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A US Navy (USN) F/A-18C Hornet fighter aircarft assigned to the Knighthawks of Strike Fighter Squadron 136 (VFA-136) banks to the right as it ignites its countermeasure flares during a test of the system before heading into Afghanistan (AFG), on a Close Air Support (CAS) mission. VFA-136, part of USN Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1), is aboard the USN aircraft carrier USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65), which is currently on a scheduled six-month deployment in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO) and the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT)

A US Navy (USN) F/A-18C Hornet fighter aircarft assigned to the Knight...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Country: Arabian Sea Scene Camera Operator: LT Peter Scheu, USN Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblies are positioned along the floor of high bay 4 in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, part of the preparations for the test of the Ares IX rocket. These ballast assemblies will be installed in the upper stage 1 and 7 segments and will mimic the mass of the fuel. Their total weight is approximately 160,000 pounds. The test launch of the Ares IX in 2009 will be the first designed to determine the flight-worthiness of the Ares I rocket. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the space shuttle. Ares I’s fifth booster segment allows the launch vehicle to lift more weight and reach a higher altitude before the first stage separates from the upper stage, which ignites in midflight to propel the Orion spacecraft to Earth orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3248

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblie...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblies are positioned along the floor of high bay 4 in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, part of the preparations for... 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

The astronauts enter the spacecraft. After launch and Saturn V first-stage burnout and jettison, the S-II second stage ignites. The crew checks spacecraft systems in Earth orbit before the S-IVB third stage ignites the second time to send Apollo 11 to the Moon KSC-69-h-960

The astronauts enter the spacecraft. After launch and Saturn V first-s...

The astronauts enter the spacecraft. After launch and Saturn V first-stage burnout and jettison, the S-II second stage ignites. The crew checks spacecraft systems in Earth orbit before the S-IVB third stage ign... More

A Fighter Squadron 143 (VF-143) F-14A Tomcat aircraft ignites its afterburners before being launched from the flight deck of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69)

A Fighter Squadron 143 (VF-143) F-14A Tomcat aircraft ignites its afte...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Country: Unknown Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

SSGT Michael J. Damore ignites an M-2 burner during the civil engineering/services competition Readiness Challenge '90

SSGT Michael J. Damore ignites an M-2 burner during the civil engineer...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Subject Operation/Series: READINESS CHALLENGE '90 Base: Hurlburt Field State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operat... More

A Military Airlift Command (MAC) controller ignites a smoke grenade at a drop zone during AIRLIFT RODEO '90. Once the grenade is ignited, the combat controller establishes communications with incoming aircraft. AIRLIFT RODEO is an annual airdrop competition that tests the flight and ground skills of Military Airlift Command aircrews as well as foreign teams.

A Military Airlift Command (MAC) controller ignites a smoke grenade at...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Subject Operation/Series: AIRLIFT RODEO '90 Base: Fort Bragg State: North Carolina(NC) Country: United States Of America(USA) Scene Camera Operator: S... More

A Hellfire missile ignites in preparation for launching from an SH-60F Seahawk helicopter at the Naval Air Warfare Center during static test and evaluation to qualify the weapon for use on the SH-60.(Exact date unknown)

A Hellfire missile ignites in preparation for launching from an SH-60F...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Patuxent River State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Mike Mccabe Release Status: Released to Publi... More

Lieutenant Colonel Ted Kraemer ignites a smoke canister as part of a water survival refresher course taking place on the cold waters of the Klamath River. Kraemer, along with other members of the 114th Fighter Squadron, 173rd Fighter Wing, participated in a variety of activities to improve their skills in water survival

Lieutenant Colonel Ted Kraemer ignites a smoke canister as part of a w...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Kingsley Air National Guard Base State: Oregon (OR) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: MSGT. Stine Release Status: R... More

An F-14 �Tomcat� assigned to the �Black Knights� of Fighter Squadron One Five Four (VF-154) ignites it�s afterburners.

An F-14 �Tomcat� assigned to the �Black Knights� of Fighter Squadron O...

