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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, rolls down the runway at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to the Los Angeles International Airport on Sept. 17. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-4957

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, rolls dow...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, rolls down the runway at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttl... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, rolls onto the ramp area at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to the Los Angeles International Airport on Sept. 17. The Mate/Demate Device, or MDD, is located at the ramp area and will be used to hoist and lower Endeavour onto the back of the SCA. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-4958

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, rolls ont...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, rolls onto the ramp area at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shu... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, completes the turn on runway 15 in preparation for a takeoff at 7 a.m. EDT to deliver Discovery to its new home.      The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-2359

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, completes t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies down the runway for a takeoff at 7 a.m. EDT to deliver Discovery to its new home.     The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-2356

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies down... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, touched down at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to the Los Angeles International Airport on Sept. 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 final ferry mission. Endeavour will be placed on permanent public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. 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-2012-4946

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, touched d...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, touched down at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery and its companion T-38 jet fly over Space Launch Complex-17 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station after taking off from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility at 7 a.m. EDT. The duo are heading south to fly over Brevard County’s beach communities, offering residents the opportunity to see the shuttle before it leaves the Space Coast for the last time.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Lorne Mathre KSC-2012-2415

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery and its companion T-38 jet fly over Space Launch Complex-17 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station after taking off from NAS... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, takes off from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility runway 15 in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT and makes a flyby near the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building. The duo is beginning its ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia that also includes a flyby of the Space Coast and Washington, D.C. Also flying along with the pair is a T-38 training jet.     Discovery is leaving Kennedy after more than 28 years of service beginning with its arrival on the space coast Nov. 9, 1983. Discovery first launched to space Aug. 30, 1984, on the STS-41D mission. Discovery is the agency’s most-flown shuttle with 39 missions, more than 148 million miles and a total of one year in space. Discovery is set to move to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., on April 19 where it will be place on public display. 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Tim Powers and Rick Wetherington KSC-2012-2459

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle C...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, takes off from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility runway 15 in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT and makes a ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, takes off from runway 15 at 7 a.m. EDT. The SCA will deliver Discovery to its new home.      The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-2365

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, takes off f... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, is in position in the mate/demate device so that space shuttle Discovery can be lowered and attached to it. Known as the MDD, the devise is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the SCA.    The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2268

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, is in position in the mate/demate device so that space shuttle Discovery can be l... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, takes off from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility runway 15 in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT. The duo is beginning its ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia that also includes a flyby of the Space Coast and Washington, D.C. Also flying along with the pair is a T-38 training jet.     Discovery is leaving Kennedy after more than 28 years of service beginning with its arrival on the space coast Nov. 9, 1983. Discovery first launched to space Aug. 30, 1984, on the STS-41D mission. Discovery is the agency’s most-flown shuttle with 39 missions, more than 148 million miles and a total of one year in space. Discovery is set to move to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., on April 19 where it will be place on public display. 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Tim Powers and Rick Wetherington KSC-2012-2458

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle C...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, takes off from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility runway 15 in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT. The duo is ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -    This front view of the Super Guppy aircraft, parked on NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility, appears more like a hot air balloon.  In fact, it is the bulbous nose which, when unhinged, can open more than 200 degrees and allow large pieces of cargo to be loaded and unloaded from the front.  The aircraft has flown to the Center to pick up and transport the common module structural test element to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.  The common module is an aluminum canister used as a structural test element for an actual Space Station flight element.  At Marshall, the module will be used to conduct advanced environmental control and life support testing for future NASA exploration missions.  Guppy aircraft were used in several past space programs, including Gemini, Apollo and Skylab, to transport spacecraft components. NASA personnel at Ellington Field in Texas outfitted the Super Guppy with a specially designed cradle to be used when carrying International Space Station components. The first Guppy aircraft was developed in 1962, designed specifically for NASA operations by Aero Spacelines of California. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0208

