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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis' main engines and solid rocket boosters ignite on Launch Pad 39A leaving behind a billow of steam as it lifts off on its STS-135 mission to the International Space Station. Atlantis with its crew of four; Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, Mission Specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim, lifted off at 11:29 a.m. EDT on July 8, 2011 to deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts for the International Space Station. Atlantis also will fly the Robotic Refueling Mission experiment that will investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites in orbit. In addition, Atlantis will return with a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 is the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2011-5421

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis' main engines and solid rocket boosters ignite on Launch Pad 39A leaving behind a billow of steam as it lifts off on its... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis rockets into the blue sky above Launch Pad 39A after liftoff. Beneath Atlantis' main engines are blue cones of light, known as shock or mach diamonds. They are a formation of shock waves in the exhaust plume of an aerospace propulsion system. Liftoff of Atlantis on mission STS-117 to the International Space Station was on time at 7:38:04 p.m. EDT. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the International Space Station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007. Photo Credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-07pp1461

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis rockets into th...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis rockets into the blue sky above Launch Pad 39A after liftoff. Beneath Atlantis' main engines are blue cones of light, known as shock or mach diamonds. T... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Clouds of smoke and steam roll across Launch Pad 39A as Space Shuttle Endeavour leaps free above them, beginning its journey on mission STS-118. Liftoff of Endeavour was on time at 6:36 p.m. EDT. The mission is the 22nd shuttle flight to the International Space Station. It will continue space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5, and other payloads such as the SPACEHAB module and the external stowage platform 3. The 11-day mission may be extended to as many as 14 depending on the test of the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System that will allow the docked shuttle to draw electrical power from the station and extend its visits to the orbiting lab. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray KSC-07pd2261

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Clouds of smoke and steam roll across L...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Clouds of smoke and steam roll across Launch Pad 39A as Space Shuttle Endeavour leaps free above them, beginning its journey on mission STS-118. Liftoff of Endeavour was on time ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis' main engines and solid rocket boosters ignite on Launch Pad 39A leaving behind a billow of steam as it lifts off on its STS-135 mission to the International Space Station. Atlantis with its crew of four; Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, Mission Specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim, lifted off at 11:29 a.m. EDT on July 8, 2011 to deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts for the International Space Station. Atlantis also will fly the Robotic Refueling Mission experiment that will investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites in orbit. In addition, Atlantis will return with a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 is the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2011-5422

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis' main engines and solid rocket boosters ignite on Launch Pad 39A leaving behind a billow of steam as it lifts off on its... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A mirror image of space shuttle Endeavour's liftoff on the STS-123 mission is captured in the water near Launch Pad 39A. Liftoff was on time at 2:28 a.m. EDT. The crew will make a record-breaking 16-day mission to the International Space Station and deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray KSC-08pd0710

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A mirror image of space shuttle Endeavo...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A mirror image of space shuttle Endeavour's liftoff on the STS-123 mission is captured in the water near Launch Pad 39A. Liftoff was on time at 2:28 a.m. EDT. The crew will make ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The blue cones of light, known as shock or mach diamonds, beneath Space Shuttle Discovery's main engines confirm its rapid rise into the night sky after liftoff on mission STS-116. Mach diamonds are a formation of shock waves in the exhaust plume of an aerospace propulsion system. Liftoff occurred on time at 8:47 p.m. EST. This was the second launch attempt for mission STS-116. The first launch attempt on Dec. 7 was postponed due a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2003. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 21 at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-06pp2766

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The blue cones of light, known as shock...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The blue cones of light, known as shock or mach diamonds, beneath Space Shuttle Discovery's main engines confirm its rapid rise into the night sky after liftoff on mission STS-116... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A vapor trail flows from Discovery's wing tip as it makes a speedy approach to Runway 15 at NASA's Shuttle Landing Facility, completing mission STS-121 to the International Space Station. At touchdown -- nominally about 2,500 ft. beyond the runway threshold -- the orbiter is traveling at a speed ranging from 213 to 226 mph. Discovery traveled 5.3 million miles, landing on orbit 202. Mission elapsed time was 12 days, 18 hours, 37 minutes and 54 seconds. Main gear touchdown occurred on time at 9:14:43 EDT. Wheel stop was at 9:15:49 EDT. The returning crew members aboard are Commander Steven Lindsey, Pilot Mark Kelly and Mission Specialists Piers Sellers, Michael Fossum, Lisa Nowak and Stephanie Wilson. Mission Specialist Thomas Reiter, who launched with the crew on July 4, remained on the station to join the Expedition 13 crew there. The landing is the 62nd at Kennedy Space Center and the 32nd for Discovery. During the mission, the STS-121 crew tested new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, and delivered supplies and made repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Tim Powers KSC-06pp1622

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A vapor trail flows from Discovery's ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A vapor trail flows from Discovery's wing tip as it makes a speedy approach to Runway 15 at NASA's Shuttle Landing Facility, completing mission STS-121 to the International Spac... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Ares I-X test rocket ignites its first stage at Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 11:30 a.m. EDT on Oct. 28. The Constellation Program's 327-foot-tall rocket produces 2.96 million pounds of thrust at liftoff and reaches a speed of 100 mph in eight seconds. This was the first launch from Kennedy's pads of a vehicle other than the space shuttle since the Apollo Program's Saturn rockets were retired. The parts used to make the Ares I-X booster flew on 30 different shuttle missions ranging from STS-29 in 1989 to STS-106 in 2000. The data returned from more than 700 sensors throughout the rocket will be used to refine the design of future launch vehicles and bring NASA one step closer to reaching its exploration goals. For information on the Ares I-X vehicle and flight test, visit http://www.nasa.gov/aresIX. Photo credit: NASA/ George Roberts and Tony Gray KSC-2009-5968

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Ares I-X test rocket ignites its first s...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Ares I-X test rocket ignites its first stage at Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 11:30 a.m. EDT on Oct. 28. The Constellation Program's 327-foot-tall roc... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Moments after liftoff, the launch of space shuttle Atlantis casts a glow in the lagoon waters during launch from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Atlantis is racing to the International Space Station on mission STS-122. Liftoff was on time at 2:45 p.m. EST. The launch is the third attempt for Atlantis since December 2007 to carry the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory to the International Space Station. During the 11-day mission, the crew's prime objective is to attach the laboratory to the Harmony module, adding to the station's size and capabilities. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray KSC-08pd0216

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Moments after liftoff, the launch of sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Moments after liftoff, the launch of space shuttle Atlantis casts a glow in the lagoon waters during launch from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Atlantis is racing... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space shuttle Atlantis emerges from the exhaust cloud building on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16. Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr. On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory. STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tom Farrar and Tony Gray KSC-2009-6361

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space shuttle Atlantis emerges from the exhaust cloud building on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-12... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis' main engines and solid rocket boosters ignite on Launch Pad 39A producing billows of smoke and steam as it lifts off on its STS-135 mission to the International Space Station. Atlantis with its crew of four; Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, Mission Specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim, lifted off at 11:29 a.m. EDT on July 8, 2011 to deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts for the station. Atlantis also will fly the Robotic Refueling Mission experiment that will investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites in orbit. In addition, Atlantis will return with a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 is the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Tom Farrar KSC-2011-5411

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis' main engines and solid rocket boosters ignite on Launch Pad 39A producing billows of smoke and steam as it lifts off on... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Nearby water reflects the brilliant light of flames beneath space shuttle Discovery as it leaps through the clouds into a blue sky heading for the International Space Station on mission STS-120. Billows of clouds and smoke stream across Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Liftoff was on time at 11:38:19 a.m. EDT. Discovery carries the Italian-built U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. During the 14-day STS-120 mission, the crew will install Harmony and move the P6 solar arrays to their permanent position and deploy them. Discovery is expected to complete its mission and return home at 4:47 a.m. EST on Nov. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray & Robert Murray KSC-07pd2961

