pads, launch pads

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, old roller shaft bearing assembly parts that were removed from crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, have been discarded. Inside the VAB, new roller shaft bearings will be installed on CT-2.      Work continues in high bay 2 to upgrade CT-2. The modifications are designed to ensure CT-2’s ability to transport launch vehicles currently in development, such as the agency’s Space Launch System, to the launch pad. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/crawler-transporter_bearings.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2013-2902

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, old roller shaft bearing assembly parts that were removed from crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, have ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, preparations are underway to remove the gear boxes on the C truck of crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2. A section of the treads were removed to allow access to the gear boxes.    Work continues in high bay 2 to upgrade CT-2. The modifications are designed to ensure CT-2’s ability to transport launch vehicles currently in development, such as the agency’s Space Launch System, to the launch pad. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/crawler-transporter. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2014-1951

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, preparations are underway to remove the gear boxes on the C truck of crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2. A sect... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Firing Room No. 1 in the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the number of new equipment cabinets increases as workers put the elements together.  The firing room will support the future Ares rocket launches as part of the Constellation Program.  Future astronauts will ride to orbit on Ares I, which uses a single five-segment solid rocket booster, a derivative of the space shuttle's solid rocket booster, for the first stage.  Ares will be launched from Pad 39B, which is being reconfigured from supporting space shuttle launches.  The Launch Control Center firing rooms face the launch pads.   Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1095

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Firing Room No. 1 in the Launch Control Cen...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Firing Room No. 1 in the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the number of new equipment cabinets increases as workers put the elements together. The firing room wi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -  A waning full moon bears witness to space shuttle Endeavour’s rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, traveling at less than 1 mph atop a massive crawler-transporter. Endeavour completed the 4.2-mile journey to Launch Pad 39B on Sept. 19 at 6:59 a.m. EDT. For the first time since July 2001, two shuttles are on the launch pads at the same time at the center. Endeavour will stand by at pad B in the unlikely event that a rescue mission is necessary during space shuttle Atlantis' upcoming mission to repair NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, targeted to launch Oct. 10. After Endeavour is cleared from its duty as a rescue spacecraft, it will be moved to Launch Pad 39A for the STS-126 mission to the International Space Station. That flight is targeted for launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd2659

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - A waning full moon bears witness to space shut...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - A waning full moon bears witness to space shuttle Endeavour’s rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, traveling at less than 1 mph atop a massive crawl... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- For the fourth time in Space Shuttle Program history, 350,000 gallons of water are released on a Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) at Launch Pad 39A during a water sound suppression test. Because of the unusual event, media and workers watch from nearby vantage points on the Fixed Service Structure (left). This test is being conducted following the replacement of the six main system valves, which had been in place since the beginning of the Shuttle Program and had reached the end of their service life. Also, the hydraulic portion of the valve actuators has been redesigned and simplified to reduce maintenance costs. The sound suppression water system is installed on the launch pads to protect the orbiter and its payloads from damage by acoustical energy reflected from the MLP during launch. The system includes an elevated water tank with a capacity of 300,000 gallons. The tank is 290 feet high and stands on the northeast side of the Pad. The water is released for launch just before the ignition of the orbiter's three main engines and twin solid rocket boosters, and flows through parallel 7-foot-diameter pipes to the Pad area. KSC-04pd1066

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- For the fourth time in Space Shuttle Pro...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- For the fourth time in Space Shuttle Program history, 350,000 gallons of water are released on a Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) at Launch Pad 39A during a water sound suppression t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -  Space shuttle Endeavour is hard down on Launch Pad 39B.  The shuttle and mobile launcher platform it sits on rest atop the crawler-transporter that carried them from the Vehicle Assembly Building. First motion out of the VAB was at 11:15 p.m. Sept. 18.  At left of the shuttle is the open rotating service structure with the payload changeout room revealed. Endeavour completed the 4.2-mile journey to Launch Pad 39B on Sept. 19 at 6:59 a.m. EDT. For the first time since July 2001, two shuttles are on the launch pads at the same time at the center. Endeavour will stand by at pad B in the unlikely event that a rescue mission is necessary during space shuttle Atlantis' upcoming mission to repair NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, targeted to launch Oct. 10. After Endeavour is cleared from its duty as a rescue spacecraft, it will be moved to Launch Pad 39A for the STS-126 mission to the International Space Station. That flight is targeted for launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-08pd2675

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Endeavour is hard down on Launch...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Endeavour is hard down on Launch Pad 39B. The shuttle and mobile launcher platform it sits on rest atop the crawler-transporter that carried them from the Vehicle Assembly... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -  Space shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39B is viewed from the air after the rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.  The shuttle and mobile launcher platform it sits on are atop the crawler-transporter. At left of the shuttle is the open rotating service structure with the payload changeout room revealed. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 11:15 p.m. Sept. 18.  Endeavour completed the 4.2-mile journey at 6:59 a.m. EDT. For the first time since July 2001, two shuttles are on the launch pads at the same time at the center. Endeavour will stand by at pad B in the unlikely event that a rescue mission is necessary during space shuttle Atlantis' upcoming mission to repair NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, targeted to launch Oct. 10. After Endeavour is cleared from its duty as a rescue spacecraft, it will be moved to Launch Pad 39A for the STS-126 mission to the International Space Station. That flight is targeted for launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd2682

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39B is v...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39B is viewed from the air after the rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The shuttle and mobile launcher pla... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, prepare to jack crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the roller bearing assemblies. After inspections, new assemblies will be installed.      The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades to CT-2 so that it can carry NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket and new Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2013-1919

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, prepare to jack crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are jacking crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the roller bearing assemblies. After inspections, new assemblies will be installed.      The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades to CT-2 so that it can carry NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket and new Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2013-1930

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are jacking crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the r... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are preparing to jack crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the roller bearing assemblies. After inspections, new assemblies will be installed.      The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades to CT-2 so that it can carry NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket and new Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2013-1921

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are preparing to jack crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate remova... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are jacking crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the roller bearing assemblies. After inspections, new assemblies will be installed.      The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades to CT-2 so that it can carry NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket and new Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2013-1928

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are jacking crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the r... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are jacking crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the roller bearing assemblies. After inspections, new assemblies will be installed.      The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades to CT-2 so that it can carry NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket and new Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2013-1929

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are jacking crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the r... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a technician positions a jack to lift crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the roller bearing assemblies. After inspections, new assemblies will be installed.      The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades to CT-2 so that it can carry NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket and new Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2013-1926

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Ken...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a technician positions a jack to lift crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate re... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are preparing to jack crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the roller bearing assemblies. After inspections, new assemblies will be installed.    The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades to CT-2 so that it can carry NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket and new Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2013-1917

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are preparing to jack crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate remova... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -  An aerial view south along the seashore shows shuttles on both launch pads. The Atlantic Ocean is a thin line on the horizon.  At left is space shuttle Atlantis, preparing for its launch on the STS-125 mission to repair NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, targeted for Oct. 10. At right is space shuttle Endeavour, which rolled out Sept. 19, completing the 4.2-mile journey at 6:59 a.m. EDT. This is the first time since July 2001 that two shuttles are on the launch pads at the same time at the center. Endeavour will stand by at pad B in the unlikely event that a rescue mission is necessary during space shuttle Atlantis' upcoming mission. After Endeavour is cleared from its duty as a rescue spacecraft, it will be moved to Launch Pad 39A for the STS-126 mission to the International Space Station. That flight is targeted for launch Nov. 12.  Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd2694

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - An aerial view south along the seashore shows ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - An aerial view south along the seashore shows shuttles on both launch pads. The Atlantic Ocean is a thin line on the horizon. At left is space shuttle Atlantis, preparing for its launch... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, prepare to jack crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the roller bearing assemblies. After inspections, new assemblies will be installed.      The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades to CT-2 so that it can carry NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket and new Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2013-1923

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, prepare to jack crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, begin jacking crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the roller bearing assemblies. After inspections, new assemblies will be installed.      The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades to CT-2 so that it can carry NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket and new Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2013-1927

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, begin jacking crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are preparing to jack crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the roller bearing assemblies. After inspections, new assemblies will be installed.      The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades to CT-2 so that it can carry NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket and new Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2013-1920

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are preparing to jack crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate remova... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are removing track shoes from crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, prior to jacking it four feet off  the floor to facilitate removal of the roller bearing assemblies. After inspections, new assemblies will be installed.      The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades to CT-2 so that it can carry NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket and new Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2013-1925

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are removing track shoes from crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, prior to jacking it four feet off t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a technician uses a fork lift to remove track shoes from crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, prior to jacking it four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the roller bearing assemblies. After inspections, new assemblies will be installed.      The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades to CT-2 so that it can carry NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket and new Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2013-1924

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Ken...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a technician uses a fork lift to remove track shoes from crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, prior to jacking it f... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are removing track shoes from crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, prior to jacking it four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the roller bearing assemblies. After inspections, new assemblies will be installed.      The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades to CT-2 so that it can carry NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket and new Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2013-1922

