better than anything that has ever landed on Mars. The designated site for MER-A mission is Gusev Crater, which appears to have been a crater lake. The second rover, MER-B, is scheduled to launch June 25.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the launch tower rolls back from the Boeing Delta II rocket and its Mars Exploration Rover (MER-A) payload in preparation... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Boeing Delta II rocket and its Mars Exploration Rover (MER-A) payload are free of the tower and ready for launch. This will be the third launch attempt in as many days after weather concerns postponed the launches June 8 and June 9. MER-A is the first of two rovers being launched to Mars. When the two rovers arrive at Mars in 2004, they will bounce to airbag-cushioned landings at sites offering a balance of favorable conditions for safe landings and interesting science. The rovers see sharper images, can explore farther and examine rocks better than anything that has ever landed on Mars. The designated site for MER-A mission is Gusev Crater, which appears to have been a crater lake. The second rover, MER-B, is scheduled to launch June 25.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral A...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Boeing Delta II rocket and its Mars Exploration Rover (MER-A) payload are free of the tower and ready for launch. Th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the launch tower begins to roll back from the Boeing Delta II rocket and its Mars Exploration Rover (MER-A) payload in preparation for another launch attempt. The first two attempts were postponed due to weather concerns. MER-A is the first of two rovers being launched to Mars. When the two rovers arrive at Mars in 2004, they will bounce to airbag-cushioned landings at sites offering a balance of favorable conditions for safe landings and interesting science. The rovers see sharper images, can explore farther and examine rocks better than anything that has ever landed on Mars. The designated site for MER-A mission is Gusev Crater, which appears to have been a crater lake. The second rover, MER-B, is scheduled to launch June 25.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the launch tower begins to roll back from the Boeing Delta II rocket and its Mars Exploration Rover (MER-A) payload in pr... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Boeing Delta II rocket and its Mars Exploration Rover (MER-A) payload are free of the tower (right) and ready for launch. This will be the third launch attempt in as many days after weather concerns postponed the launches June 8 and June 9. MER-A is the first of two rovers being launched to Mars. When the two rovers arrive at Mars in 2004, they will bounce to airbag-cushioned landings at sites offering a balance of favorable conditions for safe landings and interesting science. The rovers see sharper images, can explore farther and examine rocks better than anything that has ever landed on Mars. The designated site for MER-A mission is Gusev Crater, which appears to have been a crater lake. The second rover, MER-B, is scheduled to launch June 25.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral A...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Boeing Delta II rocket and its Mars Exploration Rover (MER-A) payload are free of the tower (right) and ready for laun... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Boeing Delta II rocket and its Mars Exploration Rover (MER-A) payload are viewed as the launch tower overhead rolls back. This will be the third launch attempt in as many days after weather concerns postponed the launches June 8 and June 9. MER-A is the first of two rovers being launched to Mars. When the two rovers arrive at Mars in 2004, they will bounce to airbag-cushioned landings at sites offering a balance of favorable conditions for safe landings and interesting science. The rovers see sharper images, can explore farther and examine rocks better than anything that has ever landed on Mars. The designated site for MER-A mission is Gusev Crater, which appears to have been a crater lake. The second rover, MER-B, is scheduled to launch June 25.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Boeing Delta II rocket and its Mars Exploration Rover (MER-A) payload are viewed as the launch tower overhead rolls b... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Boeing Delta II rocket and its Mars Exploration Rover (MER-A) payload are free of the tower and ready for launch. This will be the third launch attempt in as many days after weather concerns postponed the launches June 8 and June 9. MER-A is the first of two rovers being launched to Mars. When the two rovers arrive at Mars in 2004, they will bounce to airbag-cushioned landings at sites offering a balance of favorable conditions for safe landings and interesting science. The rovers see sharper images, can explore farther and examine rocks better than anything that has ever landed on Mars. The designated site for MER-A mission is Gusev Crater, which appears to have been a crater lake. The second rover, MER-B, is scheduled to launch June 25.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral A...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Boeing Delta II rocket and its Mars Exploration Rover (MER-A) payload are free of the tower and ready for launch. Th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Boeing Delta II rocket and its Mars Exploration Rover (MER-A) payload are free of the tower and ready for launch. This will be the third launch attempt in as many days after weather concerns postponed the launches June 8 and June 9. MER-A is the first of two rovers being launched to Mars. When the two rovers arrive at the red planet in 2004, they will bounce to airbag-cushioned landings at sites offering a balance of favorable conditions for safe landings and interesting science. The rovers see sharper images, can explore farther and examine rocks better than anything that has ever landed on Mars. The designated site for MER-A mission is Gusev Crater, which appears to have been a crater lake. The second rover, MER-B, is scheduled to launch June 25.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral A...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Complex 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Boeing Delta II rocket and its Mars Exploration Rover (MER-A) payload are free of the tower and ready for launch. Th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — From between lightning masts surrounding the launch pad, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars into the blue sky aboard an Atlas V rocket spewing flames and smoke. Liftoff was on time at 2 p.m. EST from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet’s gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft’s instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. KSC-06pd0102

