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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the mobile launcher parking area behind the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new mobile launcher, or ML, for the Ares rockets is under construction. The ML will be the base to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new mobile launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-3140

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the mobile launcher parking area behind the ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the mobile launcher parking area behind the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new mobile launcher, or ML, for the Ares rockets is under construc... More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturn Apollo Program. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

Saturn Apollo Program. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) played a crucial role in the development of the huge Saturn rockets that delivered humans to the moon in the 1960s. Many unique facilities existed at MSFC for the develo... More

Saturn Apollo Program. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

Saturn Apollo Program. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) played a crucial role in the development of the huge Saturn rockets that delivered humans to the moon in the 1960s. Many unique facilities existed at MSFC for the develo... More

Saturn Apollo Program. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

Saturn Apollo Program. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) played a crucial role in the development of the huge Saturn rockets that delivered humans to the moon in the 1960s. Many unique facilities existed at MSFC for the develo... More

Saturn Apollo Program. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

Saturn Apollo Program. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) played a crucial role in the development of the huge Saturn rockets that delivered humans to the moon in the 1960s. Many unique facilities existed at MSFC for the develo... More

Saturn Apollo Program Random Motion/ Lift-Off Simulator

Saturn Apollo Program Random Motion/ Lift-Off Simulator

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) played a crucial role in the development of the huge Saturn rockets that delivered humans to the moon in the 1960s. Many unique facilities existed at MSFC for the develo... More

Random Motion/ Lift-Off Simulator - Saturn Apollo Program

Random Motion/ Lift-Off Simulator - Saturn Apollo Program

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) played a crucial role in the development of the huge Saturn rockets that delivered humans to the moon in the 1960s. Many unique facilities existed at MSFC for the develo... More

Saturn Apollo Program Random Motion/ Lift-Off Simulator

Saturn Apollo Program Random Motion/ Lift-Off Simulator

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) played a crucial role in the development of the huge Saturn rockets that delivered humans to the moon in the 1960s. Many unique facilities existed at MSFC for the develo... More

Saturn Apollo Program Random Motion/ Lift-Off Simulator

Saturn Apollo Program Random Motion/ Lift-Off Simulator

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) played a crucial role in the development of the huge Saturn rockets that delivered humans to the moon in the 1960s. Many unique facilities existed at MSFC for the develo... More

Around Marshall - Random Motion/ Lift-Off Simulator

Around Marshall - Random Motion/ Lift-Off Simulator

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) played a crucial role in the development of the huge Saturn rockets that delivered humans to the moon in the 1960s. Many unique facilities existed at MSFC for the develo... More

Random Motion/ Lift-Off Simulator - Saturn Apollo Program

Random Motion/ Lift-Off Simulator - Saturn Apollo Program

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) played a crucial role in the development of the huge Saturn rockets that delivered humans to the moon in the 1960s. Many unique facilities existed at MSFC for the develo... More

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) played a crucial role in the development of the huge Saturn rockets that delivered humans to the moon in the 1960s. Many unique facilities existed at MSFC for the development and testing of the Saturn rockets. Affectionately nicknamed “The Arm Farm”, the Random Motion/ Lift-Off Simulator was one of those unique facilities. This facility was developed to test the swing arm mechanisms that were used to hold the rocket in position until liftoff. The Arm Farm provided the capability of testing the detachment and reconnection of various arms under brutally realistic conditions. The 18-acre facility consisted of more than a half dozen arm test positions and one position for testing access arms used by the Apollo astronauts. Each test position had two elements: a vehicle simulator for duplicating motions during countdown and launch; and a section duplicating the launch tower. The vehicle simulator duplicated the portion of the vehicle skin that contained the umbilical connections and personnel access hatches. Driven by a hydraulic servo system, the vehicle simulator produced relative motion between the vehicle and tower. On the Arm Farm, extreme environmental conditions (such as a launch scrub during an approaching Florida thunderstorm) could be simulated. The dramatic scenes that the Marshall engineers and technicians created at the Arm Farm permitted the gathering of crucial technical and engineering data to ensure a successful real time launch from the Kennedy Space Center. This photo depicts a close up of the S-IV-B aft swing arm cam lever stop strain guage. n/a

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) played a crucial role in the d...