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are removing track shoes from crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, prior to jacking it four feet off th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, prepare to jack crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of the roller bearing assemblies. After inspections, new assemblies will be installed.      The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades to CT-2 so that it can carry NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket and new Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2013-1918

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, prepare to jack crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, four feet off the floor to facilitate removal of t... More

Cape Canaveral, Florida as seen from STS-66 Atlantis

Cape Canaveral, Florida as seen from STS-66 Atlantis

This nadir photograph of the Cape Canaveral area on Florida's eastern coast was taken by the STS-66 crew in November, 1994. The Space Shuttle Vehicle Assembly area and the runways used by the returning Shuttles... More

Earth observations taken during STS-77 mission

Earth observations taken during STS-77 mission

STS077-713-010 (19-29 May 1996) --- Like a number of Shuttle flight crews that preceded them, the members of the crew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour made eastern Florida one of their photographic targets. ... More

In this aerial view, The News Center sits beyond a large parking lot, on a hill at the northeastern end of the Launch Complex 39 Area , next to the turn basin (at left). From left, the grandstand faces the launch pads several miles away on the Atlantic seashore; behind it, the television studio is the site of media conferences; next, the large white-roofed building is the hub of information and activity for press representatives. Lined up on the right of the Press Site are various buildings and trailers, home to major news networks. The parking lot can accommodate the hundreds of media personnel who attend Space Shuttle launches KSC-98pc1045

In this aerial view, The News Center sits beyond a large parking lot, ...

In this aerial view, The News Center sits beyond a large parking lot, on a hill at the northeastern end of the Launch Complex 39 Area , next to the turn basin (at left). From left, the grandstand faces the laun... More

A railroad spur running alongside Launch Pad 39A and 39B at Kennedy Space Center is covered with debris washed up by the Atlantic Ocean as Hurricane Floyd passed along the East Coast of Florida, Sept. 14-15. Pad 39B can be seen at upper left. At a weather tower located between Shuttle Launch Pad 39A and Launch Complex 41, the highest winds recorded during the superstorm were 91 mph from the NNW at 4:50 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 15. The maximum sustained winds were recorded at 66 mph. The highest amount of rain recorded at KSC was 2.82 inches as the eye of Hurricane Floyd passed 121 miles east of Cape Canaveral at 4 a.m. Wednesday. A preliminary review of conditions at the Kennedy Space Center was positive after the worst of Hurricane Floyd passed. There appeared to be no major damage to NASA assets, including the launch pads, the four Space Shuttle Orbiters, and flight hardware KSC-99pp1123

A railroad spur running alongside Launch Pad 39A and 39B at Kennedy Sp...

A railroad spur running alongside Launch Pad 39A and 39B at Kennedy Space Center is covered with debris washed up by the Atlantic Ocean as Hurricane Floyd passed along the East Coast of Florida, Sept. 14-15. Pa... More

The east side of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at Kennedy Space Center shows missing panels around the leaves of the upper door, the effect of the high winds from Hurricane Floyd as it passed along the East Coast of Florida, Sept. 14-15. At a weather tower located between Shuttle Launch Pad 39A and Launch Complex 41, the highest winds recorded during the superstorm were 91 mph from the NNW at 4:50 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 15. The maximum sustained winds were recorded at 66 mph. The highest amount of rain recorded at KSC was 2.82 inches as the eye of Hurricane Floyd passed 121 miles east of Cape Canaveral at 4 a.m. Wednesday. A preliminary review of conditions at the Kennedy Space Center was positive after the worst of Hurricane Floyd passed. There appeared to be no major damage to NASA assets, including the launch pads, the four Space Shuttle Orbiters, and flight hardware KSC-99pp1121

The east side of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at Kennedy Space ...

The east side of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at Kennedy Space Center shows missing panels around the leaves of the upper door, the effect of the high winds from Hurricane Floyd as it passed along the Ea... More

Just east of Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39, Pads A & B (Pad 39B is seen upper left), sea-oat-covered sand dunes along the Atlantic Ocean show the ravaging effects of wind and high water from Hurricane Floyd as it passed along the East Coast of Florida, Sept. 14-15. At a weather tower located between Shuttle Launch Pad 39A and Launch Complex 41, the highest winds recorded during the superstorm were 91 mph from the NNW at 4:50 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 15. The maximum sustained winds were recorded at 66 mph. The highest amount of rain recorded at KSC was 2.82 inches as the eye of Hurricane Floyd passed 121 miles east of Cape Canaveral at 4 a.m. Wednesday. A preliminary review of conditions at the Kennedy Space Center was positive after the worst of Hurricane Floyd passed. There appeared to be no major damage to NASA assets, including the launch pads, the four Space Shuttle Orbiters, and flight hardware KSC-99pp1122

Just east of Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39, Pads A & B (Pad...

Just east of Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39, Pads A & B (Pad 39B is seen upper left), sea-oat-covered sand dunes along the Atlantic Ocean show the ravaging effects of wind and high water from Hurrican... More

A Redstone rocket lies broken on Cape Canaveral Air Station's Complex 5/6 after Hurricane Floyd passed along the East Coast of Florida, Sept. 14-15. On the right lies a broken cable, which held the rocket in place, apparently sheared by the storm. The complex, now dismantled, was the site of the first manned launch May 5, 1961. At a weather tower located between Shuttle Launch Pad 39A and Launch Complex 41, the highest winds recorded during the superstorm were 91 mph from the NNW at 4:50 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 15. The maximum sustained winds were recorded at 66 mph. The highest amount of rain recorded at KSC was 2.82 inches as the eye of Hurricane Floyd passed 121 miles east of Cape Canaveral at 4 a.m. Wednesday. A preliminary review of conditions at the Kennedy Space Center was positive, however, after the worst of Hurricane Floyd passed. There appeared to be no major damage to NASA assets, including the launch pads, the four Space Shuttle Orbiters, and flight hardware KSC-99pp1129

A Redstone rocket lies broken on Cape Canaveral Air Station's Complex ...

A Redstone rocket lies broken on Cape Canaveral Air Station's Complex 5/6 after Hurricane Floyd passed along the East Coast of Florida, Sept. 14-15. On the right lies a broken cable, which held the rocket in pl... More

An aerial view of Launch Complex 39 Area shows the Vehicle Assembly Building (center), surrounded by (right) the Launch Control Center, (lower area, left to right) the Orbiter Processing Facility, Process Control Center and Operations Support Building. Looking toward the Atlantic Ocean (top) can be seen Launch Pads 39-A (right) and 39-B. The crawlerway stretches between the VAB and the launch pads. To the right of the crawlerway is the turn basin where new external tanks are brought from Louisiana via ship. The road bordering the buildings is Kennedy Parkway North. KSC-99PP-1214

An aerial view of Launch Complex 39 Area shows the Vehicle Assembly Bu...

An aerial view of Launch Complex 39 Area shows the Vehicle Assembly Building (center), surrounded by (right) the Launch Control Center, (lower area, left to right) the Orbiter Processing Facility, Process Contr... More

An aerial view of Launch Complex 39 area shows the Vehicle Assembly Building (center), with the Launch Control Center on its right. On the west side (lower end) are (left to right) the Orbiter Processing Facility, Process Control Center and Operations Support Building. Looking east (upper end) are Launch Pads 39-A (right) and 39-B (just above the VAB). The crawlerway stretches between the VAB and the launch pads toward the Atlantic Ocean, seen beyond them. At right is the turn basin where new external tanks are brought via ship, shown at its offloading site. KSC-99PP-1213

An aerial view of Launch Complex 39 area shows the Vehicle Assembly Bu...

An aerial view of Launch Complex 39 area shows the Vehicle Assembly Building (center), with the Launch Control Center on its right. On the west side (lower end) are (left to right) the Orbiter Processing Facili... More

One of two new payload transporters for Kennedy Space Center sits on the dock at Port Canaveral. In the background is a cruise ship docked at the Port. The transporters were shipped by barge from their manufacturer, the KAMAG Company of Ulm, Germany. They are used to carry spacecraft and International Space Station elements from payload facilities to and from the launch pads and orbiter hangars. Each transporter is 65 feet long and 22 feet wide and has 24 tires divided between its two axles. The transporter travels 10 miles per hour unloaded, 5 miles per hour when loaded; it weighs up to 172,000 pounds when the canister with payloads rides atop. The transporters will be outfitted with four subsystems for monitoring the environment inside the canister during the payload moves: the Electrical Power System, Environmental Control System, Instrumentation and Communications System, and the Fluids and Gases System. Engineers and technicians are being trained on the transporter's operation and maintenance. The new transporters are replacing the 20-year-old existing Payload Canister Transporter system KSC-00pp0085

One of two new payload transporters for Kennedy Space Center sits on t...

