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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi is helped by the Closeout Crew with his launch and entry suit before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. This is Noguchi’s first Shuttle flight. He represents the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station carries the External Stowage Platform-2, equipped with spare part assemblies, and a replacement Control Moment Gyroscope contained in the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure and Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, housing 15 tons of hardware and supplies that will be transferred to the Station after the Shuttle docks to the complex . On this mission, the crew will perform inspections on-orbit for the first time of all of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) panels on the leading edge of the wings and the Thermal Protection System tiles using the new Canadian-built Orbiter Boom Sensor System and the data from 176 impact and temperature sensors. Mission Specialists will also practice repair techniques on RCC and tile samples during a spacewalk in the payload bay. KSC-05pp1797

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguch...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi is helped by the Closeout Crew with his launch and entry suit before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. This is Noguchi’s first Shuttle fl... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star delivers a spent shuttle booster to workers at Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The booster was used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-1940

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star delivers a spent shuttle booster to workers at Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The booster was used during ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The SRB Retrieval Ship Liberty Star tows a spent solid rocket booster toward Port Canaveral. The booster is from Space Shuttle Discovery, which launched on July 4. The space shuttle’s solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered at sea. The boosters impact the Atlantic Ocean approximately seven minutes after liftoff. The splashdown area is a square of about 6 by 9 nautical miles located about 140 nautical miles downrange from the launch pad. The retrieval ships are stationed approximately 8 to 10 nautical miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. As soon as the boosters enter the water, the ships accelerate to a speed of 15 knots and quickly close on the boosters. The pilot chutes and main parachutes are the first items to be brought on board. With the chutes and frustum recovered, attention turns to the boosters. The ship’s tow line is connected and the booster is returned to the Port and ,after transfer to a position alongside the ship, to Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. There, the expended boosters are disassembled, refurbished and reloaded with solid propellant for reuse. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd1492

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The SRB Retrieval Ship Liberty Star to...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The SRB Retrieval Ship Liberty Star tows a spent solid rocket booster toward Port Canaveral. The booster is from Space Shuttle Discovery, which launched on July 4. The space shu... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, inspect the left spent booster used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch, after it was lowered onto a tracked dolly for processing. The shuttle's two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1920

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembl...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, inspect the left spent booster used during space shuttle Discovery's... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The solid rocket booster retrieval ship Freedom Star is temporarily docked at Port Canaveral while the booster it was towing is moved alongside for the remainder of the trip upriver to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Freedom Star retrieved the booster after the launch of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission. The space shuttle's solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered at sea. The boosters impact the Atlantic Ocean approximately seven minutes after liftoff. The splashdown area is a square of about 6 by 9 nautical miles located about 140 nautical miles downrange from the launch pad. The retrieval ships are stationed approximately 8 to 10 nautical miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. As soon as the boosters enter the water, the ships accelerate to a speed of 15 knots and quickly close on the boosters. The pilot chutes and main parachutes are the first items to be brought on board. With the chutes and frustum recovered, attention turns to the boosters. The ship's tow line is connected and the booster is returned to the Port and, after transfer to a position alongside the ship, to Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. There, the expended boosters are disassembled, refurbished and reloaded with solid propellant for reuse. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd0262

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The solid rocket booster retrieval ship ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The solid rocket booster retrieval ship Freedom Star is temporarily docked at Port Canaveral while the booster it was towing is moved alongside for the remainder of the trip uprive... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, and its crew are preparing to recover the left spent booster from the Atlantic Ocean. The round objects on deck are large pumping machines that will be attached to the booster by a hose that will blow out debris and water and then pump in air so the booster can float horizontally on the water's surface for towing back to Port Canaveral in Florida. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Liberty Star and Freedom Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-1836

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket boost...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, and its crew are preparing to recover the left spent booster from the Atlantic Ocean. The round objects on deck are larg... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from a camera in the midst of Florida greenery across the marshy water, Space Shuttle Discovery leaps through billows of smoke and steam on Launch Pad 39B on the historic Return to Flight mission STS-114. Liftoff occurred at 10:39 a.m. EDT. This is the 114th Space Shuttle flight and the 31st for Discovery. The 12-day mission is expected to end with touchdown at the Shuttle Landing Facility on Aug. 7. On this mission to the International Space Station the crew will perform inspections on-orbit for the first time of all of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) panels on the leading edge of the wings and the Thermal Protection System tiles using the new Canadian-built Orbiter Boom Sensor System and the data from 176 impact and temperature sensors. Mission Specialists will also practice repair techniques on RCC and tile samples during a spacewalk in the payload bay. During two additional spacewalks, the crew will install the External Stowage Platform-2, equipped with spare part assemblies, and a replacement Control Moment Gyroscope contained in the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure. KSC-05pp1779

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from a camera in the midst of Fl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from a camera in the midst of Florida greenery across the marshy water, Space Shuttle Discovery leaps through billows of smoke and steam on Launch Pad 39B on the historic R... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Liberty Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, tows a spent booster from space shuttle Atlantis' final launch, to Port Canaveral in Florida. The shuttle's two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be deserviced and stored, if needed. Atlantis began its final flight at 11:29 a.m. EDT on July 8 to deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts for the International Space Station. Atlantis also delivers the Robotic Refueling Mission experiment that will investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites in orbit to the station. 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/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-5368

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Liberty Star, one of NASA's solid rocket boost...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Liberty Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, tows a spent booster from space shuttle Atlantis' final launch, to Port Canaveral in Florida. The shuttle's two solid r... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members in a skiff from Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, will usher a spent shuttle booster through the shallow waters of the locks at Port Canaveral, Fla. The booster, which was used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24, is on its way to Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-1934

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members in a skiff from Freedom Star, one...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members in a skiff from Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, will usher a spent shuttle booster through the shallow waters of the locks at Port Canavera... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The SRB Retrieval Ship Liberty Star begins the rest of its journey to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station with a spent solid rocket booster alongside. The booster is from Space Shuttle Discovery, which launched on July 4. The space shuttle’s solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered at sea. The boosters impact the Atlantic Ocean approximately seven minutes after liftoff. The splashdown area is a square of about 6 by 9 nautical miles located about 140 nautical miles downrange from the launch pad. The retrieval ships are stationed approximately 8 to 10 nautical miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. As soon as the boosters enter the water, the ships accelerate to a speed of 15 knots and quickly close on the boosters. The pilot chutes and main parachutes are the first items to be brought on board. With the chutes and frustum recovered, attention turns to the boosters. The ship’s tow line is connected and the booster is returned to the Port and ,after transfer to a position alongside the ship, to Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. There, the expended boosters are disassembled, refurbished and reloaded with solid propellant for reuse. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd1495

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The SRB Retrieval Ship Liberty Star be...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The SRB Retrieval Ship Liberty Star begins the rest of its journey to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station with a spent solid rocket booster alongside. The booster is from Space Shu... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After sunset, Space Shuttle Atlantis is bathed in light from the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B. Seen on either side of Atlantis' engine nozzles are the tail masts, which provide several umbilical connections to the orbiter, including a liquid-oxygen line through one and a liquid-hydrogen line through another. The shuttle had been moved off the launch pad due to concerns about the impact of Tropical Storm Ernesto, expected within 24 hours. The forecast of lesser winds expected from Ernesto and its projected direction convinced Launch Integration Manager LeRoy Cain and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach to return the shuttle to the launch pad. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2008