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This front view of the Super Guppy air...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This front view of the Super Guppy aircraft, parked on NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility, appears more like a hot air balloon. In fact, it is the bulbous nose... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -   This Super Guppy aircraft is parked on NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility after landing.  It has flown to the Center to pick up and transport the common module structural test element to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.  The common module is an aluminum canister used as a structural test element for an actual Space Station flight element.  At Marshall, the module will be used to conduct advanced environmental control and life support testing for future NASA exploration missions. The Super Guppy aircraft has a unique hinged nose that can open more than 200 degrees, allowing large pieces of cargo to be loaded and unloaded from the front. Guppy aircraft were used in several past space programs, including Gemini, Apollo and Skylab, to transport spacecraft components. NASA personnel at Ellington Field outfitted the Super Guppy with a specially designed cradle to be used when carrying International Space Station components.  The first Guppy aircraft was developed in 1962, designed specifically for NASA operations by Aero Spacelines of California. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0207

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This Super Guppy aircraft is parked on ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This Super Guppy aircraft is parked on NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility after landing. It has flown to the Center to pick up and transport the common module s... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -   This Super Guppy aircraft approaches landing at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility. It has flown to the Center to pick up and transport the common module structural test element to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.  The common module is an aluminum canister used as a structural test element for an actual Space Station flight element.  At Marshall, the module will be used to conduct advanced environmental control and life support testing for future NASA exploration missions. The Super Guppy aircraft has a unique hinged nose that can open more than 200 degrees, allowing large pieces of cargo to be loaded and unloaded from the front. Guppy aircraft were used in several past space programs, including Gemini, Apollo and Skylab, to transport spacecraft components. NASA personnel at Ellington Field outfitted the Super Guppy with a specially designed cradle to be used when carrying International Space Station components.  The first Guppy aircraft was developed in 1962, designed specifically for NASA operations by Aero Spacelines of California. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0203

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This Super Guppy aircraft approaches la...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This Super Guppy aircraft approaches landing at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility. It has flown to the Center to pick up and transport the common module structu... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -   This Super Guppy aircraft approaches landing at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility.  It has flown to the Center to pick up and transport the common module structural test element to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.  The common module is an aluminum canister used as a structural test element for an actual Space Station flight element.  At Marshall, the module will be used to conduct advanced environmental control and life support testing for future NASA exploration missions. The Super Guppy aircraft has a unique hinged nose that can open more than 200 degrees, allowing large pieces of cargo to be loaded and unloaded from the front. Guppy aircraft were used in several past space programs, including Gemini, Apollo and Skylab, to transport spacecraft components. NASA personnel at Ellington Field outfitted the Super Guppy with a specially designed cradle to be used when carrying International Space Station components.  The first Guppy aircraft was developed in 1962, designed specifically for NASA operations by Aero Spacelines of California. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0204

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This Super Guppy aircraft approaches la...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This Super Guppy aircraft approaches landing at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility. It has flown to the Center to pick up and transport the common module struct... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -   This Super Guppy aircraft rolls down the runway after landing at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility.  It has flown to the Center to pick up and transport the common module structural test element to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.  The common module is an aluminum canister used as a structural test element for an actual Space Station flight element.  At Marshall, the module will be used to conduct advanced environmental control and life support testing for future NASA exploration missions. The Super Guppy aircraft has a unique hinged nose that can open more than 200 degrees, allowing large pieces of cargo to be loaded and unloaded from the front. Guppy aircraft were used in several past space programs, including Gemini, Apollo and Skylab, to transport spacecraft components. NASA personnel at Ellington Field outfitted the Super Guppy with a specially designed cradle to be used when carrying International Space Station components.  The first Guppy aircraft was developed in 1962, designed specifically for NASA operations by Aero Spacelines of California. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0206

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This Super Guppy aircraft rolls down th...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This Super Guppy aircraft rolls down the runway after landing at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility. It has flown to the Center to pick up and transport the com... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -   This Super Guppy aircraft touches down on the runway at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility.   It has flown to the Center to pick up and transport the common module structural test element to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala.  The common module is an aluminum canister used as a structural test element for an actual Space Station flight element.  At Marshall, the module will be used to conduct advanced environmental control and life support testing for future NASA exploration missions. The Super Guppy aircraft has a unique hinged nose that can open more than 200 degrees, allowing large pieces of cargo to be loaded and unloaded from the front. Guppy aircraft were used in several past space programs, including Gemini, Apollo and Skylab, to transport spacecraft components. NASA personnel at Ellington Field outfitted the Super Guppy with a specially designed cradle to be used when carrying International Space Station components.  The first Guppy aircraft was developed in 1962, designed specifically for NASA operations by Aero Spacelines of California. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0205

