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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a United Space Alliance technician removes foam insulation revealing the fastener holes on the covers over the feed-through connector box on the external tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission. The covers will be removed for access to the feed-through connectors. Following the failure of some of the tank's engine cutoff sensors, or ECO sensors, during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, a tanking test was conducted on Dec. 18 to aid in troubleshooting the cause. Technicians spliced test wiring into the ECO sensor electrical system and used time domain reflectometry equipment to help locate the electrical anomaly. Results of the tanking test pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. During the holiday period, workers from Lockheed Martin will begin inspecting and testing the connector. Shuttle program managers will meet on Dec. 27 to review the test and analysis, and decide on a forward plan. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3656

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a United Space Allian...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a United Space Alliance technician removes foam insulation revealing the fastener holes on the covers over the feed-through connector box on the external tank fo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a technician gets ready to place the cover over the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system connector and wiring on space shuttle Atlantis' external tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The pins in the replacement connector were precisely soldered to create a connection that allows sensors inside the tank to send signals to the computers onboard Atlantis. The launch date for the shuttle's STS-122 mission has now been targeted for Feb. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0071

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a technician gets ready to place the cover over the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system connector and wiring on space shuttle A... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the suspended external tank is lowered between the solid rocket boosters, or SRBs, installed on the mobile launcher platform. The tank will be mated with the boosters for launch. Work to remove and replace the feed-through connector on the external tank will be done in parallel with integrated ET/SRB testing in preparation for space shuttle Endeavour to join the stack later in January. The STS-123 mission is targeted for launch on Endeavour in mid-March. The 25th assembly flight to the International Space Station, Endeavour's payload includes the Japanese Experiment Logistics Module Pressurized Section. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0032

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly B...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the suspended external tank is lowered between the solid rocket boosters, or SRBs, installed on the ... More

International Space Station (ISS) contractors unwrap Pressurized Mating Adapter-1 (PMA-1) for the ISS in KSC’s Space Station Processing Facility. A PMA is a cone-shaped connector that will be attached to Node 1, the space station’s structural building block, during ground processing. Node 1 with two PMAs attached will be the first element of the station scheduled to be launched aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-88 in July 1998 KSC-97PC1134

International Space Station (ISS) contractors unwrap Pressurized Mati...

International Space Station (ISS) contractors unwrap Pressurized Mating Adapter-1 (PMA-1) for the ISS in KSC’s Space Station Processing Facility. A PMA is a cone-shaped connector that will be attached to Node... More

International Space Station (ISS) contractors unwrap Pressurized Mating Adapter-1 (PMA-1) for the ISS in KSC’s Space Station Processing Facility. A PMA is a cone-shaped connector that will be attached to Node 1, the space station’s structural building block, during ground processing. Node 1 with two PMAs attached will be the first element of the station scheduled to be launched aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-88 in July 1998 KSC-97PC1133

International Space Station (ISS) contractors unwrap Pressurized Mati...

International Space Station (ISS) contractors unwrap Pressurized Mating Adapter-1 (PMA-1) for the ISS in KSC’s Space Station Processing Facility. A PMA is a cone-shaped connector that will be attached to Node... More

The first of two Pressurized Mating Adapters, or PMAs, for the International Space Station arrive in KSC’s Space Station Processing Facility in July. A PMA is a cone-shaped connector that will be attached to Node 1, the space station’s structural building block, during ground processing. The adapter will house space station computers and various electrical support equipment and eventually will serve as the passageway for astronauts between the node and the U.S-financed, Russian-built Functional Cargo Block. Node 1 with two adapters attached will be the first element of the station to be launched aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-88 in July 1998 KSC-97PC1139

The first of two Pressurized Mating Adapters, or PMAs, for the Intern...

The first of two Pressurized Mating Adapters, or PMAs, for the International Space Station arrive in KSC’s Space Station Processing Facility in July. A PMA is a cone-shaped connector that will be attached to ... More

The first of two Pressurized Mating Adapters, or PMAs, for the International Space Station arrive in KSC’s Space Station Processing Facility in July. A PMA is a cone-shaped connector that will be attached to Node 1, the space station’s structural building block, during ground processing. The adapter will house space station computers and various electrical support equipment and eventually will serve as the passageway for astronauts between the node and the U.S-financed, Russian-built Functional Cargo Block. Node 1 with two adapters attached will be the first element of the station to be launched aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-88 in July 1998 KSC-97PC1140

The first of two Pressurized Mating Adapters, or PMAs, for the Intern...

The first of two Pressurized Mating Adapters, or PMAs, for the International Space Station arrive in KSC’s Space Station Processing Facility in July. A PMA is a cone-shaped connector that will be attached to ... More

International Space Station (ISS) contractors erect access scaffolding around the Pressurized Mating Adapter-1 (PMA-1) for the ISS in KSC’s Space Station Processing Facility. A PMA is a cone-shaped connector that will be attached to Node 1, the space station’s structural building block, during ground processing. The white flight cables around PMA-1 will assist in connecting the node to the U.S.-financed, Russian-built Functional Cargo Block, a component that supplies early power and propulsion systems for the station. Node 1 with two adapters attached will be the first element of the station to be launched aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-88 in July 1998 KSC-97PC1137

International Space Station (ISS) contractors erect access scaffoldin...

International Space Station (ISS) contractors erect access scaffolding around the Pressurized Mating Adapter-1 (PMA-1) for the ISS in KSC’s Space Station Processing Facility. A PMA is a cone-shaped connector ... More

International Space Station (ISS) contractors erect access scaffolding around the Pressurized Mating Adapter-1 (PMA-1) for the ISS in KSC’s Space Station Processing Facility. A PMA is a cone-shaped connector that will be attached to Node 1, the space station’s structural building block, during ground processing. The white flight cables around PMA-1 will assist in connecting the node to the U.S.-financed, Russian-built Functional Cargo Block, a component that supplies early power and propulsion systems for the station. Node 1 with two adapters attached will be the first element of the station to be launched aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-88 in July 1998 KSC-97PC1138

International Space Station (ISS) contractors erect access scaffoldin...

