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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the tail cone has been placed in position surrounding the replica main engines on the space shuttle Endeavour. The tail cone covers the main engines in the aft providing aerodynamic stability during the cross-country ferry flight. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the remaining space shuttles, Endeavour and Atlantis. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Its ferry flight to California is targeted for mid-September. Endeavour was the last space shuttle added to NASA’s orbiter fleet. Over the course of its 19-year career, Endeavour spent 299 days in space during 25 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-4285

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 at NASA’s ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the tail cone has been placed in position surrounding the replica main engines on the space shuttle Endeavo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians on a Hyster forklift guide replica shuttle main engine 2, or RSME 2, closer for installation on space shuttle Endeavour. The orbiter is surrounded by work platforms allowing access to all areas of the spacecraft. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the remaining space shuttles, Endeavour and Atlantis. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Its ferry flight to California is targeted for mid-September. Endeavour was the last space shuttle added to NASA’s orbiter fleet. Over the course of its 19-year career, Endeavour spent 299 days in space during 25 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/David Lee KSC-2012-3826

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians on a Hyster forklift guide replica shuttle main engine 2, or RSME 2, clos... More

Shuttle Replica (High Fidelity) from Turn Basin thru Port going to Texas 2012-2995

Shuttle Replica (High Fidelity) from Turn Basin thru Port going to Tex...

Shuttle Replica (High Fidelity) from Turn Basin thru Port going to Texas

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians install a heat shield around one of space shuttle Endeavour’s replica shuttle main engines. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the remaining space shuttles, Endeavour and Atlantis. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Its ferry flight to California is targeted for mid-September. Endeavour was the last space shuttle added to NASA’s orbiter fleet. Over the course of its 19-year career, Endeavour spent 299 days in space during 25 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Frankie Martin KSC-2012-3961

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 at NASA’s ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians install a heat shield around one of space shuttle Endeavour’s replica shu... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the tail cone is installed around space shuttle Discovery’s three replica shuttle main engines for protection. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Discovery. Discovery is being prepared for display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-1039

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the tail cone is installed around space shuttle Discovery’s three replica shuttle main engines for protect... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As the sun comes up over the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is suspended above the ground at the mate-demate device during operations to place it on top of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. A tail cone has been installed over Discovery’s three replica shuttle main engines to reduce aerodynamic drag and turbulence during the ferry flight. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2167

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As the sun comes up over the Shuttle Landing Fa...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As the sun comes up over the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is suspended above the ground at the mate-demate device during ope... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, replica shuttle main engines 3 RSME has been installed on the space shuttle Endeavour. The orbiter is surrounded by work platforms allowing access to all areas of the spacecraft. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the remaining space shuttles, Endeavour and Atlantis. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Its ferry flight to California is targeted for mid-September. Endeavour was the last space shuttle added to NASA’s orbiter fleet. Over the course of its 19-year career, Endeavour spent 299 days in space during 25 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-3784

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 at NASA’s ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, replica shuttle main engines 3 RSME has been installed on the space shuttle Endeavour. The orbiter is surro... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an employee guides a replica shuttle main engine (RSME) toward installation on space shuttle Discovery. This is the first of three replica engines to be installed. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of Discovery. Discovery is being prepared for display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-8168

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an employee guides a replica shuttle main engine (RSME) toward installation on space shuttle Discovery. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A replica shuttle main engine (RSME) is poised for installation on space shuttle Discovery in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The RSME is one of three that will be installed on Discovery during Space Shuttle Program transition and retirement activities. The replicas are being built in the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engine shop at Kennedy to replace the shuttle engines which will be placed in storage to support NASA's Space Launch System, under development. Discovery is being prepared for display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-8188

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A replica shuttle main engine (RSME) is poised ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A replica shuttle main engine (RSME) is poised for installation on space shuttle Discovery in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The RSME is one o... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Standing in front of a replica of a space shuttle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Terry White with United Space Alliance speaks to the audience attending a 30th anniversary celebration in honor of the Space Shuttle Program's first shuttle launch. The celebration followed an announcement by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden where the four orbiters will be placed for permanent display after retirement. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-2896

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Standing in front of a replica of a space shut...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Standing in front of a replica of a space shuttle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Terry White with United Space Alliance speaks to the audience attending a 30t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A view from inside the new “Space Shuttle Atlantis” exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, shows the buildup of the replica solid rocket boosters and external fuel tank are nearly complete near the entrance. Atlantis is being prepared for display in the 90,000-square-foot facility, scheduled to open June 29, 2013. The new $100 million facility will include interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlight the future of space exploration. Visitors to the exhibit will get an up close look at Atlantis with its payload bay doors open, similar to how it looked in space. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2013-2590

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A view from inside the new “Space Shuttle Atlan...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A view from inside the new “Space Shuttle Atlantis” exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, shows the buildup of the replica solid rocket boosters and external fue... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space Shuttle Discovery’s move from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, is complete as the sun comes up over NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A tail cone has been installed over its three replica shuttle main engines to reduce aerodynamic drag and turbulence during its upcoming ferry flight. At the SLF, Discovery will be hoisted onto a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with the aid of a mate-demate device. The SCA, a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2100

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space Shuttle Discovery’s move from the Vehicle...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space Shuttle Discovery’s move from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, is complete as the sun comes up over NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The tail cone for space shuttle Discovery’s three replica shuttle main engines (RSMEs) is being transported from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The tail cone will be installed around Discovery’s RSMEs for protection. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Discovery. Discovery is being prepared for display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-1028

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The tail cone for space shuttle Discovery’s th...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The tail cone for space shuttle Discovery’s three replica shuttle main engines (RSMEs) is being transported from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a technician monitors the progress as the tail cone is installed around space shuttle Discovery’s three replica shuttle main engines for protection. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Discovery. Discovery is being prepared for display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-1035

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a technician monitors the progress as the tail cone is installed around space shuttle Discovery’s three re... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery has been completely backed out of Orbiter Processing Facility-1 in preparation for its move to the Vehicle Assembly Building VAB. The aft view of Discovery reveals the tail cone that covers the three replica shuttle main engines. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Discovery, which is being prepared for display at Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. Discovery will remain in high bay 4 of the VAB until its scheduled transport atop a NASA Shuttle Carrier Aircraft modified 747 jet to Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17. Discovery will then be transported to the Smithsonian on April 19. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-1705