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) played a crucial role in the development of the huge Saturn rockets that delivered humans to the moon in the 1960s. Many unique facilities existed at MSFC for the develo... More

Saturn Apollo Program machinery

Saturn Apollo Program machinery

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) played a crucial role in the development of the huge Saturn rockets that delivered humans to the moon in the 1960s. Many unique facilities existed at MSFC for the develo... More

Saturn Apollo Program Random Motion/ Lift-Off Simulator

Saturn Apollo Program Random Motion/ Lift-Off Simulator

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) played a crucial role in the development of the huge Saturn rockets that delivered humans to the moon in the 1960s. Many unique facilities existed at MSFC for the develo... More

“The Arm Farm”, the Random Motion/ Lift-Off Simulator

“The Arm Farm”, the Random Motion/ Lift-Off Simulator

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) played a crucial role in the development of the huge Saturn rockets that delivered humans to the moon in the 1960s. Many unique facilities existed at MSFC for the develo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The interior of NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure is outfitted with solid steel flooring, lights, air conditioning, electrical boxes and sprinkler piping at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 355-foot-tall structure will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. The next step will be to add ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. For information on NASA's future plans, visit www.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-4436

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The interior of NASA's new mobile launcher, or...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The interior of NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure is outfitted with solid steel flooring, lights, air conditioning, electrical boxes and sprinkler piping at NASA's Ken... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers monitor the progress of a crawler-transporter as it moves NASA's new mobile launcher (ML) support structure from a construction site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building to the Mobile Launcher east park site. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. Once there, the ML can be outfitted with ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. It took about two years to construct the 355-foot-tall structure, which will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2010-4964

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This panoramic view shows NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure standing tall at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It took about two years to construct the launcher in the Mobile Launcher Park site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB. The 355-foot-tall structure will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. The next step will be to add ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. For information on NASA's future plans, visit www.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2010-4455

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This panoramic view shows NASA's new mobile la...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This panoramic view shows NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure standing tall at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It took about two years to construct the launcher ... More

The Goodyear Blimp passes near the Space Transportation System (STS) shuttle. The shuttle, with access arms in place, is undergoing preparations prior to its maiden flight

The Goodyear Blimp passes near the Space Transportation System (STS) s...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Kennedy Space Center State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released to Publ... More

The Space Transportation System (STS) shuttle Columbia, with access arms in place, at Launch Pad 39. The shuttle is undergoing preparations prior to its maiden flight

The Space Transportation System (STS) shuttle Columbia, with access ar...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Kennedy Space Center State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released to Publ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, access arms from the fixed service structure at Launch Pad 39A are in place against space shuttle Discovery, secured atop the mobile launch platform below, as final prelaunch processing for the STS-124 mission begins at the pad. The 3.4-mile journey from the Vehicle Assembly Building began at 11:47 p.m. on May 2. The shuttle arrived at the launch pad at 4:25 a.m. EDT May 3 and was secured, or hard down, by 6:06 a.m. On the 13-day mission, Discovery and its crew will deliver the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Japanese Experiment Module – Pressurized Module and the Japanese Remote Manipulator System. Launch is targeted for May 31. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd1111

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, access arms fr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, access arms from the fixed service structure at Launch Pad 39A are in place against space shuttle Discovery, secured atop the mobile launch platform below... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, access arms from the fixed service structure at Launch Pad 39A are extended toward space shuttle Discovery, secured atop the mobile launch platform below, as final prelaunch processing for the STS-124 mission gets under way at the pad. The 3.4-mile journey from the Vehicle Assembly Building began at 11:47 p.m. on May 2. The shuttle arrived at the launch pad at 4:25 a.m. EDT May 3 and was secured, or hard down, by 6:06 a.m. On the 13-day mission, Discovery and its crew will deliver the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Japanese Experiment Module – Pressurized Module and the Japanese Remote Manipulator System. Launch is targeted for May 31. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd1107

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, access arms fr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, access arms from the fixed service structure at Launch Pad 39A are extended toward space shuttle Discovery, secured atop the mobile launch platform below,... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Mobile Launcher truss, T4, has been offloaded from its truck on grounds near the mobile launcher parking area. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new mobile launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd4030

