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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-115 crew members stride out of ...

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Huge clouds roll over Launch Pad 39B where Space Shuttle Atlantis still sits after the scrub of its launch on mission STS-115. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch at 12:29 p.m. EDT on this date, but a 24-hour scrub was called by mission managers due to a concern with fuel cell 1. Towering above the shuttle is the 80-foot lightning mast. At left is the rolled-back rotating service structure with the payload changeout room open. Just above the orange external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the space shuttle vehicle. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd2055

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Huge clouds roll over Launch Pad 39B w...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Huge clouds roll over Launch Pad 39B where Space Shuttle Atlantis still sits after the scrub of its launch on mission STS-115. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch at 12:... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-92 crew gather outside the gate to Launch Pad 39A where Space Shuttle Discovery waits in the background for liftoff Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT. From left to right are Commander Brian Duffy, Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy, and Mission Specialists Leroy Chiao, William S. McArthur Jr., Peter J.K. “Jeff” Wisoff, Michael E. Lopez-Alegria and Koichi Wakata of Japan. The mission payload includes Integrated Truss Structure Z-1, an early exterior framework to allow the first U.S. solar arrays on a future flight to be temporarily installed on Unity for early power; Ku-band communication to support early science capability and U.S. television; and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter to provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. The 11-day mission will include four spacewalks KSC-00pp1486

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-92 crew gather outside the gate...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-92 crew gather outside the gate to Launch Pad 39A where Space Shuttle Discovery waits in the background for liftoff Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT. From left to right are Command... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The morning sky lightens behind Space Shuttle Atlantis while lights on the fixed service structure (FSS) still illuminate the orbiter on Launch Pad 39B. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch at 12:29 p.m. EDT on this date, but a 24-hour scrub was called by mission managers due to a concern with Fuel Cell 1. Seen poised above the orange external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the space shuttle vehicle. Extending from the FSS to Atlantis is the orbiter access arm with the White Room at the end. The White Room provides entry into the orbiter through the hatch. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-06pd2050

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The morning sky lightens behind Space ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The morning sky lightens behind Space Shuttle Atlantis while lights on the fixed service structure (FSS) still illuminate the orbiter on Launch Pad 39B. Atlantis was originally s... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The rotating service structure (left) on Launch Pad 39B is rolled back to reveal Space Shuttle Atlantis. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad and then is rolled away before liftoff. Atlantis is scheduled to launch Sept. 6 at 12:29 p.m. EDT on mission STS-115. During the mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned KSC landing at about 8:03 a.m. EDT on Sept. 17. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd2039

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The rotating service structure (left) o...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The rotating service structure (left) on Launch Pad 39B is rolled back to reveal Space Shuttle Atlantis. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servi... More

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During suitup in the Operations and Che...

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the news media are briefed on the agency's Space Launch System SLS Program Todd May, program manager for Space Launch Systems SLS at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The briefing took place in the spaceport's Booster Fabrication Facility BFF. During the Space Shuttle Program, the facility was used for processing forward segments and aft skirts for the solid rocket boosters. The BFF will serve a similar role for the SLS. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted flight test of Orion is scheduled to launch Dec. 4, 2014 atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket, and in 2018 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/orion Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4616

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the news media are briefed on the agency's Space Launch System SLS Program Todd May, program manager for Space Launch Systems SLS at ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, astronauts Terry Virts, left, and Charles Hobaugh familiarize themselves with the operation of the robotic workstation, or RWS, in the International Space Station's Cupola module. The RWS is provided by the Canadian Space Agency. The module was delivered by the European Space Agency in 2004 to Kennedy from Alenia Spazio in Turin, Italy. Cupola will provide unprecedented views of activities outside the station and spectacular views of the Earth. Crew members working inside the module will have a 360-degree panoramic view. Cupola has the capability for command and control workstations to be installed to assist in space station remote manipulator system and extra vehicular activities. Cupola is the final element of the space station core and is scheduled for launch on space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 mission, targeted for Dec. 10, 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-08pd2198

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, astronauts Terry Virts, left, and Charles Hobaugh familiarize themselves with the operation of the robotic worksta... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39-A, the STS-111 and Expedition Five crews take time out from a tour of the pad with their friends and family to pose for a group portrait. From left, they are STS-111 Pilot Paul Lockhart, STS-111 Commander Kenneth Cockrell, Expedition Five Commander Valeri Korzun (RSA), Expedition Five astronaut Peggy Whitson, Expedition Five cosmonaut Sergei Treschev (RSA), and STS-111 Mission Specialists Philippe Perrin (CNES) and Franklin Chang-Diaz. Expedition Five is traveling to the International Space Station on Space Shuttle Endeavour as the replacement crew for Expedition Four, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. Known as Utilization Flight 2, STS-111 is carrying supplies and equipment to the Station. The payload includes the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0814

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39-A, the STS-111 and Expe...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39-A, the STS-111 and Expedition Five crews take time out from a tour of the pad with their friends and family to pose for a group portrait. From left, they are STS-... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Flaming rockets propel Space Shuttle Atlantis off Launch Pad 39B for a rendezvous with the International Space Station on mission STS-115. In the background is the Atlantic Ocean. Appearing above the nose of the orbiter is the end of the gaseous vent line that leads from the hood, or beanie cap, which has been moved away from the shuttle for liftoff. Liftoff was on-time at 11:14:55 a.m. EDT. After several launch attempts were scrubbed due to weather and technical concerns, this launch was executed perfectly. Mission STS-115 is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC KSC-06pp2147

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Flaming rockets propel Space Shuttle Atl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Flaming rockets propel Space Shuttle Atlantis off Launch Pad 39B for a rendezvous with the International Space Station on mission STS-115. In the background is the Atlantic Ocean.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Twin columns of fire propel Space Shuttle Atlantis into a clear blue sky after liftoff from Launch Pad 39B. Atlantis is heading for a rendezvous with the International Space Station on mission STS-115. Liftoff was on-time at 11:14:55 a.m. EDT. After several launch attempts were scrubbed due to weather and technical concerns, this launch was executed perfectly. Mission STS-115 is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC KSC-06pp2149

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Twin columns of fire propel Space Shutt...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Twin columns of fire propel Space Shuttle Atlantis into a clear blue sky after liftoff from Launch Pad 39B. Atlantis is heading for a rendezvous with the International Space Stat... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Huge clouds billow on the horizon behind Space Shuttle Atlantis still sitting on Launch Pad 39B after the scrub of its launch on mission STS-115. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch at 12:29 p.m. EDT on this date, but a 24-hour scrub was called by mission managers due to a concern with fuel cell 1. Towering above the shuttle is the 80-foot lightning mast. At left is the rolled-back rotating service structure with the payload changeout room open. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd2056

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Huge clouds billow on the horizon behin...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Huge clouds billow on the horizon behind Space Shuttle Atlantis still sitting on Launch Pad 39B after the scrub of its launch on mission STS-115. Atlantis was originally scheduled... 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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Storm clouds gather behind Space Shuttle Atlantis on Launch Pad 39B. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch on Aug. 27, but a scrub was called by mission managers due to a concern with fuel cell 1. Towering above the shuttle is the 80-foot lightning mast. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd2064

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Storm clouds gather behind Space Shutt...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Storm clouds gather behind Space Shuttle Atlantis on Launch Pad 39B. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch on Aug. 27, but a scrub was called by mission managers due to ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the rotating service structure on Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Atlantis shines in the late afternoon sun. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad and then is rolled away before liftoff. At right is the 300,000-gallon water tank that releases a deluge of water across the mobile launcher platform during liftoff to aid sound suppression. Atlantis is scheduled to launch Sept. 6 at 12:29 p.m. EDT on mission STS-115. During the mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned KSC landing at about 8:03 a.m. EDT on Sept. 17. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd2045

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the rotating service ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the rotating service structure on Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Atlantis shines in the late afternoon sun. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for ... More

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

STS117-S-006 (8 June 2007) --- After suiting up, the STS-117 crewmembe...