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — From between lightning masts surroundi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — From between lightning masts surrounding the launch pad, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars into the blue sky aboard an Atlas V rocket spewing flames and smoke. Liftoff was on... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars into the cloud-scattered sky trailing fire and smoke from the Atlas V rocket that propels it. Liftoff was on time at 2 p.m. EST from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet’s gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft’s instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0096

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars i...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars into the cloud-scattered sky trailing fire and smoke from the Atlas V rocket that propels it. Liftoff was on time at 2 p.m. EST from Complex... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Photographers and spectators watch NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, trailing fire and smoke from the Atlas V rocket that propels it, as it roars into the cloud-scattered sky. Liftoff was on time at 2 p.m. EST from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet’s gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft’s instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd0089

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Photographers and spectators watch NASA...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Photographers and spectators watch NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, trailing fire and smoke from the Atlas V rocket that propels it, as it roars into the cloud-scattered sky. Lift... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Into a cloud-scattered blue sky, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars off the launch pad aboard an Atlas V rocket spewing flames and smoke. Liftoff was on time at 2 p.m. EST from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet’s gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft’s instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. KSC-06pd0098

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Into a cloud-scattered blue sky, NASA’...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Into a cloud-scattered blue sky, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars off the launch pad aboard an Atlas V rocket spewing flames and smoke. Liftoff was on time at 2 p.m. EST fro... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — With the blue Atlantic Ocean as backdrop, smoke and steam fill the launch pad, at right, as NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars into the sky aboard an Atlas V rocket. Liftoff was on time at 2 p.m. EST from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet’s gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft’s instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. KSC-06pp0106

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — With the blue Atlantic Ocean as backdr...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — With the blue Atlantic Ocean as backdrop, smoke and steam fill the launch pad, at right, as NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars into the sky aboard an Atlas V rocket. Liftoff wa... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Smoke and steam fill the launch pad as NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars into the blue sky aboard an Atlas V rocket. Liftoff was on time at 2 p.m. EST from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet’s gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft’s instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. KSC-06pp0105

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Smoke and steam fill the launch pad as...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Smoke and steam fill the launch pad as NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars into the blue sky aboard an Atlas V rocket. Liftoff was on time at 2 p.m. EST from Complex 41 on Cape... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Viewed from the top of the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center, the blue Atlantic Ocean frames NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft as it launches from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Liftoff was on time at 2 p.m. EST. This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet’s gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft’s instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0093

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Viewed from the top of the Vehicle Ass...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Viewed from the top of the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center, the blue Atlantic Ocean frames NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft as it launches from Complex 41 on Cape... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Viewed from a vantage point on the nearby river bank, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars into the cloud-scattered sky trailing fire from the Atlas V rocket that propels it. Liftoff was on time at 2 p.m. EST from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet’s gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft’s instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd0087