One of two new payload transporters for Kennedy Space Center sits on the dock at Port Canaveral. In the background is a cruise ship docked at the Port. The transporters were shipped by barge from their manufact... More

One of two new payload transporters for Kennedy Space Center arrives at Port Canaveral. In the background is a cruise ship docked at the Port. The transporters were shipped by barge from their manufacturer, the KAMAG Company of Ulm, Germany. They are used to carry spacecraft and International Space Station elements from payload facilities to and from the launch pads and orbiter hangars. Each transporter is 65 feet long and 22 feet wide and has 24 tires divided between its two axles. The transporter travels 10 miles per hour unloaded, 5 miles per hour when loaded; it weighs up to 172,000 pounds when the canister with payloads rides atop. The transporters will be outfitted with four subsystems for monitoring the environment inside the canister during the payload moves: the Electrical Power System, Environmental Control System, Instrumentation and Communications System, and the Fluids and Gases System. Engineers and technicians are being trained on the transporter's operation and maintenance. The new transporters are replacing the 20-year-old existing Payload Canister Transporter system KSC00pp0084

One of two new payload transporters for Kennedy Space Center arrives a...

One of two new payload transporters for Kennedy Space Center arrives at Port Canaveral. In the background is a cruise ship docked at the Port. The transporters were shipped by barge from their manufacturer, the... More

One of two new payload transporters for Kennedy Space Center sits on the dock at Port Canaveral. In the background is a cruise ship docked at the Port. The transporters were shipped by barge from their manufacturer, the KAMAG Company of Ulm, Germany. They are used to carry spacecraft and International Space Station elements from payload facilities to and from the launch pads and orbiter hangars. Each transporter is 65 feet long and 22 feet wide and has 24 tires divided between its two axles. The transporter travels 10 miles per hour unloaded, 5 miles per hour when loaded; it weighs up to 172,000 pounds when the canister with payloads rides atop. The transporters will be outfitted with four subsystems for monitoring the environment inside the canister during the payload moves: the Electrical Power System, Environmental Control System, Instrumentation and Communications System, and the Fluids and Gases System. Engineers and technicians are being trained on the transporter's operation and maintenance. The new transporters are replacing the 20-year-old existing Payload Canister Transporter system KSC00pp0086

One of two new payload transporters for Kennedy Space Center sits on t...

One of two new payload transporters for Kennedy Space Center sits on the dock at Port Canaveral. In the background is a cruise ship docked at the Port. The transporters were shipped by barge from their manufact... More

One of two new payload transporters for Kennedy Space Center sits on the dock at Port Canaveral. In the background is a cruise ship docked at the Port. The transporters were shipped by barge from their manufacturer, the KAMAG Company of Ulm, Germany. They are used to carry spacecraft and International Space Station elements from payload facilities to and from the launch pads and orbiter hangars. Each transporter is 65 feet long and 22 feet wide and has 24 tires divided between its two axles. The transporter travels 10 miles per hour unloaded, 5 miles per hour when loaded; it weighs up to 172,000 pounds when the canister with payloads rides atop. The transporters will be outfitted with four subsystems for monitoring the environment inside the canister during the payload moves: the Electrical Power System, Environmental Control System, Instrumentation and Communications System, and the Fluids and Gases System. Engineers and technicians are being trained on the transporter's operation and maintenance. The new transporters are replacing the 20-year-old existing Payload Canister Transporter system KSC00pp0085

One of two new payload transporters for Kennedy Space Center sits on t...

One of two new payload transporters for Kennedy Space Center sits on the dock at Port Canaveral. In the background is a cruise ship docked at the Port. The transporters were shipped by barge from their manufact... More

One of two new payload transporters for Kennedy Space Center sits on the dock at Port Canaveral. In the background is a cruise ship docked at the Port. The transporters were shipped by barge from their manufacturer, the KAMAG Company of Ulm, Germany. They are used to carry spacecraft and International Space Station elements from payload facilities to and from the launch pads and orbiter hangars. Each transporter is 65 feet long and 22 feet wide and has 24 tires divided between its two axles. The transporter travels 10 miles per hour unloaded, 5 miles per hour when loaded; it weighs up to 172,000 pounds when the canister with payloads rides atop. The transporters will be outfitted with four subsystems for monitoring the environment inside the canister during the payload moves: the Electrical Power System, Environmental Control System, Instrumentation and Communications System, and the Fluids and Gases System. Engineers and technicians are being trained on the transporter's operation and maintenance. The new transporters are replacing the 20-year-old existing Payload Canister Transporter system KSC-00pp0086

One of two new payload transporters for Kennedy Space Center sits on t...

One of two new payload transporters for Kennedy Space Center sits on the dock at Port Canaveral. In the background is a cruise ship docked at the Port. The transporters were shipped by barge from their manufact... More

One of two new payload transporters for Kennedy Space Center arrives at Port Canaveral. In the background is a cruise ship docked at the Port. The transporters were shipped by barge from their manufacturer, the KAMAG Company of Ulm, Germany. They are used to carry spacecraft and International Space Station elements from payload facilities to and from the launch pads and orbiter hangars. Each transporter is 65 feet long and 22 feet wide and has 24 tires divided between its two axles. The transporter travels 10 miles per hour unloaded, 5 miles per hour when loaded; it weighs up to 172,000 pounds when the canister with payloads rides atop. The transporters will be outfitted with four subsystems for monitoring the environment inside the canister during the payload moves: the Electrical Power System, Environmental Control System, Instrumentation and Communications System, and the Fluids and Gases System. Engineers and technicians are being trained on the transporter's operation and maintenance. The new transporters are replacing the 20-year-old existing Payload Canister Transporter system KSC-00pp0084

One of two new payload transporters for Kennedy Space Center arrives a...

One of two new payload transporters for Kennedy Space Center arrives at Port Canaveral. In the background is a cruise ship docked at the Port. The transporters were shipped by barge from their manufacturer, the... More

One of two new payload transporters for Kennedy Space Center arrives at Port Canaveral. They were shipped by barge from their manufacturer, the KAMAG Company of Ulm, Germany. The transporters are used to carry spacecraft and International Space Station elements from payload facilities to and from the launch pads and orbiter hangars. Each transporter is 65 feet long and 22 feet wide and has 24 tires divided between its two axles. The transporter travels 10 miles per hour unloaded, 5 miles per hour when loaded; it weighs up to 172,000 pounds when the canister with payloads rides atop. The transporters will be outfitted with four subsystems for monitoring the environment inside the canister during the payload moves: the Electrical Power System, Environmental Control System, Instrumentation and Communications System, and the Fluids and Gases System. Engineers and technicians are being trained on the transporter's operation and maintenance. The new transporters are replacing the 20-year-old existing Payload Canister Transporter system KSC-00pp0083

One of two new payload transporters for Kennedy Space Center arrives a...

One of two new payload transporters for Kennedy Space Center arrives at Port Canaveral. They were shipped by barge from their manufacturer, the KAMAG Company of Ulm, Germany. The transporters are used to carry ... More

The first of two new payload transporters for Kennedy Space Center arrives at Port Canaveral. They were shipped by barge from their manufacturer, the KAMAG Company of Ulm, Germany. The transporters are used to carry spacecraft and International Space Station elements from payload facilities to and from the launch pads and orbiter hangars. Each transporter is 65 feet long and 22 feet wide and has 24 tires divided between its two axles. The transporter travels 10 miles per hour unloaded, 5 miles per hour when loaded; it weighs up to 172,000 pounds when the canister with payloads rides atop. The transporters will be outfitted with four subsystems for monitoring the environment inside the canister during the payload moves: the Electrical Power System, Environmental Control System, Instrumentation and Communications System, and the Fluids and Gases System. Engineers and technicians are being trained on the transporter's operation and maintenance. The new transporters are replacing the 20-year-old existing Payload Canister Transporter system KSC-00pp0082

The first of two new payload transporters for Kennedy Space Center arr...

The first of two new payload transporters for Kennedy Space Center arrives at Port Canaveral. They were shipped by barge from their manufacturer, the KAMAG Company of Ulm, Germany. The transporters are used to ... More

One of two new payload transporters for Kennedy Space Center arrives at Port Canaveral. They were shipped by barge from their manufacturer, the KAMAG Company of Ulm, Germany. The transporters are used to carry spacecraft and International Space Station elements from payload facilities to and from the launch pads and orbiter hangars. Each transporter is 65 feet long and 22 feet wide and has 24 tires divided between its two axles. The transporter travels 10 miles per hour unloaded, 5 miles per hour when loaded; it weighs up to 172,000 pounds when the canister with payloads rides atop. The transporters will be outfitted with four subsystems for monitoring the environment inside the canister during the payload moves: the Electrical Power System, Environmental Control System, Instrumentation and Communications System, and the Fluids and Gases System. Engineers and technicians are being trained on the transporter's operation and maintenance. The new transporters are replacing the 20-year-old existing Payload Canister Transporter system KSC00pp0083

One of two new payload transporters for Kennedy Space Center arrives a...

