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Gemini 5 Launch, NASA Gemini program

Gemini 5 Launch, NASA Gemini program

NASA launched the Gemini 5 spacecraft, August 21, 1965 at 0900 EST on a planned eight-day mission from Complex 19. Astronaut Gordon Cooper was the Command Pilot and Charles Conrad the Pilot. This was the longes... More

Gemini 5, NASA Gemini program - A close up of a patch with a wagon on it

Gemini 5, NASA Gemini program - A close up of a patch with a wagon on ...

August 21-29, 1965 – 7 days, 22 hours. 55 minutes, 14 seconds.Astronauts – L. Gordon Cooper, Jr. (Commander), Charles Conrad, Jr. (Pilot).The objective of the Gemini V mission was to evaluate rendezvous Guidanc... More

Gemini 5 Splashdown and Recovery

Gemini 5 Splashdown and Recovery

(August 29, 1965) Astronaut L. Gordon Cooper, Jr., Command Pilot of the Gemini V spacecraft is hoisted into a recovery helicopter after the Gemini 5 eight day mission. The NASA Gemini 5 spacecraft was launched ... More

INSIDE S/C (Spacecraft) (Prime Crew)

INSIDE S/C (Spacecraft) (Prime Crew)

S65-46388 (21 Aug. 1965) --- Astronauts L. Gordon Cooper Jr. (foreground) and Charles Conrad Jr. are pictured in their Gemini-5 spacecraft moments before the hatches are closed. The Gemini-5 spaceflight is plan... More

Gemini-Titan (GT)-5 - On Pad (Erector being Lowered) - Cape

Gemini-Titan (GT)-5 - On Pad (Erector being Lowered) - Cape

S65-49568 (21 Aug. 1965) --- The erector at Pad 19 is lowered in preparation for the launch of the Gemini-5 spacecraft. Astronauts L. Gordon Cooper Jr., command pilot; and Charles Conrad Jr., pilot, are crew me... More

GT-5 Command Pilot Suiting Up. NASA public domain image colelction.

GT-5 Command Pilot Suiting Up. NASA public domain image colelction.

S65-46375 (21 Aug. 1965) --- Astronaut L. Gordon Cooper Jr., Gemini-5 command pilot, gets help with the donning of his spacesuit by NASA suit technician Clyde Teague during suiting up operations. Astronaut Char... More

Gt-5 Prime Crew Addressing the House of Representatives

Gt-5 Prime Crew Addressing the House of Representatives

S65-44234 (14 Sept. 1965) --- The Gemini-5 crew, astronauts L. Gordon Cooper Jr., command pilot, and Charles Conrad Jr., pilot, receive a standing ovation during their visit to the U.S. House of Representatives... More

Apollo 11 Launch, NASA Apollo program

Apollo 11 Launch, NASA Apollo program

(July 16, 1969) The American flag heralds the flight of Apollo 11, the first Lunar landing mission. The Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle lifted off with astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin E... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle rises past the launch tower as it lifts off with astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. at 9:32 a.m. EDT July 16, 1969, from KSC's Launch Complex 39A. During the planned eight-day mission, Armstrong and Aldrin will descend in a Lunar Module (LM) to the Moon's surface while Collins orbits overhead in the Command Module. The two astronauts are to spend 22 hours on the Moon, including two-and-one-half hours outside the LM. They will gather samples of lunar material and will deploy scientific experiments that will transmit data about the lunar environment. They will rejoin Collins in the Command Module for the return trip to Earth. KSC-69PC-391

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle rise...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle rises past the launch tower as it lifts off with astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. at 9:32 a.m. EDT July 16,... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The American flag heralds the flight of Apollo 11, man's first lunar landing mission. The Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle lifted off with astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. at 9:32 a.m. EDT from KSC's Launch Complex 39A. During the planned eight-day mission, Armstrong and Aldrin will descend in a Lunar Module (LM) to the Moon's surface while Collins orbits overhead in the Command Module. The two astronauts are to spend 22 hours on the Moon, including two-and-one-half hours outside the LM. They will gather samples of lunar material and will deploy scientific experiments that will transmit data about the lunar environment. They will rejoin Collins in the Command Module for the return trip to Earth. KSC-69PC-397

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The American flag heralds the flight of A...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The American flag heralds the flight of Apollo 11, man's first lunar landing mission. The Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle lifted off with astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Col... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle lifts off with Astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. at 9:32 a.m. EDT July 16, 1969, from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A. During the planned eight-day mission, Armstrong and Aldrin will descend in a lunar module to the Moon's surface while Collins orbits overhead in the command module. The two astronauts are to spend 22 hours on the Moon, including two and one-half hours outside the lunar module. They will gather samples of lunar material and willl deploy scientific experiments which will transmit data about the lunar environment. They will rejoin Collins in the command module for the return trip to Earth ksc-69pc-422

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle lif...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle lifts off with Astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. at 9:32 a.m. EDT July 16, 1969, from Kennedy Space Center'... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle lifts off with Astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. at 9:32 a.m. EDT July 16, 1969, from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A. During the planned eight-day mission, Armstrong and Aldrin will descend in a lunar module to the Moon's surface while Collins orbits overhead in the command module. The two astronauts are to spend 22 hours on the Moon, including two and one-half hours outside the lunar module. They will gather samples of lunar material and willl deploy scientific experiments which will transmit data about the lunar environment. They will rejoin Collins in the command module for the return trip to Earth ksc-69pc-420

