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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, old roller shaft bearing assembly parts that were removed from crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, have been discarded. Inside the VAB, new roller shaft bearings will be installed on CT-2. Work continues in high bay 2 to upgrade CT-2. The modifications are designed to ensure CT-2’s ability to transport launch vehicles currently in development, such as the agency’s Space Launch System, to the launch pad. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/crawler-transporter_bearings.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2013-2902

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, old roller shaft bearing assembly parts that were removed from crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, have ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane moves the Ares I-X crew module simulator toward a stand at right. Other Ares I-X segments are stacked around the floor of the bay. Ares I-X is the test flight for the Ares I. The I-X flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with Ares I. The launch of the 327-foot-tall, full-scale Ares I-X, targeted for July 2009, will be the first in a series of unpiloted rocket launches from Kennedy. When fully developed, the 16-foot diameter crew module will furnish living space and reentry protection for the astronauts. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2009-1866

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane moves the Ares I-X crew module simulator toward a stand at right. Other Ares I-X segment... More

Early Rockets, NASA history collection

Early Rockets, NASA history collection

A Bumper Wac, a combination the V-2 rocket with a WAC Corporal upper stage, awaits launch on July 24, 1950. It was the eighth in the Bumper Project and the vehicle reached the altitude of 393 kilometers. The Bu... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, preparations are underway to remove the gear boxes on the C truck of crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2. A section of the treads were removed to allow access to the gear boxes. Work continues in high bay 2 to upgrade CT-2. The modifications are designed to ensure CT-2’s ability to transport launch vehicles currently in development, such as the agency’s Space Launch System, to the launch pad. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/crawler-transporter. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2014-1951

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, preparations are underway to remove the gear boxes on the C truck of crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2. A sect... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery approaches the mate-demate device, or MDD, at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The MDD is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. Discovery’s new home will be the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2096

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery approaches the mate-dem...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery approaches the mate-demate device, or MDD, at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The MDD is a large gantry-like steel str... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A canister, carrying the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS) and Express Logistics Carrier-3 for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission, arrives at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Next, crews at the pad will move the payload into the Payload Ground Handling Mechanism (PGHM), and the rotating service structure (RSS) that protects the shuttle from the elements and provides access to its components will be rotated back into place. The payload is scheduled to be installed into the shuttle's cargo bay March 25. Endeavour and its six-member STS-134 crew are targeted to lift off April 19 at 7:48 p.m. EDT to deliver the payload to the International Space Station. This is Endeavour's final scheduled mission. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2011-2386

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A canister, carrying the Alpha Magnetic Spectr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A canister, carrying the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS) and Express Logistics Carrier-3 for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission, arrives at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Sp... More

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

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

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, old racks are being excessed in high bay 3 in the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, as part of a centerwide refurbishment initiative under the Ground Systems Development and Operations GSDO Program The cable replacement project is under way in high bays 1 and 3 on the east side of the building, facing Launch Complex 39’s pads A and B. Approximately 150 miles of existing Apollo/shuttle era cabling is being removed to make room for installation of state-of-the-art command, communication and control systems that will be needed by future users to perform vehicle testing and verification prior to rollout to the launch pad. For more information, visit http://go.nasa.gov/groundsystems. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2595

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, old racks are being excessed in high bay 3 in the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, as part of a centerwide refurbishment initiative under the ... More

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

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA and Sierra Nevada Space Systems (SNSS) of Sparks, Nev., sign a Space Act Agreement that will offer the company technical capabilities from Kennedy Space Center's uniquely skilled work force. Sitting, from left, are Kennedy Public Affairs Director Lisa Malone; NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden; Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana; and Mark Sirangelo, head of Sierra Nevada. Standing, from left, are Frank DiBello, president of Space Florida; Joyce Riquelme, manager of Kennedy's Center Planning and Development Office; John Curry, director of Sierra Nevada's Systems Integration, Test and Operations; Kennedy Deputy Director Janet Petro; Jim Voss, vice president of Sierra Nevada's Space Exploration Systems; and Merri Sanchez, senior director of Sierra Nevada's Space Exploration Systems. Kennedy will help Sierra Nevada with the ground operations support of its lifting body reusable spacecraft called "Dream Chaser," which resembles a smaller version of the space shuttle orbiter. The spacecraft would carry as many as seven astronauts to the space station. Through the new agreement, Kennedy's work force will use its experience of processing the shuttle fleet for 30 years to help Sierra Nevada define and execute Dream Chaser's launch preparations and post-landing activities. In 2010 and 2011, Sierra Nevada was awarded grants as part of the initiative to stimulate the private sector in developing and demonstrating human spaceflight capabilities for NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The goal of the program, which is based in Florida at Kennedy, is to facilitate the development of a U.S. commercial crew space transportation capability by achieving safe, reliable and cost-effective access to and from the space station and future low Earth orbit destinations. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-5116

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA and Sierra Nevada Space Systems (SNSS) of...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA and Sierra Nevada Space Systems (SNSS) of Sparks, Nev., sign a Space Act Agreement that will offer the company technical capabilities from Kennedy Space Center's uniquely skilled wo... More

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

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson speaks during the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-1051

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson speaks during the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Kibo Experiment Logistics Module Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, is exposed after removal of the shipping container. The ELM-ES is one of the final components of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory for the International Space Station. It can provide payload storage space and can carry up to three payloads at launch. In addition, the ELM-ES provides a logistics function where it can be returned to the ground aboard the space shuttle. The ELM-ES will be carried aboard space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission targeted for launch May 15, 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2962

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Space Station Processing Facility at NA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Kibo Experiment Logistics Module Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, is exposed after removal of the shipp... More

The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with orbiter Columbia on top is close to touchdown at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility after leaving the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip. The ferry flight began in California March 1. Unfavorable weather conditions kept it on the ground at Dyess AFB, Texas, until it could return to Florida. It landed temporarily at the CCAFS Skid Strip until Atlantis, which had already landed at the SLF, could be transferred. Columbia is returning from a 17-month-long modification and refurbishment process as part of a routine maintenance plan. The orbiter will next fly on mission STS-107, scheduled Oct. 25 KSC01pp0506

The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with orbiter Columbia on top is close to ...

