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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Before dawn, at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour is lowered toward the ground by the sling in the mate/demate device. Visible on Endeavour is the tail cone that covers and protects the main engines during the ferry flight. After Endeavour is on the ground, it will be towed via the two-mile tow-way from the SLF by a diesel-powered tractor to the Orbiter Processing Facility where it will begin preparations for its next mission, STS-127, targeted for May 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd4013

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Before dawn, at the Shuttle Landing Facility...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Before dawn, at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour is lowered toward the ground by the sling in the mate/demate de... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Just at dawn, Steve Fossett (left) climbs into the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer parked on NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility. Fossett will pilot the GlobalFlyer on a record-breaking attempt by flying solo, non-stop without refueling, to surpass the current record for the longest flight of any aircraft. This is the second attempt in two days after a fuel leak was detected Feb. 7. The expected time of takeoff is 7 a.m. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0237

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Just at dawn, Steve Fossett (left) clim...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Just at dawn, Steve Fossett (left) climbs into the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer parked on NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility. Fossett will pilot the GlobalFlyer ... More

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

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

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

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

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Dawn’s early light creates a powerful silhouette of the Space Shuttle Discovery on its mobile launcher platform as it creeps to Launch Pad 39B. Discovery is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:30 p.m. EDT on mission STS-92. Making the 100th Space Shuttle mission launched from Kennedy Space Center, Discovery will carry two pieces of hardware for the International Space Station, the Z1 truss, which is the cornerstone truss of the Station, and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. Discovery also will be making its 28th flight into space, more than any of the other orbiters to date KSC00pp1288

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Dawn’s early light creates a powerful si...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Dawn’s early light creates a powerful silhouette of the Space Shuttle Discovery on its mobile launcher platform as it creeps to Launch Pad 39B. Discovery is scheduled to launch Oct... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As the dawn breaks over the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, preparations are under way to back NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, away from the mate-demate device. Space shuttle Endeavour has been fitted with an aerodynamic tailcone and secured atop the aircraft for its upcoming ferry flight. The SCA, a modified 747 jetliner, will fly Endeavour to Los Angeles where it will be placed on public display at the California Science Center. This is the final ferry flight scheduled in the Space Shuttle Program era. For more information on the shuttles' transition and retirement, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-5240

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As the dawn breaks over the Shuttle Landing Fac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As the dawn breaks over the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, preparations are under way to back NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, away from the m... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Just before dawn, space shuttle Endeavour, installed on the mobile launcher platform atop the crawler-transporter, is on Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 11:57 p.m. EDT April 16. The shuttle was secure on the pad at 7:17 a.m. EDT April 17. On the left of the shuttle is the White Room at the end of the orbiter access arm, 147 feet above the pad. When in place against the shuttle, the White Room provides access into the crew compartment on the shuttle. Endeavour will be prepared on the pad for liftoff in the unlikely event that a rescue mission is necessary following space shuttle Atlantis' launch on the STS-125 mission to service NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. After Atlantis is cleared to land, Endeavour will move to Launch Pad 39A for its upcoming STS-127 mission to the International Space Station, targeted to launch June 13. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-2690

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Just before dawn, space shuttle Endeavour, inst...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Just before dawn, space shuttle Endeavour, installed on the mobile launcher platform atop the crawler-transporter, is on Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. First ... More

After tower rollback just before dawn on Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) sits bathed in spotlights before liftoff atop an Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket. One of three satellites (labeled H, I and J) being built by the Hughes Space and Communications Company, the latest TDRS uses an innovative springback antenna design. A pair of 15-foot-diameter, flexible mesh antenna reflectors fold up for launch, then spring back into their original cupped circular shape on orbit. The new satellites will augment the TDRS system’s existing Sand Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the Space Shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit KSC00pp0822

After tower rollback just before dawn on Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canavera...

After tower rollback just before dawn on Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) sits bathed in spotlights before liftoff atop an Atlas IIA/Centaur ro... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Viewed from Astronaut Rd., Space Shuttle Discovery breaks away from the cocoon of smoke below, blazing a trail into the dawn sky. Liftoff of Discovery on mission STS-102 occurred at 6:42:09 EST on the eighth flight to the International Space Station KSC01padig151

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Viewed from Astronaut Rd., Space Shuttle...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Viewed from Astronaut Rd., Space Shuttle Discovery breaks away from the cocoon of smoke below, blazing a trail into the dawn sky. Liftoff of Discovery on mission STS-102 occurred a... More

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

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

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

51G-47-043 - STS-51G - STS-51G earth observations

51G-47-043 - STS-51G - STS-51G earth observations

The original finding aid described this as: Description: Photographic documentation showing STS-51G earth observations. Dark view of terminator at dawn. Subject Terms: EARTH OBSERVATIONS (FROM SPACE) SPACE S... More

51G-47-042 - STS-51G - STS-51G earth observations

51G-47-042 - STS-51G - STS-51G earth observations

The original finding aid described this as: Description: Photographic documentation showing STS-51G earth observations. Dark view of terminator at dawn. Subject Terms: EARTH OBSERVATIONS (FROM SPACE) SPACE S... More

STS-80 Columbia, OV-102, lands at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility

STS-80 Columbia, OV-102, lands at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility

STS080-S-008 (7 Dec. 1996) --- Just prior to dawn, the space shuttle Columbia heads for a landing on Runway 33 at the Kennedy Space Center's (KSC) Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) to successfully complete a 17-da... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The Space Shuttle Endeavour awaits the first glimpse of a very significant day for the youngest orbiter of the fleet as its Rotational Service Structure is rolled back just before dawn on its scheduled day of launch. STS-89, slated for a 9:48 p.m. EST liftoff Jan. 22, is the eighth docking with the Russian Space Station Mir, the first Mir docking for Endeavour (all previous dockings were made by Atlantis), and the first launch of 1998. After docking with Mir, Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June KSC-98e197

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The Space Shuttle Endeavour awaits the ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The Space Shuttle Endeavour awaits the first glimpse of a very significant day for the youngest orbiter of the fleet as its Rotational Service Structure is rolled back just before... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The Space Shuttle Endeavour awaits the first glimpse of a very significant day for the youngest orbiter of the fleet as its Rotational Service Structure is rolled back just before dawn on its scheduled day of launch. STS-89, slated for a 9:48 p.m. EST liftoff Jan. 22, is the eighth docking with the Russian Space Station Mir, the first Mir docking for Endeavour (all previous dockings were made by Atlantis), and the first launch of 1998. After docking with Mir, Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June KSC-98e198

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The Space Shuttle Endeavour awaits the ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The Space Shuttle Endeavour awaits the first glimpse of a very significant day for the youngest orbiter of the fleet as its Rotational Service Structure is rolled back just before... More

Dawn breaks behind STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery, on the Mobile Launch Platform, as it approaches Launch Complex Pad 39B after a 6-hour, 4.2-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building. At the launch pad, the orbiter, external tank and solid rocket boosters will undergo final preparations for the launch, scheduled to lift off Oct. 29. The mission includes research payloads such as the Spartan solar-observing deployable spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope Orbital Systems Test Platform, the International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker, as well as the SPACEHAB single module with experiments on space flight and the aging process KSC-98pc1102

Dawn breaks behind STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery, on the Mobile Launc...

Dawn breaks behind STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery, on the Mobile Launch Platform, as it approaches Launch Complex Pad 39B after a 6-hour, 4.2-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building. At the launch pad, the... More

After its Rotational Service Structure is rolled back, the Space Shuttle Discovery awaits the dawn of day on its scheduled day of launch on mission STS-95 at Launch Pad 39B. Liftoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Oct. 29. The STS-95 mission is expected to last almost 9 days, with a landing at KSC at 11:49 a.m. EST on Nov. 7 KSC-98pc1431

After its Rotational Service Structure is rolled back, the Space Shutt...

After its Rotational Service Structure is rolled back, the Space Shuttle Discovery awaits the dawn of day on its scheduled day of launch on mission STS-95 at Launch Pad 39B. Liftoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. on O... More

After its Rotational Service Structure is rolled back, the Space Shuttle Discovery awaits the dawn of day on its scheduled day of launch on mission STS-95 at Launch Pad 39B. Liftoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Oct. 29. The STS-95 mission is expected to last almost 9 days, with a landing at KSC at 11:49 a.m. EST on Nov. 7 KSC-98pc1430

After its Rotational Service Structure is rolled back, the Space Shutt...