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle lif...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle lifts off with Astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. at 9:32 a.m. EDT July 16, 1969, from Kennedy Space Center'... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle, at Launch Pad 39A, awaits the liftoff scheduled for 9:32 a.m. EDT today, along with astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. During the planned eight-day mission, Armstrong and Aldrin will descend in a lunar module to the Moon's surface while Collins orbits overhead in the command module. The two astronauts are to spend 22 hours on the Moon, including two and one-half hours outside the lunar module. They will gather samples of lunar material and will deploy scientific experiments which will transmit data about the lunar environment. They will rejoin Collins the command module for the return trip to Earth ksc-69pc-443

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle, ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle, at Launch Pad 39A, awaits the liftoff scheduled for 9:32 a.m. EDT today, along with astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle lifted off with astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. at 9:32 a.m. EDT July 16, 1969, from KSC's Launch Complex 39A. During the planned eight-day mission, Armstrong and Aldrin will descend in a Lunar Module (LM) to the Moon's surface while Collins orbits overhead in the Command Module. The two astronauts are to spend 22 hours on the Moon, including two-and-one-half hours outside the LM. They will gather samples of lunar material and will deploy scientific experiments that will transmit data about the lunar environment. They will rejoin Collins in the Command Module for the return trip to Earth. KSC-69PC-393

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle lift...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle lifted off with astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. at 9:32 a.m. EDT July 16, 1969, from KSC's Launch Complex ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle lifted off with Astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. at 9:32 a.m. EDT July 16, 1969, from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A. During the planned eight-day mission, Armstrong and Aldrin will descend in a lunar module to the Moon's surface while Collins orbits overhead in the command module. The two astronauts are to spend 22 hours on the Moon, including two and one-half hours outside the lunar module. They will gather samples of lunar material and will deploy scientific experiments which will transmit data about the lunar environment. They will rejoin Collins in the command module for the return trip to Earth ksc-69pc-442

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle lif...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle lifted off with Astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. at 9:32 a.m. EDT July 16, 1969, from Kennedy Space Center... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle climbs toward orbit after liftoff from Pad 39A at 9:32 a.m. EDT. In two-and-a-half minutes of powered flight, the S-IC booster lifts the vehicle to an altitude of about 39 miles approximately 55 miles downrange. This photo was taken with a 70-mm telescopic camera mounted in an Air force EC-135N plane. Onboard are astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. During the planned eight-day mission, Armstrong and Aldrin will descend in a Lunar Module (LM) to the Moon's surface while Collins orbits overhead in the Command Module. The two astronauts are to spend 22 hours on the Moon, including two-and-one-half hours outside the LM. They will gather samples of lunar material and will deploy scientific experiments that will transmit data about the lunar environment. They will rejoin Collins in the Command Module for the return trip to Earth. KSC-69PC-413

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle clim...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle climbs toward orbit after liftoff from Pad 39A at 9:32 a.m. EDT. In two-and-a-half minutes of powered flight, the S-IC booster lifts the vehicl... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle lifts off with Astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. at 9:32 a.m. EDT July 16, 1969, from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A. During the planned eight-day mission, Armstrong and Aldrin will descend in a lunar module to the Moon's surface while Collins orbits overhead in the command module. The two astronauts are to spend 22 hours on the Moon, including two and one-half hours outside the lunar module. They will gather samples of lunar material and willl deploy scientific experiments which will transmit data about the lunar environment. They will rejoin Collins in the command module for the return trip to Earth ksc-69pc-395

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle lif...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Apollo 11 Saturn V space vehicle lifts off with Astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. at 9:32 a.m. EDT July 16, 1969, from Kennedy Space Center'... More

LANDING - STS-3 - NORTHRUP STRIP, NM

LANDING - STS-3 - NORTHRUP STRIP, NM

S82-28839 (30 March 1982) --- Seconds from touchdown, the space shuttle Columbia (STS-3), with astronauts Jack R. Lousma and C. Gordon Fullerton aboard, comes into view of a large crowd on hand to greet it at t... More

LANDING - STS-3 - NORTHRUP STRIP, NM

LANDING - STS-3 - NORTHRUP STRIP, NM

S82-28840 (30 March 1982) --- T-38 chase planes remain relatively close to the NASA reusable space shuttle Columbia (STS-3) as it heads for a completion of an eight-day mission on the White Sands Missile Range'... More

CREW TRAINING (EXTRAVEHICULAR ACTIVITY [EVA]) - STS-41G - JSC

CREW TRAINING (EXTRAVEHICULAR ACTIVITY [EVA]) - STS-41G - JSC

S84-36956 (1 July 1984) --- Astronaut Robert L. Crippen, 41-G crew commander, prepares his SCUBA mask prior to submerging into the weightless environment training facility's 25 ft. deep pool to observe a simula... More

Photo of the earth before touchdown of Challenger and end of STS 41-G

Photo of the earth before touchdown of Challenger and end of STS 41-G

41G-102-047 (13 Oct. 1984) --- An unusual picture, photographed by astronaut Kathryn D. Sullivan, shows the beginning and ending location of her eight-day mission in space with six other 41-G crew members aboar... More

View of the Flight Control Room in the MCC during STS 51-A

View of the Flight Control Room in the MCC during STS 51-A

51A-90016 (8 Nov 1984) --- J. E. Conner, on duty at the integrated communcations officer console in the second floor Flight Control Room (FCR) of the Johnson Space Center's (JSC) Mission Control Center (MCC), w... More

Landing of the Shuttle Challenger at Edwards AFB and end of STS 51-F mission

Landing of the Shuttle Challenger at Edwards AFB and end of STS 51-F m...

