nasa dryden flight research center

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Space Shuttle Columbia, Shuttle Enterprise Free Flight

Space Shuttle Columbia, Shuttle Enterprise Free Flight

(1977) The Space Shuttle prototype Enterprise flies free after being released from NASA's 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) over Rogers Dry Lakebed during the second of five free flights carried out at the Dry... More

First NACA presence in the Mojave Desert... And we have been there ever since!

First NACA presence in the Mojave Desert... And we have been there eve...

Description: (September 30, 1946) Five NACA engineers, headed by Walt Williams, arrived at Muroc Army Airfield (now Edwards AFB) on September 30, 1946 from Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory, VA, to prepa... More

Key members of the XS-1 Research Team

Key members of the XS-1 Research Team

Description: (1948) NACA Muroc Flight Test Unit XS-1 Team members and USAF Pilots. From Left to Right: Joseph Vensel, Head of Operations; Gerald Truszynski, Head of Instrumentation; Captain Charles Chuck Yeager... More

X-1 On Display, NASA history collection

X-1 On Display, NASA history collection

Description (1948) A Bell Aircraft Corporation X-1 series aircraft on display at an Open House at NACA Muroc Flight Test Unit or High-Speed Flight Research Station hangar on South Base of Edwards Air Force Base... More

D-558-1 on ramp with research pilots Eugene May and Howard Lilly

D-558-1 on ramp with research pilots Eugene May and Howard Lilly

Description: In this photograph the Douglas D-558-1 #2 Skystreak is pictured with test pilot Eugene May (Douglas Aircraft Company) on the left and National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) research pil... More

D-558-2 being towed on lakebed. Experimental NASA aircraft photograph.

D-558-2 being towed on lakebed. Experimental NASA aircraft photograph.

Description (1949) In this 1949 photograph a D-558-2 is being towed across Rogers Dry Lakebed at Edwards Air Force Base. The aircraft is still equipped with a jet engine, used for ground takeoffs. On the tail o... More

D-558-1 on ramp with ground crew

D-558-1 on ramp with ground crew

Description (1949) In this NACA Muroc Flight Test Unit photograph taken in 1949, the Douglas D-558-1 is on the ramp at South Base, Edwards Air Force Base. Three members of the ground crew are seen poising again... More

First NACA test pilot: Howard Clifton Lilly

First NACA test pilot: Howard Clifton Lilly

Description: (1949) In August 1947, Howard Clifton Lilly became the first permanently assigned NACA engineering test pilot at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics' Muroc Flight Test Unit at what late... More

D-558-2 in flight with F-86 chase

D-558-2 in flight with F-86 chase

Description (1950) This 1950s photograph shows the Douglas D-558-2 and the North American F-86 Sabre chase aircraft in-flight. Both aircraft display early examples of sweptwing airfoils. The Douglas D-558-2 "Sk... More

Walter C. Williams with Brigadier General Albert Boyd

Walter C. Williams with Brigadier General Albert Boyd

Description: (1950) Walter C. Williams, (behind airplane model) Head of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics High-Speed Flight Research Station at Edwards Air Force Base in California is examining a ... More

John Griffith casually leaning out the hatch of X-1 #2

John Griffith casually leaning out the hatch of X-1 #2

Description: (November 8, 1950) In this photo, NACA research pilot John Griffith is leaning out the hatch of the X-1 #2. Surrounding him (left to right) are Dick Payne, Eddie Edwards, and maintenance chief Clyd... More

NACA Aircraft on Ramp: X-Planes

NACA Aircraft on Ramp: X-Planes

Description (1952) NACA High Speed Flight Station aircraft at South Base. Clockwise from far left: D-558-II, XF-92A, X-5, X-1, X-4, and D-558-I...Image # E-842

D-558-1 in flight. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

D-558-1 in flight. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

Description (May 1952) This is a 1952 NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station inflight photograph of the Douglas D-558-1 #3 Skystreak. Even with partial cloud cover the white aircraft is easy to see. Conceived ... More

XF-92A in Flight NASA history collection

XF-92A in Flight NASA history collection

Description (1953) This NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station photograph of the XF-92A was taken around 1953 near Edwards Air Force Base. The photograph shows an aft view of the XF-92A in flight above a layer... More

NACA Research Aircraft-Bell X-1A, D-558-1, XF-92A, X-5, D-558-2, X-4, and X-3

NACA Research Aircraft-Bell X-1A, D-558-1, XF-92A, X-5, D-558-2, X-4, ...