At sea aboard USS Kitty Hawk An F-14 Tomcat assigned to the Black Knights of Fighter Squadron One Five Four (VF-154) ignites its afterburners as it is launched from one of four steam powered catapults on the sh... More

US Air Force CHIEF Bill Barry, Superintendent of Operations, 603rd Air Control Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy, ignites a tent heater in a command tent. The 603rd is deployed to Bovbjerg, Denmark, in support of an annual Tactical Fighter Weaponry exercise "TFW" and a NATO Air Meet. TFW and NATO Air Meet are multinational exercises designed to practice and improve tactical capabilities in a combined training environment

US Air Force CHIEF Bill Barry, Superintendent of Operations, 603rd Air...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Subject Operation/Series: NATO AIR MEETTACTICAL FIGHTER WEAPONRY EXERCISE Base: Boubjerg Country: Denmark (DNK) Scene Camera Operator: SRA Delia A. Cas... More

US Air Force (USAF) SENIOR AIRMAN (SRA) Joseph Ferrara with the 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron (ECES) Fire Department, ignites a pile of wood to burn wood left over from construction at Kirkuk Air Base (AB), Iraq (IRQ), during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM

US Air Force (USAF) SENIOR AIRMAN (SRA) Joseph Ferrara with the 506th ...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Kirkuk Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF Scene Camera Operator: SSGT Jeremy Smith, USAF Release Status: Released to Public C... More

US Marine Corps (USMC) Sergeant (SGT) Jhimell Sepulveda, Section Leader, Aircraft, Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 273, ignites a previously destroyed Iraqi BTR-50P Amphibious Armored Personnel Carrier drenched in Jet Petroleum Fuel 8 (JP-8) to initiate a training fire onboard Al Asad Air Base (AB), Iraq during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. USMC SGT Sepulveda is dressed in a Joint Firefighters Integrated Response Ensemble (JFIRE) suit

US Marine Corps (USMC) Sergeant (SGT) Jhimell Sepulveda, Section Leade...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Al Asad Air Base State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Camera Operator: LCPL Jonathan T. Spencer, USMC Release Status: Released to Public Co... More

An armed pirate skiff, ignites in flames and burns to the waterline in international waters off the coast of Somalia (SOM), in the Indian Ocean. (SUBSTANDARD)

An armed pirate skiff, ignites in flames and burns to the waterline in...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Country: Indian Ocean (IOC) Scene Camera Operator: JOC Daniel Sanford, Usn Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

Wearing a"burnerman's"full protective gear, US Navy (USN) Machinist Mate 3rd Class (MM3) Michael Whisnant ignites a boiler aboard the USN aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) in port, at Yokosuka, Japan (JPN)

Wearing a"burnerman's"full protective gear, US Navy (USN) Machinist Ma...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Scene Camera Operator: PHAN Patrick Heil, USN Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

Wearing a"burnerman's"full protective gear, US Navy (USN) Machinist Mate 3rd Class (MM3) Michael Whisnant ignites a boiler aboard the USN aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) in port, at Yokosuka, Japan (JPN)

Wearing a"burnerman's"full protective gear, US Navy (USN) Machinist Ma...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Scene Camera Operator: PHAN Patrick Heil, USN Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

A U.S. Army Soldier, 683rd Engineer Fire Fighter Company, ignites a UH-1 Iroquois"Huey"helicopter on Feb. 18, 2007, at Fort Pickett, Va., during a crash and rescue mission during Operation Granite Triangle, a joint training exercise. (U.S. Army photo by STAFF SGT. James H. Christopher) (Released)

A U.S. Army Soldier, 683rd Engineer Fire Fighter Company, ignites a UH...

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Fort Pickett State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: SSG James H. Christopher, USA Release Status: R... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Delta II rocket with NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope , or GLAST, on top ignites for liftoff from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Pad 17-B. Liftoff was at 12:05 p.m. EDT. GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. June 11. Photo credit: Carleton Bailie photograph for United Launch Alliance KSC-08pd1629

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Delta II rocket with NASA's Gamma-Ray La...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Delta II rocket with NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope , or GLAST, on top ignites for liftoff from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Pad 17-B. Liftoff was at 12:... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Assembly and Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers help guide the aft skirt for the Ares 1-X rocket as it is moved. The segment is being lifted into a machine shop work stand for drilling modifications. The modifications will prepare it for the installation of the auxiliary power unit controller, the reduced-rate gyro unit, the booster decelerator motors and the booster tumble motors. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. Ares I-X is a test rocket. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. Ares I’s fifth booster segment allows the launch vehicle to lift more weight and reach a higher altitude before the first stage separates from the upper stage, which ignites in midflight to propel the Orion spacecraft to Earth orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd1861

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Assembly and Refurbishment Facility at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Assembly and Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers help guide the aft skirt for the Ares 1-X rocket as it is moved. The segment is being lifted into a ma... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Assembly and Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a worker attaches an overhead crane to the aft skirt for the Ares 1-X rocket. The segment is being lifted into a machine shop work stand for drilling modifications. The modifications will prepare it for the installation of the auxiliary power unit controller, the reduced-rate gyro unit, the booster decelerator motors and the booster tumble motors. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. Ares I-X is a test rocket. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. Ares I’s fifth booster segment allows the launch vehicle to lift more weight and reach a higher altitude before the first stage separates from the upper stage, which ignites in midflight to propel the Orion spacecraft to Earth orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd1860