After its Rotational Service Structure is rolled back, the Space Shuttle Discovery awaits the dawn of day on its scheduled day of launch on mission STS-95 at Launch Pad 39B. Liftoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. on O... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Just before dawn, the Pegasus Barge which is moored in a secure area of the Turn Basin in the Launch Complex 39 area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is being prepared to deliver space shuttle main engine (SSME) ground support equipment to Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Miss. The 266-foot-long and 50-foot-wide barge will be towed to Stennis by NASA's Freedom Star ship. Since being delivered to NASA in 1999, Pegasus sailed 41 times and transported 31 shuttle external fuel tanks from Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans to Kennedy. The barge will leave Kennedy, perhaps for the final time. Both the barge and shuttle equipment will remain in storage until their specific future uses are determined. The SSMEs themselves will be transported to Stennis separately for use with the agency’s new heavy-lift rocket, the Space Launch System. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing. For more information about Shuttle Transition and Retirement, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/transition/home/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/ Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-7704

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Just before dawn, the Pegasus Barge which is mo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Just before dawn, the Pegasus Barge which is moored in a secure area of the Turn Basin in the Launch Complex 39 area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is being prepared to delive... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the early light of dawn, a crawler transporter moves Space Shuttle Discovery, with its external tank and solid rocket boosters, from Pad 39B back to the Vehicle Assembly Building for repair of damage to the external tank foam insulation caused by hail. The necessary repair work could not be performed at the pad due to limited access to the damaged areas. The work is expected to take two to three days, allowing Discovery to roll back to the pad by midweek for launch of mission STS-96, the 94th launch in the Space Shuttle Program. This is only the 13th time since 1981 that a Shuttle has had to roll back from the pad. Liftoff will occur no earlier than May 27. STS-96 is a logistics and resupply mission for the International Space Station, carrying such payloads as a Russian crane, the Strela; a U.S.-built crane; the Spacehab Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), a logistics items carrier; and STARSHINE, a student-shared experiment KSC-99pp0527

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the early light of dawn, a crawler tr...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the early light of dawn, a crawler transporter moves Space Shuttle Discovery, with its external tank and solid rocket boosters, from Pad 39B back to the Vehicle Assembly Buildin... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On its perfect launch today, Space Shuttle Discovery's brilliant flames illuminate the tower at left, with the lightning mast on top, and the billows of smoke and steam at right. Liftoff into a gossamer dawn sky for mission STS-96 occurred at 6:49:42 a.m. EDT. The crew of seven begin a 10-day logistics and resupply mission for the International Space Station, carrying about 4,000 pounds of supplies, to be stored aboard the station for use by future crews, including laptop computers, cameras, tools, spare parts, and clothing. The mission also includes such payloads as a Russian crane, the Strela; a U.S.-built crane; the Spacehab Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), a logistics items carrier; and STARSHINE, a student-involved experiment. It will include a space walk to attach the cranes to the outside of the ISS for use in future construction. Landing is expected at the SLF on June 6 about 1:58 a.m. EDT KSC-99pp0595

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On its perfect launch today, Space Shutt...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On its perfect launch today, Space Shuttle Discovery's brilliant flames illuminate the tower at left, with the lightning mast on top, and the billows of smoke and steam at right. L... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the early dawn, the brilliant flames from the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery light up the billows of steam below. Mission STS-96 lifted off at 6:49:42 a.m. EDT. The crew of seven begin a 10-day logistics and resupply mission for the International Space Station, carrying about 4,000 pounds of supplies, to be stored aboard the station for use by future crews, including laptop computers, cameras, tools, spare parts, and clothing. The mission also includes such payloads as a Russian crane, the Strela; a U.S.-built crane; the Spacehab Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), a logistics items carrier; and STARSHINE, a student-involved experiment. It will include a space walk to attach the cranes to the outside of the ISS for use in future construction. Landing is expected at the SLF on June 6 about 1:58 a.m. EDT KSC-99pp0593

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the early dawn, the brilliant flames ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the early dawn, the brilliant flames from the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery light up the billows of steam below. Mission STS-96 lifted off at 6:49:42 a.m. EDT. The crew of s... More

Dawn breaks as the helicopter crew from Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light 37 (HSL-37), aboard USS REUBEN JAMES (FFG 57), prepares for another day of flight ops off the coast of Ecuador. The ship and crew will be training with the Ecuadorian navy while en route to Exercise TEAMWORK SOUTH '99. Reuben James will be conducting bilateral operations with the Chilean navy

Dawn breaks as the helicopter crew from Helicopter Antisubmarine Squad...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Subject Operation/Series: TEAMWORK SOUTH '99 Base: USS Reuben James (FFG 57) Scene Camera Operator: PH1 Chris Desmond, USN Release Status: Released to ... More

Dawn breaks as the helicopter crew from Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light 37 (HSL-37), aboard USS REUBEN JAMES (FFG 57) prepares for another day of flight ops off the coast of Ecuador. The ship and crew will be training with the Ecuadorian navy while en route to Exercise TEAMWORK SOUTH '99. Reuben James will be conducting bilateral operations with the Chilean navy

Dawn breaks as the helicopter crew from Helicopter Antisubmarine Squad...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Subject Operation/Series: TEAMWORK SOUTH '99 Base: USS Reuben James (FFG 57) Scene Camera Operator: PH1 Chris Desmond, USN Release Status: Released to ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Hours before dawn, the payload canister transporter delivers its cargo (lower left) to Launch Pad 39B, below the Rotating Service Structure (RSS). Inside the canister is the Chandra X-ray Observatory, primary payload on mission STS-93, scheduled to launch no earlier than July 20 aboard Space Shuttle Columbia (right). The canister will be lifted up to the Payload Changeout Room in the RSS where it will be relieved of its cargo. After the RSS rotates to a position behind Columbia, the observatory will then be installed vertically in the orbiter payload bay. The world's most powerful X-ray telescope, Chandra will allow scientists from around the world to see previously invisible black holes and high-temperature gas clouds, giving the observatory the potential to rewrite the books on the structure and evolution of our universe KSC-99pp0767

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Hours before dawn, the payload canister ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Hours before dawn, the payload canister transporter delivers its cargo (lower left) to Launch Pad 39B, below the Rotating Service Structure (RSS). Inside the canister is the Chandr... More

As light peers over the horizon at the crack of dawn, NASA's Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) satellite waits for launch on Launch Pad 17A, Cape Canaveral Air Station, aboard the Boeing Delta II rocket. Liftoff is scheduled for 11:39 a.m. EDT. FUSE was developed to investigate the origin and evolution of the lightest elements in the universe hydrogen and deuterium. In addition, the FUSE satellite will examine the forces and process involved in the evolution of the galaxies, stars and planetary systems by investigating light in the far ultraviolet portion of the electromagnetic spectrum KSC-99pp0741

As light peers over the horizon at the crack of dawn, NASA's Far Ultra...

As light peers over the horizon at the crack of dawn, NASA's Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) satellite waits for launch on Launch Pad 17A, Cape Canaveral Air Station, aboard the Boeing Delta II ro... More

As dawn breaks at Launch Pad 39B on the east coast of Florida, the Space Shuttle Discovery is revealed after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure. The rollback of the structure was complete at 4:46 a.m. EST. Poised for flight on mission STS-103, Discovery is scheduled for launch Dec. 16 at 9:18 p.m. EST. The mission is expected to last about 9 days and 21 hours with a landing at KSC Sunday, Dec. 26, at 6:56 p.m. EST KSC-99pp1432

As dawn breaks at Launch Pad 39B on the east coast of Florida, the Spa...

As dawn breaks at Launch Pad 39B on the east coast of Florida, the Space Shuttle Discovery is revealed after rollback of the Rotating Service Structure. The rollback of the structure was complete at 4:46 a.m. E... More

As dawn breaks at Launch Pad 39B on the east coast of Florida, the Space Shuttle Discovery is revealed poised for flight on mission STS-103. The rollback of the Rotating Service Structure (left) was complete at 4:46 a.m. EST. STS-103 is scheduled for launch Dec. 16 at 9:18 p.m. EST. The mission is expected to last about 9 days and 21 hours with a landing at KSC Sunday, Dec. 26, at 6:56 p.m. EST KSC-99pp1430

As dawn breaks at Launch Pad 39B on the east coast of Florida, the Spa...

As dawn breaks at Launch Pad 39B on the east coast of Florida, the Space Shuttle Discovery is revealed poised for flight on mission STS-103. The rollback of the Rotating Service Structure (left) was complete at... More

After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure at Launch Pad 39B (left) before dawn, the Space Shuttle Discovery is revealed poised for flight on mission STS-103. The rollback of the structure was complete at 4:46 a.m. EST. STS-103 is scheduled for launch Dec. 16 at 9:18 p.m. EST. The mission is expected to last about 9 days and 21 hours with a landing at KSC Sunday, Dec. 26, at 6:56 p.m. EST KSC-99pp1431

After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure at Launch Pad 39B (le...