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery has been completely backed out of Orbiter Processing Facility-1 in preparation for its move to the Vehicle Assembly Buil... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians lift a heat shield for installation around one of space shuttle Endeavour’s replica shuttle main engines. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the remaining space shuttles, Endeavour and Atlantis. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Its ferry flight to California is targeted for mid-September. Endeavour was the last space shuttle added to NASA’s orbiter fleet. Over the course of its 19-year career, Endeavour spent 299 days in space during 25 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Frankie Martin KSC-2012-3967

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 at NASA’s ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians lift a heat shield for installation around one of space shuttle Endeavour... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians sitting on the Hyster forklift monitor the progress as they guide replica shuttle main engine RSME number 1 toward space shuttle Atlantis. Three RSMEs will be installed on Atlantis. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the space shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis’ future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-3458

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, technicians sitting on the Hyster forklift monitor the progress as they guide replica shuttle main engine RSME ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is being readied for its move to the Vehicle Assembly Building VAB. The aft view of Discovery reveals the tail cone that covers the three replica shuttle main engines. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Discovery, which is being prepared for display at Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. Discovery will remain in high bay 4 of the VAB until its scheduled transport atop a NASA Shuttle Carrier Aircraft modified 747 jet to Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17. Discovery will then be transported to the Smithsonian on April 19. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-1698

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is being readied for its move to the Vehicle Assembly Building VAB. The aft view of... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians monitor the progress as a large crane lifts a dome heat shield that will be installed around one of space shuttle Discovery’s three replica shuttle main engines. The dome heat shields are composed of two, semi-circle-shaped sections of thermal protection system tiles that surround the engines. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Discovery. Discovery is being prepared for display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-8305

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians monitor the progress as a large crane lifts a dome heat shield that will be installed around on... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians prepare a heat shield for installation around space shuttle Endeavour’s replica shuttle main engines. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the remaining space shuttles, Endeavour and Atlantis. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Its ferry flight to California is targeted for mid-September. Endeavour was the last space shuttle added to NASA’s orbiter fleet. Over the course of its 19-year career, Endeavour spent 299 days in space during 25 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-3971

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 at NASA’s ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians prepare a heat shield for installation around space shuttle Endeavour’s r... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery sports two replica shuttle main engines (RSMEs) in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Three RSMEs will be installed on Discovery during Space Shuttle Program transition and retirement activities. The replicas are being built in the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engine shop at Kennedy to replace the shuttle engines which will be placed in storage to support NASA's Space Launch System, under development. Discovery is being prepared for display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-8190

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery sports two replica shut...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery sports two replica shuttle main engines (RSMEs) in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Three RSMEs will be installed on Disco... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The tail cone for space shuttle Discovery’s three replica shuttle main engines (RSMEs) is being transported to Orbiter processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The tail cone will be installed around Discovery’s RSMEs for protection. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Discovery. Discovery is being prepared for display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-1029

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The tail cone for space shuttle Discovery’s th...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The tail cone for space shuttle Discovery’s three replica shuttle main engines (RSMEs) is being transported to Orbiter processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis foreground is towed in to Orbiter Processing Facility-1 after being towed from the Vehicle Assembly Building VAB. Workers will continue to prepare Atlantis for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Meanwhile, space shuttle Discovery is on the move from OPF-1 to the Vehicle Assembly Building VAB. The aft view of Discovery reveals the tail cone that covers the three replica shuttle main engines. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Discovery, which is being prepared for display at Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. Discovery will remain in high bay 4 of the VAB until its scheduled transport atop a NASA Shuttle Carrier Aircraft modified 747 jet to Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17. Discovery will then be transported to the Smithsonian on April 19. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-1710

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis foreground is towed in to Orbiter Processing Facility-1 after being towed from the Vehicle Assembly Building VAB. Workers... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians monitor the progress as a Hyster forklift moves replica shuttle main engine 2, or RSME 2, closer for installation on space shuttle Endeavour. The orbiter is surrounded by work platforms allowing access to all areas of the spacecraft. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the remaining space shuttles, Endeavour and Atlantis. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Its ferry flight to California is targeted for mid-September. Endeavour was the last space shuttle added to NASA’s orbiter fleet. Over the course of its 19-year career, Endeavour spent 299 days in space during 25 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/David Lee KSC-2012-3823

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians monitor the progress as a Hyster forklift moves replica shuttle main engi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Before daybreak at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery hovers above the ground at the mate-demate device. Operations are under way to position Discovery on top of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft in preparation for its departure from Kennedy on Tuesday. A tail cone has been installed over Discovery’s three replica shuttle main engines to reduce aerodynamic drag and turbulence during the ferry flight. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2177

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Before daybreak at the Shuttle Landing Facility...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Before daybreak at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery hovers above the ground at the mate-demate device. Operations are under ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The tail cone for space shuttle Discovery’s three replica shuttle main engines (RSMEs) arrives at Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The tail cone will be installed around Discovery’s RSMEs for protection. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Discovery. Discovery is being prepared for display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-1031

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The tail cone for space shuttle Discovery’s th...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The tail cone for space shuttle Discovery’s three replica shuttle main engines (RSMEs) arrives at Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The tail cone w... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, heat shields are being installed around space shuttle Endeavour’s replica shuttle main engines. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the remaining space shuttles, Endeavour and Atlantis. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. Its ferry flight to California is targeted for mid-September. Endeavour was the last space shuttle added to NASA’s orbiter fleet. Over the course of its 19-year career, Endeavour spent 299 days in space during 25 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-3976

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 at NASA’s ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, heat shields are being installed around space shuttle Endeavour’s replica shuttle main engines. The wo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Several Apollo program astronauts, along with their family members and friends, watch a simulation of an Apollo/Saturn V launch in a replica of a Launch Control Center firing room in the new Apollo/Saturn V Center (ASVC) at KSC prior to the gala grand opening ceremony for the facility that was held Jan. 8, 1997. The astronauts were invited to participate in the event, which also featured NASA Administrator Dan Goldin and KSC Director Jay Honeycutt. The ASVC also features several other Apollo program spacecraft component displays and multimedia presentations. The facility will be a part of the KSC bus tour that embarks from the KSC Visitor Center KSC-97pc113