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Assembly and Refurbishment Facility a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Assembly and Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a worker attaches an overhead crane to the aft skirt for the Ares 1-X rocket. The segment is being lifted in... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Assembly and Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a crane is lowered over the aft skirt for the Ares 1-X rocket. The segment is being lifted into a machine shop work stand for drilling modifications. The modifications will prepare it for the installation of the auxiliary power unit controller, the reduced-rate gyro unit, the booster decelerator motors and the booster tumble motors. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. Ares I-X is a test rocket. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. Ares I’s fifth booster segment allows the launch vehicle to lift more weight and reach a higher altitude before the first stage separates from the upper stage, which ignites in midflight to propel the Orion spacecraft to Earth orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd1859

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Assembly and Refurbishment Facility at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Assembly and Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a crane is lowered over the aft skirt for the Ares 1-X rocket. The segment is being lifted into a machine sh... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Assembly and Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the aft skirt for the Ares 1-X rocket has been lowered onto another stand. The segment is being moved onto a machine shop work stand for drilling modifications. The modifications will prepare it for the installation of the auxiliary power unit controller, the reduced-rate gyro unit, the booster decelerator motors and the booster tumble motors. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. Ares I-X is a test rocket. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the shuttle. Ares I’s fifth booster segment allows the launch vehicle to lift more weight and reach a higher altitude before the first stage separates from the upper stage, which ignites in midflight to propel the Orion spacecraft to Earth orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd1862

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Assembly and Refurbishment Facility at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Assembly and Refurbishment Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the aft skirt for the Ares 1-X rocket has been lowered onto another stand. The segment is being moved onto a m... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Workers lower an Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assembly onto the floor of high bay 4 in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, part of the preparations for the test of the Ares IX rocket. These ballast assemblies will be installed in the upper stage 1 and 7 segments and will mimic the mass of the fuel. Their total weight is approximately 160,000 pounds. The test launch of the Ares IX in 2009 will be the first designed to determine the flight-worthiness of the Ares I rocket. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the space shuttle. Ares I’s fifth booster segment allows the launch vehicle to lift more weight and reach a higher altitude before the first stage separates from the upper stage, which ignites in midflight to propel the Orion spacecraft to Earth orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3246

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Workers lower an Ares IX upper stage segments’ ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Workers lower an Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assembly onto the floor of high bay 4 in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, part of the preparations for ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblies have arrived at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and are positioned along the floor of high bay 4 in the Vehicle Assembly Building, part of the preparations for the test of the Ares IX rocket. These ballast assemblies will be installed in the upper stage 1 and 7 segments and will mimic the mass of the fuel. Their total weight is approximately 160,000 pounds. The test launch of the Ares IX in 2009 will be the first designed to determine the flight-worthiness of the Ares I rocket. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the space shuttle. Ares I’s fifth booster segment allows the launch vehicle to lift more weight and reach a higher altitude before the first stage separates from the upper stage, which ignites in midflight to propel the Orion spacecraft to Earth orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3249

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assem...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblies have arrived at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and are positioned along the floor of high bay 4 in the Vehicle Assembly Building, part of... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblies are offloaded from one of five trucks which delivered them to the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, part of the preparations for the test of the Ares IX rocket. These ballast assemblies will be installed in the upper stage 1 and 7 segments and will mimic the mass of the fuel. Their total weight is approximately 160,000 pounds. The test launch of the Ares IX in 2009 will be the first designed to determine the flight-worthiness of the Ares I rocket. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the space shuttle. Ares I’s fifth booster segment allows the launch vehicle to lift more weight and reach a higher altitude before the first stage separates from the upper stage, which ignites in midflight to propel the Orion spacecraft to Earth orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3244

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assem...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblies are offloaded from one of five trucks which delivered them to the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, part of th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Workers lift the Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblies off a truck in high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, part of the preparations for the test of the Ares IX rocket. These ballast assemblies will be installed in the upper stage 1 and 7 segments and will mimic the mass of the fuel. Their total weight is approximately 160,000 pounds. The test launch of the Ares IX in 2009 will be the first designed to determine the flight-worthiness of the Ares I rocket. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the space shuttle. Ares I’s fifth booster segment allows the launch vehicle to lift more weight and reach a higher altitude before the first stage separates from the upper stage, which ignites in midflight to propel the Orion spacecraft to Earth orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3245