After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure at Launch Pad 39B (left) before dawn, the Space Shuttle Discovery is revealed poised for flight on mission STS-103. The rollback of the structure was complete at... More

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. -- A warm glow envelopes the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse as dawn breaks and a full moon still shines overhead. The Canaveral light is the only operating lighthouse owned by the U.S. Air Force. In 2000, the Coast Guard transferred ownership of the lighthouse structure and its grounds to the Air Force, which is now responsible for maintaining it. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to operate the modern first-order beacon as an active navigational aid. The first lighthouse at Cape Canaveral was built near the tip of the Cape in 1848. The structure was only about 60 feet high with a rather dim light powered by whale oil. In 1859, work began nearby on a new, taller iron structure. Construction was halted during the Civil War, and the lighthouse finally was finished in 1868. The structure, with a brick lining inside its iron exterior, was painted with its "daymark" black and white horizontal bands in 1873 to make it easier to identify during the day as a navigation point. Between 1892 and 1894, the lighthouse was dismantled and moved to its new home about a mile from the coast, where it stands today. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2012-3672

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. -- A warm glow envelopes the Ca...

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. -- A warm glow envelopes the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse as dawn breaks and a full moon still shines overhead. The Canaveral light is the only operating lighthouse owned by ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. – The Cape Canaveral Air Force Station lighthouse takes on a warm glow as dawn breaks and a full moon still shines in the background. The Canaveral light is the only one owned by the U.S. Air Force. In 2000, the Coast Guard transferred ownership of the lighthouse structure and its grounds to the Air Force, which is now responsible for maintaining it. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to operate the beacon as an active navigational aid. The first lighthouse at Cape Canaveral was built near the tip of the Cape in 1848. The structure was only about 60 feet high with a rather dim light powered by whale oil. In 1859, work began nearby on a new, taller iron structure. Construction was halted during the Civil War, and the lighthouse finally was finished in 1868. The structure, with a brick lining inside its iron exterior, was painted with its "daymark" black and white horizontal bands in 1873 to make it easier to identify during the day as a navigation point. Between 1892 and 1894, the lighthouse was dismantled and moved to its new home about a mile from the coast, where it stands today. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2012-6310

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. – The Cape Canaveral Air Force ...

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. – The Cape Canaveral Air Force Station lighthouse takes on a warm glow as dawn breaks and a full moon still shines in the background. The Canaveral light is the only one o... More

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. -- A warm glow envelopes the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse as dawn breaks and a full moon still shines overhead. The Canaveral light is the only operating lighthouse owned by the U.S. Air Force. In 2000, the Coast Guard transferred ownership of the lighthouse structure and its grounds to the Air Force, which is now responsible for maintaining it. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to operate the modern first-order beacon as an active navigational aid. The first lighthouse at Cape Canaveral was built near the tip of the Cape in 1848. The structure was only about 60 feet high with a rather dim light powered by whale oil. In 1859, work began nearby on a new, taller iron structure. Construction was halted during the Civil War, and the lighthouse finally was finished in 1868. The structure, with a brick lining inside its iron exterior, was painted with its "daymark" black and white horizontal bands in 1873 to make it easier to identify during the day as a navigation point. Between 1892 and 1894, the lighthouse was dismantled and moved to its new home about a mile from the coast, where it stands today. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2012-3671

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. -- A warm glow envelopes the Ca...

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. -- A warm glow envelopes the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse as dawn breaks and a full moon still shines overhead. The Canaveral light is the only operating lighthouse owned by ... More

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. -- The lantern room of the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse, with its modern first-order optic, takes on a warm glow as dawn breaks and a full moon still shines overhead. The Canaveral light is the only operating lighthouse owned by the U.S. Air Force. In 2000, the Coast Guard transferred ownership of the lighthouse structure and its grounds to the Air Force, which is now responsible for maintaining it. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to operate the beacon as an active navigational aid. The first lighthouse at Cape Canaveral was built near the tip of the Cape in 1848. The structure was only about 60 feet high with a rather dim light powered by whale oil. In 1859, work began nearby on a new, taller iron structure. Construction was halted during the Civil War, and the lighthouse finally was finished in 1868. The structure, with a brick lining inside its iron exterior, was painted with its "daymark" black and white horizontal bands in 1873 to make it easier to identify during the day as a navigation point. Between 1892 and 1894, the lighthouse was dismantled and moved to its new home about a mile from the coast, where it stands today. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2012-3674

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. -- The lantern room of the Cape...

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. -- The lantern room of the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse, with its modern first-order optic, takes on a warm glow as dawn breaks and a full moon still shines overhead. The Can... More

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. – The Cape Canaveral Air Force Station lighthouse takes on a warm glow as dawn breaks and a full moon still shines in the background. The Canaveral light is the only one owned by the U.S. Air Force. In 2000, the Coast Guard transferred ownership of the lighthouse structure and its grounds to the Air Force, which is now responsible for maintaining it. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to operate the beacon as an active navigational aid. The first lighthouse at Cape Canaveral was built near the tip of the Cape in 1848. The structure was only about 60 feet high with a rather dim light powered by whale oil. In 1859, work began nearby on a new, taller iron structure. Construction was halted during the Civil War, and the lighthouse finally was finished in 1868. The structure, with a brick lining inside its iron exterior, was painted with its "daymark" black and white horizontal bands in 1873 to make it easier to identify during the day as a navigation point. Between 1892 and 1894, the lighthouse was dismantled and moved to its new home about a mile from the coast, where it stands today. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2012-6309

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. – The Cape Canaveral Air Force ...

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. – The Cape Canaveral Air Force Station lighthouse takes on a warm glow as dawn breaks and a full moon still shines in the background. The Canaveral light is the only one o... More

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. -- The lantern room of the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse, with its modern first-order optic, takes on a warm glow as dawn breaks and a full moon still shines overhead. The Canaveral light is the only operating lighthouse owned by the U.S. Air Force. In 2000, the Coast Guard transferred ownership of the lighthouse structure and its grounds to the Air Force, which is now responsible for maintaining it. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to operate the beacon as an active navigational aid. The first lighthouse at Cape Canaveral was built near the tip of the Cape in 1848. The structure was only about 60 feet high with a rather dim light powered by whale oil. In 1859, work began nearby on a new, taller iron structure. Construction was halted during the Civil War, and the lighthouse finally was finished in 1868. The structure, with a brick lining inside its iron exterior, was painted with its "daymark" black and white horizontal bands in 1873 to make it easier to identify during the day as a navigation point. Between 1892 and 1894, the lighthouse was dismantled and moved to its new home about a mile from the coast, where it stands today. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2012-3673

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. -- The lantern room of the Cape...

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. -- The lantern room of the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse, with its modern first-order optic, takes on a warm glow as dawn breaks and a full moon still shines overhead. The Can... More

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. -- A warm glow envelopes the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse as dawn breaks over the Cape.. The Canaveral light is the only operating lighthouse owned by the U.S. Air Force. In 2000, the Coast Guard transferred ownership of the lighthouse structure and its grounds to the Air Force, which is now responsible for maintaining it. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to operate the modern first-order beacon as an active navigational aid. The first lighthouse at Cape Canaveral was built near the tip of the Cape in 1848. The structure was only about 60 feet high with a rather dim light powered by whale oil. In 1859, work began nearby on a new, taller iron structure. Construction was halted during the Civil War, and the lighthouse finally was finished in 1868. The structure, with a brick lining inside its iron exterior, was painted with its "daymark" black and white horizontal bands in 1873 to make it easier to identify during the day as a navigation point. Between 1892 and 1894, the lighthouse was dismantled and moved to its new home about a mile from the coast, where it stands today. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2012-3669

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. -- A warm glow envelopes the Ca...

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. -- A warm glow envelopes the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse as dawn breaks over the Cape.. The Canaveral light is the only operating lighthouse owned by the U.S.... More

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. -- The lantern room of the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse, with its modern first-order optic, takes on a warm glow as dawn breaks and a full moon still shines overhead. The Canaveral light is the only operating lighthouse owned by the U.S. Air Force. In 2000, the Coast Guard transferred ownership of the lighthouse structure and its grounds to the Air Force, which is now responsible for maintaining it. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to operate the beacon as an active navigational aid. The first lighthouse at Cape Canaveral was built near the tip of the Cape in 1848. The structure was only about 60 feet high with a rather dim light powered by whale oil. In 1859, work began nearby on a new, taller iron structure. Construction was halted during the Civil War, and the lighthouse finally was finished in 1868. The structure, with a brick lining inside its iron exterior, was painted with its "daymark" black and white horizontal bands in 1873 to make it easier to identify during the day as a navigation point. Between 1892 and 1894, the lighthouse was dismantled and moved to its new home about a mile from the coast, where it stands today. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2012-3675

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. -- The lantern room of the Cape...