51F-S-161 (6 Aug 1985) --- The Space Shuttle Challenger, with its seven member crew and battery of scientific experiments aboard, eases its rear landing gear onto the dry lake bed at Edwards Air Force Base in ... More

STS-44 Pilot Henricks uses Visual Function Tester (VFT) on OV-104's middeck

STS-44 Pilot Henricks uses Visual Function Tester (VFT) on OV-104's mi...

STS044-14-013 (24 Nov-1 Dec 1991) --- Terence T. (Tom) Henricks, STS-44 pilot, tests his visual acuity with the Visual Function Test (VFT) apparatus. This photograph was among the first released by NASA follow... More

STS-44 MS Musgrave looks out OV-104's side hatch viewport on middeck

STS-44 MS Musgrave looks out OV-104's side hatch viewport on middeck

STS044-32-003 (24 Nov.-1 Dec. 1991) --- Astronaut F. Story Musgrave, STS-44 mission specialist, makes visual observations through Atlantis' hatch window. This photograph was among the first released by NASA fol... More

STS-42 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, lands on runway 22 at EAFB, Calif

STS-42 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, lands on runway 22 at EAFB...

STS042-S-093 (30 Jan 1992) --- Space Shuttle Discovery is just about to ease down its main gear on Runway 22 at Edwards Air Force Base in southern California. Main gear touchdown occurred at 8:07:18 a.m. (PST... More

Space Shuttle Project, Marshall Space Flight Center

Space Shuttle Project, Marshall Space Flight Center

Space Shuttle Discovery STS-42) is just about to ease down its main gear on Runway 22 at Edwards Air Force Base in southern California. The successful landing completed an eight-day mission for five NASA astron... More

STS-42 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, lands on runway 22 at EAFB, Calif

STS-42 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, lands on runway 22 at EAFB...

STS042-S-094 (30 Jan 1992) --- Space Shuttle Discovery lands on Runway 22 at Edwards Air Force Base in southern California to complete an eight-day mission. Main gear touchdown occurred at 8:07:18 a.m. (PST), ... More

STS-46 Commander Shriver eats candy (M&Ms) on OV-104's aft flight deck

STS-46 Commander Shriver eats candy (M&Ms) on OV-104's aft flight deck

STS046-35-013 (31 July-8 Aug. 1992) --- Astronaut Loren J. Shriver, STS-46 commander, pursues several floating chocolate candies on the flight deck of the Space Shuttle Atlantis as it makes one of its 127 total... More

Space Shuttle Project, Marshall Space Flight Center

Space Shuttle Project, Marshall Space Flight Center

The Space Shuttle Orbiter Atlantis (STS-46) touched down at Kennedy Space Center's (KSC) Shuttle Landing Facility completing an eight day mission of five NASA astronauts and two Europeans. The vehicle assembly ... More

STS-46 Pilot Allen uses cycle ergometer on OV-104's middeck

STS-46 Pilot Allen uses cycle ergometer on OV-104's middeck

STS046-24-025 (31 July-8 Aug. 1992) --- Astronaut Andrew M. Allen, STS-46 pilot, exercises on the bicycle ergometer device on the flight deck of the Space Shuttle Atlantis as it makes one of its 127 total orbit... More

Crewmembers in the aft flight deck.

Crewmembers in the aft flight deck.

STS053-01-034 (2-9 Dec 1992) --- From the Space Shuttle Discovery's aft flight deck, astronaut Guion S. Bluford, mission specialist, uses a handheld 70mm Hasselblad to photograph a point on Earth. Bluford was ... More

Launch of STS-60 Shuttle Discovery

Launch of STS-60 Shuttle Discovery

STS060-S-106 (3 Feb 1994) --- Palm trees are silhouetted in the foreground of this 70mm image as the Space Shuttle Discovery heads toward an eight-day mission in Earth orbit. Liftoff occurred as scheduled at 7... More

Launch of STS-60 Shuttle Discovery

Launch of STS-60 Shuttle Discovery

STS060-S-105 (3 Feb 1994) --- The Space Shuttle Discovery heads toward an eight-day mission in Earth orbit with five NASA astronauts and a Russian cosmonaut aboard. Liftoff occurred as scheduled at 7:10 a.m. (... More

Launch of STS-60 Shuttle Discovery

Launch of STS-60 Shuttle Discovery

Launch Complex 39 is in partial darkness as the Space Shuttle Discovery heads toward an eight-day mission in Earth orbit. Liftoff occurred as scheduled at 7:10 a.m., February 3, 1994.

BREMSAT satellite launched from STS-60 Discovery cargo bay

BREMSAT satellite launched from STS-60 Discovery cargo bay

STS060-93-043 (9 Feb 1994) --- BREMSAT, a 140 pound (63 kilogram) satellite, quickly leaves the cargo bay of the Space Shuttle Discovery. The 480 mm (19 inch) deployable satellite was built by the University o... More

Kennedy Space Center, Florida as seen from STS-60

Kennedy Space Center, Florida as seen from STS-60

STS060-84-021 (3-11 Feb 1994) --- The Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and its partially cloud-covered environs were captured on 70mm by one of the STS-60 crew members during the eight-day mission. The Shuttle landi... More

Astronaut Collins and cosmonaut Titov organize TIPS paper messages

Astronaut Collins and cosmonaut Titov organize TIPS paper messages

STS063-86-028 (3-11 Feb 1995) --- On the Space Shuttle Discovery's middeck, astronaut Eileen M. Collins and cosmonaut Vladimir G. Titov attempt to organize a lengthy mail message from flight controllers on Eart... More

