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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Amid the glow of lights from the fixed and rotating service structures, Space Shuttle Discovery rests on the hardstand of Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after completing the 4.2-mile journey from the Vehicle Assembly Building. First motion was at 12:45 p.m. EDT. The shuttle rests on a mobile launcher platform. The rollout is an important step before launch of Discovery on mission STS-121 to the International Space Station. First motion of the shuttle leaving NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building was at 12:45 p.m. EDT. Discovery's launch is targeted for July 1 in a launch window that extends to July 19. During the 12-day mission, Discovery's crew will test new hardware and techniques to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the station. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd0899

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Amid the glow of lights from the fixed ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Amid the glow of lights from the fixed and rotating service structures, Space Shuttle Discovery rests on the hardstand of Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after compl... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENER, FLA. -- A timed exposure of the Space Shuttle at Launch Pad A, Complex 39, turns the space vehicle and support facilities into a night-time fantasy of light. To the left of the Shuttle are the fixed and the rotating service structures ksc-81pc-137

KENNEDY SPACE CENER, FLA. -- A timed exposure of the Space Shuttle at ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENER, FLA. -- A timed exposure of the Space Shuttle at Launch Pad A, Complex 39, turns the space vehicle and support facilities into a night-time fantasy of light. To the left of the Shuttle are ... More

A timed exposure of the first Space Shuttle, STS-1, at Launch Pad A, Complex 39, turns the space vehicle and support facilities into a night-time fantasy of light. To the left of the Shuttle are the fixed and the rotating service structures. KSC-81PC-0136

A timed exposure of the first Space Shuttle, STS-1, at Launch Pad A, C...

A timed exposure of the first Space Shuttle, STS-1, at Launch Pad A, Complex 39, turns the space vehicle and support facilities into a night-time fantasy of light. To the left of the Shuttle are the fixed and t... More

Rare view of two space shuttles on adjacent KSC Launch Complex (LC) 39 pads

Rare view of two space shuttles on adjacent KSC Launch Complex (LC) 39...

S90-48650 (5 Sept 1990) --- This rare view shows two space shuttles on adjacent pads at Launch Complex 39 with the Rotating Service Structures (RSR) retracted. Space Shuttle Columbia (foreground) is on Pad A wh... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Discovery makes the climb to Launch Pad 39B aboard the mobile launcher platform and crawler transporter. The crawler is able to keep its cargo level during the move up the five percent grade, not varying from the vertical more than the diameter of a soccer ball. At right are the rotating and fixed service structures which will be used during prelaunch preparations at the pad. Earlier in the week, the Shuttle was rolled back to the VAB from the pad to repair hail damage on the external tank's foam insulation. Mission STS-96, the 94th launch in the Space Shuttle Program, is scheduled for liftoff May 27 at 6:48 a.m. EDT. STS-96 is a logistics and resupply mission for the International Space Station, carrying such payloads as a Russian crane, the Strela; a U.S.-built crane; the Spacehab Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), a logistics items carrier; and STARSHINE, a student-shared experiment KSC-99pp0565

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Discovery makes the climb...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Discovery makes the climb to Launch Pad 39B aboard the mobile launcher platform and crawler transporter. The crawler is able to keep its cargo level during the move ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour approaches the incline to Launch Pad 39B, where the Rotating and Fixed Service Structures can be seen in the background to the left. Moments after this photo was taken, workers noticed one of the crawler-transporter cleats was cracked and rollout was delayed until the cleat could be replaced. The Space Shuttle was hard down on the pad several hours later. Endeavour is scheduled to be launched Nov. 30 at 10:01 p.m. EST on mission STS-97, the sixth construction flight to the International Space Station. Its payload includes the P6 Integrated Truss Structure and a photovoltaic (PV) module, with giant solar arrays that will provide power to the Station. The mission includes two spacewalks to complete the solar array connections KSC00pp1627

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour approaches the i...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour approaches the incline to Launch Pad 39B, where the Rotating and Fixed Service Structures can be seen in the background to the left. Moments after this phot... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour approaches the incline to Launch Pad 39B, where the Rotating and Fixed Service Structures can be seen in the background to the left. Moments after this photo was taken, workers noticed one of the crawler-transporter cleats was cracked and rollout was delayed until the cleat could be replaced. The Space Shuttle was hard down on the pad several hours later. Endeavour is scheduled to be launched Nov. 30 at 10:01 p.m. EST on mission STS-97, the sixth construction flight to the International Space Station. Its payload includes the P6 Integrated Truss Structure and a photovoltaic (PV) module, with giant solar arrays that will provide power to the Station. The mission includes two spacewalks to complete the solar array connections KSC-00pp1627

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour approaches the i...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour approaches the incline to Launch Pad 39B, where the Rotating and Fixed Service Structures can be seen in the background to the left. Moments after this phot... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Under wispy white clouds, Space Shuttle Atlantis slowly moves toward the Rotating and Fixed Service Structures on Launch Pad 39A. The 80-foot-tall white lighting mast is seen atop the FSS. Atlantis will fly on mission STS-98, the seventh construction flight to the International Space Station, carrying the U.S. Laboratory, named Destiny. The lab will have five system racks already installed inside the module. After delivery of electronics in the lab, electrically powered attitude control for Control Moment Gyroscopes will be activated. Atlantis is scheduled for launch no earlier than Jan. 19, 2001, with a crew of five KSC01pp0015

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Under wispy white clouds, Space Shuttle ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Under wispy white clouds, Space Shuttle Atlantis slowly moves toward the Rotating and Fixed Service Structures on Launch Pad 39A. The 80-foot-tall white lighting mast is seen atop ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-100 crew gives thumbs up on launch as they gather near Launch Pad 39A to greet family and friends. Starting at left, they are Mission Specialists Chris A. Hadfield, John L. Phillips and Umberto Guidoni; Commander Kent V. Rominger; Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby; and Mission Specialists Scott E. Parazynski and Yuri V. Lonchakov. Hadfield is with the Canadian Space Agency; Guidoni is with the European Space Agency; and Lonchakov is with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. In the background on the pad can be seen the tips of Space Shuttle Endeavour’s orange external tank and white solid rocket boosters. The 80-foot lightning rod towers above the Shuttle and service structures. The crew is at KSC to complete final flight plan reviews in anticipation of launch. The 11-day mission to the International Space Station will deliver and integrate the Spacelab Logistics Pallet/Launch Deployment Assembly, which includes the Space Station Remote Manipulator system and the UHF Antenna, and the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello. The mission includes two planned spacewalks for installation of the SSRMS. The mission is also the inaugural flight of the MPLM Raffaello, carrying resupply stowage racks and resupply/return stowage platforms. Liftoff on mission STS-100 is scheduled at 2:41 p.m. EDT April 19 KSC01padig198