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After sunset, Space Shuttle Atlantis is b...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After sunset, Space Shuttle Atlantis is bathed in light from the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B. Seen on either side of Atlantis' engine nozzles are the tail masts, which... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A forklift operator offloads NASA's Radiation Belt Storm Probe B, enclosed in a protective shipping container, from a flatbed truck at the Astrotech payload processing facility near NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida where Applied Physics Laboratory technicians will begin spacecraft testing and prelaunch preparations. The twin RBSP spacecraft arrived at Kennedy’s Shuttle Landing Facility in the cargo bay of a U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft earlier in the day. The RBSP mission will help us understand the sun’s influence on Earth and near-Earth space by studying the Earth’s radiation belts on various scales of space and time. The RBSP instruments will provide the measurements needed to characterize and quantify the plasma processes that produce very energetic ions and relativistic electrons. The mission is part of NASA’s broader Living With a Star Program that was conceived to explore fundamental processes that operate throughout the solar system, and in particular those that generate hazardous space weather effects in the vicinity of Earth and phenomena that could impact solar system exploration. RBSP is scheduled to begin its mission of exploration of Earth's Van Allen Radiation Belts and the extremes of space weather after launch. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket is scheduled for August 23. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/rbsp. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2638

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A forklift operator offloads NASA's Radiation B...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A forklift operator offloads NASA's Radiation Belt Storm Probe B, enclosed in a protective shipping container, from a flatbed truck at the Astrotech payload processing facility near NASA’... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Liberty Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, tows the right spent booster from space shuttle Atlantis' final launch, as it is taken to Port Canaveral in Florida. The shuttle's two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be deserviced and stored, if needed. Atlantis began its final flight at 11:29 a.m. EDT on July 8 to deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts for the International Space Station. Atlantis also delivers the Robotic Refueling Mission experiment that will investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites in orbit to the station. 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/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-5519

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Liberty Star, one of NASA's solid rocket boost...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Liberty Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, tows the right spent booster from space shuttle Atlantis' final launch, as it is taken to Port Canaveral in Florida. The... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson is helped by the Closeout Crew with his launch and entry suit before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station carries the External Stowage Platform-2, equipped with spare part assemblies, and a replacement Control Moment Gyroscope contained in the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure and Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, housing 15 tons of hardware and supplies that will be transferred to the Station after the Shuttle docks to the complex . On this mission, the crew will perform inspections on-orbit for the first time of all of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) panels on the leading edge of the wings and the Thermal Protection System tiles using the new Canadian-built Orbiter Boom Sensor System and the data from 176 impact and temperature sensors. Mission Specialists will also practice repair techniques on RCC and tile samples during a spacewalk in the payload bay. KSC-05pp1799

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Stephen Robin...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson is helped by the Closeout Crew with his launch and entry suit before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The Return to Flight mission to ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members on board Liberty Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, haul in the massive parachute from the right spent booster from space shuttle Discovery's final launch. The shuttle's two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Frank Michaux KSC-2011-1874

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members on board Liberty Star, one of NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members on board Liberty Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, haul in the massive parachute from the right spent booster from space shuttle Discovery's final la... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the deck of Liberty Star, one of two KSC solid rocket booster recovery ships, a crane lowers a one-man submarine into the ocean near Cape Canaveral, Fla. Called DeepWorker 2000, the sub is being tested on its ability to duplicate the sometimes hazardous job United Space Alliance (USA) divers perform to recover the expended boosters in the ocean after a launch. The boosters splash down in an impact area about 140 miles east of Jacksonville and after recovery are towed back to KSC for refurbishment by the specially rigged recovery ships. DeepWorker 2000 will be used in a demonstration during retrieval operations after the upcoming STS-101 launch. The submarine pilot will demonstrate capabilities to cut tangled parachute riser lines using a manipulator arm and attach a Diver Operator Plug to extract water and provide flotation for the booster. DeepWorker 2000 was built by Nuytco Research Ltd., North Vancouver, British Columbia. It is 8.25 feet long, 5.75 feet high, and weighs 3,800 pounds. USA is a prime contractor to NASA for the Space Shuttle program KSC-00padig014

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the deck of Liberty Star, one of tw...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the deck of Liberty Star, one of two KSC solid rocket booster recovery ships, a crane lowers a one-man submarine into the ocean near Cape Canaveral, Fla. Called DeepWorker 200... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers install hoisting ropes around the left spent booster used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The shuttle's two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1914

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers install hoisting ropes around the left...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers install hoisting ropes around the left spent booster used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Cana... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - These laptop computers in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center reveal data being relayed from the avian radars recently set up on Launch Pad 39B. On the left is an associated camera image. On the right is the radar image. When birds, especially vultures, are near the shuttle during a launch, impact on a critical area is possible and could cause catastrophic damage to the vehicle. Already proven affective for aviation where threats posed by bird strikes have been a problem, the avian radar, known as Aircraft Birdstrike Avoidance Radar, provides horizontal and vertical scanning and can monitor either launch pad for movement of vultures around them. If data relayed from the avian radar indicates large birds are dangerously close to the vehicle, controllers could hold the countdown. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd1341

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - These laptop computers in Firing Room ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - These laptop computers in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center reveal data being relayed from the avian radars recently set up on Launch Pad 39B. On the left is an associat... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Two bird detection radars have been set up near Launch Pad 39B to get ready for the July 1 launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121. When birds, especially vultures, are near the shuttle during a launch, impact on a critical area is possible and could cause catastrophic damage to the vehicle. Already proven affective for aviation where threats posed by bird strikes have been a problem, the avian radar, known as Aircraft Birdstrike Avoidance Radar, provides horizontal and vertical scanning and can monitor either launch pad for movement of vultures around them. If data relayed from the avian radar indicates large birds are dangerously close to the vehicle, controllers could hold the countdown. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-06pd1337

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Two bird detection radars have been set...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Two bird detection radars have been set up near Launch Pad 39B to get ready for the July 1 launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121. When birds, especially vultures, ... More

JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, HOUSTON, TEXAS - A recovery helicopter hovers above the Apollo 11 spacecraft seconds after it splashed down in the Pacific Ocean July 24, 1969, at 12:50 p.m. EDT 900 miles southwest of Hawaii. The spacecraft turned apex down after impact, as shown here, but inflatable bags repositioned it shortly after this view was taken. KSC-69PC-466

JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, HOUSTON, TEXAS - A recovery helicopter hovers a...

JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, HOUSTON, TEXAS - A recovery helicopter hovers above the Apollo 11 spacecraft seconds after it splashed down in the Pacific Ocean July 24, 1969, at 12:50 p.m. EDT 900 miles southwest of Ha... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At a media conference following the day-long Flight Readiness Review of space shuttle Discovery for the STS-119 mission, NASA's Associate Administrator for Space Operations William H. Gerstenmaier (left) responds to a question. At right are NASA's Space Shuttle Program Manager John Shannon and Program Manager for the International Space Station Mike Suffredini. NASA managers decided to plan a launch no earlier than Feb. 19, pending additional analysis and particle impact testing associated with a flow control valve in the shuttle's main engine system. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2009-1508

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At a media conference following the day-long Fl...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At a media conference following the day-long Flight Readiness Review of space shuttle Discovery for the STS-119 mission, NASA's Associate Administrator for Space Operations William H. Ger... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a worker examines one of the frustums from two spent solid rocket boosters from space shuttle Endeavour, which launched Nov. 14 on the STS-126 mission. The frustum was offloaded from the solid rocket booster retrieval ship Freedom Star and moved inside the Hangar AF High Bay for disassembly. The space shuttle’s solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered at sea after being jettisoned. The boosters impact the Atlantic Ocean approximately seven minutes after liftoff. After their recovery and transport to Hangar AF, the boosters are cleaned, inspected, disassembled, refurbished and reloaded with solid propellant for reuse. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd3766

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Stat...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a worker examines one of the frustums from two spent solid rocket boosters from space shuttle Endeavour, which launched Nov.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the left spent booster, used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch, is lowered onto a tracked dolly for processing. The shuttle's two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1919

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facili...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the left spent booster, used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch, ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This image taken through a winding and storage device on Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, shows crew members in a skiff attaching flotation devices, or buoys to the parachute lines from the left spent booster after space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Liberty Star and Freedom Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-1829

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This image taken through a winding and storage...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This image taken through a winding and storage device on Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, shows crew members in a skiff attaching flotation devices, or b... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, tows a solid rocket booster alongside, heading for Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The booster is from space shuttle Endeavour, which launched the STS-123 mission on March 11. The space shuttle’s solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered at sea. The boosters impact the Atlantic Ocean approximately seven minutes after liftoff. The splashdown area is a square of about 6 by 9 nautical miles located about 140 nautical miles downrange from the launch pad. The retrieval ships are stationed approximately 8 to 10 nautical miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. As soon as the boosters enter the water, the ships accelerate to a speed of 15 knots and quickly close on the boosters, which they tow back to port. After transfer to a position alongside the ship, the booster will be towed to Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. There, the expended boosters are disassembled, refurbished and reloaded with solid propellant for reuse. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd0740

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid r...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, tows a solid rocket booster alongside, heading for Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The booster... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The left spent booster used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch is moved into a hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The shuttle's two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1909

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The left spent booster used during space shutt...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The left spent booster used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch is moved into a hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Ai... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers at the hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, monitor the lifting of the left spent booster, used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch. The shuttle's two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1915

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers at the hoisting slip at the Solid Rock...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers at the hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, monitor the lifting of the left spent booster, ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers in a small raft, guide the left spent booster used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch into position in a hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The shuttle's two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1913

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers in a small raft, guide the left spent ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers in a small raft, guide the left spent booster used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch into position in a hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The left spent booster used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch hangs in a hoisting device at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The shuttle's two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1918

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The left spent booster used during space shutt...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The left spent booster used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch hangs in a hoisting device at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air F... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star is tied back up to a spent shuttle booster and ready to continue the journey to the dock at Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The booster was used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-1937

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star is tied back up to a spent shuttle booster and ready to continue the journey to the dock at Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Sta... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers at the hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, monitor the lifting of the left spent booster, used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch. The shuttle's two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1917

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers at the hoisting slip at the Solid Rock...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers at the hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, monitor the lifting of the left spent booster, ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A diver from Liberty Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, helps retrieve a spent shuttle booster in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida. The booster, which was used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24, will be transported to Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered after every launch by Liberty Star and Freedom Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Frank Michaux KSC-2011-1929

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A diver from Liberty Star, one of NASA's solid...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A diver from Liberty Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, helps retrieve a spent shuttle booster in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida. The booster, which w... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members in a skiff and aboard Liberty Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, usher a spent shuttle booster to Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The booster was used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-1943

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members in a skiff and aboard Liberty Sta...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members in a skiff and aboard Liberty Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, usher a spent shuttle booster to Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Flo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The left spent booster used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch is guided into a hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The shuttle's two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1912

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The left spent booster used during space shutt...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The left spent booster used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch is guided into a hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral A... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members in a skiff from Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, usher a spent shuttle booster through the shallow waters of the locks at Port Canaveral, Fla. The booster, which was used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24, is on its way to Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-1936

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members in a skiff from Freedom Star, one...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members in a skiff from Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, usher a spent shuttle booster through the shallow waters of the locks at Port Canaveral, Fl... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star, with a spent shuttle booster in tow, just passed through a drawbridge on its way to the dock at Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The booster was used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-1933

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star, with a spent shuttle booster in tow, just passed through a drawbridge on its way to the dock at Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Forc... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star delivers a spent shuttle booster to workers at Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The booster was used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-1941

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star delivers a spent shuttle booster to workers at Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The booster was used during ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A spent shuttle booster will be ushered through the shallow waters of the locks at Port Canaveral, Fla., by a skiff from Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships. The booster, which was used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24, is on its way to Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-1935

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A spent shuttle booster will be ushered throug...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A spent shuttle booster will be ushered through the shallow waters of the locks at Port Canaveral, Fla., by a skiff from Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, accompany the left spent booster, used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch, into the building for processing. The shuttle's two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1921

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembl...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, accompany the left spent booster, used during space shuttle Discover... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The left spent booster used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch is guided into a hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The shuttle's two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1910

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The left spent booster used during space shutt...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The left spent booster used during space shuttle Discovery's final launch is guided into a hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral A... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the external tank attached to Space Shuttle Atlantis shows damage from hail bombardment during a strong thunderstorm that passed through Kennedy Space Center about 5 p.m. EST on Feb. 26. A full assessment of the storm's impact is under way. The two-day STS-117 Flight Readiness Review is being held concurrently with the assessment. Hail also impacted Space Shuttle Columbia before the launch of STS-4 in 1982; Atlantis, being readied for STS-38 in 1990; and Discovery, before the launch of STS-96 in 1999. KSC-07pd0548

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the external tank at...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the external tank attached to Space Shuttle Atlantis shows damage from hail bombardment during a strong thunderstorm that passed through Kennedy Space Center ab... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the external tank attached to Space Shuttle Atlantis shows damage from hail bombardment during a strong thunderstorm that passed through Kennedy Space Center about 5 p.m. EST on Feb. 26. A full assessment of the storm's impact is under way. The two-day STS-117 Flight Readiness Review is being held concurrently with the assessment. Hail also impacted Space Shuttle Columbia before the launch of STS-4 in 1982; Atlantis, being readied for STS-38 in 1990; and Discovery, before the launch of STS-96 in 1999. KSC-07pd0545

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the external tank at...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the external tank attached to Space Shuttle Atlantis shows damage from hail bombardment during a strong thunderstorm that passed through Kennedy Space Center ab... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the external tank attached to Space Shuttle Atlantis shows damage from hail bombardment during a strong thunderstorm that passed through Kennedy Space Center about 5 p.m. EST on Feb. 26. A full assessment of the storm's impact is under way. The two-day STS-117 Flight Readiness Review is being held concurrently with the assessment. Hail also impacted Space Shuttle Columbia before the launch of STS-4 in 1982; Atlantis, being readied for STS-38 in 1990; and Discovery, before the launch of STS-96 in 1999. KSC-07pd0546