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Several Apollo program astronauts, along...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Several Apollo program astronauts, along with their family members and friends, watch a simulation of an Apollo/Saturn V launch in a replica of a Launch Control Center firing room ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Several Apollo program astronauts, along with their family members and friends, watch a simulation of an Apollo/Saturn V launch in a replica of a Launch Control Center firing room in the new Apollo/Saturn V Center (ASVC) at KSC prior to the gala grand opening ceremony for the facility that was held Jan. 8, 1997. The astronauts were invited to participate in the event, which also featured NASA Administrator Dan Goldin and KSC Director Jay Honeycutt. The ASVC also features several other Apollo program spacecraft component displays and multimedia presentations. The facility will be a part of the KSC bus tour that embarks from the KSC Visitor Center KSC-97pc114

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Several Apollo program astronauts, along...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Several Apollo program astronauts, along with their family members and friends, watch a simulation of an Apollo/Saturn V launch in a replica of a Launch Control Center firing room ... More

Teri McKinney, with Shuttle Crew Escape, Johnson Space Center, holds a replica of the Olympic torch carried aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-101. The addition of the torch to the payload was coordinated by astronaut Andy Thomas, who is from Australia. The torch will travel to Australia for the 2000 Olympic games being held there in September. . STS-101 was the third flight to the International Space Station and included repairs to the Station plus transfer of equipment and supplies to the Station for future missions. The landing of Atlantis completed a 9-day, 20-hour, 9-minute-long mission. It was the 98th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 21st for Atlantis. The landing was the 51st at KSC, the 22nd consecutive landing at KSC and the 29th in the last 30 Shuttle flights, plus the 14th nighttime landing in Shuttle history KSC00pp0683

Teri McKinney, with Shuttle Crew Escape, Johnson Space Center, holds a...

Teri McKinney, with Shuttle Crew Escape, Johnson Space Center, holds a replica of the Olympic torch carried aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-101. The addition of the torch to the payload was coordin... More

Teri McKinney, with Shuttle Crew Escape, Johnson Space Center, holds a replica of the Olympic torch carried aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-101. The addition of the torch to the payload was coordinated by astronaut Andy Thomas, who is from Australia. The torch will travel to Australia for the 2000 Olympic games being held there in September. . STS-101 was the third flight to the International Space Station and included repairs to the Station plus transfer of equipment and supplies to the Station for future missions. The landing of Atlantis completed a 9-day, 20-hour, 9-minute-long mission. It was the 98th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 21st for Atlantis. The landing was the 51st at KSC, the 22nd consecutive landing at KSC and the 29th in the last 30 Shuttle flights, plus the 14th nighttime landing in Shuttle history KSC-00pp0683

Teri McKinney, with Shuttle Crew Escape, Johnson Space Center, holds a...

Teri McKinney, with Shuttle Crew Escape, Johnson Space Center, holds a replica of the Olympic torch carried aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-101. The addition of the torch to the payload was coordin... More

To; Kwiatkowski, Vehicle Integration Team Lead, recovers a replica of the Olympic torch after its journey on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-101. The addition of the torch to the payload was coordinated by astronaut Andy Thomas, who is from Australia. The torch will travel to Australia for the 2000 Olympic games being held there in September. STS-101 was the third flight to the International Space Station and included repairs to the Station plus transfer of equipment and supplies to the Station for future missions. The landing of Atlantis completed a 9-day, 20-hour, 9-minute-long mission. It was the 98th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 21st for Atlantis. The landing was the 51st at KSC, the 22nd consecutive landing at KSC and the 29th in the last 30 Shuttle flights, plus the 14th nighttime landing in Shuttle history KSC00pp0682

To; Kwiatkowski, Vehicle Integration Team Lead, recovers a replica of ...

To; Kwiatkowski, Vehicle Integration Team Lead, recovers a replica of the Olympic torch after its journey on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-101. The addition of the torch to the payload was coordinated b... More

To; Kwiatkowski, Vehicle Integration Team Lead, recovers a replica of the Olympic torch after its journey on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-101. The addition of the torch to the payload was coordinated by astronaut Andy Thomas, who is from Australia. The torch will travel to Australia for the 2000 Olympic games being held there in September. STS-101 was the third flight to the International Space Station and included repairs to the Station plus transfer of equipment and supplies to the Station for future missions. The landing of Atlantis completed a 9-day, 20-hour, 9-minute-long mission. It was the 98th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 21st for Atlantis. The landing was the 51st at KSC, the 22nd consecutive landing at KSC and the 29th in the last 30 Shuttle flights, plus the 14th nighttime landing in Shuttle history KSC-00pp0682

To; Kwiatkowski, Vehicle Integration Team Lead, recovers a replica of ...

To; Kwiatkowski, Vehicle Integration Team Lead, recovers a replica of the Olympic torch after its journey on Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-101. The addition of the torch to the payload was coordinated b... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The first four Shuttle astronauts -- seated, from left, Richard Truly, Joe Engle, Frederick "Rick" Hauck and Robert Crippen -- share a light moment about their experiences while seated in a replica of the early launch control center in the KSC Visitor Complex. All were inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Nov. 10 KSC-01pp1748

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The first four Shuttle astronauts -- sea...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The first four Shuttle astronauts -- seated, from left, Richard Truly, Joe Engle, Frederick "Rick" Hauck and Robert Crippen -- share a light moment about their experiences while se... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility 2 (SAEF-2), a worker places a replica of the United States flag onto the Comet Nucleus Tour (CONTOUR) spacecraft. CONTOUR is being prepared for antenna and solar panel installation. CONTOUR will provide the first detailed look into the heart of a comet -- the nucleus. The spacecraft will fly as close as 60 miles (100 kilometers) to at least two comets, Encke and Schwassmann-Wachmann 3. It will take the sharpest pictures yet of the nucleus while analyzing the gas and dust that surround these rocky, icy building blocks of the solar system. The Applied Physics Laboratory of Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md., built CONTOUR and will also be in control of the spacecraft after launch, which is scheduled for July 1, 2002, from LC 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station KSC-02pd0595