One of two new payload transporters for Kennedy Space Center arrives at Port Canaveral. They were shipped by barge from their manufacturer, the KAMAG Company of Ulm, Germany. The transporters are used to carry ... More

The first of two new payload transporters for Kennedy Space Center arrives at Port Canaveral. They were shipped by barge from their manufacturer, the KAMAG Company of Ulm, Germany. The transporters are used to carry spacecraft and International Space Station elements from payload facilities to and from the launch pads and orbiter hangars. Each transporter is 65 feet long and 22 feet wide and has 24 tires divided between its two axles. The transporter travels 10 miles per hour unloaded, 5 miles per hour when loaded; it weighs up to 172,000 pounds when the canister with payloads rides atop. The transporters will be outfitted with four subsystems for monitoring the environment inside the canister during the payload moves: the Electrical Power System, Environmental Control System, Instrumentation and Communications System, and the Fluids and Gases System. Engineers and technicians are being trained on the transporter's operation and maintenance. The new transporters are replacing the 20-year-old existing Payload Canister Transporter system KSC00pp0082

The first of two new payload transporters for Kennedy Space Center arr...

The first of two new payload transporters for Kennedy Space Center arrives at Port Canaveral. They were shipped by barge from their manufacturer, the KAMAG Company of Ulm, Germany. The transporters are used to ... More

Even in this aerial view at KSC, the Vehicle Assembly Building is imposing. In front of it is the Launch Control Center. In the background is the Rotation/Processing Facility, next to the Banana Creek. In the foreground is the Saturn Causeway that leads to Launch Pads 39A and 39B. KSC-00PP-1432

Even in this aerial view at KSC, the Vehicle Assembly Building is impo...

Even in this aerial view at KSC, the Vehicle Assembly Building is imposing. In front of it is the Launch Control Center. In the background is the Rotation/Processing Facility, next to the Banana Creek. In the f... More

Cloudy skies form a backdrop for Launch Pads 39B (left) and 39A (foreground). Space Shuttle Discovery waits on top of the pad for its launch Oct. 5 to the International Space Station. Between the pads can be seen the 300,000-gallon water tank that provides water for the sound suppression system during launch. KSC-00PP-1435

Cloudy skies form a backdrop for Launch Pads 39B (left) and 39A (foreg...

Cloudy skies form a backdrop for Launch Pads 39B (left) and 39A (foreground). Space Shuttle Discovery waits on top of the pad for its launch Oct. 5 to the International Space Station. Between the pads can be se... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. --  This aerial photo captures Launch Pads 39B (left) and 39A (right). Space Shuttle Discovery waits on pad 39A for launch on mission STS-92 Oct. 5, 2000. The ball-shaped structures at left of the pads are storage tanks of the cryogenic liquid propellants for the orbiter’s main engines KSC-00pp1301

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- This aerial photo captures Launch Pads ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- This aerial photo captures Launch Pads 39B (left) and 39A (right). Space Shuttle Discovery waits on pad 39A for launch on mission STS-92 Oct. 5, 2000. The ball-shaped structures a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. --  This aerial photo captures Launch Pads 39B (left) and 39A (right). Space Shuttle Discovery waits on pad 39A for launch on mission STS-92 Oct. 5, 2000. The ball-shaped structures at left of the pads are storage tanks of the cryogenic liquid propellants for the orbiter’s main engines KSC00pp1301

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- This aerial photo captures Launch Pads ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- This aerial photo captures Launch Pads 39B (left) and 39A (right). Space Shuttle Discovery waits on pad 39A for launch on mission STS-92 Oct. 5, 2000. The ball-shaped structures a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Space Shuttle Discovery (foreground) and Space Shuttle Atlantis (background) both stand ready on their Launch Pads ( 39A and 39B respectively). Space Shuttle Discovery rolled out July 2 to be prepared for launch on mission STS-105 in August. Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to launch Thursday, July 12, on mission STS-104. Towering above each Shuttle on the left is the 80-foot lightning rod that helps protect each Shuttle from lightning strikes KSC01padig243

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Space Shuttle Discovery (foreground) and ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Space Shuttle Discovery (foreground) and Space Shuttle Atlantis (background) both stand ready on their Launch Pads ( 39A and 39B respectively). Space Shuttle Discovery rolled out Ju... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Discovery (foreground) and Space Shuttle Atlantis (background) both stand ready on their Launch Pads ( 39A and 39B respectively). Space Shuttle Discovery rolled out July 2 to be prepared for launch on mission STS-105 in August. Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to launch Thursday, July 12, on mission STS-104. Towering above each Shuttle on the left is the 80-foot lightning rod that helps protect each Shuttle from lightning strikes. At right are the 290-foot water tanks that provide 300,000 gallons of water during liftoff. They are part of the sound suppression water system at each pad KSC-01pp1247

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Discovery (foreground) and...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Discovery (foreground) and Space Shuttle Atlantis (background) both stand ready on their Launch Pads ( 39A and 39B respectively). Space Shuttle Discovery rolled out J... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Discovery (foreground) and Space Shuttle Atlantis (background) both stand ready on their Launch Pads ( 39A and 39B respectively). Space Shuttle Discovery rolled out July 2 to be prepared for launch on mission STS-105 in August. Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to launch Thursday, July 12, on mission STS-104. Towering above each Shuttle on the left is the 80-foot lightning rod that helps protect each Shuttle from lightning strikes KSC-01pp1248

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Discovery (foreground) and...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Discovery (foreground) and Space Shuttle Atlantis (background) both stand ready on their Launch Pads ( 39A and 39B respectively). Space Shuttle Discovery rolled out J... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. –  This view shows much of the Launch Complex 39 Area  looking north.  At center is the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building.  Other buildings surrounding it are (counter clockwise from left) the Orbiter Processing Facility, Multi-Function Facility, Operations Support Building and Launch Control Center (next to VAB).  The crawlerway leads from the VAB toward the launch pads.  In the background are the waters of the Banana Creek. 03pd2225

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. – This view shows much of the Launch Compl...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. – This view shows much of the Launch Complex 39 Area looking north. At center is the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building. Other buildings surrounding it are (counter clockwise... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) number 3 and a set of twin solid rocket boosters bolted to it, atop the crawler-transporter, crawl to the intersection in the crawlerway in support of the second engineering analysis vibration test on the crawler and MLP.  In the background are Launch Pads 39A (right) and 39B (left).  The crawler is moving at various speeds up to 1 mph in an effort to achieve vibration data gathering goals as it leaves the VAB, travels toward Launch Pad 39A and then returns.  The boosters are braced at the top for stability.  The primary purpose of these rollout tests is to gather data to develop future maintenance requirements on the transport equipment and the flight hardware. Various parts of the MLP and crawler transporter have been instrumented with vibration data collection equipment.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) number 3 ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) number 3 and a set of twin solid rocket boosters bolted to it, atop the crawler-transporter, crawl to the intersection in the crawlerway in support o... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A new control tower is nearing completion at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility.  It will replace the old tower in use since 1987.   The old tower stands only 20 feet above the runway surface, too low to see the launch pads to the east. During nighttime landing operations, those inside the tower have been hindered by the eight-billion candlepower xenon lights that illuminate the runway.  The new control tower is built atop an existing mound, rising nearly 100 feet over the midpoint of the runway.  The height gives controllers a spectacular 360-degree view of NASA-KSC and northern Brevard County. The new facility will also replace the SLF Operations Building. The operations building is home to the Military Radar Unit that monitors NASA-KSC airspace 24 hours a day, as well as runway light controls, navigational aids, weather and wind speed instrumentation, and gate controls. In the new tower, the computer displays will be fully modernized to Federal Aviation Administration standards with touch-screen technology. Construction on the new facility began in February 2003 and is nearly ready for occupancy. Only some final inspections and approvals remain. A support building and Public Affairs viewing deck, to be used for observing future landing operations, will be added and are already in work.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A new control tower is nearing completio...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A new control tower is nearing completion at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. It will replace the old tower in use since 1987. The old tower stands only 20 feet above the runwa... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Two control towers are seen at the edge of the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility, the old one in front and the nearly completed new tower in back.  The old tower stands only 20 feet above the runway surface, too low to see the launch pads to the east. During nighttime landing operations, those inside the tower have been hindered by the eight-billion candlepower xenon lights that illuminate the runway.  The new control tower is built atop an existing mound, rising nearly 100 feet over the midpoint of the runway.  The height gives controllers a spectacular 360-degree view of NASA-KSC and northern Brevard County. The new facility will also replace the SLF Operations Building. The operations building is home to the Military Radar Unit that monitors NASA-KSC airspace 24 hours a day, as well as runway light controls, navigational aids, weather and wind speed instrumentation, and gate controls. In the new tower, the computer displays will be fully modernized to Federal Aviation Administration standards with touch-screen technology. Construction on the new facility began in February 2003 and is nearly ready for occupancy. Only some final inspections and approvals remain. A support building and Public Affairs viewing deck, to be used for observing future landing operations, will be added and are already in work.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Two control towers are seen at the edge ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Two control towers are seen at the edge of the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility, the old one in front and the nearly completed new tower in back. The old tower stands only 20 feet abo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A new control tower is nearing completion at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility.  It will replace the old tower in use since 1987.   The old tower stands only 20 feet above the runway surface, too low to see the launch pads to the east. During nighttime landing operations, those inside the tower have been hindered by the eight-billion candlepower xenon lights that illuminate the runway.  The new control tower is built atop an existing mound, rising nearly 100 feet over the midpoint of the runway.  The height gives controllers a spectacular 360-degree view of NASA-KSC and northern Brevard County. The new facility will also replace the SLF Operations Building. The operations building is home to the Military Radar Unit that monitors NASA-KSC airspace 24 hours a day, as well as runway light controls, navigational aids, weather and wind speed instrumentation, and gate controls. In the new tower, the computer displays will be fully modernized to Federal Aviation Administration standards with touch-screen technology. Construction on the new facility began in February 2003 and is nearly ready for occupancy. Only some final inspections and approvals remain. A support building and Public Affairs viewing deck, to be used for observing future landing operations, will be added and are already in work.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A new control tower is nearing completio...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A new control tower is nearing completion at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. It will replace the old tower in use since 1987. The old tower stands only 20 feet above the runwa... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The existing control tower seen here at the edge of the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility is being replaced.  In use since 1987, the old tower stands only 20 feet above the runway surface, too low to see the launch pads to the east. During nighttime landing operations, those inside the tower have been hindered by the eight-billion candlepower xenon lights that illuminate the runway.  The new control tower is built atop an existing mound, rising nearly 100 feet over the midpoint of the runway.  The height gives controllers a spectacular 360-degree view of NASA-KSC and northern Brevard County. The new facility will also replace the SLF Operations Building. The operations building is home to the Military Radar Unit that monitors NASA-KSC airspace 24 hours a day, as well as runway light controls, navigational aids, weather and wind speed instrumentation, and gate controls. In the new tower, the computer displays will be fully modernized to Federal Aviation Administration standards with touch-screen technology. Construction on the new facility began in February 2003 and is nearly ready for occupancy. Only some final inspections and approvals remain. A support building and Public Affairs viewing deck, to be used for observing future landing operations, will be added and are already in work.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The existing control tower seen here at ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The existing control tower seen here at the edge of the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility is being replaced. In use since 1987, the old tower stands only 20 feet above the runway surfa... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Karen Holloway-Adkins, KSC wildlife specialist, searches the Banana River for a grass specimen. In the background is one of the launch pads.  The biologist is studying the life history of sea turtles, especially what they eat, where they lay their eggs and what factors might harm their survival.  On the boat trip she is also monitoring the growth of sea grasses and algae and the water quality of estuaries and lagoons used by sea turtles and other aquatic wildlife.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Karen Holloway-Adkins, KSC wildlife speci...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Karen Holloway-Adkins, KSC wildlife specialist, searches the Banana River for a grass specimen. In the background is one of the launch pads. The biologist is studying the life hist... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Beach House, Congressman Tom Feeney (center) relaxes after his walk on Brevard County’s beach north of the launch pads.   With him are William Sample (left), president of Space Gateway Support at KSC; Stan Starr, with Dynamac Corp.; Lisa Malone, director of External Affairs at KSC; and Jim Hattaway, associate director of KSC.  During January and February, Congressman Feeney traveled the entire coastline of Florida’s 24th District, and concluded his walks March 1 in Brevard County.  On his walks, he met with constituents and community leaders to discuss legislative issues that will be addressed by the 108th Congress. KSC-04pd0327