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, t...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Mobile Launcher truss, T4, has been offloaded from its truck on grounds near the mobile launcher parking area. The new mobile launcher w... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The mobile launcher truss, T4, arrives at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It will be used to build the new mobile launcher for the Constellation Program. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new mobile launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd4029

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The mobile launcher truss, T4, arrives at NA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The mobile launcher truss, T4, arrives at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It will be used to build the new mobile launcher for the Constellation Program. The new mobile launch... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Near the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the trusses, T4, for the new mobile launcher lies on the ground. The launcher will be built for the Constellation Program. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new mobile launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd4079

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Near the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA'...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Near the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the trusses, T4, for the new mobile launcher lies on the ground. The launcher will be built for t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Near the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane places on the ground one of the trusses, T4, to build the new mobile launcher for the Constellation Program. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new mobile launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd4078

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Near the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Near the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane places on the ground one of the trusses, T4, to build the new mobile launcher for the Constellatio... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Near the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane offloads from a transporter one of the trusses, T4, to build the new mobile launcher for the Constellation Program. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new mobile launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd4077

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Near the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Near the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane offloads from a transporter one of the trusses, T4, to build the new mobile launcher for the Conste... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Mobile Launcher truss, T4, arrives at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It is being delivered for the new mobile launcher to be used in the Constellation Program. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new mobile launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd4076

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Mobile Launcher truss, T4, arrives at NA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Mobile Launcher truss, T4, arrives at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It is being delivered for the new mobile launcher to be used in the Constellation Program. The new mo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the barge carrying a girder for a new mobile launcher is moved closer to the ramp. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new mobile launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-1579

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the barge carrying a girder for a new mobile launcher is moved closer to the ramp. The new mobil... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Trestles and girders for a new mobile launcher arrive by barge at the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The new launcher will be the base for the Constellation Program's Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new mobile launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1564

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Trestles and girders for a new mobile launcher ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Trestles and girders for a new mobile launcher arrive by barge at the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The new launcher will be the bas... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a long transporter moves closer to the barge for offloading of the girder for a new mobile launcher. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new mobile launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-1581

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a long transporter moves closer to the barge for offloading of the girder for a new mobile launc... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An aerial view of the Launch Complex 39 Area NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida shows the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building looming over the landscape. In the foreground is the turn basin, where a barge holds trestles and girders for the new mobile launcher. The new launcher will be the base for the Constellation Program's Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new mobile launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1565

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An aerial view of the Launch Complex 39 Area NA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An aerial view of the Launch Complex 39 Area NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida shows the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building looming over the landscape. In the foreground is the... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A girder for a new mobile launcher is ready for offloading at the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new mobile launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-1578

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A girder for a new mobile launcher is ready for...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A girder for a new mobile launcher is ready for offloading at the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The new mobile launcher will be the ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A long transporter moves past the Vehicle Assembly toward the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The vehicle will be used to offload a girder for a new mobile launcher from the barge docked at the turn basin. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new mobile launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-1580

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A long transporter moves past the Vehicle Assem...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A long transporter moves past the Vehicle Assembly toward the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The vehicle will be used to offload a gi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After being offloaded from a barge at the turn basin at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the girder for the new mobile launcher moves past the Vehicle Assembly Building. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new mobile launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-1620

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After being offloaded from a barge at the turn ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After being offloaded from a barge at the turn basin at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the girder for the new mobile launcher moves past the Vehicle Assembly Building. The new m... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After being offloaded from a barge at the turn basin at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the girder for the new mobile launcher arrives at the mobile launcher parking area behind the Vehicle Assembly Building. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new mobile launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-1622

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After being offloaded from a barge at the turn ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After being offloaded from a barge at the turn basin at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the girder for the new mobile launcher arrives at the mobile launcher parking area behind t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After being offloaded from a barge at the turn basin at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the girder for the new mobile launcher moves to the mobile launcher parking area behind the Vehicle Assembly Building. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new mobile launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-1621

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After being offloaded from a barge at the turn ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After being offloaded from a barge at the turn basin at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the girder for the new mobile launcher moves to the mobile launcher parking area behind the... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the turn basin at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the girder for the new mobile launcher is moved from the barge onto the loading area. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new mobile launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-1619