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This Super Guppy aircraft touches down ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This Super Guppy aircraft touches down on the runway at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility. It has flown to the Center to pick up and transport the common modu... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is shown attached atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, in the mate/demate device. Known as the MDD, the devise is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the SCA.    The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2267

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is shown attached atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, in the mate/demate device. Known a... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, crew members of space shuttle Discovery’s last mission, STS-133, have arrived. From the left, are Mission Specialists Alvin Drew, Nicole Stott, Steve Bowen partially hidden and Michael Barrett, and Pilot Eric Boe. Also present, but not in view, is Commander Steve Lindsay. The crew arrived to view the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery attached atop after being backed away from the mate/demate device. Known as the MDD, the devise is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the SCA.    The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2290

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, crew members of space shuttle Discovery’s last mission, STS-133, have arrived. From the left, are Mission Specialists A... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, members of the media watch as space shuttle Discovery is lowered and attached atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, in the mate/demate device. Known as the MDD, the devise is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the SCA.    The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2269

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, members of the media watch as space shuttle Discovery is lowered and attached atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery attached atop, sits on the tarmac after being backed away from the mate/demate device. Known as the MDD, the devise is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the SCA.    The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2279

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery attached atop, sits on the tarmac after being backed... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, crew members of space shuttle Discovery’s last mission, STS-133, have arrived. Mission Specialists Michael Barrett foreground and Alvin Drew visit with the media. Also present, but not in view, are Mission Specialists Nicole Stott and Steve Bowen, Pilot Eric Boe and Commander Steve Lindsay. The crew arrived to view the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery attached atop after being backed away from the mate/demate device. Known as the MDD, the devise is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the SCA.    The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2284

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, crew members of space shuttle Discovery’s last mission, STS-133, have arrived. Mission Specialists Michael Barrett fore... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, crew members of space shuttle Discovery’s last mission, STS-133, have arrived. From the left, are Mission Specialists Alvin Drew, Nicole Stott, Michael Barrett and Steve Bowen, Pilot Eric Boe and Commander Steve Lindsay. In the background is the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery attached atop after being backed away from the mate/demate device. Known as the MDD, the devise is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the SCA.    The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2281

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, crew members of space shuttle Discovery’s last mission, STS-133, have arrived. From the left, are Mission Specialists A... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, crew members of space shuttle Discovery’s last mission, STS-133, have arrived. Pilot Eric Boe visits with the media. Also present, but not in view, are Mission Specialists Nicole Stott, Michael Barrett, Steve Bowen and Alvin Drew, and Commander Steve Lindsay. The crew arrived to view the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery attached atop after being backed away from the mate/demate device. Known as the MDD, the devise is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the SCA.    The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2287

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, crew members of space shuttle Discovery’s last mission, STS-133, have arrived. Pilot Eric Boe visits with the media. Al... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is attached to the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, in the mate/demate device. Known as the MDD, the devise is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the SCA.    The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2263

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is attached to the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, in the mate/demate device. Known as the MD... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, members of the media take photographs of space shuttle Discovery atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, at the mate/demate device. Known as the MDD, the devise is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the SCA.    The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2273

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, members of the media take photographs of space shuttle Discovery atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, at the mate... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery attached atop, sits on the tarmac after being backed away from the mate/demate device. Known as the MDD, the devise is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the SCA.    The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2275

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery attached atop, sits on the tarmac after being backed... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery atop, backs away from the mate/demate device. Known as the MDD, the devise is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the SCA.    The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2264

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery atop, backs away from the... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery attached atop, backs away from the mate/demate device. Known as the MDD, the devise is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the SCA.    The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2271

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery attached atop, backs away from the mate/demate devic... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, crew members of space shuttle Discovery’s last mission, STS-133, visit with each other after arriving in T-38 jet aircraft. From the left, are Mission Specialists Alvin Drew, Nicole Stott, Michael Barrett and Steve Bowen, Pilot Eric Boe and Commander Steve Lindsay. In the background is the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery attached atop after being backed away from the mate/demate device. Known as the MDD, the devise is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the SCA.    The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2283

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, crew members of space shuttle Discovery’s last mission, STS-133, visit with each other after arriving in T-38 jet aircr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery attached atop, sits on the tarmac after being backed away from the mate/demate device. Known as the MDD, the devise is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the SCA.    The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2278