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Beach House, Congressman Tom Feene...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Beach House, Congressman Tom Feeney (center) relaxes after his walk on Brevard County’s beach north of the launch pads. With him are William Sample (left), president of Spa... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From vantage points on the Fixed Service Structure (left) on Launch Pad 39A, workers and the media look down upon the Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) waiting for the start of a water sound suppression test. This test is being conducted following the replacement of the six main system valves, which had been in place since the beginning of the Shuttle Program and had reached the end of their service life. Also, the hydraulic portion of the valve actuators has been redesigned and simplified to reduce maintenance costs. The sound suppression water system is installed on the launch pads to protect the orbiter and its payloads from damage by acoustical energy reflected from the MLP during launch. The system includes an elevated water tank with a capacity of 300,000 gallons. The tank is 290 feet high and stands on the northeast side of the Pad. The water is released just before the ignition of the orbiter's three main engines and twin solid rocket boosters, and flows through parallel 7-foot-diameter pipes to the Pad area. KSC-04pd1071

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From vantage points on the Fixed Service...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From vantage points on the Fixed Service Structure (left) on Launch Pad 39A, workers and the media look down upon the Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) waiting for the start of a wate... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- For the fourth time in Space Shuttle Program history, 350,000 gallons of water are released on a Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) at Launch Pad 39A during a water sound suppression test. This test is being conducted following the replacement of the six main system valves, which had been in place since the beginning of the Shuttle Program and had reached the end of their service life. Also, the hydraulic portion of the valve actuators has been redesigned and simplified to reduce maintenance costs. The sound suppression water system is installed on the launch pads to protect the orbiter and its payloads from damage by acoustical energy reflected from the MLP during launch. The system includes an elevated water tank with a capacity of 300,000 gallons. The tank is 290 feet high and stands on the northeast side of the Pad. The water is released just before the ignition of the orbiter's three main engines and twin solid rocket boosters, and flows through parallel 7-foot-diameter pipes to the Pad area. KSC-04pd1065

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- For the fourth time in Space Shuttle Pro...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- For the fourth time in Space Shuttle Program history, 350,000 gallons of water are released on a Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) at Launch Pad 39A during a water sound suppression t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Some water remains on the surface of the Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) on Launch Pad 39A after a water sound suppression test.  Workers and the media (left) were on hand to witness the rare event.  This test was conducted following the replacement of the six main system valves, which had been in place since the beginning of the Shuttle Program and had reached the end of their service life. Also, the hydraulic portion of the valve actuators has been redesigned and simplified to reduce maintenance costs. The sound suppression water system is installed on the launch pads to protect the orbiter and its payloads from damage by acoustical energy reflected from the MLP during launch. The system includes an elevated water tank with a capacity of 300,000 gallons. The tank is 290 feet high and stands on the northeast side of the Pad. The water is released just before the ignition of the orbiter's three main engines and twin solid rocket boosters, and flows through parallel 7-foot-diameter pipes to the Pad area. KSC-04pd1076

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Some water remains on the surface of the...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Some water remains on the surface of the Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) on Launch Pad 39A after a water sound suppression test. Workers and the media (left) were on hand to witnes... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- For the fourth time in Space Shuttle Program history, 350,000 gallons of water are released on a Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) at Launch Pad 39A during a water sound suppression test. This test is being conducted following the replacement of the six main system valves, which had been in place since the beginning of the Shuttle Program and had reached the end of their service life. Also, the hydraulic portion of the valve actuators has been redesigned and simplified to reduce maintenance costs. The sound suppression water system is installed on the launch pads to protect the orbiter and its payloads from damage by acoustical energy reflected from the MLP during launch. The system includes an elevated water tank with a capacity of 300,000 gallons. The tank is 290 feet high and stands on the northeast side of the Pad. The water is released just before the ignition of the orbiter's three main engines and twin solid rocket boosters, and flows through parallel 7-foot-diameter pipes to the Pad area. KSC-04pd1063

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- For the fourth time in Space Shuttle Pro...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- For the fourth time in Space Shuttle Program history, 350,000 gallons of water are released on a Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) at Launch Pad 39A during a water sound suppression t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- For the fourth time in Space Shuttle Program history, 350,000 gallons of water are being released on a Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) at Launch Pad 39A during a water sound suppression test.  Because of the unusual event, media and workers watch from nearby vantage points on the Fixed Service Structure (left). This test is being conducted following the replacement of the six main system valves, which had been in place since the beginning of the Shuttle Program and had reached the end of their service life. Also, the hydraulic portion of the valve actuators has been redesigned and simplified to reduce maintenance costs. The sound suppression water system is installed on the launch pads to protect the orbiter and its payloads from damage by acoustical energy reflected from the MLP during launch. The system includes an elevated water tank with a capacity of 300,000 gallons. The tank is 290 feet high and stands on the northeast side of the Pad. The water is released just before the ignition of the orbiter's three main engines and twin solid rocket boosters, and flows through parallel 7-foot-diameter pipes to the Pad area. KSC-04pd1069

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- For the fourth time in Space Shuttle Pro...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- For the fourth time in Space Shuttle Program history, 350,000 gallons of water are being released on a Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) at Launch Pad 39A during a water sound suppres... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Water is released onto the Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) on Launch Pad 39A at the start of a water sound suppression test.  Workers and the media (left) are on hand to witness the rare event.  This test is being conducted following the replacement of the six main system valves, which had been in place since the beginning of the Shuttle Program and had reached the end of their service life. Also, the hydraulic portion of the valve actuators has been redesigned and simplified to reduce maintenance costs. The sound suppression water system is installed on the launch pads to protect the orbiter and its payloads from damage by acoustical energy reflected from the MLP during launch. The system includes an elevated water tank with a capacity of 300,000 gallons. The tank is 290 feet high and stands on the northeast side of the Pad. The water is released just before the ignition of the orbiter's three main engines and twin solid rocket boosters, and flows through parallel 7-foot-diameter pipes to the Pad area. KSC-04pd1074

