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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians, lying on a work platform, remove window #8 from the top of the crew module of space shuttle Atlantis. Inspection and maintenance of the crew module windows is standard procedure between shuttle missions. Atlantis is next slated to deliver an Integrated Cargo Carrier and Russian-built Mini Research Module to the International Space Station on the STS-132 mission. The second in a series of new pressurized components for Russia, the module will be permanently attached to the Zarya module. Three spacewalks are planned to store spare components outside the station, including six spare batteries, a boom assembly for the Ku-band antenna and spares for the Canadian Dextre robotic arm extension. A radiator, airlock and European robotic arm for the Russian Multi-purpose Laboratory Module also are payloads on the flight. Launch is targeted for May 14. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2010-1082

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility 1 at NASA's Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians, lying on a work platform, remove window #8 from the top of the crew module o... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson and Pilot Doug Hurley perform touch-and-go landings aboard a Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA) at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. An STA is a Gulfstream II jet that is modified to mimic the shuttle's handling during the final phase of landing. Ferguson and Hurley practice landings as part of standard procedure before space shuttle Atlantis' launch to the International Space Station. Atlantis and its crew are scheduled to lift off at 11:26 a.m. EDT on July 8 to deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2011-5036

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson and Pilot Dou...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson and Pilot Doug Hurley perform touch-and-go landings aboard a Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA) at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Cent... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a United Space Alliance technician, lying on a work platform, works inside the crew module of space shuttle Atlantis following removal of window #8. Inspection and maintenance of the crew module windows is standard procedure between shuttle missions. Atlantis is next slated to deliver an Integrated Cargo Carrier and Russian-built Mini Research Module to the International Space Station on the STS-132 mission. The second in a series of new pressurized components for Russia, the module will be permanently attached to the Zarya module. Three spacewalks are planned to store spare components outside the station, including six spare batteries, a boom assembly for the Ku-band antenna and spares for the Canadian Dextre robotic arm extension. A radiator, airlock and European robotic arm for the Russian Multi-purpose Laboratory Module also are payloads on the flight. Launch is targeted for May 14. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2010-1083

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility 1 at NASA's Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a United Space Alliance technician, lying on a work platform, works inside the crew module of space shuttle Atl... More

The Spacelab long transfer tunnel that leads from the Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia’s crew airlock to the Microgravity Science Laboratory-1 (MSL-1) Spacelab module in the spaceplane’s payload bay is removed in Orbiter Processing Facility 1. The tunnel was taken out to allow better access to the MSL-1 module during reservicing operations to prepare it for its reflight as MSL-1R. That mission is now scheduled to lift off July 1. This was the first time that this type of payload was reserviced without removing it from the payload bay. This new procedure pioneers processing efforts for quick relaunch turnaround times for future payloads. The Spacelab module was scheduled to fly again with the full complement of STS-83 experiments after that mission was cut short due to a faulty fuel cell. During the scheduled 16-day reflight, the experiments will be used to test some of the hardware, facilities and procedures that are planned for use on the International Space Station while the flight crew conducts combustion, protein crystal growth and materials processing experiments KSC-97pc671

The Spacelab long transfer tunnel that leads from the Space Shuttle Or...

The Spacelab long transfer tunnel that leads from the Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia’s crew airlock to the Microgravity Science Laboratory-1 (MSL-1) Spacelab module in the spaceplane’s payload bay is removed in... More

The Spacelab long transfer tunnel that leads from the Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia’s crew airlock to the Microgravity Science Laboratory-1 (MSL-1) Spacelab module in the spaceplane’s payload bay is removed by KSC paylaod processing employees in Orbiter Processing Facility 1. The tunnel was taken out to allow better access to the MSL-1 module during reservicing operations to prepare it for its reflight as MSL-1R. That mission is now scheduled to lift off July 1. This was the first time that this type of payload was reserviced without removing it from the payload bay. This new procedure pioneers processing efforts for quick relaunch turnaround times for future payloads. The Spacelab module was scheduled to fly again with the full complement of STS-83 experiments after that mission was cut short due to a faulty fuel cell. During the scheduled 16-day reflight, the experiments will be used to test some of the hardware, facilities and procedures that are planned for use on the International Space Station while the flight crew conducts combustion, protein crystal growth and materials processing experiments KSC-97pc670

The Spacelab long transfer tunnel that leads from the Space Shuttle Or...

The Spacelab long transfer tunnel that leads from the Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia’s crew airlock to the Microgravity Science Laboratory-1 (MSL-1) Spacelab module in the spaceplane’s payload bay is removed by... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- KSC payloads processing employees work to reservice the Microgravity Science Laboratory-1 (MSL-1) Spacelab module in the Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia’s payload bay for the STS-94 mission in Orbiter Processing Facility 1. That mission is now scheduled to lift off in early July. This was the first time that this type of payload was reserviced without removing it from the payload bay. This new procedure pioneers processing efforts for quick relaunch turnaround times for future payloads. The Spacelab module was scheduled to fly again with the full complement of STS-83 experiments after that mission was cut short due to a faulty fuel cell. During the scheduled 16-day STS-94 mission, the experiments will be used to test some of the hardware, facilities and procedures that are planned for use on the International Space Station while the flight crew conducts combustion, protein crystal growth and materials processing experiments KSC-97pc763

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- KSC payloads processing employees work t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- KSC payloads processing employees work to reservice the Microgravity Science Laboratory-1 (MSL-1) Spacelab module in the Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia’s payload bay for the STS-94... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- KSC payloads processing employees work to reservice the Microgravity Science Laboratory-1 (MSL-1) Spacelab module in the Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia’s payload bay for the STS-94 mission in Orbiter Processing Facility 1. That mission is now scheduled to lift off in early July. This was the first time that this type of payload was reserviced without removing it from the payload bay. This new procedure pioneers processing efforts for quick relaunch turnaround times for future payloads. The Spacelab module was scheduled to fly again with the full complement of STS-83 experiments after that mission was cut short due to a faulty fuel cell. During the scheduled 16-day STS-94 mission, the experiments will be used to test some of the hardware, facilities and procedures that are planned for use on the International Space Station while the flight crew conducts combustion, protein crystal growth and materials processing experiments KSC-97pc762

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- KSC payloads processing employees work t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- KSC payloads processing employees work to reservice the Microgravity Science Laboratory-1 (MSL-1) Spacelab module in the Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia’s payload bay for the STS-94... More

KSC payloads processing employees work to reservice the Microgravity Science Laboratory-1 (MSL-1) Spacelab module in the Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia’s payload bay for the STS-94 mission in Orbiter Processing Facility 1. That mission is now scheduled to lift off in early July. This was the first time that this type of payload was reserviced without removing it from the payload bay. This new procedure pioneers processing efforts for quick relaunch turnaround times for future payloads. The Spacelab module was scheduled to fly again with the full complement of STS-83 experiments after that mission was cut short due to a faulty fuel cell. During the scheduled 16-day STS-94 mission, the experiments will be used to test some of the hardware, facilities and procedures that are planned for use on the International Space Station while the flight crew conducts combustion, protein crystal growth and materials processing experiments KSC-97pc761

KSC payloads processing employees work to reservice the Microgravity S...

KSC payloads processing employees work to reservice the Microgravity Science Laboratory-1 (MSL-1) Spacelab module in the Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia’s payload bay for the STS-94 mission in Orbiter Processing... More

KSC payload processing employees in Orbiter Processing Facility 1 prepare the Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia’s crew airlock and payload bay for the reinstallation of the Spacelab long transfer tunnel that leads from the airlock to the Microgravity Science Laboratory-1 (MSL-1) Spacelab module. The tunnel was taken out after the STS-83 mission to allow better access to the MSL-1 module during reservicing operations to prepare it for for the STS-94 mission. That space flight is now scheduled to lift off in early July. This was the first time that this type of payload was reserviced without removing it from the payload bay. This new procedure pioneers processing efforts for quick relaunch turnaround times for future payloads. The Spacelab module was scheduled to fly again with the full complement of STS-83 experiments after that mission was cut short due to a faulty fuel cell. During the scheduled 16-day STS-94 mission, the experiments will be used to test some of the hardware, facilities and procedures that are planned for use on the International Space Station while the flight crew conducts combustion, protein crystal growth and materials processing experiments KSC-97pc764

KSC payload processing employees in Orbiter Processing Facility 1 prep...

