cape canaveral

kennedy space center

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astrotech

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george

shelton

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A Florida quarter is prepared for installation on the New Horizons spacecraft in Kennedy Space Center's Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility. The new quarter, engraved with the "Gateway to Discovery" design, will accompany New Horizons on its 3-billion-mile journey to the planet Pluto and its moon, Charon. Although appropriate for the mission to carry the coin from the state that symbolizes space exploration, it will also serve a practical purpose: scientists are using the quarter as a spin-balance weight. New Horizons comprises seven scientific instruments that will characterize the global geology and geomorphology of Pluto and its moon Charon, map their surface compositions and temperatures, and examine Pluto's complex atmosphere. After that, flybys of Kuiper Belt objects from even farther in the solar system may be undertaken in an extended mission. New Horizons is the first mission in NASA's New Frontiers program of medium-class planetary missions. The spacecraft, designed for NASA by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Md., will launch aboard a Lockheed Martin Atlas V rocket and fly by Pluto and Charon as early as summer 2015. Photo Credit: Applied Physics Laboratory/George W. Rogers III KSC-05pd2648

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A Florida quarter is prepared for install...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A Florida quarter is prepared for installation on the New Horizons spacecraft in Kennedy Space Center's Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility. The new quarter, engraved with the "Ga... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of the five THEMIS probes arrives at the hazardous processing facility after leaving Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla. At the facility, the probes will be placed on a stand in preparation for fueling operations. Once fueling is complete, each probe will be weighed and individually mated to the payload carrier before pyrotechnics are installed. The fully integrated THEMIS payload is then ready for spin-balance testing and weighing. The final milestone is mating THEMIS to its upper stage booster. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. These lights are the visible manifestations of invisible energy releases, called geomagnetic substorms, in near-Earth space. THEMIS will not only seek to answer where and when substorms start, but will also provide clues as to how and why these space storms create havoc on satellites, terrestrial power grids, and communication systems. THEMIS will be transported to Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on February 1 for mating to the Delta II rocket. Launch is scheduled for Feb. 15. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd2818

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of the five THEMIS probes arrives at...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of the five THEMIS probes arrives at the hazardous processing facility after leaving Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla. At the facility, the probes will be placed ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., technicians help lower a shipping container over one of the five THEMIS probes for its move to the hazardous processing facility. There it will be placed on a stand in preparation for fueling operations. Once fueling is complete, each probe will be weighed and individually mated to the payload carrier before pyrotechnics are installed. The fully integrated THEMIS payload is then ready for spin-balance testing and weighing. The final milestone is mating THEMIS to its upper stage booster. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. These lights are the visible manifestations of invisible energy releases, called geomagnetic substorms, in near-Earth space. THEMIS will not only seek to answer where and when substorms start, but will also provide clues as to how and why these space storms create havoc on satellites, terrestrial power grids, and communication systems. THEMIS will be transported to Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on February 1 for mating to the Delta II rocket. Launch is scheduled for Feb. 15. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd2814

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusvi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., technicians help lower a shipping container over one of the five THEMIS probes for its move to the hazardous processing facility.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., technicians are preparing one of five THEMIS probes to be secured inside a shipping container (behind it). The probes are being moved to the hazardous processing facility where they will be placed on a stand in preparation for fueling operations. Once fueling is complete, each probe will be weighed and individually mated to the payload carrier before pyrotechnics are installed. The fully integrated THEMIS payload is then ready for spin-balance testing and weighing. The final milestone is mating THEMIS to its upper stage booster. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. These lights are the visible manifestations of invisible energy releases, called geomagnetic substorms, in near-Earth space. THEMIS will not only seek to answer where and when substorms start, but will also provide clues as to how and why these space storms create havoc on satellites, terrestrial power grids, and communication systems. THEMIS will be transported to Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on February 1 for mating to the Delta II rocket. Launch is scheduled for Feb. 15. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd2812

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusvi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., technicians are preparing one of five THEMIS probes to be secured inside a shipping container (behind it). The probes are being ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., one of the five THEMIS probes is ready to be covered for its move to the hazardous processing facility. There it will be placed on a stand in preparation for fueling operations. Once fueling is complete, each probe will be weighed and individually mated to the payload carrier before pyrotechnics are installed. The fully integrated THEMIS payload is then ready for spin-balance testing and weighing. The final milestone is mating THEMIS to its upper stage booster. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. These lights are the visible manifestations of invisible energy releases, called geomagnetic substorms, in near-Earth space. THEMIS will not only seek to answer where and when substorms start, but will also provide clues as to how and why these space storms create havoc on satellites, terrestrial power grids, and communication systems. THEMIS will be transported to Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on February 1 for mating to the Delta II rocket. Launch is scheduled for Feb. 15. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd2813

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusvi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., one of the five THEMIS probes is ready to be covered for its move to the hazardous processing facility. There it will be placed o... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., one of the five THEMIS probes is moved out of the facility and will be transported to the hazardous processing facility. There the probes will be placed on a stand in preparation for fueling operations. Once fueling is complete, each probe will be weighed and individually mated to the payload carrier before pyrotechnics are installed. The fully integrated THEMIS payload is then ready for spin-balance testing and weighing. The final milestone is mating THEMIS to its upper stage booster. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. These lights are the visible manifestations of invisible energy releases, called geomagnetic substorms, in near-Earth space. THEMIS will not only seek to answer where and when substorms start, but will also provide clues as to how and why these space storms create havoc on satellites, terrestrial power grids, and communication systems. THEMIS will be transported to Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on February 1 for mating to the Delta II rocket. Launch is scheduled for Feb. 15. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd2816