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the turn basin at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the turn basin at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the girder for the new mobile launcher is moved from the barge onto the loading area. The new mobile launcher will be the bas... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the turn basin at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a tug boat keeps the barge in place for the offloading of the girder for the new mobile launcher. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new mobile launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-1617

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the turn basin at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the turn basin at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a tug boat keeps the barge in place for the offloading of the girder for the new mobile launcher. The new mobile launcher wil... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the turn basin at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the girder for the new mobile launcher rests on a long transporter that will move it off the barge. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new mobile launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-1618

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the turn basin at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the turn basin at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the girder for the new mobile launcher rests on a long transporter that will move it off the barge. The new mobile launcher ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a new mobile launcher is under construction for the Constellation Program. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-2181

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a new mobile launcher is under construction for the Constellation Program. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to lau... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a new mobile launcher is under construction for the Constellation Program. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-2183

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a new mobile launcher is under construction for the Constellation Program. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to lau... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a new mobile launcher is under construction for the Constellation Program. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-2182

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a new mobile launcher is under construction for the Constellation Program. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to lau... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, construction continues on a new mobile launcher for the Constellation Program. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new launcher is complete, umbilical lines, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2236

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, construction continues on a new mobile launcher for the Constellation Program. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, construction continues on a new mobile launcher for the Constellation Program. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new launcher is complete, umbilical lines, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2235

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, construction continues on a new mobile launcher for the Constellation Program. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, construction continues on a new mobile launcher for the Constellation Program. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new launcher is complete, umbilical lines, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2234

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, construction continues on a new mobile launcher for the Constellation Program. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, construction continues on a new mobile launcher for the Constellation Program. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new launcher is complete, umbilical lines, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2237

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, construction continues on a new mobile launcher for the Constellation Program. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the mobile launcher parking area behind the Vehicle Assembly Building, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new mobile launcher, or ML, for the Ares rockets is under construction. The ML will be the base to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new mobile launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-3142

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the mobile launcher parking area behind the ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the mobile launcher parking area behind the Vehicle Assembly Building, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new mobile launcher, or ML, for the Ares rockets is under construc... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the mobile launcher parking area behind the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new mobile launcher, or ML, (at right) for the Ares rockets is under construction. The ML will be the base to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new mobile launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-3141

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the mobile launcher parking area behind the ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the mobile launcher parking area behind the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new mobile launcher, or ML, (at right) for the Ares rockets is unde... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the mobile launcher parking area behind the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new mobile launcher, or ML, (at top) for the Ares rockets is under construction. The ML will be the base to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new mobile launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-3143

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the mobile launcher parking area behind the ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the mobile launcher parking area behind the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new mobile launcher, or ML, (at top) for the Ares rockets is under ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An aerial view shows the crawler-transporter at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on the crawlerway that stretches from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the launch pads. Used now to take the shuttles to the launch pads, the crawler also will be used to move the Ares rockets on the mobile launcher, or ML, to the launch pad. A new mobile launcher is being built to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new mobile launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-3144

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An aerial view shows the crawler-transporter at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An aerial view shows the crawler-transporter at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on the crawlerway that stretches from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the launch pads. Used now to ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the mobile launcher parking area behind the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new mobile launcher, or ML, for the Ares rockets is under construction. The ML will be the base to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new mobile launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-3139

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the mobile launcher parking area behind the ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the mobile launcher parking area behind the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new mobile launcher, or ML, for the Ares rockets is under construct... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, construction is under way on a new mobile launcher for the Constellation Program. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new launcher is complete, umbilical lines, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-3879

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, construction is under way on a new mobile launcher for the Constellation Program. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, construction is under way on a new mobile launcher for the Constellation Program. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new launcher is complete, umbilical lines, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-3876

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, construction is under way on a new mobile launcher for the Constellation Program. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, construction is under way on a new mobile launcher for the Constellation Program. The mobile launcher park site is behind the Vehicle Assembly Building (in the background). The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new launcher is complete, umbilical lines, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-3878