Landing of STS-63 Discovery at KSC

Landing of STS-63 Discovery at KSC

STS063-S-012 (11 Feb 1995) --- The Space Shuttle Discovery is about to touch down on Runway 15 at the Kennedy Space Center's (KSC) Shuttle Landing Facility to complete an eight-day mission. Touchdown occurred ... More

Landing of STS-63 Discovery at KSC

Landing of STS-63 Discovery at KSC

STS063-S-015 (11 Feb. 1995) --- The Space Shuttle Discovery deploys its drag chute on Runway 15 at the Kennedy Space Center's (KSC) Shuttle Landing Facility as it wraps up an eight-day mission. Touchdown occur... More

Startled birds scatter as the stillness of a summer morning is broken by a giant's roar. The Space Shuttle Discovery thundered into space from Launch Pad 39B at 9:41:55:078 a.m. EDT. STS-70 is the 70th Shuttle flight overall, the 21st for Discovery (OV-103), and the fourth Shuttle flight in 1995. On board for the nearly eight-day mission are a crew of five: Commander Terence "Tom" Henricks, Pilot Kevin R. Kregel, and Mission Specialists Nancy Jane Currie, Donald A. Thomas and Mary Ellen Weber. The crew's primary objective is to deploy the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-G (TDRS-G), which will join a constellation of other TDRS spacecraft already on orbit KSC-95pc1013

Startled birds scatter as the stillness of a summer morning is broken ...

Startled birds scatter as the stillness of a summer morning is broken by a giant's roar. The Space Shuttle Discovery thundered into space from Launch Pad 39B at 9:41:55:078 a.m. EDT. STS-70 is the 70th Shuttle ... More

STS044-06-016 - STS-044 - STS-44 OV-104's airlock hatch with tennis shoes & Presidential Sports Award

STS044-06-016 - STS-044 - STS-44 OV-104's airlock hatch with tennis sh...

The original finding aid described this as: Description: STS-44 airlock hatch is decorated with two pairs of tennis shoes and a Presidential Sports Award Jogging patch (insignia) on the middeck of Atlantis, Or... More

STS-103 Mission Specialist C. Michael Foale (Ph.D.) dons his launch and entry suit for the second time in two days before heading out to Launch Pad 39B and liftoff of Space Shuttle Discovery. The previous launch attempt on Dec. 17 was scrubbed about 8:52 p.m. due to numerous violations of weather launch commit criteria at KSC. Foale and other crew members Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr., Pilot Scott J. Kelly and Mission Specialists Steven L. Smith, John M. Grunsfeld (Ph.D.), Claude Nicollier of Switzerland and Jean-Francois Clervoy of France are scheduled to lift off at 7:50 p.m. EST Dec. 19 on mission STS-103, servicing the Hubble Space Telescope. Objectives for the nearly eight-day mission include replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing another solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation in the telescope. Discovery is expected to land at KSC Monday, Dec. 27, at about 5:24 p.m. EST KSC-99pp1461

STS-103 Mission Specialist C. Michael Foale (Ph.D.) dons his launch an...

STS-103 Mission Specialist C. Michael Foale (Ph.D.) dons his launch and entry suit for the second time in two days before heading out to Launch Pad 39B and liftoff of Space Shuttle Discovery. The previous launc... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-103 Mission Specialist John M. Grunsfeld (Ph.D.), in his orange launch and entry suit, is assisted by closeout crew members in the White Room before entering the orbiter. At left is United Space Alliance Mechanical Technician Vinny Defranzo and at right is NASA Quality Assurance Specialist Danny Wyatt. The White Room is an environmental chamber at the end of the orbiter access arm on the fixed service structure. It provides entry to the orbiter crew compartment. The mission, to service the Hubble Space Telescope, is scheduled to lift off at 7:50 p.m. EST Dec. 19 on mission STS-103, servicing the Hubble Space Telescope. Objectives for the nearly eight-day mission include replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing another solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation in the telescope. Discovery is expected to land at KSC Monday, Dec. 27, at about 5:24 p.m. EST KSC-99pp1484

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-103 Mission Specialist John M. Gruns...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-103 Mission Specialist John M. Grunsfeld (Ph.D.), in his orange launch and entry suit, is assisted by closeout crew members in the White Room before entering the orbiter. At le... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-103 Mission Specialist Claude Nicollier, in his orange launch and entry suit, shakes hands with NASA Quality Assurance Specialist Danny Wyatt in the White Room before entering the orbiter. Other closeout crew members are United Space Alliance (USA) Suit Technician Ray Cuevas (left) and USA Orbiter Vehicle Closeout Chief Travis Thompson. The White Room is an environmental chamber at the end of the orbiter access arm on the fixed service structure. It provides entry to the orbiter crew compartment. The mission, to service the Hubble Space Telescope, is scheduled to lift off at 7:50 p.m. EST Dec. 19 on mission STS-103, servicing the Hubble Space Telescope. Objectives for the nearly eight-day mission include replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing another solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation in the telescope. Discovery is expected to land at KSC Monday, Dec. 27, at about 5:24 p.m. EST KSC-99pp1481