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the external tank at...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the external tank attached to Space Shuttle Atlantis shows damage from hail bombardment during a strong thunderstorm that passed through Kennedy Space Center ab... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the external tank attached to Space Shuttle Atlantis shows damage from hail bombardment during a strong thunderstorm that passed through Kennedy Space Center about 5 p.m. EST on Feb. 26. A full assessment of the storm's impact is under way. The two-day STS-117 Flight Readiness Review is being held concurrently with the assessment. Hail also impacted Space Shuttle Columbia before the launch of STS-4 in 1982; Atlantis, being readied for STS-38 in 1990; and Discovery, before the launch of STS-96 in 1999. KSC-07pd0549

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the external tank at...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the external tank attached to Space Shuttle Atlantis shows damage from hail bombardment during a strong thunderstorm that passed through Kennedy Space Center ab... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the external tank attached to Space Shuttle Atlantis shows damage from hail bombardment during a strong thunderstorm that passed through Kennedy Space Center about 5 p.m. EST on Feb. 26. A full assessment of the storm's impact is under way. The two-day STS-117 Flight Readiness Review is being held concurrently with the assessment. Hail also impacted Space Shuttle Columbia before the launch of STS-4 in 1982; Atlantis, being readied for STS-38 in 1990; and Discovery, before the launch of STS-96 in 1999. KSC-07pd0547

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the external tank at...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, the external tank attached to Space Shuttle Atlantis shows damage from hail bombardment during a strong thunderstorm that passed through Kennedy Space Center ab... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A crane on Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, heaves a spent booster nose cap from the from out of the Atlantic Ocean and onto the deck after space shuttle Discovery's final launch. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Liberty Star and Freedom Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-1833

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A crane on Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid r...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A crane on Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, heaves a spent booster nose cap from the from out of the Atlantic Ocean and onto the deck after space shuttle... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members in a skiff from Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, inspect the left spent booster bobbing in the Atlantic Ocean after space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Liberty Star and Freedom Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-1825

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members in a skiff from Freedom Star, one...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members in a skiff from Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, inspect the left spent booster bobbing in the Atlantic Ocean after space shuttle Discovery'... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The massive parachute from the left spent booster is rolled up on the deck of Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, after recovery from the Atlantic Ocean and will be returned to Port Canaveral in Florida. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Liberty Star and Freedom Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-1834

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The massive parachute from the left spent boos...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The massive parachute from the left spent booster is rolled up on the deck of Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, after recovery from the Atlantic Ocean and... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members from Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, are pulling the parachute from the left spent booster out of the Atlantic Ocean. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Liberty Star and Freedom Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-1832

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members from Freedom Star, one of NASA's ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members from Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, are pulling the parachute from the left spent booster out of the Atlantic Ocean. The shuttl... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star tows a booster to the dock at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The booster was used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Liberty Star and Freedom Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1887

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star tows a booster to the dock at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The booster was used during space shuttle Dis... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- One of the solid rocket boosters used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch is unloaded onto a hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Following the launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24, the shuttle's two boosters fell into the Atlantic Ocean. There, the booster casings and associated flight hardware were recovered by Liberty Star and Freedom Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1893

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- One of the solid rocket boosters used during s...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- One of the solid rocket boosters used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch is unloaded onto a hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Ca... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star tows a booster to the dock at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The booster was used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Liberty Star and Freedom Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1886

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star tows a booster to the dock at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The booster was used during space shuttle Dis... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members on Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, monitor the progress of the left spent booster from space shuttle Discovery's final launch, as it is elevated out of the water so it can float horizontally for towing back to Port Canaveral in Florida. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Liberty Star and Freedom Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-1842

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members on Freedom Star, one of NASA's so...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members on Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, monitor the progress of the left spent booster from space shuttle Discovery's final launch, as it is ele... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star tows a booster to the dock at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The booster was used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Liberty Star and Freedom Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1884

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star tows a booster to the dock at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The booster was used during space shuttle Dis... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Liberty Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, tows the right spent booster from space shuttle Discovery's final launch, to Port Canaveral in Florida. The shuttle's two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Frank Michaux KSC-2011-1878

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Liberty Star, one of NASA's solid rocket boost...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Liberty Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, tows the right spent booster from space shuttle Discovery's final launch, to Port Canaveral in Florida. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star, with a booster in tow, is docked in Port Canaveral in Florida before continuing on to Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. A cruise ship is seen in the background. The booster was used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Liberty Star and Freedom Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1880

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star, with a booster in tow, is docked in Port Canaveral in Florida before continuing on to Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Liberty Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, tows the right spent booster from space shuttle Discovery's final launch, to Port Canaveral in Florida. The shuttle's two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Freedom Star and Liberty Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Frank Michaux KSC-2011-1879

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Liberty Star, one of NASA's solid rocket boost...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Liberty Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, tows the right spent booster from space shuttle Discovery's final launch, to Port Canaveral in Florida. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The left spent booster from space shuttle Discovery's final launch is seen floating on the water's surface while pumps on Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, push debris and water out of the booster, replacing with air to facilitate floating for its return to Port Canaveral in Florida. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Liberty Star and Freedom Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-1845

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The left spent booster from space shuttle Disc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The left spent booster from space shuttle Discovery's final launch is seen floating on the water's surface while pumps on Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- One of the solid rocket boosters used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch is unloaded onto a hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Following the launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24, the shuttle's two boosters fell into the Atlantic Ocean. There, the booster casings and associated flight hardware were recovered by Liberty Star and Freedom Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1894

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- One of the solid rocket boosters used during s...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- One of the solid rocket boosters used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch is unloaded onto a hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Ca... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star tows a booster to the dock at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The booster was used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Liberty Star and Freedom Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1885

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star tows a booster to the dock at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The booster was used during space shuttle Dis... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- One of the solid rocket boosters used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch is unloaded onto a hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Following the launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24, the shuttle's two boosters fell into the Atlantic Ocean. There, the booster casings and associated flight hardware were recovered by Liberty Star and Freedom Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1892

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- One of the solid rocket boosters used during s...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- One of the solid rocket boosters used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch is unloaded onto a hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Ca... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star, with a booster in tow, passes through Port Canaveral on its journey to Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The booster was used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Liberty Star and Freedom Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1883

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star, with a booster in tow, passes through Port Canaveral on its journey to Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This image taken from the bow of Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, shows crew members in a skiff attaching flotation devices, or buoys, to the parachute lines from the left spent booster from space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Liberty Star and Freedom Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-1828

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This image taken from the bow of Freedom Star,...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This image taken from the bow of Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, shows crew members in a skiff attaching flotation devices, or buoys, to the parachute l... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, one of the solid rocket boosters used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch is moved to a tracked dolly for processing. Following the launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24, the shuttle's two boosters fell into the Atlantic Ocean. There, the booster casings and associated flight hardware were recovered by Liberty Star and Freedom Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1898

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facili...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, one of the solid rocket boosters used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-1... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members from Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, have attached a line, held up by flotation devices, between the left spent booster parachute and the ship. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Liberty Star and Freedom Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-1831

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members from Freedom Star, one of NASA's ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members from Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, have attached a line, held up by flotation devices, between the left spent booster parachute and the s... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star, with a booster in tow, passes through Port Canaveral on its journey to Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The booster was used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Liberty Star and Freedom Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1882

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star, with a booster in tow, passes through Port Canaveral on its journey to Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star, with a booster in tow, is docked in Port Canaveral in Florida before continuing on to Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. A cruise ship is seen in the background. The booster was used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Liberty Star and Freedom Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1881

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star, with a booster in tow, is docked in Port Canaveral in Florida before continuing on to Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- One of the solid rocket boosters used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch is unloaded onto a hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Following the launch from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24, the shuttle's two boosters fell into the Atlantic Ocean. There, the booster casings and associated flight hardware were recovered by Liberty Star and Freedom Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1891