Description (1953) A 1953 photo of some of the research aircraft at the NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station (now known as the the Dryden Flight Research Center). The photo shows the X-3 (center) and, clockw... More

NACA Aircraft in Hangar - Clockwise from front center: YF-84A, D-558-1, D-558-2, B-47, X-1 ship

NACA Aircraft in Hangar - Clockwise from front center: YF-84A, D-558-1...

Description (1953) In the center foreground of this 1953 hanger photo is the YF-84A (NACA 134/Air Force 45-59490) used for vortex generator research. It arrived on November 28, 1949, and departed on April 21, 1... More

NACA Aircraft in hangar 1953: L-R: Three D-558-2s, D-558-1, B-47, wing of YF-84A

NACA Aircraft in hangar 1953: L-R: Three D-558-2s, D-558-1, B-47, wing...

Description (1953) The aircraft in this 1953 photo of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) hangar at South Base of Edwards Air Force Base showed the wide range of research activities being und... More

D-558-2 being mounted to P2B-1S launch aircraft

D-558-2 being mounted to P2B-1S launch aircraft

Description (1953) This 1953 NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station photograph shows the Douglas D-558-2 #2 Skyrocket (NACA 144), prior to flight, being towed under the P2B-1S (Navy designation for the Air For... More

NACA pilot A. Scott Crossfield next to the D-558-2 after first Mach 2 flight

NACA pilot A. Scott Crossfield next to the D-558-2 after first Mach 2 ...

Description: (November 20, 1953) NACA pilot A. Scott Crossfield next to the D-558-2 after first Mach 2 flight...Albert S. Scott; Crossfield joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA--the pred... More

Wing chord extension on D-558-2

Wing chord extension on D-558-2

Description (1953) This 1953 NACA High-Speed Flight Research Station photograph shows wing chord extensions added to D-558-2 #3. The added width on the outer wing panels was one attempt made to solve the tenden... More

X-3 Stiletto on Ramp - View from Side

X-3 Stiletto on Ramp - View from Side

Description (April 1, 1954) This NACA High-Speed Flight Station photograph shows a side-view of the X-3 Stiletto research aircraft on the ramp at Edwards Air Force Base in 1954. The X-3 Stiletto was a single-pl... More

NACA Aircraft on Lakebed-X-3, D-558-1, XF4D, D-558-2

NACA Aircraft on Lakebed-X-3, D-558-1, XF4D, D-558-2

Description (1954) A group picture of Douglas Airplanes, taken for a photographic promotion in 1954, at what is now known as the Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The photo in... More

Stanley P. Butchart NASA history collection

Stanley P. Butchart NASA history collection

Description: (1954) Stanley P. Butchart joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics' High-Speed Flight Research Station on May 10, 1951. Stan was the fourth research pilot hired at the Station afford... More

F-86 Sabre on lakebed, front view

F-86 Sabre on lakebed, front view

Description (1954) With the NACA High-Speed Flight Station (HSFS) main building (4800) in the background the North American F-86F (Serial #52-5426) Sabre sits on the Rogers Dry lakebed just off the NACA ramp in... More

X-1E Loaded in B-29 Mothership on Ramp

X-1E Loaded in B-29 Mothership on Ramp

Description (1955) The Bell Aircraft Corporation X-1E airplane being loaded under the mothership, Boeing B-29. The X planes had originally been lowered into a loading pit and the launch aircraft towed over the ... More

P-51 Mustang on Lakebed. Experimental NASA aircraft photograph.

P-51 Mustang on Lakebed. Experimental NASA aircraft photograph.

Description (1955) This photograph shows a NACA research pilot running up the engine of the F-51 Mustang on the taxiway adjacent to Rogers Dry Lake at the NACA High-Speed Flight Station in 1955. A P-51 Mustang,... More

Closeup of research pilot Neil Armstrong operating the Iron Cross Attitude Simulator reaction contro

Closeup of research pilot Neil Armstrong operating the Iron Cross Atti...