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-100 crew gives thumbs up on laun...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-100 crew gives thumbs up on launch as they gather near Launch Pad 39A to greet family and friends. Starting at left, they are Mission Specialists Chris A. Hadfield, John L.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour approaches the Rotating and Fixed Service Structures on Launch Pad 39A after rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The Shuttle sits atop the Mobile Launcher Platform and is transported by the crawler-transporter underneath. Endeavour is scheduled to launch Nov. 10 on mission STS-113, the 16th assembly flight to the International Space Station. The primary payloads on mission STS-113 are the first port truss segment, P1 Truss, and the Crew and Equipment Translation Aid (CETA) Cart B. Once delivered, the P1 truss will remain stowed until flight 12A.1 in 2003 when it will be attached to the central truss segment, S0, on the Space Station. The mission will also deliver the Expedition 6 crew to the Station and return Expedition 5 to Earth. KSC-02pd1519

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour approaches the R...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour approaches the Rotating and Fixed Service Structures on Launch Pad 39A after rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The Shuttle sits atop the Mobile La... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the early morning, Space Shuttle Endeavour approaches the Rotating and Fixed Service Structures on Launch Pad 39A after rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The Shuttle sits atop the Mobile Launcher Platform and is transported by the crawler-transporter underneath. Endeavour is scheduled to launch Nov. 10 on mission STS-113, the 16th assembly flight to the International Space Station. The primary payloads on mission STS-113 are the first port truss segment, P1 Truss, and the Crew and Equipment Translation Aid (CETA) Cart B. Once delivered, the P1 truss will remain stowed until flight 12A.1 in 2003 when it will be attached to the central truss segment, S0, on the Space Station. The mission will also deliver the Expedition 6 crew to the Station and return Expedition 5 to Earth. KSC-02pd1518

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the early morning, Space Shuttle End...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the early morning, Space Shuttle Endeavour approaches the Rotating and Fixed Service Structures on Launch Pad 39A after rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The Shuttle ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from the east side, Launch Pads 39A and 39B tower over the bird-filled waters of the Banana River at NASA Kennedy Space Center. On the far right is seen the 300-gallon water tower. Rising above the fixed service structures are the 80-foot lightning masts that help protect the structures from lightning strikes. KSC-06pd0064

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from the east side, Launch Pads 3...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Viewed from the east side, Launch Pads 39A and 39B tower over the bird-filled waters of the Banana River at NASA Kennedy Space Center. On the far right is seen the 300-gallon wate... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Amid the glow of lights from the fixed and rotating service structures, Space Shuttle Discovery rests on the hardstand of Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after completing the 4.2-mile journey from the Vehicle Assembly Building. First motion was at 12:45 p.m. EDT. The shuttle rests on a mobile launcher platform. The rollout is an important step before launch of Discovery on mission STS-121 to the International Space Station. First motion of the shuttle leaving NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building was at 12:45 p.m. EDT. Discovery's launch is targeted for July 1 in a launch window that extends to July 19. During the 12-day mission, Discovery's crew will test new hardware and techniques to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the station. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd0901

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Amid the glow of lights from the fixed ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Amid the glow of lights from the fixed and rotating service structures, Space Shuttle Discovery rests on the hardstand of Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after compl... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The sun is setting as Space Shuttle Discovery arrives on the hardstand of Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. At right are the fixed and rotating service structures. First motion was at 12:45 p.m. EDT. The shuttle rests on a mobile launcher platform and made the 4.2-mile journey from the Vehicle Assembly Building via the crawler-transporter beneath the platform. The rollout is an important step before launch of Discovery on mission STS-121 to the International Space Station. First motion of the shuttle leaving NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building was at 12:45 p.m. EDT. Discovery's launch is targeted for July 1 in a launch window that extends to July 19. During the 12-day mission, Discovery's crew will test new hardware and techniques to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the station. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd0902

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The sun is setting as Space Shuttle Dis...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The sun is setting as Space Shuttle Discovery arrives on the hardstand of Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. At right are the fixed and rotating service structures. F... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Amid the glow of lights from the fixed and rotating service structures, Space Shuttle Discovery rests on the hardstand of Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after completing the 4.2-mile journey from the Vehicle Assembly Building. First motion was at 12:45 p.m. EDT. The shuttle rests on a mobile launcher platform. The rollout is an important step before launch of Discovery on mission STS-121 to the International Space Station. Discovery's launch is targeted for July 1 in a launch window that extends to July 19. During the 12-day mission, Discovery's crew will test new hardware and techniques to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the station. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-06pd0909

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Amid the glow of lights from the fixed...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Amid the glow of lights from the fixed and rotating service structures, Space Shuttle Discovery rests on the hardstand of Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after comp... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The sun is setting as Space Shuttle Discovery nears its place on Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. At right are the fixed and rotating service structures. First motion was at 12:45 p.m. EDT. The shuttle rests on a mobile launcher platform and made the 4.2-mile journey from the Vehicle Assembly Building via the crawler-transporter beneath the platform. The rollout is an important step before launch of Discovery on mission STS-121 to the International Space Station. Discovery's launch is targeted for July 1 in a launch window that extends to July 19. During the 12-day mission, Discovery's crew will test new hardware and techniques to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the station. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-06pd0906

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The sun is setting as Space Shuttle Dis...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The sun is setting as Space Shuttle Discovery nears its place on Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. At right are the fixed and rotating service structures. First moti... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The lights from the fixed and rotating service structures bathe Space Shuttle Discovery in a warm glow as it rests on the hardstand of Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after completing the 4.2-mile journey from the Vehicle Assembly Building. First motion was at 12:45 p.m. EDT. The shuttle rests on a mobile launcher platform. The rollout is an important step before launch of Discovery on mission STS-121 to the International Space Station. Discovery's launch is targeted for July 1 in a launch window that extends to July 19. During the 12-day mission, Discovery's crew will test new hardware and techniques to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the station. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-06pd0910

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The lights from the fixed and rotating...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The lights from the fixed and rotating service structures bathe Space Shuttle Discovery in a warm glow as it rests on the hardstand of Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Cent... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Like a fantasy movie scene, the fog on Launch Pad 39B is pierced by lights on vehicles and the service structures as Space Shuttle Atlantis approaches. Atlantis left the Vehicle Assembly Building 1:05 a.m. and arrived at the pad nearly 8 hours later. Atlantis' launch window begins Aug. 27 for an 11-day mission, STS-115, to the International Space Station. The mission crew of six astronauts will continue construction of the station and install their cargo, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays. Photo credit: NASA/Rod Ostoski KSC-06pd1731