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Nearby water reflects the brilliant lig...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Nearby water reflects the brilliant light of flames beneath space shuttle Discovery as it leaps through the clouds into a blue sky heading for the International Space Station on m... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialists Koichi Wakata (center) and Steve Swanson are getting into their harnesses, which include a parachute pack, before crawling through the open hatch into space shuttle Discovery. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm on the fixed service structure and provides access into the shuttle. The STS-119 mission is the 28th to the International Space Station and the 125th space shuttle flight. Discovery will deliver the final pair of power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment. Installation of S6 will signal the station's readiness to house a six-member crew for conducting increased science. Liftoff is scheduled for 7:43 p.m. EDT. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray, Tom Farrar KSC-2009-2056

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's K...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialists Koichi Wakata (center) and Steve Swanson are getting into their harnesses, which... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Flag waving children welcome the space shuttle Atlantis as it approaches Space Florida's Exploration Park. Atlantis will pause during its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex providing a viewing opportunity for guests before completing the trip to its new home. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis is to be displayed at Kennedy's Visitor Complex beginning in the summer of 2013. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis traveled 125,935,769 miles during 307 days in space over 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Tony Gray KSC-2012-6063

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Flag waving children welcome the space shuttle ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Flag waving children welcome the space shuttle Atlantis as it approaches Space Florida's Exploration Park. Atlantis will pause during its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Space Center Visit... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated by twin solid rocket boosters and three main engines, space shuttle Atlantis clears the tower on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16. Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr. On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory. STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tom Farrar and Tony Gray KSC-2009-6392

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generate...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated by twin solid rocket boosters and three main engines, space shuttle Atlantis clears the tower on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Ce... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Xenon lights help lead space shuttle Endeavour home to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Endeavour landed for the final time on the Shuttle Landing Facility's Runway 15, marking the 25th night landing of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. Main gear touchdown was at 2:34:51 a.m. EDT, followed by nose gear touchdown at 2:35:04 a.m., and wheelstop at 2:35:36 a.m. On board are STS-134 Commander Mark Kelly, Pilot Greg H. Johnson, and Mission Specialists Mike Fincke, Drew Feustel, Greg Chamitoff and the European Space Agency's Roberto Vittori. STS-134 delivered the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS) and the Express Logistics Carrier-3 (ELC-3) to the International Space Station. AMS will help researchers understand the origin of the universe and search for evidence of dark matter, strange matter and antimatter from the station. ELC-3 carried spare parts that will sustain station operations once the shuttles are retired from service. STS-134 was the 25th and final flight for Endeavour, which has spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles. Photo credit: NASA/Tom Farrar and Tony Gray KSC-2011-4239

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Xenon lights help lead space shuttle Endeavour...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Xenon lights help lead space shuttle Endeavour home to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Endeavour landed for the final time on the Shuttle Landing Facility's Runway 15, marking th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- While in the White Room to complete suiting up before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery, STS-116 Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick sends a message home. In the background is Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang, who represents the European Space Agency. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The first launch attempt of STS-116 on Dec. 7 was postponed due a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center. This second launch attempt is scheduled for 8:47 p.m. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2002. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 21 at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-06pp2776

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- While in the White Room to complete sui...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- While in the White Room to complete suiting up before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery, STS-116 Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick sends a message home. In the background i... More

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

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Atop twin columns of fire, space shuttle Discovery hurtles past the lightning rod atop the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Smoke and steam from liftoff billow across the pad. Liftoff was on time at 11:38:19 a.m. EDT. Discovery carries the Italian-built U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. During the 14-day STS-120 mission, the crew will install Harmony and move the P6 solar arrays to their permanent position and deploy them. Discovery is expected to complete its mission and return home at 4:47 a.m. EST on Nov. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray & Robert Murray KSC-07pd2966

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Atop twin columns of fire, space shutt...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Atop twin columns of fire, space shuttle Discovery hurtles past the lightning rod atop the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Smoke and ste... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Liftoff of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-123 mission lights up Launch Pad 39A and the night sky. Liftoff was on time at 2:28 a.m. EDT. The crew will make a record-breaking 16-day mission to the International Space Station and deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray KSC-08pd0712

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Liftoff of space shuttle Endeavour on t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Liftoff of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-123 mission lights up Launch Pad 39A and the night sky. Liftoff was on time at 2:28 a.m. EDT. The crew will make a record-breaking ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft or SCA, takes off from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The SCA, a modified 747 jetliner, will fly Endeavour to Los Angeles where it will be placed on public display at the California Science Center. This is the final ferry flight scheduled in the Space Shuttle Program era. For more information on the shuttles' transition and retirement, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Robert Murray KSC-2012-5473

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's Sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft or SCA, takes off from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The SCA, a modified 74... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Launch of space shuttle Atlantis from Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is reflected in the marsh near the pad. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16. Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr. On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory. STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tom Farrar and Tony Gray KSC-2009-6374

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Launch of space shuttle Atlantis from Pad 39A a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Launch of space shuttle Atlantis from Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is reflected in the marsh near the pad. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST No... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Led by the Titusville High School band, the space shuttle Atlantis is transported along NASA Causeway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex where it will be put on public display. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis is to be displayed at Kennedy's Visitor Complex beginning in the summer of 2013. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis traveled 125,935,769 miles during 307 days in space over 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Tony Gray KSC-2012-6040

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Led by the Titusville High School band, the spa...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Led by the Titusville High School band, the space shuttle Atlantis is transported along NASA Causeway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Space... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Trailing a column of fire, space shuttle Discovery hurtles toward space on mission STS-120 to the International Space Station as it breaks free from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Liftoff was on time at 11:38:19 a.m. EDT. Discovery carries the Italian-built U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. During the 14-day STS-120 mission, the crew will install Harmony and move the P6 solar arrays to their permanent position and deploy them. Discovery is expected to complete its mission and return home at 4:47 a.m. EST on Nov. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray & Robert Murray KSC-07pd2958

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Trailing a column of fire, space shuttl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Trailing a column of fire, space shuttle Discovery hurtles toward space on mission STS-120 to the International Space Station as it breaks free from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kenne... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Deputy Chief of the Astronaut Office Rick Sturckow flies weather reconnaissance in a Shuttle Training Aircraft over NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to assess the weather before space shuttle Atlantis returns to Earth for the last time. Weather was observed "go" and Atlantis touched down on Runway 15 at 5:57 a.m., bringing an end to the STS-135 mission and NASA's Space Shuttle Program. On the 37th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-135 delivered more than 9,400 pounds of spare parts, equipment and supplies in the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module that will sustain station operations for the next year. STS-135 was the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis, which has spent 307 days in space, orbited Earth 4,848 times and traveled 125,935,769 miles. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray KSC-2011-5635

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Deputy Chief of the Astronaut Office Rick Stur...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Deputy Chief of the Astronaut Office Rick Sturckow flies weather reconnaissance in a Shuttle Training Aircraft over NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to assess the weather before sp... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis travels upward on streams of flame as it lifts off on its STS-135 mission to the International Space Station. Atlantis with its crew of four; Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, Mission Specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim, lifted off at 11:29 a.m. EDT on July 8, 2011 to deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts for the station. Atlantis also will fly the Robotic Refueling Mission experiment that will investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites in orbit. In addition, Atlantis will return with a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 is the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Tom Farrar KSC-2011-5414

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Cent...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis travels upward on streams of flame as it lifts off on its STS-135 mission to the International Space S... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Looking as if it is breaking out of a cocoon, space shuttle Atlantis races into the sky on mission STS-122 to the International Space Station. Liftoff of the shuttle was on time at 2:45 p.m. EST. The launch is the third attempt for Atlantis since December 2007 to carry the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory to the International Space Station. During the 11-day mission, the crew's prime objective is to attach the laboratory to the Harmony module, adding to the station's size and capabilities. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray KSC-08pd0220