Description (1956) Famed astronaut Neil A. Armstrong, the first man to set foot on the moon during the historic Apollo 11 space mission in July 1969, served for seven years as a research pilot at the NACA-NASA ... More

X-3 on Lakebed NASA history collection

X-3 on Lakebed NASA history collection

Description (1956) In this NACA High-Speed Flight Station photograph, the X-3 Stiletto is seen on the lakebed at Edwards Air Force Base. The X-3 Stiletto was a single-place jet aircraft with a slender fuselage ... More

X-3 Being Towed to Lakebed on Ramp

X-3 Being Towed to Lakebed on Ramp

Description (1956) In this NACA High-Speed Flight Station photograph, the X-3 Stiletto is seen being towed behind the NACA hangar (located on Edwards Air Force base) towards the lakebed. The X-3 Stiletto was a ... More

Not your average dashboard NASA history collection

Not your average dashboard NASA history collection

Description: (1956) NACA High-Speed Flight Station Rocket Shop. Jack Russell, Head of the Rocket Shop preparing to do pressurization tests on the XLR-11 rocket engine. The console provided the readings for the ... More

X-2 in flight after drop from B-50 mothership

X-2 in flight after drop from B-50 mothership

Description (1957) The Bell Aircraft Company X-2 (46-674) drops away from its Boeing B-50 mothership in this photo. Lt. Col. Frank "Pete" Everest piloted 674 on its first unpowered flight on 5 August 1954. He m... More

"Little Joe" NASA history collection

"Little Joe" NASA history collection

Description: (1958) A photo of the X-1E with pilot Joe Walker suited up at the NASA High-Speed Flight Station, Edwards, California. The dice and "Little Joe" are prominently displayed under the cockpit area. (L... More

William H. Dana: First NASA Employee

William H. Dana: First NASA Employee

Description: (October 1, 1958) On the day that NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) became NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), William H. Dana reported to work as an engineer at ... More

Neil A. Armstrong NASA history collection

Neil A. Armstrong NASA history collection

Description (1958) Neil A. Armstrong joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics at the Lewis Flight Propulsion Laboratory, Cleveland, Ohio, in 1955. He transferred to the NACA High-Speed Flight Stat... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft prepares to touch down on the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2006

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft prepares to touch ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft prepares to touch down on the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft approaches the apron of the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1994

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft approaches the apr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft approaches the apron of the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:3... More

M2-F2 Landing with F-104 Chase Plane

M2-F2 Landing with F-104 Chase Plane

(November 21, 1966) The M2-F2 lifting body returns from a research flight at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, with an F-104 flying chase. (Image # EC66-1567)

X-24B on Lakebed. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

X-24B on Lakebed. Public domain image of NASA aircraft.

Description (November 30, 1972) The X-24B is seen here on the lakebed at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. The X-24B was the last aircraft to fly in Dryden's Lifting Body program. Lif... More

REPRESENTATIVES FROM NASA DRYDEN FLIGHT RESEARCH CENTER WITH DR B LUBARSKY

REPRESENTATIVES FROM NASA DRYDEN FLIGHT RESEARCH CENTER WITH DR B LUBA...

The original finding aid described this as: Capture Date: 10/18/1976 Photographer: MARTIN BROWN Keywords: Larsen Scan Photographs Relating to Agency Activities, Facilities and Personnel

Rockwell HiMAT. Experimental NASA aircraft photograph.

Rockwell HiMAT. Experimental NASA aircraft photograph.

(December 30, 1980) The HiMAT (Highly Maneuverable Aircraft Technology) subscale research vehicle, seen here during a research flight, was flown by the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, f... More

X-36 Carried Aloft by Helicopter during Radio and Telemetry Tests

X-36 Carried Aloft by Helicopter during Radio and Telemetry Tests

Description: A Bell UH-1 helicopter lifts the X-36 Tailless Fighter Agility Research Aircraft off the ground for radio frequency and telemetry tests above Rogers Dry Lake at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft parks near the mate/demate device at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1999

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft parks near the mat...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft parks near the mate/demate device at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35... More

Flying an Autonomous Formation Flight mission, two F/A-18s from the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, gain altitude near Rogers Dry Lake. EC01-0267-4

Flying an Autonomous Formation Flight mission, two F/A-18s from the NA...

Flying an Autonomous Formation Flight mission, two F/A-18s from the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, gain altitude near Rogers Dry Lake.

With the modified F/A-18 showcased behind him, Kevin Petersen, director of NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, addressed the audience attending the rollout ceremonies for the Active Aeroelastic Wing flight research project. EC02-0065-4

With the modified F/A-18 showcased behind him, Kevin Petersen, directo...