International Space Station (ISS) contractors erect access scaffolding around the Pressurized Mating Adapter-1 (PMA-1) for the ISS in KSC’s Space Station Processing Facility. A PMA is a cone-shaped connector ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pressurized Mating Adapter-1 (PMA-1), scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle mission STS-88 is undergoing processing in the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF). A PMA is a cone-shaped connector that will be attached to Node 1, the space station’s structural building block, during ground processing. STS-88 is the first International Space Station assembly flight. KSC-97PC1264

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pressurized Mating Adapter-1 (PMA-1)...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pressurized Mating Adapter-1 (PMA-1), scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle mission STS-88 is undergoing processing in the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF). A PMA is a cone... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pressurized Mating Adapter-1 (PMA-1), scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle mission STS-88 is undergoing processing in the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF). A PMA is a cone-shaped connector that will be attached to Node 1, the space station’s structural building block, during ground processing. STS-88 is the first International Space Station assembly flight. KSC-97PC1265

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pressurized Mating Adapter-1 (PMA-1)...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pressurized Mating Adapter-1 (PMA-1), scheduled to fly on Space Shuttle mission STS-88 is undergoing processing in the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF). A PMA is a cone... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pressurized Mating Adapter-1 (PMA-1) for the International Space Station is moved for further processing in KSC’s Space Station Processing Facility. A PMA is a cone-shaped connector that will be attached to Node 1, the space station’s structural building block, during ground processing. Node 1 with two PMAs attached will be the first element of the station scheduled to be launched aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-88 in July 1998 KSC-97PC1490

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pressurized Mating Adapter-1 (PMA-1)...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pressurized Mating Adapter-1 (PMA-1) for the International Space Station is moved for further processing in KSC’s Space Station Processing Facility. A PMA is a cone-shaped conn... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pressurized Mating Adapter-1 (PMA-1) for the International Space Station is moved for further processing in KSC’s Space Station Processing Facility. A PMA is a cone-shaped connector that will be attached to Node 1, the space station’s structural building block, during ground processing. Node 1 with two PMAs attached will be the first element of the station scheduled to be launched aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-88 in July 1998. KSC-97PC1491

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pressurized Mating Adapter-1 (PMA-1)...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pressurized Mating Adapter-1 (PMA-1) for the International Space Station is moved for further processing in KSC’s Space Station Processing Facility. A PMA is a cone-shaped conn... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pressurized Mating Adapter-1 (PMA-1) for the International Space Station is moved for further processing in KSC’s Space Station Processing Facility. A PMA is a cone-shaped connector that will be attached to Node 1, the space station’s structural building block, during ground processing. Node 1 with two PMAs attached will be the first element of the station scheduled to be launched aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-88 in July 1998 KSC-97PC1489

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pressurized Mating Adapter-1 (PMA-1)...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pressurized Mating Adapter-1 (PMA-1) for the International Space Station is moved for further processing in KSC’s Space Station Processing Facility. A PMA is a cone-shaped conn... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Boeing technicians join Node 1 for the International Space Station (ISS) with the Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-1 in KSC’s Space Station Processing Facility. This PMA, identifiable by its bright red ring, is a cone-shaped connector for the space station’s structural building block, known as Node 1. Seen here surrounded by scaffolding, Node 1 will have two PMAs attached, the second of which is scheduled for mating to the node in January 1998. The node and PMAs, which will be the first element of the ISS, are scheduled to be launched aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-88 in July 1998 KSC-97PC1712

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Boeing technicians join Node 1 for the I...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Boeing technicians join Node 1 for the International Space Station (ISS) with the Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-1 in KSC’s Space Station Processing Facility. This PMA, identifia... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Boeing technicians join Node 1 for the International Space Station (ISS) with the Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-1 in KSC’s Space Station Processing Facility. This PMA, identifiable by its bright red ring, is a cone-shaped connector for the space station’s structural building block, known as Node 1. Seen here surrounded by scaffolding, Node 1 will have two PMAs attached, the second of which is scheduled for mating to the node in January 1998. The node and PMAs, which will be the first element of the ISS, are scheduled to be launched aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-88 in July 1998 KSC-97PC1711

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Boeing technicians join Node 1 for the I...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Boeing technicians join Node 1 for the International Space Station (ISS) with the Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-1 in KSC’s Space Station Processing Facility. This PMA, identifia... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Technicians and workers observe preparations to join the Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2, seen here in its yellow workstand at right, to Node 1 (the International Space Station’s [ISS] structural building block) in KSC’s Space Station Processing Facility. This PMA is a cone-shaped connector to Node 1, which will have two PMAs attached once PMA-2 is mated with the node. The node (surrounded here by scaffolding) and PMAs, which together will make up the first element of the ISS, are scheduled to be launched aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-88 KSC-98pc298

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Technicians and workers observe preparat...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Technicians and workers observe preparations to join the Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2, seen here in its yellow workstand at right, to Node 1 (the International Space Station’... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2, seen here in its yellow workstand, is moved on an air pallet toward Node 1, the International Space Station’s (ISS's) structural building block, in KSC’s Space Station Processing Facility. This PMA is a cone-shaped connector to Node 1, which will have two PMAs attached once PMA-2 is mated with the node. Node 1 can be seen directly behind PMA-2. The node and PMAs, which together will make up the first element of the ISS, are scheduled to be launched aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-88. KSC-98pc296

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2, ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2, seen here in its yellow workstand, is moved on an air pallet toward Node 1, the International Space Station’s (ISS's) structural building bl... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2 for the International Space Station (ISS) awaits being mated with Node 1, the space station’s structural building block, in KSC’s Space Station Processing Facility. This PMA, identifiable by its bright red ring, is a cone-shaped connector to Node 1, which will have two PMAs attached once this mate is completed. The node and PMAs, which together will make up the first element of the ISS, are scheduled to be launched aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-88 KSC-98pc293

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2 f...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2 for the International Space Station (ISS) awaits being mated with Node 1, the space station’s structural building block, in KSC’s Space Stati... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2 for the International Space Station (ISS) is moved on an air pallet toward Node 1, the space station’s structural building block, in KSC’s Space Station Processing Facility. This PMA is a cone-shaped connector to Node 1, which will have two PMAs attached once PMA-2 is mated with the node. The node and PMAs, which together will make up the first element of the ISS, are scheduled to be launched aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-88 KSC-98pc294

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2 f...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2 for the International Space Station (ISS) is moved on an air pallet toward Node 1, the space station’s structural building block, in KSC’s Sp... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Technicians prepare to join the Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2, seen here in its yellow workstand at right, to Node 1 (the International Space Station’s [ISS] structural building block) in KSC’s Space Station Processing Facility. This PMA is a cone-shaped connector to Node 1, which will have two PMAs attached once PMA-2 is mated with the node. The node and PMAs, which together will make up the first element of the ISS, are scheduled to be launched aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-88. KSC-98pc297

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Technicians prepare to join the Pressuri...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Technicians prepare to join the Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2, seen here in its yellow workstand at right, to Node 1 (the International Space Station’s [ISS] structural buildi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2 for the International Space Station (ISS), seen here in its yellow workstand, is moved on an air pallet toward Node 1, the space station’s structural building block, in KSC’s Space Station Processing Facility. This PMA is a cone-shaped connector to Node 1, which will have two PMAs attached once PMA-2 is mated with the node. The node and PMAs, which together will make up the first element of the ISS, are scheduled to be launched aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-88 KSC-98pc295