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Water is released onto the Mobile Launch...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Water is released onto the Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) on Launch Pad 39A at the start of a water sound suppression test. Workers and the media (left) are on hand to witness the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From vantage points on the Fixed Service Structure (left) on Launch Pad 39A, workers and the media look down upon the Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) waiting for the start of a water sound suppression test. This test is being conducted following the replacement of the six main system valves, which had been in place since the beginning of the Shuttle Program and had reached the end of their service life. Also, the hydraulic portion of the valve actuators has been redesigned and simplified to reduce maintenance costs. The sound suppression water system is installed on the launch pads to protect the orbiter and its payloads from damage by acoustical energy reflected from the MLP during launch. The system includes an elevated water tank with a capacity of 300,000 gallons. The tank is 290 feet high and stands on the northeast side of the Pad. The water is released just before the ignition of the orbiter's three main engines and twin solid rocket boosters, and flows through parallel 7-foot-diameter pipes to the Pad area. KSC-04pd1070

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From vantage points on the Fixed Service...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From vantage points on the Fixed Service Structure (left) on Launch Pad 39A, workers and the media look down upon the Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) waiting for the start of a wate... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- For the fourth time in Space Shuttle Program history, 350,000 gallons of water are being released on a Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) at Launch Pad 39A during a water sound suppression test.  Because of the unusual event, media and workers watch from nearby vantage points on the Fixed Service Structure (left). This test is being conducted following the replacement of the six main system valves, which had been in place since the beginning of the Shuttle Program and had reached the end of their service life. Also, the hydraulic portion of the valve actuators has been redesigned and simplified to reduce maintenance costs. The sound suppression water system is installed on the launch pads to protect the orbiter and its payloads from damage by acoustical energy reflected from the MLP during launch. The system includes an elevated water tank with a capacity of 300,000 gallons. The tank is 290 feet high and stands on the northeast side of the Pad. The water is released just before the ignition of the orbiter's three main engines and twin solid rocket boosters, and flows through parallel 7-foot-diameter pipes to the Pad area. KSC-04pd1068

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- For the fourth time in Space Shuttle Pro...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- For the fourth time in Space Shuttle Program history, 350,000 gallons of water are being released on a Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) at Launch Pad 39A during a water sound suppres... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A crimson and gold sunrise over the Central Florida coast begins illuminating Launch Pad 39A, where a water sound suppression test is to take place. This test is being conducted following the replacement of the six main system valves, which had been in place since the beginning of the Shuttle Program and had reached the end of their service life. Also, the hydraulic portion of the valve actuators has been redesigned and simplified to reduce maintenance costs. The sound suppression water system is installed on the launch pads to protect the orbiter and its payloads from damage by acoustical energy reflected from the MLP during launch. The system includes an elevated water tank with a capacity of 300,000 gallons. The tank is 290 feet high and stands on the northeast side of the Pad. The water is released just before the ignition of the orbiter’s three main engines and twin solid rocket boosters, and flows through parallel 7-foot-diameter pipes to the Pad area. KSC-04pd1077

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A crimson and gold sunrise over the Cent...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A crimson and gold sunrise over the Central Florida coast begins illuminating Launch Pad 39A, where a water sound suppression test is to take place. This test is being conducted fo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Water recedes from the Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) on Launch Pad 39A after the water sound suppression test.  Workers and the media (left) were on hand to witness the rare event.  This test was conducted following the replacement of the six main system valves, which had been in place since the beginning of the Shuttle Program and had reached the end of their service life. Also, the hydraulic portion of the valve actuators has been redesigned and simplified to reduce maintenance costs. The sound suppression water system is installed on the launch pads to protect the orbiter and its payloads from damage by acoustical energy reflected from the MLP during launch. The system includes an elevated water tank with a capacity of 300,000 gallons. The tank is 290 feet high and stands on the northeast side of the Pad. The water is released just before the ignition of the orbiter's three main engines and twin solid rocket boosters, and flows through parallel 7-foot-diameter pipes to the Pad area. KSC-04pd1075

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Water recedes from the Mobile Launcher P...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Water recedes from the Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) on Launch Pad 39A after the water sound suppression test. Workers and the media (left) were on hand to witness the rare event... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- For the fourth time in Space Shuttle Program history, 350,000 gallons of water are released on a Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) at Launch Pad 39A during a water sound suppression test. This test is being conducted following the replacement of the six main system valves, which had been in place since the beginning of the Shuttle Program and had reached the end of their service life. Also, the hydraulic portion of the valve actuators has been redesigned and simplified to reduce maintenance costs. The sound suppression water system is installed on the launch pads to protect the orbiter and its payloads from damage by acoustical energy reflected from the MLP during launch. The system includes an elevated water tank with a capacity of 300,000 gallons. The tank is 290 feet high and stands on the northeast side of the Pad. The water is released just before the ignition of the orbiter's three main engines and twin solid rocket boosters, and flows through parallel 7-foot-diameter pipes to the Pad area. KSC-04pd1062

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- For the fourth time in Space Shuttle Pro...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- For the fourth time in Space Shuttle Program history, 350,000 gallons of water are released on a Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) at Launch Pad 39A during a water sound suppression t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- For the fourth time in Space Shuttle Program history, 350,000 gallons of water are being released on a Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) at Launch Pad 39A during a water sound suppression test.  Because of the unusual event, media and workers watch from nearby vantage points on the Fixed Service Structure (left). This test is being conducted following the replacement of the six main system valves, which had been in place since the beginning of the Shuttle Program and had reached the end of their service life. Also, the hydraulic portion of the valve actuators has been redesigned and simplified to reduce maintenance costs. The sound suppression water system is installed on the launch pads to protect the orbiter and its payloads from damage by acoustical energy reflected from the MLP during launch. The system includes an elevated water tank with a capacity of 300,000 gallons. The tank is 290 feet high and stands on the northeast side of the Pad. The water is released just before the ignition of the orbiter's three main engines and twin solid rocket boosters, and flows through parallel 7-foot-diameter pipes to the Pad area. KSC-04pd1067

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- For the fourth time in Space Shuttle Pro...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- For the fourth time in Space Shuttle Program history, 350,000 gallons of water are being released on a Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) at Launch Pad 39A during a water sound suppres... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Water is released onto the Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) on Launch Pad 39A at the start of a water sound suppression test.  Workers and the media (left) are on hand to witness the rare event.  This test is being conducted following the replacement of the six main system valves, which had been in place since the beginning of the Shuttle Program and had reached the end of their service life. Also, the hydraulic portion of the valve actuators has been redesigned and simplified to reduce maintenance costs. The sound suppression water system is installed on the launch pads to protect the orbiter and its payloads from damage by acoustical energy reflected from the MLP during launch. The system includes an elevated water tank with a capacity of 300,000 gallons. The tank is 290 feet high and stands on the northeast side of the Pad. The water is released just before the ignition of the orbiter's three main engines and twin solid rocket boosters, and flows through parallel 7-foot-diameter pipes to the Pad area. KSC-04pd1073

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Water is released onto the Mobile Launch...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Water is released onto the Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) on Launch Pad 39A at the start of a water sound suppression test. Workers and the media (left) are on hand to witness the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- For the fourth time in Space Shuttle Program history, 350,000 gallons of water are released on a Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) at Launch Pad 39A during a water sound suppression test. This test is being conducted following the replacement of the six main system valves, which had been in place since the beginning of the Shuttle Program and had reached the end of their service life. Also, the hydraulic portion of the valve actuators has been redesigned and simplified to reduce maintenance costs. The sound suppression water system is installed on the launch pads to protect the orbiter and its payloads from damage by acoustical energy reflected from the MLP during launch. The system includes an elevated water tank with a capacity of 300,000 gallons. The tank is 290 feet high and stands on the northeast side of the Pad. The water is released just before the ignition of the orbiter's three main engines and twin solid rocket boosters, and flows through parallel 7-foot-diameter pipes to the Pad area. KSC-04pd1064

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- For the fourth time in Space Shuttle Pro...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- For the fourth time in Space Shuttle Program history, 350,000 gallons of water are released on a Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) at Launch Pad 39A during a water sound suppression t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From vantage points on the Fixed Service Structure (bottom right and left) on Launch Pad 39A, workers and the media look down upon the Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) at the start of a water sound suppression test. This test is being conducted following the replacement of the six main system valves, which had been in place since the beginning of the Shuttle Program and had reached the end of their service life. Also, the hydraulic portion of the valve actuators has been redesigned and simplified to reduce maintenance costs. The sound suppression water system is installed on the launch pads to protect the orbiter and its payloads from damage by acoustical energy reflected from the MLP during launch. The system includes an elevated water tank with a capacity of 300,000 gallons. The tank is 290 feet high and stands on the northeast side of the Pad. The water is released just before the ignition of the orbiter's three main engines and twin solid rocket boosters, and flows through parallel 7-foot-diameter pipes to the Pad area. KSC-04pd1072