With the modified F/A-18 showcased behind him, Kevin Petersen, director of NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, addressed the audience attending the rollout ceremonies for the Active Aeroelastic Wing flight rese... More

The upper wing surfaces of the Active Aeroelastic Wing F/A-18 test aircraft are covered with accelerometers and other sensors during ground vibration tests at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center. EC02-0203-46

The upper wing surfaces of the Active Aeroelastic Wing F/A-18 test air...

The upper wing surfaces of the Active Aeroelastic Wing F/A-18 test aircraft are covered with accelerometers and other sensors during ground vibration tests at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center.

NASA 853, a modified former Navy F/A-18A fighter plane, is now performing research duties in the Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards AFB, California. EC03-0039-9

NASA 853, a modified former Navy F/A-18A fighter plane, is now perform...

NASA 853, a modified former Navy F/A-18A fighter plane, is now performing research duties in the Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards AFB, California.

NASA Dryden Flight Research Center's workhorse B-52B launch aircraft, known as NASA 008, displays new markings. EC04-0197-4

NASA Dryden Flight Research Center's workhorse B-52B launch aircraft, ...

NASA Dryden Flight Research Center's workhorse B-52B launch aircraft, known as NASA 008, displays new markings.

A newly constructed pylon (green) for carrying aerospace vehicles aloft flies attached to the wing of NASA Dryden Flight Research Center's B-52H aircraft. EC04-0194-19

A newly constructed pylon (green) for carrying aerospace vehicles alof...

A newly constructed pylon (green) for carrying aerospace vehicles aloft flies attached to the wing of NASA Dryden Flight Research Center's B-52H aircraft.

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – (ED09-0253-81) Space Shuttle Discovery is surrounded by the Mate-DeMate Device gantry and ground support equipment at NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center during processing for its ferry flight back to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  Discovery returned to Earth Sept. 11 on the STS-128 mission, landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California.  The shuttle delivered more than 7 tons of supplies, science racks and equipment, as well as additional environmental hardware to sustain six crew members on the International Space Station.  Photo credit: NASA/Carla Thomas KSC-2009-5142

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – (ED09-0253-81) Space Shuttle Discover...

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – (ED09-0253-81) Space Shuttle Discovery is surrounded by the Mate-DeMate Device gantry and ground support equipment at NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center during processing for ... More

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – (ED09-0253-73) The nose of Space Shuttle Discovery peers out from work platforms while undergoing servicing in the Mate-DeMate Device at NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center in preparation for its ferry flight to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Discovery returned to Earth Sept. 11 on the STS-128 mission, landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California.  The shuttle delivered more than 7 tons of supplies, science racks and equipment, as well as additional environmental hardware to sustain six crew members on the International Space Station.  Photo credit: NASA/Tony Landis KSC-2009-5141

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – (ED09-0253-73) The nose of Space Shut...

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – (ED09-0253-73) The nose of Space Shuttle Discovery peers out from work platforms while undergoing servicing in the Mate-DeMate Device at NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center in ... More

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. –  (ED09-0253-75) Space shuttle Discovery, mounted on leveling jacks, is surrounded by work platforms while undergoing servicing and preparations at NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center for its ferry flight to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  (NASA photo / Tony Landis) KSC-2009-5138

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – (ED09-0253-75) Space shuttle Discove...

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – (ED09-0253-75) Space shuttle Discovery, mounted on leveling jacks, is surrounded by work platforms while undergoing servicing and preparations at NASA’s Dryden Flight Research ... More

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – (ED09-0253-84)  The tail cone that improves the aerodynamics of the space shuttle for its cross-country ferry flight is positioned aft of shuttle Discovery’s rocket nozzles prior to installation at NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center.   Discovery returned to Earth Sept. 11 on the STS-128 mission, landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California.  The shuttle delivered more than 7 tons of supplies, science racks and equipment, as well as additional environmental hardware to sustain six crew members on the International Space Station.  Photo credit: NASA/Tony Landis KSC-2009-5144

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – (ED09-0253-84) The tail cone that im...

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – (ED09-0253-84) The tail cone that improves the aerodynamics of the space shuttle for its cross-country ferry flight is positioned aft of shuttle Discovery’s rocket nozzles prio... More

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – ((ED09-0253-83) The tail cone that improves the aerodynamics of the space shuttle for its cross-country ferry flight is positioned aft of shuttle Discovery’s rocket nozzles prior to installation at NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center.   Discovery returned to Earth Sept. 11 on the STS-128 mission, landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California.  The shuttle delivered more than 7 tons of supplies, science racks and equipment, as well as additional environmental hardware to sustain six crew members on the International Space Station.  Photo credit: NASA/Tony Landis KSC-2009-5143

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – ((ED09-0253-83) The tail cone that im...