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsul...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility 2 (SAEF-2), a worker places a replica of the United States flag onto the Comet Nucleus Tour (CONTOUR) spacecraft. CONTOUR is... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The node structural test article (STA) arrives at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility aboard the Super Guppy transport aircraft. It was moved to KSC for storage. An exact replica of the Unity Node on the International Space Station, the node STA was used at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. for testing and validation purposes. The Unity Node is the pressurized element that connects the other ISS pressurized modules together and was the first U.S. element to launch. KSC-02pd1494

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The node structural test article (STA) ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The node structural test article (STA) arrives at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility aboard the Super Guppy transport aircraft. It was moved to KSC for storage. An ex... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Following its arrival at Kennedy Space Center, The node structural test article (STA) begins its move to a storage facility. The super Guppy transport aircraft carried Node STA to KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility from Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. An exact replica of the Unity Node on the International Space Station, the node STA was used at MSFC for testing and validation purposes. The Unity Node is the pressurized element that connects the other ISS pressurized modules together and was the first U.S. element to launch. KSC-02pd1497

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Following its arrival at Kennedy Space ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Following its arrival at Kennedy Space Center, The node structural test article (STA) begins its move to a storage facility. The super Guppy transport aircraft carried Node STA to... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The node structural test article (STA) is offloaded through the open nose of the Super Guppy transport aircraft following its arrival at Kennedy Space Center from Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. It was moved to KSC for storage. An exact replica of the Unity Node on the International Space Station, the node STA was used at MSFC for testing and validation purposes. The Unity Node is the pressurized element that connects the other ISS pressurized modules together and was the first U.S. element to launch. KSC-02pd1496

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The node structural test article (STA) ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The node structural test article (STA) is offloaded through the open nose of the Super Guppy transport aircraft following its arrival at Kennedy Space Center from Marshall Space F... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The node structural test article (STA) is prepared to be offloaded through the open nose of the Super Guppy transport aircraft following its arrival at Kennedy Space Center from Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. It was moved to KSC for storage. An exact replica of the Unity Node on the International Space Station, the node STA was used at MSFC for testing and validation purposes. The Unity Node is the pressurized element that connects the other ISS pressurized modules together and was the first U.S. element to launch. KSC-02pd1495

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The node structural test article (STA) ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The node structural test article (STA) is prepared to be offloaded through the open nose of the Super Guppy transport aircraft following its arrival at Kennedy Space Center from M... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At NASA's Family & Community Mars Exploration Day, held in Cape Canaveral, Fla., James Garvin, lead scientist for the Mars Exploration Program, talks to students about the Mars Exploration Rover. Garvin is standing next to a replica of the Rover. The event informed students and the general public about Florida's key role as NASA's "Gateway to Mars" and offered an opportunity to meet with scientists, engineers, educators and others working Mars exploration missions. The Mars Exploration Rovers are being prepared for launch this spring aboard Boeing Delta II rockets from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. They will land on Mars and start exploring in January 2004. KSC-03pd0516

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At NASA's Family & Community Mars Explor...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At NASA's Family & Community Mars Exploration Day, held in Cape Canaveral, Fla., James Garvin, lead scientist for the Mars Exploration Program, talks to students about the Mars Exp... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers deliver an enlarged replica of the STS-107 crew emblem to the RLV Hangar where it will be installed on an outside wall. Inside the hangar, members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project team are identifying pieces of Columbia debris as they arrive at Kennedy Space Center and placing them on a grid approximating the shape of the orbiter. KSC-03pd1125

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers deliver an enlarged replica of t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers deliver an enlarged replica of the STS-107 crew emblem to the RLV Hangar where it will be installed on an outside wall. Inside the hangar, members of the Columbia Reconstr... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers deliver an enlarged replica of the STS-107 crew emblem to the RLV Hangar where it will be installed on an outside wall. Inside the hangar, members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project team are identifying pieces of Columbia debris as they arrive at Kennedy Space Center and placing them on a grid approximating the shape of the orbiter. KSC-03pd1127

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers deliver an enlarged replica of t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers deliver an enlarged replica of the STS-107 crew emblem to the RLV Hangar where it will be installed on an outside wall. Inside the hangar, members of the Columbia Reconstru... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project team pose for a group photo around an enlarged replica of the STS-107 crew emblem just delivered to the RLV Hangar. The emblem will be installed on an outside wall of the hangar. Inside the hangar, the team is identifying pieces of Columbia debris as they arrive at Kennedy Space Center and placing them on a grid approximating the shape of the orbiter. KSC-03pd1132

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the Columbia Reconstruction P...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project team pose for a group photo around an enlarged replica of the STS-107 crew emblem just delivered to the RLV Hangar. The emblem will b... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers deliver an enlarged replica of the STS-107 crew emblem to the RLV Hangar where it will be installed on an outside wall. Inside the hangar, members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project team are identifying pieces of Columbia debris as they arrive at Kennedy Space Center and placing them on a grid approximating the shape of the orbiter. KSC-03pd1126

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers deliver an enlarged replica of t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers deliver an enlarged replica of the STS-107 crew emblem to the RLV Hangar where it will be installed on an outside wall. Inside the hangar, members of the Columbia Reconstru... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An enlarged replica of the STS-107 crew emblem is delivered to the RLV Hangar where it will be installed on an outside wall. Inside the hangar, members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project team are identifying pieces of Columbia debris as they arrive at Kennedy Space Center and placing them on a grid approximating the shape of the orbiter. KSC-03pd1124

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An enlarged replica of the STS-107 crew ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An enlarged replica of the STS-107 crew emblem is delivered to the RLV Hangar where it will be installed on an outside wall. Inside the hangar, members of the Columbia Reconstruct... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers position a "Hail Columbia" banner beneath an enlarged replica of the STS-107 crew emblem at the RLV Hangar. The emblem will be installed on an outside wall. Inside the hangar, members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project team are identifying pieces of Columbia debris as they arrive at Kennedy Space Center and placing them on a grid approximating the shape of the orbiter. KSC-03pd1128