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Like a fantasy movie scene, the fog on ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Like a fantasy movie scene, the fog on Launch Pad 39B is pierced by lights on vehicles and the service structures as Space Shuttle Atlantis approaches. Atlantis left the Vehicle ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-115 crew poses for the media before a press conference on Launch Pad 39B. Seen left to right are Mission Specialist Steven MacLean, Commander Brent Jett, Mission Specialist Daniel Burbank, Pilot Chris Ferguson, and Mission Specialists Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper and Joseph Tanner. MacLean is with the Canadian Space Agency. The mission crew is at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities that are preparation for launch on Space Shuttle Atlantis, scheduled to take place in a window that opens Aug. 27. Behind the crew is the shuttle, surrounded by the fixed and rotating service structures, with the orange external tank and while solid rocket boosters showing. The TCDT culminates in a simulated launch countdown. During their 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the STS-115 crew will continue construction of the station and attach the payload elements, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-06pd1768

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-115 crew poses for the media be...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-115 crew poses for the media before a press conference on Launch Pad 39B. Seen left to right are Mission Specialist Steven MacLean, Commander Brent Jett, Mission Speciali... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Pad 39B, the crawler-transporter moves Space Shuttle Atlantis away from the rotating and fixed service structures, at right, on its rollback to the Vehicle Assembly Building. First motion off the pad was at 10:04 a.m. EDT. The crawler is 131 feet long, 113 feet wide and 20 feet high. It weights 5.5 million pounds unloaded. The combined weight of crawler, mobile launcher platform and a space shuttle is 12 million pounds. Unloaded, the crawler moves at 2 mph. Loaded, the snail's pace slows to 1 mph. The rollback is a safety precaution as the area waits for the arrival of Tropical Storm Ernesto. The storm is forecast to be bringing 58-mph to 70-mph winds in the next 24 hours. The shuttle will be moved into high bay 2, on the southwest side of the VAB, for protection from the storm. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd1981

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Pad 39B, the crawler-transpor...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Pad 39B, the crawler-transporter moves Space Shuttle Atlantis away from the rotating and fixed service structures, at right, on its rollback to the Vehicle Assembly Buil... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A darkening cloud overhead keeps vigil as Space Shuttle Atlantis moves away from Launch Pad 39B on its rollback to the Vehicle Assembly Building. At right are the rotating and fixed service structures. First motion off the pad was at 10:04 a.m. EDT. The crawler is 131 feet long, 113 feet wide and 20 feet high. It weights 5.5 million pounds unloaded. The combined weight of crawler, mobile launcher platform and a space shuttle is 12 million pounds. Unloaded, the crawler moves at 2 mph. Loaded, the snail's pace slows to 1 mph. The rollback is a safety precaution as the area waits for the arrival of Tropical Storm Ernesto. The storm is forecast to be bringing 58-mph to 70-mph winds in the next 24 hours. The shuttle will be moved into high bay 2, on the southwest side of the VAB, for protection from the storm. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd1982

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A darkening cloud overhead keeps vigil ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A darkening cloud overhead keeps vigil as Space Shuttle Atlantis moves away from Launch Pad 39B on its rollback to the Vehicle Assembly Building. At right are the rotating and fi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Pad 39B, the crawler-transporter moves Space Shuttle Atlantis along the ramp and away from the rotating and fixed service structures, at right, on its rollback to the Vehicle Assembly Building. First motion off the pad was at 10:04 a.m. EDT. The crawler is 131 feet long, 113 feet wide and 20 feet high. It weights 5.5 million pounds unloaded. The combined weight of crawler, mobile launcher platform and a space shuttle is 12 million pounds. Unloaded, the crawler moves at 2 mph. Loaded, the snail's pace slows to 1 mph. The rollback is a safety precaution as the area waits for the arrival of Tropical Storm Ernesto. The storm is forecast to be bringing 58-mph to 70-mph winds in the next 24 hours. The shuttle will be moved into high bay 2, on the southwest side of the VAB, for protection from the storm. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd1983

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Pad 39B, the crawler-transpor...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Pad 39B, the crawler-transporter moves Space Shuttle Atlantis along the ramp and away from the rotating and fixed service structures, at right, on its rollback to the Ve... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Pad 39B, the crawler-transporter moves Space Shuttle Atlantis along the ramp and away from the rotating and fixed service structures, at right, on its rollback to the Vehicle Assembly Building. First motion off the pad was at 10:04 a.m. EDT. The crawler is 131 feet long, 113 feet wide and 20 feet high. It weights 5.5 million pounds unloaded. The combined weight of crawler, mobile launcher platform and a space shuttle is 12 million pounds. Unloaded, the crawler moves at 2 mph. Loaded, the snail's pace slows to 1 mph. The rollback is a safety precaution as the area waits for the arrival of Tropical Storm Ernesto. The storm is forecast to be bringing 58-mph to 70-mph winds in the next 24 hours. The shuttle will be moved into high bay 2, on the southwest side of the VAB, for protection from the storm. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd1985

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Pad 39B, the crawler-transpor...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On Launch Pad 39B, the crawler-transporter moves Space Shuttle Atlantis along the ramp and away from the rotating and fixed service structures, at right, on its rollback to the Ve... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis is illuminated on Launch Pad 39B, surrounded by amber lights on the rotating and fixed service structures. Seen above the golden external tank is the vent hood (known as the "beanie cap") at the end of the gaseous oxygen vent arm. Vapors are created as the liquid oxygen in the external tank boil off. The hood vents the gaseous oxygen vapors away from the space shuttle vehicle. Atlantis was originally scheduled to launch on Aug. 27, but a scrub was called by mission managers due to a concern with fuel cell 1. Atlantis is scheduled to lift off at 11:41 a.m. EDT Sept. 8. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the ISS. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-06pd2073

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis is illuminated o...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis is illuminated on Launch Pad 39B, surrounded by amber lights on the rotating and fixed service structures. Seen above the golden external tank is the vent ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis hurtles toward space, propelled by twin columns of fire from the solid rocket boosters, which are captured in the reflection on the water. The resulting clouds of smoke and steam billow across Launch Pad 39B and upward, obscuring the service structures on the pad. Atlantis is heading for a rendezvous with the International Space Station on mission STS-115. Liftoff was on-time at 11:14:55 a.m. EDT. After several launch attempts were scrubbed due to weather and technical concerns, this launch was executed perfectly. Mission STS-115 is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC KSC-06pp2158

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis hurtles toward s...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis hurtles toward space, propelled by twin columns of fire from the solid rocket boosters, which are captured in the reflection on the water. The resulting cl... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Flags are flying at the entrance to Launch Pad 39A, where Space Shuttle Atlantis has come to a stop. At left are the rotating and fixed service structures; at right is the 300-gallon water tower. The shuttle has spent six hours rolling out to Pad 39A, leaving the Vehicle Assembly Building at 8:19 a.m. The mission payload aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, along with a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-07pd0403