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery attached atop, sits on the tarmac after being backed... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery attached atop, sits on the tarmac after being backed away from the mate/demate device. Known as the MDD, the devise is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the SCA.    The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2276

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery attached atop, sits on the tarmac after being backed... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, crew members of space shuttle Discovery’s last mission, STS-133, have arrived. Mission Specialist Alvin Drew visits with the media. Also present, but not in view, are Mission Specialists Nicole Stott, Michael Barrett and Steve Bowen, Pilot Eric Boe and Commander Steve Lindsay. In the background is the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery attached atop after being backed away from the mate/demate device. Known as the MDD, the devise is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the SCA.    The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2285

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, crew members of space shuttle Discovery’s last mission, STS-133, have arrived. Mission Specialist Alvin Drew visits wit... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, crew members of space shuttle Discovery’s last mission, STS-133, have arrived. From the left, are Mission Specialists Nicole Stott, Michael Barrett and Alvin Drew facing away, Pilot Eric Boe and Commander Steve Lindsay. In the background is the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery attached atop after being backed away from the mate/demate device. Known as the MDD, the devise is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the SCA.    The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2280

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, crew members of space shuttle Discovery’s last mission, STS-133, have arrived. From the left, are Mission Specialists N... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, crew members of space shuttle Discovery’s last mission, STS-133, have arrived. Commander Steve Lindsay visits with the media. Also present, but not in view, are Mission Specialists Nicole Stott, Michael Barrett, Steve Bowen and Alvin Drew, and Pilot Eric Boe. The crew arrived to view the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery attached atop after being backed away from the mate/demate device. Known as the MDD, the devise is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the SCA.    The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2289

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, crew members of space shuttle Discovery’s last mission, STS-133, have arrived. Commander Steve Lindsay visits with the ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is shown attached atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, as it backs away from the mate/demate device. Known as the MDD, the devise is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the SCA.    The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2265

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is shown attached atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, as it backs away from the mate/dem... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the driver of a special tow vehicle prepares to help the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery attached atop, back out of the mate/demate device. Known as the MDD, the devise is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the SCA.    The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2270

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the driver of a special tow vehicle prepares to help the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery attached atop, is backed away from the mate/demate device. Known as the MDD, the devise is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the SCA.    The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2272

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery attached atop, is backed away from the mate/demate d... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is shown attached atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, in the mate/demate device. Known as the MDD, the devise is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the SCA.    The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2266

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is shown attached atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, in the mate/demate device. Known a... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, crew members of space shuttle Discovery’s last mission, STS-133, have arrived. Mission Specialist Nicole Stott visits with the media. Also present, but not in view, are Mission Specialists Michael Barrett, Steve Bowen and Alvin Drew, Pilot Eric Boe and Commander Steve Lindsay. The crew arrived to view the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery attached atop after being backed away from the mate/demate device. Known as the MDD, the devise is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the SCA.    The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2286

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, crew members of space shuttle Discovery’s last mission, STS-133, have arrived. Mission Specialist Nicole Stott visits w... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery attached atop, is backed away from the mate/demate device. Known as the MDD, the devise is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the SCA.    The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2274

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery attached atop, is backed away from the mate/demate d... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, crew members of space shuttle Discovery’s last mission, STS-133, have arrived. Commander Steve Lindsay visits with the media. Also present, but not in view, are Mission Specialists Nicole Stott, Michael Barrett, Steve Bowen and Alvin Drew, and Pilot Eric Boe. The crew arrived to view the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery attached atop after being backed away from the mate/demate device. Known as the MDD, the devise is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the SCA.    The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2288

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, crew members of space shuttle Discovery’s last mission, STS-133, have arrived. Commander Steve Lindsay visits with the ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, crew members of space shuttle Discovery’s last mission, STS-133, have arrived. From the left, are Mission Specialists Alvin Drew, Nicole Stott, Michael Barrett and Steve Bowen, Pilot Eric Boe and Commander Steve Lindsay. In the background is the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery attached atop after being backed away from the mate/demate device. Known as the MDD, the devise is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the SCA.    The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2282

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, crew members of space shuttle Discovery’s last mission, STS-133, have arrived. From the left, are Mission Specialists A... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery attached atop, sits on the tarmac after being backed away from the mate/demate device. Known as the MDD, the devise is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the SCA.    The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2277