KSC payload processing employees in Orbiter Processing Facility 1 prepare the Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia’s crew airlock and payload bay for the reinstallation of the Spacelab long transfer tunnel that leads... More

While KSC workers in the Launch Complex 39 Area watch, The Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia rolls over to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) June 4 from Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF)1 atop its transporter in preparation for the STS-94 mission. Once inside the VAB, Columbia will be hoisted to be mated with its solid rocket boosters and external tank. Columbia was moved to the OPF April 8 after the completion of the STS-83 mission. KSC payloads processing employees then began work to reservice the Microgravity Science Laboratory-1 (MSL-1) Spacelab module in the orbiter’s payload bay for the STS-94 mission. This was the first time that this type of payload was reserviced without removing it from the payload bay. This new procedure pioneers processing efforts for possible quick relaunch turnaround times for future payloads. The MSL-1 module will fly again with the full complement of STS-83 experiments after that mission was cut short due to indications of a faulty fuel cell. During the scheduled 16-day STS-94 mission, the experiments will be used to test some of the hardware, facilities and procedures that are planned for use on the International Space Station while the flight crew conducts combustion, protein crystal growth and materials processing experiments KSC-97PC879

While KSC workers in the Launch Complex 39 Area watch, The Space Shut...

While KSC workers in the Launch Complex 39 Area watch, The Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia rolls over to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) June 4 from Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF)1 atop its transporter ... More

The Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia is reflected in a nearby pond as it rolls over to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) June 4 from Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) 1 atop its transporter in preparation for the STS-94 mission. Once inside the VAB, Columbia will be hoisted to be mated with its solid rocket boosters and external tank. Columbia was moved to the OPF April 8 after the completion of the STS-83 mission. KSC payloads processing employees then began work to reservice the Microgravity Science Laboratory-1 (MSL-1) Spacelab module in the orbiter’s payload bay for the STS-94 mission. This was the first time that this type of payload was reserviced without removing it from the payload bay. This new procedure pioneers processing efforts for possible quick relaunch turnaround times for future payloads. The MSL-1 module will fly again with the full complement of STS-83 experiments after that mission was cut short due to indications of a faulty fuel cell. During the scheduled 16-day STS-94 mission, the experiments will be used to test some of the hardware, facilities and procedures that are planned for use on the International Space Station while the flight crew conducts combustion, protein crystal growth and materials processing experiments KSC-97PC880

The Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia is reflected in a nearby pond as i...

The Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia is reflected in a nearby pond as it rolls over to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) June 4 from Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) 1 atop its transporter in preparation for... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-88 Mission Specialist Jerry L. Ross (center) removes the cover from the Unity connecting module, part of the International Space Station, so that he and Boeing Technician Doug Adams (left) can inspect it. Training Technician Glenda Laws (right) watches the procedure. The STS-88 crew is participating in the Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT) held in the Space Station Processing Facility. The CEIT gives astronauts an opportunity for a hands-on look at the payloads on which they will be working while on orbit. STS-88 will be the first Space Shuttle launch for the International Space Station. Launch is scheduled for December 1998 KSC-98pc842

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-88 Mission Specialist Jerry L. Ross ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-88 Mission Specialist Jerry L. Ross (center) removes the cover from the Unity connecting module, part of the International Space Station, so that he and Boeing Technician Doug ... More

At Launch Pad 39B, Capt. Steve Kelly, with Fire Services, explains part of the emergency egress procedure to the STS-96 crew. Mission Specialist Daniel Barry (M.D., Ph.D.) is in the evacuation seat and training officer Gina Tucker behind him. In the background, workers at the pad look on. The STS-96 crew are taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities which also provide simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. The other crew members are Commander Kent V. Rominger, Pilot Rick Douglas Husband and Mission Specialists Ellen Ochoa (Ph.D.), Tamara E. Jernigan (Ph.D.), Julie Payette, with the Canadian Space Agency, and Valery Ivanovich Tokarev, with the Russian Space Agency. STS-96, which is scheduled for liftoff on May 20 at 9:32 a.m., is a logistics and resupply mission for the International Space Station, carrying such payloads as a Russian crane, the Strela; a U.S.-built crane; the Spacehab Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), a logistics items carrier; and STARSHINE, a student-led experiment KSC-99pp0465

At Launch Pad 39B, Capt. Steve Kelly, with Fire Services, explains par...

At Launch Pad 39B, Capt. Steve Kelly, with Fire Services, explains part of the emergency egress procedure to the STS-96 crew. Mission Specialist Daniel Barry (M.D., Ph.D.) is in the evacuation seat and training... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, a newly installed nose cap on the orbiter Atlantis looks pristine amid the complexities of other equipment. The nose cap was removed from the vehicle in May and sent back to the vendor for thorough Non-Destructive Engineering evaluation and recoating. Thermography was also performed to check for internal flaws. This procedure uses high intensity light to heat areas that are immediately scanned with an infrared camera. White Thermal Protection System blankets were reinstalled on the nose cap before installation. Processing continues on Atlantis for its future mission to the International Space Station. KSC-04pd1683

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, a newly installed nose cap on the orbiter Atlantis looks pristine amid the complexities of other equipment. The nose cap was removed from the ve... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, workers help guide the nose cap (right) toward the orbiter Atlantis for installation. The nose cap was removed from the vehicle in May and sent back to the vendor for thorough Non-Destructive Engineering evaluation and recoating. Thermography was also performed to check for internal flaws. This procedure uses high intensity light to heat areas that are immediately scanned with an infrared camera. White Thermal Protection System blankets were reinstalled on the nose cap before installation. Processing continues on Atlantis for its future mission to the International Space Station. KSC-04pd1680

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, workers help guide the nose cap (right) toward the orbiter Atlantis for installation. The nose cap was removed from the vehicle in May and sent b... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, workers lower the nose cap toward the orbiter Atlantis for installation. The nose cap was removed from the vehicle in May and sent back to the vendor for thorough Non-Destructive Engineering evaluation and recoating. Thermography was also performed to check for internal flaws. This procedure uses high intensity light to heat areas that are immediately scanned with an infrared camera. White Thermal Protection System blankets were reinstalled on the nose cap before installation. Processing continues on Atlantis for its future mission to the International Space Station. KSC-04pd1678

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, workers lower the nose cap toward the orbiter Atlantis for installation. The nose cap was removed from the vehicle in May and sent back to the ve... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, workers help install the nose cap on the orbiter Atlantis. The nose cap was removed from the vehicle in May and sent back to the vendor for thorough Non-Destructive Engineering evaluation and recoating. Thermography was also performed to check for internal flaws. This procedure uses high intensity light to heat areas that are immediately scanned with an infrared camera. White Thermal Protection System blankets were reinstalled on the nose cap before installation. Processing continues on Atlantis for its future mission to the International Space Station. KSC-04pd1679

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, workers help install the nose cap on the orbiter Atlantis. The nose cap was removed from the vehicle in May and sent back to the vendor for thoro... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, workers check the fit of the nose cap (right) after installation on the orbiter Atlantis. The nose cap was removed from the vehicle in May and sent back to the vendor for thorough Non-Destructive Engineering evaluation and recoating. Thermography was also performed to check for internal flaws. This procedure uses high intensity light to heat areas that are immediately scanned with an infrared camera. White Thermal Protection System blankets were reinstalled on the nose cap before installation. Processing continues on Atlantis for its future mission to the International Space Station. KSC-04pd1682

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, workers check the fit of the nose cap (right) after installation on the orbiter Atlantis. The nose cap was removed from the vehicle in May and s... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, workers help install the nose cap (right) onto the orbiter Atlantis. The nose cap was removed from the vehicle in May and sent back to the vendor for thorough Non-Destructive Engineering evaluation and recoating. Thermography was also performed to check for internal flaws. This procedure uses high intensity light to heat areas that are immediately scanned with an infrared camera. White Thermal Protection System blankets were reinstalled on the nose cap before installation. Processing continues on Atlantis for its future mission to the International Space Station. KSC-04pd1681

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, workers help install the nose cap (right) onto the orbiter Atlantis. The nose cap was removed from the vehicle in May and sent back to the vendo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, Ross Neubarth, with United Space Alliance, prepares Discovery’s nose cap for thermography. This procedure uses high intensity light to heat areas that are immediately scanned with an infrared camera to check for internal flaws. The thermography is one type of inspection to verify integrity of hardware before flight. Discovery is the vehicle assigned to the Return to Flight mission, STS-114. KSC-04pd0866