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Flags are flying at the entrance to Laun...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Flags are flying at the entrance to Launch Pad 39A, where Space Shuttle Atlantis has come to a stop. At left are the rotating and fixed service structures; at right is the 300-gal... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis, atop the mobile launcher platform and crawler-transporter, has passed through the gate and is on its way up the ramp leading to the hardstand on Launch Pad 39A. At left are the rotating and fixed service structures; at right is the 300-gallon water tower. The shuttle has spent six hours rolling out to Pad 39A, leaving the Vehicle Assembly Building at 8:19 a.m. The mission payload aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, along with a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-07pd0402

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis, atop the mobile...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis, atop the mobile launcher platform and crawler-transporter, has passed through the gate and is on its way up the ramp leading to the hardstand on Launch Pad... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Lined up on the horizon are Space Shuttle Atlantis, the rotating and fixed service structures of Launch Pad 39A, Launch Pad 39B, and the 300-gallon water tower of Pad 39A. The shuttle has spent six hours rolling out to Pad 39A, leaving the Vehicle Assembly Building at 8:19 a.m. The body of water in the foreground is the Banana River. The mission payload aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, along with a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-07pd0401

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Lined up on the horizon are Space Shutt...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Lined up on the horizon are Space Shuttle Atlantis, the rotating and fixed service structures of Launch Pad 39A, Launch Pad 39B, and the 300-gallon water tower of Pad 39A. The sh... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The lighted service structures on Launch Pad 39A cast Space Shuttle Endeavour in shadow after its arrival on Launch Pad 39A after rolling out of the Vehicle Assembly Building. First motion was at 8:10 p.m. July 10 and the shuttle was hard down on the pad at 3:02 a.m. July 11. Endeavour is scheduled to launch on mission STS-118 on Aug. 7. During the mission, Endeavour will carry into orbit the S5 truss, SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and will mark the first flight of Mission Specialist Barbara Morgan, the teacher-turned-astronaut whose association with NASA began more than 20 years ago. STS-118 will be the first flight since 2002 for Endeavour, which has undergone extensive modifications, including the addition of safety upgrades already added to orbiters Discovery and Atlantis. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1824

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The lighted service structures on Launc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The lighted service structures on Launch Pad 39A cast Space Shuttle Endeavour in shadow after its arrival on Launch Pad 39A after rolling out of the Vehicle Assembly Building. Fi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Discovery, atop a mobile launch platform, climbs the five percent grad to the top of the hardstand at Launch Pad 39A. At right, the pad's fixed and mobile service structures are in position to receive it. Discovery arrived at its seaside launch pad around noon and was hard down at 1:15 p.m. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 6:47 a.m. EDT. Rollout is a milestone for Discovery's launch to the International Space Station on mission STS-120, targeted for Oct. 23. The crew will be delivering and installing the Italian-built U.S. Node 2, named Harmony. The pressurized module will act as an internal connecting port and passageway to additional international science labs and cargo spacecraft. In addition to increasing the living and working space inside the station, it also will serve as a work platform outside for the station's robotic arm. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd2632

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Discovery, atop a mobile l...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Discovery, atop a mobile launch platform, climbs the five percent grad to the top of the hardstand at Launch Pad 39A. At right, the pad's fixed and mobile service str... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A large crawler crane stops on the ramp to Launch Pad 39B. At the top of the pad can be seen a mobile launcher platform with the rotating and fixed service structures at left. The current 80-foot lightning mast can be seen atop the fixed structure. The crane with its 70-foot boom will be used to construct a new lightning protection system for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. Pad B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including Ares I-X which is scheduled for April 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3007

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A large crawler crane stops on the ramp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A large crawler crane stops on the ramp to Launch Pad 39B. At the top of the pad can be seen a mobile launcher platform with the rotating and fixed service structures at left. T... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A large crawler crane travels up the ramp toward Launch Pad 39B. At the top can be seen a mobile launcher platform with the rotating and fixed service structures at left. The current 80-foot lightning mast can be seen atop the fixed structure. The crane with its 70-foot boom will be used to construct a new lightning protection system for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. Pad B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including Ares I-X which is scheduled for April 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3006

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A large crawler crane travels up the ra...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A large crawler crane travels up the ramp toward Launch Pad 39B. At the top can be seen a mobile launcher platform with the rotating and fixed service structures at left. The cu... More

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

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Getting ready for the STS-123 mission, space shuttle Endeavour, atop the well-lighted mobile launcher platform, nears the rotating and fixed service structures on Launch Pad 39A. The journey from the Vehicle Assembly Building began at 11:24 p.m. on Feb. 17, approximately 30 minutes before it's scheduled start time due to favorable weather conditions. The shuttle arrived at the launch pad at 4:45 a.m. Monday and was hard down at 6:22 a.m. On the mission, Endeavour and its crew will deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre. Launch is targeted for March 11. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-08pd0349

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Getting ready for the STS-123 mission,...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Getting ready for the STS-123 mission, space shuttle Endeavour, atop the well-lighted mobile launcher platform, nears the rotating and fixed service structures on Launch Pad 39A.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a crane is removing parts of the lightning mast to be erected on towers being built for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. Behind it are the fixed and rotating service structures on top of the pad. An 80-foot lightning mast is on top of the fixed service structure as part of the former lightning protection system. Pad B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including Ares I-X which is scheduled for April 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd1591

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Cent...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a crane is removing parts of the lightning mast to be erected on towers being built for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launche... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With a rainbow beginning to appear in the sky, space shuttle Atlantis (foreground) sits on Launch Pad A and Endeavour on Launch Pad B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At the left of each shuttle are the open rotating service structures with the payload changeout rooms revealed. The rotating service structures provide protection for weather and access to the shuttle. For the first time since July 2001, two shuttles are on the launch pads at the same time at the center. Endeavour will stand by at pad B in the unlikely event that a rescue mission is necessary during space shuttle Atlantis’ upcoming mission to repair NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, targeted to launch Oct. 10. After Endeavour is cleared from its duty as a rescue spacecraft, it will be moved to Launch Pad 39A for its STS-126 mission to the International Space Station. That flight is targeted for launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd2728

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With a rainbow beginning to appear in the sky,...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With a rainbow beginning to appear in the sky, space shuttle Atlantis (foreground) sits on Launch Pad A and Endeavour on Launch Pad B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At the le... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With a rainbow serving as a backdrop in the sky, space shuttle Atlantis (foreground) sits on Launch Pad A and Endeavour on Launch Pad B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At the left of each shuttle are the open rotating service structures with the payload changeout rooms revealed. The rotating service structures provide protection for weather and access to the shuttle. For the first time since July 2001, two shuttles are on the launch pads at the same time at the center. Endeavour will stand by at pad B in the unlikely event that a rescue mission is necessary during space shuttle Atlantis’ upcoming mission to repair NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, targeted to launch Oct. 10. After Endeavour is cleared from its duty as a rescue spacecraft, it will be moved to Launch Pad 39A for its STS-126 mission to the International Space Station. That flight is targeted for launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd2729

