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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF), the overhead crane carries the multi-purpose logistics module Donatello from its work stand across the floor to a payload canister. Donatello is being transferred to the Operations and Checkout Building to make room in the SSPF for the arrival of elements for future flights from other ISS partners. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0530

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF), the overhead crane carries the multi-purpose logistics module Donatello from its work stand across the f More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF), the overhead crane carries the multi-purpose logistics module Donatello toward the open doors of the payload canister at left. Donatello is being transferred to the Operations and Checkout Building to make room in the SSPF for the arrival of elements for future flights from other ISS partners. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0531

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF), the overhead crane carries the multi-purpose logistics module Donatello toward the open doors of the pay More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers help the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello settle onto a work stand. Previously housed in the Operations and Checkout Building, Donatello was brought into the SSPF for routine testing. This is the first time all three MPLMs (Donatello, Raffaello and Leonardo) are in the SSPF. The MPLMs were built by the Italian Space Agency, to serve as reusable logistics carriers and the primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. The third MPLM, Raffaello, is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers help the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello settle onto a work stand. Previously housed in the Operations and Checkout Buil More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF), the overhead crane lifts the multi-purpose logistics module Donatello from its work stand to move it to a payload canister. Donatello is being transferred to the Operations and Checkout Building to make room in the SSPF for the arrival of elements for future flights from other ISS partners. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0529

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF), the overhead crane lifts the multi-purpose logistics module Donatello from its work stand to move it to More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF), the multi-purpose logistics module Donatello is being prepared for a move to a payload canister. Donatello is being transferred to the Operations and Checkout Building to make room in the SSPF for the arrival of elements for future flights from other ISS partners. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0527

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF), the multi-purpose logistics module Donatello is being prepared for a move to a payload canister. Donate More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, an overhead crane carries the Integrated Truss Structure S0 to the payload canister which will transport it to the launch pad for mission STS-110. Seen below the truss is the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello, currently not in use. The S0 truss will be part of the payload on Space Shuttle Atlantis. The S0 truss will be attached to the U.S. Lab, "Destiny," on the 11-day mission, becoming the backbone of the orbiting International Space Station (ISS). Launch is scheduled for April 4 KSC-02pd0344

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, an overhead crane carries the Integrated Truss Structure S0 to the payload canister which will transport it to the launch pad for mission S More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF), the overhead crane lowers the multi-purpose logistics module Donatello into the waiting payload canister. Donatello is being transferred to the Operations and Checkout Building to make room in the SSPF for the arrival of elements for future flights from other ISS partners. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd0532