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2 f...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2 for the International Space Station (ISS), seen here in its yellow workstand, is moved on an air pallet toward Node 1, the space station’s st... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pressurized Mating Adapter-2 (PMA-2) is processed in KSC's Space Station Processing Facility. This PMA is a cone-shaped connector to Node 1, the space station's structural building block. The node and two PMAs will together make up the first U.S. element of the ISS and are scheduled to be launched aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-88. KSC-98pc385

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pressurized Mating Adapter-2 (PMA-2)...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pressurized Mating Adapter-2 (PMA-2) is processed in KSC's Space Station Processing Facility. This PMA is a cone-shaped connector to Node 1, the space station's structural buil... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2 is moved into position against Node 1 of the International Space Station (ISS) in KSC's Space Station Processing Facility for pre-mating preparations. The node is the first element of the ISS to be manufactured in the United States and is currently scheduled to lift off aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-88 later this year, along with PMAs 1 and 2. This PMA is a cone-shaped connector to Node 1, which will have two PMAs attached once this mate is completed. Once in space, Node 1 will function as a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of the ISS. It has six hatches that will serve as docking ports to the U.S. laboratory module, U.S. habitation module, an airlock and other space station elements KSC-98pc541

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2 is mo...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2 is moved into position against Node 1 of the International Space Station (ISS) in KSC's Space Station Processing Facility for pre-mating preparat... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2 is moved toward Node 1 of the International Space Station (ISS) in KSC's Space Station Processing Facility for pre-mating preparations. The node is the first element of the ISS to be manufactured in the United States and is currently scheduled to lift off aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-88 later this year, along with PMAs 1 and 2. This PMA is a cone-shaped connector to Node 1, which will have two PMAs attached once this mate is completed. Once in space, Node 1 will function as a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of the ISS. It has six hatches that will serve as docking ports to the U.S. laboratory module, U.S. habitation module, an airlock and other space station elements KSC-98pc540

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2 is mo...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2 is moved toward Node 1 of the International Space Station (ISS) in KSC's Space Station Processing Facility for pre-mating preparations. The node ... More

Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2 is in the process of being mated to Node 1 of the International Space Station (ISS) under the supervision of Boeing technicians in KSC's Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF). The node is the first element of the ISS to be manufactured in the United States and is currently scheduled to lift off aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-88 later this year, along with PMAs 1 and 2. This PMA is a cone-shaped connector to Node 1, which will have two PMAs attached once this mate is completed. Once in space, Node 1 will function as a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of the ISS. It has six hatches that will serve as docking ports to the U.S. laboratory module, U.S. habitation module, an airlock and other space station elements KSC-98pc592

Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2 is in the process of being mated to...

Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2 is in the process of being mated to Node 1 of the International Space Station (ISS) under the supervision of Boeing technicians in KSC's Space Station Processing Facility (SSP... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2 is moved into position to be mated to Node 1 of the International Space Station (ISS) by Boeing technicians in KSC's Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF). The node is the first element of the ISS to be manufactured in the United States and is currently scheduled to lift off aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-88 later this year, along with PMAs 1 and 2. This PMA is a cone-shaped connector to Node 1, which will have two PMAs attached once this mate is completed. Once in space, Node 1 will function as a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of the ISS. It has six hatches that will serve as docking ports to the U.S. laboratory module, U.S. habitation module, an airlock and other space station elements KSC-98pc589

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2 is mo...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2 is moved into position to be mated to Node 1 of the International Space Station (ISS) by Boeing technicians in KSC's Space Station Processing Fac... More

Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2 is moved into position to be mated to Node 1 of the International Space Station (ISS) by Boeing technicians in KSC's Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF). The node is the first element of the ISS to be manufactured in the United States and is currently scheduled to lift off aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-88 later this year, along with PMAs 1 and 2. This PMA is a cone-shaped connector to Node 1, which will have two PMAs attached once this mate is completed. Once in space, Node 1 will function as a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of the ISS. It has six hatches that will serve as docking ports to the U.S. laboratory module, U.S. habitation module, an airlock and other space station elements KSC-98pc591

Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2 is moved into position to be mated ...

Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2 is moved into position to be mated to Node 1 of the International Space Station (ISS) by Boeing technicians in KSC's Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF). The node is the ... More

Boeing technicians discuss mating Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2 to Node 1 of the International Space Station (ISS) in KSC's Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF). The node is the first element of the ISS to be manufactured in the United States and is currently scheduled to lift off aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-88 later this year, along with PMAs 1 and 2. This PMA is a cone-shaped connector to Node 1, which will have two PMAs attached once this mate is completed. Once in space, Node 1 will function as a connecting passageway to the living and working areas of the ISS. It has six hatches that will serve as docking ports to the U.S. laboratory module, U.S. habitation module, an airlock and other space station elements KSC-98pc590

Boeing technicians discuss mating Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2 t...

Boeing technicians discuss mating Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)-2 to Node 1 of the International Space Station (ISS) in KSC's Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF). The node is the first element of the IS... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a United Space Alliance technician carefully cuts away the foam insulation surrounding the covers over the feed-through connector box on the external tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission. The covers will be removed for access to the feed-through connectors. Following the failure of some of the tank's engine cutoff sensors, or ECO sensors, during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, a tanking test was conducted on Dec. 18 to aid in troubleshooting the cause. Technicians spliced test wiring into the ECO sensor electrical system and used time domain reflectometry equipment to help locate the electrical anomaly. Results of the tanking test pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. During the holiday period, workers from Lockheed Martin will begin inspecting and testing the connector. Shuttle program managers will meet on Dec. 27 to review the test and analysis, and decide on a forward plan. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3652

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a United Space Allian...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a United Space Alliance technician carefully cuts away the foam insulation surrounding the covers over the feed-through connector box on the external tank for sp... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a United Space Alliance technician carefully cuts away the foam insulation surrounding the covers over the feed-through connector box on the external tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission, revealing the fastener holes on the covers. The covers will be removed for access to the feed-through connectors. Following the failure of some of the tank's engine cutoff sensors, or ECO sensors, during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, a tanking test was conducted on Dec. 18 to aid in troubleshooting the cause. Technicians spliced test wiring into the ECO sensor electrical system and used time domain reflectometry equipment to help locate the electrical anomaly. Results of the tanking test pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. During the holiday period, workers from Lockheed Martin will begin inspecting and testing the connector. Shuttle program managers will meet on Dec. 27 to review the test and analysis, and decide on a forward plan. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3655