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With a rainbow serving as a backdrop in the sk...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With a rainbow serving as a backdrop in the sky, space shuttle Atlantis (foreground) sits on Launch Pad A and Endeavour on Launch Pad B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At the ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Clouds serve as a backdrop to frame space shuttle Atlantis (foreground) on Launch Pad A and Endeavour on Launch Pad B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At the left of each shuttle are the open rotating service structures with the payload changeout rooms revealed. The rotating service structures provide protection for weather and access to the shuttle. For the first time since July 2001, two shuttles are on the launch pads at the same time at the center. Endeavour will stand by at pad B in the unlikely event that a rescue mission is necessary during space shuttle Atlantis’ upcoming mission to repair NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, targeted to launch Oct. 10. After Endeavour is cleared from its duty as a rescue spacecraft, it will be moved to Launch Pad 39A for its STS-126 mission to the International Space Station. That flight is targeted for launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd2736

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Clouds serve as a backdrop to frame space shut...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Clouds serve as a backdrop to frame space shuttle Atlantis (foreground) on Launch Pad A and Endeavour on Launch Pad B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At the left of each shutt... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis (foreground) sits on Launch Pad A and Endeavour on Launch Pad B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At the left of each shuttle are the open rotating service structures with the payload changeout rooms revealed. The rotating service structures provide protection for weather and access to the shuttle. For the first time since July 2001, two shuttles are on the launch pads at the same time at the center. Endeavour will stand by at pad B in the unlikely event that a rescue mission is necessary during space shuttle Atlantis’ upcoming mission to repair NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, targeted to launch Oct. 10. After Endeavour is cleared from its duty as a rescue spacecraft, it will be moved to Launch Pad 39A for its STS-126 mission to the International Space Station. That flight is targeted for launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd2731

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis (foreground) sits on La...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis (foreground) sits on Launch Pad A and Endeavour on Launch Pad B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At the left of each shuttle are the open rotating servic... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With two rainbows framing the Launch Complex 39 area in the early morning at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis (foreground) sits on pad A and Endeavour on pad B. Both rotating service structures are retracted. The rotating service structures provide protection for weather and access to the shuttle. For the first time since July 2001, two shuttles are on the launch pads at the same time at the center. Endeavour will stand by at pad B in the unlikely event that a rescue mission is necessary during space shuttle Atlantis’ upcoming mission to repair NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, targeted to launch Oct. 10. After Endeavour is cleared from its duty as a rescue spacecraft, it will be moved to Launch Pad 39A for its STS-126 mission to the International Space Station. That flight is targeted for launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd2726

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With two rainbows framing the Launch Complex 3...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With two rainbows framing the Launch Complex 39 area in the early morning at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis (foreground) sits on pad A and Endeavour on pa... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With a rainbow serving as a backdrop in the sky, space shuttle Atlantis (foreground) sits on Launch Pad A and Endeavour on Launch Pad B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At the left of each shuttle are the open rotating service structures with the payload changeout rooms revealed. The rotating service structures provide protection for weather and access to the shuttle. For the first time since July 2001, two shuttles are on the launch pads at the same time at the center. Endeavour will stand by at pad B in the unlikely event that a rescue mission is necessary during space shuttle Atlantis’ upcoming mission to repair NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, targeted to launch Oct. 10. After Endeavour is cleared from its duty as a rescue spacecraft, it will be moved to Launch Pad 39A for its STS-126 mission to the International Space Station. That flight is targeted for launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd2730

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With a rainbow serving as a backdrop in the sk...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With a rainbow serving as a backdrop in the sky, space shuttle Atlantis (foreground) sits on Launch Pad A and Endeavour on Launch Pad B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At the ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With a rainbow serving as a backdrop in the sky, space shuttle Atlantis (foreground) sits on Launch Pad A and Endeavour on Launch Pad B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At the left of each shuttle are the open rotating service structures with the payload changeout rooms revealed. The rotating service structures provide protection for weather and access to the shuttle. For the first time since July 2001, two shuttles are on the launch pads at the same time at the center. Endeavour will stand by at pad B in the unlikely event that a rescue mission is necessary during space shuttle Atlantis’ upcoming mission to repair NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, targeted to launch Oct. 10. After Endeavour is cleared from its duty as a rescue spacecraft, it will be moved to Launch Pad 39A for its STS-126 mission to the International Space Station. That flight is targeted for launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd2734

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With a rainbow serving as a backdrop in the sk...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With a rainbow serving as a backdrop in the sky, space shuttle Atlantis (foreground) sits on Launch Pad A and Endeavour on Launch Pad B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At the ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis (foreground) sits on Launch Pad A and Endeavour on Launch Pad B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At the left of each shuttle are the open rotating service structures with the payload changeout rooms revealed. The rotating service structures provide protection for weather and access to the shuttle. For the first time since July 2001, two shuttles are on the launch pads at the same time at the center. Endeavour will stand by at pad B in the unlikely event that a rescue mission is necessary during space shuttle Atlantis’ upcoming mission to repair NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, targeted to launch Oct. 10. After Endeavour is cleared from its duty as a rescue spacecraft, it will be moved to Launch Pad 39A for its STS-126 mission to the International Space Station. That flight is targeted for launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd2737

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis (foreground) sits on La...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis (foreground) sits on Launch Pad A and Endeavour on Launch Pad B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At the left of each shuttle are the open rotating servic... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis (foreground) sits on Launch Pad A and Endeavour on Launch Pad B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At the left of each shuttle are the open rotating service structures with the payload changeout rooms revealed. The rotating service structures provide protection for weather and access to the shuttle. For the first time since July 2001, two shuttles are on the launch pads at the same time at the center. Endeavour will stand by at pad B in the unlikely event that a rescue mission is necessary during space shuttle Atlantis’ upcoming mission to repair NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, targeted to launch Oct. 10. After Endeavour is cleared from its duty as a rescue spacecraft, it will be moved to Launch Pad 39A for its STS-126 mission to the International Space Station. That flight is targeted for launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd2735

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis (foreground) sits on La...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis (foreground) sits on Launch Pad A and Endeavour on Launch Pad B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At the left of each shuttle are the open rotating servic... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis (foreground) sits on Launch Pad A and Endeavour on Launch Pad B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At the left of each shuttle are the open rotating service structures with the payload changeout rooms revealed. The rotating service structures provide protection for weather and access to the shuttle. For the first time since July 2001, two shuttles are on the launch pads at the same time at the center. Endeavour will stand by at pad B in the unlikely event that a rescue mission is necessary during space shuttle Atlantis’ upcoming mission to repair NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, targeted to launch Oct. 10. After Endeavour is cleared from its duty as a rescue spacecraft, it will be moved to Launch Pad 39A for its STS-126 mission to the International Space Station. That flight is targeted for launch Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd2733