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF), the overhead crane lowers the multi-purpose logistics module Donatello into the waiting payload canister. More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility, the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello is slowly lowered toward a work stand. Previously housed in the Operations and Checkout Building, Donatello was brought into the SSPF for routine testing. This is the first time all three MPLMs (Donatello, Raffaello and Leonardo) are in the SSPF. The MPLMs were built by the Italian Space Agency, to serve as reusable logistics carriers and the primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. The third MPLM, Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility, the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello is slowly lowered toward a work stand. Previously housed in the Operations and Checkout Buil More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This view reveals all three Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules on the floor of the Space Station Processing Facility. This is the first time all three - Leonardo, Raffaello and Donatello -- have been in one location. Donatello has been stored in the Operations and Checkout Building since its arrival at KSC and was brought into the SSPF for routine testing. The MPLMs were built by the Italian Space Agency, to serve as reusable logistics carriers and the primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This view reveals all three Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules on the floor of the Space Station Processing Facility. This is the first time all three - Leonardo, Raffaello and Donate More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello moves away from its stand in the Space Station Processing Facility. Raffaello is the second MPLM built by the Italian Space Agency, serving as a reusable logistics carrier and primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. It is being moved to allow the third MPLM, Donatello, to be brought in for routine testing. Donatello has been stored in the Operations and Checkout Building. This is the first time all three MPLMs are in the SSPF; the other one is the Leonardo. Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello moves away from its stand in the Space Station Processing Facility. Raffaello is the second MPLM built by the Italian Space Agency, ser More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility, the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello glides above the floor as it moves to another stand on the other side. Raffaello is the second MPLM built by the Italian Space Agency, serving as a reusable logistics carrier and primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. It is being moved to allow the third MPLM, Donatello, to be brought in for routine testing. Donatello has been stored in the Operations and Checkout Building. This is the first time all three MPLMs are in the SSPF; the other one is the Leonardo. Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility, the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello glides above the floor as it moves to another stand on the other side. Raffaello is the secon More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Overhead cables carry the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello from the payload canister (lower right) to a work stand in the Space Station Processing Facility. Previously housed in the Operations and Checkout Building, Donatello was brought into the SSPF for routine testing. This is the first time all three MPLMs (Donatello, Raffaello and Leonardo) are in the SSPF. The MPLMs were built by the Italian Space Agency, to serve as reusable logistics carriers and the primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. The third MPLM, Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Overhead cables carry the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello from the payload canister (lower right) to a work stand in the Space Station Processing Facility. Previously hous More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - All three Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules are on the floor of the Space Station Processing Facility. This is the first time the three - Leonardo, Raffaello and Donatello -- have been in one location. Donatello has been stored in the Operations and Checkout Building since its arrival at KSC and was brought into the SSPF for routine testing. The MPLMs were built by the Italian Space Agency, to serve as reusable logistics carriers and the primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - All three Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules are on the floor of the Space Station Processing Facility. This is the first time the three - Leonardo, Raffaello and Donatello -- have be More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers watch as the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello is lowered toward a work stand in the Space Station Processing Facility. Raffaello is the second MPLM built by the Italian Space Agency, serving as a reusable logistics carrier and primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. It has been moved across the floor to allow the third MPLM, Donatello, to be brought in for routine testing. Donatello has been stored in the Operations and Checkout Building. This is the first time all three MPLMs are in the SSPF; the other one is the Leonardo. Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers watch as the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello is lowered toward a work stand in the Space Station Processing Facility. Raffaello is the second MPLM built by the Ita More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello is suspended by cables over the payload canister in the Space Station Processing Facility. Previously housed in the Operations and Checkout Building, Donatello was brought into the SSPF for routine testing. This is the first time all three MPLMs (Donatello, Raffaello and Leonardo) are in the SSPF. The MPLMs were built by the Italian Space Agency, to serve as reusable logistics carriers and the primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. The third MPLM, Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello is suspended by cables over the payload canister in the Space Station Processing Facility. Previously housed in the Operations and Chec More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Space Station Processing Facility prepare to release the overhead crane from the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello now secure on a new work stand. Raffaello is the second MPLM built by the Italian Space Agency, serving as a reusable logistics carrier and primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. It has been moved to allow the third MPLM, Donatello, to be brought in for routine testing. Donatello has been stored in the Operations and Checkout Building. This is the first time all three MPLMs are in the SSPF; the other one is the Leonardo. Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Space Station Processing Facility prepare to release the overhead crane from the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello now secure on a new work stand. Raffaello i More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - All three Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules are on the floor of the Space Station Processing Facility. This is the first time the three - Leonardo, Raffaello and Donatello -- have been in one location. Donatello has been stored in the Operations and Checkout Building since its arrival at KSC and was brought into the SSPF for routine testing. The MPLMs were built by the Italian Space Agency, to serve as reusable logistics carriers and the primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - All three Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules are on the floor of the Space Station Processing Facility. This is the first time the three - Leonardo, Raffaello and Donatello -- have be More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello is moved away from the payload canister in the Space Station Processing Facility. Previously housed in the Operations and Checkout Building, Donatello was brought into the SSPF for routine testing. This is the first time all three MPLMs (Donatello, Raffaello and Leonardo) are in the SSPF. The MPLMs were built by the Italian Space Agency, to serve as reusable logistics carriers and the primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. The third MPLM, Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello is moved away from the payload canister in the Space Station Processing Facility. Previously housed in the Operations and Checkout Buil More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers confirm the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello is safely in place on a work stand. Previously housed in the Operations and Checkout Building, Donatello was brought into the SSPF for routine testing. This is the first time all three MPLMs (Donatello, Raffaello and Leonardo) are in the SSPF. The MPLMs were built by the Italian Space Agency, to serve as reusable logistics carriers and the primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. The third MPLM, Raffaello, is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers confirm the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello is safely in place on a work stand. Previously housed in the Operations and More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello is lifted from its stand in the Space Station Processing Facility to move to another work stand. Raffaello is the second MPLM built by the Italian Space Agency, serving as a reusable logistics carrier and primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. It is being moved to allow the third MPLM, Donatello, to be brought in for routine testing. Donatello has been stored in the Operations and Checkout Building. This is the first time all three MPLMs are in the SSPF; the other one is the Leonardo. Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello is lifted from its stand in the Space Station Processing Facility to move to another work stand. Raffaello is the second MPLM built by More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A worker on the floor watches as the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello moves toward another work stand in the Space Station Processing Facility. Raffaello is the second MPLM built by the Italian Space Agency, serving as a reusable logistics carrier and primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. It has been moved across the floor to allow the third MPLM, Donatello, to be brought in for routine testing. Donatello has been stored in the Operations and Checkout Building. This is the first time all three MPLMs are in the SSPF; the other one is the Leonardo. Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A worker on the floor watches as the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello moves toward another work stand in the Space Station Processing Facility. Raffaello is the second MPLM More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers on the floor of the Space Station Processing Facility watch as overhead cables carry the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello to a work stand. Previously housed in the Operations and Checkout Building, Donatello was brought into the SSPF for routine testing. This is the first time all three MPLMs (Donatello, Raffaello and Leonardo) are in the SSPF. The MPLMs were built by the Italian Space Agency, to serve as reusable logistics carriers and the primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. The third MPLM, Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers on the floor of the Space Station Processing Facility watch as overhead cables carry the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Donatello to a work stand. Previously housed in the More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - An overhead crane is attached to the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello in order to move it to another work stand in the Space Station Processing Facility. Raffaello is the second MPLM built by the Italian Space Agency, serving as a reusable logistics carrier and primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. It is being moved to allow the third MPLM, Donatello, to be brought in for routine testing. Donatello has been stored in the Operations and Checkout Building. This is the first time all three MPLMs are in the SSPF; the other one is the Leonardo. Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - An overhead crane is attached to the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello in order to move it to another work stand in the Space Station Processing Facility. Raffaello is the s More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Space Station Processing Facility secure the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello onto a new work stand. Raffaello is the second MPLM built by the Italian Space Agency, serving as a reusable logistics carrier and primary delivery system to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. It has been moved to allow the third MPLM, Donatello, to be brought in for routine testing. Donatello has been stored in the Operations and Checkout Building. This is the first time all three MPLMs are in the SSPF; the other one is the Leonardo. Raffaello is scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Space Station Processing Facility secure the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello onto a new work stand. Raffaello is the second MPLM built by the Italian Space More

Checkout at Grocery Store - U.S. National Archives Public Domain photograph

The Dupont Company Public domain photograph of industrial workers, factory building, work, assembly line, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission is moved out of the checkout cell. The tank will be lowered into high bay 3 onto the mobile launcher platform and attached to the solid rocket boosters already installed. Atlantis' STS-125 mission is the fifth and final shuttle servicing mission to NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. Launch is targeted for May 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-1166

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission is moved out of the checkout cell. The tan 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'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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility, the Joint Airlock Module, the gateway from which crew members aboard the International Space Station (ISS) will enter and exit the 470-ton orbiting research facility, is settled onto a flatbed trailer for transport to the Operations and Checkout Building in the KSC industrial area. There it will undergo vacuum chamber testing. It will then be moved to the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) for further prelaunch preparation and checkout. The massive, spindle-shaped airlock is 20 feet long, has a diameter of 13 feet at its widest point, and weighs six and a half tons. It was manufactured at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center by the Huntsville division of The Boeing Company. The Space Shuttle Atlantis will carry the airlock to orbit on mission STS-104, the tenth International Space Station flight, currently targeted for liftoff in May 2001 KSC00pp1348

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility, the Joint Airlock Module, the gateway from which crew members aboard the International Space Station (ISS) will enter and exit the 470-ton orb More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, the Joint Airlock Module waits for transfer to the payload canister behind it after which it will be moved to the Space Station Processing Facility. There it will continue to undergo preflight processing for the STS-104 mission scheduled for launch aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis May 17, 2001. The Joint Airlock Module is the gateway from which crew members aboard the International Space Station will enter and exit the 470-ton orbiting research facility KSC-00pp1497