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, construction is under way on a new mobile launcher for the Constellation Program. The mobile launcher park site is behind the Vehicle Assemb... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, construction is under way on a new mobile launcher for the Constellation Program. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new launcher is complete, umbilical lines, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-3877

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, construction is under way on a new mobile launcher for the Constellation Program. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, construction is under way on a new mobile launcher for the Constellation Program. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new launcher is complete, umbilical lines, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-3880

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, construction is under way on a new mobile launcher for the Constellation Program. The new mobile launcher will be the base for the Ares rockets... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the mobile launcher parking area behind the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new mobile launcher, or ML, for the Ares rockets is under construction. The ML will be the base to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new mobile launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-4996

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the mobile launcher parking area behind the...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the mobile launcher parking area behind the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new mobile launcher, or ML, for the Ares rockets is under construc... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This aerial view shows the heart of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39 Area with the 525-foot tall Vehicle Assembly Building dominating. At lower right is the mobile launcher parking area where the new mobile launcher, or ML, for the Ares rockets is under construction. The ML will be the base to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new mobile launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-4998

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This aerial view shows the heart of NASA Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This aerial view shows the heart of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39 Area with the 525-foot tall Vehicle Assembly Building dominating. At lower right is the mobile launcher... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Huge cranes are employed in building the new mobile launcher behind NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building for the Constellation Program's Ares rockets. The ML will be the base to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new mobile launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-5176

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Huge cranes are employed in building the new mo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Huge cranes are employed in building the new mobile launcher behind NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building for the Constellation Program's Ares rockets. The ML will be the... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Huge cranes are employed in building the new mobile launcher behind NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building for the Constellation Program's Ares rockets. The ML will be the base to launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle and the cargo vehicle. The base is being made lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the added load of the 345-foot tower and taller rocket. When the structural portion of the new mobile launcher is complete, umbilicals, access arms, communications equipment and command/control equipment will be installed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-5175

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Huge cranes are employed in building the new mo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Huge cranes are employed in building the new mobile launcher behind NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building for the Constellation Program's Ares rockets. The ML will be the... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Constellation Program Manager Dale Thomas talks to employees at a completion ceremony for NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure. The ceremony was held underneath the structure's launch mount opening. It took about two years to construct the launcher in the Mobile Launcher Park site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB. The 355-foot-tall structure will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. The next step will be to add ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. For information on NASA's future plans, visit www.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2010-4358

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Constellation Program Manager Dale Thomas talks to employees at a completion ceremony for NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure, consisting of a base, a tower and a launch mount, is complete. It took about two years to construct the launcher in the Mobile Launcher Park site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB. The 355-foot-tall structure will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. The next step will be to add ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. For information on NASA's future plans, visit www.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2010-4363

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure, consisting of a base, a tower and a launch mount, is complete. It took about two years to... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Constellation Senior Project Manager Larry Schultz talks to employees at a completion ceremony for NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure. The ceremony was held underneath the structure's launch mount opening. It took about two years to construct the launcher in the Mobile Launcher Park site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB. The 355-foot-tall structure will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. The next step will be to add ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. For information on NASA's future plans, visit www.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2010-4359

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Constellation Senior Project Manager Larry Schultz talks to employees at a completion ceremony for NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support s... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the tower of NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure is seen from the structure's base. It took about two years to construct the launcher in the Mobile Launcher Park site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB. The 355-foot-tall structure will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. The next step will be to add ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. For information on NASA's future plans, visit www.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2010-4360

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the tower of NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure is seen from the structure's base. It took about two years to construct the l... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, is seen from the tower of NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure. It took about two years to construct the launcher in the Mobile Launcher Park site, north of the VAB. The 355-foot-tall structure will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. The next step will be to add ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. For information on NASA's future plans, visit www.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2010-4361

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, is seen from the tower of NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure. It took ab... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the tower of NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure is seen through its launch mount opening. It took about two years to construct the launcher in the Mobile Launcher Park site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB. The 355-foot-tall structure will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. The next step will be to add ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. For information on NASA's future plans, visit www.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2010-4356

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the tower of NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure is seen through its launch mount opening. It took about two years to construc... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana talks to employees at a completion ceremony for NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure. The ceremony was held underneath the structure's launch mount opening. It took about two years to construct the launcher in the Mobile Launcher Park site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB. The 355-foot-tall structure will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. The next step will be to add ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. For information on NASA's future plans, visit www.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2010-4357