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Twin columns of fire propel Space Shuttle Atlantis into a clear blue sky after liftoff from Launch Pad 39B. At left is the fixed service structure, topped by the lightning mast. Clouds of smoke and steam nearly obscure the pad. Atlantis is heading for a rendezvous with the International Space Station on mission STS-115. Liftoff was on-time at 11:14:55 a.m. EDT. After several launch attempts were scrubbed due to weather and technical concerns, this launch was executed perfectly. Mission STS-115 is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC KSC-06pp2153

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Twin columns of fire propel Space Shutt...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Twin columns of fire propel Space Shuttle Atlantis into a clear blue sky after liftoff from Launch Pad 39B. At left is the fixed service structure, topped by the lightning mast. ... More

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, center, talks to Milt Heflin on the USS Anchorage on the first day of Orion Underway Recovery Test 3. Heflin was a former space shuttle flight director and Mission Operations executive with experience as a recovery engineer for several Apollo, Skylab and Apollo-Soyuz Test Project missions. At left is Brandi Dean, NASA Public Affairs Office. The ship will head out to sea, off the coast of San Diego, in search of conditions to support test needs for a full dress rehearsal of recovery operations. NASA, Lockheed Martin and U.S. Navy personnel will conduct tests in the Pacific Ocean to prepare for recovery of the Orion crew module on its return from a deep space mission. The test will allow the teams to demonstrate and evaluate the recovery processes, procedures, hardware and personnel in open waters. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is conducting the underway recovery tests. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket and in 2018 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2014-3946

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, center, talks t...

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden, center, talks to Milt Heflin on the USS Anchorage on the first day of Orion Underway Recovery Test 3. Heflin was a former space shuttle flight director and... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1, STS-88 Mission Specialists Sergei Krikalev (left), a Russian cosmonaut; and James H. Newman look over equipment for their upcoming flight. The STS-88 crew members are participating in a Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT), familiarizing themselves with the orbiter's midbody and crew compartments. Targeted for liftoff on Dec. 3, 1998, STS-88 will be the first Space Shuttle launch for assembly of the International Space Station (ISS). The primary payload is the Unity connecting module which will be mated to the Russian-built Zarya control module, expected to be already on orbit after a November launch from Russia. The first major U.S.-built component of ISS, Unity will serve as a connecting passageway to living and working areas of the space station. Unity has two attached pressurized mating adapters (PMAs) and one stowage rack installed inside. PMA-1 provides the permanent connection point between Unity and Zarya; PMA-2 will serve as a Space Shuttle docking port. Zarya is a self-supporting active vehicle, providing propulsive control capability and power during the early assembly stages. It also has fuel storage capability KSC-98pc1221

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the Orbiter Processing Facility B...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1, STS-88 Mission Specialists Sergei Krikalev (left), a Russian cosmonaut; and James H. Newman look over equipment for their upcoming fli... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Clad in their blue flight suits, STS-88 Mission Specialists (from left) Sergei Krikalev, a cosmonaut from Russia; Jerry L. Ross; and James H. Newman examine equipment from a toolbox that will be on the Space Shuttle Endeavour during their flight. Talking to Ross is Wayne Wedlake of United Space Alliance at Johnson Space Center, while Henry Thacker (facing camera), of Flight Crew Systems at KSC, looks on. Launch of mission STS-88 is targeted for Dec. 3, 1998. The STS-88 crew members are participating in a Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT) in the Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 to familiarize themselves with the orbiter's midbody and crew compartments. STS-88 will be the first Space Shuttle launch for assembly of the International Space Station (ISS). The primary payload is the Unity connecting module which will be mated to the Russian-built Zarya control module, expected to be already on orbit after a November launch from Russia. The first major U.S.-built component of ISS, Unity will serve as a connecting passageway to living and working areas of the space station. Unity has two attached pressurized mating adapters (PMAs) and one stowage rack installed inside. PMA-1 provides the permanent connection point between Unity and Zarya; PMA-2 will serve as a Space Shuttle docking port. Zarya is a self-supporting active vehicle, providing propulsive control capability and power during the early assembly stages. It also has fuel storage capability KSC-98pc1215

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Clad in their blue flight suits, STS-88 ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Clad in their blue flight suits, STS-88 Mission Specialists (from left) Sergei Krikalev, a cosmonaut from Russia; Jerry L. Ross; and James H. Newman examine equipment from a toolbo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside Space Shuttle orbiter Endeavour in the Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1, workers James Neilhouse (left) and Melissa Groening (right) watch while STS-88 Mission Specialists James H. Newman (second from left) and Sergei Krikalev, a Russian cosmonaut, check overhead equipment. STS-88 crew members are participating in a Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT), familiarizing themselves with the orbiter's midbody and crew compartments. Targeted for liftoff on Dec. 3, 1998, STS-88 will be the first Space Shuttle launch for assembly of the International Space Station (ISS). The primary payload is the Unity connecting module which will be mated to the Russian-built Zarya control module, expected to be already on orbit after a November launch from Russia. The first major U.S.-built component of ISS, Unity will serve as a connecting passageway to living and working areas of the space station. Unity has two attached pressurized mating adapters (PMAs) and one stowage rack installed inside. PMA-1 provides the permanent connection point between Unity and Zarya; PMA-2 will serve as a Space Shuttle docking port. Zarya is a self-supporting active vehicle, providing propulsive control capability and power during the early assembly stages. It also has fuel storage capability. KSC-98pc1220

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside Space Shuttle orbiter Endeavour i...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside Space Shuttle orbiter Endeavour in the Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1, workers James Neilhouse (left) and Melissa Groening (right) watch while STS-88 Mission Specialists ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1, STS-88 Mission Specialists (left to right) Jerry L. Ross; Sergei Krikalev, a cosmonaut from Russia; and James H. Newman examine equipment that will be on the Space Shuttle Endeavour during their upcoming flight. Launch of Mission STS-88 is targeted for Dec. 3, 1998. The STS-88 crew members are participating in a Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT), familiarizing themselves with the orbiter's midbody and crew compartments. Other crew members are Commander Robert D. Cabana, Pilot Frederick W. "Rick" Sturckow and Mission Specialist Nancy J. Currie. STS-88 will be the first Space Shuttle launch for assembly of the International Space Station (ISS). The primary payload is the Unity connecting module which will be mated to the Russian-built Zarya control module, expected to be already on orbit after a November launch from Russia. The first major U.S.-built component of ISS, Unity will serve as a connecting passageway to living and working areas of the space station. Unity has two attached pressurized mating adapters (PMAs) and one stowage rack installed inside. PMA-1 provides the permanent connection point between Unity and Zarya; PMA-2 will serve as a Space Shuttle docking port. Zarya is a self-supporting active vehicle, providing propulsive control capability and power during the early assembly stages. It also has fuel storage capability KSC-98pc1213

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1, STS-88 Mission Specialists (left to right) Jerry L. Ross; Sergei Krikalev, a cosmonaut from Russia; and James H. Newman examine equipment ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1, STS-88 Mission Specialists Sergei Krikalev (left), a cosmonaut from Russia; and Jerry L. Ross examine equipment that will be aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour. Launch of mission STS-88 is targeted for Dec. 3, 1998. The STS-88 crew members are participating in a Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT), familiarizing themselves with the orbiter's midbody and crew compartments. Other crew members are Commander Robert D. Cabana, Pilot Frederick W. "Rick" Sturckow and Mission Specialists Nancy J. Currie and James H. Newman. STS-88 will be the first Space Shuttle launch for assembly of the International Space Station (ISS). The primary payload is the Unity connecting module which will be mated to the Russian-built Zarya control module, expected to be already on orbit after a November launch from Russia. The first major U.S.-built component of ISS, Unity will serve as a connecting passageway to living and working areas of the space station. Unity has two attached pressurized mating adapters (PMAs) and one stowage rack installed inside. PMA-1 provides the permanent connection point between Unity and Zarya; PMA-2 will serve as a Space Shuttle docking port. Zarya is a self-supporting active vehicle, providing propulsive control capability and power during the early assembly stages. It also has fuel storage capability KSC-98pc1214

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1, STS-88 Mission Specialists Sergei Krikalev (left), a cosmonaut from Russia; and Jerry L. Ross examine equipment that will be aboard Space ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1, STS-88 Commander Robert D. Cabana watches from inside Space Shuttle orbiter Endeavour as worker Tracey Hackett cleans the outside of a window. The STS-88 crew members are participating in a Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT), familiarizing themselves with the orbiter's midbody and crew compartments. Targeted for liftoff on Dec. 3, 1998, STS-88 will be the first Space Shuttle launch for assembly of the International Space Station (ISS). The primary payload is the Unity connecting module which will be mated to the Russian-built Zarya control module, expected to be already on orbit after a November launch from Russia. The first major U.S.-built component of ISS, Unity will serve as a connecting passageway to living and working areas of the space station. Unity has two attached pressurized mating adapters (PMAs) and one stowage rack installed inside. PMA-1 provides the permanent connection point between Unity and Zarya; PMA-2 will serve as a Space Shuttle docking port. Zarya is a self-supporting active vehicle, providing propulsive control capability and power during the early assembly stages. It also has fuel storage capability KSC-98pc1227