The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with orbiter Columbia on top is close to touchdown at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility after leaving the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip. The ferry flight began in Calif... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Ground support equipment technicians monitor the progress as crawler-transporter 1 begins its trek to Launch Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. New jacking, equalizing and leveling, or JEL, hydraulic cylinders were installed on CT-1 and are being tested for increased load carrying capacity and reliability. The Vehicle Assembly Building is visible in the background. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program at Kennedy continues to upgrade the crawler-transporter as part of its general maintenance. CT-1 could be available to carry a variety of launch vehicles to the launch pad. Two crawler-transporters were used to carry the mobile launcher platform and space shuttle to Launch Complex 39 for space shuttle launches for 30 years. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper KSC-2013-4203

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Ground support equipment technicians monitor t...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Ground support equipment technicians monitor the progress as crawler-transporter 1 begins its trek to Launch Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. New jacking, equalizing an... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, officials pose at the site where a Shuttle Program time capsule has been secured vault within the walls of the Space Shuttle Atlantis home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. From the left are: Pete Nickolenko, deputy director of NASA Ground Processing at Kennedy, Patty Stratton of Abacus Technology, currently program manager for the Information Management Communications Support Contract. During the Shuttle Program she was deputy director of Ground Operations for NASA's Space Program Operations Contractor, United Space Alliance, Rita Wilcoxon, NASA's now retired director of Shuttle Processing, Bob Cabana, director of the Kennedy Space Center and George Jacobs, deputy director of Center Operations, who was manager of the agency's Shuttle Transition and Retirement Project Office. The time capsule, containing artifacts and other memorabilia associated with the history of the program is designated to be opened on the 50th anniversary of the shuttle's final landing, STS-135. The new $100 million "Space Shuttle Atlantis" facility includes interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlight the future of space exploration. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2013-3517

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, officials pose at the site where a Shuttle Program time capsule has been secured vault within the walls of the Space Shuttle Atlan... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 Commander Mark Polansky checks the fit of his helmet before heading to Launch Pad 39A for launch on space shuttle Endeavour. Liftoff is scheduled for 6:51 p.m. EDT.Today's launch will be the fifth attempt. The mission was scrubbed on June 13 and again June 17 when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. The mission was scrubbed July 12 due to weather conditions near the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy that violated rules for launching. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, in the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. STS-127 is the 29th flight for the assembly of the space station. Photo credit: NASA/ Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-4004

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 Commander Mark Polansky checks the fit of his helmet before heading to Launch Pad 39A for launch... More

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

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Ground support equipment technicians monitor the progress as one of the jacking, equalizing and leveling, or JEL, hydraulic cylinders is lifted from crawler-transporter 1 at the crawler transporter maintenance facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Sixteen new JEL hydraulic cylinders will be installed on CT-1 to increase load carrying capacity and reliability. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program at Kennedy continues to upgrade CT-1 as part of its general maintenance. CT-1 could be available to carry commercial launch vehicles to the launch pad. The crawler-transporters were used to carry the mobile launcher platform and space shuttle to Launch Complex 39 for space shuttle launches for 30 years. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2013-3711

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Ground support equipment technicians monitor th...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Ground support equipment technicians monitor the progress as one of the jacking, equalizing and leveling, or JEL, hydraulic cylinders is lifted from crawler-transporter 1 at the crawler t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Pilot Gregory C. Johnson is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier. The crew members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission will each practice driving the M-113 in turn as part of their training on emergency egress procedures. An M-113 will be available to transport the crew to safety in the event of a contingency on the pad before their launch. The crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for a dress launch rehearsal called the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. It provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and a simulated launch countdown. The STS-125 mission aboard space shuttle Atlantis to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted to launch Oct. 10. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2816

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Pilot Gregory C. Johnson is ready to p...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Pilot Gregory C. Johnson is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier. The crew members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission will each practice driving ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 crew prepares to depart NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in T-38 training jets. Mission Specialist Michael Barratt, left, Pilot Eric Boe and Mission Specialist Nicole Stott and their three crewmates will wait until at least Nov. 30 to launch to the International Space Station because a leak was detected at the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate (GUCP) while Discovery's external fuel tank was being loaded for launch on Nov. 5. The GUCP is an attachment point between the external tank and a pipe that carries gaseous hydrogen safely away from the shuttle to the flare stack, where it is burned off. Engineers and managers also will evaluate a crack in the foam on the external tank. During the 11-day mission, STS-133 will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, to the orbiting laboratory. Discovery, which will fly its 39th mission, is scheduled to be retired following STS-133. This will be the 133rd Space Shuttle Program mission and the 35th shuttle voyage to the space station. For more information on STS-133, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-5505

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 crew prepare...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 crew prepares to depart NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in T-38 training jets. Mission Specialist Michael Barratt, left, Pilot Eric Boe and Missi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the closeout crew in the White Room help STS-127 crew members complete their suitup before entering space shuttle Endeavour for the 7:13 p.m. EDT liftoff. Seen here is Mission Specialist Tom Marshburn. This is the fourth launch attempt for the STS-127 mission. The first two launch attempts on June 13 and June 17 were scrubbed when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. Mission managers also decided to delay tanking on July 11 for a launch attempt later in the day to allow engineers and safety personnel time to analyze data captured during lightning strikes near the pad on July 10. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, in the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. STS-127 is the 29th flight for the assembly of the space. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph & Kevin O'Connell KSC-2009-3980

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the closeout crew in the White Room help STS-127 crew members complete their suitup before entering space shuttle Endeavour fo... More

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

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

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

Research scientist Gary Stutte displays a wheat sample that is part of ground testing for the first International Space Station plant experiment, scheduled to fly in October 2001. The payload process testing is one of many studies being performed at the Biological Sciences Branch in the Spaceport Engineering and Technology Directorate at Kennedy Space Center. The branch's operations and research areas include life sciences Space Shuttle payloads, bioregenerative life-support for long-duration spaceflight and environmental/ecological stewardship KSC-00pp0691

Research scientist Gary Stutte displays a wheat sample that is part of...

Research scientist Gary Stutte displays a wheat sample that is part of ground testing for the first International Space Station plant experiment, scheduled to fly in October 2001. The payload process testing i... More

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

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

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

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

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the lift ground support equipment positions the Space Test Program-Houston-3, or STP-H3, payload over the Express Logistics Carrier-3 or ELC-3 for installation. STP-H3 is a compliment of four individual Department of Defense experiments that will test concepts in low earth orbit for long duration flights. As the final planned mission of the Space Shuttle Program, shuttle Endeavour and its STS-134 crew will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, the ELC-3 as well as critical spare components to the International Space Station. Endeavour is targeted for launch Feb. 26, 2011. For more information visit, http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-4353

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the lift ground support equipment positions the Space Test Program-Houston-3, or STP-H3, payload over th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media get an up close view of space shuttle Atlantis in her new home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The shuttle is wrapped in a protective plastic to protect it from dust and debris while being prepared for display. Atlantis was lifted 26 feet from the ground level and slowly tilted to exactly a 43.21 angle to its portside to allow optimum viewing of the vehicle with its payload bay doors open. Atlantis is being prepared for display in the new 90,000-square-foot facility under construction at the visitor complex which is managed by Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-6364

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media get an up close view of sp...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media get an up close view of space shuttle Atlantis in her new home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The shuttle is wrapped in a protective plastic ... More

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

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers check the attachments on the ground support equipment for the STS-125 Hubble Servicing Mission as it is transferred to a work stand. The GSE are carriers, or pallets, that will hold equipment in space shuttle Atlantis’ payload bay. Under the protective covering of the carrier can be seen the soft capture mechanism. The carriers will be prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the servicing mission. The three payload carriers or pallets are the Flight Support System, the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier and the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier. At the end of July, a fourth and final carrier, the Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment carrier will join the others in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where the Hubble payload is being prepared for launch. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd2010