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Looking as if it is breaking out of a c...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Looking as if it is breaking out of a cocoon, space shuttle Atlantis races into the sky on mission STS-122 to the International Space Station. Liftoff of the shuttle was on time ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A fish-eye view captures this close view of space shuttle Endeavour as it leaps from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on the STS-127 mission. Liftoff was on-time at 6:03 p.m. EDT. Today was the sixth launch attempt for the STS-127 mission. The launch was scrubbed on June 13 and June 17 when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. The mission was postponed July 11, 12 and 13 due to weather conditions near the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy that violated rules for launching, and lightning issues. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section in the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray, Tom Farrar KSC-2009-4125

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A fish-eye view captures this close view of spa...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A fish-eye view captures this close view of space shuttle Endeavour as it leaps from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on the STS-127 mission. Liftoff was on-time at 6:03 p.m. E... More

AS17-156-23778 - Apollo 17 - Apollo 17, Gray Scale

AS17-156-23778 - Apollo 17 - Apollo 17, Gray Scale

The original database describes this as: Description: Gray Scale. Image taken during the Apollo 17 mission . Original film magazine was labeled UU. Film type was 2485 Very High Speed Black and White (VHBW),AS... More

AS17-161-24018 - Apollo 17 - Apollo 17, Gray Scale

AS17-161-24018 - Apollo 17 - Apollo 17, Gray Scale

The original database describes this as: Description: Gray Scale. Image taken during the Apollo 17 mission on Revolution 16. Original film magazine was labeled ZZ. Film type was 2485 Very High Speed Black and ... More

Research pilot Richard E. Gray, standing in front of the AD-1 Oblique Wing research aircraft. EC82-17954

Research pilot Richard E. Gray, standing in front of the AD-1 Oblique ...

Research pilot Richard E. Gray, standing in front of the AD-1 Oblique Wing research aircraft.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the space shuttle Atlantis pauses during its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Visitor Complex for a ceremony to commemorate the transfer. Former astronaut Karol Bobko, who commanded Atlantis's first mission, STS-51J in 1985, spoke Kennedy employees and guests at the event. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis is to be displayed at Kennedy's Visitor Complex beginning in the summer of 2013. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis traveled 125,935,769 miles during 307 days in space over 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Tony Gray KSC-2012-6046

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the space shuttle Atlantis pauses during its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Visitor Complex for a ceremony to commemorate the transfer. Former a... More

Radioman 3rd Class Byron K. Gray performs a routine check on a satellite communications antenna aboard the amphibious assault ship USS TARAWA (LHA 1) during Exercise COBRA GOLD '86

Radioman 3rd Class Byron K. Gray performs a routine check on a satelli...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD '86 Base: USS Tarawa (LHA 1) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military S... More

Robotics Laboratory: Spectrometer w/Charles Gray ARC-1992-AC92-0040-1

Robotics Laboratory: Spectrometer w/Charles Gray ARC-1992-AC92-0040-1

Robotics Laboratory: Spectrometer w/Charles Gray

BG George Gray discusses terms of the Memorandum of Understanding with Haitian Airport Director General, Eddy Celestin. The Understanding between DoD, FAA, and Haiti is delegating Haitian air space to the DoD to ensure the Safe and Efficient control of the Air Traffic within the Port au Prince Flight Region. General Gray is deployed to Port au Prince, Haiti in support of Operation Uphold Democracy

BG George Gray discusses terms of the Memorandum of Understanding with...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Subject Operation/Series: UPHOLD DEMOCRACY Base: Port Au Prince Country: Haiti (HTI) Scene Camera Operator: SSGT James E. Lotz (USAF) Release Status: ... More

Regional Mosaic of Chaos and Gray Band on Europa

Regional Mosaic of Chaos and Gray Band on Europa

Regional Mosaic of Chaos and Gray Band on Europa NASA/JPL

At Cape Canaveral Air Station's (CCAS) Complex 3/4, officials held a ceremony kicking off a year-long series of events commemorating 50 years of launches from the Space Coast that began with the Bumper rockets. At right, Norris Gray, a Bumper Program veteran, unveils a street sign that will be used to mark the road leading to the launch complex from which Bumper was launched. Seen on the stage are, left to right, Lt. Col. Randall K. Horn (at the podium), Commander, CCAS; Congressman David Weldon, 15th Congressional District of the State of Florida; Lieutenant Governor of the State of Florida Frank T. Brogan; Center Director Roy D. Bridges; and Executive Director Edward F. Gormel, Joint Performance Management Office. Also present (but not seen) is Brig. Gen. Donald P. Pettit, Commander, 45th Space Wing. After six Bumper launches at White Sands Proving Grounds, N.M., and a failed Bumper 7, a successful Bumper 8 lifted off July 24, 1950, from Complex 3/4 to conduct aerodynamic investigations around Mach 7 at relatively low altitudes. The kick-off event also inaugurated a student art contest to design a commemorative etching. The winning artwork will be permanently displayed on a 24-inch black granite square in the U.S. Space Walk Hall of Fame in Titusville, Fla KSC-99pp1067

At Cape Canaveral Air Station's (CCAS) Complex 3/4, officials held a c...

At Cape Canaveral Air Station's (CCAS) Complex 3/4, officials held a ceremony kicking off a year-long series of events commemorating 50 years of launches from the Space Coast that began with the Bumper rockets.... More

On top of the block house at Launch Complex 34, representatives from environmental and Federal agencies hear from Laymon Gray, with Florida State University, about the environmental research project that involves the Department of Defense, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy and NASA in a groundwater cleanup effort. Concentrations of trichloroethylene solvent have been identified in the soil at the complex as a result of cleaning methods for rocket parts during the Apollo Program, which used the complex, in the 60s. The group formed the Interagency NDAPL Consortium (IDC) to study three contamination cleanup technologies: Six Phase Soil Heating, Steam Injection and In Situ Oxidation with Potassium Permanganate. All three methods may offer a way to remove the contaminants in months instead of decades. In the background (left) can be seen the cement platform and walkway from the block house to the pad. Beyond it is the Atlantic Ocean. KSC hosted a two-day conference that presented information and demonstrations of the three technologies being tested at the site KSC00pp0103

On top of the block house at Launch Complex 34, representatives from e...

On top of the block house at Launch Complex 34, representatives from environmental and Federal agencies hear from Laymon Gray, with Florida State University, about the environmental research project that involv... More

On top of the block house at Launch Complex 34, representatives from environmental and Federal agencies hear from Laymon Gray, with Florida State University, about the environmental research project that involves the Department of Defense, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy and NASA in a groundwater cleanup effort. Concentrations of trichloroethylene solvent have been identified in the soil at the complex as a result of cleaning methods for rocket parts during the Apollo Program, which used the complex, in the 60s. The group formed the Interagency NDAPL Consortium (IDC) to study three contamination cleanup technologies: Six Phase Soil Heating, Steam Injection and In Situ Oxidation with Potassium Permanganate. All three methods may offer a way to remove the contaminants in months instead of decades. In the background (left) can be seen the cement platform and walkway from the block house to the pad. Beyond it is the Atlantic Ocean. KSC hosted a two-day conference that presented information and demonstrations of the three technologies being tested at the site KSC-00pp0103

On top of the block house at Launch Complex 34, representatives from e...