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery attached atop, sits on the tarmac after being backed... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, takes off from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility runway 15 in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT. The duo is beginning its ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia that also includes a flyby of the Space Coast and Washington, D.C.      Discovery is leaving Kennedy after more than 28 years of service beginning with its arrival on the space coast Nov. 9, 1983. Discovery first launched to space Aug. 30, 1984, on the STS-41D mission. Discovery is the agency’s most-flown shuttle with 39 missions, more than 148 million miles and a total of one year in space. Discovery is set to move to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., on April 19 where it will be place on public display. 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Tim Powers and Rick Wetherington KSC-2012-2461

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle C...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, takes off from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility runway 15 in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT. The duo is ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, takes off from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility runway 15 in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT. The duo is beginning its ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia that also includes a flyby of the Space Coast and Washington, D.C.      Discovery is leaving Kennedy after more than 28 years of service beginning with its arrival on the space coast Nov. 9, 1983. Discovery first launched to space Aug. 30, 1984, on the STS-41D mission. Discovery is the agency’s most-flown shuttle with 39 missions, more than 148 million miles and a total of one year in space. Discovery is set to move to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., on April 19 where it will be place on public display. 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Tim Powers and Rick Wetherington KSC-2012-2462

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle C...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, takes off from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility runway 15 in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT. The duo is ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, takes off from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility runway 15 in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT. The duo is beginning its ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia that also includes a flyby of the Space Coast and Washington, D.C. Also flying along with the pair is a T-38 training jet.     Discovery is leaving Kennedy after more than 28 years of service beginning with its arrival on the space coast Nov. 9, 1983. Discovery first launched to space Aug. 30, 1984, on the STS-41D mission. Discovery is the agency’s most-flown shuttle with 39 missions, more than 148 million miles and a total of one year in space. Discovery is set to move to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., on April 19 where it will be place on public display. 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Tim Powers and Rick Wetherington KSC-2012-2457

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle C...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, takes off from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility runway 15 in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT. The duo is ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies past the midpoint on its way for a takeoff on runway 15 at 7 a.m. EDT.     The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Tim Powers and Rick Wetherington KSC-2012-2453

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies past... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies out to the runway for a takeoff at 7 a.m. EDT.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-2347

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies out to the runway for a takeoff... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, takes off from runway 15 at 7 a.m. EDT. The SCA will deliver Discovery to its new home.      The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-2364

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, takes off f... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, A T-38 chase aircraft sits on runway 15 waiting for clearance from Kennedy’s air traffic control tower to begin takeoff prior to the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery attached atop.      The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-2361

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, A T-38 chase aircraft sits on runway 15 waiting for clearance from Kennedy’s air traffic control tower to begin takeoff... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies down the runway for a takeoff at 7 a.m. EDT. In the background is the midfield air traffic control tower.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-2348

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies down... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies down the runway for a takeoff at 7 a.m. EDT. In the background is the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-2355

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies down... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery flies north over NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility following a pass over Brevard County’s beach communities, offering residents the opportunity to see the shuttle before it leaves the Space Coast for the last time. The duo took off from Kennedy’s runway at 7 a.m. EDT.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Lorne Mathre KSC-2012-2419

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery flies north over NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility following a pass over Brevard County’s beach commun... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, begins takeoff on runway 15 at 7 a.m. EDT. Discovery is on the way to its new home.  The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Tim Powers and Rick Wetherington KSC-2012-2448

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, begins take... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies past the midpoint on its way for a takeoff on runway 15 at 7 a.m. EDT.     The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Tim Powers and Rick Wetherington KSC-2012-2452

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies past... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies past the midpoint on its way for a takeoff on runway 15 at 7 a.m. EDT.     The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Tim Powers and Rick Wetherington KSC-2012-2455

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies past... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, is in the air after taking off from runway 15 at 7 a.m. EDT.     The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Tim Powers and Rick Wetherington KSC-2012-2450

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, is in the a... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, begins to make the turn on runway 15 for a takeoff at 7 a.m. EDT to deliver Discovery to its new home.      The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-2357

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, begins to m... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies down the runway for a takeoff at 7 a.m. EDT. In the background are the midfield air traffic control tower and the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-2351

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies down... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies past the midpoint on its way for a takeoff on runway 15 at 7 a.m. EDT. In the background is the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Tim Powers and Rick Wetherington KSC-2012-2446