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers position a "Hail Columbia" banne...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers position a "Hail Columbia" banner beneath an enlarged replica of the STS-107 crew emblem at the RLV Hangar. The emblem will be installed on an outside wall. Inside the ha... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project Team seek to place a piece of debris from Columbia on this replica of the leading edge of the left wing. The team continues to examine and identify pieces of debris that were shipped to KSC. The items at KSC number more than 82,000, weigh 84,800 pounds or 38 percent of the total dry weight of Columbia. Of those items, 78,760 have been identified, with 753 placed on the left wing grid in the RLV Hangar. KSC-03pd1546

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the Columbia Reconstruction Pr...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project Team seek to place a piece of debris from Columbia on this replica of the leading edge of the left wing. The team continues to examin... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Featured displays at the KSC Visitor Complex are this full-size replica of a Space Shuttle Orbiter and the genuine solid rocket boosters and external tank, in the Shuttle Plaza.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Featured displays at the KSC Visitor Co...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Featured displays at the KSC Visitor Complex are this full-size replica of a Space Shuttle Orbiter and the genuine solid rocket boosters and external tank, in the Shuttle Plaza.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - One of the featured displays at the KSC Visitor Complex is a genuine external tank with twin solid rocket boosters, seen here. The tank and boosters are paired with a full-size replica of a Space Shuttle Orbiter in the Shuttle Plaza.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - One of the featured displays at the KSC...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - One of the featured displays at the KSC Visitor Complex is a genuine external tank with twin solid rocket boosters, seen here. The tank and boosters are paired with a full-size r... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - One of the featured displays at the KSC Visitor Complex is the genuine external tank (center) with twin solid rocket boosters, seen here at the lower end. The tank and boosters are paired with a full-size replica of a Space Shuttle Orbiter in the Shuttle Plaza.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - One of the featured displays at the KSC...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - One of the featured displays at the KSC Visitor Complex is the genuine external tank (center) with twin solid rocket boosters, seen here at the lower end. The tank and boosters ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - One of the featured displays at the KSC Visitor Complex is this full-size replica of a Space Shuttle Orbiter, in the Shuttle Plaza.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - One of the featured displays at the KSC...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - One of the featured displays at the KSC Visitor Complex is this full-size replica of a Space Shuttle Orbiter, in the Shuttle Plaza.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A replica of a Space Shuttle orbiter is on exhibit outside the Astronaut Hall of Fame, which features the world’s largest collection of personal astronaut mementos plus historic spacecrafts and training simulators. The Hall of Fame is part of the KSC Visitor Complex.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A replica of a Space Shuttle orbiter is...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A replica of a Space Shuttle orbiter is on exhibit outside the Astronaut Hall of Fame, which features the world’s largest collection of personal astronaut mementos plus historic s... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - One of the featured displays at the KSC Visitor Complex is this full-size replica of a Space Shuttle Orbiter, in the Shuttle Plaza.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - One of the featured displays at the KSC...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - One of the featured displays at the KSC Visitor Complex is this full-size replica of a Space Shuttle Orbiter, in the Shuttle Plaza.

An aerial view of the KSC Visitor Complex shows the Shuttle Plaza, with the full-size replica of an orbiter. Nearby is the display of solid rocket boosters and an external tank. 03pd2212

An aerial view of the KSC Visitor Complex shows the Shuttle Plaza, wit...

An aerial view of the KSC Visitor Complex shows the Shuttle Plaza, with the full-size replica of an orbiter. Nearby is the display of solid rocket boosters and an external tank.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers install a 20-foot by 15-foot replica of the STS-107 logo above the “A” on the A tower in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The debris from the orbiter Columbia, lost in a tragic accident on its return to Earth from the STS-107 mission, is permanently stored in the tower. A dedication ceremony Jan. 29, 2004, revealed a plaque being installed in the storage area in honor of “Columbia, the crew of STS-107, and their loved ones.”

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers install a 20-foot by 15-foot rep...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers install a 20-foot by 15-foot replica of the STS-107 logo above the “A” on the A tower in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The debris from the orbiter C... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A 20-foot by 15-foot replica of the STS-107 logo has been installed above the “A” on the A tower in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The debris from the orbiter Columbia, lost in a tragic accident on its return to Earth from the STS-107 mission, is permanently stored in the tower. A dedication ceremony Jan. 29, 2004, unveiled a plaque being installed in the storage area in honor of “Columbia, the crew of STS-107, and their loved ones.”

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A 20-foot by 15-foot replica of the STS-...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A 20-foot by 15-foot replica of the STS-107 logo has been installed above the “A” on the A tower in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The debris from the orbite... More

Members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project team pose for a group photo around an enlarged replica of the STS-107 crew emblem just delivered to the RLV Hangar. The emblem will be installed on an outside wall of the hangar. Inside the hangar, the team is identifying pieces of Columbia debris as they arrive at Kennedy Space Center and placing them on a grid approximating the shape of the orbiter. KSC-03PD-1130

Members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project team pose for a group p...

Members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project team pose for a group photo around an enlarged replica of the STS-107 crew emblem just delivered to the RLV Hangar. The emblem will be installed on an outside wall... More

Members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project team pose for a group photo around an enlarged replica of the STS-107 crew emblem just delivered to the RLV Hangar. The emblem will be installed on an outside wall of the hangar. Inside the hangar, the team is identifying pieces of Columbia debris as they arrive at Kennedy Space Center and placing them on a grid approximating the shape of the orbiter. KSC-03PD-1131

Members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project team pose for a group p...