On top of the block house at Launch Complex 34, representatives from environmental and Federal agencies hear from Laymon Gray, with Florida State University, about the environmental research project that involv... More

Dark Gray Dunes, Bright Orange Dust

Dark Gray Dunes, Bright Orange Dust

Dark Gray Dunes, Bright Orange Dust NASA/JPL/Arizona State University/Cornell University/Don Davis

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dr. Thomas Howard, chief medical officer at the V.A. Outpatient Clinic in Viera, Fla., speaks to guests during the dedication of a hospital wing in honor of space shuttle Discovery, to be known as the Discovery wing. Joining in the dedication are, seated at left, STS-114 Mission Commander Eileen Collins, Norris Gray and Center Director Jim Kennedy. Gray was a long-time employee of Kennedy Space Center, in charge of fire safety from 1949 until his retirement in 1984. Collins and her crew have returned to Florida especially for a celebration in the KSC Visitor Complex of the successful return to flight mission that launched July 26 of this year. KSC-05pd2378

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dr. Thomas Howard, chief medical office...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dr. Thomas Howard, chief medical officer at the V.A. Outpatient Clinic in Viera, Fla., speaks to guests during the dedication of a hospital wing in honor of space shuttle Discover... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Commander Steven Lindsey is helped by the Closeout Crew to prepare his launch suit for entering Discovery and the launch. Situated on the end of the orbiter access arm, the White Room provides access into the orbiter on the pad. The crew is preparing for the third launch attempt in four days; previous attempts were scrubbed due to weather concerns. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Regina Mitchell-Ryall & Tony Gray KSC-06pp1474

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Commander Steven Lindsey is helped by the Closeout Crew to prepare his launch suit for entering Discovery and the launch. Situated on... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As smoke and team billow across Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 kicks off the fireworks for the U.S. holiday and makes history as the first time a shuttle has launched on Independence Day. Liftoff was on-time at 2:38 p.m. EDT. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew of seven will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Landing is scheduled for July 16 or 17 at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray KSC-06pp1473

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As smoke and team billow across Launch...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As smoke and team billow across Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 kicks off the fireworks for the U.S. holiday and makes history as the first time a shut... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Mission Specialist Stephanie Wilson is helped by the Closeout Crew to secure her launch suit before entering Discovery. Waiting in the back is Pilot Mark Kelly. Situated on the end of the orbiter access arm, the White Room provides access into the orbiter on the pad. The crew is preparing for the third launch attempt in four days; previous attempts were scrubbed due to weather concerns. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Regina Mitchell-Ryall & Tony Gray KSC-06pp1476

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Mission Specialist Stephanie Wilson is helped by the Closeout Crew to secure her launch suit before entering Discovery. Waiting in t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Making history with the first-ever launch on Independence Day, Space Shuttle Discovery rockets into the blue sky on mission STS-121, trailing fiery exhaust and blue mach diamonds from the main engine nozzles. Liftoff from Launch Pad 39B (seen below) was on-time at 2:38 p.m. EDT. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew of seven will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Landing is scheduled for July 17 at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Tim Powers KSC-06pp1469

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Making history with the first-ever lau...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Making history with the first-ever launch on Independence Day, Space Shuttle Discovery rockets into the blue sky on mission STS-121, trailing fiery exhaust and blue mach diamonds... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Mission Specialist Thomas Reiter is helped by the Closeout Crew to prepare for entering Discovery and the launch. Situated on the end of the orbiter access arm, the White Room provides access into the orbiter on the pad. The crew is preparing for the third launch attempt in four days; previous attempts were scrubbed due to weather concerns. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Regina Mitchell-Ryall & Tony Gray KSC-06pp1475

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Mission Specialist Thomas Reiter is helped by the Closeout Crew to prepare for entering Discovery and the launch. Situated on the e... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Smoke and steam billow across Launch Pad 39B as the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 kicks off the fireworks for the U.S. holiday and makes history as the first time a shuttle has launched on Independence Day. Liftoff was on-time at 2:38 p.m. EDT. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew of seven will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Landing is scheduled for July 16 or 17 at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Tim Powers KSC-06pp1472

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Smoke and steam billow across Launch P...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Smoke and steam billow across Launch Pad 39B as the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 kicks off the fireworks for the U.S. holiday and makes history as the fir... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Vapor trails flow from Discovery's wing tips as it makes a speedy approach to Runway 15 at NASA's Shuttle Landing Facility, completing mission STS-121 to the International Space Station. At touchdown -- nominally about 2,500 ft. beyond the runway threshold -- the orbiter is traveling at a speed ranging from 213 to 226 mph. Discovery traveled 5.3 million miles, landing on orbit 202. Mission elapsed time was 12 days, 18 hours, 37 minutes and 54 seconds. Main gear touchdown occurred on time at 9:14:43 EDT. Wheel stop was at 9:15:49 EDT. The returning crew members aboard are Commander Steven Lindsey, Pilot Mark Kelly and Mission Specialists Piers Sellers, Michael Fossum, Lisa Nowak and Stephanie Wilson. Mission Specialist Thomas Reiter, who launched with the crew on July 4, remained on the station to join the Expedition 13 crew there. The landing is the 62nd at Kennedy Space Center and the 32nd for Discovery. During the mission, the STS-121 crew tested new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, and delivered supplies and made repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Tim Powers KSC-06pp1619

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Vapor trails flow from Discovery's wing...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Vapor trails flow from Discovery's wing tips as it makes a speedy approach to Runway 15 at NASA's Shuttle Landing Facility, completing mission STS-121 to the International Space S... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Vapor trails from Discovery's wing tips look like balls of smoke as the orbiter touches down on Runway 15 at NASA's Shuttle Landing Facility, completing mission STS-121 to the International Space Station. At touchdown -- nominally about 2,500 ft. beyond the runway threshold -- the orbiter is traveling at a speed ranging from 213 to 226 mph. Discovery traveled 5.3 million miles, landing on orbit 202. Mission elapsed time was 12 days, 18 hours, 37 minutes and 54 seconds. Main gear touchdown occurred on time at 9:14:43 EDT. Wheel stop was at 9:15:49 EDT. The returning crew members aboard are Commander Steven Lindsey, Pilot Mark Kelly and Mission Specialists Piers Sellers, Michael Fossum, Lisa Nowak and Stephanie Wilson. Mission Specialist Thomas Reiter, who launched with the crew on July 4, remained on the station to join the Expedition 13 crew there. The landing is the 62nd at Kennedy Space Center and the 32nd for Discovery. During the mission, the STS-121 crew tested new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, and delivered supplies and made repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Tim Powers KSC-06pp1620

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Vapor trails from Discovery's wing tip...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Vapor trails from Discovery's wing tips look like balls of smoke as the orbiter touches down on Runway 15 at NASA's Shuttle Landing Facility, completing mission STS-121 to the In... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Kicking up dust as it touches down on Runway 15 at NASA's Shuttle Landing Facility, the orbiter Discovery completes mission STS-121 to the International Space Station. At touchdown -- nominally about 2,500 ft. beyond the runway threshold -- the orbiter is traveling at a speed ranging from 213 to 226 mph. Discovery traveled 5.3 million miles, landing on orbit 202. Mission elapsed time was 12 days, 18 hours, 37 minutes and 54 seconds. Main gear touchdown occurred on time at 9:14:43 EDT. Wheel stop was at 9:15:49 EDT. The returning crew members aboard are Commander Steven Lindsey, Pilot Mark Kelly and Mission Specialists Piers Sellers, Michael Fossum, Lisa Nowak and Stephanie Wilson. Mission Specialist Thomas Reiter, who launched with the crew on July 4, remained on the station to join the Expedition 13 crew there. The landing is the 62nd at Kennedy Space Center and the 32nd for Discovery. During the mission, the STS-121 crew tested new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, and delivered supplies and made repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Tim Powers KSC-06pp1623