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Viewed from a vantage point on the near...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Viewed from a vantage point on the nearby river bank, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars into the cloud-scattered sky trailing fire from the Atlas V rocket that propels it. Lif... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Into a blue, cloud-scattered sky, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft lifts off on time at 2 p.m. EST aboard an Atlas V rocket from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet’s gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft’s instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd0083

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Into a blue, cloud-scattered sky, NASA’...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Into a blue, cloud-scattered sky, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft lifts off on time at 2 p.m. EST aboard an Atlas V rocket from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Fl... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Great white egrets and a great blue heron in the foreground seem to stand watch as NASA's New Horizons spacecraft leaps off the pad on time at 2 p.m. EST aboard an Atlas V rocket from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet’s gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft’s instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd0080

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Great white egrets and a great blue her...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Great white egrets and a great blue heron in the foreground seem to stand watch as NASA's New Horizons spacecraft leaps off the pad on time at 2 p.m. EST aboard an Atlas V rocket ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft emerges from a cloud painted pink by the Atlas V rocket roaring through it after launch from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Liftoff was on time at 2 p.m. EST. This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet’s gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft’s instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0097

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft emerges...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft emerges from a cloud painted pink by the Atlas V rocket roaring through it after launch from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Flor... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — From between lightning masts surrounding the launch pad, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars into the blue sky aboard an Atlas V rocket spewing flames and smoke. Liftoff was on time at 2 p.m. EST from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet’s gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft’s instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. KSC-06pd0103

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — From between lightning masts surroundi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — From between lightning masts surrounding the launch pad, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars into the blue sky aboard an Atlas V rocket spewing flames and smoke. Liftoff was on... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Viewed from the top of the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars off the launch pad aboard an Atlas V rocket spewing flames and smoke. Liftoff was on time at 2 p.m. EST from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet’s gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft’s instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0095

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Viewed from the top of the Vehicle Ass...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Viewed from the top of the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars off the launch pad aboard an Atlas V rocket spewing flames and ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Viewed from a nearby vantage point, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars into the cloud-scattered sky trailing fire and smoke from the Atlas V rocket that propels it. Liftoff was on time at 2 p.m. EST from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet’s gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft’s instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd0088

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Viewed from a nearby vantage point, NAS...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Viewed from a nearby vantage point, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars into the cloud-scattered sky trailing fire and smoke from the Atlas V rocket that propels it. Liftoff was... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Viewed from the NASA News Center, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars into the cloud-scattered sky trailing fire and smoke from the Atlas V rocket that propels it. Liftoff was on time at 2 p.m. EST from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet’s gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft’s instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Fletch Hildreth KSC-06pd0091

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Viewed from the NASA News Center, NASA’...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Viewed from the NASA News Center, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars into the cloud-scattered sky trailing fire and smoke from the Atlas V rocket that propels it. Liftoff was o... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Leaping into a blue, cloud-scattered sky, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft lifts off on time at 2 p.m. EST aboard an Atlas V rocket from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet’s gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft’s instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd0082

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Leaping into a blue, cloud-scattered sk...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Leaping into a blue, cloud-scattered sky, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft lifts off on time at 2 p.m. EST aboard an Atlas V rocket from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Stati... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Clouds part as NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars into the blue sky after an on-time liftoff at 2 p.m. EST aboard an Atlas V rocket from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet’s gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft’s instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd0085

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Clouds part as NASA’s New Horizons spac...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Clouds part as NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars into the blue sky after an on-time liftoff at 2 p.m. EST aboard an Atlas V rocket from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force S... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Spectators and photographers enjoy the view as the NASA New Horizons spacecraft clears the horizon six seconds into the launch (as seen on the countdown clock at left). The spacecraft lifted off on time at 2 p.m. EST aboard an Atlas V rocket from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet’s gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft’s instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Fletch Hildreth KSC-06pd0090