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – ((ED09-0253-83) The tail cone that improves the aerodynamics of the space shuttle for its cross-country ferry flight is positioned aft of shuttle Discovery’s rocket nozzles prio... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA pilot Jeff Moultrie guides the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft to a picture-perfect touchdown at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida with NASA co-pilot Bill Rieke at his side.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2012-1990

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA pilot Jeff Moultrie guides the Shuttle Car...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA pilot Jeff Moultrie guides the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft to a picture-perfect touchdown at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida with NASA co-pilot Bi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft approaches the apron of the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1993

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft approaches the apr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft approaches the apron of the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:3... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA pilot Jeff Moultrie guides the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft onto the apron of the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1996

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA pilot Jeff Moultrie guides the Shuttle Car...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA pilot Jeff Moultrie guides the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft onto the apron of the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, known... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The newly arrived Shuttle Carrier Aircraft is seen through the platforms of the mate-demate device at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2002

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The newly arrived Shuttle Carrier Aircraft is s...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The newly arrived Shuttle Carrier Aircraft is seen through the platforms of the mate-demate device at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircra... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft glides onto the apron of the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2012

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft glides onto the ap...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft glides onto the apron of the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The newly arrived Shuttle Carrier Aircraft is framed by a grappling fixture on the mate-demate device at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2003

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The newly arrived Shuttle Carrier Aircraft is f...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The newly arrived Shuttle Carrier Aircraft is framed by a grappling fixture on the mate-demate device at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The air... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft approaches the runway of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2005

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft approaches the run...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft approaches the runway of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft makes contact with the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2007

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft makes contact with...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft makes contact with the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft approaches the mate/demate device at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1997

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft approaches the mat...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft approaches the mate/demate device at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft touches down at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2012-1988

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft touches down at th...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft touches down at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft coasts down the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2009

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft coasts down the ru...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft coasts down the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This overhead view shows Shuttle Carrier Aircraft parked on the apron of the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2004

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This overhead view shows Shuttle Carrier Aircra...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This overhead view shows Shuttle Carrier Aircraft parked on the apron of the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, known as an... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft approaches the mate/demate device at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2013

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft approaches the mat...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft approaches the mate/demate device at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA pilot Jeff Moultrie guides the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft along the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2010

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA pilot Jeff Moultrie guides the Shuttle Car...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA pilot Jeff Moultrie guides the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft along the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, known as an SCA, ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft glides down the runway of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2012-1989

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft glides down the ru...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft glides down the runway of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft comes to a stop on the apron of the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2000

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft comes to a stop on...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft comes to a stop on the apron of the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrive... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft approaches the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2012-1986

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft approaches the Shu...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft approaches the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for s... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA pilot Jeff Moultrie guides the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft toward the apron of the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2011

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA pilot Jeff Moultrie guides the Shuttle Car...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA pilot Jeff Moultrie guides the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft toward the apron of the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, kno... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft touches down at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2012-1987

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft touches down at th...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft touches down at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft glides down the runway of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1992

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft glides down the ru...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft glides down the runway of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft parks near the mate/demate device at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1998

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft parks near the mat...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft parks near the mate/demate device at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft glides down the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2008

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft glides down the ru...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft glides down the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA pilot Jeff Moultrie guides the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft along the apron of the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1995

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA pilot Jeff Moultrie guides the Shuttle Car...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA pilot Jeff Moultrie guides the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft along the apron of the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, know... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are under way at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the pilots of the newly arrived Shuttle Carrier Aircraft to disembark.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2001

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are under way at the Shuttle Landi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are under way at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the pilots of the newly arrived Shuttle Carrier Aircraft to disembark. The airc... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a maintenance technician from NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center in California checks controls inside NASA’s Shuttle Carrier Aircraft modified 747 jet, or SCA, after arriving at the Shuttle Landing Facility from Edwards Air Force Base in California.      During the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing, Discovery was prepared for display at Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. Discovery is scheduled to be transported atop the SCA, designated NASA 905, to Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17 and then moved to the Smithsonian for permanent public display on April 19. The SCA is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle.  Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2012-2031