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Kicking up dust as it touches down on R...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Kicking up dust as it touches down on Runway 15 at NASA's Shuttle Landing Facility, the orbiter Discovery completes mission STS-121 to the International Space Station. At touchdo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The orbiter Discovery nears touchdown on Runway 15 at NASA's Shuttle Landing Facility after completing mission STS-121 to the International Space Station. At touchdown -- nominally about 2,500 ft. beyond the runway threshold -- the orbiter is traveling at a speed ranging from 213 to 226 mph. Discovery traveled 5.3 million miles, landing on orbit 202. Mission elapsed time was 12 days, 18 hours, 37 minutes and 54 seconds. Main gear touchdown occurred on time at 9:14:43 EDT. Wheel stop was at 9:15:49 EDT. The returning crew members aboard are Commander Steven Lindsey, Pilot Mark Kelly and Mission Specialists Piers Sellers, Michael Fossum, Lisa Nowak and Stephanie Wilson. Mission Specialist Thomas Reiter, who launched with the crew on July 4, remained on the station to join the Expedition 13 crew there. The landing is the 62nd at Kennedy Space Center and the 32nd for Discovery. During the mission, the STS-121 crew tested new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, and delivered supplies and made repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Tim Powers KSC-06pp1624

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The orbiter Discovery nears touchdown o...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The orbiter Discovery nears touchdown on Runway 15 at NASA's Shuttle Landing Facility after completing mission STS-121 to the International Space Station. At touchdown -- nominal... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Vapor trails flow from Discovery's wing tips as it makes a speedy approach to Runway 15 at NASA's Shuttle Landing Facility, completing mission STS-121 to the International Space Station. At touchdown -- nominally about 2,500 ft. beyond the runway threshold -- the orbiter is traveling at a speed ranging from 213 to 226 mph. Discovery traveled 5.3 million miles, landing on orbit 202. Mission elapsed time was 12 days, 18 hours, 37 minutes and 54 seconds. Main gear touchdown occurred on time at 9:14:43 EDT. Wheel stop was at 9:15:49 EDT. The returning crew members aboard are Commander Steven Lindsey, Pilot Mark Kelly and Mission Specialists Piers Sellers, Michael Fossum, Lisa Nowak and Stephanie Wilson. Mission Specialist Thomas Reiter, who launched with the crew on July 4, remained on the station to join the Expedition 13 crew there. The landing is the 62nd at Kennedy Space Center and the 32nd for Discovery. During the mission, the STS-121 crew tested new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, and delivered supplies and made repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Tim Powers KSC-06pp1618

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Vapor trails flow from Discovery's win...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Vapor trails flow from Discovery's wing tips as it makes a speedy approach to Runway 15 at NASA's Shuttle Landing Facility, completing mission STS-121 to the International Space ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - With its drag chute flowing behind it, the orbiter Discovery touches down on Runway 15 at NASA's Shuttle Landing Facility, completing mission STS-121 to the International Space Station. At touchdown -- nominally about 2,500 ft. beyond the runway threshold -- the orbiter is traveling at a speed ranging from 213 to 226 mph. Discovery traveled 5.3 million miles, landing on orbit 202. Mission elapsed time was 12 days, 18 hours, 37 minutes and 54 seconds. Main gear touchdown occurred on time at 9:14:43 EDT. Wheel stop was at 9:15:49 EDT. The returning crew members aboard are Commander Steven Lindsey, Pilot Mark Kelly and Mission Specialists Piers Sellers, Michael Fossum, Lisa Nowak and Stephanie Wilson. Mission Specialist Thomas Reiter, who launched with the crew on July 4, remained on the station to join the Expedition 13 crew there. The landing is the 62nd at Kennedy Space Center and the 32nd for Discovery. During the mission, the STS-121 crew tested new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, and delivered supplies and made repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Tim Powers KSC-06pp1621

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - With its drag chute flowing behind it, ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - With its drag chute flowing behind it, the orbiter Discovery touches down on Runway 15 at NASA's Shuttle Landing Facility, completing mission STS-121 to the International Space St... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After its overnight rollout on the crawler-transporter from the Vehicle Assembly Building, Space Shuttle Atlantis, on top of the mobile launcher platform, is reflected in the pool of water near Launch Pad 39B. As if waiting with open arms, the rotating service structure is extended outward on the pad. It will later be rotated to enclose the shuttle. The slow speed of the crawler results in a 6- to 8-hour trek to the pad approximately 4 miles away. Atlantis' launch window begins Aug. 27 for an 11-day mission to the International Space Station. The STS-115 crew of six astronauts will continue construction of the station and install their cargo, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray KSC-06pd1717

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After its overnight rollout on the cra...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After its overnight rollout on the crawler-transporter from the Vehicle Assembly Building, Space Shuttle Atlantis, on top of the mobile launcher platform, is reflected in the poo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Reflected in the nearby pool of water, Space Shuttle Atlantis, propelled by the crawler-transporter, arrives on the hard stand on Launch Pad 39B. Atop the fixed service structure at right can be seen the 80-foot lightning mast that helps provide lightning protection. The slow speed of the crawler results in a 6- to 8-hour trek to the pad approximately 4 miles away. Atlantis' launch window begins Aug. 27 for an 11-day mission to the International Space Station. The STS-115 crew of six astronauts will continue construction of the station and install their cargo, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray KSC-06pd1719

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Reflected in the nearby pool of water,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Reflected in the nearby pool of water, Space Shuttle Atlantis, propelled by the crawler-transporter, arrives on the hard stand on Launch Pad 39B. Atop the fixed service structur... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Reflected in the nearby pool of water, Space Shuttle Atlantis arrives on the hard stand on Launch Pad 39B, propelled by the crawler-transporter. At right is the 290-foot high, 300,000-gallon water tank that aids in sound suppression during launch. The water releases just prior to the ignition of the shuttle engines and flows through 7-foot-diameter pipes for about 20 seconds, pouring into 16 nozzles atop the flame deflectors and from outlets in the main engines exhaust hole in the mobile launcher platform. Atop the fixed service structure is the 80-foot lightning mast that helps provide lightning protection. The slow speed of the crawler results in a 6- to 8-hour trek to the pad approximately 4 miles away. Atlantis' launch window begins Aug. 27 for an 11-day mission to the International Space Station. The STS-115 crew of six astronauts will continue construction of the station and install their cargo, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray KSC-06pd1718

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Reflected in the nearby pool of water,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Reflected in the nearby pool of water, Space Shuttle Atlantis arrives on the hard stand on Launch Pad 39B, propelled by the crawler-transporter. At right is the 290-foot high, 3... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis sits on the hardstand of Launch Pad 39B after its nearly 8-hour rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building. At left of the shuttle are the rotating service structure and fixed service structure. The slow speed of the crawler results in a 6- to 8-hour trek to the pad approximately 4 miles away. Atlantis' launch window begins Aug. 27 for an 11-day mission to the International Space Station. The STS-115 crew of six astronauts will continue construction of the station and install their cargo, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray KSC-06pd1721

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis sits on the har...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis sits on the hardstand of Launch Pad 39B after its nearly 8-hour rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building. At left of the shuttle are the rotating servic... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Security is on hand as Space Shuttle Atlantis arrives on Launch Pad 39B via the crawler-transporter. Tracks of the crawler can be seen on the crawlerway. At left of the shuttle are the rotating service structure and fixed service structure. The latter holds the 80-foot lightning mast on top, with its catenary wire extending downward to the left, providing lightning protection. The slow speed of the crawler results in a 6- to 8-hour trek to the pad approximately 4 miles away. Atlantis' launch window begins Aug. 27 for an 11-day mission to the International Space Station. The STS-115 crew of six astronauts will continue construction of the station and install their cargo, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray KSC-06pd1720

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Security is on hand as Space Shuttle A...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Security is on hand as Space Shuttle Atlantis arrives on Launch Pad 39B via the crawler-transporter. Tracks of the crawler can be seen on the crawlerway. At left of the shuttle... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam thanks the closeout crew for their help in completing his suitup before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The first launch attempt of STS-116 on Dec. 7 was postponed due a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center. This second launch attempt is scheduled for 8:47 p.m. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2002. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 21 at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-06pp2774