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Workers lift the Ares IX upper stage segments’ ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Workers lift the Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblies off a truck in high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, part of the preparations for t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblies have arrived at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and are positioned along the floor of high bay 4 in the Vehicle Assembly Building, part of the preparations for the test of the Ares IX rocket. These ballast assemblies will be installed in the upper stage 1 and 7 segments and will mimic the mass of the fuel. Their total weight is approximately 160,000 pounds. The test launch of the Ares IX in 2009 will be the first designed to determine the flight-worthiness of the Ares I rocket. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the space shuttle. Ares I’s fifth booster segment allows the launch vehicle to lift more weight and reach a higher altitude before the first stage separates from the upper stage, which ignites in midflight to propel the Orion spacecraft to Earth orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3250

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assem...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblies have arrived at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and are positioned along the floor of high bay 4 in the Vehicle Assembly Building, part of... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - One of five trucks transporting the Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblies arrives at the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space, part of the preparations for the test of the Ares IX rocket. These ballast assemblies will be installed in the upper stage 1 and 7 segments and will mimic the mass of the fuel. Their total weight is approximately 160,000 pounds. The test launch of the Ares IX in 2009 will be the first designed to determine the flight-worthiness of the Ares I rocket. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the space shuttle. Ares I’s fifth booster segment allows the launch vehicle to lift more weight and reach a higher altitude before the first stage separates from the upper stage, which ignites in midflight to propel the Orion spacecraft to Earth orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3243

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - One of five trucks transporting the Ares IX upp...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - One of five trucks transporting the Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblies arrives at the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space, part of the preparations for the tes... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Workers position Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblies along the floor of high bay 4 in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, part of the preparations for the test of the Ares IX rocket. These ballast assemblies will be installed in the upper stage 1 and 7 segments and will mimic the mass of the fuel. Their total weight is approximately 160,000 pounds. The test launch of the Ares IX in 2009 will be the first designed to determine the flight-worthiness of the Ares I rocket. Ares I is an in-line, two-stage rocket that will transport the Orion crew exploration vehicle to low-Earth orbit. The Ares I first stage will be a five-segment solid rocket booster based on the four-segment design used for the space shuttle. Ares I’s fifth booster segment allows the launch vehicle to lift more weight and reach a higher altitude before the first stage separates from the upper stage, which ignites in midflight to propel the Orion spacecraft to Earth orbit. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3247

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Workers position Ares IX upper stage segments’ ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Workers position Ares IX upper stage segments’ ballast assemblies along the floor of high bay 4 in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, part of the preparations f... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first stage ignites on NASA’s Ares I-X test rocket at Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 11:30 a.m. EDT on Oct. 28. The 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/ Sandra Joseph and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2009-5992

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first stage ignites on NASA’s Ares I-X test...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first stage ignites on NASA’s Ares I-X test rocket at Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 11:30 a.m. EDT on Oct. 28. The rocket produces 2.96 million pounds of... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery ignites for liftoff from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, beginning its final flight, the STS-133 mission, to the International Space Station. Launch was at 4:53 p.m. EST. Discovery and its six-member crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the orbiting outpost. Discovery is flying on its 39th mission and is scheduled to be retired following STS-133. This is the 133rd Space Shuttle Program mission and the 35th shuttle voyage to the space station. For more information on the STS-133 mission, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Tom Farrar KSC-2011-1761

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery ignites for liftoff fr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery ignites for liftoff from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, beginning its final flight, the STS-133 mission, to the International Space Sta... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery ignites for liftoff from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, beginning its final flight, the STS-133 mission, to the International Space Station. Launch was at 4:53 p.m. EST. Discovery and its six-member crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the orbiting outpost. Discovery is flying on its 39th mission and is scheduled to be retired following STS-133. This is the 133rd Space Shuttle Program mission and the 35th shuttle voyage to the space station. For more information on the STS-133 mission, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Rusty Backer and Michael Gayle KSC-2011-1744

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery ignites for liftoff fr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery ignites for liftoff from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, beginning its final flight, the STS-133 mission, to the International Space Sta... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery ignites for liftoff on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida beginning its final flight to the International Space Station on the STS-133 mission. Launch was at 4:53 p.m. EST. Discovery and its six-member crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the orbiting outpost. Discovery is flying on its 39th mission and is scheduled to be retired following STS-133. This is the 133rd Space Shuttle Program mission and the 35th shuttle voyage to the space station. For more information on the STS-133 mission, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Tom Farrar KSC-2011-1734

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery ignites for liftoff on...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery ignites for liftoff on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida beginning its final flight to the International Space Station on the STS-133 missi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In a swirl of billowing steam, space shuttle Discovery ignites for liftoff on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida beginning its final flight, the STS-133 mission, to the International Space Station. Launch was at 4:53 p.m. EST. Discovery and its six-member crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the orbiting outpost. Discovery is flying on its 39th mission and is scheduled to be retired following STS-133. This is the 133rd Space Shuttle Program mission and the 35th shuttle voyage to the space station. For more information on the STS-133 mission, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Tom Farrar KSC-2011-1766