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, Ross Neubarth, with United Space Alliance, prepares Discovery’s nose cap for thermography. This procedure uses high intensity light to heat are... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jim Landy, NDE specialist with United Space Alliance (USA), examines a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel using flash thermography. A relatively new procedure at KSC, thermography uses high intensity light to heat areas of the panels. The panels are then immediately scanned with an infrared camera. As the panels cool, any internal flaws are revealed. The gray carbon composite RCC panels are attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters. They have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry. The panels will be installed on the orbiter Discovery, designated for the first Return to Flight mission, STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jim Landy, NDE specialist with United Sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jim Landy, NDE specialist with United Space Alliance (USA), examines a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel using flash thermography. A relatively new procedure at KSC, thermography use... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dan Phillips (left) and Donald Nielen, with United Space Alliance, watch a monitor as Jim Landy, NDE specialist with USA, prepares to examine a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel (on the table, center) using flash thermography. A relatively new procedure at KSC, thermography uses high intensity light to heat areas of the panels. The panels are then immediately scanned with an infrared camera. As the panels cool, any internal flaws are revealed. The gray carbon composite RCC panels are attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters. They have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry. The panels will be installed on the orbiter Discovery, designated for the first Return to Flight mission, STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dan Phillips (left) and Donald Nielen, w...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dan Phillips (left) and Donald Nielen, with United Space Alliance, watch a monitor as Jim Landy, NDE specialist with USA, prepares to examine a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel (on ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, Ken Tauer (left) and Paul Ogletree, with United Space Alliance, check an area on Discovery’s nose cap before conducting thermography on the nose cap. At the bottom, Ross Neubarth looks at the monitor. Thermography is one type of inspection to verify integrity of hardware before flight. This procedure uses high intensity light to heat areas that are immediately scanned with an infrared camera to check for internal flaws. Discovery is the vehicle assigned to the Return to Flight mission, STS-114. KSC-04pd0867

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, Ken Tauer (left) and Paul Ogletree, with United Space Alliance, check an area on Discovery’s nose cap before conducting thermography on the nose... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jim Landy, NDE specialist with United Space Alliance, sets up equipment to examine a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel using flash thermography. A relatively new procedure at KSC, thermography uses high intensity light to heat areas of the panels. The panels are then immediately scanned with an infrared camera. As the panels cool, any internal flaws are revealed. The gray carbon composite RCC panels are attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters. They have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry. The panels will be installed on the orbiter Discovery, designated for the first Return to Flight mission, STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jim Landy, NDE specialist with United Sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jim Landy, NDE specialist with United Space Alliance, sets up equipment to examine a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel using flash thermography. A relatively new procedure at KSC, th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jim Landy, NDE specialist with United Space Alliance (USA), prepares equipment to examine a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel using flash thermography. A relatively new procedure at KSC, thermography uses high intensity light to heat areas of the panels. The panels are then immediately scanned with an infrared camera. As the panels cool, any internal flaws are revealed. The gray carbon composite RCC panels are attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters. They have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry. The panels will be installed on the orbiter Discovery, designated for the first Return to Flight mission, STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jim Landy, NDE specialist with United Sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jim Landy, NDE specialist with United Space Alliance (USA), prepares equipment to examine a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel using flash thermography. A relatively new procedure at ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jim Landy, NDE specialist with USA, points to an area of a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel just examined using flash thermography. A relatively new procedure at KSC, thermography uses high intensity light to heat areas of the panels. The panels are then immediately scanned with an infrared camera. As the panels cool, any internal flaws are revealed. The gray carbon composite RCC panels are attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters. They have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry. The panels will be installed on the orbiter Discovery, designated for the first Return to Flight mission, STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jim Landy, NDE specialist with USA, poin...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jim Landy, NDE specialist with USA, points to an area of a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel just examined using flash thermography. A relatively new procedure at KSC, thermography ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance worker Ross Neubarth checks the monitor during thermography of Discovery’s nose cap. Thermography is one type of inspection to verify integrity of hardware before flight. This procedure uses high intensity light to heat areas that are immediately scanned with an infrared camera to check for internal flaws. Discovery is the vehicle assigned to the Return to Flight mission, STS-114. KSC-04pd0869

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance worker Ross Neubarth checks the monitor during thermography of Discovery’s nose cap. Thermography is one type of inspecti... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance (USA) worker Paul Ogletree points to an area on Discovery’s nose cap while Ross Neubarth (right), also with USA, looks at the monitor. Behind Ogletree is USA worker Ken Tauer. The nose cap is undergoing thermography, one type of inspection to verify integrity of hardware before flight. This procedure uses high intensity light to heat areas that are immediately scanned with an infrared camera to check for internal flaws. Discovery is the vehicle assigned to the Return to Flight mission, STS-114. KSC-04pd0871

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance (USA) worker Paul Ogletree points to an area on Discovery’s nose cap while Ross Neubarth (right), also with USA, looks at ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jim Landy, NDE specialist with USA, looks closely at an area of a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel just examined using flash thermography. A relatively new procedure at KSC, thermography uses high intensity light to heat areas of the panels. The panels are then immediately scanned with an infrared camera. As the panels cool, any internal flaws are revealed. The gray carbon composite RCC panels are attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters. They have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry. The panels will be installed on the orbiter Discovery, designated for the first Return to Flight mission, STS-114. KSC-04pd0450

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jim Landy, NDE specialist with USA, look...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jim Landy, NDE specialist with USA, looks closely at an area of a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel just examined using flash thermography. A relatively new procedure at KSC, thermogr... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance workers Ross Neubarth and Paul Ogletree (foreground, left and right) look at the monitor for results of thermography on Discovery’s nose cap. Behind them is Ken Tauer. Thermography is one type of inspection to verify integrity of hardware before flight. This procedure uses high intensity light to heat areas that are immediately scanned with an infrared camera to check for internal flaws. Discovery is the vehicle assigned to the Return to Flight mission, STS-114. KSC-04pd0870

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance workers Ross Neubarth and Paul Ogletree (foreground, left and right) look at the monitor for results of thermography on Di... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, from left, United Space Alliance workers Ken Tauer and Paul Ogletree set up an infrared camera in front of Discovery’s nose cap while Ross Neubarth checks the monitor. The nose cap will undergo thermography to verify integrity of hardware before flight. This procedure uses high intensity light to heat areas that are immediately scanned with an infrared camera to check for internal flaws. Discovery is the vehicle assigned to the Return to Flight mission, STS-114. KSC-04pd0868

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, from left, United Space Alliance workers Ken Tauer and Paul Ogletree set up an infrared camera in front of Discovery’s nose cap while Ross Neuba... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam heads for the slidewire baskets. He and other crew members are practicing the emergency egress procedure to get off the pad, part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal countdown demonstration test. The TCDT includes a simulated launch countdown and payload familiarization. The STS-116 mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2608

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed serv...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam heads for the slidewire baskets. He and other crew members are pr... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 crew members sit in a slidewire basket, part of the emergency egress system. In the front is Mission Specialist Sunita Williams; behind her are Mission Specialists Joan Higginbotham and Christer Fuglesang. They and other crew members are practicing the emergency egress procedure to get off the pad, part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal countdown demonstration test. The TCDT includes a simulated launch countdown and payload familiarization. The STS-116 mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2607

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the 195-foot level of the fixed s...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 crew members sit in a slidewire basket, part of the emergency egress system. In the front is Mi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang heads for the slidewire baskets. He and other crew members are practicing the emergency egress procedure to get off the pad, part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal countdown demonstration test. The TCDT includes a simulated launch countdown and payload familiarization. The STS-116 mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2606

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed serv...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang heads for the slidewire baskets. He and other crew members a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 crew members gather after completing the emergency egress procedure. Seen here are Commander Mark Polansky (left) and Pilot William Oefelein (right). They and other crew members are practicing the emergency egress system to get off the pad, part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal countdown demonstration test. The TCDT includes a simulated launch countdown and payload familiarization. The STS-116 mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2612

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed serv...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 crew members gather after completing the emergency egress procedure. Seen here are Commander Mark ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Pilot William Oefelein (left) and Commander Mark Polansky head for the slidewire baskets, part of the emergency egress system. They and other crew members are practicing the procedure to get off the pad that are part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal countdown demonstration test. The TCDT includes a simulated launch countdown and payload familiarization. The STS-116 mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2610