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Robert Cur...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam thanks the closeout crew for their help in completing his suitup before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery. The White Room is at the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Joan Higginbotham is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure her launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery. Behind her is Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The first launch attempt of STS-116 on Dec. 7 was postponed due a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center. This second launch attempt is scheduled for 8:47 p.m. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2002. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 21 at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-06pp2775

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Joan Higginb...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Joan Higginbotham is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure her launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery. Behind her i... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery. Fuglesang represents the European Space Agency. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The first launch attempt of STS-116 on Dec. 7 was postponed due a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center. This second launch attempt is scheduled for 8:47 p.m. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2002. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 21 at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-06pp2777

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer Fug...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery. Fuglesang re... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Commander William Oefelein is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The first launch attempt of STS-116 on Dec. 7 was postponed due a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center. This second launch attempt is scheduled for 8:47 p.m. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2002. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 21 at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-06pp2773

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Commander William Oefelein is ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Commander William Oefelein is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery. The White Room is at t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mach diamonds appear beneath Space Shuttle Discovery's main engines as the vehicle roars into the night sky after liftoff on mission STS-116. Mach diamonds are a formation of shock waves in the exhaust plume of an aerospace propulsion system. Liftoff occurred on time at 8:47 p.m. EST. This was the second launch attempt for mission STS-116. The first launch attempt on Dec. 7 was postponed due a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2002. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 21 at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-06pp2767

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mach diamonds appear beneath Space Shut...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mach diamonds appear beneath Space Shuttle Discovery's main engines as the vehicle roars into the night sky after liftoff on mission STS-116. Mach diamonds are a formation of shoc... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Commander Mark Polansky is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The first launch attempt of STS-116 on Dec. 7 was postponed due a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center. This second launch attempt is scheduled for 8:47 p.m. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2002. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 21 at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-06pp2772

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Commander Mark Polansky is help...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Commander Mark Polansky is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery. The White Room is at the e... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This fish-eye view shows the water flooding the mobile launcher platform as Space Shuttle Discovery lifts off Launch Pad 39B on mission STS-116. Liftoff occurred on time at 8:47 p.m. EST. This was the second launch attempt for mission STS-116. The first launch attempt on Dec. 7 was postponed due a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2002. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 21 at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-06pp2768

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This fish-eye view shows the water floo...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This fish-eye view shows the water flooding the mobile launcher platform as Space Shuttle Discovery lifts off Launch Pad 39B on mission STS-116. Liftoff occurred on time at 8:47... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Sunita Williams is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure her launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery. In the foreground, back turned, is Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick. Williams will replace International Space Station Expedition 14 crew member Thomas Reiter, who will return to Earth aboard Discovery in her place. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The first launch attempt of STS-116 on Dec. 7 was postponed due a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center. This second launch attempt is scheduled for 8:47 p.m. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2002. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 21 at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-06pp2778

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Sunita Will...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Sunita Williams is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure her launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery. In the foreg... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II rocket with NASA's THEMIS spacecraft aboard begins its ascent from Pad 17-B, in sight of the Atlantic Ocean, at 6:01 p.m. EST. THEMIS, an acronym for Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms, consists of five identical probes that will track violent, colorful eruptions near the North Pole. This will be the largest number of scientific satellites NASA has ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. The THEMIS mission aims to unravel the mystery behind auroral substorms, an avalanche of magnetic energy powered by the solar wind that intensifies the northern and southern lights. The mission will investigate what causes auroras in the Earth’s atmosphere to dramatically change from slowly shimmering waves of light to wildly shifting streaks of bright color. Photo credit: NASA/Regina MItchell-Ryall, Robert Murray, Tony Gray KSC-07pd0437

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II rocket with NASA's THEMIS spacecraft aboard begins its ascent from Pad 17-B, in sight of the Atlantic Ocean, at 6:01 p.m. EST. THE... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, clouds of smoke encompass the Delta II rocket with NASA's THEMIS spacecraft aboard as it blasts off Pad 17-B, in sight of the Atlantic Ocean, at 6:01 p.m. EST. THEMIS, an acronym for Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms, consists of five identical probes that will track violent, colorful eruptions near the North Pole. This will be the largest number of scientific satellites NASA has ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. The THEMIS mission aims to unravel the mystery behind auroral substorms, an avalanche of magnetic energy powered by the solar wind that intensifies the northern and southern lights. The mission will investigate what causes auroras in the Earth’s atmosphere to dramatically change from slowly shimmering waves of light to wildly shifting streaks of bright color. Photo credit: NASA/Regina Mitchell-Ryall, Robert Murray, Tony Gray KSC-07pd0438

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, clo...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, clouds of smoke encompass the Delta II rocket with NASA's THEMIS spacecraft aboard as it blasts off Pad 17-B, in sight of the Atlantic Ocean, a... More

[Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding] Greensburg, KS, May 23, 2007 - FEMA Electronics Technician Gary Gray keeps an eye on the weather with his laptop computer and satellite TV. All relief workers in Kiowa County monitor daily weather reports, which have threatened severe storms and possible tornadoes for the next few days. Photo by Greg Henshall / FEMA

[Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding] Greensburg, KS, May 23, 2007...

Photographs Relating to Disasters and Emergency Management Programs, Activities, and Officials

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Mission Specialist John "Danny" Olivas is helped by the closeout crew to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Atlantis. Behind Olivas is Pilot Lee Archambault. The mission to the International Space Station is scheduled to launch at 7:38 p.m. EDT. Members of the closeout crew help the astronauts don a parachute pack, strap them into the space shuttle's crew module and take care of any other last-minute needs that arise. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the space station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-07pp1474

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Mission Specialist John "Danny" Olivas is helped by the closeout crew to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle A... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis is captured as it lifts off Launch Pad 39A for a rocket ride into the sky and rendezvous with the International Space Station on mission STS-117. On the mobile launcher platform below Atlantis can be seen the jets of water flooding the surface for sound suppression. Beyond the pad on the horizon is the Atlantic Ocean. Liftoff of Atlantis was on-time at 7:38:04 p.m. EDT. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the International Space Station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007. Photo Credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Rick Wetherington KSC-07pp1460

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis is captured as ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis is captured as it lifts off Launch Pad 39A for a rocket ride into the sky and rendezvous with the International Space Station on mission STS-117. On the m... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis leaps off Launch Pad 39A alongside the fixed service structure (at left) with the 80-foot-tall lightning mast on top. Water flooding the mobile launcher platform for sound suppression create billows of steam that flow across the pad. The water originates from the 290-foot-high tank at right. Liftoff of Atlantis on mission STS-117 to the International Space Station from Launch Pad 39A was on-time at 7:38:04 p.m. EDT. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the International Space Station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Don Kight KSC-07pd1453

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis leaps off Launch...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis leaps off Launch Pad 39A alongside the fixed service structure (at left) with the 80-foot-tall lightning mast on top. Water flooding the mobile launcher pl... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Smoke and steam billow across Launch Pad 39A as Space Shuttle Atlantis, trailing columns of fire from the solid rocket boosters, hurtles into the sky on mission STS-117 to the International Space Station. At left is the fixed service structure with the 80-foot-tall lightning mast on top. At right is the 290-foot-high water tower that supplies the water for sound suppression. Liftoff was on-time at 7:38:04 p.m. EDT. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the International Space Station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-07pp1466

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Smoke and steam billow across Launch Pa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Smoke and steam billow across Launch Pad 39A as Space Shuttle Atlantis, trailing columns of fire from the solid rocket boosters, hurtles into the sky on mission STS-117 to the Int... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Smoke and steam billow across Launch Pad 39A as Space Shuttle Atlantis, trailing columns of fire from the solid rocket boosters, hurtles into the sky on mission STS-117 to the International Space Station. At left is the fixed service structure with the 80-foot-tall lightning mast on top. Liftoff was on-time at 7:38:04 p.m. EDT. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the International Space Station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-07pp1468