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In a swirl of billowing steam, space shuttle D...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In a swirl of billowing steam, space shuttle Discovery ignites for liftoff on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida beginning its final flight, the STS-133 mission, to... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery ignites for liftoff on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida beginning its final flight, the STS-133 mission, to the International Space Station. Launch was at 4:53 p.m. EST. Discovery and its six-member crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the orbiting outpost. Discovery is flying on its 39th mission and is scheduled to be retired following STS-133. This is the 133rd Space Shuttle Program mission and the 35th shuttle voyage to the space station. For more information on the STS-133 mission, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Tom Farrar KSC-2011-1768

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery ignites for liftoff on...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery ignites for liftoff on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida beginning its final flight, the STS-133 mission, to the International Space Statio... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery ignites for liftoff from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, beginning its final flight, the STS-133 mission. Launch to the International Space Station was at 4:53 p.m. EST. Discovery and its six-member crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the orbiting outpost. Discovery is flying on its 39th mission and is scheduled to be retired following STS-133. This is the 133rd Space Shuttle Program mission and the 35th shuttle voyage to the space station. For more information on the STS-133 mission, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Rusty Backer and Michael Gayle KSC-2011-1740

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery ignites for liftoff fr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery ignites for liftoff from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, beginning its final flight, the STS-133 mission. Launch to the International Sp... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery ignites for liftoff from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida beginning its final flight, the STS-133 mission, to the International Space Station. Launch was at 4:53 p.m. EST. Discovery and its six-member crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the orbiting outpost. Discovery is flying on its 39th mission and is scheduled to be retired following STS-133. This is the 133rd Space Shuttle Program mission and the 35th shuttle voyage to the space station. For more information on the STS-133 mission, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Tom Farrar KSC-2011-1765

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery ignites for liftoff fr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery ignites for liftoff from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida beginning its final flight, the STS-133 mission, to the International Space Stat... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery ignites for liftoff from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, beginning its final flight, the STS-133 mission. Launch to the International Space Station was at 4:53 p.m. EST. Discovery and its six-member crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the orbiting outpost. Discovery is flying on its 39th mission and is scheduled to be retired following STS-133. This is the 133rd Space Shuttle Program mission and the 35th shuttle voyage to the space station. For more information on the STS-133 mission, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Tom Farrar KSC-2011-1759

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery ignites for liftoff fr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery ignites for liftoff from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, beginning its final flight, the STS-133 mission. Launch to the International Sp... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery ignites for liftoff off from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida beginning its final flight, the STS-133 mission. Launch to the International Space Station was at 4:53 p.m. EST. Discovery and its six-member crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the orbiting outpost. Discovery is flying on its 39th mission and is scheduled to be retired following STS-133. This is the 133rd Space Shuttle Program mission and the 35th shuttle voyage to the space station. For more information on the STS-133 mission, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2011-1754

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery ignites for liftoff of...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery ignites for liftoff off from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida beginning its final flight, the STS-133 mission. Launch to the International... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery ignites for liftoff from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, beginning its final flight, the STS-133 mission. Launch to the International Space Station was at 4:53 p.m. EST. Discovery and its six-member crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the orbiting outpost. Discovery is flying on its 39th mission and is scheduled to be retired following STS-133. This is the 133rd Space Shuttle Program mission and the 35th shuttle voyage to the space station. For more information on the STS-133 mission, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2011-1752

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery ignites for liftoff fr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery ignites for liftoff from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, beginning its final flight, the STS-133 mission. Launch to the International Sp... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Launch was on schedule at 1:28 p.m. EST Nov. 18 at the opening of a two-hour launch window. After a 10-month journey to the Red Planet, MAVEN will study its upper atmosphere in unprecedented detail from orbit above the planet. Built by Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colo., MAVEN will arrive at Mars in September 2014 and will be inserted into an elliptical orbit with a high point of 3,900 miles, swooping down to as close as 93 miles above the planet's surface. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Rick Wetherington KSC-2013-4067

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch All...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canave... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Launch was on schedule at 1:28 p.m. EST Nov. 18 at the opening of a two-hour launch window. After a 10-month journey to the Red Planet, MAVEN will study its upper atmosphere in unprecedented detail from orbit above the planet. Built by Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colo., MAVEN will arrive at Mars in September 2014 and will be inserted into an elliptical orbit with a high point of 3,900 miles, swooping down to as close as 93 miles above the planet's surface. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper KSC-2013-4029