Members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project team pose for a group photo around an enlarged replica of the STS-107 crew emblem just delivered to the RLV Hangar. The emblem will be installed on an outside wall... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An aerial view shows the entire Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. In the foreground at left are a full-size orbiter replica, the "Explorer," which allows guests to picture more clearly what it's like to live and work in space, as well as full-size, genuine solid rocket boosters and an external fuel tank (foreground, left). On the right at center is the rocket garden, which features eight authentic rockets from the past, including a Mercury-Atlas rocket similar to the one used to launch John Glenn into space in 1962 and climb-in Mercury, Gemini and Apollo capsule rep¬licas. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1577

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An aerial view shows the entire Kennedy Space C...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An aerial view shows the entire Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. In the foreground at left are a full-size orbiter replica, the "Explorer," which allows guests to picture... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An aerial view of part of NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. A full-size orbiter replica (at right), the "Explorer," allows guests to picture more clearly what it's like to live and work in space. Full-size, genuine solid rocket boosters and an external fuel tank are also on display, representing all three components of a space shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1576

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An aerial view of part of NASA's Kennedy Space ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An aerial view of part of NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. A full-size orbiter replica (at right), the "Explorer," allows guests to picture more clearly what it's ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Standing in front of a replica of a space shuttle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana speaks to the audience attending a 30th anniversary celebration in honor of the Space Shuttle Program's first shuttle launch. The celebration followed an announcement by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden where the four orbiters will be placed for permanent display after retirement. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-2887

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Standing in front of a replica of a space shut...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Standing in front of a replica of a space shuttle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana speaks to the audience attending a 30th an... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Standing in front of a replica of a space shuttle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Rita Willcoxon, Launch Vehicle Processing director, kicks off the event enthusiastically speaking to an audience attending the 30th anniversary celebration in honor of the Space Shuttle Program's first shuttle launch. The celebration followed an announcement by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden where the four orbiters will be placed for permanent display after retirement. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-2884

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Standing in front of a replica of a space shut...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Standing in front of a replica of a space shuttle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Rita Willcoxon, Launch Vehicle Processing director, kicks off the event enthu... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Standing in front of a replica of a space shuttle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden speaks to the audience attending a 30th anniversary celebration in honor of the Space Shuttle Program's first shuttle launch. Alongside Bolden is Rita Willcoxon, Launch Vehicle Processing director and Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana. The celebration followed an announcement by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden where the four orbiters will be placed for permanent display after retirement. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-2898

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Standing in front of a replica of a space shut...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Standing in front of a replica of a space shuttle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden speaks to the audience attending a 30th ann... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Standing in front of a replica of a space shuttle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, NASA Astronaut and STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson speaks to the audience attending a 30th anniversary celebration in honor of the Space Shuttle Program's first shuttle launch. The celebration followed an announcement by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden where the four orbiters will be placed for permanent display after retirement. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-2890

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Standing in front of a replica of a space shut...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Standing in front of a replica of a space shuttle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, NASA Astronaut and STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson speaks to the audience at... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Training Auditorium at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey autographs a space shuttle replica for a Kennedy employee during a crew return event. The crew launched from Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A aboard space shuttle Discovery on its final flight on February 24, 2011 to the International Space Station. The crew delivered Robonaut 2 and the Permanent Multipurpose Module packed with supplies and critical spare parts on a 13-day mission. Discovery is being processed for retirement and will be displayed at the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-2941

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Training Auditorium at NASA's Kennedy S...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Training Auditorium at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey autographs a space shuttle replica for a Kennedy employee during a crew return event... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The U.S. flag waves proudly in front of a replica of a Mercury-Redstone rocket at Complex 5/6 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. A celebration was held at the launch site of the first U.S. manned spaceflight May 5, 1961, to mark the 50th anniversary of the flight. Fifty years ago, astronaut Alan Shepard lifted off inside the Mercury capsule, "Freedom 7," atop an 82-foot-tall Mercury-Redstone rocket at 9:34 a.m. EST, sending him on a remarkably successful, 15-minute suborbital flight. The event was attended by more than 200 workers from the original Mercury program and included a re-creation of Shepard's flight and recovery, as well as a tribute to his contributions as a moonwalker on the Apollo 14 lunar mission. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/topics/history/milestones/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-3321

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The U.S. flag waves proudly in front of a repl...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The U.S. flag waves proudly in front of a replica of a Mercury-Redstone rocket at Complex 5/6 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. A celebration was held at the launch site... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-135 Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus signs an autograph while Pilot Doug Hurley autographs a space shuttle replica for employees inside Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility-2, where space shuttle Atlantis is being prepared for eventual display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The astronauts, along with Commander Chris Ferguson, were at the center for the traditional post-flight crew return presentation. STS-135 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim was unable to attend the Kennedy event. In July 2011, Atlantis and its crew delivered to the International Space Station the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with more than 9,400 pounds of spare parts, equipment and supplies that will sustain station operations for the next year. STS-135 was the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis and the final mission of the Space Shuttle Program. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-7047

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-135 Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus signs ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-135 Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus signs an autograph while Pilot Doug Hurley autographs a space shuttle replica for employees inside Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facil... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size, 149-foot-long, space shuttle solid rocket booster, or SRB, replica from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The SRB is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The SRB was part of a mockup of the external tank and two SRBs at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The SRBs burned out after about two-and-a-half minutes of flight. After recovery from the ocean, the boosters could be used repeatedly. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-8071

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size, 149-foot-long, space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size, 149-foot-long, space shuttle solid rocket booster, or SRB, replica from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A large truck hauls a full-size, 149-foot-long, space shuttle solid rocket booster, or SRB, replica from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The SRB is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The SRB was part of a mockup of the external tank and two SRBs at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The SRBs burned out after about two-and-a-half minutes of flight. After recovery from the ocean, the boosters could be used repeatedly. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-8075

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A large truck hauls a full-size, 149-foot-long,...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A large truck hauls a full-size, 149-foot-long, space shuttle solid rocket booster, or SRB, replica from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A large truck hauls a full-size, 149-foot-long, space shuttle solid rocket booster, or SRB, replica from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The SRB is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The SRB was part of a mockup of the external tank and two SRBs at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The SRBs burned out after about two-and-a-half minutes of flight. After recovery from the ocean, the boosters could be used repeatedly. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-8079

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A large truck hauls a full-size, 149-foot-long,...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A large truck hauls a full-size, 149-foot-long, space shuttle solid rocket booster, or SRB, replica from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A large truck hauls a full-size, 149-foot-long, space shuttle solid rocket booster, or SRB, replica from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The SRB is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The SRB was part of a mockup of the external tank and two SRBs at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The SRBs burned out after about two-and-a-half minutes of flight. After recovery from the ocean, the boosters could be used repeatedly. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-8078