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Smoke and steam billow across Launch Pa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Smoke and steam billow across Launch Pad 39A as Space Shuttle Atlantis, trailing columns of fire from the solid rocket boosters, hurtles into the sky on mission STS-117 to the Int... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A fish-eye view captures Space Shuttle Atlantis at liftoff from Launch Pad 39A as twin columns of fire propel it toward the sky. Smoke is pouring from the flame trench below (lower right), between the tail service masts and beyond the service structure. On the left of the orbiter's wing is the White Room, which provides access into the orbiter for the astronauts and swings away before final countdown. Liftoff of Atlantis on mission STS-117 to the International Space Station was on-time at 7:38:04 p.m. EDT. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the International Space Station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007. Photo Credit: NASA/Rick Wetherington & Tony Gray KSC-07pp1463

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A fish-eye view captures Space Shuttle...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A fish-eye view captures Space Shuttle Atlantis at liftoff from Launch Pad 39A as twin columns of fire propel it toward the sky. Smoke is pouring from the flame trench below (lo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-117 Commander Frederick Sturckow is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room on Launch Pad 39A to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Atlantis. The mission to the International Space Station is scheduled to launch at 7:38 p.m. EDT. Members of the Closeout Crew help the astronauts don a parachute pack, strap them into the space shuttle's crew module and take care of any other last-minute needs that arise. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the space station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-07pp1469

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-117 Commander Frederick Sturckow is...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-117 Commander Frederick Sturckow is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room on Launch Pad 39A to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Atlantis. The... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, members of the closeout crew help STS-117 Mission Specialist James Reilly secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Atlantis. The mission to the International Space Station is scheduled to launch at 7:38 p.m. EDT. Members of the closeout crew help the astronauts don a parachute pack, strap them into the space shuttle's crew module and take care of any other last-minute needs that arise. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the space station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-07pp1471

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, m...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, members of the closeout crew help STS-117 Mission Specialist James Reilly secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Atlantis.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, astronaut Clayton Anderson is helped by the closeout crew to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Atlantis. Anderson is flying to the International Space Station with the STS-117 crew to join the Expedition 15 crew on the space station. Flight Engineer Suni Williams will return to Earth in his place. The mission to the space station is scheduled to launch at 7:38 p.m. EDT. Members of the closeout crew help the astronauts don a parachute pack, strap them into the space shuttle's crew module and take care of any other last-minute needs that arise. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the space station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-07pp1475

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, astronaut Clayton Anderson is helped by the closeout crew to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Atlantis. Anderson is... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, members of the closeout crew help STS-117Mission Specialist Patrick Forrester secure his equipment before climbing into Space Shuttle Atlantis. The mission to the International Space Station is scheduled to launch at 7:38 p.m. EDT. Members of the closeout crew help the astronauts don a parachute pack, strap them into the space shuttle's crew module and take care of any other last-minute needs that arise. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the space station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-07pp1472

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, m...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, members of the closeout crew help STS-117Mission Specialist Patrick Forrester secure his equipment before climbing into Space Shuttle Atlanti... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Atlantis. The mission to the International Space Station is scheduled to launch at 7:38 p.m. EDT. Members of the closeout crew help the astronauts don a parachute pack, strap them into the space shuttle's crew module and take care of any other last-minute needs that arise. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the space station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-07pp1470

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault is helped...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Atlantis. The mission to the Internati... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Mission Specialist Steven Swanson is helped by the closeout crew to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Atlantis. Behind Swanson is astronaut Clayton Anderson, waiting his turn. Anderson is joining the Expedition 15 crew on the International Space Station; Flight Engineer Suni Williams will return to Earth in his place. The mission to the space station is scheduled to launch at 7:38 p.m. EDT. Members of the closeout crew help the astronauts don a parachute pack, strap them into the space shuttle's crew module and take care of any other last-minute needs that arise. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the space station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-07pp1473

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Mission Specialist Steven Swanson is helped by the closeout crew to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Atlanti... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Smoke and steam billow across Launch Pad 39A as Space Shuttle Atlantis, trailing columns of fire from the solid rocket boosters, hurtles into the sky on mission STS-117 to the International Space Station. At left is the fixed service structure with the 80-foot-tall lightning mast on top. Liftoff was on-time at 7:38:04 p.m. EDT. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the International Space Station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007. Photo Credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-07pp1465

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Smoke and steam billow across Launch ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Smoke and steam billow across Launch Pad 39A as Space Shuttle Atlantis, trailing columns of fire from the solid rocket boosters, hurtles into the sky on mission STS-117 to the I... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Viewed from across the grassy marsh near Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Atlantis flees the rising clouds of smoke and steam as it hurtles into the evening sky on mission STS-117. Liftoff of Atlantis for its mission to the International Space Station was on-time at 7:38:04 p.m. EDT. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the International Space Station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007. Photo Credit: NASA/Rick Wetherington & Tony Gray KSC-07pp1464

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Viewed from across the grassy marsh n...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Viewed from across the grassy marsh near Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Atlantis flees the rising clouds of smoke and steam as it hurtles into the evening sky on mission STS-117.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Delta II 7925 rocket carrying NASA's Phoenix Mars lander lifts off at 5:26 a.m. EDT amid billows of smoke on Pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar, permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing on Mars is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Robert Murray KSC-07pd2181

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Delta II 7925 rocket carrying NASA's ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Delta II 7925 rocket carrying NASA's Phoenix Mars lander lifts off at 5:26 a.m. EDT amid billows of smoke on Pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Phoenix will land in i... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA's Phoenix spacecraft begins its journey to Mars aboard a Delta II 7925 rocket at 5:26 a.m. EDT from Pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar, permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing on Mars is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Robert Murray KSC-07pd2176

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA's Phoenix spacecraft begins its jour...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA's Phoenix spacecraft begins its journey to Mars aboard a Delta II 7925 rocket at 5:26 a.m. EDT from Pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Phoenix will land in icy soils ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA's Phoenix Mars lander illuminates Launch Pad 17A as it lifts off aboard a Delta II 7925 rocket at 5:26 a.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar, permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing on Mars is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Robert Murray KSC-07pd2182

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA's Phoenix Mars lander illuminates La...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA's Phoenix Mars lander illuminates Launch Pad 17A as it lifts off aboard a Delta II 7925 rocket at 5:26 a.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Phoenix will land in icy ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA's Phoenix spacecraft makes a dramatic start on its mission to Mars aboard a Delta II 7925 rocket at 5:26 a.m. EDT from Pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar, permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing on Mars is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Robert Murray KSC-07pd2175

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA's Phoenix spacecraft makes a dramati...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA's Phoenix spacecraft makes a dramatic start on its mission to Mars aboard a Delta II 7925 rocket at 5:26 a.m. EDT from Pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Phoenix will... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA's Phoenix spacecraft makes an auspicious start on its journey to Mars aboard a Delta II 7925 rocket at 5:26 a.m. EDT from Pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar, permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing on Mars is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Robert Murray KSC-07pd2180

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA's Phoenix spacecraft makes an auspic...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA's Phoenix spacecraft makes an auspicious start on its journey to Mars aboard a Delta II 7925 rocket at 5:26 a.m. EDT from Pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Phoenix ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Framed by the trees across the water, Space Shuttle Endeavour roars into the sky as it rises from clouds of smoke and steam billowing across Launch Pad 39A. Liftoff of Endeavour from Launch Pad 39A on mission STS-118 was on time at 6:36 p.m. EDT. The mission is the 22nd shuttle flight to the International Space Station. It will continue space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5, and other payloads such as the SPACEHAB module and the external stowage platform 3. The 11-day mission may be extended to as many as 14 depending on the test of the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System that will allow the docked shuttle to draw electrical power from the station and extend its visits to the orbiting lab. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray KSC-07pd2259