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1, STS-88 Commander Robert D. Cabana watches from inside Space Shuttle orbiter Endeavour as worker Tracey Hackett cleans the outside of a win... More

HAWTHORNE, Calif. -- NASA astronauts and industry experts check out the crew accommodations in the Dragon spacecraft under development by Space Exploration Technologies SpaceX of Hawthorne, Calif., for the agency's Commercial Crew Program. On top, from left, are NASA Crew Survival Engineering Team Lead Dustin Gohmert, NASA astronauts Tony Antonelli and Lee Archambault, and SpaceX Mission Operations Engineer Laura Crabtree. On bottom, from left, are SpaceX Thermal Engineer Brenda Hernandez and NASA astronauts Rex Walheim and Tim Kopra. In 2011, NASA selected SpaceX during Commercial Crew Development Round 2 CCDev2) activities to mature the design and development of a crew transportation system with the overall goal of accelerating a United States-led capability to the International Space Station. The goal of CCP is to drive down the cost of space travel as well as open up space to more people than ever before by balancing industry’s own innovative capabilities with NASA's 50 years of human spaceflight experience. Six other aerospace companies also are maturing launch vehicle and spacecraft designs under CCDev2, including Alliant Techsystems Inc. ATK, The Boeing Co., Excalibur Almaz Inc., Blue Origin, Sierra Nevada, and United Launch Alliance ULA. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Image credit: Space Exploration Technologies KSC-2012-1824

HAWTHORNE, Calif. -- NASA astronauts and industry experts check out th...

HAWTHORNE, Calif. -- NASA astronauts and industry experts check out the crew accommodations in the Dragon spacecraft under development by Space Exploration Technologies SpaceX of Hawthorne, Calif., for the agen... More

HAWTHORNE, Calif. -- NASA astronaut Rex Walheim checks out the Dragon spacecraft under development by Space Exploration Technologies SpaceX of Hawthorne, Calif., for the agency's Commercial Crew Program. In 2011, NASA selected SpaceX during Commercial Crew Development Round 2 CCDev2) activities to mature the design and development of a crew transportation system with the overall goal of accelerating a United States-led capability to the International Space Station. The goal of CCP is to drive down the cost of space travel as well as open up space to more people than ever before by balancing industry’s own innovative capabilities with NASA's 50 years of human spaceflight experience. Six other aerospace companies also are maturing launch vehicle and spacecraft designs under CCDev2, including Alliant Techsystems Inc. ATK, The Boeing Co., Excalibur Almaz Inc., Blue Origin, Sierra Nevada, and United Launch Alliance ULA. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Image credit: Space Exploration Technologies KSC-2012-1826

HAWTHORNE, Calif. -- NASA astronaut Rex Walheim checks out the Dragon ...

HAWTHORNE, Calif. -- NASA astronaut Rex Walheim checks out the Dragon spacecraft under development by Space Exploration Technologies SpaceX of Hawthorne, Calif., for the agency's Commercial Crew Program. In 201... More

HAWTHORNE, Calif. -- NASA astronauts and industry experts are monitored while they check out the crew accommodations in the Dragon spacecraft under development by Space Exploration Technologies SpaceX of Hawthorne, Calif., for the agency's Commercial Crew Program. In 2011, NASA selected SpaceX during Commercial Crew Development Round 2 CCDev2) activities to mature the design and development of a crew transportation system with the overall goal of accelerating a United States-led capability to the International Space Station. The goal of CCP is to drive down the cost of space travel as well as open up space to more people than ever before by balancing industry’s own innovative capabilities with NASA's 50 years of human spaceflight experience. Six other aerospace companies also are maturing launch vehicle and spacecraft designs under CCDev2, including Alliant Techsystems Inc. ATK, The Boeing Co., Excalibur Almaz Inc., Blue Origin, Sierra Nevada, and United Launch Alliance ULA. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Image credit: Space Exploration Technologies KSC-2012-1825

HAWTHORNE, Calif. -- NASA astronauts and industry experts are monitore...

HAWTHORNE, Calif. -- NASA astronauts and industry experts are monitored while they check out the crew accommodations in the Dragon spacecraft under development by Space Exploration Technologies SpaceX of Hawtho... More

An overhead crane is positioned on the nose fairing covering the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) in order to lift it up the tower at Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It will be mated with the Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket, which is already stacked, for launch on June 29. The satellite will augment the TDRS system’s existing Sand Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the Space Shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit KSC-00pp0761

An overhead crane is positioned on the nose fairing covering the Track...

An overhead crane is positioned on the nose fairing covering the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) in order to lift it up the tower at Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It will be mated... More

An overhead crane is positioned on the nose fairing covering the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) in order to lift it up the tower at Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It will be mated with the Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket, which is already stacked, for launch on June 29. The satellite will augment the TDRS system’s existing Sand Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the Space Shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit KSC00pp0761

An overhead crane is positioned on the nose fairing covering the Track...

An overhead crane is positioned on the nose fairing covering the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) in order to lift it up the tower at Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It will be mated... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the STS-92 crew line up on the runway at KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility after arriving to take part in a Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT). From left are Mission Specialists Jeff Wisoff and Michael Lopez-Alegria, Commander Brian Duffy, Pilot Pam Melroy, and Mission Specialists Koichi Wakata, Bill McArthur and Leroy Chiao. Wakata is with the Japanese space agency. During the CEIT, the crew will spend time at SPACEHAB becoming familiar with the payload and equipment they will use on their mission to the International Space Station. The mission payload includes the Integrated Truss Structure Z1, an early exterior framework to allow the first U.S. solar arrays on a future flight to be temporarily installed on Unity for early power; Ku-band communication to support early science capability and U.S. television; and PMA-3 to provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 from launch Pad 39A KSC00pp0902

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the STS-92 crew line up on th...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the STS-92 crew line up on the runway at KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility after arriving to take part in a Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT). From left are Mission Spec... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the STS-92 crew line up on the runway at KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility after arriving to take part in a Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT). From left are Mission Specialists Jeff Wisoff and Michael Lopez-Alegria, Commander Brian Duffy, Pilot Pam Melroy, and Mission Specialists Koichi Wakata, Bill McArthur and Leroy Chiao. Wakata is with the Japanese space agency. During the CEIT, the crew will spend time at SPACEHAB becoming familiar with the payload and equipment they will use on their mission to the International Space Station. The mission payload includes the Integrated Truss Structure Z1, an early exterior framework to allow the first U.S. solar arrays on a future flight to be temporarily installed on Unity for early power; Ku-band communication to support early science capability and U.S. television; and PMA-3 to provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 from launch Pad 39A KSC-00pp0902

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the STS-92 crew line up on th...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the STS-92 crew line up on the runway at KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility after arriving to take part in a Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT). From left are Mission Spec... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-92 Pilot Pam Melroy arrives at KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility to take part in a Crew Equipment Interface Test. She and other crew members Commander Brian Duffy and Mission Specialists Koichi Wakata, Leroy Chiao, Jeff Wisoff, Michael Lopez-Alegria and Bill McArthur will spend time at SPACEHAB becoming familiar with the payload and equipment they will use on their mission to the International Space Station. Wakata is with the Japanese space agency. The mission payload includes the Integrated Truss Structure Z1, an early exterior framework to allow the first U.S. solar arrays on a future flight to be temporarily installed on Unity for early power; Ku-band communication to support early science capability and U.S. television; and PMA-3 to provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 from launch Pad 39A KSC-00pp0901

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-92 Pilot Pam Melroy arrives at KSC’s...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-92 Pilot Pam Melroy arrives at KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility to take part in a Crew Equipment Interface Test. She and other crew members Commander Brian Duffy and Mission Spec... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-92 Pilot Pam Melroy arrives at KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility to take part in a Crew Equipment Interface Test. She and other crew members Commander Brian Duffy and Mission Specialists Koichi Wakata, Leroy Chiao, Jeff Wisoff, Michael Lopez-Alegria and Bill McArthur will spend time at SPACEHAB becoming familiar with the payload and equipment they will use on their mission to the International Space Station. Wakata is with the Japanese space agency. The mission payload includes the Integrated Truss Structure Z1, an early exterior framework to allow the first U.S. solar arrays on a future flight to be temporarily installed on Unity for early power; Ku-band communication to support early science capability and U.S. television; and PMA-3 to provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 from launch Pad 39A KSC00pp0901