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, the Joint Airlock Module waits for transfer to the payload canister behind it after which it will be moved to the Space Station Processing More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The U.S. Lab, a component of the International Space Station, is lifted off the floor of the Operations and Checkout Building in order to be placed inside the vacuum chamber in the building. The 32,000-pound scientific research lab, named Destiny, is the first Space Station element to spend seven days in the renovated vacuum chamber for a leak test. Destiny is scheduled to be launched on Shuttle mission STS-98, the 5A assembly mission, targeted for Jan. 18, 2001. During the mission, the crew will install the Lab in the Space Station during a series of three space walks. The STS-98 mission will provide the Station with science research facilities and expand its power, life support and control capabilities. The U.S. Lab module continues a long tradition of microgravity materials research, first conducted by Skylab and later Shuttle and Spacelab missions. Destiny is expected to be a major feature in future research, providing facilities for biotechnology, fluid physics, combustion, and life sciences research KSC-00pp0843

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The U.S. Lab, a component of the International Space Station, is lifted off the floor of the Operations and Checkout Building in order to be placed inside the vacuum chamber in the More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – During suit-up in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialists Sandra Magnus, Donald Pettit and Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper pause for a photo. The crew members are having their launch-and-entry suits fit-checked prior to heading for Launch Pad 39A. The crew will take part in a simulated launch countdown at the pad. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training and the simulated 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-08pd3424

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – During suit-up in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialists Sandra Magnus, Donald Pettit and Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Pipe More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers prepare to lift the TDRS-J spacecraft for its move to a workstand in the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility-2 (SAEF-2) for final checkout and processing before launch, currently targeted for Nov. 20. TDRS-J is the third in the current series of three Tracking and Data Relay Satellites designed to replenish the existing on-orbit fleet of six spacecraft, the first of which was launched in 1983. The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System is the primary source of space-to-ground voice, data and telemetry for the Space Shuttle. It also provides communications with the International Space Station and scientific spacecraft in low-earth orbit, such as the Hubble Space Telescope, and launch support for some expendable vehicles. This new advanced series of satellites will extend the availability of TDRS communications services until approximately 2017. KSC-02pp1638

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers prepare to lift the TDRS-J spacecraft for its move to a workstand in the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility-2 (SAEF-2) for final checkout and processing before More

During suitup in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-92 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata of Japan signals thumbs up for a second launch attempt. During the 11-day mission to the International Space Station, four extravehicular activities (EVAs), or spacewalks, are planned for construction. The payload includes the Integrated Truss Structure Z-1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The Z-1 truss is the first of 10 that will become the backbone of the Space Station, eventually stretching the length of a football field. PMA-3 will provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth Station flight and Lab installation on the seventh Station flight.; Launch is scheduled for 7:17 p.m. EDT. Landing is expected Oct. 22 at 2:10 p.m. EDT KSC-00pp1539

During suitup in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-92 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata of Japan signals thumbs up for a second launch attempt. During the 11-day mission to the International Space Statio More

The STS-106 rush from the Operations and Checkout Building and wave to onlookers on their way to Launch Pad 39B. In rows (front to back) are Commander Terrence W. Wilcutt (left), Pilot Scott D. Altman (right); Mission Specialists Edward T. Lu (left), Yuri I. Malenchenko (right); Richard A. Mastracchio (left), Boris V. Morukov (right); and Daniel C. Burbank (left). Liftoff of Space Shuttle Atlantis is set for 8:45 a.m. EDT on the fourth flight to the International Space Station. On the 11-day mission, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed “Expedition One,” is due to arrive at the Station in late fall KSC-00padig029

The STS-106 rush from the Operations and Checkout Building and wave to onlookers on their way to Launch Pad 39B. In rows (front to back) are Commander Terrence W. Wilcutt (left), Pilot Scott D. Altman (right); More

During pre-pack and fit check in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-92 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata of Japan gets an adjustment on his launch and entry suit. This mission is Wakata’s second Shuttle flight. He and the rest of the crew are at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT provides emergency egress training, simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payload. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program KSC-00pp1341

During pre-pack and fit check in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-92 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata of Japan gets an adjustment on his launch and entry suit. This mission is Wakata’s second Shuttle f More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, external fuel tank 130 is in place in high bay 2 where it will undergo checkout before stacking with the solid rocket boosters and space shuttle Atlantis for the STS-125 mission. The fuel tank was previously designated for the STS-127 mission. The STS-125 Hubble servicing mission is targeted to launch May 12. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-08pd3923

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, external fuel tank 130 is in place in high bay 2 where it will undergo checkout before stacking with the soli More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, the Joint Airlock Module is placed in a horizontal position to be transferred to the payload canister behind it. Then it will be moved to the Space Station Processing Facility where it will continue to undergo preflight processing for the STS-104 mission scheduled for launch aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis May 17, 2001. The Joint Airlock Module is the gateway from which crew members aboard the International Space Station will enter and exit the 470-ton orbiting research facility KSC00pp1491

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, the Joint Airlock Module is placed in a horizontal position to be transferred to the payload canister behind it. Then it will be moved to t More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA's Morpheus lander, a vertical test bed vehicle, is moved into a building at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Morpheus is designed to demonstrate new green propellant propulsion systems and autonomous landing and an Autonomous Landing and Hazard Avoidance Technology, or ALHAT, system. Checkout of the prototype lander has been ongoing at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston in preparation for its first free flight. The SLF site will provide the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing. Project Morpheus is one of 20 small projects comprising the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, program in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. AES projects 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://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/exploration/morpheus/index.html Photo credit: NASA/ Charisse Nahser KSC-2012-4029

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA's Morpheus lander, a vertical test bed vehicle, is moved into a building at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Morpheus is designed to demo More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Viewed from underneath the wing of NASA’s Super Guppy aircraft, the Joint Airlock Module, the gateway from which crew members aboard the International Space Station (ISS) will enter and exit the 470-ton orbiting research facility, rolls out of the aircraft. It will be transferred to the Operations and Checkout Building in the KSC industrial area where it will undergo vacuum chamber testing. Then it will be moved to the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) for further pre-launch preparation and checkout. The massive, spindle-shaped airlock is 20 feet long, has a diameter of 13 feet at its widest point, and weighs six and a half tons. It was manufactured at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center by the Huntsville division of The Boeing Company. The Space Shuttle Atlantis will carry the airlock to orbit on mission STS-104, the tenth International Space Station flight, currently targeted for liftoff in May 2001 KSC00pp1346

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Viewed from underneath the wing of NASA’s Super Guppy aircraft, the Joint Airlock Module, the gateway from which crew members aboard the International Space Station (ISS) will ente More