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Framed by the trees across the water, Sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Framed by the trees across the water, Space Shuttle Endeavour roars into the sky as it rises from clouds of smoke and steam billowing across Launch Pad 39A. Liftoff of Endeavour f... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The water near Launch Pad 39A captures the brilliance of both the setting sun, at left, and Space Shuttle Endeavour as it hurtles into space on mission STS-118. The 22nd shuttle flight to the International Space Station, the mission will continue space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5, and other payloads such as the SPACEHAB module and the external stowage platform 3. Liftoff of Endeavour was on time at 6:36 p.m. EDT. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray KSC-07pp2292

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The water near Launch Pad 39A captures ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The water near Launch Pad 39A captures the brilliance of both the setting sun, at left, and Space Shuttle Endeavour as it hurtles into space on mission STS-118. The 22nd shuttle ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- As billows of smoke spread across Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Endeavour climbs into the sky on mission STS-118. Liftoff was on time at 6:36 p.m. EDT. The mission is the 22nd shuttle flight to the International Space Station. It will continue space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5, and other payloads such as the SPACEHAB module and the external stowage platform 3. The 11-day mission may be extended to as many as 14 depending on the test of the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System that will allow the docked shuttle to draw electrical power from the station and extend its visits to the orbiting lab. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray KSC-07pd2262

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- As billows of smoke spread across Launc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- As billows of smoke spread across Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Endeavour climbs into the sky on mission STS-118. Liftoff was on time at 6:36 p.m. EDT. The mission is the 22nd sh... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The nearby waters catch the fiery trail from Space Shuttle Endeavour as it roars into the sky on mission STS-118. Smoke and steam billow across Launch Pad 39A after liftoff. The liftoff was on time at 6:36 p.m. EDT. The mission is the 22nd shuttle flight to the International Space Station. It will continue space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5, and other payloads such as the SPACEHAB module and the external stowage platform 3. The 11-day mission may be extended to as many as 14 depending on the test of the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System that will allow the docked shuttle to draw electrical power from the station and extend its visits to the orbiting lab. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray KSC-07pd2265

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The nearby waters catch the fiery trail...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The nearby waters catch the fiery trail from Space Shuttle Endeavour as it roars into the sky on mission STS-118. Smoke and steam billow across Launch Pad 39A after liftoff. The... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Through the barren tree branches in the foreground, the brilliance of the launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-118 can be seen on the water near Launch Pad 39A. The 22nd shuttle flight to the International Space Station, the mission will continue space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5, and other payloads such as the SPACEHAB module and the external stowage platform 3. Liftoff of Endeavour was on time at 6:36 p.m. EDT. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray KSC-07pp2290

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Through the barren tree branches in the...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Through the barren tree branches in the foreground, the brilliance of the launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-118 can be seen on the water near Launch Pad 39A. The 2... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Framed by a backglow from its fiery tail, Space Shuttle Endeavour leaps clear of Launch Pad 39A on its journey into space on mission STS-118. Liftoff was on time at 6:36 p.m. EDT. The mission is the 22nd shuttle flight to the International Space Station. It will continue space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5, and other payloads such as the SPACEHAB module and the external stowage platform 3. The 11-day mission may be extended to as many as 14 depending on the test of the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System that will allow the docked shuttle to draw electrical power from the station and extend its visits to the orbiting lab. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray KSC-07pd2263

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Framed by a backglow from its fiery tai...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Framed by a backglow from its fiery tail, Space Shuttle Endeavour leaps clear of Launch Pad 39A on its journey into space on mission STS-118. Liftoff was on time at 6:36 p.m. ED... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Framed by the trees across the water, Space Shuttle Endeavour clears the lightning mast on Launch Pad 39A as it roars into the sky on mission STS-118. Liftoff of Endeavour was on time at 6:36 p.m. EDT. The mission is the 22nd shuttle flight to the International Space Station. It will continue space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5, and other payloads such as the SPACEHAB module and the external stowage platform 3. The 11-day mission may be extended to as many as 14 depending on the test of the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System that will allow the docked shuttle to draw electrical power from the station and extend its visits to the orbiting lab. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray KSC-07pd2260

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Framed by the trees across the water, Sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Framed by the trees across the water, Space Shuttle Endeavour clears the lightning mast on Launch Pad 39A as it roars into the sky on mission STS-118. Liftoff of Endeavour was on t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Deep shadows are broken by the fiery launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour as it leaps free of Launch Pad 39A to begin mission STS-118. Liftoff was on time at 6:36 p.m. EDT. The mission is the 22nd shuttle flight to the International Space Station. It will continue space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5, and other payloads such as the SPACEHAB module and the external stowage platform 3. The 11-day mission may be extended to as many as 14 depending on the test of the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System that will allow the docked shuttle to draw electrical power from the station and extend its visits to the orbiting lab. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray KSC-07pd2264

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Deep shadows are broken by the fiery la...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Deep shadows are broken by the fiery launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour as it leaps free of Launch Pad 39A to begin mission STS-118. Liftoff was on time at 6:36 p.m. EDT. The mi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The water near Launch Pad 39A captures the brilliance of both the setting sun, at left, and Space Shuttle Endeavour as it hurtles into space on mission STS-118. The 22nd shuttle flight to the International Space Station, the mission will continue space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5, and other payloads such as the SPACEHAB module and the external stowage platform 3. Liftoff of Endeavour was on time at 6:36 p.m. EDT. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray KSC-07pp2289

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The water near Launch Pad 39A capture...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The water near Launch Pad 39A captures the brilliance of both the setting sun, at left, and Space Shuttle Endeavour as it hurtles into space on mission STS-118. The 22nd shuttl... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A spider suspended between trees in the foreground has a perfect view of Space Shuttle Endeavour as it roars into the sky on mission STS-118. The rumbling sound of liftoff startles birds flying above. Liftoff of Endeavour from Launch Pad 39A was on time at 6:36 p.m. EDT. The mission is the 22nd shuttle flight to the International Space Station. It will continue space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5, and other payloads such as the SPACEHAB module and the external stowage platform 3. The 11-day mission may be extended to as many as 14 depending on the test of the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System that will allow the docked shuttle to draw electrical power from the station and extend its visits to the orbiting lab. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray KSC-07pd2258

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A spider suspended between trees in the...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A spider suspended between trees in the foreground has a perfect view of Space Shuttle Endeavour as it roars into the sky on mission STS-118. The rumbling sound of liftoff startl... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Clouds of smoke and steam fill Launch Pad 39A after liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour, trailing a fiery tail, on mission STS-118. The 22nd shuttle flight to the International Space Station, the mission will continue space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5, and other payloads such as the SPACEHAB module and the external stowage platform 3. Liftoff of Endeavour was on time at 6:36 p.m. EDT. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray KSC-07pp2291

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Clouds of smoke and steam fill Launch ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Clouds of smoke and steam fill Launch Pad 39A after liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour, trailing a fiery tail, on mission STS-118. The 22nd shuttle flight to the International S... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Clouds belie the bright blue sky as Endeavour's wheels kick up dust touching down on runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, completing a 13-day mission to the International Space Station. The STS-118 mission began Aug. 8 and installed a new gyroscope, an external spare parts platform and another truss segment to the expanding station. Endeavour's main gear touched down at 12:32:16 p.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 12:32:29 p.m. and wheel stop was at 12:33:20 p.m. Endeavour traveled nearly 5.3 million miles, landing on orbit 201. STS-118 was the 119th space shuttle flight, the 22nd flight to the station, the 20th flight for Endeavour and the second of four missions planned for 2007. This was the 65th landing of an orbiter at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray KSC-07pp2355

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Clouds belie the bright blue sky as Ende...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Clouds belie the bright blue sky as Endeavour's wheels kick up dust touching down on runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, completing a 13-day mission to the International Spac... More

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