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers check the attachments on the ground support equipment for the STS-125 Hubble Servicing Mission as it i... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander is being transported to the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility for free flight test number 15 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The lander will take off from the ground over a flame trench and use its autonomous landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT sensors, to survey the hazard field to determine safe landing sites. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, which are green propellants. These new capabilities could be used in future efforts to deliver cargo to planetary surfaces. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2014-4799

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander is bei...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander is being transported to the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility for free flight test number 15 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-125 Mission Specialist Megan McArthur is ready to talk to the media about her role in the mission. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities before launching on space shuttle Atlantis’ mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and a simulated launch countdown. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 10. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2849

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-125 Mission Specialist Megan McArthur is ready to talk to the media about her role in the mission. The crew is at Kenned... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander is prepared for transport to the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility for free flight test number 15 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The lander will take off from the ground over a flame trench and use its autonomous landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT sensors, to survey the hazard field to determine safe landing sites. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, which are green propellants. These new capabilities could be used in future efforts to deliver cargo to planetary surfaces. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2014-4804

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander is pre...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander is prepared for transport to the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility for free flight test number 15 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florid... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Viewed from the Launch Pad 39A flame trench, crawler-transporter No. 2 moves under a space shuttle era mobile launcher platform at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The activity was part of testing to check out recently completed modifications to ensure its ability to carry launch vehicles such as the space agency's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket to the pad. NASA's Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is leading the 20-year life-extension project for the crawler. A pair of behemoth machines called crawler-transporters has carried the load of taking rockets and spacecraft to the launch pad for more than 40 years at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Each weighing six and a half million pounds and larger in size than a professional baseball infield, the crawler-transporters are powered by locomotive and large electrical power generator engines. The crawler-transporters will stand ready to keep up the work for the next generation of launch vehicles to lift astronauts into space. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/index.html Photo credit: NASA/ Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-6273

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Viewed from the Launch Pad 39A flame trench, c...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Viewed from the Launch Pad 39A flame trench, crawler-transporter No. 2 moves under a space shuttle era mobile launcher platform at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The activity wa... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first of four new emergency egress vehicles, called Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protection, or MRAP, vehicles arrived at Kennedy Space Center in Florida from the U.S. Army Red River Depot in Texarkana, Texas. Each vehicle will be processed in and then transported to the Rotation, Processing and Surge Facility near the Vehicle Assembly Building for temporary storage. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program at Kennedy led the efforts to an emergency egress vehicle that future astronauts could quickly use to leave the Launch Complex 39 area in case of an emergency. During crewed launches of NASA’s Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft, the MRAP will be stationed by the slidewire termination area at the pad. In case of an emergency, the crew will ride a slidewire to the ground and immediately board the MRAP for safe egress from the pad. The new vehicles replace the M-113 vehicles that were used during the Space Shuttle Program. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2013-4300

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first of four new emergency egress vehicle...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first of four new emergency egress vehicles, called Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protection, or MRAP, vehicles arrived at Kennedy Space Center in Florida from the U.S. Army Red River Depot ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crawler-transporter 1 continues its trek along the crawlerway to Launch Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. New jacking, equalizing and leveling, or JEL, hydraulic cylinders were installed on CT-1 and are being tested for increased load carrying capacity and reliability. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program at Kennedy continues to upgrade the crawler-transporter as part of its general maintenance. CT-1 could be available to carry a variety of launch vehicles to the launch pad. Two crawler-transporters were used to carry the mobile launcher platform and space shuttle to Launch Complex 39 for space shuttle launches for 30 years. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper KSC-2013-4206

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crawler-transporter 1 continues its trek along...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crawler-transporter 1 continues its trek along the crawlerway to Launch Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. New jacking, equalizing and leveling, or JEL, hydraulic cylinde... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist John Phillips is eager for launch as he puts on his launch-and-entry suit. The crew will be heading for Launch Pad 39A and liftoff of space shuttle Discovery, scheduled for 7:43 p.m. EDT on March 15. An earlier launch attempt March 11 was scrubbed at 2:36 p.m. due to a gaseous hydrogen leak from the external tank at the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate during tanking. A seven-inch quick disconnect and two seals were replaced. The STS-119 mission is the 28th to the International Space Station and the 125th space shuttle flight. Discovery will deliver the final pair of power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment. Installation of S6 will signal the station's readiness to house a six-member crew for conducting increased science. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2033

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft moves into position under space shuttle Discovery suspended 60 feet off the ground in the mate-demate device. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2232

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft moves into position under space shuttle Discovery suspended 60 feet off the ground ... More

The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with orbiter Columbia on top takes off from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip. In the foreground is another SCA, which brought Atlantis back to KSC from California. The ferry flight began in California March 1. Unfavorable weather conditions kept it on the ground at Dyess AFB, Texas, until it could return to Florida. Columbia is returning from a 17-month-long modification and refurbishment process as part of a routine maintenance plan. The orbiter will next fly on mission STS-107, scheduled Oct. 25 KSC01pp0502

The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with orbiter Columbia on top takes off fr...

The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with orbiter Columbia on top takes off from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Skid Strip. In the foreground is another SCA, which brought Atlantis back to KSC from California. Th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier used for emergency escape, if needed, from the launch pad. Wakata represents the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The crew members are at Kennedy for prelaunch preparation known as terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. The training provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. The crew of space shuttle Discovery is targeted to launch on the STS-119 mission Feb. 12. During Discovery's 14-day mission, the crew will install the S6 truss segment and solar arrays to the starboard side of the International Space Station, completing the station's truss, or backbone. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1204

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier used for emergency escape, if needed,... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Following the simulated launch countdown, STS-123 crew members begin exiting space shuttle Endeavour into the White Room on Launch Pad 39 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. To leave the pad, the STS-123 crew will practice emergency egress using the slidewire baskets. The countdown was the culmination of the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. Endeavour is targeted to launch at 2:28 a.m. EDT March 11 on the 16-day STS-123 mission to the International Space Station. Endeavour and its crew will deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0583

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Following the simulated launch countdown...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Following the simulated launch countdown, STS-123 crew members begin exiting space shuttle Endeavour into the White Room on Launch Pad 39 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. To leave ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is lifted off the ground into the mate-demate device. Operations are under way to position Discovery on top of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft in preparation for its departure from Kennedy on Tuesday. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2155

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is lifted off the ground into the mate-demate device. Operations are under way to positi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-125 crew members talk about using the slidewire baskets for emergency escape from the shuttle and pad. In the foreground are Mission Specialists John Grunsfeld, Mike Massimino and Andrew Feustel. Standing above them are (left to right) Mission Specialists Michael Good and Megan McArthur and Commander Scott Altman. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities before launching on space shuttle Atlantis’ mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and a simulated launch countdown. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 10. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2863