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. -- The lantern room of the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse, with its modern first-order optic, takes on a warm glow as dawn breaks and a full moon still shines overhead. The Can... More

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. -- The lantern room of the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse, with its modern first-order optic, takes on a warm glow as dawn breaks and a full moon still shines overhead. The Canaveral light is the only operating lighthouse owned by the U.S. Air Force. In 2000, the Coast Guard transferred ownership of the lighthouse structure and its grounds to the Air Force, which is now responsible for maintaining it. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to operate the beacon as an active navigational aid. The first lighthouse at Cape Canaveral was built near the tip of the Cape in 1848. The structure was only about 60 feet high with a rather dim light powered by whale oil. In 1859, work began nearby on a new, taller iron structure. Construction was halted during the Civil War, and the lighthouse finally was finished in 1868. The structure, with a brick lining inside its iron exterior, was painted with its "daymark" black and white horizontal bands in 1873 to make it easier to identify during the day as a navigation point. Between 1892 and 1894, the lighthouse was dismantled and moved to its new home about a mile from the coast, where it stands today. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2012-3670

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. -- The lantern room of the Cape...

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. -- The lantern room of the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse, with its modern first-order optic, takes on a warm glow as dawn breaks and a full moon still shines overhead. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis lifts off at 6:11:10 a.m. EDT, challenging dawn as it lights up the sky on the fourth attempt to keep a rendezvous with the International Space Station. The mission is taking the crew of seven to the Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies as well as to prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk and will reboost the space station from 230 statute miles to 250 statute miles. This will be the third assembly flight to the Space Station. After a 10-day mission, landing is targeted for May 29 at 2:19 a.m. EDT. This is the 98th Shuttle flight and the 21st flight for Shuttle Atlantis KSC00pp0650

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis lifts off at 6:11...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis lifts off at 6:11:10 a.m. EDT, challenging dawn as it lights up the sky on the fourth attempt to keep a rendezvous with the International Space Station. The ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis lifts off at 6:11:10 a.m. EDT, challenging dawn as it lights up the sky on the fourth attempt to keep a rendezvous with the International Space Station. The mission is taking the crew of seven to the Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies as well as to prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk and will reboost the space station from 230 statute miles to 250 statute miles. This will be the third assembly flight to the Space Station. After a 10-day mission, landing is targeted for May 29 at 2:19 a.m. EDT. This is the 98th Shuttle flight and the 21st flight for Shuttle Atlantis KSC-00pp0650

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis lifts off at 6:11...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis lifts off at 6:11:10 a.m. EDT, challenging dawn as it lights up the sky on the fourth attempt to keep a rendezvous with the International Space Station. The ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In this view of the launch from the roof of the Vehicle Assembly Building, the liftoff of Space Shuttle Atlantis challenges the early dawn. The light is reflected in waters all around the Launch Pad 39A while clouds of steam and smoke roll away from the pad. Liftoff occurred at 6:11:10 a.m. EDT. The mission is taking the crew of seven to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies as well as to prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk and will reboost the space station from 230 statute miles to 250 statute miles. This will be the third assembly flight to the Space Station. After a 10-day mission, landing is targeted for May 29 at 2:19 a.m. EDT. This is the 98th Shuttle flight and the 21st flight for Shuttle Atlantis KSC-00pp0649

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

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

South Melea Planum, By The Dawn Early Light

South Melea Planum, By The Dawn Early Light

South Melea Planum, By The Dawn Early Light NASA/JPL/MSSS

South Melea Planum, By The Dawn Early Light

South Melea Planum, By The Dawn Early Light

South Melea Planum, By The Dawn Early Light NASA/JPL/MSSS

After tower rollback just before dawn on Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) sits bathed in spotlights before liftoff atop an Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket. One of three satellites (labeled H, I and J) being built by the Hughes Space and Communications Company, the latest TDRS uses an innovative springback antenna design. A pair of 15-foot-diameter, flexible mesh antenna reflectors fold up for launch, then spring back into their original cupped circular shape on orbit. The new satellites will augment the TDRS system’s existing Sand Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the Space Shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit KSC-00pp0822

After tower rollback just before dawn on Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canavera...

After tower rollback just before dawn on Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) sits bathed in spotlights before liftoff atop an Atlas IIA/Centaur ro... More

At dawn on Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, an Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket is fueled for launch of NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H). One of three satellites (labeled H, I and J) being built by the Hughes Space and Communications Company, the latest TDRS uses an innovative springback antenna design. A pair of 15-foot-diameter, flexible mesh antenna reflectors fold up for launch, then spring back into their original cupped circular shape on orbit. The new satellites will augment the TDRS system’s existing Sand Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the Space Shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit KSC-00pp0823

At dawn on Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, an Atlas ...

At dawn on Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, an Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket is fueled for launch of NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H). One of three satellites (labeled H, I and J) b... More

At dawn on Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, an Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket is fueled for launch of NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H). One of three satellites (labeled H, I and J) being built by the Hughes Space and Communications Company, the latest TDRS uses an innovative springback antenna design. A pair of 15-foot-diameter, flexible mesh antenna reflectors fold up for launch, then spring back into their original cupped circular shape on orbit. The new satellites will augment the TDRS system’s existing Sand Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the Space Shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit KSC00pp0823

At dawn on Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, an Atlas ...

At dawn on Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, an Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket is fueled for launch of NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H). One of three satellites (labeled H, I and J) b... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Viewed from inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, Space Shuttle Discovery, atop the mobile launcher platform (MLP), begins its rollout to Launch Pad 39A before dawn. Beneath the Space Shuttle and MLP is the crawler-transporter that moves it all to the pad. Discovery is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:30 p.m. EDT on mission STS-92. Making the 100th Space Shuttle mission launched from Kennedy Space Center, Discovery will carry two pieces of hardware for the International Space Station, the Z1 truss, which is the cornerstone truss of the Station, and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. Discovery also will be making its 28th flight into space, more than any of the other orbiters to date KSC-00pp1287

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Viewed from inside the Vehicle Assembly ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Viewed from inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, Space Shuttle Discovery, atop the mobile launcher platform (MLP), begins its rollout to Launch Pad 39A before dawn. Beneath the Sp... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Viewed from inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, Space Shuttle Discovery, atop the mobile launcher platform (MLP), begins its rollout to Launch Pad 39A before dawn. Beneath the Space Shuttle and MLP is the crawler-transporter that moves it all to the pad. Discovery is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:30 p.m. EDT on mission STS-92. Making the 100th Space Shuttle mission launched from Kennedy Space Center, Discovery will carry two pieces of hardware for the International Space Station, the Z1 truss, which is the cornerstone truss of the Station, and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. Discovery also will be making its 28th flight into space, more than any of the other orbiters to date KSC00pp1287

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Viewed from inside the Vehicle Assembly ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Viewed from inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, Space Shuttle Discovery, atop the mobile launcher platform (MLP), begins its rollout to Launch Pad 39A before dawn. Beneath the Sp... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Dawn’s early light creates a powerful silhouette of the Space Shuttle Discovery on its mobile launcher platform as it creeps to Launch Pad 39B. Discovery is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:30 p.m. EDT on mission STS-92. Making the 100th Space Shuttle mission launched from Kennedy Space Center, Discovery will carry two pieces of hardware for the International Space Station, the Z1 truss, which is the cornerstone truss of the Station, and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. Discovery also will be making its 28th flight into space, more than any of the other orbiters to date KSC-00pp1288

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Dawn’s early light creates a powerful si...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Dawn’s early light creates a powerful silhouette of the Space Shuttle Discovery on its mobile launcher platform as it creeps to Launch Pad 39B. Discovery is scheduled to launch Oct... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Just after dawn, Launch Pad 39A is caught in silhouette and reflected in the water nearby. On the pad is Space Shuttle Discovery, waiting for launch on mission STS-92 Oct. 5, 2000. At the left of the pad is the 300,000-gallon water tank that is part of the sound suppression system during launches. At far left, the ball-shaped structure is a storage tank for one of the cryogenic liquid propellants of the orbiter’s main engines KSC00pp1299