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis (foreground) sits on La...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis (foreground) sits on Launch Pad A and Endeavour on Launch Pad B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At the left of each shuttle are the open rotating servic... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the rising moon stands out alongside the rotating and fixed service structures around space shuttle Atlantis. At left is the 300,000-gallon water tower used for sound suppression during liftoffs. Atlantis’ October target launch date for the STS-125 Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. In the interim, Atlantis will be rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building until a new target launch date can be set for the mission in 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3182

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the rising moon stands out alongside the rotating and fixed service structures around space shuttle Atlantis. At left is the ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As the sunset faces behind Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, lights on the rotating and fixed service structures take over the luminescence in the night. Space shuttle Atlantis is on the pad. Atlantis’ October target launch date for the STS-125 Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission was delayed after a device on board Hubble used in the storage and transmission of science data to Earth shut down on Sept. 27. Replacing the broken device will be added to Atlantis’ servicing mission to the telescope. In the interim, Atlantis will be rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building until a new target launch date can be set for the mission in 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3186

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As the sunset faces behind Launch Pad 39A at N...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As the sunset faces behind Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, lights on the rotating and fixed service structures take over the luminescence in the night. Space s... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Next to the waters of the Banana River, space shuttle Atlantis rolls away from the rotating and fixed service structures on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At far right is Launch Pad 39B where space shuttle Endeavour is seen. First motion of Atlantis was at 6:48 a.m. EDT. Atlantis is rolling back to the Vehicle Assembly Building to await launch on its STS-125 mission to repair NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Atlantis' targeted launch on Oct. 14 was delayed when a system that transfers science data from the orbiting observatory to Earth malfunctioned on Sept. 27. The new target launch date is under review. The space shuttle is mounted on a Mobile Launcher Platform and will be delivered to the Vehicle Assembly Building atop a crawler transporter. traveling slower than 1 mph during the 3.4-mile journey. The rollback is expected to take approximately six hours. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3271

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Next to the waters of the Banana River, spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Next to the waters of the Banana River, space shuttle Atlantis rolls away from the rotating and fixed service structures on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis rolls away from the rotating and fixed service structures (right) on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. First motion was at 6:48 a.m. EDT. Atlantis sits on the mobile launcher platform, which in turn rests on the crawler-transporter, traveling less than 1 mph. Atlantis is rolling back to the Vehicle Assembly Building to await launch on its STS-125 mission to repair NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Atlantis' targeted launch on Oct. 14 was delayed when a system that transfers science data from the orbiting observatory to Earth malfunctioned on Sept. 27. The new target launch date is under review. The space shuttle is mounted on a Mobile Launcher Platform and will be delivered to the Vehicle Assembly Building atop a crawler transporter. traveling slower than 1 mph during the 3.4-mile journey. The rollback is expected to take approximately six hours. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3272

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis rolls away from the r...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis rolls away from the rotating and fixed service structures (right) on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. First motion was at 6:48 a.m. EDT... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, equipment surrounds the service structures for the construction of towers in the new lightning protection system for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. In the foreground is part of the giant crane used to place segments on the towers. Each of the three new lightning towers will be 500 feet tall with an additional 100-foot fiberglass mast (seen on the ground) atop supporting a wire catenary system. This improved lightning protection system allows for the taller height of the Ares I rocket compared to the space shuttle. Pad 39B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including the Ares I-X test flight that is targeted for July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1002

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Cent...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, equipment surrounds the service structures for the construction of towers in the new lightning protection system for the Cons... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane completes construction of one of the towers in the new lightning protection system for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. Other towers are being constructed at left and behind the service structures on the pad. Each of the three new lightning towers will be 500 feet tall with an additional 100-foot fiberglass mast atop supporting a wire catenary system. This improved lightning protection system allows for the taller height of the Ares I rocket compared to the space shuttle. Pad 39B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including the Ares I-X test flight that is targeted for July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-1001

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Cent...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane completes construction of one of the towers in the new lightning protection system for the Constellation Program and ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane places the 100-foot fiberglass mast atop the new lightning tower constructed on the pad. The towers are part of the new lightning protection system for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. At left of the service structures is another tower under construction. Each of the three new lightning towers will be 500 feet tall with the additional 100-foot fiberglass mast atop supporting a wire catenary system. This improved lightning protection system allows for the taller height of the Ares I rocket compared to the space shuttle. Pad 39B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including the Ares I-X test flight that is targeted for July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1007

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Cent...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane places the 100-foot fiberglass mast atop the new lightning tower constructed on the pad. The towers are part of the n... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The faint sunrise sky over NASA's Kennedy Space Center casts the newly erected lightning towers on Launch Pad 39B in silhouette. The two towers at left contain the lightning mast on top; the one at right does not. At center are the fixed and rotating service structures that have served the Space Shuttle Program. The new lightning protection system is being built for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. Each of the towers is 500 feet tall with an additional 100-foot fiberglass mast atop supporting a wire catenary system. This improved lightning protection system allows for the taller height of the Ares I rocket compared to the space shuttle. Pad 39B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including the Ares I-X test flight that is targeted for July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-1561

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The faint sunrise sky over NASA's Kennedy Space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The faint sunrise sky over NASA's Kennedy Space Center casts the newly erected lightning towers on Launch Pad 39B in silhouette. The two towers at left contain the lightning mast on top;... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An aerial view of the newly erected lightning towers on Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The two towers at center and right contain the lightning mast on top; the one at left does not. At center are the fixed and rotating service structures that have served the Space Shuttle Program. In the foreground is the tower that holds 300,000 gallons of water used for sound suppression during a shuttle liftoff. The new lightning protection system is being built for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. Each of the towers is 500 feet tall with an additional 100-foot fiberglass mast atop supporting a wire catenary system. This improved lightning protection system allows for the taller height of the Ares I rocket compared to the space shuttle. Pad 39B will be the site of the first Ares rocket launch, including the Ares I-X test flight that is targeted for July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1573

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An aerial view of the newly erected lightning t...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An aerial view of the newly erected lightning towers on Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The two towers at center and right contain the lightning mast on top; the one at le... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An aerial view of the newly erected lightning towers on Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The two towers at left and center contain the lightning mast on top; the one at right does not. At center are the fixed and rotating service structures that have served the Space Shuttle Program. Beyond the pad is the Atlantic Ocean. The new lightning protection system is being built for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. Each of the towers is 500 feet tall with an additional 100-foot fiberglass mast atop supporting a wire catenary system. This improved lightning protection system allows for the taller height of the Ares I rocket compared to the space shuttle. Pad 39B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including the Ares I-X test flight that is targeted for July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1571