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On the 195-foot level of the fixed service str...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-125 crew members talk about using the slidewire baskets for emergenc... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane on the mate-demate device lifts space shuttle Discovery from the ground. Operations are under way to position Discovery on top of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft in preparation for its departure from Kennedy on Tuesday. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2159

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane on the mate-demate device lifts space shuttle Discovery from the ground. Operations are under way to pos... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-123 Mission Specialist Garrett Reisman works at putting on his gloves while suiting up for the launch dress rehearsal, culmination of the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. Space shuttle Endeavour is targeted to launch March 11 at 2:28 a.m. EDT on the 16-day STS-123 mission to the International Space Station. Endeavour and its crew will deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0539

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-123 Mission Specialist Garrett Rei...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-123 Mission Specialist Garrett Reisman works at putting on his gloves while suiting up for the launch dress rehearsal, culmination of the terminal countdown demonstration tes... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Team members stationed at consoles in the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida monitor space shuttle Discovery's external fuel tank as it is loaded with more than 535,000 gallons of cryogenic propellants. From back, are Assistant Launch Orbiter Test Conductor Mark Taffet, Launch Orbiter Test Conductor John Kracsun, STS-133 NASA Test Director Steve Payne, NASA Commentator Allard Beutel, NASA Test Director Jeremy Graeber and STS-133 Assistant NASA Test Director Jeff Spaulding. During today's tanking test, the team is paying particular attention to the external tank's ribbed intertank region. Beginning tomorrow, engineers will evaluate data on 21-foot-long, U-shaped aluminum brackets, called stringers, and the newly replaced ground umbilical carrier plate (GUCP). Discovery's first launch attempt for STS-133 was scrubbed in early November due to a hydrogen gas leak at the GUCP. In order to perform additional analysis on the tank, Discovery will be rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building, a move that is planned for next week. The next launch opportunity is no earlier than Feb. 3, 2011. For more information on STS-133, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2010-5880

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Team members stationed at consoles in the Laun...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Team members stationed at consoles in the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida monitor space shuttle Discovery's external fuel tank as it is loaded with more t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter moves toward NASA's new mobile launcher (ML) support structure. The crawler will transport the ML from a construction site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building, to the Mobile Launcher east park site. Once there, the ML can be outfitted with ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. It took about two years to construct the 355-foot-tall structure, which will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2010-4877

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter moves toward NASA's new mobile launcher (ML) support structure. The crawler will transport the ML from a construction sit... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – SCAPE vehicles are in position at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in the event a return-to-landing-site is needed after launch of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission. Liftoff was on-time at 6:03 p.m. EDT. This was the sixth launch attempt for the STS-127 mission. The launch was scrubbed on June 13 and June 17 when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. The mission was postponed July 11, 12 and 13 due to weather conditions near the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy that violated rules for launching, and lightning issues. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section in the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Chuck Tintera KSC-2009-4143

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – SCAPE vehicles are in position at the Shuttle L...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – SCAPE vehicles are in position at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in the event a return-to-landing-site is needed after launch of space shuttle Ende... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first free-flight test of NASA's Morpheus prototype lander was conducted at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 98-second test began at 10:02 p.m. EDT with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending more than 800 feet. The vehicle, with its autonomous landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT sensors, surveyed the hazard field to determine safe landing sites. Morpheus then flew forward and downward covering approximately 1,300 feet while performing a 78-foot divert to simulate a hazard avoidance maneuver. The lander then descended and landed on a dedicated pad inside the test field. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, which are green propellants. These new capabilities could be used in future efforts to deliver cargo to planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Mike Chambers KSC-2014-2707

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first free-flight test of NASA's Morpheus ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The first free-flight test of NASA's Morpheus prototype lander was conducted at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 98-second test began at 10:02 ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-120 crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for the pre-launch terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. Here, during emergency egress training, crew members practice climbing into the slidewire baskets that can carry them safely to a landing site away from the shuttle. In the basket are, from left, Mission Specialists Doug Wheelock and Scott Parazynski and Pilot George Zamka. Watching them are, from left, Commander Pamela Melroy and Mission Specialists Stephanie Wilson and Daniel Tani, with camera. After the mission, Tani will remain aboard the International Space Station and return with the STS-122 crew, targeted to launch Dec. 6. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. The STS-120 mission will deliver the U.S. Node 2 module, named Harmony, aboard space shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station. Launch of Discovery on mission STS-120 is targeted for Oct. 23 at 11:38 a.m. EDT on a 14-day mission. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2738

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-120 crew is at NASA's Kennedy Sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-120 crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for the pre-launch terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. Here, during emergency egress training, crew members practice... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-124 Mission Specialist Akihiko Hoshide sits in his seat aboard space shuttle Discovery following the simulated launch countdown, part of the launch dress rehearsal known as the terminal countdown demonstration test. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including a simulated launch countdown, equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. On the STS-124 mission, the crew will deliver and install the Japanese Experiment Module – Pressurized Module and Japanese Remote Manipulator System. Discovery's launch is targeted for May 31. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1256

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-124 Mission Specialist Akihiko Hoshide sits in his seat aboard space shuttle Discovery following the simulated launch countdown, par... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In space shuttle Discovery's payload bay, STS-120 crew members get a close look at the equipment and payloads. Seen here are Mission Specialists Stephanie Wilson and Paolo Nespoli, who represents the European Space Agency. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. The STS-120 mission will deliver the U.S. Node 2 module, named Harmony, aboard space shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station. Launch of Discovery on mission STS-120 is targeted for Oct. 23 at 11:38 a.m. EDT on a 14-day mission. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2756

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In space shuttle Discovery's payload bay...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In space shuttle Discovery's payload bay, STS-120 crew members get a close look at the equipment and payloads. Seen here are Mission Specialists Stephanie Wilson and Paolo Nespoli... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander performed a free-flight test from a launch pad at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 97-second test began at 2:30 p.m. EDT with the Morpheus lander launching from the ground over a flame trench and ascending more than 800 feet. The vehicle, with its recently installed autonomous landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, sensors surveyed the hazard field to determine safe landing sites. Morpheus then flew forward and downward covering approximately 1,300 feet while performing a 78-foot divert to simulate a hazard avoidance maneuver. The lander descended and landed on a dedicated pad inside the ALHAT hazard field. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, which are green propellants. These new capabilities could be used in future efforts to deliver cargo to planetary surfaces. The landing facility provides the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus’ ALHAT payload allows it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The efforts in AES pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2665

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander perform...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander performed a free-flight test from a launch pad at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 97-s... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a worker guides the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft into position under space shuttle Discovery suspended in the mate-demate device. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2012-2244

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a worker guides the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft into position under space shuttle Discovery suspended in the mate-d... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers secure a sling to space shuttle Discovery in order to lift it onto the top of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with the aid of the mate-demate device. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2126