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies past... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, is in the air after taking off from runway 15 at 7 a.m. EDT. Discovery is on the way to its new home.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Tim Powers and Rick Wetherington KSC-2012-2449

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, is in the a... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, begins takeoff on runway 15 at 7 a.m. EDT.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Tim Powers and Rick Wetherington KSC-2012-2447

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, begins take... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies along the runway on its way for a takeoff on runway 15 at 7 a.m. EDT.     The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Tim Powers and Rick Wetherington KSC-2012-2451

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies alon... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, waits on runway 15 for clearance from Kennedy’s air traffic control tower to begin takeoff at 7 a.m. EDT. The SCA will deliver Discovery to its new home.      The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-2360

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, waits on ru... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, takes off from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility runway 15 in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT and makes a flyby near the mate/demate device. The duo is beginning its ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia that also includes a flyby of the Space Coast and Washington, D.C. Also flying along with the pair are a T-38 training jet and a helicopter.     Discovery is leaving Kennedy after more than 28 years of service beginning with its arrival on the space coast Nov. 9, 1983. Discovery first launched to space Aug. 30, 1984, on the STS-41D mission. Discovery is the agency’s most-flown shuttle with 39 missions, more than 148 million miles and a total of one year in space. Discovery is set to move to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., on April 19 where it will be place on public display. 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Tim Powers and Rick Wetherington KSC-2012-2460

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle C...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, takes off from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility runway 15 in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT and makes a ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A spectacular close up view of space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, after it takes off from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility runway 15 in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT. The duo is beginning its ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia that also includes a flyby of the Space Coast and Washington, D.C.      Discovery is leaving Kennedy after more than 28 years of service beginning with its arrival on the space coast Nov. 9, 1983. Discovery first launched to space Aug. 30, 1984, on the STS-41D mission. Discovery is the agency’s most-flown shuttle with 39 missions, more than 148 million miles and a total of one year in space. Discovery is set to move to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., on April 19 where it will be place on public display. 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Tim Powers and Rick Wetherington KSC-2012-2463

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A spectacular close up view of space shuttle Di...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A spectacular close up view of space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, after it takes off from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility runway ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies down the runway for a takeoff at 7 a.m. EDT. In the background is the midfield air traffic control tower.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-2350

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies down... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies down the runway for a takeoff at 7 a.m. EDT. In the background is the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-2354

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies down... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies down the runway for a takeoff at 7 a.m. EDT. In the background is the midfield air traffic control tower.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-2352

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies down... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies past the midpoint on its way for a takeoff on runway 15 at 7 a.m. EDT.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Tim Powers and Rick Wetherington KSC-2012-2445

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies past the midpoint on its way fo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies down the runway for a takeoff at 7 a.m. EDT. In the background is the midfield air traffic control tower.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-2349

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies down... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies past the midpoint on its way for a takeoff on runway 15 at 7 a.m. EDT.     The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Tim Powers and Rick Wetherington KSC-2012-2454

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies past... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies past the midpoint on its way for a takeoff on runway 15 at 7 a.m. EDT.     The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Tim Powers and Rick Wetherington KSC-2012-2456

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies past... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, begins to make the turn on runway 15 for a takeoff at 7 a.m. EDT to deliver Discovery to its new home.      The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-2358

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, begins to m... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery flies over the hangars in the Industrial Area toward Space Launch Complex-17 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station after taking off from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility at 7 a.m. EDT. The duo are heading south to fly over Brevard County’s beach communities, offering residents the opportunity to see the shuttle before it leaves the Space Coast for the last time.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites.  NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. 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/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Lorne Mathre KSC-2012-2414

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery flies over the hangars in the Industrial Area toward Space Launch Complex-17 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station after ta... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies down the runway for a takeoff at 7 a.m. EDT. In the background is the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building.    The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-2353

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies down... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, takes off from runway 15 at 7 a.m. EDT. The SCA will deliver Discovery to its new home.      The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-2363

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, takes off f... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, begins takeoff from runway 15 at 7 a.m. EDT on its way to deliver Discovery to its new home.      The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on 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/transition.   Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-2362

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, begins take... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, parks at the ramp area at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to the Los Angeles International Airport on Sept. 17. The Mate/Demate Device, or MDD, is located at the ramp area and will be used to hoist and lower Endeavour onto the back of the SCA. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-4959