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- One of the solid rocket boosters used during s...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- One of the solid rocket boosters used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch is unloaded onto a hoisting slip at the Solid Rocket Booster Disassembly Facility at Hangar AF on Ca... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members from Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, approach the left spent booster bobbing in the Atlantic Ocean to attach a hose that will facilitate debris and water clearing and the pumping in of air so the booster can float horizontally on the water's surface for towing back to Port Canaveral in Florida. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Liberty Star and Freedom Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-1837

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members from Freedom Star, one of NASA's ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members from Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, approach the left spent booster bobbing in the Atlantic Ocean to attach a hose that will facilitate de... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members in a skiff from Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, look back at the vessel toward the left spent booster nose cap, which was recovered from the Atlantic Ocean and now secured on the deck for delivery back to Port Canaveral in Florida. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Liberty Star and Freedom Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-1843

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members in a skiff from Freedom Star, one...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members in a skiff from Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, look back at the vessel toward the left spent booster nose cap, which was recovered from th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star leaves the dock at Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and heads back to its home base at the Turn Basin at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The ship recently retrieved a booster that was used during space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 launch from Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A on Feb. 24. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Liberty Star and Freedom Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1890

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Solid Rocket Booster Retrieval Ship Freedom Star leaves the dock at Hangar AF at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and heads back to its home base at the Turn Basin at NASA's Kennedy ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The left spent booster from space shuttle Discovery's final launch is seen floating on the water's surface while pumps on Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, push debris and water out of the booster, replacing with air to facilitate floating for its return to Port Canaveral in Florida. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Liberty Star and Freedom Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-1844

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The left spent booster from space shuttle Disc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The left spent booster from space shuttle Discovery's final launch is seen floating on the water's surface while pumps on Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A crane is prepared to pluck the returning skiffs out of the water after crew members from Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, attached a hose between the left spent booster and the vessel that will facilitate debris and water clearing and the pumping in of air into the booster so it can float horizontally on the water's surface for towing back to Port Canaveral in Florida. The shuttle’s two solid rocket booster casings and associated flight hardware are recovered in the Atlantic Ocean after every launch by Liberty Star and Freedom Star. The boosters impact the Atlantic about seven minutes after liftoff and the retrieval ships are stationed about 10 miles from the impact area at the time of splashdown. After the spent segments are processed, they will be transported to Utah, where they will be refurbished and stored, if needed. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2011-1839

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A crane is prepared to pluck the returning ski...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A crane is prepared to pluck the returning skiffs out of the water after crew members from Freedom Star, one of NASA's solid rocket booster retrieval ships, attached a hose between the l... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The one-man submarine dubbed DeepWorker 2000 sits on the deck of Liberty Star, one of two KSC solid rocket booster recovery ships. The sub is being tested on its ability to duplicate the sometimes hazardous job United Space Alliance (USA) divers perform to recover the expended boosters in the ocean after a launch. The boosters splash down in an impact area about 140 miles east of Jacksonville and after recovery are towed back to KSC for refurbishment by the specially rigged recovery ships. DeepWorker 2000 will be used in a demonstration during retrieval operations after the upcoming STS-101 launch. The submarine pilot will demonstrate capabilities to cut tangled parachute riser lines using a manipulator arm and attach a Diver Operator Plug to extract water and provide flotation for the booster. DeepWorker 2000 was built by Nuytco Research Ltd., North Vancouver, British Columbia. It is 8.25 feet long, 5.75 feet high, and weighs 3,800 pounds. USA is a prime contractor to NASA for the Space Shuttle program KSC-00padig010

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The one-man submarine dubbed DeepWorker ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The one-man submarine dubbed DeepWorker 2000 sits on the deck of Liberty Star, one of two KSC solid rocket booster recovery ships. The sub is being tested on its ability to duplica... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At left, a manipulator arm on a one-man submarine demonstrates its ability to cut tangled parachute riser lines and place a Diver Operator Plug (top right) inside a mock solid rocket booster nozzle (center). Known as DeepWorker 2000, the sub is being tested on its ability to duplicate the sometimes hazardous job United Space Alliance (USA) divers perform to recover the expended boosters in the ocean after a launch. The boosters splash down in an impact area about 140 miles east of Jacksonville and after recovery are towed back to KSC for refurbishment by the specially rigged recovery ships. DeepWorker 2000 will be used in a demonstration during retrieval operations after the upcoming STS-101 launch. The submarine pilot will demonstrate capabilities to cut tangled parachute riser lines using a manipulator arm and attach the DOP to extract water and provide flotation for the booster. DeepWorker 2000 was built by Nuytco Research Ltd., North Vancouver, British Columbia. It is 8.25 feet long, 5.75 feet high, and weighs 3,800 pounds. USA is a prime contractor to NASA for the Space Shuttle program KSC-00padig013

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At left, a manipulator arm on a one-man ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At left, a manipulator arm on a one-man submarine demonstrates its ability to cut tangled parachute riser lines and place a Diver Operator Plug (top right) inside a mock solid rock... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The one-man submarine known as DeepWorker 2000 is tested in Atlantic waters near Cape Canaveral, Fla. Nearby are divers; inside the sub is the pilot, Anker Rasmussen. The sub is being tested on its ability to duplicate the sometimes hazardous job United Space Alliance (USA) divers perform to recover the expended boosters in the ocean after a launch. The boosters splash down in an impact area about 140 miles east of Jacksonville and after recovery are towed back to KSC for refurbishment by the specially rigged recovery ships. DeepWorker 2000 will be used in a demonstration during retrieval operations after the upcoming STS-101 launch. The submarine pilot will demonstrate capabilities to cut tangled parachute riser lines using a manipulator arm and attach a Diver Operator Plug to extract water and provide flotation for the booster. DeepWorker 2000 was built by Nuytco Research Ltd., North Vancouver, British Columbia. It is 8.25 feet long, 5.75 feet high, and weighs 3,800 pounds. USA is a prime contractor to NASA for the Space Shuttle program KSC-00padig015

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The one-man submarine known as DeepWorke...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The one-man submarine known as DeepWorker 2000 is tested in Atlantic waters near Cape Canaveral, Fla. Nearby are divers; inside the sub is the pilot, Anker Rasmussen. The sub is be... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Diver Operator Plug (DOP) is being pulled down into the ocean by a newly designed one-man submarine known as DeepWorker 2000. The activity is part of an operation to attach the plug to a mockup of a solid rocket booster nozzle. DeepWorker 2000 is being tested on its ability to duplicate the sometimes hazardous job United Space Alliance (USA) divers perform to recover the expended boosters in the ocean after a launch. The boosters splash down in an impact area about 140 miles east of Jacksonville and after recovery are towed back to KSC for refurbishment by the specially rigged recovery ships. DeepWorker 2000 will be used in a demonstration during retrieval operations after the upcoming STS-101 launch. The submarine pilot will demonstrate capabilities to cut tangled parachute riser lines using a manipulator arm and attach the DOP to extract water and provide flotation for the booster. DeepWorker 2000 was built by Nuytco Research Ltd., North Vancouver, British Columbia. It is 8.25 feet long, 5.75 feet high, and weighs 3,800 pounds. USA is a prime contractor to NASA for the Space Shuttle program KSC00padig012