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-92 Pilot Pam Melroy arrives at KSC’s...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-92 Pilot Pam Melroy arrives at KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility to take part in a Crew Equipment Interface Test. She and other crew members Commander Brian Duffy and Mission Spec... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-92 crew gather outside the gate to Launch Pad 39A where Space Shuttle Discovery waits in the background for liftoff Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT. From left to right are Commander Brian Duffy, Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy, and Mission Specialists Leroy Chiao, William S. McArthur Jr., Peter J.K. “Jeff” Wisoff, Michael E. Lopez-Alegria and Koichi Wakata of Japan. The mission payload includes Integrated Truss Structure Z-1, an early exterior framework to allow the first U.S. solar arrays on a future flight to be temporarily installed on Unity for early power; Ku-band communication to support early science capability and U.S. television; and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter to provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. The 11-day mission will include four spacewalks KSC00pp1486

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-92 crew gather outside the gate...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-92 crew gather outside the gate to Launch Pad 39A where Space Shuttle Discovery waits in the background for liftoff Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT. From left to right are Command... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-92 crew gather outside the gate to Launch Pad 39A where the sign on the gate identifies Space Shuttle Discovery in the background. From left to right are Commander Brian Duffy, Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy, and Mission Specialists Leroy Chiao, William S. McArthur Jr., Peter J.K. “Jeff” Wisoff, Michael E. Lopez-Alegria and Koichi Wakata of Japan. The mission payload includes Integrated Truss Structure Z-1, an early exterior framework to allow the first U.S. solar arrays on a future flight to be temporarily installed on Unity for early power; Ku-band communication to support early science capability and U.S. television; and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter to provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. The 11-day mission will include four spacewalks. Liftoff is scheduled for Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT KSC00pp1485

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-92 crew gather outside the gate...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-92 crew gather outside the gate to Launch Pad 39A where the sign on the gate identifies Space Shuttle Discovery in the background. From left to right are Commander Brian D... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-92 crew gather outside the gate to Launch Pad 39A where the sign on the gate identifies Space Shuttle Discovery in the background. From left to right are Commander Brian Duffy, Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy, and Mission Specialists Leroy Chiao, William S. McArthur Jr., Peter J.K. “Jeff” Wisoff, Michael E. Lopez-Alegria and Koichi Wakata of Japan. The mission payload includes Integrated Truss Structure Z-1, an early exterior framework to allow the first U.S. solar arrays on a future flight to be temporarily installed on Unity for early power; Ku-band communication to support early science capability and U.S. television; and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter to provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. The 11-day mission will include four spacewalks. Liftoff is scheduled for Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT KSC-00pp1485

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-92 crew gather outside the gate...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-92 crew gather outside the gate to Launch Pad 39A where the sign on the gate identifies Space Shuttle Discovery in the background. From left to right are Commander Brian D... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-92 crew happily wave to onlookers as they gather gather outside the gate to Launch Pad 39A where Space Shuttle Discovery waits in the background for liftoff Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT. From left to right are Commander Brian Duffy, Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy, and Mission Specialists Leroy Chiao, William S. McArthur Jr., Peter J.K. “Jeff” Wisoff, Michael E. Lopez-Alegria and Koichi Wakata of Japan. The mission payload includes Integrated Truss Structure Z-1, an early exterior framework to allow the first U.S. solar arrays on a future flight to be temporarily installed on Unity for early power; Ku-band communication to support early science capability and U.S. television; and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter to provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. The 11-day mission will include four spacewalks. stallation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. The 11-day mission will include four spacewalks KSC-00pp1487

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-92 crew happily wave to onlooke...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-92 crew happily wave to onlookers as they gather gather outside the gate to Launch Pad 39A where Space Shuttle Discovery waits in the background for liftoff Oct. 5 at 9:38... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-92 crew happily wave to onlookers as they gather gather outside the gate to Launch Pad 39A where Space Shuttle Discovery waits in the background for liftoff Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT. From left to right are Commander Brian Duffy, Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy, and Mission Specialists Leroy Chiao, William S. McArthur Jr., Peter J.K. “Jeff” Wisoff, Michael E. Lopez-Alegria and Koichi Wakata of Japan. The mission payload includes Integrated Truss Structure Z-1, an early exterior framework to allow the first U.S. solar arrays on a future flight to be temporarily installed on Unity for early power; Ku-band communication to support early science capability and U.S. television; and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter to provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. The 11-day mission will include four spacewalks. stallation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. The 11-day mission will include four spacewalks KSC00pp1487

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-92 crew happily wave to onlooke...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-92 crew happily wave to onlookers as they gather gather outside the gate to Launch Pad 39A where Space Shuttle Discovery waits in the background for liftoff Oct. 5 at 9:38... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rolled back, Space Shuttle Discovery is revealed on the Mobile Launcher Platform at Launch Pad 39A. Discovery is being readied for the STS-92 mission launch to the International Space Station (ISS). At the top is the 13-foot-wide “beanie cap,” at the end of the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm, designed to vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle. Lower is the Orbiter Access Arm with the environmental chamber, known as the “white room,” extended to the orbiter. The chamber provides entry for the crew into the orbiter and also serves as emergency egress up to 7 minutes 24 seconds before launch. The STS-92 mission payload includes Integrated Truss Structure Z-1, an early exterior framework to allow the first U.S. solar arrays on a future flight to be temporarily installed on Unity for early power; Ku-band communication to support early science capability and U.S. television; and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter to provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. The 11-day mission will include four spacewalks. Liftoff is scheduled for Oct. 6 at 9:16 p.m. EDT KSC00pp1493

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rol...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rolled back, Space Shuttle Discovery is revealed on the Mobile Launcher Platform at Launch Pad 39A. Discovery is being readied for the STS-92 m... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rolled back, Space Shuttle Discovery is revealed on the Mobile Launcher Platform at Launch Pad 39A. Discovery is being readied for the STS-92 mission launch to the International Space Station (ISS). At the top is the 13-foot-wide “beanie cap,” at the end of the Gaseous Oxygen Vent Arm, designed to vent gaseous oxygen vapors away from the Space Shuttle. Lower is the Orbiter Access Arm with the environmental chamber, known as the “white room,” extended to the orbiter. The chamber provides entry for the crew into the orbiter and also serves as emergency egress up to 7 minutes 24 seconds before launch. The STS-92 mission payload includes Integrated Truss Structure Z-1, an early exterior framework to allow the first U.S. solar arrays on a future flight to be temporarily installed on Unity for early power; Ku-band communication to support early science capability and U.S. television; and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter to provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. The 11-day mission will include four spacewalks. Liftoff is scheduled for Oct. 6 at 9:16 p.m. EDT KSC-00pp1493

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rol...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- With the Rotating Service Structure rolled back, Space Shuttle Discovery is revealed on the Mobile Launcher Platform at Launch Pad 39A. Discovery is being readied for the STS-92 m... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-111 crew spend time in the Space Station Processing Facility learning more about the payload they will be transporting: The Mobile Base System (MBS). Standing left to right in the back row are Expedition Five Commander Valeri Kozun, with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency; Mission Specialist Phillippe Perrin, with the French space agency CNES; Pilot Paul Lockhart; trainer Chris Hardcastle; Mission Specialist Franklin Chang-Diaz; and Commander Ken Cockrell. Flanked by trainers in the front row is (center) Peggy Whitson, another of the Expedition Five crew who will ferried to the International Space Station. The MBS will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the Truss to work sites. The Expedition Five crew will be replacing Expedition Four. Launch of Endeavour on mission STS-111 is scheduled for April 18, 2002 KSC-01pp1510

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-111 crew spend time in the Space...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-111 crew spend time in the Space Station Processing Facility learning more about the payload they will be transporting: The Mobile Base System (MBS). Standing left to rig... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Astronaut Peggy Whitson, a member of the Expedition 5 crew, points to a part of the equipment she is using as part of familiarization for the mission. She and other crew members Commander Valeri Korzun and Sergei Treschev will be traveling to the International Space Station on mission STS-111 and will be replacing the Expedition 4 crew. Part of the payload on STS-111 will be the Mobile Base System, to be installed installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab fixture to the MSS and travel along the Truss to work sites. STS-111 is scheduled to launch in May 2002 KSC01PD1869

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Astronaut Peggy Whitson, a member of the...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Astronaut Peggy Whitson, a member of the Expedition 5 crew, points to a part of the equipment she is using as part of familiarization for the mission. She and other crew members Co... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Astronaut Peggy Whitson, a member of the Expedition 5 crew, practices using equipment in the Space Station Processing Facility. She and other crew members Commander Valeri Korzun and Sergei Treschev will be traveling to the International Space Station on mission STS-111 and will be replacing the Expedition 4 crew. Part of the payload on STS-111 will be the Mobile Base System, to be installed installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab fixture to the MSS and travel along the Truss to work sites. STS-111 is scheduled to launch in May 2002 KSC01PD1868