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Just after dawn, Launch Pad 39A is caug...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Just after dawn, Launch Pad 39A is caught in silhouette and reflected in the water nearby. On the pad is Space Shuttle Discovery, waiting for launch on mission STS-92 Oct. 5, 2000... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Just after dawn, Launch Pad 39A is caught in silhouette and reflected in the water nearby. On the pad is Space Shuttle Discovery, waiting for launch on mission STS-92 Oct. 5, 2000. At the left of the pad is the 300,000-gallon water tank that is part of the sound suppression system during launches. At far left, the ball-shaped structure is a storage tank for one of the cryogenic liquid propellants of the orbiter’s main engines KSC-00pp1299

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Just after dawn, Launch Pad 39A is caug...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Just after dawn, Launch Pad 39A is caught in silhouette and reflected in the water nearby. On the pad is Space Shuttle Discovery, waiting for launch on mission STS-92 Oct. 5, 2000... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the onset of dawn, the payload canister (left) with the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 inside begins its journey up the side of the Rotating Service Structure to the Payload Changeout Room. There the Z1 truss will be removed and later transferred to Space Shuttle Discovery’s payload bay. The Z1 truss is the first of 10 that will become the backbone of the International Space Station, eventually stretching the length of a football field. Along with its companion payload, the third Pressurized Mating Adapter, the Z1 is scheduled to be launched aboard Discovery Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT KSC00pp1354

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the onset of dawn, the payload can...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the onset of dawn, the payload canister (left) with the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 inside begins its journey up the side of the Rotating Service Structure to the Payload C... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Before dawn, the payload canister (left) with the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 moves slowly up the crawlerway ramp on Launch Pad 39A toward Space Shuttle Discovery in the background. The canister will be lifted up the Rotating Service Structure to the Payload Changeout Room where the Z1 will be removed and transferred to Discovery’s payload bay. The Z1 truss is the first of 10 that will become the backbone of the International Space Station, eventually stretching the length of a football field. Along with its companion payload, the third Pressurized Mating Adapter, the Z1 is scheduled to be launched aboard Discovery Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT KSC00pp1350

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Before dawn, the payload canister (left...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Before dawn, the payload canister (left) with the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 moves slowly up the crawlerway ramp on Launch Pad 39A toward Space Shuttle Discovery in the backgro... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the onset of dawn, the payload canister (left) with the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 inside begins its journey up the side of the Rotating Service Structure to the Payload Changeout Room. There the Z1 truss will be removed and later transferred to Space Shuttle Discovery’s payload bay. The Z1 truss is the first of 10 that will become the backbone of the International Space Station, eventually stretching the length of a football field. Along with its companion payload, the third Pressurized Mating Adapter, the Z1 is scheduled to be launched aboard Discovery Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT KSC-00pp1354

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the onset of dawn, the payload can...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the onset of dawn, the payload canister (left) with the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 inside begins its journey up the side of the Rotating Service Structure to the Payload C... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Before dawn, the payload canister (left) with the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 moves slowly up the crawlerway ramp on Launch Pad 39A toward Space Shuttle Discovery in the background. The canister will be lifted up the Rotating Service Structure to the Payload Changeout Room where the Z1 will be removed and transferred to Discovery’s payload bay. The Z1 truss is the first of 10 that will become the backbone of the International Space Station, eventually stretching the length of a football field. Along with its companion payload, the third Pressurized Mating Adapter, the Z1 is scheduled to be launched aboard Discovery Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT KSC-00pp1350

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Before dawn, the payload canister (left...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Before dawn, the payload canister (left) with the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 moves slowly up the crawlerway ramp on Launch Pad 39A toward Space Shuttle Discovery in the backgro... More

After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Endeavour is spotlighted against the still-black sky of pre-dawn. At the top of the external tank is the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm and its vent hood, known as the “beanie cap.” The hood is raised to clear the external tank 2.5 minutes before launch. Endeavour is targeted for launch Nov. 30 at about 10:06 p.m. EST on mission STS-97. In the background, the sky prepares for dawn. The mission to the International Space Station carries the P6 Integrated Truss Segment containing solar arrays and batteries that will be temporarily installed to the Unity connecting module by the Z1 truss, recently delivered to and installed on the Station on mission STS-92. The two solar arrays are each more than 100 feet long. They will capture energy from the sun and convert it to power for the Station. Two spacewalks will be required to install the solar array connections KSC-00padig112

After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Endeav...

After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Endeavour is spotlighted against the still-black sky of pre-dawn. At the top of the external tank is the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm and its vent hood... More

After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Endeavour shines under spotlights. At the top of the external tank is the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm and its vent hood, known as the “beanie cap.” The hood is raised to clear the external tank 2.5 minutes before launch. Endeavour is targeted for launch Nov. 30 at about 10:06 p.m. EST on mission STS-97. In the background, the sky prepares for dawn. The mission to the International Space Station carries the P6 Integrated Truss Segment containing solar arrays and batteries that will be temporarily installed to the Unity connecting module by the Z1 truss, recently delivered to and installed on the Station on mission STS-92. The two solar arrays are each more than 100 feet long. They will capture energy from the sun and convert it to power for the Station. Two spacewalks will be required to install the solar array connections KSC-00padig111

After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Endeav...

After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure, Space Shuttle Endeavour shines under spotlights. At the top of the external tank is the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm and its vent hood, known as the “beanie cap.” Th... More

As dawn breaks on the horizon, Space Shuttle Endeavour is seen standing ready for launch, targeted for 10:06 p.m. EST tonight on mission STS-97 to the International Space Station. The Rotating Service Structure was rolled back just before dawn. On top of the orange external tank is the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm and its vent hood, known as the “beanie cap.” The hood is raised to clear the external tank 2.5 minutes before launch. The orbiter carries the P6 Integrated Truss Segment containing solar arrays that will be temporarily installed to the Unity connecting module by the Z1 truss, recently delivered to and installed on the Station on mission STS-92. The two solar arrays are each more than 100 feet long. They will capture energy from the sun and convert it to power for the Station. Two spacewalks will be required to install the solar array connections KSC-00pp1777

As dawn breaks on the horizon, Space Shuttle Endeavour is seen standin...

As dawn breaks on the horizon, Space Shuttle Endeavour is seen standing ready for launch, targeted for 10:06 p.m. EST tonight on mission STS-97 to the International Space Station. The Rotating Service Structure... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Just before dawn, Space Shuttle Atlantis is spotlighted before it begins rolling back to the Vehicle Assembly Building from Launch Pad 39A. Atlantis is returning to the VAB so that workers can conduct inspections, make continuity checks and conduct X-ray analysis on the 36 solid rocket booster cables located inside each booster’s system tunnel. An extensive evaluation of NASA’s SRB cable inventory revealed conductor damage in four (of about 200) cables on the shelf. Shuttle managers decided to prove the integrity of the system tunnel cables already on Atlantis before launching Jan. 19. The launch has been rescheduled no earlier than Feb. 6 KSC01pp0132

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Just before dawn, Space Shuttle Atlantis...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Just before dawn, Space Shuttle Atlantis is spotlighted before it begins rolling back to the Vehicle Assembly Building from Launch Pad 39A. Atlantis is returning to the VAB so that... More

Before dawn, the payload canister with the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo inside arrives at Launch Pad 39B. The canister will be raised to the payload changeout room above (on the Rotating Service Structure) for transfer into Space Shuttle Discovery’s payload bay. Leonardo, one of Italy’s major contributions to the International Space Station program, is a reusable logistics carrier. It is the primary delivery system used to resupply and return Station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. Leonardo is the primary payload on mission STS-102 and will deliver up to 10 tons of laboratory racks filled with equipment, experiments and supplies for outfitting the newly installed U.S. Laboratory Destiny. STS-102 is scheduled to launch March 8 at 6:45 a.m. EST KSC-01pp0358

Before dawn, the payload canister with the Multi-Purpose Logistics Mod...