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers secure a sling to space shuttle Discovery in order to lift it onto the top of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, crawler-transporter No. 2 moves a space shuttle era mobile launcher platform at Launch Pad 39A. The activity was part of testing to check out recently completed modifications to ensure its ability to carry launch vehicles such as the space agency's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket to the pad. NASA's Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is leading the 20-year life-extension project for the crawler. A pair of behemoth machines called crawler-transporters has carried the load of taking rockets and spacecraft to the launch pad for more than 40 years at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Each weighing six and a half million pounds and larger in size than a professional baseball infield, the crawler-transporters are powered by locomotive and large electrical power generator engines. The crawler-transporters will stand ready to keep up the work for the next generation of launch vehicles to lift astronauts into space. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/index.html Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-6289

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, crawler-transporter No. 2 moves a space shuttle era mobile launcher platform at Launch Pad 39A. The activity was part of testing to check out r... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery drops from the blue sky preparing to land on Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. This 69th landing at Kennedy ended the STS-124 mission, a 14-day flight to the International Space Station. On the ground before the runway are the Ball-Bar Light System, which provide a visual reference to provide inner glide slope information. The main landing gear touched down at 11:15:19 a.m. EDT. The nose landing gear touched down at 11:15:30 a.m. and wheel stop was at 11:16:19 a.m. The mission completed 5.7 million miles. The STS-124 mission delivered the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system to the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Kevin O'Connell,Scott Haun KSC-08pd1706

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery drops from the blue s...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery drops from the blue sky preparing to land on Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. This 69th landing at Kennedy ended the STS-124 mission, a 14-day flight t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Back at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-124 Commander Mark Kelly happily crosses the parking area after the successful space shuttle landing practice aboard NASA's Shuttle Training Aircraft, or STA. 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. The crew for space shuttle Discovery's STS-124 mission is at Kennedy for a full launch dress rehearsal, known as the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. Providing astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, TCDT includes equipment familiarization and emergency training. Discovery's launch is targeted for May 31. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1162

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Back at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Shuttle...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Back at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-124 Commander Mark Kelly happily crosses the parking area after the successful space shuttle landing practice aboard ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers begin to install a new ground umbilical carrier plate (GUCP) on space shuttle Discovery's external fuel tank. A hydrogen gas leak at that location during tanking for Discovery's STS-133 mission to the International Space Station caused the launch attempt to be scrubbed Nov. 5. The GUCP is the overboard vent to the pad and the flame stack where the excess hydrogen is burned off. For more information on STS-133, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2010-5666

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers begin to install a new ground umbilical carrier plate (GUCP) on space shuttle Discovery's external fuel tank. A hydro... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter moves NASA's new mobile launcher (ML) support structure from a construction site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building, to the Mobile Launcher east park site. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. Once there, the ML can be outfitted with ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. It took about two years to construct the 355-foot-tall structure, which will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph KSC-2010-4958

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter moves NASA's new mobile launcher (ML) support structure from a construction site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building,... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, is on its way to the Park Site west of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The transporter has new brakes and mufflers and a recently-painted white roof deck. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades to CT-2 so that it can carry NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket, which is under design, and new Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. The crawler-transporters were used to carry the mobile launcher platform and space shuttle to Launch Complex 39 for space shuttle launches for 30 years. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2013-1510

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, is on its way to the Park Site west of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The transporter has new brakes and muf... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Daybreak at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida finds preparations under way to lift space shuttle Discovery onto the back of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft in the background. The lift will be accomplished with the aid of a mate-demate device, or MDD, a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of an SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. Discovery’s new home will be the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2088

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Daybreak at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SL...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Daybreak at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida finds preparations under way to lift space shuttle Discovery onto the back of the Shuttle Carri... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Engineers and technicians prepare NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander for free flight test number 15 on a launch pad at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The lander will take off from the ground over a flame trench and use its autonomous landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT sensors, to survey the hazard field to determine safe landing sites. Project Morpheus tests NASA’s ALHAT and an engine that runs on liquid oxygen and methane, which are green propellants. These new capabilities could be used in future efforts to deliver cargo to planetary surfaces. Project Morpheus is being managed under the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, Division in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://morpheuslander.jsc.nasa.gov/. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2014-4802

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Engineers and technicians prepare NASA's Projec...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Engineers and technicians prepare NASA's Project Morpheus prototype lander for free flight test number 15 on a launch pad at the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kenned... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers monitor the progress of a crawler-transporter as it moves NASA's new mobile launcher (ML) support structure from a construction site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building, to the Mobile Launcher east park site. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. Once there, the ML can be outfitted with ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. It took about two years to construct the 355-foot-tall structure, which will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray KSC-2010-4969

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers monitor the progress of a crawler-transporter as it moves NASA's new mobile launcher (ML) support structure from a construction site, n... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers secure the work stand holding the Kibo Experiment Logistics Module Exposed Section, or ELM-ES. The ELM-ES is one of the final components of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory for the International Space Station. It can provide payload storage space and can carry up to three payloads at launch. In addition, the ELM-ES provides a logistics function where it can be returned to the ground aboard the space shuttle. The ELM-ES will be carried aboard space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission targeted for launch May 15, 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2973

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Space Station Processing Facility at NA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers secure the work stand holding the Kibo Experiment Logistics Module Exposed Section, or ELM-ES.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers attach space shuttle Discovery to the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft in the mate-demate device. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2240

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers attach space shuttle Discovery to the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft in the mate-demate device. The device,... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers check data on the payload ground handling mechanism, or PGHM, in the Payload Changeout Room on Launch Pad 39A. The PGHM is being used to transfer the STS-125 mission payload into space shuttle Atlantis’ payload bay. STS-125 is the fifth and final shuttle servicing mission for NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. The payload comprises four carriers holding various equipment for the mission. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 14 on the 11-day mission. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd2957

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers check data on the payload ground handling mechanism, or PGHM, in the Payload Changeout Room on Launch Pad 39A. The PGHM is being used... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In this aerial view, NASA's Orion crew module, enclosed in its crew module transportation fixture and secured on a flatbed truck is passing the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on its way to the entrance gate to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In view is the Space Shuttle Atlantis facility. Orion made the 2,700 mile overland trip from Naval Base San Diego in California. Orion was recovered from the Pacific Ocean after completing a two-orbit, four-and-a-half hour mission Dec. 5 to test systems critical to crew safety, including the launch abort system, the heat shield and the parachute system. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program led the recovery, offload and transportation efforts. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4845

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In this aerial view, NASA's Orion crew module,...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In this aerial view, NASA's Orion crew module, enclosed in its crew module transportation fixture and secured on a flatbed truck is passing the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on it... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew members listen to instructions for driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier. From left are Mission Specialists John Grunsfeld, Megan McArthur, Michael Good, Mike Massimino and Gregory C. Johnson. The crew members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission will each practice driving the M-113 in turn as part of their training on emergency egress procedures. An M-113 will be available to transport the crew to safety in the event of a contingency on the pad before their launch. The crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for a dress launch rehearsal called the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. It provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and a simulated launch countdown. The STS-125 mission aboard space shuttle Atlantis to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted to launch Oct. 10. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2807