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch All...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canave... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket delivering NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft from Space Launch Complex 41, on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, to orbit. Launch was on schedule at 1:28 p.m. EST Nov. 18 at the opening of a two-hour launch window. After a 10-month journey to the Red Planet, MAVEN will study its upper atmosphere in unprecedented detail from orbit above the planet. Built by Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colo., MAVEN will arrive at Mars in September 2014 and will be inserted into an elliptical orbit with a high point of 3,900 miles, swooping down to as close as 93 miles above the planet's surface. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Rick Wetherington KSC-2013-4082

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch All...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket delivering NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft from Space Launch Complex 41, on Cape Ca... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Launch was on schedule at 1:28 p.m. EST Nov. 18 at the opening of a two-hour launch window. After a 10-month journey to the Red Planet, MAVEN will study its upper atmosphere in unprecedented detail from orbit above the planet. Built by Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colo., MAVEN will arrive at Mars in September 2014 and will be inserted into an elliptical orbit with a high point of 3,900 miles, swooping down to as close as 93 miles above the planet's surface. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Rick Wetherington KSC-2013-4095

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch All...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canave... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Launch was on schedule at 1:28 p.m. EST Nov. 18 at the opening of a two-hour launch window. After a 10-month journey to the Red Planet, MAVEN will study its upper atmosphere in unprecedented detail from orbit above the planet. Built by Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colo., MAVEN will arrive at Mars in September 2014 and will be inserted into an elliptical orbit with a high point of 3,900 miles, swooping down to as close as 93 miles above the planet's surface. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2013-4059

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch All...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canave... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Launch was on schedule at 1:28 p.m. EST Nov. 18 at the opening of a two-hour launch window. After a 10-month journey to the Red Planet, MAVEN will study its upper atmosphere in unprecedented detail from orbit above the planet. Built by Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colo., MAVEN will arrive at Mars in September 2014 and will be inserted into an elliptical orbit with a high point of 3,900 miles, swooping down to as close as 93 miles above the planet's surface. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Rick Wetherington KSC-2013-4066

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch All...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canave... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Launch was on schedule at 1:28 p.m. EST Nov. 18 at the opening of a two-hour launch window. After a 10-month journey to the Red Planet, MAVEN will study its upper atmosphere in unprecedented detail from orbit above the planet. Built by Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colo., MAVEN will arrive at Mars in September 2014 and will be inserted into an elliptical orbit with a high point of 3,900 miles, swooping down to as close as 93 miles above the planet's surface. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper KSC-2013-4030

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch All...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canave... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The exhaust plume builds at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida as the engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft to orbit. Launch was on schedule at 1:28 p.m. EST Nov. 18 at the opening of a two-hour launch window. After a 10-month journey to the Red Planet, MAVEN will study its upper atmosphere in unprecedented detail from orbit above the planet. Built by Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colo., MAVEN will arrive at Mars in September 2014 and will be inserted into an elliptical orbit with a high point of 3,900 miles, swooping down to as close as 93 miles above the planet's surface. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Rick Wetherington KSC-2013-4088

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The exhaust plume builds at Space Launch Compl...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The exhaust plume builds at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida as the engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying NASA's M... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.. Launch was on schedule at 1:28 p.m. EST Nov. 18 at the opening of a two-hour launch window. After a 10-month journey to the Red Planet, MAVEN will study its upper atmosphere in unprecedented detail from orbit above the planet. Built by Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colo., MAVEN will arrive at Mars in September 2014 and will be inserted into an elliptical orbit with a high point of 3,900 miles, swooping down to as close as 93 miles above the planet's surface. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Rick Wetherington KSC-2013-4093

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch All...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canave... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- An exhaust plume forms at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida as the engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft into orbit. Launch was on schedule at 1:28 p.m. EST Nov. 18 at the opening of a two-hour launch window. After a 10-month journey to the Red Planet, MAVEN will study its upper atmosphere in unprecedented detail from orbit above the planet. Built by Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colo., MAVEN will arrive at Mars in September 2014 and will be inserted into an elliptical orbit with a high point of 3,900 miles, swooping down to as close as 93 miles above the planet's surface. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Rick Wetherington KSC-2013-4072