Before dawn, the payload canister with the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo inside arrives at Launch Pad 39B. The canister will be raised to the payload changeout room above (on the Rotating Service Stru... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Discovery lifts off at 6:42:09 EST on mission STS-102 from Launch Pad 39B, rousing the birds in the area just at dawn. The brilliant flames and exhaust rival the rising sun, barely seen on the horizon. STS-102 is the eighth flight to the International Space Station KSC01padig150

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Discovery lifts off at 6:4...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Discovery lifts off at 6:42:09 EST on mission STS-102 from Launch Pad 39B, rousing the birds in the area just at dawn. The brilliant flames and exhaust rival the risi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Viewed from the top of the Vehicle Assembly Building, Space Shuttle Discovery leaps from the Earth against the background of the Atlantic Ocean on mission STS-102. Liftoff at dawn occurrred at 6:42:09 EST for the eighth flight to the International Space Station KSC01pp0435

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, Space Shuttle Discovery leaps from the Earth against the background of the Atlantic Ocean on mission STS-102. Liftoff at dawn ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Discovery rivals the rising sun as it blasts off from Launch Pad 39B at dawn on mission STS-102. . Liftoff occurred at 6:42:09 EST for this eighth flight to the International Space Station KSC01pp0439

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Discovery rivals the risin...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Discovery rivals the rising sun as it blasts off from Launch Pad 39B at dawn on mission STS-102. . Liftoff occurred at 6:42:09 EST for this eighth flight to the Inter... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Dozens of spectators line up by the turn basin to watch Space Shuttle Discovery blast off on mission STS-102, the eighth construction flight to the International Space Station. The lower smoke plumes appear red from the dawn’s rays. Liftoff occurred on time at 6:42:09 EST KSC01padig147

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Dozens of spectators line up by the turn...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Dozens of spectators line up by the turn basin to watch Space Shuttle Discovery blast off on mission STS-102, the eighth construction flight to the International Space Station. The... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Spectators line the banks of the turn basin to watch the dawn launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-102. The rosy sky pales in comparison to the deep rose of the orbiter’s exhaust trail that captures the rising sun’s rays. Liftoff occurred at 6:42:09 EST for the eighth flight to the International Space Station KSC01pp0437

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Spectators line the banks of the turn ba...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Spectators line the banks of the turn basin to watch the dawn launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-102. The rosy sky pales in comparison to the deep rose of the orbiter... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Discovery outshines a rising sun as it blasts off on mission STS-102, the eighth construction flight to the International Space Station. The lower smoke plumes appear red from the dawn’s rays. Liftoff occurred on time at 6:42:09 EST KSC01padig148

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Discovery outshines a risi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Discovery outshines a rising sun as it blasts off on mission STS-102, the eighth construction flight to the International Space Station. The lower smoke plumes appear... More

In the early morning before dawn the 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft arrives at Launch Pad 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It will be mated with the Delta II rocket that will launch it. The spacecraft will map the Martian surface in search of geological features that could indicate the presence of water, now or in the past, and may contribute significantly toward understanding what will be necessary for a more sophisticated exploration of Mars. Launch is scheduled for 11:02 a.m. EDT April 7 KSC01pp0629

In the early morning before dawn the 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft arri...

In the early morning before dawn the 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft arrives at Launch Pad 17-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It will be mated with the Delta II rocket that will launch it. The spacecraft will... More

Dawn casts a pink glow as the Boeing Delta II rocket stands ready for launch after tower rollback. It is carrying the 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft that will begin its 7-month journey to Mars. Liftoff is scheduled for 11:02 a.m. EDT. The spacecraft, built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, will orbit Mars, mapping the surface looking for geological features that could indicate the presence of water, now or in the past. Science gathered by three science instruments on board will be key to future missions to Mars, including orbital reconnaissance, lander and human missions KSC-01pp0746

Dawn casts a pink glow as the Boeing Delta II rocket stands ready for ...

Dawn casts a pink glow as the Boeing Delta II rocket stands ready for launch after tower rollback. It is carrying the 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft that will begin its 7-month journey to Mars. Liftoff is schedul... More

JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, HOUSON, TEXAS -- STS-107 INSIGNIA -- This is the insignia for STS-107, which is a multi-discipline microgravity and Earth science research mission with a multitude of international scientific investigations conducted continuously during the planned 16 days on orbit. The central element of the patch is the microgravity symbol flowing into the rays of the astronaut symbol. The mission inclination is portrayed by the 39-degree angle of the astronaut symbol to the Earth's horizon. The sunrise is representative of the numerous experiments that are the dawn of a new era for continued microgravity research on the International Space Station and beyond. The breadth of science conducted on this mission will have widespread benefits to life on Earth and our continued exploration of space, illustrated by the Earth and stars. The constellation Columba (the dove) was chosen to symbolize peace on Earth and the Space Shuttle Columbia. The seven stars also represent the mission crew members and honor the original astronauts who paved the way to make research in space possible. The Israeli flag is adjacent to the name of the payload specialist who is the first person from that country to fly on the Space Shuttle. The NASA insignia design for Space Shuttle flights is reserved for use by the astronauts and for other official use as the NASA Administrator may authorize. Public availability has been approved only in the form of illustrations by the various news media. When and if there is any change in this policy, which we do not anticipate, it will be publicly announced. KSC-01pp1087

JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, HOUSON, TEXAS -- STS-107 INSIGNIA -- This is the...

JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, HOUSON, TEXAS -- STS-107 INSIGNIA -- This is the insignia for STS-107, which is a multi-discipline microgravity and Earth science research mission with a multitude of international scienti... More

Students of the Alaska Air National Guard 176th Wing's 3rd annual Satellite NCO Academy, perform a formal retreat. The Satellite Academy consists of four months of training two nights a week, except the last two weeks which are eight hours a day and taught by an instructor from the Air National Guard Training and Education Center from McGee-Tyson. Students receive in-resident credit for the NCO Academy, but get the advantage of staying at home, and reducing costs to the Air National Guard. Students left to right are, Technical Sergeant (TSGT) Paul A. Bobby, TSGT Troy L. Clinkenbeard, TSGT Mark A. Moraes, TSGT Dawn C. Hansen, TSGT Richard L. Shull, TSGT Lyn M. Garrett, TSGT Leigh A. Norman...

Students of the Alaska Air National Guard 176th Wing's 3rd annual Sate...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: [Complete] Scene Caption: Students of the Alaska Air National Guard 176th Wing's 3rd annual Satellite NCO Academy, perform a formal retreat. The Satellit... More

Students of the Alaska Air National Guard 176th Wing's 3rd annual Satellite NCO Academy, perform a formal retreat. The Satellite Academy consists of four months of training two nights a week, except the last two weeks which are eight hours a day and taught by an instructor from the Air National Guard Training and Education Center from McGee-Tyson. Students recieve in-resident credit for the NCO Academy, but get the advantage of staying at home, and reducing costs to the Air National Guard. Students left to right are, Technical Sergeant (TSGT) Richard L. Shull, TSGT Dawn C. Hansen, TSGT Rebecca R. McClung, TSGT Mark A. Moraes, TSGT Troy L. Clinkenbeard, TSGT Lyn M. Garrett, TSGT Leigh A...

Students of the Alaska Air National Guard 176th Wing's 3rd annual Sate...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: [Complete] Scene Caption: Students of the Alaska Air National Guard 176th Wing's 3rd annual Satellite NCO Academy, perform a formal retreat. The Satellit... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Billows of smoke and steam half frame Space Shuttle Atlantis as it roars into the still-black sky before dawn. At left can be seen the top of the lightning mast on Launch Pad 39B. Launch on mission STS-104 was on time at 5:03:59 a.m. EDT. The 10th assembly flight to the International Space Station, the mission is delivering the joint airlock module, which will require two spacewalks to attach it to the Space Station. The airlock will be the primary path for Space Station spacewalk entry and departure for U.S. spacesuits, and will also support the Russian Orlan spacesuit for EVA activity KSC-01pp1290

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Billows of smoke and steam half frame Sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Billows of smoke and steam half frame Space Shuttle Atlantis as it roars into the still-black sky before dawn. At left can be seen the top of the lightning mast on Launch Pad 39B. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the early light of dawn, Atlantis heads to the launch pad, lighted in the distance. After being stacked with its solid rocket boosters and external tank, Atlantis began its rollout to Launch Pad 39B at 2:27 a.m. EDT in preparation for launch to the International Space Station. The Shuttle arrived at the Pad and was hard down at 9:38 a.m. Launch is scheduled no earlier than Oct. 2 for mission STS-112, the 15th assembly flight to the International Space Station. Atlantis will carry the S1 Integrated Truss Structure, which will be attached to the central truss segment, the S0 truss, during the mission. KSC-02pd1290

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the early light of dawn, Atlantis h...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the early light of dawn, Atlantis heads to the launch pad, lighted in the distance. After being stacked with its solid rocket boosters and external tank, Atlantis began its r... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A lavender, pink and yellow dawn sky silhouettes Space Shuttle Endeavour as it inches up the ramp toward the top of Launch Pad 39A. The Shuttle sits atop the Mobile Launcher Platform and is transported by the crawler-transporter underneath. Endeavour is scheduled to launch Nov. 10 on mission STS-113, the 16th assembly flight to the International Space Station. The primary payloads on mission STS-113 are the first port truss segment, P1 Truss, and the Crew and Equipment Translation Aid (CETA) Cart B. Once delivered, the P1 truss will remain stowed until flight 12A.1 in 2003 when it will be attached to the central truss segment, S0, on the Space Station. The mission will also deliver the Expedition 6 crew to the Station and return Expedition 5 to Earth. KSC-02pd1516