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A large truck hauls a full-size, 149-foot-long,...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A large truck hauls a full-size, 149-foot-long, space shuttle solid rocket booster, or SRB, replica from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A truck hauls a full-size, 149-foot-long, space shuttle solid rocket booster, or SRB, replica from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The SRB is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The SRB was part of a mockup of the external tank and two SRBs at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The SRBs burned out after about two-and-a-half minutes of flight. After recovery from the ocean, the boosters could be used repeatedly. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossman KSC-2011-8130

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A truck hauls a full-size, 149-foot-long, space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A truck hauls a full-size, 149-foot-long, space shuttle solid rocket booster, or SRB, replica from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size, 149-foot-long, space shuttle solid rocket booster, or SRB, replica from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The SRB is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The SRB was part of a mockup of the external tank and two SRBs at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The SRBs burned out after about two-and-a-half minutes of flight. After recovery from the ocean, the boosters could be used repeatedly. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossman KSC-2011-8127

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size, 149-foot-long, space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size, 149-foot-long, space shuttle solid rocket booster, or SRB, replica from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size, 149-foot-long, space shuttle solid rocket booster, or SRB, replica from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The SRB is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The SRB was part of a mockup of the external tank and two SRBs at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The SRBs burned out after about two-and-a-half minutes of flight. After recovery from the ocean, the boosters could be used repeatedly. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossman KSC-2011-8124

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size, 149-foot-long, space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size, 149-foot-long, space shuttle solid rocket booster, or SRB, replica from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space shuttle external fuel tank from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The tank is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The tank was part of a mockup of the external tank and two solid rocket boosters at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The tank, which held propellants for the shuttle's three main engines, was not reused, but burned up in the atmosphere and fell into the ocean. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossman KSC-2011-8139

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space shuttle external fuel tank from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space shuttle external fuel tank from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The tank is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The tank was part of a mockup of the external tank and two solid rocket boosters at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The tank, which held propellants for the shuttle's three main engines, was not reused, but burned up in the atmosphere and fell into the ocean. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossman KSC-2011-8143

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space shuttle external fuel tank from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space shuttle external fuel tank from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The tank is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The tank was part of a mockup of the external tank and two solid rocket boosters at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The tank, which held propellants for the shuttle's three main engines, was not reused, but burned up in the atmosphere and fell into the ocean. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossman KSC-2011-8138

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space shuttle external fuel tank from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A truck hauls a full-size, 149-foot-long, space shuttle solid rocket booster, or SRB, replica from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The SRB is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The SRB was part of a mockup of the external tank and two SRBs at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The SRBs burned out after about two-and-a-half minutes of flight. After recovery from the ocean, the boosters could be used repeatedly. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossman KSC-2011-8131

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A truck hauls a full-size, 149-foot-long, space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A truck hauls a full-size, 149-foot-long, space shuttle solid rocket booster, or SRB, replica from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space shuttle external fuel tank from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The tank is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The tank was part of a mockup of the external tank and two solid rocket boosters at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The tank, which held propellants for the shuttle's three main engines, was not reused, but burned up in the atmosphere and fell into the ocean. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossman KSC-2011-8135

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space shuttle external fuel tank from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space shuttle external fuel tank from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The tank is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The tank was part of a mockup of the external tank and two solid rocket boosters at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The tank, which held propellants for the shuttle's three main engines, was not reused, but burned up in the atmosphere and fell into the ocean. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossman KSC-2011-8141

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space shuttle external fuel tank from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space shuttle external fuel tank from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The tank is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The tank was part of a mockup of the external tank and two solid rocket boosters at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The tank, which held propellants for the shuttle's three main engines, was not reused, but burned up in the atmosphere and fell into the ocean. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossman KSC-2011-8145

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space shuttle external fuel tank from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A truck hauls a full-size, 149-foot-long, space shuttle solid rocket booster, or SRB, replica from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The SRB is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The SRB was part of a mockup of the external tank and two SRBs at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The SRBs burned out after about two-and-a-half minutes of flight. After recovery from the ocean, the boosters could be used repeatedly. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossman KSC-2011-8133

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A truck hauls a full-size, 149-foot-long, space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A truck hauls a full-size, 149-foot-long, space shuttle solid rocket booster, or SRB, replica from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A truck hauls a full-size, 149-foot-long, space shuttle solid rocket booster, or SRB, replica from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The SRB is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The SRB was part of a mockup of the external tank and two SRBs at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The SRBs burned out after about two-and-a-half minutes of flight. After recovery from the ocean, the boosters could be used repeatedly. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossman KSC-2011-8132

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A truck hauls a full-size, 149-foot-long, space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A truck hauls a full-size, 149-foot-long, space shuttle solid rocket booster, or SRB, replica from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space shuttle external fuel tank from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The tank is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The tank was part of a mockup of the external tank and two solid rocket boosters at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The tank, which held propellants for the shuttle's three main engines, was not reused, but burned up in the atmosphere and fell into the ocean. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossman KSC-2011-8144

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space shuttle external fuel tank from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space shuttle external fuel tank from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring space shuttle Atlantis, which is currently undergoing preparations to go on public display. The tank is being placed into temporary storage at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The tank was part of a mockup of the external tank and two solid rocket boosters at the visitor complex that were used to show visitors the size of actual space shuttle components. A space shuttle rode piggyback on the tank and boosters at liftoff and during the ascent into space. The tank, which held propellants for the shuttle's three main engines, was not reused, but burned up in the atmosphere and fell into the ocean. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossman KSC-2011-8147

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Cranes remove a full-size replica of a space shuttle external fuel tank from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as the space-themed attraction makes way for a new exhibit featuring ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engine shop at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, two of three completed replica shuttle main engines (RSMEs) sit on stands. The RSMEs were created for space shuttle Discovery. The replica engines will be transported from the engine shop to the processing facility for installation on Discovery in January 2012. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Discovery. Discovery is being prepared for display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2011-8120

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engine s...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engine shop at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, two of three completed replica shuttle main engines (RSMEs) sit on stands. The RSMEs were cre... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engine shop at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the three replica shuttle main engines (RSMEs) created for space shuttle Discovery is attached to the space shuttle main engine horizontal installer. The replica engines will be transported from the engine shop to the processing facility for installation on Discovery in January 2012. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Discovery. Discovery is being prepared for display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2011-8121