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Diver Operator Plug (DOP) is being pul...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Diver Operator Plug (DOP) is being pulled down into the ocean by a newly designed one-man submarine known as DeepWorker 2000. The activity is part of an operation to attach the p... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At left, a manipulator arm on a one-man submarine demonstrates its ability to cut tangled parachute riser lines and place a Diver Operator Plug (top right) inside a mock solid rocket booster nozzle (center). Known as DeepWorker 2000, the sub is being tested on its ability to duplicate the sometimes hazardous job United Space Alliance (USA) divers perform to recover the expended boosters in the ocean after a launch. The boosters splash down in an impact area about 140 miles east of Jacksonville and after recovery are towed back to KSC for refurbishment by the specially rigged recovery ships. DeepWorker 2000 will be used in a demonstration during retrieval operations after the upcoming STS-101 launch. The submarine pilot will demonstrate capabilities to cut tangled parachute riser lines using a manipulator arm and attach the DOP to extract water and provide flotation for the booster. DeepWorker 2000 was built by Nuytco Research Ltd., North Vancouver, British Columbia. It is 8.25 feet long, 5.75 feet high, and weighs 3,800 pounds. USA is a prime contractor to NASA for the Space Shuttle program KSC00padig013

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At left, a manipulator arm on a one-man ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At left, a manipulator arm on a one-man submarine demonstrates its ability to cut tangled parachute riser lines and place a Diver Operator Plug (top right) inside a mock solid rock... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After a successful dive, the one-man submarine known as DeepWorker 2000 is lifted from Atlantic waters near Cape Canaveral, Fla., onto the deck of the Liberty Star, one of two KSC solid rocket booster recovery ships. Inside the sub is the pilot, Anker Rasmussen. The sub is being tested on its ability to duplicate the sometimes hazardous job United Space Alliance (USA) divers perform to recover the expended boosters in the ocean after a launch. The boosters splash down in an impact area about 140 miles east of Jacksonville and after recovery are towed back to KSC for refurbishment by the specially rigged recovery ships. DeepWorker 2000 will be used in a demonstration during retrieval operations after the upcoming STS-101 launch. The submarine pilot will demonstrate capabilities to cut tangled parachute riser lines using a manipulator arm and attach a Diver Operator Plug to extract water and provide flotation for the booster. DeepWorker 2000 was built by Nuytco Research Ltd., North Vancouver, British Columbia. It is 8.25 feet long, 5.75 feet high, and weighs 3,800 pounds. USA is a prime contractor to NASA for the Space Shuttle program KSC00padig016

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After a successful dive, the one-man sub...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After a successful dive, the one-man submarine known as DeepWorker 2000 is lifted from Atlantic waters near Cape Canaveral, Fla., onto the deck of the Liberty Star, one of two KSC ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A mockup of a solid rocket booster nozzle is lowered into the waters of the Atlantic during a test of a new booster retrieval method. A one-man submarine known as DeepWorker 2000 is being tested on its ability to duplicate the sometimes hazardous job United Space Alliance (USA) divers perform to recover the expended boosters in the ocean after a launch. The boosters splash down in an impact area about 140 miles east of Jacksonville and after recovery are towed back to KSC for refurbishment by the specially rigged recovery ships. DeepWorker 2000 will be used in a demonstration during retrieval operations after the upcoming STS-101 launch. The submarine pilot will demonstrate capabilities to cut tangled parachute riser lines using a manipulator arm and attach a Diver Operator Plug to extract water and provide flotation for the booster. DeepWorker 2000 was built by Nuytco Research Ltd., North Vancouver, British Columbia. It is 8.25 feet long, 5.75 feet high, and weighs 3,800 pounds. USA is a prime contractor to NASA for the Space Shuttle program KSC-00padig011

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A mockup of a solid rocket booster nozzl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A mockup of a solid rocket booster nozzle is lowered into the waters of the Atlantic during a test of a new booster retrieval method. A one-man submarine known as DeepWorker 2000 i... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The one-man submarine known as DeepWorker 2000 is tested in Atlantic waters near Cape Canaveral, Fla. Nearby are divers; inside the sub is the pilot, Anker Rasmussen. The sub is being tested on its ability to duplicate the sometimes hazardous job United Space Alliance (USA) divers perform to recover the expended boosters in the ocean after a launch. The boosters splash down in an impact area about 140 miles east of Jacksonville and after recovery are towed back to KSC for refurbishment by the specially rigged recovery ships. DeepWorker 2000 will be used in a demonstration during retrieval operations after the upcoming STS-101 launch. The submarine pilot will demonstrate capabilities to cut tangled parachute riser lines using a manipulator arm and attach a Diver Operator Plug to extract water and provide flotation for the booster. DeepWorker 2000 was built by Nuytco Research Ltd., North Vancouver, British Columbia. It is 8.25 feet long, 5.75 feet high, and weighs 3,800 pounds. USA is a prime contractor to NASA for the Space Shuttle program KSC00padig015

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The one-man submarine known as DeepWorke...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The one-man submarine known as DeepWorker 2000 is tested in Atlantic waters near Cape Canaveral, Fla. Nearby are divers; inside the sub is the pilot, Anker Rasmussen. The sub is be... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Diver Operator Plug (DOP) is being pulled down into the ocean by a newly designed one-man submarine known as DeepWorker 2000. The activity is part of an operation to attach the plug to a mockup of a solid rocket booster nozzle. DeepWorker 2000 is being tested on its ability to duplicate the sometimes hazardous job United Space Alliance (USA) divers perform to recover the expended boosters in the ocean after a launch. The boosters splash down in an impact area about 140 miles east of Jacksonville and after recovery are towed back to KSC for refurbishment by the specially rigged recovery ships. DeepWorker 2000 will be used in a demonstration during retrieval operations after the upcoming STS-101 launch. The submarine pilot will demonstrate capabilities to cut tangled parachute riser lines using a manipulator arm and attach the DOP to extract water and provide flotation for the booster. DeepWorker 2000 was built by Nuytco Research Ltd., North Vancouver, British Columbia. It is 8.25 feet long, 5.75 feet high, and weighs 3,800 pounds. USA is a prime contractor to NASA for the Space Shuttle program KSC-00padig012

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Diver Operator Plug (DOP) is being pul...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A Diver Operator Plug (DOP) is being pulled down into the ocean by a newly designed one-man submarine known as DeepWorker 2000. The activity is part of an operation to attach the p... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After a successful dive, the one-man submarine known as DeepWorker 2000 is lifted from Atlantic waters near Cape Canaveral, Fla., onto the deck of the Liberty Star, one of two KSC solid rocket booster recovery ships. Inside the sub is the pilot, Anker Rasmussen. The sub is being tested on its ability to duplicate the sometimes hazardous job United Space Alliance (USA) divers perform to recover the expended boosters in the ocean after a launch. The boosters splash down in an impact area about 140 miles east of Jacksonville and after recovery are towed back to KSC for refurbishment by the specially rigged recovery ships. DeepWorker 2000 will be used in a demonstration during retrieval operations after the upcoming STS-101 launch. The submarine pilot will demonstrate capabilities to cut tangled parachute riser lines using a manipulator arm and attach a Diver Operator Plug to extract water and provide flotation for the booster. DeepWorker 2000 was built by Nuytco Research Ltd., North Vancouver, British Columbia. It is 8.25 feet long, 5.75 feet high, and weighs 3,800 pounds. USA is a prime contractor to NASA for the Space Shuttle program KSC-00padig016