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a United Space Allian...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a United Space Alliance technician carefully cuts away the foam insulation surrounding the covers over the feed-through connector box on the external tank for sp... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the foam insulation surrounding the covers over the feed-through connector box on the external tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission is carefully cut away by a United Space Alliance technician. The covers will be removed for access to the feed-through connectors. Following the failure of some of the tank's engine cutoff sensors, or ECO sensors, during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, a tanking test was conducted on Dec. 18 to aid in troubleshooting the cause. Technicians spliced test wiring into the ECO sensor electrical system and used time domain reflectometry equipment to help locate the electrical anomaly. Results of the tanking test pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. During the holiday period, workers from Lockheed Martin will begin inspecting and testing the connector. Shuttle program managers will meet on Dec. 27 to review the test and analysis, and decide on a forward plan. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3653

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the foam insulation s...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the foam insulation surrounding the covers over the feed-through connector box on the external tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission is carefully cut ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a United Space Alliance technician carefully cuts away the foam insulation surrounding the covers over the feed-through connector box on the external tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission, revealing the fastener holes on the covers. The covers will be removed for access to the feed-through connectors. Following the failure of some of the tank's engine cutoff sensors, or ECO sensors, during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, a tanking test was conducted on Dec. 18 to aid in troubleshooting the cause. Technicians spliced test wiring into the ECO sensor electrical system and used time domain reflectometry equipment to help locate the electrical anomaly. Results of the tanking test pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. During the holiday period, workers from Lockheed Martin will begin inspecting and testing the connector. Shuttle program managers will meet on Dec. 27 to review the test and analysis, and decide on a forward plan. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3654

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a United Space Allian...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a United Space Alliance technician carefully cuts away the foam insulation surrounding the covers over the feed-through connector box on the external tank for sp... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external tank specialists from Lockheed Martin and the United Space Alliance undertakes the task of removing the hydrogen feed-through connector in support of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission. Here, a technician removes a pair of support brackets. Some of the tank's engine cutoff sensors, or ECO sensors, failed during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. After the data from additional testing on the connector is analyzed, shuttle program managers will decide on a forward plan. Launch of STS-122 is targeted for January 2008. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3658

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external ta...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external tank specialists from Lockheed Martin and the United Space Alliance undertakes the task of removing the hydrogen feed-through connector in sup... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external tank specialists from Lockheed Martin and the United Space Alliance undertakes the task of removing the hydrogen feed-through connector in support of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission. Here, a technician gives the connector a cleaning, removing any residual foam insulation, and begins disconnecting the connector assembly. Some of the tank's engine cutoff sensors, or ECO sensors, failed during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. After the data from additional testing on the connector is analyzed, shuttle program managers will decide on a forward plan. Launch of STS-122 is targeted for January 2008. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3659

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external ta...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external tank specialists from Lockheed Martin and the United Space Alliance undertakes the task of removing the hydrogen feed-through connector in sup... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external tank specialists from Lockheed Martin and the United Space Alliance undertakes the task of removing the hydrogen feed-through connector in support of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission. Here, technicians set up equipment that will be used to take X-rays of the connector cable. Some of the tank's engine cutoff sensors, or ECO sensors, failed during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. After the data from additional testing on the connector is analyzed, shuttle program managers will decide on a forward plan. Launch of STS-122 is targeted for January 2008. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3661

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external ta...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external tank specialists from Lockheed Martin and the United Space Alliance undertakes the task of removing the hydrogen feed-through connector in sup... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external tank specialists from Lockheed Martin and the United Space Alliance undertakes the task of removing the hydrogen feed-through connector in support of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission. Here, a technician pulls the connector assembly, with its associated electrical harness, away from the tank. Some of the tank's engine cutoff sensors, or ECO sensors, failed during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. After the data from additional testing on the connector is analyzed, shuttle program managers will decide on a forward plan. Launch of STS-122 is targeted for January 2008. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3660

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external ta...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external tank specialists from Lockheed Martin and the United Space Alliance undertakes the task of removing the hydrogen feed-through connector in sup... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external tank specialists from Lockheed Martin and the United Space Alliance undertakes the task of removing the hydrogen feed-through connector in support of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission. Here, a technician cuts the external connector cable. Some of the tank's engine cutoff sensors, or ECO sensors, failed during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. After the data from additional testing on the connector is analyzed, shuttle program managers will decide on a forward plan. Launch of STS-122 is targeted for January 2008. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3657

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external ta...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external tank specialists from Lockheed Martin and the United Space Alliance undertakes the task of removing the hydrogen feed-through connector in sup... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external tank specialists from Lockheed Martin and the United Space Alliance undertakes the task of removing the hydrogen feed-through connector in support of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission. Here, technicians wrap the connector for transport to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., for further cryogenic testing. Some of the tank's engine cutoff sensors, or ECO sensors, failed during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. After the data from additional testing on the connector is analyzed, shuttle program managers will decide on a forward plan. Launch of STS-122 is targeted for January 2008. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3665

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external ta...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external tank specialists from Lockheed Martin and the United Space Alliance undertakes the task of removing the hydrogen feed-through connector in sup... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external tank specialists from Lockheed Martin and the United Space Alliance undertakes the task of removing the hydrogen feed-through connector in support of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission. Here, technicians wrap the connector for transport to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., for further cryogenic testing. Some of the tank's engine cutoff sensors, or ECO sensors, failed during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. After the data from additional testing on the connector is analyzed, shuttle program managers will decide on a forward plan. Launch of STS-122 is targeted for January 2008. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3666

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external ta...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external tank specialists from Lockheed Martin and the United Space Alliance undertakes the task of removing the hydrogen feed-through connector in sup... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external tank specialists from Lockheed Martin and the United Space Alliance undertakes the task of removing the hydrogen feed-through connector in support of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission. Here, a technician disconnects the connector before it is demated from the external tank. Some of the tank's engine cutoff sensors, or ECO sensors, failed during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. After the data from additional testing on the connector is analyzed, shuttle program managers will decide on a forward plan. Launch of STS-122 is targeted for January 2008. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3662

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external ta...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external tank specialists from Lockheed Martin and the United Space Alliance undertakes the task of removing the hydrogen feed-through connector in sup... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external tank specialists from Lockheed Martin and the United Space Alliance undertakes the task of removing the hydrogen feed-through connector in support of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission. Here, a technician inspects the connector just removed from the external tank. Some of the tank's engine cutoff sensors, or ECO sensors, failed during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. After the data from additional testing on the connector is analyzed, shuttle program managers will decide on a forward plan. Launch of STS-122 is targeted for January 2008. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3664