In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-101 Mission Specialist Mary Ellen Weber is helped to suit up before heading for a second time to Launch Pad 39A and launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis. The previous day's launch attempt was scrubbed due to high cross winds at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The mission will take the crew to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies and to prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk. This will be the third assembly flight to the Space Station. Liftoff is targeted for 3:52 p.m. EDT. The mission is expected to last about 10 days, with Atlantis landing at KSC Saturday, May 6, about 11:53 a.m. EDT KSC00pp0571

In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-101 Mission Specialist Mary Ellen Weber is helped to suit up before heading for a second time to Launch Pad 39A and launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis. The previous da More

During pre-pack and fit check in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-92 Mission Specialist William S. McArthur Jr. uses a laptop computer while garbed in his full launch and entry suit. McArthur and the rest of the crew are at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT provides emergency egress training, simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payload. This mission will be McArthur’s third Shuttle flight. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program KSC00pp1339

During pre-pack and fit check in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-92 Mission Specialist William S. McArthur Jr. uses a laptop computer while garbed in his full launch and entry suit. McArthur and the r More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Mission Specialist Sandy Magnus checks the fit of her launch and landing suit. The STS-135 crew is at Kennedy to participate in a launch countdown dress rehearsal called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) and related training in preparation for the upcoming STS-135 mission. Atlantis and its crew are targeted to lift off July 8, taking with them the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-4646

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Mission Specialist Sandy Magnus checks the fit of her launch and landing suit. The STS-135 crew is at K More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building (O&C) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the astronauts of space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 crew put on their launch-and-entry suits and check the fit of their helmets and gloves before heading to the Astrovan for the ride to Launch Pad 39A. Pilot Eric Boe, seen here, last piloted space shuttle Endeavour during its STS-126 mission back in 2008. Scheduled to lift off Feb. 24 at 4:50 p.m. EST, Discovery and its crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the International Space Station. 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 the STS-133 mission, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1602

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building (O&C) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the astronauts of space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 crew put on their launch-and-entry suits and c More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-126 Mission Specialist Steve Bowen fits his helmet during suit-up in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Bowen and other crew members are having their launch-and-entry suits fit-checked prior to heading for Launch Pad 39A. The crew will take part in a simulated launch countdown at the pad. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training and the simulated 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-08pd3422

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-126 Mission Specialist Steve Bowen fits his helmet during suit-up in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Bowen and other crew members are More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane lifts the P3 Integrated Truss Structure clear of the payload canister that transferred it from the Operations and Checkout Building. The port-side P3 truss is scheduled to be added to the International Space Station on mission STS-115 in 2002 aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis. . The P3 will be attached to the first port truss segment, P1, being installed in an earlier mission KSC01pp0687

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, an overhead crane lifts the P3 Integrated Truss Structure clear of the payload canister that transferred it from the Operations and Checko More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission is being lifted from the checkout cell of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building for transfer into high bay 2 and assembly with the solid rocket boosters already stacked on the mobile launch platform. The STS-129 mission is targeted to launch Nov. 12 on an 11-day supply mission to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-5179

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission is being lifted from the checkout cell of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building for transfer into high b More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dressed in their bright-orange launch-and-entry suits, the final four astronauts to launch aboard a space shuttle exit the Astronaut Crew Quarters in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the left row, STS-135 Pilot Doug Hurley is followed by Mission Specialist Sandy Magnus. In the right row, Commander Chris Ferguson is followed by Mission Specialist Rex Walheim. The astronauts, who will head to Launch Pad 39A aboard the silver Astrovan, are scheduled to lift off aboard space shuttle Atlantis at 11:26 a.m. EDT on July 8 for their mission to the International Space Station. STS-135 will deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts for the orbiting outpost. Atlantis also will fly the Robotic Refueling Mission experiment that will investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites in orbit. In addition, Atlantis will return with a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-5202

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dressed in their bright-orange launch-and-entry suits, the final four astronauts to launch aboard a space shuttle exit the Astronaut Crew Quarters in the Operations and Checkout Building More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-118 Pilot Charlie Hobaugh is ready after suitup to head for the launch pad and board Space Shuttle Endeavour. The STS-118 mission is the 22nd shuttle flight to the International Space Station. It will continue space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5, and other payloads such as the SPACEHAB module and the external stowage platform 3. The 11-day mission may be extended to as many as 14 depending on the test of the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System that will allow the docked shuttle to draw electrical power from the station and extend its visits to the orbiting lab. NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2240

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-118 Pilot Charlie Hobaugh is ready after suitup to head for the launch pad and board Space Shuttle Endeavour. The STS-118 mission is More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During suitup in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA Kennedy Space Center, STS-115 Mission Specialist Daniel Burbank tests the communication system in his helmet. Burbank is making his second shuttle flight on this mission to the International Space Station aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis. On its second attempt for launch, Atlantis is scheduled to lift off at 11:41 a.m. EDT today from Launch Pad 39B. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the ISS. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2086

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During suitup in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA Kennedy Space Center, STS-115 Mission Specialist Daniel Burbank tests the communication system in his helmet. Burban More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata puts on his helmet as part of the final fitting of his launch and entry suit. Wakata is making his third shuttle flight. He will remain on the station, replacing Expedition 18 Flight Engineer Sandra Magnus, who returns to Earth with the STS-119 crew. The 14-day 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. Liftoff of Discovery is scheduled for 9:20 p.m. EDT on March 11. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2015

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata puts on his helmet as part of the final fitting of his launch a More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-128 crew members put on their launch-and-entry suits before heading to the Astrovan for the 3.4-mile drive to Launch Pad 39A. There, crew members will complete their suitup and enter space shuttle Discovery for the 1:36 a.m. EDT liftoff. Seen here is Mission Specialist Nicole Stott, checking communications in her helmet. The 13-day mission will deliver more than 7 tons of supplies, science racks and equipment, as well as additional environmental hardware to sustain six crew members on the International Space Station. The equipment includes a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and the COLBERT treadmill. The mission is the 128th in the Space Shuttle Program, the 37th flight of Discovery and the 30th station assembly flight. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-4824

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-128 crew members put on their launch-and-entry suits before heading to the Astrovan for the 3.4-mile 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'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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, the U.S. Lab, a component of the International Space Station, is lowered into a three-story vacuum chamber. The 32,000-pound scientific research lab, named Destiny, is the first Space Station element to spend seven days in the renovated vacuum chamber for a leak test. Destiny is scheduled to be launched on Shuttle mission STS-98, the 5A assembly mission, targeted for Jan. 18, 2001. During the mission, the crew will install the Lab in the Space Station during a series of three space walks. The STS-98 mission will provide the Station with science research facilities and expand its power, life support and control capabilities. The U.S. Lab module continues a long tradition of microgravity materials research, first conducted by Skylab and later Shuttle and Spacelab missions. Destiny is expected to be a major feature in future research, providing facilities for biotechnology, fluid physics, combustion, and life sciences research KSC-00pp0847