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A lavender, pink and yellow dawn sky si...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A lavender, pink and yellow dawn sky silhouettes Space Shuttle Endeavour as it inches up the ramp toward the top of Launch Pad 39A. The Shuttle sits atop the Mobile Launcher Platf... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Against a lavender and pink dawn sky, Space Shuttle Endeavour inches up the ramp of Launch Pad 39A after its rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The Shuttle sits atop the Mobile Launcher Platform and is transported by the crawler-transporter underneath. Endeavour is scheduled to launch Nov. 10 on mission STS-113, the 16th assembly flight to the International Space Station. The primary payloads on mission STS-113 are the first port truss segment, P1 Truss, and the Crew and Equipment Translation Aid (CETA) Cart B. Once delivered, the P1 truss will remain stowed until flight 12A.1 in 2003 when it will be attached to the central truss segment, S0, on the Space Station. The mission will also deliver the Expedition 6 crew to the Station and return Expedition 5 to Earth. KSC-02pd1515

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Against a lavender and pink dawn sky, Sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Against a lavender and pink dawn sky, Space Shuttle Endeavour inches up the ramp of Launch Pad 39A after its rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The Shuttle sits atop the M... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Against a lavender and pink dawn sky, Space Shuttle Endeavour inches up the ramp of Launch Pad 39A after its rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The Shuttle sits atop the Mobile Launcher Platform and is transported by the crawler-transporter underneath. Endeavour is scheduled to launch Nov. 10 on mission STS-113, the 16th assembly flight to the International Space Station. The primary payloads on mission STS-113 are the first port truss segment, P1 Truss, and the Crew and Equipment Translation Aid (CETA) Cart B. Once delivered, the P1 truss will remain stowed until flight 12A.1 in 2003 when it will be attached to the central truss segment, S0, on the Space Station. The mission will also deliver the Expedition 6 crew to the Station and return Expedition 5 to Earth. KSC-02pd1514

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Against a lavender and pink dawn sky, Spa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Against a lavender and pink dawn sky, Space Shuttle Endeavour inches up the ramp of Launch Pad 39A after its rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The Shuttle sits atop the M... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With a brightening sky at dawn in the background, Space Shuttle Endeavour nears the top of Launch Pad 39A after rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The Shuttle sits atop the Mobile Launcher Platform and is transported by the crawler-transporter underneath. Endeavour is scheduled to launch Nov. 10 on mission STS-113, the 16th assembly flight to the International Space Station. The primary payloads on mission STS-113 are the first port truss segment, P1 Truss, and the Crew and Equipment Translation Aid (CETA) Cart B. Once delivered, the P1 truss will remain stowed until flight 12A.1 in 2003 when it will be attached to the central truss segment, S0, on the Space Station. The mission will also deliver the Expedition 6 crew to the Station and return Expedition 5 to Earth. KSC-02pd1517

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With a brightening sky at dawn in the b...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With a brightening sky at dawn in the background, Space Shuttle Endeavour nears the top of Launch Pad 39A after rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The Shuttle sits atop t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Before dawn, the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) arrives at Launch Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, where it will be lifted into the mobile service tower and prepared for launch. SIRTF consists of three cryogenically cooled science instruments and an 0.85-meter telescope, and is one of NASA’s largest infrared telescopes to be launched. It is the fourth and final element in NASA’s family of orbiting “Great Observatories.” SIRTF will obtain images and spectra by detecting the infrared energy, or heat, radiated by objects in space. Most of this infrared radiation is blocked by the Earth's atmosphere and cannot be observed from the ground.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Before dawn, the Space Infrared Telesco...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Before dawn, the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) arrives at Launch Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, where it will be lifted into the mobile service tower and ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After dawn, the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) is lifted up the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. SIRTF will be attached to the Delta II rocket and encapsulated in its fairing before launch. Consisting of three cryogenically cooled science instruments and an 0.85-meter telescope, SIRTF is one of NASA’s largest infrared telescopes to be launched. It is the fourth and final element in NASA’s family of orbiting “Great Observatories.” SIRTF will obtain images and spectra by detecting the infrared energy, or heat, radiated by objects in space. Most of this infrared radiation is blocked by the Earth's atmosphere and cannot be observed from the ground.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After dawn, the Space Infrared Telesco...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After dawn, the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) is lifted up the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. SIRTF will be attached to t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After dawn, the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) is lifted up the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. SIRTF will be attached to the Delta II rocket and encapsulated in its fairing before launch. Consisting of three cryogenically cooled science instruments and an 0.85-meter telescope, SIRTF is one of NASA’s largest infrared telescopes to be launched. It is the fourth and final element in NASA’s family of orbiting “Great Observatories.” SIRTF will obtain images and spectra by detecting the infrared energy, or heat, radiated by objects in space. Most of this infrared radiation is blocked by the Earth's atmosphere and cannot be observed from the ground.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After dawn, the Space Infrared Telesco...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After dawn, the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) is lifted up the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. SIRTF will be attached to t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Before dawn, the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) is attached to an overhead crane that will lift it up the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. SIRTF will be attached to the Delta II rocket and encapsulated in its fairing before launch. Consisting of three cryogenically cooled science instruments and an 0.85-meter telescope, SIRTF is one of NASA’s largest infrared telescopes to be launched. It is the fourth and final element in NASA’s family of orbiting “Great Observatories.” SIRTF will obtain images and spectra by detecting the infrared energy, or heat, radiated by objects in space. Most of this infrared radiation is blocked by the Earth's atmosphere and cannot be observed from the ground.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Before dawn, the Space Infrared Telesco...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Before dawn, the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) is attached to an overhead crane that will lift it up the mobile service tower on Launch Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Fo... More

US Air Force (USAF) STAFF Sergeant (SSGT) Robert Payne and USAF SSGT Dawn Magnussen, Satellite/Wideband and Telemetry Technicians, 51st Communications Squadron (CS), Osan Air Base (AB), Republic of Korea (ROK), inspect a circuit card from an FCC100 multiplexer designed to route various communications inputs from multiple sources through one output source

US Air Force (USAF) STAFF Sergeant (SSGT) Robert Payne and USAF SSGT D...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF Scene Camera Operator: SSGT Corey Clements, USAF Release Status:... More

Dawn for Odysseus - NASA Tethys images

Dawn for Odysseus - NASA Tethys images

Dawn for Odysseus NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute

Dawn at the Huygens Site. NASA public domain image colelction.

Dawn at the Huygens Site. NASA public domain image colelction.

Dawn at the Huygens Site NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute Public domain photograph of a solar system, planet, space exploration, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Before dawn, the third stage, or upper stage for the New Horizons spacecraft, arrives at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility. The third stage is a Boeing STAR 48 solid-propellant kick motor. The Atlas V is the launch vehicle for NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., during a 35-day window that opens Jan. 11 and fly through the Pluto system as early as summer 2015. New Horizons will be powered by a single radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG), provided by the Department of Energy, which will be installed shortly before launch. KSC-05pd2539

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Before dawn, the third stage, or upper...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Before dawn, the third stage, or upper stage for the New Horizons spacecraft, arrives at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility. The third stage is a B... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - New Horizons leaves the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility before dawn for its journey to the Vertical Integration Facility at Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. New Horizons carries seven scientific instruments that will characterize the global geology and geomorphology of Pluto and its moon Charon, map their surface compositions and temperatures, and examine Pluto's complex atmosphere. After that, flybys of Kuiper Belt objects from even farther in the solar system may be undertaken in an extended mission. New Horizons is the first mission in NASA's New Frontiers program of medium-class planetary missions. The spacecraft, designed for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md., will launch aboard a Lockheed Martin Atlas V rocket and fly by Pluto and Charon as early as summer 2015. KSC-05pd2634

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - New Horizons leaves the Payload Hazardous...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - New Horizons leaves the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility before dawn for its journey to the Vertical Integration Facility at Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. New ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians prepare to move New Horizons before dawn from the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility to the Vertical Integration Facility at Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. New Horizons carries seven scientific instruments that will characterize the global geology and geomorphology of Pluto and its moon Charon, map their surface compositions and temperatures, and examine Pluto's complex atmosphere. After that, flybys of Kuiper Belt objects from even farther in the solar system may be undertaken in an extended mission. New Horizons is the first mission in NASA's New Frontiers program of medium-class planetary missions. The spacecraft, designed for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md., will launch aboard a Lockheed Martin Atlas V rocket and fly by Pluto and Charon as early as summer 2015. KSC-05pd2635