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Spectators and photographers enjoy the ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Spectators and photographers enjoy the view as the NASA New Horizons spacecraft clears the horizon six seconds into the launch (as seen on the countdown clock at left). The spacec... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Viewed from the top of the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars off the launch pad aboard an Atlas V rocket spewing flames and smoke. Liftoff was on time at 2 p.m. EST from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet’s gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft’s instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0094

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Viewed from the top of the Vehicle As...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Viewed from the top of the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars off the launch pad aboard an Atlas V rocket spewing flames and... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — From between lightning masts surrounding the launch pad, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars into the blue sky aboard an Atlas V rocket spewing flames and smoke. Liftoff was on time at 2 p.m. EST from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet’s gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft’s instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. KSC-06pd0101

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — From between lightning masts surroundi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — From between lightning masts surrounding the launch pad, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars into the blue sky aboard an Atlas V rocket spewing flames and smoke. Liftoff was on... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Viewed from the NASA News Center, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars into the cloud-scattered sky trailing fire and smoke from the Atlas V rocket that propels it. Liftoff was on time at 2 p.m. EST from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet’s gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft’s instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Fletch Hildreth KSC-06pd0092

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Viewed from the NASA News Center, NASA’...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Viewed from the NASA News Center, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars into the cloud-scattered sky trailing fire and smoke from the Atlas V rocket that propels it. Liftoff was o... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft pierces a cloud as it roars toward space after an on-time liftoff at 2 p.m. EST aboard an Atlas V rocket from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet’s gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft’s instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd0086

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft pierces ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft pierces a cloud as it roars toward space after an on-time liftoff at 2 p.m. EST aboard an Atlas V rocket from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Into a blue, cloud-scattered sky, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft lifts off on time at 2 p.m. EST aboard an Atlas V rocket from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet’s gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft’s instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd0084

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Into a blue, cloud-scattered sky, NASA’...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Into a blue, cloud-scattered sky, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft lifts off on time at 2 p.m. EST aboard an Atlas V rocket from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Fl... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — From between lightning masts surrounding the launch pad, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars into the blue sky aboard an Atlas V rocket spewing flames and smoke. Liftoff was on time at 2 p.m. EST from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet’s gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft’s instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. KSC-06pp0104

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — From between lightning masts surroundi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — From between lightning masts surrounding the launch pad, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars into the blue sky aboard an Atlas V rocket spewing flames and smoke. Liftoff was on... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Great white egrets and a great blue heron in the foreground seem to stand watch as NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft leaps off the pad on time at 2 p.m. EST aboard an Atlas V rocket from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet’s gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft’s instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd0081

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Great white egrets and a great blue her...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Great white egrets and a great blue heron in the foreground seem to stand watch as NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft leaps off the pad on time at 2 p.m. EST aboard an Atlas V rocket ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Into a cloud-scattered blue sky, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars off the launch pad aboard an Atlas V rocket spewing flames and smoke. Liftoff was on time at 2 p.m. EST from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet’s gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft’s instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. KSC-06pd0100

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Into a cloud-scattered blue sky, NASA’...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Into a cloud-scattered blue sky, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars off the launch pad aboard an Atlas V rocket spewing flames and smoke. Liftoff was on time at 2 p.m. EST fro... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Into a blue, cloud-scattered sky, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft lifts off on time at 2 p.m. EST aboard an Atlas V rocket from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet’s gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft’s instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Debbie Kiger KSC-06pd0079