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Astronaut Peggy Whitson, a member of the...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Astronaut Peggy Whitson, a member of the Expedition 5 crew, practices using equipment in the Space Station Processing Facility. She and other crew members Commander Valeri Korzun ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-111 Mission Specialists Phillippe Perrin (left) and Franklin Chang-Diaz (right) check equipment for their mission. Perrin is with the French Space Agency (CNES). Perrin and Chang-Diaz, with other crew members, are taking part in a Crew Equipment Interface Test in preparation for launch. Mission STS-111 will carry to the International Space Station the Multipurpose Logistics Module (MPLM), filled with experiment racks and three stowage and resupply racks, and the Mobile Base System (MBS), which will attach to the Mobile Transporter and complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS. The Station's mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites on the Station. Launch of Endeavour on mission STS-111 is scheduled for May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0503

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-111 Mission Specialists Phillippe Perrin (left) and Franklin Chang-Diaz (right) check equipment for their mission. Perrin is with the Frenc... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During emergency egress training at the pad, STS-111 Mission Specialist Franklin Chang-Diaz (left, foreground) and Commander Kenneth Cockrell share a lighthearted moment. Behind Chang-Diaz is Expedition 5 Commander Valeri Korzun. The training is part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which also include a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-111 is known as Utilization Flight 2, carrying supplies and equipment in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo to the International Space Station. The payload also includes the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Expedition 5 will travel to the Station on Endeavour as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0700

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During emergency egress training at the p...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During emergency egress training at the pad, STS-111 Mission Specialist Franklin Chang-Diaz (left, foreground) and Commander Kenneth Cockrell share a lighthearted moment. Behind Ch... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During emergency egress training on the Launch Pad 39A, STS-111 Mission Specialist Philippe Perrin, with the French Space Agency, and Expedition 5 crew member Sergei Treschev, with the Russian Space Agency, get directions about using the slidewire basket they are standing in. The training for the two crews is part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which also include a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-111 is known as Utilization Flight 2, carrying supplies and equipment in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo to the International Space Station. The payload also includes the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Expedition 5 will travel to the Station on Endeavour as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0702

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During emergency egress training on the ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During emergency egress training on the Launch Pad 39A, STS-111 Mission Specialist Philippe Perrin, with the French Space Agency, and Expedition 5 crew member Sergei Treschev, with... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition 5 crew members test the slidewire basket on Launch Pad 39A as part of emergency egress training at the pad. From left are Sergei Treschev, Peggy Whitson and Commander Valeri Korzun. The training is part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities for Expedition 5 and the STS-111 crew. The TCDT also includes a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-111 is known as Utilization Flight 2, carrying supplies and equipment in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo to the International Space Station. The payload also includes the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Expedition 5 will travel to the Station on Endeavour as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0698

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition 5 crew members test the slid...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition 5 crew members test the slidewire basket on Launch Pad 39A as part of emergency egress training at the pad. From left are Sergei Treschev, Peggy Whitson and Commander ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During emergency egress training at the pad, Expedition 5 member Peggy Whitson, STS-111 Pilot Paul Lockhart and Expedition 5 Commander Valeri Korzun look over the slidewire basket area. The training for the two crews is part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which also include a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-111 is known as Utilization Flight 2, carrying supplies and equipment in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo to the International Space Station. The payload also includes the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Expedition 5 will travel to the Station on Endeavour as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0701

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During emergency egress training at the ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During emergency egress training at the pad, Expedition 5 member Peggy Whitson, STS-111 Pilot Paul Lockhart and Expedition 5 Commander Valeri Korzun look over the slidewire basket ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-111 Paul Lockhart waves after getting into his launch and entry suit. The mission crew, plus the Expedition 5 crew, are taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which includes a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-111 is known as Utilization Flight 2, carrying supplies and equipment in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo to the International Space Station. The payload also includes the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Expedition 5 will travel to the Station on Endeavour as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0703

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-111 Paul Lockhart waves after getti...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-111 Paul Lockhart waves after getting into his launch and entry suit. The mission crew, plus the Expedition 5 crew, are taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-111 Commander Kenneth Cockrell gets ready to climb into the T-38 jet aircraft for his return to Houston. The STS-111 and Expedition 5 crews have completed Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities that include emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. Expedition 5 will travel to the International Space Station on mission STS-111 as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. Mission STS-111 is known as Utilization Flight 2, carrying supplies and equipment in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo to the International Space Station. The payload also includes the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0731

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-111 Commander Kenneth Cockrell gets r...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-111 Commander Kenneth Cockrell gets ready to climb into the T-38 jet aircraft for his return to Houston. The STS-111 and Expedition 5 crews have completed Terminal Countdown Dem... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-111 Commander Kenneth Cockrell speaks to the media before leaving KSC along with his crew and Expedition 5. They have been taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities that include emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-111 is known as Utilization Flight 2, carrying supplies and equipment in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo to the International Space Station. The payload also includes the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Expedition 5 will travel to the International Space Station on mission STS-111 as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0725

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-111 Commander Kenneth Cockrell speaks...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-111 Commander Kenneth Cockrell speaks to the media before leaving KSC along with his crew and Expedition 5. They have been taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Astronaut Peggy Whitson (center), along with other Expedition 5 members Commander Valeri Korzun (left) and cosmonaut Sergei Treschev (right), speaks to the media before departing KSC after completing Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities that include emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. Expedition 5 will travel to the International Space Station on mission STS-111 as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. Mission STS-111 is known as Utilization Flight 2, carrying supplies and equipment in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo to the International Space Station. The payload also includes the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0729

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Astronaut Peggy Whitson (center), along...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Astronaut Peggy Whitson (center), along with other Expedition 5 members Commander Valeri Korzun (left) and cosmonaut Sergei Treschev (right), speaks to the media before departing ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition 5 Commander Valeri Korzun (with microphone) speaks to the media before leaving KSC. Behind him (left to right) are STS-111 Commander Kenneth Cockrell and Pilot Paul Lockhart; astronaut Peggy Whitson and cosmonaut Sergei Treschev; Mission Specialists Philippe Perrin and Franklin Chang-Diaz. Korzun and Treschev are with the Russian Space Agency; Perrin is with the French Space Agency. They have been taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities that include emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. Expedition 5 will travel to the International Space Station on mission STS-111 as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. Mission STS-111 is known as Utilization Flight 2, carrying supplies and equipment in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo to the International Space Station. The payload also includes the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0726

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition 5 Commander Valeri Korzun (w...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition 5 Commander Valeri Korzun (with microphone) speaks to the media before leaving KSC. Behind him (left to right) are STS-111 Commander Kenneth Cockrell and Pilot Paul Lo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Expedition 5 crew gets ready to depart KSC after several days of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. TCDT includes emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. Expedition 5 will travel to the International Space Station on mission STS-111 as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. Mission STS-111 is known as Utilization Flight 2, carrying supplies and equipment in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo to the International Space Station. The payload also includes the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0723

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Expedition 5 crew gets ready to depar...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Expedition 5 crew gets ready to depart KSC after several days of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. TCDT includes emergency egress training and a simulated launc... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-111 Pilot Paul Lockhart sits in the T-38 jet aircraft for his return to Houston. The STS-111 and Expedition 5 crews have completed Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities that include emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. Expedition 5 will travel to the International Space Station on mission STS-111 as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. Mission STS-111 is known as Utilization Flight 2, carrying supplies and equipment in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo to the International Space Station. The payload also includes the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0733

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-111 Pilot Paul Lockhart sits in the T...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-111 Pilot Paul Lockhart sits in the T-38 jet aircraft for his return to Houston. The STS-111 and Expedition 5 crews have completed Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activiti... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities at Launch Pad 39A, the Expedition 5 and STS-111 crews pose on the 295-foot level. Standing, left to right, are Pilot Paul Lockhart, and the Expedition 5 crew Peggy Whitson, Commander Valeri Korzun and Sergei Treschev. Kneeling in front are Mission Specialist Philippe Perrin, Commander Kenneth Cockrell and Mission Specialist Franklin Chang-Diaz. Korzun and Treschev are with the Russian Space Agency, and Perrin is with the French Space Agency. Seen behind the crews are the top of the orange external tank and one of the white solid rocket boosters. The TCDT includes emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-111 is known as Utilization Flight 2, carrying supplies and equipment in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo to the International Space Station. The payload also includes the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Expedition 5 will travel to the Station on Endeavour as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0705