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians prepare to move New Horizons ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Technicians prepare to move New Horizons before dawn from the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility to the Vertical Integration Facility at Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Sta... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Before dawn on NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF), Steve Fossett looks over the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer in preparation for flight.. Fossett will pilot the GlobalFlyer on a record-breaking attempt by flying solo, non-stop without refueling, to surpass the current record for the longest flight of any aircraft. Fossett is expected to take off from the KSC SLF. Later, takeoff of the GlobalFlyer was postponed due to a fuel leak that appeared during the last moments of loading. The next planned takeoff attempt is 7 a.m. Feb. 8 from the SLF. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0213

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Before dawn on NASA Kennedy Space Cente...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Before dawn on NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF), Steve Fossett looks over the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer in preparation for flight.. Fossett will pilot... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During fueling of the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer before dawn on NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF), Sir Richard Branson talks to the media. Branson is chairman and founder of Virgin Atlantic. The GlobalFlyer is in the background. Steve Fossett will pilot the GlobalFlyer on a record-breaking attempt by flying solo, non-stop without refueling, to surpass the current record for the longest flight of any aircraft. Fossett is expected to take off from the KSC SLF. Later, takeoff of the GlobalFlyer was postponed due to a fuel leak that appeared during the last moments of loading. The next planned takeoff attempt is 7 a.m. Feb. 8 from the SLF. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0210

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During fueling of the Virgin Atlantic G...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During fueling of the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer before dawn on NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF), Sir Richard Branson talks to the media. Branson is ch... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Before dawn, the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer is being fueled on NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF). Steve Fossett will pilot the GlobalFlyer on a record-breaking attempt by flying solo, non-stop without refueling, to surpass the current record for the longest flight of any aircraft. Fossett is expected to take off from the KSC SLF. Later, takeoff of the GlobalFlyer was postponed due to a fuel leak that appeared during the last moments of loading. The next planned takeoff attempt is 7 a.m. Feb. 8 from the SLF. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0209

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Before dawn, the Virgin Atlantic GlobalF...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Before dawn, the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer is being fueled on NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF). Steve Fossett will pilot the GlobalFlyer on a record-bre... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Before dawn on NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF), Steve Fossett talks to the media about the anticipated flight of the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer. Fossett will pilot the GlobalFlyer on a record-breaking attempt by flying solo, non-stop without refueling, to surpass the current record for the longest flight of any aircraft. Fossett is expected to take off from the KSC SLF. Later, takeoff of the GlobalFlyer was postponed due to a fuel leak that appeared during the last moments of loading. The next planned takeoff attempt is 7 a.m. Feb. 8 from the SLF. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0214

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Before dawn on NASA Kennedy Space Cente...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Before dawn on NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF), Steve Fossett talks to the media about the anticipated flight of the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer. Fosse... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As a rosy dawn creeps over the horizon, team members check the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer before its early morning launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF). Steve Fossett will pilot the GlobalFlyer on a record-breaking attempt by flying solo, non-stop without refueling, to surpass the current record for the longest flight of any aircraft. Fossett is expected to take off from the KSC SLF. Later, takeoff of the GlobalFlyer was postponed due to a fuel leak that appeared during the last moments of loading. The next planned takeoff attempt is 7 a.m. Feb. 8 from the SLF. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0215

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As a rosy dawn creeps over the horizon,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As a rosy dawn creeps over the horizon, team members check the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer before its early morning launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facilit... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During fueling of the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer before dawn on NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF), Sir Richard Branson talks to the media. Branson is chairman and founder of Virgin Atlantic. The GlobalFlyer is in the background. Steve Fossett will pilot the GlobalFlyer on a record-breaking attempt by flying solo, non-stop without refueling, to surpass the current record for the longest flight of any aircraft. Fossett is expected to take off from the KSC SLF. Later, takeoff of the GlobalFlyer was postponed due to a fuel leak that appeared during the last moments of loading. The next planned takeoff attempt is 7 a.m. Feb. 8 from the SLF. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0211

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During fueling of the Virgin Atlantic ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During fueling of the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer before dawn on NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF), Sir Richard Branson talks to the media. Branson is c... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Before dawn on NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF), Sir Richard Branson talks to the media. Branson is chairman and founder of Virgin Atlantic, which is sponsoring the GlobalFlyer. Steve Fossett will pilot the GlobalFlyer on a record-breaking attempt by flying solo, non-stop without refueling, to surpass the current record for the longest flight of any aircraft. Fossett is expected to take off from the KSC SLF. Later, takeoff of the GlobalFlyer was postponed due to a fuel leak that appeared during the last moments of loading. The next planned takeoff attempt is 7 a.m. Feb. 8 from the SLF. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0212

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Before dawn on NASA Kennedy Space Cent...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Before dawn on NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF), Sir Richard Branson talks to the media. Branson is chairman and founder of Virgin Atlantic, which is s... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As a rosy dawn creeps over the horizon, Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration Operations Michael Foale (left) and astronaut Bill Readdy (center) talk to Steve Fossett about the anticipated flight of the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer. Fossett will pilot the GlobalFlyer on a record-breaking attempt by flying solo, non-stop without refueling, to surpass the current record for the longest flight of any aircraft. Fossett is expected to take off from the KSC SLF. Later, takeoff of the GlobalFlyer was postponed due to a fuel leak that appeared during the last moments of loading. The next planned takeoff attempt is 7 a.m. Feb. 8 from the SLF. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0216

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As a rosy dawn creeps over the horizon,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As a rosy dawn creeps over the horizon, Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration Operations Michael Foale (left) and astronaut Bill Readdy (center) talk to Steve Fossett abo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Just at dawn, Steve Fossett (left) climbs into the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer parked on NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility. Fossett will pilot the GlobalFlyer on a record-breaking attempt by flying solo, non-stop without refueling, to surpass the current record for the longest flight of any aircraft. This is the second attempt in two days after a fuel leak was detected Feb. 7. The expected time of takeoff is 7 a.m. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0238

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Just at dawn, Steve Fossett (left) clim...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Just at dawn, Steve Fossett (left) climbs into the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer parked on NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility. Fossett will pilot the GlobalFlyer ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Just at dawn, Steve Fossett (left) gets ready to climb into the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer parked on NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility. Fossett will pilot the GlobalFlyer on a record-breaking attempt by flying solo, non-stop without refueling, to surpass the current record for the longest flight of any aircraft. This is the second attempt in two days after a fuel leak was detected Feb. 7. The expected time of takeoff is 7 a.m. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0236

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Just at dawn, Steve Fossett (left) gets...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Just at dawn, Steve Fossett (left) gets ready to climb into the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer parked on NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility. Fossett will pilot the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As dawn washes the sky in pink, STS-121 Commander Steven Lindsey is ready for his first flight in the Shuttle Training Aircraft today to practice landing a shuttle in preparation for the July 1 launch of Space Shuttle Discovery. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate an orbiter’s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the STA duplicates the orbiter’s atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. Because the orbiter is unpowered during re-entry and landing, its high-speed glide must be perfectly executed the first time. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1263

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As dawn washes the sky in pink, STS-121 ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As dawn washes the sky in pink, STS-121 Commander Steven Lindsey is ready for his first flight in the Shuttle Training Aircraft today to practice landing a shuttle in preparation f... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the early dawn, STS-121 Pilot Mark Kelly is ready for takeoff from the Shuttle Training Facility to practice landing a shuttle in preparation for the July 1 launch of Space Shuttle Discovery. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate an orbiter’s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the STA duplicates the orbiter’s atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. Because the orbiter is unpowered during re-entry and landing, its high-speed glide must be perfectly executed the first time. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1264

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the early dawn, STS-121 Pilot Mark Ke...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the early dawn, STS-121 Pilot Mark Kelly is ready for takeoff from the Shuttle Training Facility to practice landing a shuttle in preparation for the July 1 launch of Space Shut... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Nearing dawn on Launch Pad 39B, the payload canister is in position to be lifted into the payload changeout room (PCR) for transfer of its cargo into the PCR. The canister holds the payload for Atlantis and mission STS-115, the Port 3/4 truss segment with two large solar arrays. The payload changeout room provides an environmentally clean or "white room" condition in which to receive a payload transferred from a protective payload canister. After the shuttle arrives at the pad, the rotating service structure will close around it and the payload will then be transferred into Atlantis' payload bay. Atlantis' launch window begins Aug. 28. During its 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the STS-115 crew of six astronauts will install the truss, a 17-ton segment of the space station's truss backbone. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd1674

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Nearing dawn on Launch Pad 39B, the payl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Nearing dawn on Launch Pad 39B, the payload canister is in position to be lifted into the payload changeout room (PCR) for transfer of its cargo into the PCR. The canister holds t... More

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