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From vantage points on the Fixed Service...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From vantage points on the Fixed Service Structure (bottom right and left) on Launch Pad 39A, workers and the media look down upon the Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) at the start o... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  In the Orbiter Processing Facility, NASCAR Busch Series race driver Tim Fedewa stands underneath Discovery.  Fedewa is on a tour of KSC for the Speed Channel TV show “NBS 24/7,” which is devoted to NASCAR.  Other sites on his tour are the Launch Control Center, Vehicle Assembly Building and one of the launch pads. KSC-04pd1400

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, NASC...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, NASCAR Busch Series race driver Tim Fedewa stands underneath Discovery. Fedewa is on a tour of KSC for the Speed Channel TV show “NBS 24/7,” wh... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The calm blue ocean near the launch pads at KSC beckons.  The sand dunes facing the Atlantic Ocean spill pink flowers down its banks.  The vegetation helps prevent the dunes from eroding.  The beach is part of the Canaveral National Seashore, managed by the National Wildlife Service. KSC-04pd1632

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The calm blue ocean near the launch pads ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The calm blue ocean near the launch pads at KSC beckons. The sand dunes facing the Atlantic Ocean spill pink flowers down its banks. The vegetation helps prevent the dunes from er... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - These pristine sand dunes near the launch pads at KSC are gently washed by the calm blue Atlantic Ocean.  The beach is part of the Canaveral National Seashore, managed by the National Wildlife Service. KSC-04pd1633

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - These pristine sand dunes near the launch...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - These pristine sand dunes near the launch pads at KSC are gently washed by the calm blue Atlantic Ocean. The beach is part of the Canaveral National Seashore, managed by the Nation... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - These pristine sand dunes near the launch pads at KSC are gently washed by the calm blue Atlantic Ocean.  Sea oats stand like sentinels on the dunes, which are part of the Canaveral National Seashore, managed by the National Wildlife Service. KSC-04pd1634

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - These pristine sand dunes near the launch...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - These pristine sand dunes near the launch pads at KSC are gently washed by the calm blue Atlantic Ocean. Sea oats stand like sentinels on the dunes, which are part of the Canaveral... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A Security escort leads the way as this Boeing Delta IV first stage heads to the Horizontal Integration Facility at Launch Complex 37, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.  Two of the launch pads on Cape Canaveral’s coast can be seen in the background.  Two rockets were shipped by barge from Decatur, Ala., to Port Canaveral and offloaded onto Elevating Platform Transporters.  A Boeing Delta IV will be used for the December launching of the GOES-N weather satellite for NASA and NOAA. The GOES-N is the first in a series of three advanced weather satellites including GOES-O and GOES-P. This satellite will provide continuous monitoring necessary for intensive data analysis. It will provide a constant vigil for the atmospheric “triggers” of severe weather conditions such as tornadoes, flash floods, hail storms and hurricanes. When these conditions develop, GOES-N will be able to monitor storm development and track their movements. KSC-04pd1669

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A Security escort leads the way as this B...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A Security escort leads the way as this Boeing Delta IV first stage heads to the Horizontal Integration Facility at Launch Complex 37, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Two of the ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility prepare to close the nose wheel doors on Atlantis in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Preparations at KSC include powering down the Space Shuttle orbiters, closing their payload bay doors and stowing their landing gear. They are also taking precautions against flooding by moving spacecraft hardware off the ground and sandbagging facilities. The Orbiter Processing Facility is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 105 mph.  The Vehicle Assembly Building is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 125 mph. Other payload and flight hardware support facilities can endure winds of 110 mph.  Launch pads and the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility can withstand 125-mph winds. KSC-04pd1691

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facili...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility prepare to close the nose wheel doors on Atlantis in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Preparations a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility prepare to stow the landing gear on the orbiter Atlantis in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other preparations at KSC include powering down the Space Shuttle orbiters, and closing their payload bay doors. Workers are also taking precautions against flooding by moving spacecraft hardware off the ground and sandbagging facilities. The Orbiter Processing Facility is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 105 mph.  The Vehicle Assembly Building is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 125 mph. Other payload and flight hardware support facilities can endure winds of 110 mph.  Launch pads and the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility can withstand 125-mph winds. KSC-04pd1692

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facili...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility prepare to stow the landing gear on the orbiter Atlantis in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other p... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  In the Orbiter Processing Facility, Atlantis’ wheels are raised into their wheel bays in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other preparations at KSC include powering down the Space Shuttle orbiters, and closing their payload bay doors. Workers are also taking precautions against flooding by moving spacecraft hardware off the ground and sandbagging facilities. The Orbiter Processing Facility is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 105 mph.  The Vehicle Assembly Building is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 125 mph. Other payload and flight hardware support facilities can endure winds of 110 mph.  Launch pads and the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility can withstand 125-mph winds. KSC-04pd1695

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, Atla...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, Atlantis’ wheels are raised into their wheel bays in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other preparations at... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility prepare to stow the landing gear on the orbiter Atlantis in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other preparations at KSC include powering down the Space Shuttle orbiters, and closing their payload bay doors. Workers are also taking precautions against flooding by moving spacecraft hardware off the ground and sandbagging facilities. The Orbiter Processing Facility is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 105 mph.  The Vehicle Assembly Building is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 125 mph. Other payload and flight hardware support facilities can endure winds of 110 mph.  Launch pads and the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility can withstand 125-mph winds. KSC-04pd1693

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facili...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility prepare to stow the landing gear on the orbiter Atlantis in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other p... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility prepare to close the nose wheel doors on Atlantis in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Preparations at KSC include powering down the Space Shuttle orbiters, closing their payload bay doors and stowing their landing gear. They are also taking precautions against flooding by moving spacecraft hardware off the ground and sandbagging facilities. The Orbiter Processing Facility is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 105 mph.  The Vehicle Assembly Building is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 125 mph. Other payload and flight hardware support facilities can endure winds of 110 mph.  Launch pads and the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility can withstand 125-mph winds. KSC-04pd1689

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facili...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility prepare to close the nose wheel doors on Atlantis in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Preparations a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility prepare the orbiter Atlantis and related equipment for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday.   Preparations at KSC include powering down the Space Shuttle orbiters, closing their payload bay doors and stowing their landing gear. They are also taking precautions against flooding by moving spacecraft hardware off the ground and sandbagging facilities. The Orbiter Processing Facility is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 105 mph.  The Vehicle Assembly Building is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 125 mph. Other payload and flight hardware support facilities can endure winds of 110 mph.  Launch pads and the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility can withstand 125-mph winds. KSC-04pd1688

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facilit...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility prepare the orbiter Atlantis and related equipment for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Preparations at KSC include... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  In the Orbiter Processing Facility, Atlantis’ wheels are raised into their wheel bays in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other preparations at KSC include powering down the Space Shuttle orbiters, and closing their payload bay doors. Workers are also taking precautions against flooding by moving spacecraft hardware off the ground and sandbagging facilities. The Orbiter Processing Facility is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 105 mph.  The Vehicle Assembly Building is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 125 mph. Other payload and flight hardware support facilities can endure winds of 110 mph.  Launch pads and the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility can withstand 125-mph winds. KSC-04pd1696

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, Atla...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, Atlantis’ wheels are raised into their wheel bays in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other preparations at... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility prepare the wheel bay to stow Atlantis’ landing gear in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other preparations at KSC include powering down the Space Shuttle orbiters, and closing their payload bay doors. Workers are also taking precautions against flooding by moving spacecraft hardware off the ground and sandbagging facilities. The Orbiter Processing Facility is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 105 mph.  The Vehicle Assembly Building is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 125 mph. Other payload and flight hardware support facilities can endure winds of 110 mph.  Launch pads and the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility can withstand 125-mph winds. KSC-04pd1694

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facili...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility prepare the wheel bay to stow Atlantis’ landing gear in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other prepa... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility prepare to close the nose wheel doors on Atlantis in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Preparations at KSC include powering down the Space Shuttle orbiters, closing their payload bay doors and stowing their landing gear. They are also taking precautions against flooding by moving spacecraft hardware off the ground and sandbagging facilities. The Orbiter Processing Facility is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 105 mph.  The Vehicle Assembly Building is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 125 mph. Other payload and flight hardware support facilities can endure winds of 110 mph.  Launch pads and the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility can withstand 125-mph winds. KSC-04pd1690

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facili...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility prepare to close the nose wheel doors on Atlantis in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Preparations a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  In the Orbiter Processing Facility, Atlantis’ payload bay doors are being closed in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other preparations at KSC include powering down the Space Shuttle orbiters and stowing the landing gear.  Workers are also taking precautions against flooding by moving spacecraft hardware off the ground and sandbagging facilities. The Orbiter Processing Facility is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 105 mph.  The Vehicle Assembly Building is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 125 mph. Other payload and flight hardware support facilities can endure winds of 110 mph.  Launch pads and the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility can withstand 125-mph winds. KSC-04pd1699