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Into a blue, cloud-scattered sky, NASA’s...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — Into a blue, cloud-scattered sky, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft lifts off on time at 2 p.m. EST aboard an Atlas V rocket from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Flo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — From among four lightning masts surrounding the launch pad, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft lifts off the launch pad aboard an Atlas V rocket spewing flames and smoke. Liftoff was on time at 2 p.m. EST from Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This was the third launch attempt in as many days after scrubs due to weather concerns. The compact, 1,050-pound piano-sized probe will get a boost from a kick-stage solid propellant motor for its journey to Pluto. New Horizons will be the fastest spacecraft ever launched, reaching lunar orbit distance in just nine hours and passing Jupiter 13 months later. The New Horizons science payload, developed under direction of Southwest Research Institute, includes imaging infrared and ultraviolet spectrometers, a multi-color camera, a long-range telescopic camera, two particle spectrometers, a space-dust detector and a radio science experiment. The dust counter was designed and built by students at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The launch at this time allows New Horizons to fly past Jupiter in early 2007 and use the planet’s gravity as a slingshot toward Pluto. The Jupiter flyby trims the trip to Pluto by as many as five years and provides opportunities to test the spacecraft’s instruments and flyby capabilities on the Jupiter system. New Horizons could reach the Pluto system as early as mid-2015, conducting a five-month-long study possible only from the close-up vantage of a spacecraft. KSC-06pd0099

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — From among four lightning masts surrou...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. — From among four lightning masts surrounding the launch pad, NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft lifts off the launch pad aboard an Atlas V rocket spewing flames and smoke. Liftoff wa... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Discovery is bathed in spotlights under dark skies after the scrub of the launch attempt on mission STS-121. The White Room is still extended toward the cockpit area where the STS-121 crew patiently waited for the launch just hours earlier. The launch was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd1359

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Disc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Discovery is bathed in spotlights under dark skies after the scrub of the launch attempt on mission STS-121. The White Room is still extended t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Discovery is bathed in spotlights under dark skies after the scrub of the launch attempt on mission STS-121. The White Room extends toward the cockpit area where the STS-121 crew patiently waited for the launch just hours earlier. The launch was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd1358

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Disco...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Discovery is bathed in spotlights under dark skies after the scrub of the launch attempt on mission STS-121. The White Room extends toward the c... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from across the pond next to Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Discovery is spotlighted under dark skies after the scrub of the launch attempt on mission STS-121. The launch was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd1357

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from across the pond next to La...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from across the pond next to Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Discovery is spotlighted under dark skies after the scrub of the launch attempt on mission STS-121. The launch ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On the Skid Strip at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney waves before entering Air Force Two for a return trip to Washington. Preceding him is his wife, Lynne. Cheney and his family flew in earlier to witness the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121. The launch was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1353

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On the Skid Strip at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney waves before entering Air Force Two for a return trip to Washington. Preceding him... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On the Skid Strip at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Air Force Two, carrying U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney and his family, is ready for a return trip to Washington. Cheney flew in earlier to witness the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121. The launch was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1355

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Discovery sits on Launch Pad 39B under dark skies after the scrub of the launch attempt on mission STS-121. The launch was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd1356

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Discovery sits on Launch...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Discovery sits on Launch Pad 39B under dark skies after the scrub of the launch attempt on mission STS-121. The launch was scrubbed due to weather concerns and pos... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - For the second time in two days, STS-121 Mission Specialist Stephanie Wilson is suiting up for a launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. The launch is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1364

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - For the second time in two days, STS-121...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - For the second time in two days, STS-121 Mission Specialist Stephanie Wilson is suiting up for a launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scr... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Michael Fossum has suited up for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. The launch is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1367

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Michael Fossu...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Michael Fossum has suited up for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather concern... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Pilot Mark Kelly adjusts his helmet during suitup for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. The launch is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1375

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Pilot Mark Kelly adjusts his h...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Pilot Mark Kelly adjusts his helmet during suitup for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather con... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - For the second time in two days, STS-121 Mission Specialist Stephanie Wilson is donning her launch suit for another launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. The launch is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1363

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - For the second time in two days, STS-121 ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - For the second time in two days, STS-121 Mission Specialist Stephanie Wilson is donning her launch suit for another launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch atte... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - For the second time in two days, the STS-121 crew walks out of the Operations and Checkout Building on their way to Launch Pad 39B and launch of Space Shuttle Discovery. On the left, front to back, are Pilot Mark Kelly and Mission Specialists Lisa Nowak, Stephanie Wilson and Thomas Reiter, who represents the European Space Agency. On the right, front to back, are Commander Steven Lindsey and Mission Specialists Michael Fossum and Piers Sellers. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. The launch is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1378