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external ta...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external tank specialists from Lockheed Martin and the United Space Alliance undertakes the task of removing the hydrogen feed-through connector in sup... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external tank specialists from Lockheed Martin and the United Space Alliance undertakes the task of removing the hydrogen feed-through connector in support of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission. Here, a technician carries the shipping container in which the wrapped connector is secured for transport to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., for further cryogenic testing. Some of the tank's engine cutoff sensors, or ECO sensors, failed during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. After the data from additional testing on the connector is analyzed, shuttle program managers will decide on a forward plan. Launch of STS-122 is targeted for January 2008. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3668

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external ta...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external tank specialists from Lockheed Martin and the United Space Alliance undertakes the task of removing the hydrogen feed-through connector in sup... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external tank specialists from Lockheed Martin and the United Space Alliance undertakes the task of removing the hydrogen feed-through connector in support of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission. Here, technicians place the wrapped connector in a shipping container for transport to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., for further cryogenic testing. Some of the tank's engine cutoff sensors, or ECO sensors, failed during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. After the data from additional testing on the connector is analyzed, shuttle program managers will decide on a forward plan. Launch of STS-122 is targeted for January 2008. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3667

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external ta...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external tank specialists from Lockheed Martin and the United Space Alliance undertakes the task of removing the hydrogen feed-through connector in sup... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external tank specialists from Lockheed Martin and the United Space Alliance undertakes the task of removing the hydrogen feed-through connector in support of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission. Here, a technician demates the connector from the external tank. Some of the tank's engine cutoff sensors, or ECO sensors, failed during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. After the data from additional testing on the connector is analyzed, shuttle program managers will decide on a forward plan. Launch of STS-122 is targeted for January 2008. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3663

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external ta...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, a team of external tank specialists from Lockheed Martin and the United Space Alliance undertakes the task of removing the hydrogen feed-through connector in sup... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Bob Arp, an aerospace technician with the United Launch Alliance, solders a pin to the socket of the replacement feed-through connector that will be installed in the external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission. The technician performed this exacting task on the Centaur upper stage for Atlas and Titan launches in 1994 and was specifically chosen for the task. Soldering the connector pins and sockets together addresses the most likely cause of a problem in the engine cutoff sensor system, or ECO system. Some of the tank's ECO sensors failed during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. After the soldering is completed and the connector is reinstalled, shuttle program managers will decide on how to proceed. The launch date for mission STS-122 is under review. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0006

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Bob Arp, an aerospace technician with the United Launch Alliance, solders a pin to the socket of the replacement feed-through connector tha... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the first two of nine pins have been soldered to the socket of the replacement feed-through connector that will be installed in the external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission. Two United Launch Alliance technicians, who performed this exacting task on the Centaur upper stage for Atlas and Titan launches in 1994, will be doing the soldering. Soldering the connector pins and sockets together addresses the most likely cause of a problem in the engine cutoff sensor system, or ECO system. Some of the tank's ECO sensors failed during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. After the soldering is completed and the connector is reinstalled, shuttle program managers will decide on how to proceed. The launch date for mission STS-122 is under review. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0008

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the first two of nine pins have been soldered to the socket of the replacement feed-through connector that will be installed in the externa... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Bob Arp, an aerospace technician with the United Launch Alliance, examinies the pins remaining to be soldered to the socket of the replacement feed-through connector that will be installed in the external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission. The technician performed this exacting task on the Centaur upper stage for Atlas and Titan launches in 1994 and was specifically chosen for the task. Soldering the connector pins and sockets together addresses the most likely cause of a problem in the engine cutoff sensor system, or ECO system. Some of the tank's ECO sensors failed during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. After the soldering is completed and the connector is reinstalled, shuttle program managers will decide on how to proceed. The launch date for mission STS-122 is under review. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0009

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Bob Arp, an aerospace technician with the United Launch Alliance, examinies the pins remaining to be soldered to the socket of the replacem... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a Lockheed Martin technician prepares an electrical wiring harness during a procedure to solder the pins to the socket of the replacement feed-through connector that will be installed in the external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission. Two United Launch Alliance technicians, who performed this exacting task on the Centaur upper stage for Atlas and Titan launches in 1994, will be doing the soldering. Soldering the connector pins and sockets together addresses the most likely cause of a problem in the engine cutoff sensor system, or ECO system. Some of the tank's ECO sensors failed during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. After the soldering is completed and the connector is reinstalled, shuttle program managers will decide on how to proceed. The launch date for mission STS-122 is under review. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0001

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a Lockheed Martin technician prepares an electrical wiring harness during a procedure to solder the pins to the socket of the replacement f... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Bob Arp, an aerospace technician with the United Launch Alliance, inserts a wire from an electrical harness onto the pin of a replacement feed-through connector during preparations to solder the pins to the socket of the connector. The connector will be installed in the external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission. The technician performed this exacting task on the Centaur upper stage for Atlas and Titan launches in 1994 and was specifically chosen for the task. Soldering the connector pins and sockets together addresses the most likely cause of a problem in the engine cutoff sensor system, or ECO system. Some of the tank's ECO sensors failed during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. After the soldering is completed and the connector is reinstalled, shuttle program managers will decide on how to proceed. The launch date for mission STS-122 is under review. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0005

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Bob Arp, an aerospace technician with the United Launch Alliance, inserts a wire from an electrical harness onto the pin of a replacement f... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Kevin Wyckoff, an aerospace technician with the United Launch Alliance, examines an electrical wiring harness. The harness will be inserted into a replacement feed-through connector during preparations to solder the pins to the socket of the connector. The connector will later be installed in the external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission. The technician performed this exacting task on the Centaur upper stage for Atlas and Titan launches in 1994 and was specifically chosen for the task. Soldering the connector pins and sockets together addresses the most likely cause of a problem in the engine cutoff sensor system, or ECO system. Some of the tank's ECO sensors failed during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. After the soldering is completed and the connector is reinstalled, shuttle program managers will decide on how to proceed. The launch date for mission STS-122 is under review. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0002

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Kevin Wyckoff, an aerospace technician with the United Launch Alliance, examines an electrical wiring harness. The harness will be inserte... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, aerospace technicians with the United Launch Alliance inspect an electrical wiring harness that has been inserted into a replacement feed-through connector during preparations to solder the pins to the socket of the connector that will be installed in the external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission. The technicians performed this exacting task on the Centaur upper stage for Atlas and Titan launches in 1994 and were specifically chosen for the task. Soldering the connector pins and sockets together addresses the most likely cause of a problem in the engine cutoff sensor system, or ECO system. Some of the tank's ECO sensors failed during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. After the soldering is completed and the connector is reinstalled, shuttle program managers will decide on how to proceed. The launch date for mission STS-122 is under review. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0004