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew members listen to instruction...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew members listen to instructions for driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier. From left are Mission Specialists John Grunsfeld, Megan McArthur, Michael Good, Mike Mas... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the airlock of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers prepare to move the ground support equipment for the STS-125 Hubble Servicing Mission delivered July 16. The GSE are carriers, or pallets, that will hold equipment in space shuttle Atlantis’ payload bay. This carrier will be moved to a work stand. The carriers will be prepared for the integration of telescope science instruments, both internal and external replacement components, as well as the flight support equipment to be used by the astronauts during the servicing mission. The three payload carriers or pallets are the Flight Support System, the Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier and the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier. At the end of July, a fourth and final carrier, the Multi-Use Lightweight Equipment carrier will join the others in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility where the Hubble payload is being prepared for launch. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd2004

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the airlock of the Payload Hazardous Servi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the airlock of the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers prepare to move the ground support equipment for the STS-125 Hubble Servicing Mission ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist Megan McArthur is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier. The crew members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission will each practice driving the M-113 in turn as part of their training on emergency egress procedures. An M-113 will be available to transport the crew to safety in the event of a contingency on the pad before their launch. The crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for a dress launch rehearsal called the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. It provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and a simulated launch countdown. The STS-125 mission aboard space shuttle Atlantis to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted to launch Oct. 10. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2811

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist Megan McArthur is r...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist Megan McArthur is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier. The crew members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission will each practice... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Before daybreak at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery hovers above the ground at the mate-demate device. Operations are under way to position Discovery on top of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft in preparation for its departure from Kennedy on Tuesday. A tail cone has been installed over Discovery’s three replica shuttle main engines to reduce aerodynamic drag and turbulence during the ferry flight. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2177

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Before daybreak at the Shuttle Landing Facility...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Before daybreak at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery hovers above the ground at the mate-demate device. Operations are under ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, is in position in the mate/demate device so that space shuttle Discovery can be lowered and attached to it. Known as the MDD, the devise is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2268

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, is in position in the mate/demate device so that space shuttle Discovery can be l... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-125 Mission Specialist John Grunsfeld discusses his role in the mission for the media. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities before launching on space shuttle Atlantis’ mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and a simulated launch countdown. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 10. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2852

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-125 Mission Specialist John Grunsfeld discusses his role in the mission for the media. The crew is at Kennedy to take pa... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers install a new 7-inch quick disconnect on the ground umbilical carrier plate (GUCP) of space shuttle Discovery's external fuel tank. A hydrogen gas leak at that location during tanking for Discovery's STS-133 mission to the International Space Station caused the launch attempt to be scrubbed Nov. 5. The GUCP is the overboard vent to the pad and the flame stack where the excess hydrogen is burned off. For more information on STS-133, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2010-5683

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers install a new 7-inch quick disconnect on the ground umbilical carrier plate (GUCP) of space shuttle Discovery's exter... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a Ku-band antenna is stowed at the forward end of space shuttle Endeavour’s payload bay in preparation for final closure of the shuttle’s payload bay doors. The antenna, which resembles a mini-satellite dish, was used to transmit audio, video and data between the shuttle and ground stations on Earth. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Its ferry flight to California is targeted for mid-September. Endeavour was the last space shuttle added to NASA’s orbiter fleet. Over the course of its 19-year career, Endeavour spent 299 days in space during 25 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2012-2714

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a Ku-band antenna is stowed at the forward end of space shuttle Endeavour’s payload bay in preparation for fina... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Clyde Parrish, a NASA/KSC engineer, explains how the fertilizer scrubber control panel (center) works to turn nitrogen tetroxide vapor into fertilizer, potassium hydroxide. Parrish developed the system, which uses a "scrubber," to capture nitrogen tetroxide vapor that develops as a by-product when it is transferred from ground storage tanks into the Shuttle storage tanks. Nitrogen tetroxide is used as the oxidizer for the hypergolic propellant in the Shuttle's on-orbit reaction control system. The scrubber then uses hydrogen peroxide to produce nitric acid, which, after adding potassium hydroxide, converts to potassium nitrate. The resulting fertilizer will be used on the orange groves that KSC leases to outside companies KSC-00pp0511

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Clyde Parrish, a NASA/KSC engineer, expl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Clyde Parrish, a NASA/KSC engineer, explains how the fertilizer scrubber control panel (center) works to turn nitrogen tetroxide vapor into fertilizer, potassium hydroxide. Parrish... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Steve Swanson is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier used for emergency escape, if needed, from the launch pad. The crew members are at Kennedy for prelaunch preparation known as terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. The training provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. The crew of space shuttle Discovery is targeted to launch on the STS-119 mission Feb. 12. During Discovery's 14-day mission, the crew will install the S6 truss segment and solar arrays to the starboard side of the International Space Station, completing the station's truss, or backbone. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1207

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Steve Swanson is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier used for emergency escape, if needed,... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, the Phoenix Mars Lander (foreground) can be seen inside the backshell. In the background, workers are helping place the heat shield, just removed from the Phoenix, onto a platform. The Phoenix mission is the first project in NASA's first openly competed program of Mars Scout missions. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. It will serve as NASA's first exploration of a potential modern habitat on Mars and open the door to a renewed search for carbon-bearing compounds, last attempted with NASA’s Viking missions in the 1970s. A stereo color camera and a weather station will study the surrounding environment while the other instruments check excavated soil samples for water, organic chemicals and conditions that could indicate whether the site was ever hospitable to life. Microscopes can reveal features as small as one one-thousandth the width of a human hair. Launch of Phoenix aboard a Delta II rocket is targeted for Aug. 3 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1091

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facil...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, the Phoenix Mars Lander (foreground) can be seen inside the backshell. In the background, workers are helping place the heat shield, j... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at Kennedy Space Center, a crane lifts the shipping crate from around the Phoenix spacecraft. The spacecraft arrived May 7 via a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The Phoenix mission is the first project in NASA's first openly competed program of Mars Scout missions. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. It will serve as NASA's first exploration of a potential modern habitat on Mars and open the door to a renewed search for carbon-bearing compounds, last attempted with NASA’s Viking missions in the 1970s. A stereo color camera and a weather station will study the surrounding environment while the other instruments check excavated soil samples for water, organic chemicals and conditions that could indicate whether the site was ever hospitable to life. Microscopes can reveal features as small as one one-thousandth the width of a human hair. Launch of Phoenix aboard a Delta II rocket is targeted for Aug. 3 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1061