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed serv...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Pilot William Oefelein (left) and Commander Mark Polansky head for the slidewire baskets, part of t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick sit in a slidewire basket, part of the emergency egress system. Behind him in the basket is Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam. He and other crew members are practicing the procedure to get off the pad that are part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal countdown demonstration test. The TCDT includes a simulated launch countdown and payload familiarization. The STS-116 mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2609

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the 195-foot level of the fixed se...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick sit in a slidewire basket, part of the emergency egress syste... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 crew members receive instruction on emergency egress during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. From left are Mission Specialist Danny Olivas, Commander Rick Sturckow, Pilot Lee Archambault, and Mission Specialists James Reilly, Steven Swanson and Patrick Forrester. They are practicing the emergency egress procedure using the slidewire basket system to get off the pad. The TCDT also includes M-113 armored personnel carrier training, and a simulated launch countdown. The mission payload aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, along with a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0489

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the 195-foot level of the fixed serv...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 crew members receive instruction on emergency egress during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 crew members receive instruction on emergency egress during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. From left are Commander Rick Sturckow, Mission Specialist Danny Olivas and Pilot Lee Archambault. They and other crew members are practicing the emergency egress procedure using the slidewire basket system to get off the pad. The TCDT also includes M-113 armored personnel carrier training, and a simulated launch countdown. The mission payload aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, along with a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0487

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the 195-foot level of the fixed serv...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 crew members receive instruction on emergency egress during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Mission Specialists Patrick Forrester (front) and Steven Swanson sit in a slidewire basket, part of the emergency egress system. They and other crew members are practicing the emergency egress procedure to get off the pad, part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT). The TCDT also includes M-113 armored personnel carrier training and payload familiarization. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett. KSC-07pd0539

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the 195-foot level of the fixed se...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Mission Specialists Patrick Forrester (front) and Steven Swanson sit in a slidewire basket, part ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Mission Specialists Danny Olivas (front) and James Reilly sit in a slidewire basket, part of the emergency egress system. They and other crew members are practicing the emergency egress procedure to get off the pad, part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT). The TCDT also includes M-113 armored personnel carrier training and payload familiarization. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett. KSC-07pd0537

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the 195-foot level of the fixed se...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Mission Specialists Danny Olivas (front) and James Reilly sit in a slidewire basket, part of the ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault (front) and Commander Rick Sturckow sit in a slidewire basket, part of the emergency egress system. They and other crew members are practicing the emergency egress procedure to get off the pad, part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal countdown demonstration test. The TCDT also includes M-113 armored personnel carrier training and payload familiarization. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett. KSC-07pd0541

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the 195-foot level of the fixed se...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault (front) and Commander Rick Sturckow sit in a slidewire basket, part of the ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault (front) and Commander Rick Sturckow head for the slidewire baskets. They and other crew members are practicing the emergency egress procedure to get off the pad, part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT). The TCDT also includes M-113 armored personnel carrier training and payload familiarization. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett. KSC-07pd0540

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed ser...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault (front) and Commander Rick Sturckow head for the slidewire baskets. They an... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Mission Specialists Steven Swanson and Patrick Forrester (directly behind him) head for the slidewire baskets. They and other crew members are practicing the emergency egress procedure to get off the pad, part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT). The TCDT also includes M-113 armored personnel carrier training and payload familiarization. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett. KSC-07pd0538

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed ser...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Mission Specialists Steven Swanson and Patrick Forrester (directly behind him) head for the slide... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Mission Specialists James Reilly (front) and Danny Olivas head for the slidewire baskets. They and other crew members are practicing the emergency egress procedure to get off the pad, part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT). The TCDT also includes M-113 armored personnel carrier training and payload familiarization. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett. KSC-07pd0536

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed serv...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Mission Specialists James Reilly (front) and Danny Olivas head for the slidewire baskets. They and... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On June 11, during a procedure to prepare the Dawn spacecraft for spin-balance testing, the back of a solar array panel was slightly damaged by a technician's tool. The size of the affected area is about 2.5 inches by 2 inches. The necessary minor repairs will be made during the coming weekend. There is no impact to the launch date of July 7. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Photo courtesy of Orbital Sciences KSC-07pd1502

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On June 11, during a procedure to prepa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On June 11, during a procedure to prepare the Dawn spacecraft for spin-balance testing, the back of a solar array panel was slightly damaged by a technician's tool. The size of t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On June 11, during a procedure to prepare the Dawn spacecraft for spin-balance testing, the back of a solar array panel was slightly damaged by a technician's tool. The size of the affected area is about 2.5 inches by 2 inches. The necessary minor repairs will be made during the coming weekend. There is no impact to the launch date of July 7. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Photo courtesy of Orbital Sciences KSC-07pd1504

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On June 11, during a procedure to prepa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On June 11, during a procedure to prepare the Dawn spacecraft for spin-balance testing, the back of a solar array panel was slightly damaged by a technician's tool. The size of t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On June 11, during a procedure to prepare the Dawn spacecraft for spin-balance testing, the back of a solar array panel was slightly damaged by a technician's tool. The size of the affected area is about 2.5 inches by 2 inches. The necessary minor repairs will be made during the coming weekend. There is no impact to the launch date of July 7. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Photo courtesy of Orbital Sciences KSC-07pd1503

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On June 11, during a procedure to prepa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On June 11, during a procedure to prepare the Dawn spacecraft for spin-balance testing, the back of a solar array panel was slightly damaged by a technician's tool. The size of t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A technicians from Dutch Space gets underneath the solar array panel on the Dawn spacecraft to look at the slight damage done by a technician's tool June 11 during a procedure to prepare Dawn for spin-balance testing. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch by investigating in detail the largest protoplanets that have remained intact since their formations: asteroid Vesta and the dwarf planet Ceres. They reside in the extensive zone between Mars and Jupiter together with many other smaller bodies, called the asteroid belt. Dawn is scheduled to launch July 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd1518

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A technicians from Dutch Space gets und...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A technicians from Dutch Space gets underneath the solar array panel on the Dawn spacecraft to look at the slight damage done by a technician's tool June 11 during a procedure to ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This closeup shows the slight damage done by a technician's tool to the back of a solar array panel on June 11 during a procedure to prepare the Dawn spacecraft for spin-balance testing. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch by investigating in detail the largest protoplanets that have remained intact since their formations: asteroid Vesta and the dwarf planet Ceres. They reside in the extensive zone between Mars and Jupiter together with many other smaller bodies, called the asteroid belt. Dawn is scheduled to launch July 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd1516

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This closeup shows the slight damage d...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This closeup shows the slight damage done by a technician's tool to the back of a solar array panel on June 11 during a procedure to prepare the Dawn spacecraft for spin-balance ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Technicians from Dutch Space get underneath the solar array panel on the Dawn spacecraft to look at the slight damage done by a technician's tool June 11 during a procedure to prepare Dawn for spin-balance testing. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch by investigating in detail the largest protoplanets that have remained intact since their formations: asteroid Vesta and the dwarf planet Ceres. They reside in the extensive zone between Mars and Jupiter together with many other smaller bodies, called the asteroid belt. Dawn is scheduled to launch July 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd1517

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Technicians from Dutch Space get under...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Technicians from Dutch Space get underneath the solar array panel on the Dawn spacecraft to look at the slight damage done by a technician's tool June 11 during a procedure to pr... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This closeup shows the slight damage done by a technician's tool to the back of a solar array panel on June 11 during a procedure to prepare the Dawn spacecraft for spin-balance testing. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch by investigating in detail the largest protoplanets that have remained intact since their formations: asteroid Vesta and the dwarf planet Ceres. They reside in the extensive zone between Mars and Jupiter together with many other smaller bodies, called the asteroid belt. Dawn is scheduled to launch July 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd1519

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This closeup shows the slight damage d...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This closeup shows the slight damage done by a technician's tool to the back of a solar array panel on June 11 during a procedure to prepare the Dawn spacecraft for spin-balance ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --At Astrotech, engineers from Dutch Space prepare materials to make repairs on the slight damage done by a technician's tool to the back of a solar array panel of the Dawn spacecraft on June 11 during a procedure to prepare Dawn for spin-balance testing. The size of the affected area is about 2.5 inches by 2 inches. There is no impact to the launch date of July 7. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1530