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After a successful dive, the one-man sub...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After a successful dive, the one-man submarine known as DeepWorker 2000 is lifted from Atlantic waters near Cape Canaveral, Fla., onto the deck of the Liberty Star, one of two KSC ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the deck of Liberty Star, one of two KSC solid rocket booster recovery ships, a crane lowers a one-man submarine into the ocean near Cape Canaveral, Fla. Called DeepWorker 2000, the sub is being tested on its ability to duplicate the sometimes hazardous job United Space Alliance (USA) divers perform to recover the expended boosters in the ocean after a launch. The boosters splash down in an impact area about 140 miles east of Jacksonville and after recovery are towed back to KSC for refurbishment by the specially rigged recovery ships. DeepWorker 2000 will be used in a demonstration during retrieval operations after the upcoming STS-101 launch. The submarine pilot will demonstrate capabilities to cut tangled parachute riser lines using a manipulator arm and attach a Diver Operator Plug to extract water and provide flotation for the booster. DeepWorker 2000 was built by Nuytco Research Ltd., North Vancouver, British Columbia. It is 8.25 feet long, 5.75 feet high, and weighs 3,800 pounds. USA is a prime contractor to NASA for the Space Shuttle program KSC00padig014

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the deck of Liberty Star, one of tw...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the deck of Liberty Star, one of two KSC solid rocket booster recovery ships, a crane lowers a one-man submarine into the ocean near Cape Canaveral, Fla. Called DeepWorker 200... More

The one-man submarine dubbed DeepWorker 2000 sits on the deck of Liberty Star, one of two KSC solid rocket booster recovery ships. The sub is being tested on its ability to duplicate the sometimes hazardous job United Space Alliance (USA) divers perform to recover the expended boosters in the ocean after a launch. The boosters splash down in an impact area about 140 miles east of Jacksonville and after recovery are towed back to KSC for refurbishment by the specially rigged recovery ships. DeepWorker 2000 was built by Nuytco Research Ltd., North Vancouver, British Columbia. It is 8.25 feet long, 5.75 feet high, and weighs 3,800 pounds. USA is a prime contractor to NASA for the Space Shuttle program KSC-00pp0597

The one-man submarine dubbed DeepWorker 2000 sits on the deck of Liber...

The one-man submarine dubbed DeepWorker 2000 sits on the deck of Liberty Star, one of two KSC solid rocket booster recovery ships. The sub is being tested on its ability to duplicate the sometimes hazardous job... More

The one-man submarine dubbed DeepWorker 2000 sits on the deck of Liberty Star, one of two KSC solid rocket booster recovery ships. Inside the sub is the pilot, Anker Rasmussen. The sub is being tested on its ability to duplicate the sometimes hazardous job United Space Alliance (USA) divers perform to recover the expended boosters in the ocean after a launch. The boosters splash down in an impact area about 140 miles east of Jacksonville and after recovery are towed back to KSC for refurbishment by the specially rigged recovery ships. DeepWorker 2000 was built by Nuytco Research Ltd., North Vancouver, British Columbia. It is 8.25 feet long, 5.75 feet high, and weighs 3,800 pounds. USA is a prime contractor to NASA for the Space Shuttle program KSC-00pp0598

The one-man submarine dubbed DeepWorker 2000 sits on the deck of Liber...

The one-man submarine dubbed DeepWorker 2000 sits on the deck of Liberty Star, one of two KSC solid rocket booster recovery ships. Inside the sub is the pilot, Anker Rasmussen. The sub is being tested on its ab... More

The one-man submarine dubbed DeepWorker 2000 sits on the deck of Liberty Star, one of two KSC solid rocket booster recovery ships. The sub is being tested on its ability to duplicate the sometimes hazardous job United Space Alliance (USA) divers perform to recover the expended boosters in the ocean after a launch. The boosters splash down in an impact area about 140 miles east of Jacksonville and after recovery are towed back to KSC for refurbishment by the specially rigged recovery ships. DeepWorker 2000 was built by Nuytco Research Ltd., North Vancouver, British Columbia. It is 8.25 feet long, 5.75 feet high, and weighs 3,800 pounds. USA is a prime contractor to NASA for the Space Shuttle program KSC00pp0597

The one-man submarine dubbed DeepWorker 2000 sits on the deck of Liber...

The one-man submarine dubbed DeepWorker 2000 sits on the deck of Liberty Star, one of two KSC solid rocket booster recovery ships. The sub is being tested on its ability to duplicate the sometimes hazardous job... More

The one-man submarine dubbed DeepWorker 2000 sits on the deck of Liberty Star, one of two KSC solid rocket booster recovery ships. The sub is being tested on its ability to duplicate the sometimes hazardous job United Space Alliance (USA) divers perform to recover the expended boosters in the ocean after a launch. The boosters splash down in an impact area about 140 miles east of Jacksonville and after recovery are towed back to KSC for refurbishment by the specially rigged recovery ships. DeepWorker 2000 was built by Nuytco Research Ltd., North Vancouver, British Columbia. It is 8.25 feet long, 5.75 feet high, and weighs 3,800 pounds. USA is a prime contractor to NASA for the Space Shuttle program KSC00pp0596

The one-man submarine dubbed DeepWorker 2000 sits on the deck of Liber...

The one-man submarine dubbed DeepWorker 2000 sits on the deck of Liberty Star, one of two KSC solid rocket booster recovery ships. The sub is being tested on its ability to duplicate the sometimes hazardous job... More

The one-man submarine dubbed DeepWorker 2000 sits on the deck of Liberty Star, one of two KSC solid rocket booster recovery ships. The sub is being tested on its ability to duplicate the sometimes hazardous job United Space Alliance (USA) divers perform to recover the expended boosters in the ocean after a launch. The boosters splash down in an impact area about 140 miles east of Jacksonville and after recovery are towed back to KSC for refurbishment by the specially rigged recovery ships. DeepWorker 2000 was built by Nuytco Research Ltd., North Vancouver, British Columbia. It is 8.25 feet long, 5.75 feet high, and weighs 3,800 pounds. USA is a prime contractor to NASA for the Space Shuttle program KSC-00pp0596

The one-man submarine dubbed DeepWorker 2000 sits on the deck of Liber...

The one-man submarine dubbed DeepWorker 2000 sits on the deck of Liberty Star, one of two KSC solid rocket booster recovery ships. The sub is being tested on its ability to duplicate the sometimes hazardous job... More

The one-man submarine dubbed DeepWorker 2000 sits on the deck of Liberty Star, one of two KSC solid rocket booster recovery ships. Inside the sub is the pilot, Anker Rasmussen. The sub is being tested on its ability to duplicate the sometimes hazardous job United Space Alliance (USA) divers perform to recover the expended boosters in the ocean after a launch. The boosters splash down in an impact area about 140 miles east of Jacksonville and after recovery are towed back to KSC for refurbishment by the specially rigged recovery ships. DeepWorker 2000 was built by Nuytco Research Ltd., North Vancouver, British Columbia. It is 8.25 feet long, 5.75 feet high, and weighs 3,800 pounds. USA is a prime contractor to NASA for the Space Shuttle program KSC00pp0598

The one-man submarine dubbed DeepWorker 2000 sits on the deck of Liber...