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - For the second time in two days, the ST...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - For the second time in two days, the STS-121 crew walks out of the Operations and Checkout Building on their way to Launch Pad 39B and launch of Space Shuttle Discovery. On the l... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Lisa Nowak is still eager for launch after suitup for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. The launch is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1377

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Lisa Nowak is still eager for launch after suitup for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Lisa Nowak is helped with her boot during suitup for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1372A

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Lisa Nowak is helped with her boot during suitup for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - For the second morning in a row, the STS-121 crew sit for their traditional breakfast before suiting up for launch. Seated from left are Mission Specialists Piers Sellers and Michael Fossum, Pilot Mark Kelly, Commander Steven Lindsey, and Mission Specialists Lisa Nowak, Stephanie Wilson and Thomas Reiter, who represents the European Space Agency. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1362

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - For the second morning in a row, the STS-...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - For the second morning in a row, the STS-121 crew sit for their traditional breakfast before suiting up for launch. Seated from left are Mission Specialists Piers Sellers and Micha... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Thomas Reiter is suiting up for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. Reiter represents the European Space Agency. The launch is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1366

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Thomas Reiter...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Thomas Reiter is suiting up for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather concerns... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - For the second time in two days, the STS-121 crew heads for the Astrovan to take them to Launch Pad 39B and launch of Space Shuttle Discovery. On the left side, from left, are Mission Specialists Stephanie Wilson and Lisa Nowak, and Pilot Mark Kelly. On the right side, left to right, are Mission Specialists Thomas Reiter, Piers Sellers and Michael Fossum, and Commander Steven Lindsey. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. The launch is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1379

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - For the second time in two days, the ST...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - For the second time in two days, the STS-121 crew heads for the Astrovan to take them to Launch Pad 39B and launch of Space Shuttle Discovery. On the left side, from left, are Mi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Commander Steven Lindsey is suiting up for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. The launch is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1371

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Commander Steven Lindsey is suit...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Commander Steven Lindsey is suiting up for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather concerns and pos... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Lisa Nowak gets help with her launch suit for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. The launch is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1370

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Lisa Nowak gets help with her launch suit for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to we... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Thomas Reiter is suiting up for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. Reiter represents the European Space Agency. The launch is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1365

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Thomas Reiter...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Thomas Reiter is suiting up for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather concerns... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Piers Sellers finishes suiting up for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. The launch is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1369

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Piers Sellers...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Piers Sellers finishes suiting up for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather co... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Commander Steven Lindsey adjusts a glove during suitup for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. The launch is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1376

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Commander Steven Lindsey adjust...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Commander Steven Lindsey adjusts a glove during suitup for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Lisa Nowak is still eager for launch during suitup for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. The launch is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1372

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Lisa Nowak is still eager for launch during suitup for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Piers Sellers is suiting up for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. The launch is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1368

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Piers Sellers...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Piers Sellers is suiting up for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather concerns... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Pilot Mark Kelly is helped with his boot during suitup for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1373A

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Pilot Mark Kelly is helped with...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Pilot Mark Kelly is helped with his boot during suitup for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Commander Steven Lindsey pulls on his glove during suitup for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. The launch is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1374

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Commander Steven Lindsey pulls ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Commander Steven Lindsey pulls on his glove during suitup for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weat... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Commander Steven Lindsey is helped with his helmet during suitup for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1374A

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Commander Steven Lindsey is hel...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Commander Steven Lindsey is helped with his helmet during suitup for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Commander Steven Lindsey is helped by the Closeout Crew to prepare his launch suit for entering Discovery and the launch. Situated on the end of the orbiter access arm, the White Room provides access into the orbiter on the pad. The crew is preparing for the third launch attempt in four days; previous attempts were scrubbed due to weather concerns. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Regina Mitchell-Ryall & Tony Gray KSC-06pp1474