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --At Astrotech, engineers from Dutch Space ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --At Astrotech, engineers from Dutch Space prepare materials to make repairs on the slight damage done by a technician's tool to the back of a solar array panel of the Dawn spacecraft... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The area of slight damage done by a technician's tool to the back of a solar array panel on the Dawn spacecraft is under repair. The damage occurred at Astrotech on June 11 during a procedure to prepare Dawn for spin-balance testing. The size of the affected area is about 2.5 inches by 2 inches. There is no impact to the launch date of July 7. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1532

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The area of slight damage done by a tech...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The area of slight damage done by a technician's tool to the back of a solar array panel on the Dawn spacecraft is under repair. The damage occurred at Astrotech on June 11 during... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, engineers from Dutch Space prepare materials to make repairs on the slight damage done by a technician's tool to the back of a solar array panel of the Dawn spacecraft on June 11 during a procedure to prepare Dawn for spin-balance testing. The size of the affected area is about 2.5 inches by 2 inches. There is no impact to the launch date of July 7. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1533

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, engineers from Dutch Spac...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, engineers from Dutch Space prepare materials to make repairs on the slight damage done by a technician's tool to the back of a solar array panel of the Dawn spacecra... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --At Astrotech, engineers from Dutch Space are making repairs on the slight damage done by a technician's tool to the back of a solar array panel of the Dawn spacecraft on June 11 during a procedure to prepare Dawn for spin-balance testing. The size of the affected area is about 2.5 inches by 2 inches. There is no impact to the launch date of July 7. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1531

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --At Astrotech, engineers from Dutch Space ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --At Astrotech, engineers from Dutch Space are making repairs on the slight damage done by a technician's tool to the back of a solar array panel of the Dawn spacecraft on June 11 dur... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, engineers from Dutch Space are making repairs on the slight damage done by a technician's tool to the back of a solar array panel of the Dawn spacecraft on June 11 during a procedure to prepare Dawn for spin-balance testing. The size of the affected area is about 2.5 inches by 2 inches. There is no impact to the launch date of July 7. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1534

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, engineers from Dutch Spac...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, engineers from Dutch Space are making repairs on the slight damage done by a technician's tool to the back of a solar array panel of the Dawn spacecraft on June 11 d... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, engineers from Dutch Space are making repairs on the slight damage done by a technician's tool to the back of a solar array panel of the Dawn spacecraft on June 11 during a procedure to prepare Dawn for spin-balance testing. The size of the affected area is about 2.5 inches by 2 inches. There is no impact to the launch date of July 7. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1529

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, engineers from Dutch Space...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, engineers from Dutch Space are making repairs on the slight damage done by a technician's tool to the back of a solar array panel of the Dawn spacecraft on June 11 du... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, an engineer from Dutch Space is making repairs on the slight damage done by a technician's tool to the back of a solar array panel of the Dawn spacecraft on June 11 during a procedure to prepare Dawn for spin-balance testing. The size of the affected area is about 2.5 inches by 2 inches. There is no impact to the launch date of July 7. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1535

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, an engineer from Dutch Sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, an engineer from Dutch Space is making repairs on the slight damage done by a technician's tool to the back of a solar array panel of the Dawn spacecraft on June 11 ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, a Dutch Space technician repairs the damage to the lower edge of the solar array panel on the Dawn spacecraft. On June 11, during a procedure to prepare the Dawn spacecraft for spin-balance testing, the back of a solar array panel was slightly damaged by a technician's tool. The size of the affected area is about 2.5 inches by 2 inches. There is no impact to the launch date of July 7. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1587

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, a Dutch Space technician...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, a Dutch Space technician repairs the damage to the lower edge of the solar array panel on the Dawn spacecraft. On June 11, during a procedure to prepare the Dawn sp... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, an engineer from Dutch Space examines the repair in process of damage made to the solar array panel on the Dawn spacecraft. The damage occurred on June 11 from a technician's tool during a procedure to prepare Dawn for spin-balance testing.The size of the affected area is about 2.5 inches by 2 inches. There is no impact to the launch date of July 7. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1537

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, an engineer from Dutch Sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, an engineer from Dutch Space examines the repair in process of damage made to the solar array panel on the Dawn spacecraft. The damage occurred on June 11 from a te... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, engineers from Dutch Space lie underneath the Dawn spacecraft to examine the repairs under process on damage made to the solar array panel. The damage occurred on June 11 from a technician's tool during a procedure to prepare Dawn for spin-balance testing. The size of the affected area is about 2.5 inches by 2 inches. There is no impact to the launch date of July 7. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1539

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, engineers from Dutch Spa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, engineers from Dutch Space lie underneath the Dawn spacecraft to examine the repairs under process on damage made to the solar array panel. The damage occurred on ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, a Dutch Space technician repairs the damage to the lower edge of the solar array panel on the Dawn spacecraft. On June 11, during a procedure to prepare the Dawn spacecraft for spin-balance testing, the back of a solar array panel was slightly damaged by a technician's tool. The size of the affected area is about 2.5 inches by 2 inches. There is no impact to the launch date of July 7. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1585

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, a Dutch Space technician...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, a Dutch Space technician repairs the damage to the lower edge of the solar array panel on the Dawn spacecraft. On June 11, during a procedure to prepare the Dawn sp... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, a Dutch Space technician repairs the damage to the lower edge of the solar array panel on the Dawn spacecraft. On June 11, during a procedure to prepare the Dawn spacecraft for spin-balance testing, the back of a solar array panel was slightly damaged by a technician's tool. The size of the affected area is about 2.5 inches by 2 inches. There is no impact to the launch date of July 7. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1586

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, a Dutch Space technician...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, a Dutch Space technician repairs the damage to the lower edge of the solar array panel on the Dawn spacecraft. On June 11, during a procedure to prepare the Dawn sp... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, engineers from Dutch Space lie underneath the Dawn spacecraft to examine the damage repairs under process on the solar array panel. The damage occurred on June 11 from a technician's tool during a procedure to prepare Dawn for spin-balance testing. The size of the affected area is about 2.5 inches by 2 inches. There is no impact to the launch date of July 7. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1538

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, engineers from Dutch Spac...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, engineers from Dutch Space lie underneath the Dawn spacecraft to examine the damage repairs under process on the solar array panel. The damage occurred on June 11 f... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, a Dutch Space technician repairs the damage to the lower edge of the solar array panel on the Dawn spacecraft. On June 11, during a procedure to prepare the Dawn spacecraft for spin-balance testing, the back of a solar array panel was slightly damaged by a technician's tool. The size of the affected area is about 2.5 inches by 2 inches. There is no impact to the launch date of July 7. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1584

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, a Dutch Space technician...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, a Dutch Space technician repairs the damage to the lower edge of the solar array panel on the Dawn spacecraft. On June 11, during a procedure to prepare the Dawn sp... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Seen here is the area of damage under repair on the solar array panel on the Dawn spacecraft. The damage occurred at Astrotech on June 11 from a technician's tool during a procedure to prepare Dawn for spin-balance testing. The size of the affected area is about 2.5 inches by 2 inches. There is no impact to the launch date of July 7. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1536

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Seen here is the area of damage under r...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Seen here is the area of damage under repair on the solar array panel on the Dawn spacecraft. The damage occurred at Astrotech on June 11 from a technician's tool during a proced... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This closeup reveals the repair made to the damage on a solar array panel on the Dawn spacecraft. The damage, incurred on June 11, was made by a technician's tool during a procedure to prepare Dawn for spin-balance testing. The size of the affected area is about 2.5 inches by 2 inches. There was no impact to the launch date of July 7. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1557

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This closeup reveals the repair made to...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This closeup reveals the repair made to the damage on a solar array panel on the Dawn spacecraft. The damage, incurred on June 11, was made by a technician's tool during a proce... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, engineers from Dutch Space have repaired the damage to the solar array panel on the Dawn spacecraft. The damage, incurred on June 11, was made by a technician's tool during a procedure to prepare Dawn for spin-balance testing. The size of the affected area is about 2.5 inches by 2 inches. There was no impact to the launch date of July 7. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1555