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-103 Mission Specialist Claude Nicoll...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-103 Mission Specialist Claude Nicollier, in his orange launch and entry suit, shakes hands with NASA Quality Assurance Specialist Danny Wyatt in the White Room before entering ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-103 Mission Specialist C. Michael Foale (Ph.D.), in his orange launch and entry suit, is assisted by closeout crew members in the White Room before entering the orbiter. At left is United Space Alliance (USA) Orbiter Vehicle Closeout Chief Travis Thompson and USA Mechanical Technician Vinny Defranzo. The White Room is an environmental chamber at the end of the orbiter access arm on the fixed service structure. It provides entry to the orbiter crew compartment. The mission, to service the Hubble Space Telescope, is scheduled to lift off at 7:50 p.m. EST Dec. 19 on mission STS-103, servicing the Hubble Space Telescope. Objectives for the nearly eight-day mission include replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing another solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation in the telescope. Discovery is expected to land at KSC Monday, Dec. 27, at about 5:24 p.m. EST KSC-99pp1483

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-103 Mission Specialist C. Michael Fo...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-103 Mission Specialist C. Michael Foale (Ph.D.), in his orange launch and entry suit, is assisted by closeout crew members in the White Room before entering the orbiter. At lef... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room, STS-103 Mission Specialists Steven L. Smith and Jean-Francois Clervoy, in their orange launch and entry suits, are getting ready to enter Space Shuttle Discovery. Assisting them are closeout crew members (from left) United Space Alliance (USA) Mechanical Technician Rene Arriens, NASA Quality Assurance Specialist Danny Wyatt, USA Orbiter Vehicle Closeout Chief Travis Thompson and USA Mechanical Technician Vinny Defranzo. The White Room is an environmental chamber at the end of the orbiter access arm on the fixed service structure. It provides entry to the orbiter crew compartment. The mission, to service the Hubble Space Telescope, is scheduled to lift off at 7:50 p.m. EST Dec. 19 on mission STS-103, servicing the Hubble Space Telescope. Objectives for the nearly eight-day mission include replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing another solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation in the telescope. Discovery is expected to land at KSC Monday, Dec. 27, at about 5:24 p.m. EST KSC-99pp1486

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room, STS-103 Mission Speci...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room, STS-103 Mission Specialists Steven L. Smith and Jean-Francois Clervoy, in their orange launch and entry suits, are getting ready to enter Space Shuttle Discovery... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-103 Pilot Scott J. Kelly, in his orange launch and entry suit, waits for assistance from closeout crew members in the White Room before entering the orbiter. Seen at left is United Space Alliance Mechanical Technician Rene Arriens. The White Room is an environmental chamber at the end of the orbiter access arm on the fixed service structure. It provides entry to the orbiter crew compartment. The mission, to service the Hubble Space Telescope, is scheduled to lift off at 7:50 p.m. EST Dec. 19 on mission STS-103, servicing the Hubble Space Telescope. Objectives for the nearly eight-day mission include replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing another solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation in the telescope. Discovery is expected to land at KSC Monday, Dec. 27, at about 5:24 p.m. EST KSC-99pp1482

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-103 Pilot Scott J. Kelly, in his ora...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-103 Pilot Scott J. Kelly, in his orange launch and entry suit, waits for assistance from closeout crew members in the White Room before entering the orbiter. Seen at left is Un... More

After donning his launch and entry suit, STS-103 Mission Specialist John M. Grunsfeld (Ph.D.) signals he's ready for the second launch attempt of Space Shuttle Discovery. The previous launch attempt on Dec. 17 was scrubbed about 8:52 p.m. due to numerous violations of weather launch commit criteria at KSC. Grunsfeld and other crew members Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr., Pilot Scott J. Kelly and Mission Specialists Steven L. Smith, C. Michael Foale (Ph.D.), Claude Nicollier of Switzerland and Jean-Francois Clervoy of France are scheduled to lift off at 7:50 p.m. EST Dec. 19 on mission STS-103, servicing the Hubble Space Telescope. Objectives for the nearly eight-day mission include replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing another solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation in the telescope. Discovery is expected to land at KSC Monday, Dec. 27, at about 5:24 p.m. EST KSC-99pp1464

After donning his launch and entry suit, STS-103 Mission Specialist Jo...

After donning his launch and entry suit, STS-103 Mission Specialist John M. Grunsfeld (Ph.D.) signals he's ready for the second launch attempt of Space Shuttle Discovery. The previous launch attempt on Dec. 17 ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-103 Mission Specialist Steven L. Smith, in his orange launch and entry suit, waits for assistance from closeout crew members in the White Room before entering the orbiter. From left, they are NASA Quality Assurance Specialist Danny Wyatt, United Space Alliance (USA) Mechanical Technician Vinny Defranzo and USA Orbiter Vehicle Closeout Chief Travis Thompson. The White Room is an environmental chamber at the end of the orbiter access arm on the fixed service structure. It provides entry to the orbiter crew compartment. The mission, to service the Hubble Space Telescope, is scheduled to lift off at 7:50 p.m. EST Dec. 19 on mission STS-103, servicing the Hubble Space Telescope. Objectives for the nearly eight-day mission include replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing another solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation in the telescope. Discovery is expected to land at KSC Monday, Dec. 27, at about 5:24 p.m. EST KSC-99pp1485