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During Terminal Countdown Demonstratio...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities at Launch Pad 39A, the Expedition 5 and STS-111 crews pose on the 295-foot level. Standing, left to right, are Pilot Pau... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After their arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-111 and Expedition 5 crews wave to spectators. From left are Mission Commander Kenneth Cockrell, Pilot Paul Lockhart and Mission Specialists Philippe Perrin and Franklin Chang-Diaz; Expedition 5 Commander Valeri Korzun, astronaut Peggy Whitson and cosmonaut Sergei Treschev. Perrin is with the French Space Agency; Korzun and Treschev are with the Russian Space Agency. The crews have arrived to prepare for launch. Expedition 5 is traveling to the International Space Station on Space Shuttle Endeavour as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. Known as Utilization Flight 2, STS-111 is carrying supplies and equipment to the Station. The payload includes the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0771

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After their arrival at the Shuttle Land...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After their arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-111 and Expedition 5 crews wave to spectators. From left are Mission Commander Kenneth Cockrell, Pilot Paul Lockhart ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After the STS-111 crew's arrival at KSC, Commander Kenneth Cockrell speaks to the media about the coming launch. Mission STS-111, known as Utilization Flight 2, is carrying supplies and equipment to the International Space Station. The payload includes the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Also on board will be Expedition 5, traveling to the Station on Space Shuttle Endeavour as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0770

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After the STS-111 crew's arrival at KSC, ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After the STS-111 crew's arrival at KSC, Commander Kenneth Cockrell speaks to the media about the coming launch. Mission STS-111, known as Utilization Flight 2, is carrying supplies... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition 5 cosmonaut Valeri Korzun, who is commander on the crew, arrives at KSC aboard a T-38 jet aircraft to prepare for launch on mission STS-111. Korzun is with the Russian Space Agency. Expedition 5 will travel to the Station on Space Shuttle Endeavour as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. Mission STS-111, known as Utilization Flight 2, is carrying supplies and equipment to the International Space Station. The payload includes the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0761

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition 5 cosmonaut Valeri Korzun, wh...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition 5 cosmonaut Valeri Korzun, who is commander on the crew, arrives at KSC aboard a T-38 jet aircraft to prepare for launch on mission STS-111. Korzun is with the Russian ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-111 Mission Specialist Franklin Chang-Diaz is happy to be returning to KSC to prepare for launch. Mission STS-111, known as Utilization Flight 2, is carrying supplies and equipment to the International Space Station. The payload includes the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Also on board will be Expedition 5, traveling to the Station on Space Shuttle Endeavour as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0765

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-111 Mission Specialist Franklin Cha...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-111 Mission Specialist Franklin Chang-Diaz is happy to be returning to KSC to prepare for launch. Mission STS-111, known as Utilization Flight 2, is carrying supplies and equi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition 5 cosmonaut Sergei Treschev, who is with the Russian Space Agency, waves from the T-38 jet aircraft before disembarking to prepare for launch on mission STS-111. Expedition 5 will travel to the Station on Space Shuttle Endeavour as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. Mission STS-111, known as Utilization Flight 2, is carrying supplies and equipment to the International Space Station. The payload includes the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0762

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition 5 cosmonaut Sergei Treschev, ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition 5 cosmonaut Sergei Treschev, who is with the Russian Space Agency, waves from the T-38 jet aircraft before disembarking to prepare for launch on mission STS-111. Expedi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition 5 crew members Commander Valeri Korzun, cosmonaut Sergei Treschev and astronaut Peggy Whitson get together after landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility to prepare for launch on mission STS-111. Korzun and Treschev are with the Russian Space Agency. Expedition 5 will travel to the Station on Space Shuttle Endeavour as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. Mission STS-111, known as Utilization Flight 2, is carrying supplies and equipment to the International Space Station. The payload includes the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0763

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition 5 crew members Commander Val...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition 5 crew members Commander Valeri Korzun, cosmonaut Sergei Treschev and astronaut Peggy Whitson get together after landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility to prepare for ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-111 Mission Specialist Philippe Perrin, with the French Space Agency, waits for the rest of the crew before departing for Crew Quarters. The crew has arrived to prepare for launch. Mission STS-111, known as Utilization Flight 2, is carrying supplies and equipment to the International Space Station. The payload includes the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Also on board will be Expedition 5, traveling to the Station on Space Shuttle Endeavour as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0769

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-111 Mission Specialist Philippe Perrin, with the French Space Agency, waits for the rest of the crew before departing for Crew Quarters. Th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition 5 Commander Valeri Korzun undergoes suit check as part of pre-launch activities. Korzun is with the Russian Space Agency. Part of Mission STS-111, Expedition 5 will travel to the International Space Station on Space Shuttle Endeavour as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. The mission, known as Utilization Flight 2, is carrying supplies and equipment to the Station. The payload includes the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0785

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition 5 Commander Valeri Korzun und...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition 5 Commander Valeri Korzun undergoes suit check as part of pre-launch activities. Korzun is with the Russian Space Agency. Part of Mission STS-111, Expedition 5 will tra... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-111 Mission Specialist Philippe Perrin, with the French Space Agency, undergoes suit check as part of pre-launch activities. The mission, known as Utilization Flight 2, is carrying supplies and equipment to the Station. The payload includes the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Also part of the mission, Expedition 5 will travel to the International Space Station as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0783

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-111 Mission Specialist Philippe Perri...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-111 Mission Specialist Philippe Perrin, with the French Space Agency, undergoes suit check as part of pre-launch activities. The mission, known as Utilization Flight 2, is carry... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition 5 cosmonaut Sergei Treschev undergoes suit check as part of pre-launch activities. Treschev is with the Russian Space Agency. Part of Mission STS-111, Expedition 5 will travel to the International Space Station on Space Shuttle Endeavour as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. The mission, known as Utilization Flight 2, is carrying supplies and equipment to the Station. The payload includes the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0782

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition 5 cosmonaut Sergei Treschev u...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition 5 cosmonaut Sergei Treschev undergoes suit check as part of pre-launch activities. Treschev is with the Russian Space Agency. Part of Mission STS-111, Expedition 5 will... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-111 Pilot Paul Lockhart is helped with his glove during suit check, part of pre-launch activities. The mission, known as Utilization Flight 2, is carrying supplies and equipment to the Station. The payload includes the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Also part of the mission, Expedition 5 will travel to the International Space Station as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0781

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-111 Pilot Paul Lockhart is helped w...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-111 Pilot Paul Lockhart is helped with his glove during suit check, part of pre-launch activities. The mission, known as Utilization Flight 2, is carrying supplies and equipm... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During suit check, part of pre-launch activities, Expedition 5 Commander Valeri Korzun gets help with his helmet. Korzun is with the Russian Space Agency. Part of Mission STS-111, Expedition 5 will travel to the International Space Station on Space Shuttle Endeavour as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. The mission, known as Utilization Flight 2, is carrying supplies and equipment to the Station. The payload includes the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0786

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During suit check, part of pre-launch act...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During suit check, part of pre-launch activities, Expedition 5 Commander Valeri Korzun gets help with his helmet. Korzun is with the Russian Space Agency. Part of Mission STS-111,... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition 5 astronaut Peggy Whitson undergoes suit check as part of pre-launch activities. Part of Mission STS-111, Expedition 5 will travel to the International Space Station on Space Shuttle Endeavour as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. Known as Utilization Flight 2, Endeavour is carrying supplies and equipment to the Station. The payload includes the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002 KSC-02pd0779

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition 5 astronaut Peggy Whitson un...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition 5 astronaut Peggy Whitson undergoes suit check as part of pre-launch activities. Part of Mission STS-111, Expedition 5 will travel to the International Space Station on... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-111 and Expedition 5 crews eagerly stride from the Operations and Checkout Building toward the waiting Astrovan that will take them to Launch Pad 39A and Space Shuttle Endeavour. From front to back are Pilot Paul Lockhart and Commander Kenneth Cockrell; astronaut Peggy Whitson and Expedition 5 Commander Valeri Korzun (RSA); cosmonaut Sergei Treschev (RSA); and Mission Specialists Philippe Perrin (CNES) and Franklin Chang-Diaz. STS-111 is the second Utilization Flight to the International Space Station, carrying the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the Mobile Base System (MBS), and a replacement wrist/roll joint for the Canadarm 2. Also onboard Space Shuttle Endeavour is the Expedition 5 crew who will replace Expedition 4 on board the Station. The MBS will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Expedition 4 crew members will return to Earth with the STS-111 crew on Endeavour. KSC-02pd0837