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Faci...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at Kennedy Space Center, a crane lifts the shipping crate from around the Phoenix spacecraft. The spacecraft arrived May 7 via a U.S. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, technicians prepare to install the heat shield on the Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraft. The Phoenix mission is the first project in NASA's first openly competed program of Mars Scout missions. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. It will serve as NASA's first exploration of a potential modern habitat on Mars and open the door to a renewed search for carbon-bearing compounds, last attempted with NASA's Viking missions in the 1970s. A stereo color camera and a weather station will study the surrounding environment while the other instruments check excavated soil samples for water, organic chemicals and conditions that could indicate whether the site was ever hospitable to life. Microscopes can reveal features as small as one one-thousandth the width of a human hair. Launch of Phoenix aboard a Delta II rocket is targeted for Aug. 3 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1104

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Faci...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, technicians prepare to install the heat shield on the Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraft. The Phoenix mission is the first project in NASA... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, an overhead crane moves the heat shield toward a platform at left. The heat shield was removed from the Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraft at right. The Phoenix mission is the first project in NASA's first openly competed program of Mars Scout missions. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. It will serve as NASA's first exploration of a potential modern habitat on Mars and open the door to a renewed search for carbon-bearing compounds, last attempted with NASA’s Viking missions in the 1970s. A stereo color camera and a weather station will study the surrounding environment while the other instruments check excavated soil samples for water, organic chemicals and conditions that could indicate whether the site was ever hospitable to life. Microscopes can reveal features as small as one one-thousandth the width of a human hair. Launch of Phoenix aboard a Delta II rocket is targeted for Aug. 3 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1087

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Faci...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, an overhead crane moves the heat shield toward a platform at left. The heat shield was removed from the Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraf... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, workers help guide the heat shield onto a platform. The heat shield was removed from the Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraft.. The Phoenix mission is the first project in NASA's first openly competed program of Mars Scout missions. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. It will serve as NASA's first exploration of a potential modern habitat on Mars and open the door to a renewed search for carbon-bearing compounds, last attempted with NASA’s Viking missions in the 1970s. A stereo color camera and a weather station will study the surrounding environment while the other instruments check excavated soil samples for water, organic chemicals and conditions that could indicate whether the site was ever hospitable to life. Microscopes can reveal features as small as one one-thousandth the width of a human hair. Launch of Phoenix aboard a Delta II rocket is targeted for Aug. 3 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1089

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facil...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, workers help guide the heat shield onto a platform. The heat shield was removed from the Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraft.. The Phoenix ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At SPACEHAB in Titusville, Fla., STS-127 crew members look at the SGANT (Space to Ground Antenna) at left and the pump module assembly at right, all attached to the Integrated Cargo Carrier-VLD (Vertical Light Deployment), part of the payload for the mission. The crew members are at Kennedy for a crew equipment interface test, or CEIT, which provides experience handling tools, equipment and hardware they will use on the mission. The payload will be launched to the International Space Station aboard space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission, targeted for launch on May 15, 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitrios Gerondidakis KSC-08pd4034

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At SPACEHAB in Titusville, Fla., STS-127 crew...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At SPACEHAB in Titusville, Fla., STS-127 crew members look at the SGANT (Space to Ground Antenna) at left and the pump module assembly at right, all attached to the Integrated Cargo Car... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, the heat shield for the Phoenix Mars Lander is moved into position for installation on the spacecraft. The Phoenix mission is the first project in NASA's first openly competed program of Mars Scout missions. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. It will serve as NASA's first exploration of a potential modern habitat on Mars and open the door to a renewed search for carbon-bearing compounds, last attempted with NASA's Viking missions in the 1970s. A stereo color camera and a weather station will study the surrounding environment while the other instruments check excavated soil samples for water, organic chemicals and conditions that could indicate whether the site was ever hospitable to life. Microscopes can reveal features as small as one one-thousandth the width of a human hair. Launch of Phoenix aboard a Delta II rocket is targeted for Aug. 3 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1103

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Faci...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, the heat shield for the Phoenix Mars Lander is moved into position for installation on the spacecraft. The Phoenix mission is the firs... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This closeup shows the Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraft nestled inside the backshell. The spacecraft will undergo spin testing on the spin table to which it is attached in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility. The Phoenix mission is the first project in NASA's first openly competed program of Mars Scout missions. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. It will serve as NASA's first exploration of a potential modern habitat on Mars and open the door to a renewed search for carbon-bearing compounds, last attempted with NASA’s Viking missions in the 1970s. A stereo color camera and a weather station will study the surrounding environment while the other instruments check excavated soil samples for water, organic chemicals and conditions that could indicate whether the site was ever hospitable to life. Microscopes can reveal features as small as one one-thousandth the width of a human hair. Launch of Phoenix aboard a Delta II rocket is targeted for Aug. 3 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1097

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This closeup shows the Phoenix Mars Lan...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This closeup shows the Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraft nestled inside the backshell. The spacecraft will undergo spin testing on the spin table to which it is attached in the Payl... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-126 crew members listen to instructions about the M-113 armored personnel carrier they are sitting in used for emergency escape from Launch Pad 39A. From left are Mission Specialist Steve Bowen and Pilot Eric Boe; astronaut rescue team leader Capt. George Hoggard; and Mission Specialists Shane Kimbrough, Sandra Magnus and Donald Pettit. The crew is at Kennedy for pre-launch preparation known as Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT. The training provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3371

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-126 crew members listen to instructions about the M-113 armored personnel carrier they are sitting in used for emergency escape from L... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at Kennedy Space Center, a crane lifts the shipping crate from around the Phoenix spacecraft. The spacecraft arrived May 7 via a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The Phoenix mission is the first project in NASA's first openly competed program of Mars Scout missions. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. It will serve as NASA's first exploration of a potential modern habitat on Mars and open the door to a renewed search for carbon-bearing compounds, last attempted with NASA’s Viking missions in the 1970s. A stereo color camera and a weather station will study the surrounding environment while the other instruments check excavated soil samples for water, organic chemicals and conditions that could indicate whether the site was ever hospitable to life. Microscopes can reveal features as small as one one-thousandth the width of a human hair. Launch of Phoenix aboard a Delta II rocket is targeted for Aug. 3 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1062

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Faci...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at Kennedy Space Center, a crane lifts the shipping crate from around the Phoenix spacecraft. The spacecraft arrived May 7 via a U.S. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, technicians secure the backshell with the Phoenix Mars Lander inside onto a spin table for spin testing. The Phoenix mission is the first project in NASA's first openly competed program of Mars Scout missions. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. It will serve as NASA's first exploration of a potential modern habitat on Mars and open the door to a renewed search for carbon-bearing compounds, last attempted with NASA’s Viking missions in the 1970s. A stereo color camera and a weather station will study the surrounding environment while the other instruments check excavated soil samples for water, organic chemicals and conditions that could indicate whether the site was ever hospitable to life. Microscopes can reveal features as small as one one-thousandth the width of a human hair. Launch of Phoenix aboard a Delta II rocket is targeted for Aug. 3 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1095