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-103 Mission Specialist Steven L. Smi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-103 Mission Specialist Steven L. Smith, in his orange launch and entry suit, waits for assistance from closeout crew members in the White Room before entering the orbiter. From... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-103 Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr., in his orange launch and entry suit, enjoys a laugh with closeout crew members in the White Room before entering the orbiter. From left are United Space Alliance (USA) Mechanical Technician Rene Arriens, USA Orbiter Vehicle Closeout Chief Travis Thompson, and NASA Quality Assurance Specialist Danny Wyatt. The white room is an environmental chamber at the end of the orbiter access arm on the fixed service structure. It provides entry to the orbiter crew compartment. The mission, to service the Hubble Space Telescope, is scheduled to lift off at 7:50 p.m. EST Dec. 19 on mission STS-103, servicing the Hubble Space Telescope. Objectives for the nearly eight-day mission include replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing another solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation in the telescope. Discovery is expected to land at KSC Monday, Dec. 27, at about 5:24 p.m. EST KSC-99pp1480

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-103 Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr., i...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-103 Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr., in his orange launch and entry suit, enjoys a laugh with closeout crew members in the White Room before entering the orbiter. From left are U... More

After donning his launch and entry suit, STS-103 Mission Specialist Steven L. Smith shows a positive attitude over the second launch attempt for Space Shuttle Discovery. The previous launch attempt on Dec. 17 was scrubbed about 8:52 p.m. due to numerous violations of weather launch commit criteria at KSC. Smith and other crew members Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr., Pilot Scott J. Kelly and Mission Specialists C. Michael Foale (Ph.D.), John M. Grunsfeld (Ph.D.), Claude Nicollier of Switzerland and Jean-Francois Clervoy of France are scheduled to lift off at 7:50 p.m. EST Dec. 19 on mission STS-103, servicing the Hubble Space Telescope. Objectives for the nearly eight-day mission include replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing another solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation in the telescope. Discovery is expected to land at KSC Monday, Dec. 27, at about 5:24 p.m. EST KSC-99pp1462

After donning his launch and entry suit, STS-103 Mission Specialist St...

After donning his launch and entry suit, STS-103 Mission Specialist Steven L. Smith shows a positive attitude over the second launch attempt for Space Shuttle Discovery. The previous launch attempt on Dec. 17 w... More

STS-103 Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr. is suited up and ready to go for the second launch attempt of Space Shuttle Discovery. The previous launch attempt on Dec. 17 was scrubbed about 8:52 p.m. due to numerous violations of weather launch commit criteria at KSC. Brown and fellow crew members Pilot Scott J. Kelly and Mission Specialists Steven L. Smith, C. Michael Foale (Ph.D.), John M. Grunsfeld (Ph.D.), Claude Nicollier of Switzerland and Jean-Francois Clervoy of France are scheduled to lift off at 7:50 p.m. EST Dec. 19 on mission STS-103, servicing the Hubble Space Telescope. Objectives for the nearly eight-day mission include replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing another solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation in the telescope. Discovery is expected to land at KSC Monday, Dec. 27, at about 5:24 p.m. EST KSC-99pp1466

STS-103 Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr. is suited up and ready to go for...

STS-103 Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr. is suited up and ready to go for the second launch attempt of Space Shuttle Discovery. The previous launch attempt on Dec. 17 was scrubbed about 8:52 p.m. due to numerous v... More

After donning his launch and entry suit, a grinning STS-103 Mission Specialist Claude Nicollier of Switzerland signals he is ready for the second launch attempt of Space Shuttle Discovery. The previous launch attempt on Dec. 17 was scrubbed about 8:52 p.m. due to numerous violations of weather launch commit criteria at KSC. Nicollier and fellow crew members Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr., Pilot Scott J. Kelly and Mission Specialists Steven L. Smith, C. Michael Foale (Ph.D.), John M. Grunsfeld (Ph.D.) and Jean-Francois Clervoy of France are scheduled to lift off at 7:50 p.m. EST Dec. 19 on mission STS-103, servicing the Hubble Space Telescope. Objectives for the nearly eight-day mission include replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing another solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation in the telescope. Discovery is expected to land at KSC Monday, Dec. 27, at about 5:24 p.m. EST KSC-99pp1465

After donning his launch and entry suit, a grinning STS-103 Mission Sp...

After donning his launch and entry suit, a grinning STS-103 Mission Specialist Claude Nicollier of Switzerland signals he is ready for the second launch attempt of Space Shuttle Discovery. The previous launch a... More

STS-103 Pilot Scott J. Kelly is suited up and ready for the second launch attempt of Space Shuttle Discovery. The previous launch attempt on Dec. 17 was scrubbed about 8:52 p.m. due to numerous violations of weather launch commit criteria at KSC. Kelly and fellow crew members Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr. and Mission Specialists Steven L. Smith, C. Michael Foale (Ph.D.), John M. Grunsfeld (Ph.D.), Claude Nicollier of Switzerland and Jean-Francois Clervoy of France are scheduled to lift off at 7:50 p.m. EST Dec. 19 on mission STS-103, servicing the Hubble Space Telescope. Objectives for the nearly eight-day mission include replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing another solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation in the telescope. Discovery is expected to land at KSC Monday, Dec. 27, at about 5:24 p.m. EST KSC-99pp1463

STS-103 Pilot Scott J. Kelly is suited up and ready for the second lau...