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, Atla...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, Atlantis’ payload bay doors are being closed in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other preparations at KSC ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  In the Space Station Processing Facility, modules wrapped in plastic line one wall.  The modules and equipment are being covered in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday.  KSC workers also have powered down the Space Shuttle orbiters, closed their payload bay doors and stowed the landing gear.  They are also taking precautions against flooding by moving spacecraft hardware off the ground and sandbagging facilities. The SSPF can withstand sustained winds of 110 mph and wind gusts up to 132 mph.  The Orbiter Processing Facility is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 105 mph.  The Vehicle Assembly Building is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 125 mph. Other payload and flight hardware support facilities can endure winds of 110 mph.  Launch pads and the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility can withstand 125-mph winds. KSC-04pd1715

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility, modules wrapped in plastic line one wall. The modules and equipment are being covered in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility unwrap plastic for use in covering equipment as part of preparations for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other preparations at KSC include powering down the Space Shuttle orbiters, closing the payload bay doors and stowing the landing gear.  Workers are also taking precautions against flooding by moving spacecraft hardware off the ground and sandbagging facilities. The Orbiter Processing Facility is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 105 mph.  The Vehicle Assembly Building is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 125 mph. Other payload and flight hardware support facilities can endure winds of 110 mph.  Launch pads and the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility can withstand 125-mph winds. KSC-04pd1707

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facili...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility unwrap plastic for use in covering equipment as part of preparations for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other prep... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  In the Orbiter Processing Facility, workers prepare to close the payload bay doors on Atlantis in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other preparations at KSC include powering down the Space Shuttle orbiters and stowing the landing gear.  Workers are also taking precautions against flooding by moving spacecraft hardware off the ground and sandbagging facilities. The Orbiter Processing Facility is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 105 mph.  The Vehicle Assembly Building is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 125 mph. Other payload and flight hardware support facilities can endure winds of 110 mph.  Launch pads and the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility can withstand 125-mph winds. KSC-04pd1698

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, work...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, workers prepare to close the payload bay doors on Atlantis in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other prepar... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  In the Orbiter Processing Facility, the payload bay doors on Atlantis are being closed in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other preparations at KSC include powering down the Space Shuttle orbiters and stowing the landing gear.  Workers are also taking precautions against flooding by moving spacecraft hardware off the ground and sandbagging facilities. The Orbiter Processing Facility is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 105 mph.  The Vehicle Assembly Building is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 125 mph. Other payload and flight hardware support facilities can endure winds of 110 mph.  Launch pads and the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility can withstand 125-mph winds. KSC-04pd1703

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, the ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, the payload bay doors on Atlantis are being closed in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other preparations a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  In the Orbiter Processing Facility, the payload bay doors on Atlantis are being closed in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other preparations at KSC include powering down the Space Shuttle orbiters and stowing the landing gear.  Workers are also taking precautions against flooding by moving spacecraft hardware off the ground and sandbagging facilities. The Orbiter Processing Facility is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 105 mph.  The Vehicle Assembly Building is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 125 mph. Other payload and flight hardware support facilities can endure winds of 110 mph.  Launch pads and the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility can withstand 125-mph winds. KSC-04pd1704

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, the ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, the payload bay doors on Atlantis are being closed in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other preparations a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  In the Orbiter Processing Facility, the payload bay doors on Atlantis are being closed in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other preparations at KSC include powering down the Space Shuttle orbiters and stowing the landing gear.  Workers are also taking precautions against flooding by moving spacecraft hardware off the ground and sandbagging facilities. The Orbiter Processing Facility is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 105 mph.  The Vehicle Assembly Building is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 125 mph. Other payload and flight hardware support facilities can endure winds of 110 mph.  Launch pads and the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility can withstand 125-mph winds. KSC-04pd1702

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, the ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, the payload bay doors on Atlantis are being closed in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other preparations a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers cover with plastic the U.S. Node 2 in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday.  Other modules and equipment are being covered as well.  Workers also have powered down the Space Shuttle orbiters, closed their payload bay doors and stowed the landing gear.  They are also taking precautions against flooding by moving spacecraft hardware off the ground and sandbagging facilities. The SSPF can withstand sustained winds of 110 mph and wind gusts up to 132 mph.  The Orbiter Processing Facility is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 105 mph.  The Vehicle Assembly Building is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 125 mph. Other payload and flight hardware support facilities can endure winds of 110 mph.  Launch pads and the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility can withstand 125-mph winds. KSC-04pd1712

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility, workers cover with plastic the U.S. Node 2 in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other modules and equ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  In the Orbiter Processing Facility, the payload bay doors on Atlantis are being closed in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other preparations at KSC include powering down the Space Shuttle orbiters and stowing the landing gear.  Workers are also taking precautions against flooding by moving spacecraft hardware off the ground and sandbagging facilities. The Orbiter Processing Facility is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 105 mph.  The Vehicle Assembly Building is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 125 mph. Other payload and flight hardware support facilities can endure winds of 110 mph.  Launch pads and the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility can withstand 125-mph winds. KSC-04pd1700

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, the ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, the payload bay doors on Atlantis are being closed in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other preparations a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility cover up areas of Atlantis with plastic, preparing for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other preparations at KSC include powering down the Space Shuttle orbiters, closing the payload bay doors and stowing the landing gear.  Workers are also taking precautions against flooding by moving spacecraft hardware off the ground and sandbagging facilities. The Orbiter Processing Facility is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 105 mph.  The Vehicle Assembly Building is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 125 mph. Other payload and flight hardware support facilities can endure winds of 110 mph.  Launch pads and the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility can withstand 125-mph winds. KSC-04pd1710

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facili...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility cover up areas of Atlantis with plastic, preparing for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other preparations at KSC in... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility cover up areas of Atlantis with plastic, preparing for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other preparations at KSC include powering down the Space Shuttle orbiters, closing the payload bay doors and stowing the landing gear.  Workers are also taking precautions against flooding by moving spacecraft hardware off the ground and sandbagging facilities. The Orbiter Processing Facility is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 105 mph.  The Vehicle Assembly Building is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 125 mph. Other payload and flight hardware support facilities can endure winds of 110 mph.  Launch pads and the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility can withstand 125-mph winds. KSC-04pd1709

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facili...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility cover up areas of Atlantis with plastic, preparing for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other preparations at KSC in... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  In the Space Station Processing Facility, modules and equipment are being covered in plastic in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday.  KSC workers also have powered down the Space Shuttle orbiters, closed their payload bay doors and stowed the landing gear.  They are also taking precautions against flooding by moving spacecraft hardware off the ground and sandbagging facilities. The SSPF can withstand sustained winds of 110 mph and wind gusts up to 132 mph.  The Orbiter Processing Facility is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 105 mph.  The Vehicle Assembly Building is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 125 mph. Other payload and flight hardware support facilities can endure winds of 110 mph.  Launch pads and the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility can withstand 125-mph winds. KSC-04pd1716

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility, modules and equipment are being covered in plastic in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. KSC workers a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility finish Hurricane preparations on the payload bay doors of Atlantis. Preparing for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday, workers also powered down the Space Shuttle orbiters, and stowed the landing gear.  They are also taking precautions against flooding by moving spacecraft hardware off the ground and sandbagging facilities. The Orbiter Processing Facility is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 105 mph.  The Vehicle Assembly Building is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 125 mph. Other payload and flight hardware support facilities can endure winds of 110 mph.  Launch pads and the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility can withstand 125-mph winds. KSC-04pd1711

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facili...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility finish Hurricane preparations on the payload bay doors of Atlantis. Preparing for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday, w... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility cover up areas of Atlantis, preparing for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other preparations at KSC include powering down the Space Shuttle orbiters, closing the payload bay doors and stowing the landing gear.  Workers are also taking precautions against flooding by moving spacecraft hardware off the ground and sandbagging facilities. The Orbiter Processing Facility is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 105 mph.  The Vehicle Assembly Building is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 125 mph. Other payload and flight hardware support facilities can endure winds of 110 mph.  Launch pads and the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility can withstand 125-mph winds. KSC-04pd1708

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facili...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility cover up areas of Atlantis, preparing for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. Other preparations at KSC include powerin... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  In the Space Station Processing Facility, a worker wraps equipment in plastic in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. The various modules in the SSPF, such as the Japanese Experiment Module, U.S. Node 2 and Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules, are being covered as well. KSC workers also have powered down the Space Shuttle orbiters, closed their payload bay doors and stowed the landing gear.  They are also taking precautions against flooding by moving spacecraft hardware off the ground and sandbagging facilities. The SSPF can withstand sustained winds of 110 mph and wind gusts up to 132 mph.  The Orbiter Processing Facility is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 105 mph.  The Vehicle Assembly Building is constructed of concrete and steel and was designed to withstand winds of 125 mph. Other payload and flight hardware support facilities can endure winds of 110 mph.  Launch pads and the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility can withstand 125-mph winds. KSC-04pd1717

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility, a worker wraps equipment in plastic in preparation for the expected impact of Hurricane Frances on Saturday. The various modules in the SS... More

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