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a ma...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a maintenance technician from NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center in California checks controls inside NASA’s Shuttle Carrier Aircraft modified... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, maintenance technicians from NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center in California check attach points on top of NASA’s Shuttle Carrier Aircraft modified 747 jet, or SCA, after arriving from Edwards Air Force Base in California.      During the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing, Discovery was prepared for display at Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. Discovery is scheduled to be transported atop the SCA, designated NASA 905, to Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17 and then moved to the Smithsonian for permanent public display on April 19. The SCA is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle.  Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2012-2032

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, maintenance technicians from NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center in California check attach points on top of NA... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, maintenance technicians from NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center in California and Kennedy check NASA’s Shuttle Carrier Aircraft modified 747 jet, or SCA, after arriving from Edwards Air Force Base in California.      During the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing, Discovery was prepared for display at Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. Discovery is scheduled to be transported atop the SCA, designated NASA 905, to Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17 and then moved to the Smithsonian for permanent public display on April 19. The SCA is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle.  Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2012-2034

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, maintenance technicians from NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center in California and Kennedy check NASA’s Shuttle... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Painted graphics line the side of NASA 905 depicting the various ferry flights the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft has supported during the Space Shuttle Program. The names of the pilots and flight engineers who have flown the aircraft also are listed.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is at Kennedy to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. The SCA is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2012-2036

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Painted graphics line the side of NASA 905 depi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Painted graphics line the side of NASA 905 depicting the various ferry flights the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft has supported during the Space Shuttle Program. The names of the pilots and fli... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Painted graphics line the side of NASA 905 depicting the various ferry flights the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft has supported during the Space Shuttle Program, including the tests using the space shuttle prototype Enterprise.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is at Kennedy to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. The SCA is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2012-2035

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Painted graphics line the side of NASA 905 depi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Painted graphics line the side of NASA 905 depicting the various ferry flights the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft has supported during the Space Shuttle Program, including the tests using the s... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Painted graphics line the side of NASA 905 depicting the various ferry flights the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft has supported during the Space Shuttle Program, including the tests using the space shuttle prototype Enterprise.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is at Kennedy to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. The SCA is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2012-2037

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Painted graphics line the side of NASA 905 depi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Painted graphics line the side of NASA 905 depicting the various ferry flights the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft has supported during the Space Shuttle Program, including the tests using the s... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, maintenance technicians from NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center in California check equipment inside NASA’s Shuttle Carrier Aircraft modified 747 jet, or SCA, after arriving at the Shuttle Landing Facility from Edwards Air Force Base in California.     During the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing, Discovery was prepared for display at Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. Discovery is scheduled to be transported atop the SCA, designated NASA 905, to Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17 and then moved to the Smithsonian for permanent public display on April 19. The SCA is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle.  Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2012-2028

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, main...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, maintenance technicians from NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center in California check equipment inside NASA’s Shuttle Carrier Aircraft modified ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, maintenance technicians from NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center in California check equipment inside NASA’s Shuttle Carrier Aircraft modified 747 jet, or SCA, after arriving at the Shuttle Landing Facility from Edwards Air Force Base in California.     During the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing, Discovery was prepared for display at Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. Discovery is scheduled to be transported atop the SCA, designated NASA 905, to Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17 and then moved to the Smithsonian for permanent public display on April 19. The SCA is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle.  Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2012-2029

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, main...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, maintenance technicians from NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center in California check equipment inside NASA’s Shuttle Carrier Aircraft modified ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, maintenance technicians from NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center in California and Kennedy check NASA’s Shuttle Carrier Aircraft modified 747 jet, or SCA, after arriving from Edwards Air Force Base in California.      During the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing, Discovery was prepared for display at Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. Discovery is scheduled to be transported atop the SCA, designated NASA 905, to Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17 and then moved to the Smithsonian for permanent public display on April 19. The SCA is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle.  Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2012-2033

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, maintenance technicians from NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center in California and Kennedy check NASA’s Shuttle... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Painted graphics line the side of NASA 905 depicting the various ferry flights the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft has supported during the Space Shuttle Program, including the tests using the space shuttle prototype Enterprise.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, will ferry space shuttle Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. The SCA is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2012-2111

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Painted graphics line the side of NASA 905 depi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Painted graphics line the side of NASA 905 depicting the various ferry flights the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft has supported during the Space Shuttle Program, including the tests using the s... More