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, aerospace technicians with the United Launch Alliance inspect an electrical wiring harness that has been inserted into a replacement feed-t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the first two of nine pins have been soldered to the socket of the replacement feed-through connector that will be installed in the external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission. Two United Launch Alliance technicians, who performed this exacting task on the Centaur upper stage for Atlas and Titan launches in 1994, will be doing the soldering. Soldering the connector pins and sockets together addresses the most likely cause of a problem in the engine cutoff sensor system, or ECO system. Some of the tank's ECO sensors failed during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. After the soldering is completed and the connector is reinstalled, shuttle program managers will decide on how to proceed. The launch date for mission STS-122 is under review. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0007

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the first two of nine pins have been soldered to the socket of the replacement feed-through connector that will be installed in the externa... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Kevin Wyckoff, an aerospace technician with the United Launch Alliance, inserts an electrical wiring harness into a replacement feed-through connector during preparations to solder the pins to the socket of the connector. The connector will later be installed in the external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission. The technician performed this exacting task on the Centaur upper stage for Atlas and Titan launches in 1994 and was specifically chosen for the task. Soldering the connector pins and sockets together addresses the most likely cause of a problem in the engine cutoff sensor system, or ECO system. Some of the tank's ECO sensors failed during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. After the soldering is completed and the connector is reinstalled, shuttle program managers will decide on how to proceed. The launch date for mission STS-122 is under review. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0003

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Kevin Wyckoff, an aerospace technician with the United Launch Alliance, inserts an electrical wiring harness into a replacement feed-throug... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the suspended external tank is lowered toward the mobile launcher platform. The tank will be mated with the solid rocket boosters, or SRBs, already installed on the platform. The boosters' nose cones can be seen in the foreground and behind the tank. Work to remove and replace the feed-through connector on the external tank will be done in parallel with integrated ET/SRB testing in preparation for space shuttle Endeavour to join the stack later in January. The STS-123 mission is targeted for launch on Endeavour in mid-March. The 25th assembly flight to the International Space Station, Endeavour's payload includes the Japanese Experiment Logistics Module Pressurized Section. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0030

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Bu...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the suspended external tank is lowered toward the mobile launcher platform. The tank will be mated w... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the suspended external tank is lowered into high bay 1 toward the mobile launcher platform. The tank will be mated with the solid rocket boosters, or SRBs, already installed on the platform. Work to remove and replace the feed-through connector on the external tank will be done in parallel with integrated ET/SRB testing in preparation for space shuttle Endeavour to join the stack later in January. The STS-123 mission is targeted for launch on Endeavour in mid-March. The 25th assembly flight to the International Space Station, Endeavour's payload includes the Japanese Experiment Logistics Module Pressurized Section. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0029

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the suspended external tank is lowered into high bay 1 toward the mobile launcher platform. The tank will be mated... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the suspended external tank is lowered into high bay 1 toward the mobile launcher platform. The tank will be mated with the solid rocket boosters, or SRBs, already installed on the platform. Work to remove and replace the feed-through connector on the external tank will be done in parallel with integrated ET/SRB testing in preparation for space shuttle Endeavour to join the stack later in January. The STS-123 mission is targeted for launch on Endeavour in mid-March. The 25th assembly flight to the International Space Station, Endeavour's payload includes the Japanese Experiment Logistics Module Pressurized Section. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0028

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the suspended external tank is lowered into high bay 1 toward the mobile launcher platform. The tank will be mated... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians check the fitting on the cable that will help lift the external tank out of the checkout cell. The tank will be lifted into high bay 1 for mating with the solid rocket boosters, or SRBs, already installed on the mobile launcher platform. Work to remove and replace the feed-through connector on the external tank will be done in parallel with integrated ET/SRB testing in preparation for space shuttle Endeavour to join the stack later in January. The STS-123 mission is targeted for launch on Endeavour in mid-March. The 25th assembly flight to the International Space Station, Endeavour's payload includes the Japanese Experiment Logistics Module Pressurized Section. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0023

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NA...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians check the fitting on the cable that will help lift the external tank out of the checkout cell. The t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the suspended external tank is moved into high bay 1. The tank will be lowered toward the mobile launcher platform for mating with the solid rocket boosters, or SRBs, already installed on the platform. Work to remove and replace the feed-through connector on the external tank will be done in parallel with integrated ET/SRB testing in preparation for space shuttle Endeavour to join the stack later in January. The STS-123 mission is targeted for launch on Endeavour in mid-March. The 25th assembly flight to the International Space Station, Endeavour's payload includes the Japanese Experiment Logistics Module Pressurized Section. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0026

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NAS...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the suspended external tank is moved into high bay 1. The tank will be lowered toward the mobile launcher platfor... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the suspended external tank is lowered between the solid rocket boosters, or SRBs, installed on the mobile launcher platform. The tank will be mated with the boosters for launch. Work to remove and replace the feed-through connector on the external tank will be done in parallel with integrated ET/SRB testing in preparation for space shuttle Endeavour to join the stack later in January. The STS-123 mission is targeted for launch on Endeavour in mid-March. The 25th assembly flight to the International Space Station, Endeavour's payload includes the Japanese Experiment Logistics Module Pressurized Section. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0031

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly B...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the suspended external tank is lowered between the solid rocket boosters, or SRBs, installed on the ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians look over the equipment that will lift the external tank out of the checkout cell. The tank will be lifted into high bay 1 for mating with the solid rocket boosters, or SRBs, already installed on the mobile launcher platform. Work to remove and replace the feed-through connector on the external tank will be done in parallel with integrated ET/SRB testing in preparation for space shuttle Endeavour to join the stack later in January. The STS-123 mission is targeted for launch on Endeavour in mid-March. The 25th assembly flight to the International Space Station, Endeavour's payload includes the Japanese Experiment Logistics Module Pressurized Section. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0024

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NA...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians look over the equipment that will lift the external tank out of the checkout cell. The tank will be ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the suspended external tank is lowered into high bay 1 toward the mobile launcher platform. The tank will be mated with the solid rocket boosters, or SRBs, already installed on the platform. Work to remove and replace the feed-through connector on the external tank will be done in parallel with integrated ET/SRB testing in preparation for space shuttle Endeavour to join the stack later in January. The STS-123 mission is targeted for launch on Endeavour in mid-March. The 25th assembly flight to the International Space Station, Endeavour's payload includes the Japanese Experiment Logistics Module Pressurized Section. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0027