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An aerial view of the newly erected lightning t...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An aerial view of the newly erected lightning towers on Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The two towers at left and center contain the lightning mast on top; the... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The faint sunrise sky over NASA's Kennedy Space Center casts the newly erected lightning towers on Launch Pad 39B in silhouette. They surround the fixed and rotating service structures at center that have served the Space Shuttle Program. The new lightning protection system is being built for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. Each of the towers is 500 feet tall with an additional 100-foot fiberglass mast atop supporting a wire catenary system. This improved lightning protection system allows for the taller height of the Ares I rocket compared to the space shuttle. Pad 39B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including the Ares I-X test flight that is targeted for July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-1562

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The faint sunrise sky over NASA's Kennedy Space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The faint sunrise sky over NASA's Kennedy Space Center casts the newly erected lightning towers on Launch Pad 39B in silhouette. They surround the fixed and rotating service structures a... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An aerial view of the newly erected lightning towers on Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The two towers at left and right contain the lightning mast on top; the one at center does not. At center are the fixed and rotating service structures that have served the Space Shuttle Program. In the foreground is the tower that holds 300,000 gallons of water used for sound suppression during a shuttle liftoff. The new lightning protection system is being built for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. Each of the towers is 500 feet tall with an additional 100-foot fiberglass mast atop supporting a wire catenary system. This improved lightning protection system allows for the taller height of the Ares I rocket compared to the space shuttle. Pad 39B will be the site of the first Ares rocket launch, including the Ares I-X test flight that is targeted for July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1572

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An aerial view of the newly erected lightning t...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An aerial view of the newly erected lightning towers on Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The two towers at left and right contain the lightning mast on top; the ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The rosy dawn sky over NASA's Kennedy Space Center reveals the newly erected lightning towers on Launch Pad 39B. The two towers at left contain the lightning mast on top; the one at right does not. At center are the fixed and rotating service structures that have served the Space Shuttle Program. The new lightning protection system is being built for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. Each of the towers is 500 feet tall with an additional 100-foot fiberglass mast atop supporting a wire catenary system. This improved lightning protection system allows for the taller height of the Ares I rocket compared to the space shuttle. Pad 39B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including the Ares I-X test flight that is targeted for July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2009-1582

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The rosy dawn sky over NASA's Kennedy Space Cen...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The rosy dawn sky over NASA's Kennedy Space Center reveals the newly erected lightning towers on Launch Pad 39B. The two towers at left contain the lightning mast on top; the one at righ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a giant crane (far left) places the 100-foot lightning mast on top of the newly erected lightning tower. Three new towers surround the pad. In the middle are the fixed and rotating service structures that serve the Space Shuttle Program. At far right is the tower that holds 300,000 gallons of water used for sound suppression during a shuttle launch. The new lightning protection system is being built for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. Each of the towers is 500 feet tall with an additional 100-foot fiberglass mast atop supporting a wire catenary system. This improved lightning protection system allows for the taller height of the Ares I rocket compared to the space shuttle. Pad 39B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including the Ares I-X test flight that is targeted for July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2009-1588

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a giant crane (far left) places the 100-foot lightning mast on top of the newly erected lightning tower. Three new towers sur... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a giant crane places the 100-foot lightning mast on top of the newly erected lightning tower, one of three around the pad. Another of the towers is at left. At right are the fixed and rotating service structures that serve the Space Shuttle Program. The new lightning protection system is being built for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. Each of the towers is 500 feet tall with an additional 100-foot fiberglass mast atop supporting a wire catenary system. This improved lightning protection system allows for the taller height of the Ares I rocket compared to the space shuttle. Pad 39B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including the Ares I-X test flight that is targeted for July 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2009-1587

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a giant crane places the 100-foot lightning mast on top of the newly erected lightning tower, one of three around the pad. An... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Mobile Launcher Platform-1 nears the top of Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida via the crawler-transporter underneath. The MLP has been handed over to the Constellation Program for its future use for the Ares I-X flight test in the summer of 2009. Seen around the service structures on the pad are the new 600-foot lightning towers and masts erected for the Ares launches. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond. Ground Control System hardware was installed in MLP-1 in December 2008. The MLP is being moved to the launch pad to check out the installed hardware with the Launch Control Center Firing Room 1 equipment, using the actual circuits that will be used when the fully stacked Ares I-X vehicle is rolled out later this year for launch. Following this testing, MLP-1 will be moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building's High Bay 3 to begin stacking, or assembling, Ares I-X. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2293

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Mobile Launcher Platform-1 nears the top of Lau...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Mobile Launcher Platform-1 nears the top of Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida via the crawler-transporter underneath. The MLP has been handed over to the Constella... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Mobile Launcher Platform-1 is moving to Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida via the crawler-transporter underneath. The MLP has been handed over to the Constellation Program for its future use for the Ares I-X flight test in the summer of 2009. Seen around the service structures on the pad are the new 600-foot lightning towers and masts erected for the Ares launches. Ares I-X is the test vehicle for the Ares I, which is part of the Constellation Program to return men to the moon and beyond. Ground Control System hardware was installed in MLP-1 in December 2008. The MLP is being moved to the launch pad to check out the installed hardware with the Launch Control Center Firing Room 1 equipment, using the actual circuits that will be used when the fully stacked Ares I-X vehicle is rolled out later this year for launch. Following this testing, MLP-1 will be moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building's High Bay 3 to begin stacking, or assembling, Ares I-X. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2291

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Mobile Launcher Platform-1 is moving to Launch ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Mobile Launcher Platform-1 is moving to Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida via the crawler-transporter underneath. The MLP has been handed over to the Constellation... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis passes through the gate at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida after rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building. Behind the flag pole can be seen the fixed and rotating service structures on the pad mound. The shuttle sits atop the mobile launcher platform, which is carried by the crawler-transporter beneath. First motion was at 3:54 a.m. EDT and Atlantis was secured on the pad at 11:17 a.m. The 3.4-mile trip took about seven-and-a-half hours. Atlantis is targeted to lift off May 12 to service NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. During Atlantis' 11-day mission, the crew of seven astronauts will make the final shuttle flight to Hubble. During five spacewalks, they will install two new instruments, repair two inactive ones and replace components. The result will be six working, complementary science instruments with capabilities beyond what is now available, and an extended operational lifespan for the telescope through at least 2014. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-2444

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis passes through the gate ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis passes through the gate at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida after rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building. Behind the flag pole can be s... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers monitor the progress of space shuttle Endeavour as it makes its final approach toward the fixed and rotating service structures on Launch Pad 39A. First motion of the 3.4-mile rollaround from Launch Pad 39B was at 3:16 a.m. EDT. Endeavour was on standby on Pad 39B to be used in the unlikely event that a rescue mission was necessary during space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The payload on Endeavour's next mission, STS-127, includes the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module Exposed Section of the International Space Station. They will be installed on the Kibo laboratory already on the station. Launch of STS-127 is targeted for June 13. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-3340