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, the U.S. Lab, a component of the International Space Station, is lowered into a three-story vacuum chamber. The 32,000-pound scientific res More

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA Test Director Ted Mosteller (center) briefs the media about Firing Room 4 (FR4), which has been undergoing renovations for two years. FR4 is now designated the primary firing room for all remaining shuttle launches, and will also be used daily to manage operations in the Orbiter Processing Facilities and for integrated processing for the shuttle. The firing room now includes sound-suppressing walls and floors, new humidity control, fire-suppression systems and consoles, support tables with computer stations, communication systems and laptop computer ports. FR 4 also has power and computer network connections and a newly improved Checkout, Control and Monitor Subsystem. The renovation is part of the Launch Processing System Extended Survivability Project that began in 2003. United Space Alliance's Launch Processing System directorate managed the FR 4 project for NASA. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-06pd1203

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA Test Director Ted Mosteller (center) briefs the media about Firing Room 4 (FR4), which has been undergoing renovations for two years. FR4 is now designated the primary firing r More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 crew put on their launch-and-entry suits before heading to the Astrovan for the ride to Launch Pad 39A. The crew is participating in a dress rehearsal for their upcoming launch, known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. Making his second spaceflight on STS-130 is Mission Specialist Robert Behnken, seen here. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Tranquility node, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Launch of STS-130 is targeted for Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-1354

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 crew put on their launch-and-entry suits before heading to More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-115 crew members stride out of the Operations and Checkout Building eager to get to Launch Pad 39B and the start of their mission to the International Space Station. This is the second attempt at launch after a week's postponement due to weather and technical concerns. On the left side, front to back, are Pilot Christopher Ferguson and Mission Specialists Steven MacLean and Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper. On the right side, front to back, are Commander Brent Jett and Mission Specialists Daniel Burbank and Joseph Tanner. On its second attempt for launch, Atlantis is scheduled to lift off at 11:41 a.m. EDT today from Launch Pad 39B. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the ISS. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2088

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-115 crew members stride out of the Operations and Checkout Building eager to get to Launch Pad 39B and the start of their mission to the International Space Station. This More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA's Morpheus lander, a vertical test bed vehicle, is being transported out from its checkout building for a short trip to a launch position at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Morpheus is designed to demonstrate new green propellant propulsion systems and autonomous landing and an Autonomous Landing and Hazard Avoidance Technology, or ALHAT, system. Checkout of the prototype lander has been ongoing at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston in preparation for its first free flight. The SLF site will provide the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing. Project Morpheus is one of 20 small projects comprising the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, program in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. AES projects 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://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/exploration/morpheus/index.html Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-4110

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA's Morpheus lander, a vertical test bed vehicle, is being transported out from its checkout building for a short trip to a launch position at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dressed in their bright-orange launch-and-entry suits, the final four astronauts to launch aboard a space shuttle exit the Astronaut Crew Quarters in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson is followed by Pilot Doug Hurley and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim and Sandy Magnus. The astronauts, who will head to Launch Pad 39A aboard the silver Astrovan, are scheduled to lift off aboard space shuttle Atlantis at 11:26 a.m. EDT on July 8 for their mission to the International Space Station. STS-135 will deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts for the orbiting outpost. Atlantis also will fly the Robotic Refueling Mission experiment that will investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites in orbit. In addition, Atlantis will return with a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-5204

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dressed in their bright-orange launch-and-entry suits, the final four astronauts to launch aboard a space shuttle exit the Astronaut Crew Quarters in the Operations and Checkout Building More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers lower the suspended TDRS-J spacecraft onto a workstand in the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility-2 (SAEF-2) for final checkout and processing before launch, currently targeted for Nov. 20. TDRS-J is the third in the current series of three Tracking and Data Relay Satellites designed to replenish the existing on-orbit fleet of six spacecraft, the first of which was launched in 1983. The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System is the primary source of space-to-ground voice, data and telemetry for the Space Shuttle. It also provides communications with the International Space Station and scientific spacecraft in low-earth orbit, such as the Hubble Space Telescope, and launch support for some expendable vehicles. This new advanced series of satellites will extend the availability of TDRS communications services until approximately 2017. KSC-02pp1642

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers lower the suspended TDRS-J spacecraft onto a workstand in the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility-2 (SAEF-2) for final checkout and processing before launch, cu More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, the U.S. Lab is lowered toward the floor after being lifted out of the vacuum chamber where it was tested for leaks. The test was very successful. The 32,000-pound scientific research lab, named Destiny, is the first Space Station element to spend seven days in the renovated vacuum chamber. Destiny is scheduled to be launched on Shuttle mission STS-98, the 5A assembly mission, targeted for Jan. 18, 2001. During the mission, the crew will install the Lab in the Space Station during a series of three space walks. The STS-98 mission will provide the Station with science research facilities and expand its power, life support and control capabilities. The U.S. Lab module continues a long tradition of microgravity materials research, first conducted by Skylab and later Shuttle and Spacelab missions. Destiny is expected to be a major feature in future research, providing facilities for biotechnology, fluid physics, combustion, and life sciences research KSC-00pp0868

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, the U.S. Lab is lowered toward the floor after being lifted out of the vacuum chamber where it was tested for leaks. The test was very succ More

In the Operations and Checkout Building, the STS-101 crew gathers for a snack before suiting up for launch for the third time. The previous two launch attempts were scrubbed due to high cross winds at the Shuttle Landing Facility. From left are Mission Specialists James S. Voss, Susan J. Helms and Jeffrey N. Williams; Commander James D. Halsell Jr.; Pilot Scott J. Horowitz; and Mission Specialists Mary Ellen Weber and Yury Usachev of Russia. The mission will take the crew to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies and prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk. This is the third assembly flight to the Space Station. After the 10-day mission, Atlantis is expected to land at KSC May 6 at about 12:03 p.m. EDT KSC00pp0576

In the Operations and Checkout Building, the STS-101 crew gathers for a snack before suiting up for launch for the third time. The previous two launch attempts were scrubbed due to high cross winds at the Shutt More