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the suspended external tank is lowered into high bay 1 toward the mobile launcher platform. The tank will be mated... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a technician monitors the movement of the external tank as it is lifted out of the checkout cell. The tank will be lifted into high bay 1 for mating with the solid rocket boosters, or SRBs, already installed on the mobile launcher platform. Work to remove and replace the feed-through connector on the external tank will be done in parallel with integrated ET/SRB testing in preparation for space shuttle Endeavour to join the stack later in January. The STS-123 mission is targeted for launch on Endeavour in mid-March. The 25th assembly flight to the International Space Station, Endeavour's payload includes the Japanese Experiment Logistics Module Pressurized Section. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0025

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NA...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a technician monitors the movement of the external tank as it is lifted out of the checkout cell. The tank will ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A, Lockheed Martin engineer Ray Clark splices wires between space shuttle Atlantis' external tank and the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system. The replacement feed-through connector in the ECO sensor system will be installed later. Some of the tank's ECO sensors gave failed readings during propellant tanking for Atlantis' STS-122 mission launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. The pins in the replacement connector have been precisely soldered to create a connection that allows sensors inside the tank to send signals to the computers onboard Atlantis. No problems with the ECO sensors themselves have been found. NASA's Space Shuttle Program has proposed a target launch date of Feb. 7 for the STS-122 mission. That proposed launch date remains under evaluation pending coordination with all partners in the International Space Station Program. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-08pd0035

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A, Lockheed Martin engin...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A, Lockheed Martin engineer Ray Clark splices wires between space shuttle Atlantis' external tank and the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system. The replacement feed... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A, Lockheed Martin engineer Ray Clark splices wires between space shuttle Atlantis' external tank and the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system. The replacement feed-through connector in the ECO sensor system will be installed later. Some of the tank's ECO sensors gave failed readings during propellant tanking for Atlantis' STS-122 mission launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. The pins in the replacement connector have been precisely soldered to create a connection that allows sensors inside the tank to send signals to the computers onboard Atlantis. No problems with the ECO sensors themselves have been found. NASA's Space Shuttle Program has proposed a target launch date of Feb. 7 for the STS-122 mission. That proposed launch date remains under evaluation pending coordination with all partners in the International Space Station Program. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-08pd0034

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A, Lockheed Martin engin...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A, Lockheed Martin engineer Ray Clark splices wires between space shuttle Atlantis' external tank and the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system. The replacement feed... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A, Lockheed Martin engineer Ray Clark splices wires between space shuttle Atlantis' external tank and the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system. The replacement feed-through connector in the ECO sensor system will be installed later. Some of the tank's ECO sensors gave failed readings during propellant tanking for Atlantis' STS-122 mission launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. The pins in the replacement connector have been precisely soldered to create a connection that allows sensors inside the tank to send signals to the computers onboard Atlantis. No problems with the ECO sensors themselves have been found. NASA's Space Shuttle Program has proposed a target launch date of Feb. 7 for the STS-122 mission. That proposed launch date remains under evaluation pending coordination with all partners in the International Space Station Program. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-08pd0033

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A, Lockheed Martin engin...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A, Lockheed Martin engineer Ray Clark splices wires between space shuttle Atlantis' external tank and the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system. The replacement feed... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, foam insulation is being trimmed for placement around the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system connector and wiring on space shuttle Atlantis' external tank. The foam was removed to enable engineers to remove and replace a feed-through ECO sensor connector on the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The pins in the replacement connector were precisely soldered to create a connection that allows sensors inside the tank to send signals to the computers onboard Atlantis. The launch date for the shuttle's STS-122 mission has now been targeted for Feb. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0064

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Spac...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, foam insulation is being trimmed for placement around the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system connector and wiring on space shutt... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, foam insulation is being trimmed for placement around the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system connector and wiring on space shuttle Atlantis' external tank. The foam was removed to enable engineers to remove and replace a feed-through ECO sensor connector on the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The pins in the replacement connector were precisely soldered to create a connection that allows sensors inside the tank to send signals to the computers onboard Atlantis. The launch date for the shuttle's STS-122 mission has now been targeted for Feb. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0065

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Spac...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, foam insulation is being trimmed for placement around the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system connector and wiring on space shutt... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, foam insulation is being trimmed for placement around the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system connector and wiring on space shuttle Atlantis' external tank. The foam was removed to enable engineers to remove and replace a feed-through ECO sensor connector on the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The pins in the replacement connector were precisely soldered to create a connection that allows sensors inside the tank to send signals to the computers onboard Atlantis. The launch date for the shuttle's STS-122 mission has now been targeted for Feb. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0062

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Spac...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, foam insulation is being trimmed for placement around the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system connector and wiring on space shutt... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, foam insulation is being trimmed for placement around the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system connector and wiring on space shuttle Atlantis' external tank. The foam was removed to enable engineers to remove and replace a feed-through ECO sensor connector on the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The pins in the replacement connector were precisely soldered to create a connection that allows sensors inside the tank to send signals to the computers onboard Atlantis. The launch date for the shuttle's STS-122 mission has now been targeted for Feb. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0063

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Spac...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, foam insulation is being trimmed for placement around the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system connector and wiring on space shutt... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a technician attaches the cover over the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system connector and wiring on space shuttle Atlantis' external tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The pins in the replacement connector were precisely soldered to create a connection that allows sensors inside the tank to send signals to the computers onboard Atlantis. The launch date for the shuttle's STS-122 mission has now been targeted for Feb. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0073

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a technician attaches the cover over the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system connector and wiring on space shuttle Atlantis' ex... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians prepare the cover to be installed over the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system connector and wiring on space shuttle Atlantis' external tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The pins in the replacement connector were precisely soldered to create a connection that allows sensors inside the tank to send signals to the computers onboard Atlantis. The launch date for the shuttle's STS-122 mission has now been targeted for Feb. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0069

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians prepare the cover to be installed over the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system connector and wiring on space shuttl... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, foam is being replaced around the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system connector and wiring on space shuttle Atlantis' external tank. The foam was removed to enable engineers to remove and replace a feed-through ECO sensor connector on the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The pins in the replacement connector were precisely soldered to create a connection that allows sensors inside the tank to send signals to the computers onboard Atlantis. The launch date for the shuttle's STS-122 mission has now been targeted for Feb. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0067

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, foam is being replaced around the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system connector and wiring on space shuttle Atlantis' external ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a technician begins attaching the cover over the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system connector and wiring on space shuttle Atlantis' external tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The pins in the replacement connector were precisely soldered to create a connection that allows sensors inside the tank to send signals to the computers onboard Atlantis. The launch date for the shuttle's STS-122 mission has now been targeted for Feb. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0072