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- An exhaust plume forms at Space Launch Complex...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- An exhaust plume forms at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida as the engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying NASA's Mar... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The exhaust plume builds at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida as the engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft into orbit. Launch was on schedule at 1:28 p.m. EST Nov. 18 at the opening of a two-hour launch window. After a 10-month journey to the Red Planet, MAVEN will study its upper atmosphere in unprecedented detail from orbit above the planet. Built by Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colo., MAVEN will arrive at Mars in September 2014 and will be inserted into an elliptical orbit with a high point of 3,900 miles, swooping down to as close as 93 miles above the planet's surface. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Rick Wetherington KSC-2013-4075

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The exhaust plume builds at Space Launch Compl...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The exhaust plume builds at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida as the engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying NASA's M... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The exhaust plume builds at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida as the engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft into orbit. Launch was on schedule at 1:28 p.m. EST Nov. 18 at the opening of a two-hour launch window. After a 10-month journey to the Red Planet, MAVEN will study its upper atmosphere in unprecedented detail from orbit above the planet. Built by Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colo., MAVEN will arrive at Mars in September 2014 and will be inserted into an elliptical orbit with a high point of 3,900 miles, swooping down to as close as 93 miles above the planet's surface. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Rick Wetherington KSC-2013-4076

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The exhaust plume builds at Space Launch Compl...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The exhaust plume builds at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida as the engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying NASA's M... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The exhaust plume builds at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida as the engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft to orbit. Launch was on schedule at 1:28 p.m. EST Nov. 18 at the opening of a two-hour launch window. After a 10-month journey to the Red Planet, MAVEN will study its upper atmosphere in unprecedented detail from orbit above the planet. Built by Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colo., MAVEN will arrive at Mars in September 2014 and will be inserted into an elliptical orbit with a high point of 3,900 miles, swooping down to as close as 93 miles above the planet's surface. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Rick Wetherington KSC-2013-4087

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The exhaust plume builds at Space Launch Compl...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The exhaust plume builds at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida as the engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying NASA's M... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Launch was on schedule at 1:28 p.m. EST Nov. 18 at the opening of a two-hour launch window. After a 10-month journey to the Red Planet, MAVEN will study its upper atmosphere in unprecedented detail from orbit above the planet. Built by Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colo., MAVEN will arrive at Mars in September 2014 and will be inserted into an elliptical orbit with a high point of 3,900 miles, swooping down to as close as 93 miles above the planet's surface. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/George Roberts KSC-2013-4041

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch All...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canave... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Launch was on schedule at 1:28 p.m. EST Nov. 18 at the opening of a two-hour launch window. After a 10-month journey to the Red Planet, MAVEN will study its upper atmosphere in unprecedented detail from orbit above the planet. Built by Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colo., MAVEN will arrive at Mars in September 2014 and will be inserted into an elliptical orbit with a high point of 3,900 miles, swooping down to as close as 93 miles above the planet's surface. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Bill White KSC-2013-4036

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch All...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canave... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Launch was on schedule at 1:28 p.m. EST Nov. 18 at the opening of a two-hour launch window. After a 10-month journey to the Red Planet, MAVEN will study its upper atmosphere in unprecedented detail from orbit above the planet. Built by Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colo., MAVEN will arrive at Mars in September 2014 and will be inserted into an elliptical orbit with a high point of 3,900 miles, swooping down to as close as 93 miles above the planet's surface. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper KSC-2013-4031

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch All...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canave... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Launch was on schedule at 1:28 p.m. EST Nov. 18 at the opening of a two-hour launch window. After a 10-month journey to the Red Planet, MAVEN will study its upper atmosphere in unprecedented detail from orbit above the planet. Built by Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colo., MAVEN will arrive at Mars in September 2014 and will be inserted into an elliptical orbit with a high point of 3,900 miles, swooping down to as close as 93 miles above the planet's surface. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/George Roberts KSC-2013-4043

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch All...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canave... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.. Launch was on schedule at 1:28 p.m. EST Nov. 18 at the opening of a two-hour launch window. After a 10-month journey to the Red Planet, MAVEN will study its upper atmosphere in unprecedented detail from orbit above the planet. Built by Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colo., MAVEN will arrive at Mars in September 2014 and will be inserted into an elliptical orbit with a high point of 3,900 miles, swooping down to as close as 93 miles above the planet's surface. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Rick Wetherington KSC-2013-4094

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch All...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canave... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Launch was on schedule at 1:28 p.m. EST Nov. 18 at the opening of a two-hour launch window. After a 10-month journey to the Red Planet, MAVEN will study its upper atmosphere in unprecedented detail from orbit above the planet. Built by Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colo., MAVEN will arrive at Mars in September 2014 and will be inserted into an elliptical orbit with a high point of 3,900 miles, swooping down to as close as 93 miles above the planet's surface. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Bill White KSC-2013-4037