STS-103 Pilot Scott J. Kelly is suited up and ready for the second launch attempt of Space Shuttle Discovery. The previous launch attempt on Dec. 17 was scrubbed about 8:52 p.m. due to numerous violations of we... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The orbiter Discovery looks like a blue ghost as it drops from the darkness onto lighted runway 33 at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility. After traveling more than 3,267,000 miles on a successful eight-day mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope, the orbiter touches down at 7:00:47 p.m. EST. Aboard are Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr., Pilot Scott J. Kelly, and Mission Specialists Steven L. Smith, C. Michael Foale (Ph.D.), John M. Grunsfeld (Ph.D.), Claude Nicollier of Switzerland and Jean-François Clervoy of France, who spent the Christmas holiday in space in order to accomplish their mission before the end of 1999. During the mission, Discovery's four space-walking astronauts, Smith, Foale, Grunsfeld and Nicollier, spent 24 hours and 33 minutes upgrading and refurbishing Hubble, making it more capable than ever to renew its observations of the universe. Mission objectives included replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing another solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation in the telescope. Hubble was released from the end of Discovery's robot arm on Christmas Day. This was the 96th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 27th for the orbiter Discovery. The landing was the 20th consecutive Shuttle landing in Florida and the 13th night landing in Shuttle program history KSC-99pp1511

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The orbiter Discovery looks like a blue ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The orbiter Discovery looks like a blue ghost as it drops from the darkness onto lighted runway 33 at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility. After traveling more than 3,267,000 miles on a... More

After landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-103 crew poses in front of the orbiter Discovery. Standing left to right are Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr., Mission Specialist Claude Nicollier of Switzerland, Pilot Scott J. Kelly, and Mission Specialists Jean-Francois Clervoy of France, C. Michael Foale (Ph.D.), John M. Grunsfeld (Ph.D.) and Steven L. Smith. The crew of seven completed a successful eight-day mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope, spending the Christmas holiday in space in order to accomplish their mission before the end of 1999. During the mission, Discovery's four space-walking astronauts, Smith, Foale, Grunsfeld and Nicollier, spent 24 hours and 33 minutes upgrading and refurbishing Hubble, making it more capable than ever to renew its observations of the universe. Mission objectives included replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing another solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation in the telescope. Hubble was released from the end of Discovery's robot arm on Christmas Day. Main gear touchdown was at 7:00:47 p.m. EST. Nose gear touchdown occurred at 7:00:58 p.m. EST and wheel stop at 7:01:34 p.m. EST. This was the 96th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 27th for the orbiter Discovery. The landing was the 20th consecutive Shuttle landing in Florida and the 13th night landing in Shuttle program history KSC-99pp1510

After landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-103 crew poses ...

After landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-103 crew poses in front of the orbiter Discovery. Standing left to right are Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr., Mission Specialist Claude Nicollier of Switzerl... More

After landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-103 crew looks over the orbiter Discovery. In the foreground, from left, are Mission Specialist Jean-Francois Clervoy of France, Pilot Scott J. Kelly, Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr. and Mission Specialist C. Michael Foale (Ph.D.); behind them, from left, are Mission Specialists Steven L. Smith and Claude Nicollier of Switzerland. The remaining crew member (not shown) is Mission Specialist John M. Grunsfeld (Ph.D.). The crew of seven completed a successful eight-day mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope, spending the Christmas holiday in space in order to accomplish their mission before the end of 1999. During the mission, Discovery's four space-walking astronauts, Smith, Foale, Grunsfeld and Nicollier, spent 24 hours and 33 minutes upgrading and refurbishing Hubble, making it more capable than ever to renew its observations of the universe. Mission objectives included replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing another solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation in the telescope. Hubble was released from the end of Discovery's robot arm on Christmas Day. Main gear touchdown was at 7:00:47 p.m. EST. Nose gear touchdown occurred at 7:00:58 p.m. EST and wheel stop at 7:01:34 p.m. EST. This was the 96th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 27th for the orbiter Discovery. The landing was the 20th consecutive Shuttle landing in Florida and the 13th night landing in Shuttle program history KSC-99pp1506

After landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-103 crew looks ...

After landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-103 crew looks over the orbiter Discovery. In the foreground, from left, are Mission Specialist Jean-Francois Clervoy of France, Pilot Scott J. Kelly, Comm... More

After landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-103 Mission Specialists Jean-Francois Clervoy of France and Claude Nicollier of Switzerland, who are with the European Space Agency, listen to a comment by Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr. while looking over the orbiter Discovery. Other members of the crew are Pilot Scott J. Kelly and Mission Specialists Steven L. Smith, C. Michael Foale (Ph.D.), and John M. Grunsfeld (Ph.D.). The crew of seven completed a successful eight-day mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope, spending the Christmas holiday in space in order to accomplish their mission before the end of 1999. During the mission, Discovery's four space-walking astronauts, Smith, Foale, Grunsfeld and Nicollier, spent 24 hours and 33 minutes upgrading and refurbishing Hubble, making it more capable than ever to renew its observations of the universe. Mission objectives included replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing another solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation in the telescope. Hubble was released from the end of Discovery's robot arm on Christmas Day. Main gear touchdown was at 7:00:47 p.m. EST. Nose gear touchdown occurred at 7:00:58 p.m. EST and wheel stop at 7:01:34 p.m. EST. This was the 96th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 27th for the orbiter Discovery. The landing was the 20th consecutive Shuttle landing in Florida and the 13th night landing in Shuttle program history KSC-99pp1507

After landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-103 Mission Special...

After landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-103 Mission Specialists Jean-Francois Clervoy of France and Claude Nicollier of Switzerland, who are with the European Space Agency, listen to a comment by Com... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The Space Shuttle Discovery drops out of the darkness onto runway 33 at the Shuttle Landing Facility after traveling more than 3,267,000 miles on a successful eight-day mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope. Astronauts Curtis L. Brown Jr., Commander; Scott J. Kelly, Pilot; and Steven L. Smith, C. Michael Foale (Ph.D.), John M. Grunsfeld (Ph.D.), Claude Nicollier of Switzerland and Jean-François Clervoy of France, all Mission Specialists, spent the Christmas holiday in space in order to accomplish their mission before the end of 1999. During the mission, Discovery's four space-walking astronauts, Smith, Foale, Grunsfeld and Nicollier, spent 24 hours and 33 minutes upgrading and refurbishing Hubble, making it more capable than ever to renew its observations of the universe. Mission objectives included replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing another solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation in the telescope. Hubble was released from the end of Discovery's robot arm on Christmas Day. Main gear touchdown was at 7:00:47 p.m. EST. Nose gear touchdown occurred at 7:00:58 p.m. EST and wheel stop at 7:01:34 p.m. EST. This was the 96th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 27th for the orbiter Discovery. The landing was the 20th consecutive Shuttle landing in Florida and the 13th night landing in Shuttle program history KSC-99pp1504

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The Space Shuttle Discovery drops out of...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The Space Shuttle Discovery drops out of the darkness onto runway 33 at the Shuttle Landing Facility after traveling more than 3,267,000 miles on a successful eight-day mission to ... More

After landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-103 Pilot Scott J. Kelly (left) and Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr. (right) look at the tiles on orbiter Discovery. They and other crew members Mission Specialists Steven L. Smith, C. Michael Foale (Ph.D.), John M. Grunsfeld (Ph.D.), Jean-Francois Clervoy of France and Claude Nicollier of Switzerland, completed a successful eight-day mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope, spending the Christmas holiday in space in order to accomplish their mission before the end of 1999. During the mission, Discovery's four space-walking astronauts, Smith, Foale, Grunsfeld and Nicollier, spent 24 hours and 33 minutes upgrading and refurbishing Hubble, making it more capable than ever to renew its observations of the universe. Mission objectives included replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing another solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation in the telescope. Hubble was released from the end of Discovery's robot arm on Christmas Day. Main gear touchdown was at 7:00:47 p.m. EST. Nose gear touchdown occurred at 7:00:58 p.m. EST and wheel stop at 7:01:34 p.m. EST. This was the 96th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 27th for the orbiter Discovery. The landing was the 20th consecutive Shuttle landing in Florida and the 13th night landing in Shuttle program history KSC-99pp1509

After landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-103 Pilot Scott J. ...

After landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-103 Pilot Scott J. Kelly (left) and Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr. (right) look at the tiles on orbiter Discovery. They and other crew members Mission Specialis... More

After landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-103 Mission Specialist Jean-François Clervoy of France (left), with the European Space Agency (ESA), and Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr. (right) look over the orbiter Discovery. They and other crew members Pilot Scott J. Kelly and Mission Specialists Steven L. Smith, C. Michael Foale (Ph.D.), John M. Grunsfeld (Ph.D.) and Claude Nicollier of Switzerland (also with ESA), completed a successful eight-day mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope, spending the Christmas holiday in space in order to accomplish their mission before the end of 1999. During the mission, Discovery's four space-walking astronauts, Smith, Foale, Grunsfeld and Nicollier, spent 24 hours and 33 minutes upgrading and refurbishing Hubble, making it more capable than ever to renew its observations of the universe. Mission objectives included replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing another solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation in the telescope. Hubble was released from the end of Discovery's robot arm on Christmas Day. Main gear touchdown was at 7:00:47 p.m. EST. Nose gear touchdown occurred at 7:00:58 p.m. EST and wheel stop at 7:01:34 p.m. EST. This was the 96th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 27th for the orbiter Discovery. The landing was the 20th consecutive Shuttle landing in Florida and the 13th night landing in Shuttle program history KSC-99pp1505

After landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-103 Mission Special...

After landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-103 Mission Specialist Jean-François Clervoy of France (left), with the European Space Agency (ESA), and Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr. (right) look over the or... More

As he exits the Crew Hatch Access Vehicle, STS-103 Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr. is greeted with a handshake by Joseph Rothenberg, associate administrator, Office of Space Flight. Descending the stairs behind Brown are (left to right) Mission Specialists C. Michael Foale (Ph.D.) and John M. Grunsfeld (Ph.D.) and Pilot Scott J. Kelly. At right, applauding the astronauts return are Earle Huckins, deputy associate administrator, Office of Space Science, and Roy Bridges, director, Kennedy Space Center. Others in the crew (not shown) are Mission Specialists Steven L. Smith, and Jean-Francois Clervoy of France and Claude Nicollier of Switzerland, who are with the European Space Agency. The crew of seven completed a successful eight-day mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope, spending the Christmas holiday in space in order to accomplish their mission before the end of 1999. During the mission, Discovery's four space-walking astronauts, Smith, Foale, Grunsfeld and Nicollier, spent 24 hours and 33 minutes upgrading and refurbishing Hubble, making it more capable than ever to renew its observations of the universe. Mission objectives included replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing another solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation in the telescope. Hubble was released from the end of Discovery's robot arm on Christmas Day. Main gear touchdown was at 7:00:47 p.m. EST. Nose gear touchdown occurred at 7:00:58 p.m. EST and wheel stop at 7:01:34 p.m. EST. This was the 96th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 27th for the orbiter Discovery. The landing was the 20th consecutive Shuttle landing in Florida and the 13th night landing in Shuttle program history KSC-99pp1508

As he exits the Crew Hatch Access Vehicle, STS-103 Commander Curtis L....

As he exits the Crew Hatch Access Vehicle, STS-103 Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr. is greeted with a handshake by Joseph Rothenberg, associate administrator, Office of Space Flight. Descending the stairs behind B... More