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, work...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers monitor the progress of space shuttle Endeavour as it makes its final approach toward the fixed and rotating service structures on Launc... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour makes its final approach toward the fixed and rotating service structures on Launch Pad 39A, at left. First motion of the 3.4-mile rollaround from Launch Pad 39B was at 3:16 a.m. EDT. Endeavour was on standby on Pad 39B to be used in the unlikely event that a rescue mission was necessary during space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The payload on Endeavour's next mission, STS-127, includes the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module Exposed Section of the International Space Station. They will be installed on the Kibo laboratory already on the station. Launch of STS-127 is targeted for June 13. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-3339

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 Endeavour makes its final approach toward the fixed and rotating service structures on Launch Pad 39A, at left. First motion of... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers receive training atop a mast climber that is attached to launch simulation towers outside the Launch Equipment Test Facility. The training includes attaching carrier plates, water and air systems, and electricity to the climber to simulate working in Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). Mast climbers can be substituted for fixed service structures currently inside the VAB to provide access to any type of launch vehicle. Since 1977, the facility has supported NASA’s Launch Services, shuttle, International Space Station, and Constellation programs, as well as commercial providers. Last year, the facility underwent a major upgrade to support even more programs, projects and customers. It houses a 6,000-square-foot high bay, cable fabrication and molding shop, pneumatics shop, machine and weld shop and full-scale control room. Outside, the facility features a water flow test loop, vehicle motion simulator and a cryogenic system. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1449

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, wor...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers receive training atop a mast climber that is attached to launch simulation towers outside the Launch Equipment Test Facility. The train... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers receive training atop a mast climber that is attached to launch simulation towers outside the Launch Equipment Test Facility. The training includes attaching carrier plates, water and air systems, and electricity to the climber to simulate working in Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). Mast climbers can be substituted for fixed service structures currently inside the VAB to provide access to any type of launch vehicle. Since 1977, the facility has supported NASA’s Launch Services, shuttle, International Space Station, and Constellation programs, as well as commercial providers. Last year, the facility underwent a major upgrade to support even more programs, projects and customers. It houses a 6,000-square-foot high bay, cable fabrication and molding shop, pneumatics shop, machine and weld shop and full-scale control room. Outside, the facility features a water flow test loop, vehicle motion simulator and a cryogenic system. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1448

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, wor...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers receive training atop a mast climber that is attached to launch simulation towers outside the Launch Equipment Test Facility. The train... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers receive training atop a mast climber that is attached to launch simulation towers outside the Launch Equipment Test Facility. The training includes attaching carrier plates, water and air systems, and electricity to the climber to simulate working in Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). Mast climbers can be substituted for fixed service structures currently inside the VAB to provide access to any type of launch vehicle. Since 1977, the facility has supported NASA’s Launch Services, shuttle, International Space Station, and Constellation programs, as well as commercial providers. Last year, the facility underwent a major upgrade to support even more programs, projects and customers. It houses a 6,000-square-foot high bay, cable fabrication and molding shop, pneumatics shop, machine and weld shop and full-scale control room. Outside, the facility features a water flow test loop, vehicle motion simulator and a cryogenic system. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1446

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, wor...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers receive training atop a mast climber that is attached to launch simulation towers outside the Launch Equipment Test Facility. The train... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers receive training on a mast climber that is attached to launch simulation towers outside the Launch Equipment Test Facility. The training includes attaching carrier plates, water and air systems, and electricity to the climber to simulate working in Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). Mast climbers can be substituted for fixed service structures currently inside the VAB to provide access to any type of launch vehicle. Since 1977, the facility has supported NASA’s Launch Services, shuttle, International Space Station, and Constellation programs, as well as commercial providers. Last year, the facility underwent a major upgrade to support even more programs, projects and customers. It houses a 6,000-square-foot high bay, cable fabrication and molding shop, pneumatics shop, machine and weld shop and full-scale control room. Outside, the facility features a water flow test loop, vehicle motion simulator and a cryogenic system. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1447

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, wor...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers receive training on a mast climber that is attached to launch simulation towers outside the Launch Equipment Test Facility. The trainin... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, training takes place atop a mast climber that is attached to launch simulation towers outside the Launch Equipment Test Facility. The training includes attaching carrier plates, water and air systems, and electricity to the climber to simulate working in Kennedy's Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). Mast climbers can be substituted for fixed service structures currently inside the VAB to provide access to any type of launch vehicle. Since 1977, the facility has supported NASA’s Launch Services, shuttle, International Space Station, and Constellation programs, as well as commercial providers. Last year, the facility underwent a major upgrade to support even more programs, projects and customers. It houses a 6,000-square-foot high bay, cable fabrication and molding shop, pneumatics shop, machine and weld shop and full-scale control room. Outside, the facility features a water flow test loop, vehicle motion simulator and a cryogenic system. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-1450

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, tra...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, training takes place atop a mast climber that is attached to launch simulation towers outside the Launch Equipment Test Facility. The training ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Endeavour stands ready for processing beside the rotating and fixed service structures on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Riding atop a crawler-transporter attached to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters, Endeavour's 3.4-mile trek, known as "rollout," began at the Vehicle Assembly Building at 7:56 p.m. EST March 10 and ended at 3:49 a.m. EST, nearly eight hours later. This is Endeavour's final scheduled rollout. Endeavour and its six-member crew will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), a high-pressure gas tank, additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper and micrometeoroid debris shields to the International Space Station on the shuttle's final spaceflight, STS-134. Launch is targeted for 7:48 p.m. EDT April 19. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2011-2251

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Endeavour stands ready for proce...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Endeavour stands ready for processing beside the rotating and fixed service structures on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Riding atop a crawle... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Early morning finds space shuttle Endeavour has moved into place beside the rotating and fixed service structures on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Riding atop a crawler-transporter attached to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters, Endeavour's 3.4-mile trek, known as "rollout," began at the Vehicle Assembly Building at 7:56 p.m. EST March 10 and ended at 3:49 a.m. EST, nearly eight hours later. This is Endeavour's final scheduled rollout. Endeavour and its six-member crew will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), a high-pressure gas tank, additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper and micrometeoroid debris shields to the International Space Station on the shuttle's final spaceflight, STS-134. Launch is targeted for 7:48 p.m. EDT April 19. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2011-2243

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Early morning finds space shuttle Endeavour ha...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Early morning finds space shuttle Endeavour has moved into place beside the rotating and fixed service structures on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Riding a... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This panoramic image shows space shuttle Endeavour in place beside the rotating and fixed service structures on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the foreground are cameras that will capture the launch of Endeavour on its final mission, STS-134. Endeavour and its six-member crew will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), a high-pressure gas tank, additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper and micrometeoroid debris shields to the International Space Station. Endeavour's final launch is targeted for April 19 at 7:48 p.m. EDT. For more information visit, http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2011-2293

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This panoramic image shows space shuttle Endeav...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This panoramic image shows space shuttle Endeavour in place beside the rotating and fixed service structures on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the foreground... More