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facil...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, technicians secure the backshell with the Phoenix Mars Lander inside onto a spin table for spin testing. The Phoenix mission is the fi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, technicians complete the installation of the heat shield on the Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraft. The Phoenix mission is the first project in NASA's first openly competed program of Mars Scout missions. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. It will serve as NASA's first exploration of a potential modern habitat on Mars and open the door to a renewed search for carbon-bearing compounds, last attempted with NASA's Viking missions in the 1970s. A stereo color camera and a weather station will study the surrounding environment while the other instruments check excavated soil samples for water, organic chemicals and conditions that could indicate whether the site was ever hospitable to life. Microscopes can reveal features as small as one one-thousandth the width of a human hair. Launch of Phoenix aboard a Delta II rocket is targeted for Aug. 3 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1106

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Faci...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, technicians complete the installation of the heat shield on the Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraft. The Phoenix mission is the first proje... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew heads for the Astrovan after suiting up in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From left are Mission Specialists Michael Good, John Grunsfeld, Mike Massimino, Andrew Feustel and Megan McArthur, Pilot Gregory C. Johnson and Commander Scott Altman. The crew is heading for Launch Pad 39A where they will take part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the countdown. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2884

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew heads for the Astrovan after...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew heads for the Astrovan after suiting up in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From left are Mission Specialists Michael Go... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is suspended 60 feet off the ground inside the mate-demate device in preparation for the arrival of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2201

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Secured on the spin table, the backshell with the Phoenix Mars Lander inside is ready for spin testing in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility. The Phoenix mission is the first project in NASA's first openly competed program of Mars Scout missions. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. It will serve as NASA's first exploration of a potential modern habitat on Mars and open the door to a renewed search for carbon-bearing compounds, last attempted with NASA’s Viking missions in the 1970s. A stereo color camera and a weather station will study the surrounding environment while the other instruments check excavated soil samples for water, organic chemicals and conditions that could indicate whether the site was ever hospitable to life. Microscopes can reveal features as small as one one-thousandth the width of a human hair. Launch of Phoenix aboard a Delta II rocket is targeted for Aug. 3 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1096

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Secured on the spin table, the backshell...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Secured on the spin table, the backshell with the Phoenix Mars Lander inside is ready for spin testing in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility. The Phoenix mission is the first... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, technicians lower a crane over the Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraft. The crane will be used to remove the heat shield from around the Phoenix. The Phoenix mission is the first project in NASA's first openly competed program of Mars Scout missions. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. It will serve as NASA's first exploration of a potential modern habitat on Mars and open the door to a renewed search for carbon-bearing compounds, last attempted with NASA’s Viking missions in the 1970s. A stereo color camera and a weather station will study the surrounding environment while the other instruments check excavated soil samples for water, organic chemicals and conditions that could indicate whether the site was ever hospitable to life. Microscopes can reveal features as small as one one-thousandth the width of a human hair. Launch of Phoenix aboard a Delta II rocket is targeted for Aug. 3 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1084

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Faci...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, technicians lower a crane over the Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraft. The crane will be used to remove the heat shield from around the P... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, technicians install the heat shield on the Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraft. The Phoenix mission is the first project in NASA's first openly competed program of Mars Scout missions. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. It will serve as NASA's first exploration of a potential modern habitat on Mars and open the door to a renewed search for carbon-bearing compounds, last attempted with NASA's Viking missions in the 1970s. A stereo color camera and a weather station will study the surrounding environment while the other instruments check excavated soil samples for water, organic chemicals and conditions that could indicate whether the site was ever hospitable to life. Microscopes can reveal features as small as one one-thousandth the width of a human hair. Launch of Phoenix aboard a Delta II rocket is targeted for Aug. 3 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1105

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Faci...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, technicians install the heat shield on the Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraft. The Phoenix mission is the first project in NASA's first op... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, technicians attach a crane to the Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraft. The crane will be used to remove the heat shield from around the Phoenix. The Phoenix mission is the first project in NASA's first openly competed program of Mars Scout missions. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. It will serve as NASA's first exploration of a potential modern habitat on Mars and open the door to a renewed search for carbon-bearing compounds, last attempted with NASA’s Viking missions in the 1970s. A stereo color camera and a weather station will study the surrounding environment while the other instruments check excavated soil samples for water, organic chemicals and conditions that could indicate whether the site was ever hospitable to life. Microscopes can reveal features as small as one one-thousandth the width of a human hair. Launch of Phoenix aboard a Delta II rocket is targeted for Aug. 3 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1085

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Faci...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, technicians attach a crane to the Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraft. The crane will be used to remove the heat shield from around the Ph... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility, the crated Phoenix spacecraft is maneuvered away from the U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III that delivered it. The crate will be transported to the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility. The Phoenix mission is the first project in NASA's first openly competed program of Mars Scout missions. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. It will serve as NASA's first exploration of a potential modern habitat on Mars and open the door to a renewed search for carbon-bearing compounds, last attempted with NASA’s Viking missions in the 1970s. A stereo color camera and a weather station will study the surrounding environment while the other instruments check excavated soil samples for water, organic chemicals and conditions that could indicate whether the site was ever hospitable to life. Microscopes can reveal features as small as one one-thousandth the width of a human hair. Launch of Phoenix aboard a Delta II rocket is targeted for Aug. 3 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-07pd1058

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility, the crated Phoenix spacecraft is maneuvered away from the U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III that delivered it. The crate will... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, workers watch as an overhead crane lowers the heat shield toward a platform. The heat shield was removed from the Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraft. The Phoenix mission is the first project in NASA's first openly competed program of Mars Scout missions. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. It will serve as NASA's first exploration of a potential modern habitat on Mars and open the door to a renewed search for carbon-bearing compounds, last attempted with NASA’s Viking missions in the 1970s. A stereo color camera and a weather station will study the surrounding environment while the other instruments check excavated soil samples for water, organic chemicals and conditions that could indicate whether the site was ever hospitable to life. Microscopes can reveal features as small as one one-thousandth the width of a human hair. Launch of Phoenix aboard a Delta II rocket is targeted for Aug. 3 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1088

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Faci...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, workers watch as an overhead crane lowers the heat shield toward a platform. The heat shield was removed from the Phoenix Mars Lander ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An overhead crane lowers the backshell with the Phoenix Mars Lander inside onto a spin table for spin testing in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility. The Phoenix mission is the first project in NASA's first openly competed program of Mars Scout missions. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. It will serve as NASA's first exploration of a potential modern habitat on Mars and open the door to a renewed search for carbon-bearing compounds, last attempted with NASA’s Viking missions in the 1970s. A stereo color camera and a weather station will study the surrounding environment while the other instruments check excavated soil samples for water, organic chemicals and conditions that could indicate whether the site was ever hospitable to life. Microscopes can reveal features as small as one one-thousandth the width of a human hair. Launch of Phoenix aboard a Delta II rocket is targeted for Aug. 3 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1094

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An overhead crane lowers the backshell w...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An overhead crane lowers the backshell with the Phoenix Mars Lander inside onto a spin table for spin testing in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility. The Phoenix mission is th... More

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