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engine s...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engine shop at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the three replica shuttle main engines (RSMEs) created for space shuttle Discovery is ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engine shop at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the three replica shuttle main engines (RSMEs) created for space shuttle Discovery is attached to the space shuttle main engine horizontal installer. The replica engines will be transported from the engine shop to the processing facility for installation on Discovery in January 2012. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Discovery. Discovery is being prepared for display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2011-8122

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engine s...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engine shop at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the three replica shuttle main engines (RSMEs) created for space shuttle Discovery is ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engine shop at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a completed replica shuttle main engine (RSME) sits on a stand. The RSME is one of three created for space shuttle Discovery. The replica engines will be transported from the engine shop to the processing facility for installation on Discovery in January 2012. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Discovery. Discovery is being prepared for display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2011-8119

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engine s...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engine shop at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a completed replica shuttle main engine (RSME) sits on a stand. The RSME is one of three crea... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A replica shuttle main engine (RSME) arrives in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida where it will be installed on space shuttle Discovery. The RSME was built in the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engine shop at Kennedy. The RSME is one of three that will be installed on Discovery during Space Shuttle Program transition and retirement activities. Discovery is being prepared for display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-8185

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A replica shuttle main engine (RSME) arrives in...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A replica shuttle main engine (RSME) arrives in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida where it will be installed on space shuttle Discovery. The RSME wa... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A completed replica shuttle main engine (RSME) awaits transport from the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engine shop at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to Orbiter Processing Facility-1 where it will be installed on space shuttle Discovery. The RSME is one of three that will be installed on Discovery during Space Shuttle Program transition and retirement activities. Discovery is being prepared for display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-8181

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A completed replica shuttle main engine (RSME) ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A completed replica shuttle main engine (RSME) awaits transport from the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engine shop at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to Orbiter Processing Facility-1 ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A replica shuttle main engine (RSME) rolls out of the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engine shop at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida toward Orbiter Processing Facility-1 where it will be installed on space shuttle Discovery. In the background is the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building. The RSME is one of three that will be installed on Discovery during Space Shuttle Program transition and retirement activities. Discovery is being prepared for display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-8182

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A replica shuttle main engine (RSME) rolls out ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A replica shuttle main engine (RSME) rolls out of the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engine shop at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida toward Orbiter Processing Facility-1 where it will b... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A replica shuttle main engine (RSME) arrives at Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida where it will be installed on space shuttle Discovery. The RSME was built in the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engine shop at Kennedy. The RSME is one of three that will be installed on Discovery during Space Shuttle Program transition and retirement activities. Discovery is being prepared for display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-8183

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A replica shuttle main engine (RSME) arrives at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A replica shuttle main engine (RSME) arrives at Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida where it will be installed on space shuttle Discovery. The RSME wa... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are under way to install a replica shuttle main engine (RSME) on space shuttle Discovery in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The RSME is one of three that will be installed on Discovery during Space Shuttle Program transition and retirement activities. The replicas are being built in the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engine shop at Kennedy to replace the shuttle engines which will be placed in storage to support NASA's Space Launch System, under development. Discovery is being prepared for display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-8186

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are under way to install a replica...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Preparations are under way to install a replica shuttle main engine (RSME) on space shuttle Discovery in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The RS... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers position a replica shuttle main engine (RSME) into the engine well of space shuttle Discovery with the aid of a Hyster forklift, a specially designed engine installer. The RSME is one of three being installed on Discovery during Space Shuttle Program transition and retirement activities. The replicas are built in the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engine shop at Kennedy to replace the shuttle engines which will be placed in storage to support NASA's Space Launch System, under development. Discovery is being prepared for display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-8195

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, workers position a replica shuttle main engine (RSME) into the engine well of space shuttle Discovery with the ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida move a replica shuttle main engine (RSME) toward space shuttle Discovery with the aid of a Hyster forklift, a specially designed engine installer. The RSME is one of three being installed on Discovery during Space Shuttle Program transition and retirement activities. The replicas are built in the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engine shop at Kennedy to replace the shuttle engines which will be placed in storage to support NASA's Space Launch System, under development. Discovery is being prepared for display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-8192

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida move a replica shuttle main engine (RSME) toward space shuttle Discovery with the aid of a Hyster forkli... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a replica shuttle main engine (RSME) slides into the engine well of space shuttle Discovery with the aid of a Hyster forklift, a specially designed engine installer. The RSME is one of three being installed on Discovery during Space Shuttle Program transition and retirement activities. The replicas are built in the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engine shop at Kennedy to replace the shuttle engines which will be placed in storage to support NASA's Space Launch System, under development. Discovery is being prepared for display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-8196

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 replica shuttle main engine (RSME) slides into the engine well of space shuttle Discovery with the aid of a H... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the third and final replica shuttle main engine (RSME) slides into an engine well of space shuttle Discovery with the aid of a Hyster forklift, a specially designed engine installer. The RSME is one of three being installed on Discovery during Space Shuttle Program transition and retirement activities. The replicas are built in the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engine shop at Kennedy to replace the shuttle engines which will be placed in storage to support NASA's Space Launch System, under development. Discovery is being prepared for display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-8197

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, the third and final replica shuttle main engine (RSME) slides into an engine well of space shuttle Discovery wi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the eyelids and heat shields are being prepared for installation on space shuttle Discovery’s replica shuttle main engines. The heat shields are composed of two, semi-circle-shaped sections of thermal protection system tiles that surround the engines. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Discovery. Discovery is being prepared for display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-8297

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the eyelids and heat shields are being prepared for installation on space shuttle Discovery’s replica shutt... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians help guide one of space shuttle Discovery’s replica shuttle main engines (RSME) into place after the eyelid and heat shield were installed. The heat shields are composed of two, semi-circle-shaped sections of thermal protection system tiles that surround the engines. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Discovery. Discovery is being prepared for display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2011-8299

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians help guide one of space shuttle Discovery’s replica shuttle main engines (RSME) into place afte... More

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