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana talks to employees at a completion ceremony for NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure. The ce... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the crawler-transporters are seen from the tower of NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure. It took about two years to construct the launcher in the Mobile Launcher Park site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB. The 355-foot-tall structure will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. The next step will be to add ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. For information on NASA's future plans, visit www.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2010-4362

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the crawler-transporters are seen from the tower of NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure. It took about two years to construct ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The interior of NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure is outfitted with solid steel flooring, lights, air conditioning, electrical boxes and sprinkler piping at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 355-foot-tall structure will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. The next step will be to add ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. For information on NASA's future plans, visit www.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-4437

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The interior of NASA's new mobile launcher, or...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The interior of NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure is outfitted with solid steel flooring, lights, air conditioning, electrical boxes and sprinkler piping at NASA's Ken... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Cape Canaveral National Seashore is seen from the tower of NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure. It took about two years to construct the launcher in the Mobile Launcher Park site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB. The 355-foot-tall structure will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. The next step will be to add ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. For information on NASA's future plans, visit www.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-4435

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Cape Canaveral National Seashore is seen from the tower of NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure. It took about two years to... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Launch Pad 39A is seen in the distance from the tower of NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure. It took about two years to construct the launcher in the Mobile Launcher Park site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB. The 355-foot-tall structure will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. The next step will be to add ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. For information on NASA's future plans, visit www.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-4434

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Launch Pad 39A is seen in the distance from the tower of NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure. It took about two years to const... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure stands tall at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It took about two years to construct the launcher in the Mobile Launcher Park site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB. The 355-foot-tall structure will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. The next step will be to add ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. For information on NASA's future plans, visit www.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-4439

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support str...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure stands tall at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It took about two years to construct the launcher in the Mobile Launcher Park ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the top of the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, is seen from the tower of NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure. It took about two years to construct the launcher in the Mobile Launcher Park site, north of the VAB. The 355-foot-tall structure will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. The next step will be to add ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. For information on NASA's future plans, visit www.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-4433

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the top of the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, is seen from the tower of NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure stands tall at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It took about two years to construct the launcher in the Mobile Launcher Park site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB. The 355-foot-tall structure will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. The next step will be to add ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. For information on NASA's future plans, visit www.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-4440

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support str...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure stands tall at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It took about two years to construct the launcher in the Mobile Launcher Park ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure stands next to the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB. It took about two years to construct the launcher in the Mobile Launcher Park site, north of the VAB. The 355-foot-tall structure will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. The next step will be to add ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. For information on NASA's future plans, visit www.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-4438

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure stands next to the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB. It took about two year... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This panoramic view shows NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure standing tall at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It took about two years to construct the launcher in the Mobile Launcher Park site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB. The 355-foot-tall structure will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. The next step will be to add ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. For information on NASA's future plans, visit www.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2010-4456

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This panoramic view shows NASA's new mobile la...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This panoramic view shows NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure standing tall at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It took about two years to construct the launcher ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This panoramic view of NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure was taken from the top deck of the space shuttle's mobile launcher platform at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It took about two years to construct the new launcher in the Mobile Launcher Park site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB. The 355-foot-tall structure will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. The next step will be to add ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. For information on NASA's future plans, visit www.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2010-4457

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This panoramic view of NASA's new mobile launc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This panoramic view of NASA's new mobile launcher, or ML, support structure was taken from the top deck of the space shuttle's mobile launcher platform at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter moves toward to NASA's new mobile launcher (ML) support structure. The crawler will transport the ML from a construction site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building, to the Mobile Launcher east park site. Once there, the ML can be outfitted with ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. It took about two years to construct the 355-foot-tall structure, which will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2010-4878

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter approaches NASA's new mobile launcher (ML) support structure. The crawler will transport the ML from a construction site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building, to the Mobile Launcher east park site. Once there, the ML can be outfitted with ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. It took about two years to construct the 355-foot-tall structure, which will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2010-4879