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Commander Steven Lindsey is helped by the Closeout Crew to prepare his launch suit for entering Discovery and the launch. Situated on... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shooting like a roman candle into Florida's blue sky from Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Discovery kicks off the Fourth of July fireworks with its own fiery display, reflected as well in the nearby water. History was made with the first ever launch on Independence Day. It was the third launch attempt in four days; the others were scrubbed due to weather concerns. Liftoff on mission STS-121 was on-time at 2:38 p.m. EDT. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew of seven will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Landing is scheduled for July 16 or 17 at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility. Photo courtesy of Nikon/Scott Andrews KSC-06pd1441

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shooting like a roman candle into Florid...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shooting like a roman candle into Florida's blue sky from Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Discovery kicks off the Fourth of July fireworks with its own fiery display, reflected as we... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from the top of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Space Shuttle Discovery kicks off the Fourth of July fireworks with its own fiery display as it rockets over the blue Atlantic Ocean and into the blue sky, spewing foam and smoke over the ground, on mission STS-121. It was the third launch attempt in four days; the others were scrubbed due to weather concerns. Liftoff was on-time at 2:38 p.m. EDT. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew of seven will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Landing is scheduled for July 16 or 17 at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility. Photo credit: NASA/Gianni Woods KSC-06pd1430

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from the top of the Vehicle Assem...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from the top of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Space Shuttle Discovery kicks off the Fourth of July fireworks with its own fiery display as it... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Framed by the woods across the pond, Space Shuttle Discovery kicks off the Fourth of July fireworks with its own fiery display as it rockets into the blue sky, spewing foam and smoke over the ground, on mission STS-121. It was the third launch attempt in four days; the others were scrubbed due to weather concerns. Liftoff was on-time at 2:38 p.m. EDT. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew of seven will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Landing is scheduled for July 16 or 17 at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility. Photo credit: NASA/Sandy Joseph, Robert Murray KSC-06pd1428

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Framed by the woods across the pond, Sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Framed by the woods across the pond, Space Shuttle Discovery kicks off the Fourth of July fireworks with its own fiery display as it rockets into the blue sky, spewing foam and sm... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Mission Specialist Piers Sellers gets help from the Closeout Crew with final preparations on his launch suit before entering Discovery. Situated on the end of the orbiter access arm, the White Room provides access into the orbiter on the pad. The crew is preparing for the third launch attempt in four days; previous attempts were scrubbed due to weather concerns. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. KSC-06pp1479

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Mission Specialist Piers Sellers gets help from the Closeout Crew with final preparations on his launch suit before entering Discover... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Discovery kicks off the Fourth of July fireworks with its own fiery display as it rockets into the blue sky, spewing foam and smoke over the ground, on mission STS-121. It was the third launch attempt in four days; the others were scrubbed due to weather concerns. Liftoff was on-time at 2:38 p.m. EDT. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew of seven will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Landing is scheduled for July 16 or 17 at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility. Photo credit:NASA/Sandy Joseph, Robert Murray KSC-06pd1429

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Discovery kicks off the F...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Discovery kicks off the Fourth of July fireworks with its own fiery display as it rockets into the blue sky, spewing foam and smoke over the ground, on mission STS-1... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shooting like a roman candle into Florida's blue sky, Space Shuttle Discovery kicks off the Fourth of July fireworks with its own fiery display and makes history with the first ever launch on Independence Day. It was the third launch attempt in four days; the others were scrubbed due to weather concerns. Liftoff was on-time at 2:38 p.m. EDT. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew of seven will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Landing is scheduled for July 16 or 17 at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility. Photo credit: NASA/Gianni Woods KSC-06pd1432

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shooting like a roman candle into Florid...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shooting like a roman candle into Florida's blue sky, Space Shuttle Discovery kicks off the Fourth of July fireworks with its own fiery display and makes history with the first eve... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Discovery kicks off the Fourth of July fireworks with its own fiery display as it rockets into the blue sky, spewing foam and smoke over the ground, on mission STS-121. It was the third launch attempt in four days; the others were scrubbed due to weather concerns. Liftoff was on-time at 2:38 p.m. EDT. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew of seven will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Landing is scheduled for July 16 or 17 at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility. Photo credit: NASA/Sandy Joseph, Robert Murray KSC-06pd1427