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, engineers from Dutch Spac...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, engineers from Dutch Space have repaired the damage to the solar array panel on the Dawn spacecraft. The damage, incurred on June 11, was made by a technician's to... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, an engineer from Dutch Space makes a final check of repair made to the damage on a solar array panel on the Dawn spacecraft. The damage, incurred on June 11, was made by a technician's tool during a procedure to prepare Dawn for spin-balance testing. The size of the affected area is about 2.5 inches by 2 inches. There was no impact to the launch date of July 7. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1556

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, an engineer from Dutch Sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, an engineer from Dutch Space makes a final check of repair made to the damage on a solar array panel on the Dawn spacecraft. The damage, incurred on June 11, was m... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, the repair to the damage on the solar array panel on the Dawn spacecraft is seen here. Incurred on June 11, the damage was made by a technician's tool during a procedure to prepare Dawn for spin-balance testing. The size of the affected area is about 2.5 inches by 2 inches. There was no impact to the launch date of July 7. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch 4.5 billion years ago by investigating in detail two of the largest asteroids, Ceres and Vesta. They reside between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1583

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, the repair to the damage ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, the repair to the damage on the solar array panel on the Dawn spacecraft is seen here. Incurred on June 11, the damage was made by a technician's tool during a proce... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the late afternoon shadows, space shuttle Atlantis is still poised on the pad after its launch on mission STS-122 was postponed Thursday. It sits atop the mobile launcher platform. Shuttle program managers decided at 9:56 a.m. to postpone the launch because of an issue with a fuel cut-off sensor system inside the external fuel tank. This is one of several systems that protect the shuttle's main engines by triggering their shut down if fuel runs unexpectedly low. During countdown activities this morning, two sensors failed a routine prelaunch check. There are four engine cut-off, or ECO, sensors inside the liquid hydrogen section of the tank, and Launch Commit Criteria require three of the four sensor systems to be functioning properly. The tank's liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen was drained from the tank, and preparations will begin for a possible launch attempt Friday. NASA's launch rules have a preplanned procedure that states in the case of ECO sensor system failure, engineers need to drain the tank and verify all the sensors are working as they go dry. Atlantis carries the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the construction of the space station. When permanently attached to Node 2, the laboratory will carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as perform a number of technological applications, in a microgravity environment. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3584

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the late afternoon shadows, space shu...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the late afternoon shadows, space shuttle Atlantis is still poised on the pad after its launch on mission STS-122 was postponed Thursday. It sits atop the mobile launcher platf... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the late afternoon shadows, space shuttle Atlantis is still poised on the pad after its launch on mission STS-122 was postponed Thursday. It sits atop the mobile launcher platform. At left is seen the rotating service structure, which was rolled away for the launch. Shuttle program managers decided at 9:56 a.m. to postpone the launch because of an issue with a fuel cut-off sensor system inside the external fuel tank. This is one of several systems that protect the shuttle's main engines by triggering their shut down if fuel runs unexpectedly low. During countdown activities this morning, two sensors failed a routine prelaunch check. There are four engine cut-off, or ECO, sensors inside the liquid hydrogen section of the tank, and Launch Commit Criteria require three of the four sensor systems to be functioning properly. The tank's liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen was drained from the tank, and preparations will begin for a possible launch attempt Friday. NASA's launch rules have a preplanned procedure that states in the case of ECO sensor system failure, engineers need to drain the tank and verify all the sensors are working as they go dry. Atlantis carries the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the construction of the space station. When permanently attached to Node 2, the laboratory will carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as perform a number of technological applications, in a microgravity environment. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3585

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the late afternoon shadows, space shu...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the late afternoon shadows, space shuttle Atlantis is still poised on the pad after its launch on mission STS-122 was postponed Thursday. It sits atop the mobile launcher platf... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Shadows spill across space shuttle Atlantis, still poised on the pad after its launch on mission STS-122 was postponed Thursday. It sits atop the mobile launcher platform. Shuttle program managers decided at 9:56 a.m. to postpone the launch because of an issue with a fuel cut-off sensor system inside the external fuel tank. This is one of several systems that protect the shuttle's main engines by triggering their shut down if fuel runs unexpectedly low. During countdown activities this morning, two sensors failed a routine prelaunch check. There are four engine cut-off, or ECO, sensors inside the liquid hydrogen section of the tank, and Launch Commit Criteria require three of the four sensor systems to be functioning properly. The tank's liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen was drained from the tank, and preparations will begin for a possible launch attempt Friday. NASA's launch rules have a preplanned procedure that states in the case of ECO sensor system failure, engineers need to drain the tank and verify all the sensors are working as they go dry. Atlantis carries the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the construction of the space station. When permanently attached to Node 2, the laboratory will carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as perform a number of technological applications, in a microgravity environment. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3581

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Shadows spill across space shuttle Atlan...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Shadows spill across space shuttle Atlantis, still poised on the pad after its launch on mission STS-122 was postponed Thursday. It sits atop the mobile launcher platform. Shuttle... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the late afternoon shadows, space shuttle Atlantis is still poised on the pad after its launch on mission STS-122 was postponed Thursday. It sits atop the mobile launcher platform. Shuttle program managers decided at 9:56 a.m. to postpone the launch because of an issue with a fuel cut-off sensor system inside the external fuel tank. This is one of several systems that protect the shuttle's main engines by triggering their shut down if fuel runs unexpectedly low. During countdown activities this morning, two sensors failed a routine prelaunch check. There are four engine cut-off, or ECO, sensors inside the liquid hydrogen section of the tank, and Launch Commit Criteria require three of the four sensor systems to be functioning properly. The tank's liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen was drained from the tank, and preparations will begin for a possible launch attempt Friday. NASA's launch rules have a preplanned procedure that states in the case of ECO sensor system failure, engineers need to drain the tank and verify all the sensors are working as they go dry. Atlantis carries the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the construction of the space station. When permanently attached to Node 2, the laboratory will carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as perform a number of technological applications, in a microgravity environment. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3582

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the late afternoon shadows, space shu...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the late afternoon shadows, space shuttle Atlantis is still poised on the pad after its launch on mission STS-122 was postponed Thursday. It sits atop the mobile launcher platfo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Against a sunset sky streaked with pink, lights on the fixed and rotating service structures illuminate Launch Pad 39A where space shuttle Atlantis is still poised after its launch on mission STS-122 was postponed Thursday. Shuttle program managers decided at 9:56 a.m. to postpone the launch because of an issue with a fuel cut-off sensor system inside the external fuel tank. This is one of several systems that protect the shuttle's main engines by triggering their shut down if fuel runs unexpectedly low. During countdown activities this morning, two sensors failed a routine prelaunch check. There are four engine cut-off, or ECO, sensors inside the liquid hydrogen section of the tank, and Launch Commit Criteria require three of the four sensor systems to be functioning properly. The tank's liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen was drained from the tank, and preparations will begin for a possible launch attempt Friday. NASA's launch rules have a preplanned procedure that states in the case of ECO sensor system failure, engineers need to drain the tank and verify all the sensors are working as they go dry. Atlantis carries the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the construction of the space station. When permanently attached to Node 2, the laboratory will carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as perform a number of technological applications, in a microgravity environment. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3586

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Against a sunset sky streaked with pink...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Against a sunset sky streaked with pink, lights on the fixed and rotating service structures illuminate Launch Pad 39A where space shuttle Atlantis is still poised after its launc... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Shadows spill across space shuttle Atlantis, still poised on the pad after its launch on mission STS-122 was postponed Thursday. In the background is the Atlantic Ocean. Shuttle program managers decided at 9:56 a.m. to postpone the launch because of an issue with a fuel cut-off sensor system inside the external fuel tank. This is one of several systems that protect the shuttle's main engines by triggering their shut down if fuel runs unexpectedly low. During countdown activities this morning, two sensors failed a routine prelaunch check. There are four engine cut-off, or ECO, sensors inside the liquid hydrogen section of the tank, and Launch Commit Criteria require three of the four sensor systems to be functioning properly. The tank's liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen was drained from the tank, and preparations will begin for a possible launch attempt Friday. NASA's launch rules have a preplanned procedure that states in the case of ECO sensor system failure, engineers need to drain the tank and verify all the sensors are working as they go dry. Atlantis carries the Columbus Laboratory, the European Space Agency's largest contribution to the construction of the space station. When permanently attached to Node 2, the laboratory will carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as perform a number of technological applications, in a microgravity environment. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3583