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-111 and Expedition 5 crews eager...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-111 and Expedition 5 crews eagerly stride from the Operations and Checkout Building toward the waiting Astrovan that will take them to Launch Pad 39A and Space Shuttle Ende... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-111 Mission Specialist Franklin Chang-Diaz suits up for launch, scheduled at 7:44 p.m. EDT, May 30, 2002. This is his seventh Shuttle flight, only the second astronaut to achieve that number. STS-111 is the second Utilization Flight to the International Space Station, carrying the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the Mobile Base System (MBS), and a replacement wrist/roll joint for the Canadarm 2. Also onboard Space Shuttle Endeavour is the Expedition 5 crew who will replace Expedition 4 on board the Station. The MBS will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Expedition 4 crew members will return to Earth with the STS-111 crew on Endeavour KSC-02pd0830

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-111 Mission Specialist Franklin Chan...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-111 Mission Specialist Franklin Chang-Diaz suits up for launch, scheduled at 7:44 p.m. EDT, May 30, 2002. This is his seventh Shuttle flight, only the second astronaut to achi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Launch and entry suits hang in readiness for the STS-111 crew. Launch is scheduled at 7:44 p.m. EDT, May 30, 2002. STS-111 is the second Utilization Flight to the International Space Station, carrying the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the Mobile Base System (MBS), and a replacement wrist/roll joint for the Canadarm 2. Also onboard Space Shuttle Endeavour is the Expedition 5 crew who will replace Expedition 4 on board the Station. The MBS will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Expedition 4 crew members will return to Earth with the STS-111 crew on Endeavour KSC-02pd0829

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Launch and entry suits hang in readiness ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Launch and entry suits hang in readiness for the STS-111 crew. Launch is scheduled at 7:44 p.m. EDT, May 30, 2002. STS-111 is the second Utilization Flight to the International Sp... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-111 and Expedition 5 crews look toward spectators as they head for the waiting Astrovan that that will take them to Launch Pad 39A and Space Shuttle Endeavour. From front to back are Pilot Paul Lockhart and Commander Kenneth Cockrell; astronaut Peggy Whitson; Expedition 5 cosmonaut Sergei Treschev (RSA) and Commander Valeri Korzun (RSA); and Mission Specialists Philippe Perrin (CNES) and Franklin Chang-Diaz. STS-111 is the second Utilization Flight to the International Space Station, carrying the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the Mobile Base System (MBS), and a replacement wrist/roll joint for the Canadarm 2. Also onboard Space Shuttle Endeavour is the Expedition 5 crew who will replace Expedition 4 on board the Station. The MBS will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Expedition 4 crew members will return to Earth with the STS-111 crew on Endeavour. KSC-02pd0838

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-111 and Expedition 5 crews look...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-111 and Expedition 5 crews look toward spectators as they head for the waiting Astrovan that that will take them to Launch Pad 39A and Space Shuttle Endeavour. From front... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The rotating service structure (left) on Launch Pad 39B begins rolling back to reveal Space Shuttle Atlantis. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad and then is rolled away before liftoff. Atlantis is scheduled to launch Sept. 6 at 12:29 p.m. EDT on mission STS-115. During the mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned KSC landing at about 8:03 a.m. EDT on Sept. 17. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd2038

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The rotating service structure (left) on...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The rotating service structure (left) on Launch Pad 39B begins rolling back to reveal Space Shuttle Atlantis. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and s... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The late afternoon sun highlights Space Shuttle Atlantis after rollback of the rotating service structure. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad and then is rolled away before liftoff. Seen above the golden external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the space shuttle vehicle. Below it, extending from the fixed service structure, is the orbiter access arm with the White Room at the end. The White Room provides entry into the orbiter. Atlantis is scheduled to launch Sept. 6 at 12:29 p.m. EDT on mission STS-115. During the mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned KSC landing at about 8:03 a.m. EDT on Sept. 17. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd2044

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The late afternoon sun highlights Spa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The late afternoon sun highlights Space Shuttle Atlantis after rollback of the rotating service structure. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and se... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Early evening shadows glide across Space Shuttle Atlantis after rollback of the rotating service structure on Launch Pad 39B. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad and then is rolled away before liftoff. In the background is the Atlantic Ocean. Extended from the fixed service structure at left is the orbiter access arm with the White Room at the end. The White Room provides entry into the orbiter. Seen above the golden external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the space shuttle vehicle. Atlantis is scheduled to launch Sept. 6 at 12:29 p.m. EDT on mission STS-115. During the mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned KSC landing at about 8:03 a.m. EDT on Sept. 17. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd2041

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Early evening shadows glide across Spa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Early evening shadows glide across Space Shuttle Atlantis after rollback of the rotating service structure on Launch Pad 39B. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter f... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The rotating service structure (left) on Launch Pad 39B is ready to roll away from Space Shuttle Atlantis in preparation for launch. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad and then is rolled away before liftoff. Atlantis is scheduled to launch Sept. 6 at 12:29 p.m. EDT on mission STS-115. During the mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned KSC landing at about 8:03 a.m. EDT on Sept. 17. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd2037

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The rotating service structure (left) on...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The rotating service structure (left) on Launch Pad 39B is ready to roll away from Space Shuttle Atlantis in preparation for launch. The RSS provides protected access to the orbi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Launch Pad 39B looks like a movie screen in this photo of Space Shuttle Atlantis after rollback of the rotating service structure. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad and then is rolled away before liftoff. At right is the 300,000-gallon water tank that releases a deluge of water across the mobile launcher platform during liftoff to aid sound suppression. Atlantis is scheduled to launch Sept. 6 at 12:29 p.m. EDT on mission STS-115. During the mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned KSC landing at about 8:03 a.m. EDT on Sept. 17. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd2042

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Launch Pad 39B looks like a movie scree...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Launch Pad 39B looks like a movie screen in this photo of Space Shuttle Atlantis after rollback of the rotating service structure. The RSS provides protected access to the orbite... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the rotating service structure on Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Atlantis is revealed. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad and then is rolled away before liftoff. Seen above the golden external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the space shuttle vehicle. Below it, extending from the fixed service structure, is the orbiter access arm with the White Room at the end. The White Room provides entry into the orbiter. Atlantis is scheduled to launch Sept. 6 at 12:29 p.m. EDT on mission STS-115. During the mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned KSC landing at about 8:03 a.m. EDT on Sept. 17. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd2040

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the rotating service ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After rollback of the rotating service structure on Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Atlantis is revealed. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicin... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The rotating service structure (left) on Launch Pad 39B is rolled back to reveal Space Shuttle Atlantis. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and servicing of payloads at the pad and then is rolled away before liftoff. Atlantis is scheduled to launch Sept. 6 at 12:29 p.m. EDT on mission STS-115. During the mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned KSC landing at about 8:03 a.m. EDT on Sept. 17. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd2043

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The rotating service structure (left) ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The rotating service structure (left) on Launch Pad 39B is rolled back to reveal Space Shuttle Atlantis. The RSS provides protected access to the orbiter for changeout and serv... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis is bathed in light on Launch Pad 39B. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch at 12:29 p.m. EDT on this date, but a 24-hour scrub was called by mission managers due to a concern with Fuel Cell 1. Seen poised above the orange external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the space shuttle vehicle. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd2048

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis is bathed in lig...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis is bathed in light on Launch Pad 39B. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch at 12:29 p.m. EDT on this date, but a 24-hour scrub was called by mission... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Clouds spread throughout the sky behind Launch Pad 39B where Space Shuttle Atlantis still sits after the scrub of its launch on mission STS-115. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch at 12:29 p.m. EDT on this date, but a 24-hour scrub was called by mission managers due to a concern with fuel cell 1. Towering above the shuttle is the 80-foot lightning mast. At right is the 300,000-gallon water tank that releases its contents onto the mobile launcher platform during liftoff to aid sound suppression. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd2057

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Clouds spread throughout the sky behind...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Clouds spread throughout the sky behind Launch Pad 39B where Space Shuttle Atlantis still sits after the scrub of its launch on mission STS-115. Atlantis was originally scheduled... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis is bathed in light on Launch Pad 39B. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch at 12:29 p.m. EDT on this date, but a 24-hour scrub was called by mission managers due to a concern with Fuel Cell 1. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd2047

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis is bathed in lig...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis is bathed in light on Launch Pad 39B. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch at 12:29 p.m. EDT on this date, but a 24-hour scrub was called by mission... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Huge clouds roll over Launch Pad 39B where Space Shuttle Atlantis still sits after the scrub of its launch on mission STS-115. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch at 12:29 p.m. EDT on this date, but a 24-hour scrub was called by mission managers due to a concern with fuel cell 1. Towering above the shuttle is the 80-foot lightning mast. At right is the 300,000-gallon water tank that releases its contents onto the mobile launcher platform during liftoff to aid sound suppression. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd2054