The STS-92 crew wave to onlookers as they exit the Operations and Checkout Building on their way to Launch Pad 39A for liftoff at 8:05 p.m. EDT to the International Space Station (ISS). They are (from front to back) Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy and Commander Brian Duffy; and Mission Specialists Leroy Chiao and William S. McArthur Jr.; Peter J.K. Wisoff; Michael E. Lopez-Alegria and Koichi Wakata of Japan. The mission is the fifth flight for the construction of the ISS. The payload includes the Integrated Truss Structure Z-1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. During the 11-day mission, four extravehicular activities (EVAs), or spacewalks, are planned. The Z-1 truss is the first of 10 that will become the backbone of the International Space Station, eventually stretching the length of a football field. PMA-3 will provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. This launch is the fourth for Duffy and Wisoff, the third for Chiao and McArthur, second for Wakata and Lopez-Alegria, and first for Melroy. Landing is expected Oct. 21 at 3:55 p.m. EDT KSC-00padig037

The STS-92 crew wave to onlookers as they exit the Operations and Checkout Building on their way to Launch Pad 39A for liftoff at 8:05 p.m. EDT to the International Space Station (ISS). They are (from front to More

The STS-92 crew exits the Operations and Checkout Building on their way to the Astrovan and Launch Pad 39A for a simulated countdown. Walking left to right are (foreground) Mission Specialists Koichi Wakata of Japan, Peter J.K. “Jeff” Wisoff and Leroy Chiao; and Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy. Behind them are Mission Specialists Michael E. Lopez-Alegria and William S. McArthur Jr.; and Commander Brian Duffy. The crew is taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities that provide emergency egress training, opportunities to inspect the mission payload, and the simulated countdown. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program KSC-00pp1360

The STS-92 crew exits the Operations and Checkout Building on their way to the Astrovan and Launch Pad 39A for a simulated countdown. Walking left to right are (foreground) Mission Specialists Koichi Wakata of More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 crew put on their launch-and-entry suits before heading to the Astrovan for the ride to Launch Pad 39A. The crew is participating in a dress rehearsal for their upcoming launch, known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. Making his second spaceflight on STS-130 is Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick, seen here in his helmet. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Tranquility node, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Launch of STS-130 is targeted for Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-1358

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 crew put on their launch-and-entry suits before heading to More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-135 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim checks the fit of his launch-and-entry suit before during a simulated launch countdown. As part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), the crew members are taken to Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A and strapped into space shuttle Atlantis to practice the steps that will be taken on launch day. Atlantis and its crew are targeted to lift off July 8, taking with them the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-4788

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-135 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim checks the fit of his launch-and-entry suit before during a simu More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, an overhead crane lifts the Joint Airlock Module to move and place it into the payload canister at left for transfer to the Space Station Processing Facility. There the module will undergo more preflight processing for the STS-104 mission scheduled for launch aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis May 17, 2001. The Joint Airlock Module is the gateway from which crew members aboard the International Space Station will enter and exit the 470-ton orbiting research facility KSC-00pp1501

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, an overhead crane lifts the Joint Airlock Module to move and place it into the payload canister at left for transfer to the Space Station P More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 is being transported from the Pegasus barge in the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area to the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, shipped from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, has undergone major safety changes, including removal of the protuberance air load ramps. It is designated to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-116 in December. Mission STS-116 will deliver the P5 truss segment, a SPACEHAB module and other key components to the International Space Station. Launch is currently scheduled no earlier than Dec. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd2178

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 is being transported from the Pegasus barge in the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area to the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will be lifted into a c More

Dilbert's Big Ben, Brentwood, Long Island, New York. General view from manager's office over checkout desks

Public domain photograph of department store, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 crew put on their launch-and-entry suits before heading to the Astrovan for the ride to Launch Pad 39A. The crew is participating in a dress rehearsal for their upcoming launch, known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. Making his first spaceflight on STS-130 is Pilot Terry Virts, seen here in his helmet. The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Tranquility node, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top. The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. Launch of STS-130 is targeted for Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-1363

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 crew put on their launch-and-entry suits before heading to More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, the U.S. Lab, named Destiny, is lowered into the rotation and handling fixture in preparation for testing in the altitude chamber. Destiny is scheduled to fly on mission STS-98 in early 2001. During the mission, the crew will install the Lab in the Space Station during a series of three space walks. The STS-98 mission will provide the Station with science research facilities and expand its power, life support and control capabilities. The U.S. Lab module continues a long tradition of microgravity materials research, first conducted by Skylab and later Shuttle and Spacelab missions. Destiny is expected to be a major feature in future research, providing facilities for biotechnology, fluid physics, combustion, and life sciences research KSC00pp0830

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, the U.S. Lab, named Destiny, is lowered into the rotation and handling fixture in preparation for testing in the altitude chamber. Destiny More

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The nose of NASA's Super Guppy aircraft opens to reveal the /2000/78-00.htm">Joint Airlock Module</a> the gateway from which crew members aboard the International Space Station (ISS) will enter and exit the 470-ton orbiting research facility. The airlock was transported from NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. The airlock will be transported to the Operations and Checkout Building in the KSC industrial area where it will undergo vacuum chamber testing. It will then be moved to the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) for further prelaunch preparation and checkout. The massive, spindle-shaped airlock is 20 feet long, has a diameter of 13 feet at its widest point, and weighs six and a half tons. It was manufactured at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center by the Huntsville division of The Boeing Company. The Space Shuttle Atlantis will carry the airlock to orbit on mission STS-104, the tenth International Space Station flight, currently targeted for liftoff in May 2001 KSC00pp1344

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The nose of NASA's Super Guppy aircraft opens to reveal the kscpao/release/2000/78-00.htm">Joint Airlock Module</a> the gateway from which crew members aboard the International Spa More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 mission crew members stride out of the Operations and Checkout Building, eager to ride to the launch pad and take their seats in space shuttle Atlantis for the planned launch today at 2:45 p.m. EST. Seen on the right, front to back, are Commander Steve Frick and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim and Hans Schlegel. On the left, front to back, are Pilot Alan Poindexter, followed by Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Stanley Love and Leopold Eyharts. Schlegel and Eyharts represent the European Space Agency. The launch will be the third attempt for Atlantis since December 2007 to carry the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory to the International Space Station. During the 11-day mission, the crew's prime objective is to attach the laboratory to the Harmony module, adding to the station's size and capabilities. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0199

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 mission crew members stride out of the Operations and Checkout Building, eager to ride to the launch pad and take their seats in space More