The one-man submarine dubbed DeepWorker 2000 sits on the deck of Liberty Star, one of two KSC solid rocket booster recovery ships. Inside the sub is the pilot, Anker Rasmussen. The sub is being tested on its ab... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At approximately 81-82 seconds after T-0 and liftoff of Space Shuttle Columbia, debris originating from the area near the external tank -Y bipod strut attachpoint is observed striking the underside of the LH wing of the orbiter. The impact site appears to be near the leading edge of the wing. Damage assessment is difficult due to poor resolution and analysis is continuing on this event. KSC-03pd0243

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At approximately 81-82 seconds after T-0 ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At approximately 81-82 seconds after T-0 and liftoff of Space Shuttle Columbia, debris originating from the area near the external tank -Y bipod strut attachpoint is observed striki... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Following the loss of Columbia and crew on their return to Earth, Center Director Roy Bridges speaks to employees about the tragedy, the impact on the KSC family and, ultimately, to honor the fallen heroes by continuing the journey into space. KSC-03pd0248

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Following the loss of Columbia and crew o...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Following the loss of Columbia and crew on their return to Earth, Center Director Roy Bridges speaks to employees about the tragedy, the impact on the KSC family and, ultimately, to... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Employees listen solemnly as Center Director Roy Bridges speaks about the tragedy of the loss of Columbia and crew, the impact on the KSC family and, ultimately, the need to honor the fallen heroes by continuing the journey into space. KSC-03pd0249

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Employees listen solemnly as Center Dire...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Employees listen solemnly as Center Director Roy Bridges speaks about the tragedy of the loss of Columbia and crew, the impact on the KSC family and, ultimately, the need to honor ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Following the loss of Columbia and crew on their return to Earth, Center Director Roy Bridges speaks to employees about the tragedy, the impact on the KSC family and, ultimately, to honor the fallen heroes by continuing the journey into space. KSC-03pd0247

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Following the loss of Columbia and crew o...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Following the loss of Columbia and crew on their return to Earth, Center Director Roy Bridges speaks to employees about the tragedy, the impact on the KSC family and, ultimately, to... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Pictured is equipment that will be used on an undersea expedition to characterize the condition of the deep-sea coral reefs and reef fish populations in the Oculina Banks, a marine protected area, 20 miles offshore of the east coast of Florida. Scientists on the team will be deploying an underwater robot, a seafloor sampler, and the Passive Acoustic Monitoring System (PAMS). Dr. Grant Gilmore was co-principle investigator of the PAMS, originally developed by NASA to monitor the impact of rocket launches on wildlife refuge lagoons at KSC. The research is sponsored by NOAA Fisheries and will take place onboard the Liberty Star. The ship departed from Port Canaveral April 29 and will return May 9. KSC-03pd1377

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Pictured is equipment that will be used ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Pictured is equipment that will be used on an undersea expedition to characterize the condition of the deep-sea coral reefs and reef fish populations in the Oculina Banks, a marine... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Onboard the Liberty Star, the NASA Space Shuttle support ship operated by United Space Alliance, .Dr. Grant Gilmore holds some of the equipment to be used on an undersea expedition. Gilmore is co-principle investigator of the Passive Acoustic Monitoring System (PAMS), part of the equipment. NASA/KSC is participating in the expedition to characterize the condition of the deep-sea coral reefs and reef fish populations in the Oculina Banks, a marine protected area, 20 miles offshore of the east coast of Florida. Scientists on the team will be deploying an underwater robot, a seafloor sampler, and the PAMS, originally developed by NASA to monitor the impact of rocket launches on wildlife refuge lagoons at KSC. The research is sponsored by NOAA Fisheries. The ship departed from Port Canaveral April 29 and will return May 9. KSC-03pd1375

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Onboard the Liberty Star, the NASA Space ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Onboard the Liberty Star, the NASA Space Shuttle support ship operated by United Space Alliance, .Dr. Grant Gilmore holds some of the equipment to be used on an undersea expedition.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dr. Grant Gilmore sits alongside some of the equipment that will be used on an undersea expedition to characterize the condition of the deep-sea coral reefs and reef fish populations in the Oculina Banks, a marine protected area, 20 miles offshore of the east coast of Florida. Scientists on the team will be deploying an underwater robot, a seafloor sampler, and the Passive Acoustic Monitoring System (PAMS). Gilmore is co-principle investigator of the PAMS, originally developed by NASA to monitor the impact of rocket launches on wildlife refuge lagoons at KSC. The research is sponsored by NOAA Fisheries and will take place onboard the Liberty Star. The ship departed from Port Canaveral April 29 and will return May 9. KSC-03pd1376

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dr. Grant Gilmore sits alongside some of...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dr. Grant Gilmore sits alongside some of the equipment that will be used on an undersea expedition to characterize the condition of the deep-sea coral reefs and reef fish populatio... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Pictured is a piece of equipment that will be used on an undersea expedition to characterize the condition of the deep-sea coral reefs and reef fish populations in the Oculina Banks, a marine protected area, 20 miles offshore of the east coast of Florida. Scientists on the team will be deploying an underwater robot, a seafloor sampler, and the Passive Acoustic Monitoring System (PAMS). Dr. Grant Gilmore was co-principle investigator of the PAMS, originally developed by NASA to monitor the impact of rocket launches on wildlife refuge lagoons at KSC. The research is sponsored by NOAA Fisheries and will take place onboard the Liberty Star. The ship departed from Port Canaveral April 29 and will return May 9. KSC-03pd1378

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Pictured is a piece of equipment that wi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Pictured is a piece of equipment that will be used on an undersea expedition to characterize the condition of the deep-sea coral reefs and reef fish populations in the Oculina Bank... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - John Reed, co-principal investigator, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, checks out equipment on the Liberty Star, which will be the site of an undersea expedition to characterize the condition of the deep-sea coral reefs and reef fish populations in the Oculina Banks, a marine protected area, 20 miles offshore of the east coast of Florida. He and other scientists will be deploying an underwater robot, a seafloor sampler, and the Passive Acoustic Monitoring System (PAMS). Dr. Grant Gilmore was co-principle investigator of the PAMS, originally developed by NASA to monitor the impact of rocket launches on wildlife refuge lagoons at KSC. The research is sponsored by NOAA Fisheries. The ship departed from Port Canaveral April 29 and will return May 9. KSC-03pd1380

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - John Reed, co-principal investigator, Har...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - John Reed, co-principal investigator, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, checks out equipment on the Liberty Star, which will be the site of an undersea expedition to charact... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Underwater research equipment slowly sinks into the water. An undersea expedition is underway to characterize the condition of the deep-sea coral reefs and reef fish populations in the Oculina Banks, a marine protected area, 20 miles offshore of the east coast of Florida. The equipment includes an underwater robot, a seafloor sampler, and the Passive Acoustic Monitoring System (PAMS), originally developed by NASA to monitor the impact of rocket launches on wildlife refuge lagoons at KSC. The research is sponsored by NOAA Fisheries and will take place onboard the Liberty Star. The ship departed from Port Canaveral April 29 and will return May 9. KSC-03pd1386

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Underwater research equipment slowly sink...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Underwater research equipment slowly sinks into the water. An undersea expedition is underway to characterize the condition of the deep-sea coral reefs and reef fish populations in... More

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