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch All...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canave... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket delivering NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft from Space Launch Complex 41, on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, to orbit. Launch was on schedule at 1:28 p.m. EST Nov. 18 at the opening of a two-hour launch window. After a 10-month journey to the Red Planet, MAVEN will study its upper atmosphere in unprecedented detail from orbit above the planet. Built by Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colo., MAVEN will arrive at Mars in September 2014 and will be inserted into an elliptical orbit with a high point of 3,900 miles, swooping down to as close as 93 miles above the planet's surface. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Rick Wetherington KSC-2013-4080

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch All...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket delivering NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft from Space Launch Complex 41, on Cape Ca... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket delivering NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft from Space Launch Complex 41, on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, to orbit. Launch was on schedule at 1:28 p.m. EST Nov. 18 at the opening of a two-hour launch window. After a 10-month journey to the Red Planet, MAVEN will study its upper atmosphere in unprecedented detail from orbit above the planet. Built by Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colo., MAVEN will arrive at Mars in September 2014 and will be inserted into an elliptical orbit with a high point of 3,900 miles, swooping down to as close as 93 miles above the planet's surface. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Rick Wetherington KSC-2013-4081

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch All...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket delivering NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft from Space Launch Complex 41, on Cape Ca... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Launch was on schedule at 1:28 p.m. EST Nov. 18 at the opening of a two-hour launch window. After a 10-month journey to the Red Planet, MAVEN will study its upper atmosphere in unprecedented detail from orbit above the planet. Built by Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colo., MAVEN will arrive at Mars in September 2014 and will be inserted into an elliptical orbit with a high point of 3,900 miles, swooping down to as close as 93 miles above the planet's surface. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/George Roberts KSC-2013-4042

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch All...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canave... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Launch was on schedule at 1:28 p.m. EST Nov. 18 at the opening of a two-hour launch window. After a 10-month journey to the Red Planet, MAVEN will study its upper atmosphere in unprecedented detail from orbit above the planet. Built by Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colo., MAVEN will arrive at Mars in September 2014 and will be inserted into an elliptical orbit with a high point of 3,900 miles, swooping down to as close as 93 miles above the planet's surface. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2013-4060

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch All...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canave... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Launch was on schedule at 1:28 p.m. EST Nov. 18 at the opening of a two-hour launch window. After a 10-month journey to the Red Planet, MAVEN will study its upper atmosphere in unprecedented detail from orbit above the planet. Built by Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colo., MAVEN will arrive at Mars in September 2014 and will be inserted into an elliptical orbit with a high point of 3,900 miles, swooping down to as close as 93 miles above the planet's surface. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Dan Casper KSC-2013-4028

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch All...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, lifting NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft off Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canave... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- An exhaust plume forms at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida as the engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft into orbit. Launch was on schedule at 1:28 p.m. EST Nov. 18 at the opening of a two-hour launch window. After a 10-month journey to the Red Planet, MAVEN will study its upper atmosphere in unprecedented detail from orbit above the planet. Built by Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colo., MAVEN will arrive at Mars in September 2014 and will be inserted into an elliptical orbit with a high point of 3,900 miles, swooping down to as close as 93 miles above the planet's surface. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Rick Wetherington KSC-2013-4073

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- An exhaust plume forms at Space Launch Complex...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- An exhaust plume forms at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida as the engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying NASA's Mar... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The exhaust plume builds at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida as the engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, or MAVEN, spacecraft into orbit. Launch was on schedule at 1:28 p.m. EST Nov. 18 at the opening of a two-hour launch window. After a 10-month journey to the Red Planet, MAVEN will study its upper atmosphere in unprecedented detail from orbit above the planet. Built by Lockheed Martin in Littleton, Colo., MAVEN will arrive at Mars in September 2014 and will be inserted into an elliptical orbit with a high point of 3,900 miles, swooping down to as close as 93 miles above the planet's surface. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/maven/main/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Rick Wetherington KSC-2013-4074

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The exhaust plume builds at Space Launch Compl...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The exhaust plume builds at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida as the engine ignites under the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying NASA's M... More

Public domain stock image. Fire flames burning, backgrounds textures.

Public domain stock image. Fire flames burning, backgrounds textures.

A hand holding a lit matchstick in the dark. Flames fire lights.

A hand holding a lit matchstick in the dark. Flames fire lights.

A match being lit in the dark / A match with a fire in the dark / Public domain stock photo of a candle light.

Fireworks firecrackers lights building. A couple of fireworks that are in the sky

Fireworks firecrackers lights building. A couple of fireworks that are...

Architecture stock photograph: Fireworks are lit up in the night sky / A couple of fireworks that are in the sky.