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Shadows spill across space shuttle Atlan...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Shadows spill across space shuttle Atlantis, still poised on the pad after its launch on mission STS-122 was postponed Thursday. In the background is the Atlantic Ocean. Shuttle p... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the cryogenic test bed facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Time Domain Reflectometry, or TDR, instrumentation is being exposed to "wet" super-cold temperatures for identifying the signature of a cryogenic environment and calibrating the TDR equipment. The equipment will be used at the launch pad to test a procedure identical to a tanking test on space shuttle Atlantis' external tank planned for Dec. 18. The shuttle's planned launches on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9 were postponed because of false readings from the part of the engine cut-off, or ECO, sensor system that monitors the liquid hydrogen section of the tank. The liftoff date from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida, is now targeted for Jan. 10, depending on the resolution of the problem in the fuel sensor system. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3643

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the cryogenic test bed facility at ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the cryogenic test bed facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Time Domain Reflectometry, or TDR, instrumentation is being exposed to "wet" super-cold temperatures for identi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the cryogenic test bed facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians monitor readings during a test exposing Time Domain Reflectometry, or TDR, instrumentation to "wet" super-cold temperatures for identifying the signature of a cryogenic environment and calibrating the TDR equipment. The equipment will be used at the launch pad to test a procedure identical to a tanking test on space shuttle Atlantis' external tank planned for Dec. 18. The shuttle's planned launches on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9 were postponed because of false readings from the part of the engine cut-off, or ECO, sensor system that monitors the liquid hydrogen section of the tank. The liftoff date from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida, is now targeted for Jan. 10, depending on the resolution of the problem in the fuel sensor system. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3642

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the cryogenic test bed facility at ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the cryogenic test bed facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, technicians monitor readings during a test exposing Time Domain Reflectometry, or TDR, instrumentation to "wet"... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the cryogenic test bed facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Time Domain Reflectometry, or TDR, instrumentation is being exposed to "wet" super-cold temperatures for identifying the signature of a cryogenic environment and calibrating the TDR equipment. The equipment will be used at the launch pad to test a procedure identical to a tanking test on space shuttle Atlantis' external tank planned for Dec. 18. The shuttle's planned launches on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9 were postponed because of false readings from the part of the engine cut-off, or ECO, sensor system that monitors the liquid hydrogen section of the tank. The liftoff date from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida, is now targeted for Jan. 10, depending on the resolution of the problem in the fuel sensor system. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3641

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the cryogenic test bed facility at ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the cryogenic test bed facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Time Domain Reflectometry, or TDR, instrumentation is being exposed to "wet" super-cold temperatures for identi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the cryogenic test bed facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Time Domain Reflectometry, or TDR, instrumentation is being exposed to "wet" super-cold temperatures for identifying the signature of a cryogenic environment and calibrating the TDR equipment. The equipment will be used at the launch pad to test a procedure identical to a tanking test on space shuttle Atlantis' external tank planned for Dec. 18. The shuttle's planned launches on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9 were postponed because of false readings from the part of the engine cut-off, or ECO, sensor system that monitors the liquid hydrogen section of the tank. The liftoff date from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida, is now targeted for Jan. 10, depending on the resolution of the problem in the fuel sensor system. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3639

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the cryogenic test bed facility a...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the cryogenic test bed facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Time Domain Reflectometry, or TDR, instrumentation is being exposed to "wet" super-cold temperatures for iden... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the cryogenic test bed facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Time Domain Reflectometry, or TDR, instrumentation is being exposed to "wet" super-cold temperatures for identifying the signature of a cryogenic environment and calibrating the TDR equipment. The equipment will be used at the launch pad to test a procedure identical to a tanking test on space shuttle Atlantis' external tank planned for Dec. 18. The shuttle's planned launches on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9 were postponed because of false readings from the part of the engine cut-off, or ECO, sensor system that monitors the liquid hydrogen section of the tank. The liftoff date from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida, is now targeted for Jan. 10, depending on the resolution of the problem in the fuel sensor system. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3640

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the cryogenic test bed facility at ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the cryogenic test bed facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Time Domain Reflectometry, or TDR, instrumentation is being exposed to "wet" super-cold temperatures for identi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a Lockheed Martin technician prepares an electrical wiring harness during a procedure to solder the pins to the socket of the replacement feed-through connector that will be installed in the external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission. Two United Launch Alliance technicians, who performed this exacting task on the Centaur upper stage for Atlas and Titan launches in 1994, will be doing the soldering. Soldering the connector pins and sockets together addresses the most likely cause of a problem in the engine cutoff sensor system, or ECO system. Some of the tank's ECO sensors failed during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9. Results of a tanking test on Dec. 18 pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. After the soldering is completed and the connector is reinstalled, shuttle program managers will decide on how to proceed. The launch date for mission STS-122 is under review. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0001

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a Lockheed Martin technician prepares an electrical wiring harness during a procedure to solder the pins to the socket of the replacement f... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 crew members conduct equipment and procedure familiarization on parts of the payload in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in preparation for their mission to service NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Space shuttle Atlantis' 11-day flight is targeted for launch May 12 and will include five spacewalks to refurbish and upgrade the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments. The payload includes a Wide Field Camera 3, fine guidance sensor and the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. As a result, Hubble's capabilities will be expanded and its operational lifespan extended through at least 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2512

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 crew members conduct equipment and pro...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 crew members conduct equipment and procedure familiarization on parts of the payload in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in prep... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 crew members conduct equipment and procedure familiarization on parts of the payload in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in preparation for their mission to service NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Space shuttle Atlantis' 11-day flight is targeted for launch May 12 and will include five spacewalks to refurbish and upgrade the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments. The payload includes a Wide Field Camera 3, fine guidance sensor and the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. As a result, Hubble's capabilities will be expanded and its operational lifespan extended through at least 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2513

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 crew members conduct equipment and pro...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 crew members conduct equipment and procedure familiarization on parts of the payload in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in prep... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 crew members conduct equipment and procedure familiarization on parts of the payload in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in preparation for their mission to service NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Space shuttle Atlantis' 11-day flight is targeted for launch May 12 and will include five spacewalks to refurbish and upgrade the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments. The payload includes a Wide Field Camera 3, fine guidance sensor and the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. As a result, Hubble's capabilities will be expanded and its operational lifespan extended through at least 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2510

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 crew members conduct equipment and pro...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 crew members conduct equipment and procedure familiarization on parts of the payload in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in prep... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 crew members conduct equipment and procedure familiarization on parts of the payload in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in preparation for their mission to service NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Space shuttle Atlantis' 11-day flight is targeted for launch May 12 and will include five spacewalks to refurbish and upgrade the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments. The payload includes a Wide Field Camera 3, fine guidance sensor and the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. As a result, Hubble's capabilities will be expanded and its operational lifespan extended through at least 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2508

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 crew members conduct equipment and pro...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 crew members conduct equipment and procedure familiarization on parts of the payload in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in prep... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 crew members conduct equipment and procedure familiarization, including sharp edge inspection, in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in preparation for their mission to service NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Space shuttle Atlantis' 11-day flight is targeted for launch May 12 and will include five spacewalks to refurbish and upgrade the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments. The payload includes a Wide Field Camera 3, fine guidance sensor and the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. As a result, Hubble's capabilities will be expanded and its operational lifespan extended through at least 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2511

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 crew members conduct equipment and pro...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 crew members conduct equipment and procedure familiarization, including sharp edge inspection, in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Flori... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 crew members conduct equipment and procedure familiarization on parts of the payload in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in preparation for their mission to service NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Space shuttle Atlantis' 11-day flight is targeted for launch May 12 and will include five spacewalks to refurbish and upgrade the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments. The payload includes a Wide Field Camera 3, fine guidance sensor and the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. As a result, Hubble's capabilities will be expanded and its operational lifespan extended through at least 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2509

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 crew members conduct equipment and pro...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 crew members conduct equipment and procedure familiarization on parts of the payload in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in prep... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 crew members conduct equipment and procedure familiarization on parts of the payload in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in preparation for their mission to service NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Space shuttle Atlantis' 11-day flight is targeted for launch May 12 and will include five spacewalks to refurbish and upgrade the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments. The payload includes a Wide Field Camera 3, fine guidance sensor and the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. As a result, Hubble's capabilities will be expanded and its operational lifespan extended through at least 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2515