The STS-101 crew wave at onlookers as they walk from the Operations and Checkout Building to the Astrovan, which will take them to Space Shuttle Atlantis on Launch Pad 39A for a simulated countdown exercise. Leading the way are (left) Pilot Scott J. "Doc" Horowitz and (right) Commander James D. Halsell Jr. In the second row are Mission Specialists (left) Mary Ellen Weber and (right) Jeffrey N. Williams. In the third row are Mission Specialists (left) James Voss, (waving) Susan J. Helms, and (right) Yury Usachev of Russia. The dress rehearsal for launch is part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities that include emergency egress training and familiarization with the payload. During their mission to the International Space Station, the STS-101 crew will be delivering logistics and supplies, plus preparing the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk to perform maintenance on the Space Station. This will be the third assembly flight for the Space Station. STS-101 is scheduled to launch April 24 at 4:15 p.m. from Launch Pad 39A KSC-00pp0460

The STS-101 crew wave at onlookers as they walk from the Operations and Checkout Building to the Astrovan, which will take them to Space Shuttle Atlantis on Launch Pad 39A for a simulated countdown exercise. Le More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After greeting the media on their arrival on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the crew members of space shuttle Discovery's STS-124 mission wave and head for the van that will take them to crew quarters in the Operations and Checkout Building. They will be preparing for launch scheduled for 5:02 p.m. May 31. On the STS-124 mission, the crew of seven will deliver and install the Japanese Experiment Module – Pressurized Module and Japanese Remote Manipulator System. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1456

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After greeting the media on their arrival on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the crew members of space shuttle Discovery's STS-124 mission wave and head for 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'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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This bird's-eye view of a high bay in the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) shows the open payload bay of Space Shuttle Discovery surrounded by the standard platforms and equipment required to process a Space Shuttle orbiter. The high bay is 197 feet (60 meters) long, 150 feet (46 meters) wide, 95 feet (29 meters) high, and encompasses a 29,000-square-foot (2,694-meter) area. The 30-ton (27-metric-ton) bridge crane (yellow device, right) has a hook height of approximately 66 feet (20 meters). Platforms, a main access bridge, and two rolling bridges with trucks provide access to various parts of the orbiter. In addition to routine servicing and checkout, the inspections and modifications made to enhance Discovery's performance and upgrade its systems were performed in the OPF during its recently completed Orbiter Major Modification (OMM) period.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This bird's-eye view of a high bay in the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) shows the open payload bay of Space Shuttle Discovery surrounded by the standard platforms and equipment More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 makes the turn toward the Vehicle Assembly Building after being offloaded from the Pegasus barge in the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area. Once inside the VAB, the tank will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. Shipped from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, the tank has undergone major safety changes, including removal of the protuberance air load ramps. It is designated to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-116 in December. Mission STS-116 will deliver the P5 truss segment, a SPACEHAB module and other key components to the International Space Station. Launch is currently scheduled no earlier than Dec. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd2180

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

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson dons his launch-and-entry suit and helmet in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Ferguson is one of the final four astronauts to launch aboard a space shuttle. He is a retired U.S. Navy captain who already has logged nearly a month in space during two previous shuttle flights. STS-135 is scheduled to lift off aboard space shuttle Atlantis at 11:26 a.m. EDT on July 8 for a mission to the International Space Station. STS-135 will deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts for the orbiting outpost. Atlantis also will fly the Robotic Refueling Mission experiment that will investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites in orbit. In addition, Atlantis will return with a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-5195

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson dons his launch-and-entry suit and helmet in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Ferguson is one of the final More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA's Morpheus lander, a vertical test bed vehicle is being checked out. A rock and crater-filled planetary scape, has been built so engineers can test the Autonomous Landing and Hazard Avoidance Technology, or ALHAT, system on the Project Morpheus lander. Checkout of the prototype lander has been ongoing at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston in preparation for its first free flight. The SLF site will provide the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing. Project Morpheus is one of 20 small projects comprising the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, program in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. AES projects 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://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/exploration/morpheus/index.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-4163

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA's Morpheus lander, a vertical test bed vehicle is being checked out. A rock and crat More

The Mars Odyssey spacecraft is removed from the Air Force C-17 cargo airplane that brought it from Denver, Colo.., location of the Lockheed Martin plant where the spacecraft was built. Mars Odyssey will be moved on a transport trailer from KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility to the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility 2 (SAEF-2) located in the KSC Industrial Area. In the SAEF it will undergo final assembly and checkout. This includes installation of two of the three science instruments, integration of the three-panel solar array, and a spacecraft functional test. It will be fueled and then mated to an upper stage booster, the final activities before going to the launch pad. Launch is planned for April 7, 2001 the first day of a 21-day planetary window. Mars Odyssey will be inserted into an interplanetary trajectory by a Boeing Delta II launch vehicle from Pad A at Complex 17 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The spacecraft will arrive at Mars on Oct. 20, 2001, for insertion into an initial elliptical capture orbit. Its final operational altitude will be a 250-mile-high, Sun-synchronous polar orbit. Mars Odyssey will spend two years mapping the planet's surface and measuring its environment KSC01pp0033

The Mars Odyssey spacecraft is removed from the Air Force C-17 cargo airplane that brought it from Denver, Colo.., location of the Lockheed Martin plant where the spacecraft was built. Mars Odyssey will be move More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This aerial of view from 1963 shows the site of the Industrial Area for the Merritt Island Launch Annex, now the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Located five miles south of Launch Complex 39, this is the site where facilities were built such as the Headquarters Building, Operations and Checkout Building as well as the Central Instrumentation Facility. Photo Credit: NASA KSC--LOC-63-8506

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This aerial of view from 1963 shows the site of the Industrial Area for the Merritt Island Launch Annex, now the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Located five miles south of Launch Compl More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This aerial of view from 1963 shows the site of the Industrial Area for the Merritt Island Launch Annex, now the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Located five miles south of Launch Complex 39, this is the site where facilities were built such as the Headquarters Building, Operations and Checkout Building as well as the Central Instrumentation Facility. Photo Credit: NASA KSC---LOC-63-8506

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This aerial of view from 1963 shows the site of the Industrial Area for the Merritt Island Launch Annex, now the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Located five miles south of Launch Compl More

Engineers checkout Early Bird-Communication Satellite

(1965) Engineers Stanley R. Peterson (left) and Ray Bowerman (right), checkout the Early Bird, the world's first communication satellite. NASA launched the satellite built by Hughes Aircraft Corporation on Apri More