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Discovery kicks off the F...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Discovery kicks off the Fourth of July fireworks with its own fiery display as it rockets into the blue sky, spewing foam and smoke over the ground, on mission STS-1... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Mission Specialist Stephanie Wilson is helped by the Closeout Crew to secure her launch suit before entering Discovery. Waiting in the back is Pilot Mark Kelly. Situated on the end of the orbiter access arm, the White Room provides access into the orbiter on the pad. The crew is preparing for the third launch attempt in four days; previous attempts were scrubbed due to weather concerns. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Regina Mitchell-Ryall & Tony Gray KSC-06pp1476

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Mission Specialist Stephanie Wilson is helped by the Closeout Crew to secure her launch suit before entering Discovery. Waiting in t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Pilot Mark Kelly heads for the Closeout Crew who will help with final preparations on his launch suit before entering Discovery. Situated on the end of the orbiter access arm, the White Room provides access into the orbiter on the pad. The crew is preparing for the third launch attempt in four days; previous attempts were scrubbed due to weather concerns. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. KSC-06pp1477

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Pilot Mark Kelly heads for the Closeout Crew who will help with final preparations on his launch suit before entering Discovery. Sit... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from the top of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Space Shuttle Discovery shoots like a roman candle into the blue sky, kicking off the Fourth of July fireworks with its own fiery display. It was the third launch attempt in four days; the others were scrubbed due to weather concerns. Liftoff was on-time at 2:38 p.m. EDT. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew of seven will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Landing is scheduled for July 16 or 17 at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility. Photo credit: NASA/Gianni Woods KSC-06pd1431

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from the top of the Vehicle Assem...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from the top of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Space Shuttle Discovery shoots like a roman candle into the blue sky, kicking off the Fourth of... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As smoke and steam billows across the ground, Space Shuttle Discovery leaps free and rockets into the clear blue sky, creating its own fireworks display. History was made with the first ever launch on Independence Day. It was the third launch attempt in four days; the others were scrubbed due to weather concerns. Liftoff was on-time at 2:38 p.m. EDT. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew of seven will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Landing is scheduled for July 16 or 17 at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility. Photo courtesy of Nikon/Scott Andrews KSC-06pd1444

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As smoke and steam billows across the gr...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As smoke and steam billows across the ground, Space Shuttle Discovery leaps free and rockets into the clear blue sky, creating its own fireworks display. History was made with the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Cameras are the accessory of the day at the Kennedy Space Center's Banana River viewing site. All eyes and lenses are focused on Launch Pad 39B and the successful launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121. It was the third launch attempt in four days; the others were scrubbed due to weather concerns. Liftoff was on-time at 2:38 p.m. EDT. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew of seven will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Landing is scheduled for July 16 or 17 at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility. Photo credit: NASA/Louie Roguevert KSC-06pd1425

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Cameras are the accessory of the day at...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Cameras are the accessory of the day at the Kennedy Space Center's Banana River viewing site. All eyes and lenses are focused on Launch Pad 39B and the successful launch of Space... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Mission Specialist Lisa Nowak is helped by the Closeout Crew with final preparations on her launch suit before entering Discovery. Situated on the end of the orbiter access arm, the White Room provides access into the orbiter on the pad. The crew is preparing for the third launch attempt in four days; previous attempts were scrubbed due to weather concerns. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. KSC-06pp1480

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Mission Specialist Lisa Nowak is helped by the Closeout Crew with final preparations on her launch suit before entering Discovery.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Mission Specialist Michael Fossum gets help from the Closeout Crew with final preparations on his launch suit before entering Discovery. Situated on the end of the orbiter access arm, the White Room provides access into the orbiter on the pad. The crew is preparing for the third launch attempt in four days; previous attempts were scrubbed due to weather concerns. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. KSC-06pp1478

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Mission Specialist Michael Fossum gets help from the Closeout Crew with final preparations on his launch suit before entering Discove... More

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