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a technician begins attaching the cover over the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system connector and wiring on space shuttle Atla... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians prepare the cover to be installed over the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system connector and wiring on space shuttle space shuttle Atlantis' external tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The pins in the replacement connector were precisely soldered to create a connection that allows sensors inside the tank to send signals to the computers onboard Atlantis. The launch date for the shuttle's STS-122 mission has now been targeted for Feb. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0070

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Spa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians prepare the cover to be installed over the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system connector and wiring on space shuttle... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, foam is being replaced around the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system connector and wiring on space shuttle Atlantis' external tank. The foam was removed to enable engineers to remove and replace a feed-through ECO sensor connector on the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The pins in the replacement connector were precisely soldered to create a connection that allows sensors inside the tank to send signals to the computers onboard Atlantis. The launch date for the shuttle's STS-122 mission has now been targeted for Feb. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0066

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Spa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, foam is being replaced around the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system connector and wiring on space shuttle Atlantis' external t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a technician completes installing the cover over the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system connector and wiring on space shuttle Atlantis' external tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The pins in the replacement connector were precisely soldered to create a connection that allows sensors inside the tank to send signals to the computers onboard Atlantis. The launch date for the shuttle's STS-122 mission has now been targeted for Feb. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0074

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a technician completes installing the cover over the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system connector and wiring on space shuttle ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a technician trims foam placed around the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system connector and wiring on space shuttle Atlantis' external tank. The foam was removed to enable engineers to remove and replace a feed-through ECO sensor connector on the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The pins in the replacement connector were precisely soldered to create a connection that allows sensors inside the tank to send signals to the computers onboard Atlantis. The launch date for the shuttle's STS-122 mission has now been targeted for Feb. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0068

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a technician trims foam placed around the engine cutoff, or ECO, sensor system connector and wiring on space shuttle Atlantis' ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The white foam insulation freshly reapplied to space shuttle Atlantis's external tank completes the work to remove and replace the feed-through connector on the engine cut-off, or ECO, sensor connector. The repair work was done on Atlantis while the shuttle has been on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The foam was removed to enable engineers to remove and replace the ECO sensor connector on the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The pins in the replacement connector were precisely soldered to create a connection that allows sensors inside the tank to send signals to the computers onboard Atlantis. The repair work was done on Atlantis while the shuttle has been on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The launch date for the shuttle's STS-122 mission has now been targeted for Feb. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Husten KSC-08pd0076

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The white foam insulation freshly reapp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The white foam insulation freshly reapplied to space shuttle Atlantis's external tank completes the work to remove and replace the feed-through connector on the engine cut-off, or... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The white foam insulation freshly reapplied to space shuttle Atlantis's external tank completes the work to remove and replace the feed-through connector on the engine cut-off, or ECO, sensor connector. The repair work was done on Atlantis while the shuttle has been on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The foam was removed to enable engineers to remove and replace the ECO sensor connector on the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The pins in the replacement connector were precisely soldered to create a connection that allows sensors inside the tank to send signals to the computers onboard Atlantis. The repair work was done on Atlantis while the shuttle has been on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The launch date for the shuttle's STS-122 mission has now been targeted for Feb. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Husten KSC-08pd0075

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The white foam insulation freshly reapp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The white foam insulation freshly reapplied to space shuttle Atlantis's external tank completes the work to remove and replace the feed-through connector on the engine cut-off, or... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Quality inspectors with NASA and Lockheed Martin examine a red-line drawing of foam placement on space shuttle Atlantis's external tank (in front of them) to verify the foam insulation that was reapplied. The foam covers the feed-through engine cut-off, or ECO, sensor connector. The foam was removed to enable engineers to remove and replace the ECO sensor connector on the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The pins in the replacement connector were precisely soldered to create a connection that allows sensors inside the tank to send signals to the computers onboard Atlantis. The repair work was done on Atlantis while the shuttle has been on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The launch date for the shuttle's STS-122 mission has now been targeted for Feb. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Husten KSC-08pd0078

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Quality inspectors with NASA and Lockhe...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Quality inspectors with NASA and Lockheed Martin examine a red-line drawing of foam placement on space shuttle Atlantis's external tank (in front of them) to verify the foam insul... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Quality inspectors with NASA and Lockheed Martin examine a red-line drawing of foam placement on space shuttle Atlantis's external tank (in front of them) to verify the foam insulation that was reapplied. The foam covers the feed-through engine cut-off, or ECO, sensor connector. The foam was removed to enable engineers to remove and replace the ECO sensor connector on the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The pins in the replacement connector were precisely soldered to create a connection that allows sensors inside the tank to send signals to the computers onboard Atlantis. The repair work was done on Atlantis while the shuttle has been on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The launch date for the shuttle's STS-122 mission has now been targeted for Feb. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Husten KSC-08pd0080

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Quality inspectors with NASA and Lockhe...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Quality inspectors with NASA and Lockheed Martin examine a red-line drawing of foam placement on space shuttle Atlantis's external tank (in front of them) to verify the foam insul... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Quality inspectors with NASA and Lockheed Martin examine a red-line drawing of foam placement on space shuttle Atlantis's external tank (in front of them) to verify the foam insulation that was reapplied. The foam covers the feed-through engine cut-off, or ECO, sensor connector. The foam was removed to enable engineers to remove and replace the ECO sensor connector on the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The pins in the replacement connector were precisely soldered to create a connection that allows sensors inside the tank to send signals to the computers onboard Atlantis. The repair work was done on Atlantis while the shuttle has been on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The launch date for the shuttle's STS-122 mission has now been targeted for Feb. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Husten KSC-08pd0079

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Quality inspectors with NASA and Lockhe...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Quality inspectors with NASA and Lockheed Martin examine a red-line drawing of foam placement on space shuttle Atlantis's external tank (in front of them) to verify the foam insul... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Quality inspectors with NASA and Lockheed Martin examine a red-line drawing of foam placement on space shuttle Atlantis's external tank (in front of them) to verify the foam insulation that was reapplied. The foam covers the feed-through engine cut-off, or ECO, sensor connector. The foam was removed to enable engineers to remove and replace the ECO sensor connector on the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The pins in the replacement connector were precisely soldered to create a connection that allows sensors inside the tank to send signals to the computers onboard Atlantis. The repair work was done on Atlantis while the shuttle has been on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The launch date for the shuttle's STS-122 mission has now been targeted for Feb. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Husten KSC-08pd0077

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Quality inspectors with NASA and Lockhe...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Quality inspectors with NASA and Lockheed Martin examine a red-line drawing of foam placement on space shuttle Atlantis's external tank (in front of them) to verify the foam insul... More