APOLLO/SATURN (A/S)- 500-F - LAUNCH COMPLEX (L/C)-39A - CHECKOUT - MERRITT ISLAND - CAPE

S66-41179 (25 May 1966) --- Sunrise at Pad 39A during a checkout of facilities. An Apollo/Saturn Facilities Test Vehicle and Launch Umbilical Tower (LUT) stand atop the pad's bandstand. This test vehicle, desig More

GEMINI-TITAN (GT)-11 - PREFLIGHT PREP - CHECKOUT - CAPE

S66-47635 (21 July 1966) --- McDonnell Aircraft Corporation personnel bolt the Gemini-11 spacecraft to a support ring for bore sighting in the Pyrotechnic Installation Building, Merritt Island, during checkout More

Apollo 12 prime crew during spacecraft checkout at Rockwell Downey

S69-53716 (1969) --- The prime crew of the Apollo 12 lunar landing mission is photographed during spacecraft checkout activity at North American Rockwell Space Division at Downey, California. Left to right, are More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A lunar module processed inside the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo credit: NASA KSC-69P-0953

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A lunar module processed inside the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo credit: NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - . The STS-107 crew, waving to onlookers, exits the Operations and Checkout Building on their way to Launch Pad 39A for liftoff. Leading the way are Pilot William "Willie" McCool (left) and Commander Rick Husband (right). Following in the second row are Mission Specialists Kalpana Chawla (left) and Laurel Clark; in the rear are Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon, Payload Commander Michael Anderson and Mission Specialist David Brown. Ramon is the first astronaut from Israel to fly on a Shuttle. The 16-day mission is devoted to research and will include more than 80 experiments that will study Earth and space science, advanced technology development, and astronaut health and safety. The payload on Space Shuttle Columbia includes FREESTAR (Fast Reaction Experiments Enabling Science, Technology, Applications and Research) and the SHI Research Double Module (SHI/RDM), known as SPACEHAB. Experiments on the module range from material sciences to life sciences. Liftoff is scheduled for 10:39 a.m. EST. [Photo courtesy of Scott Andrews] KSC-03pd0109

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - . The STS-107 crew, waving to onlookers, exits the Operations and Checkout Building on their way to Launch Pad 39A for liftoff. Leading the way are Pilot William "Willie" McCool ( 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 suiting up in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From left are Mission Specialists Michael Go More

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

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

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Martin Wilson (left, in foreground), manager of Thermal Protection System (TPS) operations for United Space Alliance (USA), gives a tour of the hurricane-ravaged Thermal Protection System Facility to (from center) NASA Associate Administrator of Space Operations Mission Directorate William Readdy, NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe, Center Director James Kennedy and Director of Shuttle Processing Michael E. Wetmore. The TPSF, which creates the TPS tiles, blankets and all the internal thermal control systems for the Space Shuttles, is almost totally unserviceable at this time after losing approximately 35 percent of its roof during Hurricane Frances, which blew across Central Florida Sept. 4-5. O’Keefe and Readdy are visiting KSC to survey the damage sustained by KSC facilities from the hurricane. The Labor Day storm also caused significant damage to the Vehicle Assembly Building and Processing Control Center. Additionally, the Operations and Checkout Building, Vertical Processing Facility, Hangar AE, Hangar S and Hangar AF Small Parts Facility each received substantial damage. However, well-protected and unharmed were NASA’s three Space Shuttle orbiters - Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour - along with the Shuttle launch pads, all of the critical flight hardware for the orbiters and the International Space Station, and NASA’s Swift spacecraft that is awaiting launch in October. KSC-04pd1850

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Martin Wilson (left, in foreground), manager of Thermal Protection System (TPS) operations for United Space Alliance (USA), gives a tour of the hurricane-ravaged Thermal Protection More

In the Operations and Checkout Building's suitup room, Carlos Gillis (left) and Leonard Groce (right)help STS-99 Pilot Dominic Gorie with his suit check. Gillis and Groce are with United Space Alliance. Gorie and other crew members Commander Kevin Kregel, and Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, Gerhard Thiele of Germany and Mamoru Mohri of Japan are preparing for launch of their mission on Feb. 11 at 12:30 p.m. EST aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Landing is expected at KSC on Feb. 22 at 4:36 p.m. EST KSC00pp0202

In the Operations and Checkout Building's suitup room, Carlos Gillis (left) and Leonard Groce (right)help STS-99 Pilot Dominic Gorie with his suit check. Gillis and Groce are with United Space Alliance. Gorie a More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Liberty Star (left) tows the Pegasus barge through Port Canaveral, the last leg of its journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to Kennedy Space Center. The barge carries the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115. A tugboat will continue the journey upriver to the Turn Basin where, after off-loading, the tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-118, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd1013

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Liberty Star (left) tows the Pegasus barge through Port Canaveral, the last leg of its journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to Kennedy Space Center. The b More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Processing for mission STS-107 continues in the Operations and Checkout Building as the tunnel that will connect Space Shuttle Columbia's crew compartment to the SPACEHAB module is moved into a transportation canister. A research mission, the primary payload of STS-107 is the SHI Research Double Module (SHI/RDM) or SPACEHAB, making its first flight. The experiments on board will range from material sciences to life sciences (many rats). STS-107 is scheduled to launch July 19, 2002 KSC-02pd0651

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Processing for mission STS-107 continues in the Operations and Checkout Building as the tunnel that will connect Space Shuttle Columbia's crew compartment to the SPACEHAB module is More

STS117-S-006 (8 June 2007) --- After suiting up, the STS-117 crewmembers exit the Operations and Checkout Building to board the Astrovan, which will take them to launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center. On the right (front to back) are astronauts Rick Sturckow, commander; Steven Swanson, Clayton Anderson and Jim Reilly (center back), all mission specialists. On the left (front to back) are astronauts Lee Archambault, pilot; Patrick Forrester and John "Danny" Olivas, both mission specialists. Anderson will join Expedition 15 in progress to serve as a flight engineer aboard the International Space Station. Atlantis will link up with the International Space Station on Sunday, June 10, to begin a joint mission that will increase the complex's power generation capability. Using the shuttle and station robotic arms and conducting three scheduled spacewalks, the astronauts will install another set of giant solar array wings on the station and retract another array, preparing it for a future move. STS117-S-006

STS117-S-006 (8 June 2007) --- After suiting up, the STS-117 crewmembers exit the Operations and Checkout Building to board the Astrovan, which will take them to launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center. On the r More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Richard Arnold completes putting on his launch-and-entry suit, including the helmet, 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-2009-2040

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Richard Arnold completes putting on his launch-and-entry suit, including the More