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter is in place under NASA's new mobile launcher (ML) support structure. The crawler will transport the ML from a construction site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building, to the Mobile Launcher east park site. Once there, the ML can be outfitted with ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. It took about two years to construct the 355-foot-tall structure, which will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2010-4882

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers move a crawler-transporter under NASA's new mobile launcher (ML) support structure. The crawler will transport the ML from a construction site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building, to the Mobile Launcher east park site. Once there, the ML can be outfitted with ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. It took about two years to construct the 355-foot-tall structure, which will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2010-4881

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter moves under NASA's new mobile launcher (ML) support structure. The crawler will transport the ML from a construction site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building, to the Mobile Launcher east park site. Once there, the ML can be outfitted with ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. It took about two years to construct the 355-foot-tall structure, which will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2010-4880

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter moves NASA's new mobile launcher (ML) support structure from a construction site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building (right), to the Mobile Launcher east park site. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. Once there, the ML can be outfitted with ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. It took about two years to construct the 355-foot-tall structure, which will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray KSC-2010-4967

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter moves NASA's new mobile launcher (ML) support structure from a construction site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building to the Mobile Launcher east park site. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. Once there, the ML can be outfitted with ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. It took about two years to construct the 355-foot-tall structure, which will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2010-4963

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter moves NASA's new mobile launcher (ML) support structure from a construction site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building, to the Mobile Launcher east park site. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. Once there, the ML can be outfitted with ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. It took about two years to construct the 355-foot-tall structure, which will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph KSC-2010-4957

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter moves NASA's new mobile launcher (ML) support structure from a construction site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building, to the Mobile Launcher east park site. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. Once there, the ML can be outfitted with ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. It took about two years to construct the 355-foot-tall structure, which will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph KSC-2010-4956

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter moves NASA's new mobile launcher (ML) support structure from a construction site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building (background), to the Mobile Launcher east park site. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. Once there, the ML can be outfitted with ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. It took about two years to construct the 355-foot-tall structure, which will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray KSC-2010-4966

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter moves NASA's new mobile launcher (ML) support structure from a construction site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building, to the Mobile Launcher east park site. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. Once there, the ML can be outfitted with ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. It took about two years to construct the 355-foot-tall structure, which will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2010-4959

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter moves NASA's new mobile launcher (ML) support structure from a construction site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building, to the Mobile Launcher east park site. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. Once there, the ML can be outfitted with ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. It took about two years to construct the 355-foot-tall structure, which will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2010-4961

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter moves NASA's new mobile launcher (ML) support structure from a construction site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building (right), to the Mobile Launcher east park site. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. Once there, the ML can be outfitted with ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. It took about two years to construct the 355-foot-tall structure, which will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray KSC-2010-4968

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers monitor the progress of a crawler-transporter as it moves NASA's new mobile launcher (ML) support structure from a construction site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building to the Mobile Launcher east park site. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. Once there, the ML can be outfitted with ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. It took about two years to construct the 355-foot-tall structure, which will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2010-4965

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter moves NASA's new mobile launcher (ML) support structure from a construction site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building (left), to the Mobile Launcher east park site. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. Once there, the ML can be outfitted with ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. It took about two years to construct the 355-foot-tall structure, which will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2010-4960

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter moves NASA's new mobile launcher (ML) support structure from a construction site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building, to the Mobile Launcher east park site. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. Once there, the ML can be outfitted with ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. It took about two years to construct the 355-foot-tall structure, which will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph KSC-2010-4955

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter moves NASA's new mobile launcher (ML) support structure from a construction site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building (background), to the Mobile Launcher east park site. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. Once there, the ML can be outfitted with ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. It took about two years to construct the 355-foot-tall structure, which will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2010-4962

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter moves NASA's new mobile launcher (ML) support structure from a construction site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building (left), to the Mobile Launcher east park site. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. Once there, the ML can be outfitted with ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. It took about two years to construct the 355-foot-tall structure, which will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2010-4953

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crawler-transporter moves NASA's new mobile launcher (ML) support structure from a construction site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building, to the Mobile Launcher east park site. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. Once there, the ML can be outfitted with ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. It took about two years to construct the 355-foot-tall structure, which will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2010-4954

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

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

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