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 crew members conduct equipment and pro...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 crew members conduct equipment and procedure familiarization on parts of the payload in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in prep... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 crew members conduct equipment and procedure familiarization on parts of the payload in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in preparation for their mission to service NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Space shuttle Atlantis' 11-day flight is targeted for launch May 12 and will include five spacewalks to refurbish and upgrade the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments. The payload includes a Wide Field Camera 3, fine guidance sensor and the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. As a result, Hubble's capabilities will be expanded and its operational lifespan extended through at least 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2514

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 crew members conduct equipment and pro...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 crew members conduct equipment and procedure familiarization on parts of the payload in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in prep... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians back one of three main engines on space shuttle Atlantis away from the shuttle using a specially designed Hyster engine lift. Inspection and maintenance of each main engine is standard procedure following a shuttle mission. Atlantis next is slated to deliver an Integrated Cargo Carrier and Russian-built Mini Research Module to the International Space Station on the STS-132 mission. The second in a series of new pressurized components for Russia, the module will be permanently attached to the Zarya module. Three spacewalks are planned to store spare components outside the station, including six spare batteries, a boom assembly for the Ku-band antenna and spares for the Canadian Dextre robotic arm extension. A radiator, airlock and European robotic arm for the Russian Multi-purpose Laboratory Module also are payloads on the flight. Launch is targeted for May 14, 2010. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2009-6728

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA's ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians back one of three main engines on space shuttle Atlantis away from the sh... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians remove one of three main engines from space shuttle Atlantis using a specially designed Hyster engine lift. Inspection and maintenance of each main engine is standard procedure following a shuttle mission. Atlantis next is slated to deliver an Integrated Cargo Carrier and Russian-built Mini Research Module to the International Space Station on the STS-132 mission. The second in a series of new pressurized components for Russia, the module will be permanently attached to the Zarya module. Three spacewalks are planned to store spare components outside the station, including six spare batteries, a boom assembly for the Ku-band antenna and spares for the Canadian Dextre robotic arm extension. A radiator, airlock and European robotic arm for the Russian Multi-purpose Laboratory Module also are payloads on the flight. Launch is targeted for May 14, 2010. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2009-6725

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA's ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians remove one of three main engines from space shuttle Atlantis using a spec... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of three main engines on space shuttle Atlantis has been removed using a specially designed Hyster engine lift. Inspection and maintenance of each main engine is standard procedure following a shuttle mission. Atlantis next is slated to deliver an Integrated Cargo Carrier and Russian-built Mini Research Module to the International Space Station on the STS-132 mission. The second in a series of new pressurized components for Russia, the module will be permanently attached to the Zarya module. Three spacewalks are planned to store spare components outside the station, including six spare batteries, a boom assembly for the Ku-band antenna and spares for the Canadian Dextre robotic arm extension. A radiator, airlock and European robotic arm for the Russian Multi-purpose Laboratory Module also are payloads on the flight. Launch is targeted for May 14, 2010. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2009-6727

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA's ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of three main engines on space shuttle Atlantis has been removed using a specially designed Hyster engi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians monitor the removal of one of three main engines from space shuttle Atlantis from their stations on a specially designed Hyster engine lift. Inspection and maintenance of each main engine is standard procedure following a shuttle mission. Atlantis next is slated to deliver an Integrated Cargo Carrier and Russian-built Mini Research Module to the International Space Station on the STS-132 mission. The second in a series of new pressurized components for Russia, the module will be permanently attached to the Zarya module. Three spacewalks are planned to store spare components outside the station, including six spare batteries, a boom assembly for the Ku-band antenna and spares for the Canadian Dextre robotic arm extension. A radiator, airlock and European robotic arm for the Russian Multi-purpose Laboratory Module also are payloads on the flight. Launch is targeted for May 14, 2010. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2009-6726

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA's ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians monitor the removal of one of three main engines from space shuttle Atlan... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians prepare to remove one of three main engines from space shuttle Atlantis using a specially designed Hyster engine lift. Inspection and maintenance of each main engine is standard procedure following a shuttle mission. Atlantis is next slated to deliver an Integrated Cargo Carrier and Russian-built Mini Research Module to the International Space Station on the STS-132 mission. The second in a series of new pressurized components for Russia, the module will be permanently attached to the Zarya module. Three spacewalks are planned to store spare components outside the station, including six spare batteries, a boom assembly for the Ku-band antenna and spares for the Canadian Dextre robotic arm extension. A radiator, airlock and European robotic arm for the Russian Multi-purpose Laboratory Module also are payloads on the flight. Launch is targeted for May 14, 2010. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2009-6723

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA's ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians prepare to remove one of three main engines from space shuttle Atlantis u... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians attach a specially designed Hyster engine lift to one of three main engines on space shuttle Atlantis as they prepare to remove it. Inspection and maintenance of each main engine is standard procedure following a shuttle mission. Atlantis is next slated to deliver an Integrated Cargo Carrier and Russian-built Mini Research Module to the International Space Station on the STS-132 mission. The second in a series of new pressurized components for Russia, the module will be permanently attached to the Zarya module. Three spacewalks are planned to store spare components outside the station, including six spare batteries, a boom assembly for the Ku-band antenna and spares for the Canadian Dextre robotic arm extension. A radiator, airlock and European robotic arm for the Russian Multi-purpose Laboratory Module also are payloads on the flight. Launch is targeted for May 14, 2010. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2009-6724

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA's ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians attach a specially designed Hyster engine lift to one of three main engin... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Space Shuttle Main Engine Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, work to prepare the space shuttle main engines for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-132 mission is under way. Inspection and maintenance of each main engine is standard procedure between shuttle missions. Atlantis is next slated to deliver an Integrated Cargo Carrier and Russian-built Mini Research Module to the International Space Station on the STS-132 mission. The second in a series of new pressurized components for Russia, the module will be permanently attached to the Zarya module. Three spacewalks are planned to store spare components outside the station, including six spare batteries, a boom assembly for the Ku-band antenna and spares for the Canadian Dextre robotic arm extension. A radiator, airlock and European robotic arm for the Russian Multi-purpose Laboratory Module also are payloads on the flight. Launch is targeted for May 14, 2010. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-6813

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Space Shuttle Main Engine Processing Fac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Space Shuttle Main Engine Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, work to prepare the space shuttle main engines for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-132 mission ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a United Space Alliance technician inspects a wing leading edge of space shuttle Atlantis following removal of the reinforced carbon carbon panels, or RCC panels. Inspection and maintenance of the RCC panels and the wing leading edge are standard procedure between shuttle missions. The RCC panels, components of the shuttle's thermal protection system, are placed in protective coverings while the structural edge of the wing -- the orange and green area behind the panels -- undergoes spar corrosion inspection to verify the structural integrity of the wing. Atlantis is next slated to deliver an Integrated Cargo Carrier and Russian-built Mini Research Module to the International Space Station on the STS-132 mission. The second in a series of new pressurized components for Russia, the module will be permanently attached to the Zarya module. Three spacewalks are planned to store spare components outside the station, including six spare batteries, a boom assembly for the Ku-band antenna and spares for the Canadian Dextre robotic arm extension. A radiator, airlock and European robotic arm for the Russian Multi-purpose Laboratory Module also are payloads on the flight. Launch is targeted for May 14, 2010. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2010-1088

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a United Space Alliance technician inspects a wing leading edge of space shuttle Atlantis following removal of ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians cover a reinforced carbon carbon panel, or RCC panel, removed from a wing leading edge of space shuttle Atlantis. Inspection and maintenance of the RCC panels and the wing leading edge are standard procedure between shuttle missions. The RCC panels, components of the shuttle's thermal protection system, are placed in protective coverings while the structural edge of the wing -- the orange and green area behind the panels -- undergoes spar corrosion inspection to verify the structural integrity of the wing. Atlantis is next slated to deliver an Integrated Cargo Carrier and Russian-built Mini Research Module to the International Space Station on the STS-132 mission. The second in a series of new pressurized components for Russia, the module will be permanently attached to the Zarya module. Three spacewalks are planned to store spare components outside the station, including six spare batteries, a boom assembly for the Ku-band antenna and spares for the Canadian Dextre robotic arm extension. A radiator, airlock and European robotic arm for the Russian Multi-purpose Laboratory Module also are payloads on the flight. Launch is targeted for May 14, 2010. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2010-1085

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians cover a reinforced carbon carbon panel, or RCC panel, removed from a wing lea... More

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