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, parks at ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, parks at the ramp area at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shutt... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media watch as the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, touched down at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to the Los Angeles International Airport on Sept. 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 final ferry mission. Endeavour will be placed on permanent public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. 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-2012-4951

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media watch as the Shuttle Carri...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media watch as the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, touched down at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, rolls onto the ramp area at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to the Los Angeles International Airport on Sept. 17. The Mate/Demate Device, or MDD, is located at the ramp area and will be used to hoist and lower Endeavour onto the back of the SCA. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-4970

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, rolls ont...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, rolls onto the ramp area at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shu... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, parks at the ramp area at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to the Los Angeles International Airport on Sept. 17. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-4961

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, parks at ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, parks at the ramp area at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shutt... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, touched down at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to the Los Angeles International Airport on Sept. 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 final ferry mission. Endeavour will be placed on permanent public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. 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-2012-4948

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, touched d...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, touched down at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, touched down at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to the Los Angeles International Airport on Sept. 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 final ferry mission. Endeavour will be placed on permanent public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. 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-2012-4952

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, touched d...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, touched down at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, parks at the ramp area at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to the Los Angeles International Airport on Sept. 17. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-4964

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, parks at ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, parks at the ramp area at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shutt... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, approaches the runway at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to the Los Angeles International Airport on Sept. 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 final ferry mission. Endeavour will be placed on permanent public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. 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-2012-4942

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, approache...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, approaches the runway at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttl... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Detail of the crew members of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, shortly after the aircraft parked at the ramp area at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to the Los Angeles International Airport on Sept. 17. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-4963

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Detail of the crew members of the Shuttle Carri...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Detail of the crew members of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, shortly after the aircraft parked at the ramp area at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Pilots and crew members leave the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, after it parked on the ramp area at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to the Los Angeles International Airport on Sept. 17. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-4976

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Pilots and crew members leave the Shuttle Carri...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Pilots and crew members leave the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, after it parked on the ramp area at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched do... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, parks at the ramp area at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to the Los Angeles International Airport on Sept. 17. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-4962

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, parks at ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, parks at the ramp area at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shutt... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Detail of the mission insignia on the fuselage of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, shortly after the aircraft parked at the ramp area at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to the Los Angeles International Airport on Sept. 17. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-4965

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Detail of the mission insignia on the fuselage ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Detail of the mission insignia on the fuselage of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, shortly after the aircraft parked at the ramp area at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing F... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, rolls onto the ramp area at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to the Los Angeles International Airport on Sept. 17. The Mate/Demate Device, or MDD, is located at the ramp area and will be used to hoist and lower Endeavour onto the back of the SCA. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-4974

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, rolls ont...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, rolls onto the ramp area at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shu... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, touches down on the runway at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to the Los Angeles International Airport on Sept. 17. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-4954

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, touches d...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, touches down on the runway at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for s... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, approaches the runway at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to the Los Angeles International Airport on Sept. 17. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-4953

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, approache...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, approaches the runway at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttl... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A pilot looks over the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, after it parked on the ramp area at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to the Los Angeles International Airport on Sept. 17. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-4978

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A pilot looks over the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A pilot looks over the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, after it parked on the ramp area at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, parks at the ramp area at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to the Los Angeles International Airport on Sept. 17. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-4960

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, parks at ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, parks at the ramp area at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shutt... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, rolls onto the ramp area at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to the Los Angeles International Airport on Sept. 17. The Mate/Demate Device, or MDD, is located at the ramp area and will be used to hoist and lower Endeavour onto the back of the SCA. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-4971

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, rolls ont...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, rolls onto the ramp area at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shu... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, touched down at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to the Los Angeles International Airport on Sept. 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 final ferry mission. Endeavour will be placed on permanent public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. 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-2012-4945

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, touched d...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, touched down at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, touched down at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to the Los Angeles International Airport on Sept. 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 final ferry mission. Endeavour will be placed on permanent public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. 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-2012-4944

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, touched d...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, touched down at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, rolls down the runway at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to the Los Angeles International Airport on Sept. 17. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-4969

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, rolls dow...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, rolls down the runway at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttl... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, touches down on the runway at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to the Los Angeles International Airport on Sept. 17. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-4955

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, touches d...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, touches down on the runway at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida. The SCA touched down at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for s... More

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