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Huge clouds roll over Launch Pad 39B wh...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Huge clouds roll over Launch Pad 39B where Space Shuttle Atlantis still sits after the scrub of its launch on mission STS-115. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch at 12:2... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The morning sky lightens behind Space Shuttle Atlantis while lights on the fixed service structure (FSS) still illuminate the orbiter on Launch Pad 39B. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch at 12:29 p.m. EDT on this date, but a 24-hour scrub was called by mission managers due to a concern with Fuel Cell 1. Seen poised above the orange external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the space shuttle vehicle. Extending from the FSS to Atlantis is the orbiter access arm with the White Room at the end. The White Room provides entry into the orbiter through the hatch. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-06pd2053

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The morning sky lightens behind Space S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The morning sky lightens behind Space Shuttle Atlantis while lights on the fixed service structure (FSS) still illuminate the orbiter on Launch Pad 39B. Atlantis was originally s... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The sky is finally clear behind Launch Pad 39B where Space Shuttle Atlantis still sits after the scrub of its launch on mission STS-115. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch at 12:29 p.m. EDT on this date, but a 24-hour scrub was called by mission managers due to a concern with fuel cell 1. Just above the orange external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the space shuttle vehicle. Below, the orbiter access arm extends toward the cockpit of Atlantis with the White Room at the end. The White Room provides access into the cockpit of the vehicle. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd2058

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The sky is finally clear behind Launch ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The sky is finally clear behind Launch Pad 39B where Space Shuttle Atlantis still sits after the scrub of its launch on mission STS-115. Atlantis was originally scheduled to laun... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis is in the spotlight on Launch Pad 39B. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch at 12:29 p.m. EDT on this date, but a 24-hour scrub was called by mission managers due to a concern with Fuel Cell 1. Seen poised above the orange external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the space shuttle vehicle. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd2046

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis is in the spotli...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis is in the spotlight on Launch Pad 39B. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch at 12:29 p.m. EDT on this date, but a 24-hour scrub was called by miss... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis is bathed in light on Launch Pad 39B. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch at 12:29 p.m. EDT on this date, but a 24-hour scrub was called by mission managers due to a concern with Fuel Cell 1. Seen poised above the orange external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the space shuttle vehicle. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd2049

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis is bathed in lig...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis is bathed in light on Launch Pad 39B. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch at 12:29 p.m. EDT on this date, but a 24-hour scrub was called by mission... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The morning sky lightens behind Space Shuttle Atlantis while lights on the fixed service structure (FSS) still illuminate the orbiter on Launch Pad 39B. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch at 12:29 p.m. EDT on this date, but a 24-hour scrub was called by mission managers due to a concern with Fuel Cell 1. Seen poised above the orange external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the space shuttle vehicle. Extending from the FSS to Atlantis is the orbiter access arm with the White Room at the end. The White Room provides entry into the orbiter through the hatch. At right is the 300,000-gallon water tank that releases its contents onto the mobile launcher platform during liftoff to aid sound suppression. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-06pd2051

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The morning sky lightens behind Space S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The morning sky lightens behind Space Shuttle Atlantis while lights on the fixed service structure (FSS) still illuminate the orbiter on Launch Pad 39B. Atlantis was originally s... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The morning sky lightens behind Space Shuttle Atlantis while lights on the fixed service structure (FSS) still illuminate the orbiter on Launch Pad 39B. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch at 12:29 p.m. EDT on this date, but a 24-hour scrub was called by mission managers due to a concern with Fuel Cell 1. Seen poised above the orange external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the space shuttle vehicle. Extending from the FSS to Atlantis is the orbiter access arm with the White Room at the end. The White Room provides entry into the orbiter through the hatch. At right is the 300,000-gallon water tank that releases its contents onto the mobile launcher platform during liftoff to aid sound suppression. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-06pd2052

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The morning sky lightens behind Space S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The morning sky lightens behind Space Shuttle Atlantis while lights on the fixed service structure (FSS) still illuminate the orbiter on Launch Pad 39B. Atlantis was originally s... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A heavy bank of storm clouds gather behind Space Shuttle Atlantis on Launch Pad 39B. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch Aug. 27, but a scrub was called by mission managers due to a concern with fuel cell 1. Towering above the shuttle is the 80-foot lightning mast. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd2065

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A heavy bank of storm clouds gather behi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A heavy bank of storm clouds gather behind Space Shuttle Atlantis on Launch Pad 39B. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch Aug. 27, but a scrub was called by mission manag... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The lights on Launch Pad 39B paint columns of light in the water next to the pad where Space Shuttle Atlantis is illuminated. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch on Aug. 27, but a scrub was called by mission managers due to a concern with fuel cell 1. Atlantis is scheduled to lift off at 11:41 a.m. EDT Sept. 8. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the ISS. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd2072

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The lights on Launch Pad 39B paint colu...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The lights on Launch Pad 39B paint columns of light in the water next to the pad where Space Shuttle Atlantis is illuminated. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch on Aug. 2... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Storm clouds fill the sky from Launch Pad 39B, at right, west beyond the Vehicle Assembly Building. Space Shuttle Atlantis still sits on the pad after a scrub was called Aug. 27 due to a concern with fuel cell 1. Towering above the shuttle is the 80-foot lightning mast. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd2067

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Storm clouds fill the sky from Launch Pa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Storm clouds fill the sky from Launch Pad 39B, at right, west beyond the Vehicle Assembly Building. Space Shuttle Atlantis still sits on the pad after a scrub was called Aug. 27 d... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Menacing storm clouds roll through the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Seen in the photo is the lower parking lot for the NASA News Center where the media's vehicles and satellite trucks are situated the day before (L-1) the second scheduled launch attempt for Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-115. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-06pd2069

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Menacing storm clouds roll through the L...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Menacing storm clouds roll through the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Seen in the photo is the lower parking lot for the NASA News Center where the media's... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Menacing storm clouds roll through the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Framed between the horizon and the clouds is Space Shuttle Atlantis on Launch Pad 39B. The flag in the foreground is at the NASA News Center, near the countdown clock. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-06pd2070

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Menacing storm clouds roll through the ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Menacing storm clouds roll through the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Framed between the horizon and the clouds is Space Shuttle Atlantis on Launch Pad 39... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis is illuminated on Launch Pad 39B, surrounded by amber lights on the rotating and fixed service structures. Seen above the golden external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the space shuttle vehicle. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch on Aug. 27, but a scrub was called by mission managers due to a concern with fuel cell 1. Atlantis is scheduled to lift off at 11:41 a.m. EDT Sept. 8. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the ISS. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd2073

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis is illuminated o...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis is illuminated on Launch Pad 39B, surrounded by amber lights on the rotating and fixed service structures. Seen above the golden external tank is the vent ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Storm clouds fill the sky behind the Vehicle Assembly Building on the day before (L-1) the second scheduled launch attempt for Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-115. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-06pd2068

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Storm clouds fill the sky behind the Veh...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Storm clouds fill the sky behind the Vehicle Assembly Building on the day before (L-1) the second scheduled launch attempt for Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-115. During th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis is illuminated on Launch Pad 39B, while amber lights on the fixed service structure give a surreal appearance. Seen above the golden external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the space shuttle vehicle. Lower down, and next to Atlantis, is the White Room at the end of the orbiter access arm. The White Room provides entry into the orbiter through the hatch. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch on Aug. 27, but a scrub was called by mission managers due to a concern with fuel cell 1. Atlantis is scheduled to lift off at 11:41 a.m. EDT Sept. 8. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the ISS. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd2074

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis is illuminated o...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis is illuminated on Launch Pad 39B, while amber lights on the fixed service structure give a surreal appearance. Seen above the golden external tank is the v... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Storm clouds roll across Launch Pad 39B where Space Shuttle Atlantis still sits on the pad. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch Aug. 27, but a scrub was called by mission managers due to a concern with fuel cell 1. Towering above the shuttle is the 80-foot lightning mast. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd2066

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Storm clouds roll across Launch Pad 39B ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Storm clouds roll across Launch Pad 39B where Space Shuttle Atlantis still sits on the pad. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch Aug. 27, but a scrub was called by missi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Menacing storm clouds roll through the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. In the background is the Vehicle Assembly Building. In the foreground is the lower parking lot for the NASA News Center where the media's vehicles and satellite trucks are situated the day before (L-1) the second scheduled launch attempt for Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-115. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-06pd2071

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Menacing storm clouds roll through the L...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Menacing storm clouds roll through the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. In the background is the Vehicle Assembly Building. In the foreground is the lower p... More

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