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusvi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., one of the five THEMIS probes is moved out of the facility and will be transported to the hazardous processing facility. There t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of the five THEMIS probes is being transported from Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., to the hazardous processing facility. There the probes will be placed on a stand in preparation for fueling operations. Once fueling is complete, each probe will be weighed and individually mated to the payload carrier before pyrotechnics are installed. The fully integrated THEMIS payload is then ready for spin-balance testing and weighing. The final milestone is mating THEMIS to its upper stage booster. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. These lights are the visible manifestations of invisible energy releases, called geomagnetic substorms, in near-Earth space. THEMIS will not only seek to answer where and when substorms start, but will also provide clues as to how and why these space storms create havoc on satellites, terrestrial power grids, and communication systems. THEMIS will be transported to Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on February 1 for mating to the Delta II rocket. Launch is scheduled for Feb. 15. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd2817

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of the five THEMIS probes is being t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- One of the five THEMIS probes is being transported from Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., to the hazardous processing facility. There the probes will be placed on a s... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., technicians release the overhead crane from the shipping container placed around one of the five THEMIS probes for its move to the hazardous processing facility. There the probes will be placed on a stand in preparation for fueling operations. Once fueling is complete, each probe will be weighed and individually mated to the payload carrier before pyrotechnics are installed. The fully integrated THEMIS payload is then ready for spin-balance testing and weighing. The final milestone is mating THEMIS to its upper stage booster. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. These lights are the visible manifestations of invisible energy releases, called geomagnetic substorms, in near-Earth space. THEMIS will not only seek to answer where and when substorms start, but will also provide clues as to how and why these space storms create havoc on satellites, terrestrial power grids, and communication systems. THEMIS will be transported to Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on February 1 for mating to the Delta II rocket. Launch is scheduled for Feb. 15. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-06pd2815

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusvi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Fla., technicians release the overhead crane from the shipping container placed around one of the five THEMIS probes for its move to th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, a technician helps guide one of the THEMIS probes toward the probe carrier for installation. When all five probes are in place, the carrier will undergo spin-balance testing. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. THEMIS is scheduled to launch Feb. 15 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd0054

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, a techni...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, a technician helps guide one of the THEMIS probes toward the probe carrier for installation. When all five probes are in place, the carrier will un... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, technicians guide one of the THEMIS probes into position on the probe carrier. When all five probes are in place, the carrier will undergo spin-balance testing. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. THEMIS is scheduled to launch Feb. 15 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd0056

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, technic...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, technicians guide one of the THEMIS probes into position on the probe carrier. When all five probes are in place, the carrier will undergo spin-bal... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, technicians adjust connections of the overhead crane on one of the THEMIS probes. The probe and its other four mates will be lifted and installed on the probe carrier in the background. The probes will then undergo spin-balance testing. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. THEMIS is scheduled to launch Feb. 15 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd0051

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, technici...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, technicians adjust connections of the overhead crane on one of the THEMIS probes. The probe and its other four mates will be lifted and installed o... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, one of the five THEMIS probes is lifted from a scale. It will be moved to a probe carrier for installation, along with its four mates, and then undergo spin-balance testing. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. THEMIS is scheduled to launch Feb. 15 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd0053

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, one of t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, one of the five THEMIS probes is lifted from a scale. It will be moved to a probe carrier for installation, along with its four mates, and then und... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, technicians weigh one of the THEMIS probes. Next the probe will be installed on a probe carrier, along with is four mates, and then undergo spin-balance testing. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. THEMIS is scheduled to launch Feb. 15 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd0052

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, technici...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, technicians weigh one of the THEMIS probes. Next the probe will be installed on a probe carrier, along with is four mates, and then undergo spin-ba... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, technicians guide one of the THEMIS probes into position on the probe carrier. When all five probes are in place, the carrier will undergo spin-balance testing. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. THEMIS is scheduled to launch Feb. 15 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd0055

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, technici...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, technicians guide one of the THEMIS probes into position on the probe carrier. When all five probes are in place, the carrier will undergo spin-bala... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, the integrated THEMIS spacecraft is on ready for spin-balance testing. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. THEMIS is scheduled to launch Feb. 15 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd0074

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, the int...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, the integrated THEMIS spacecraft is on ready for spin-balance testing. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific s... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, workers look over the integrated THEMIS spacecraft before spin-balance testing. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. THEMIS is scheduled to launch Feb. 15 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd0073

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, workers...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, workers look over the integrated THEMIS spacecraft before spin-balance testing. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of sci... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, the integrated THEMIS spacecraft is ready for spin-balance testing. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. THEMIS is scheduled to launch Feb. 15 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd0072

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, the int...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, the integrated THEMIS spacecraft is ready for spin-balance testing. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific sate... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, workers prepare the integrated THEMIS spacecraft for spin-balance testing. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. THEMIS is scheduled to launch Feb. 15 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd0071

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, worker...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, workers prepare the integrated THEMIS spacecraft for spin-balance testing. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scient... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Hazardous Processing Facility at Astrotech Space Operations, workers get ready to move the integrated THEMIS spacecraft to the spin table in the foreground. There it will undergo spin-balance testing. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. THEMIS is scheduled to launch Feb. 15 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd0068

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Hazardous Processing Facility at...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Hazardous Processing Facility at Astrotech Space Operations, workers get ready to move the integrated THEMIS spacecraft to the spin table in the foreground. There it will ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Hazardous Processing Facility at Astrotech Space Operations, workers prepare the integrated THEMIS spacecraft to be moved to a spin table for spin-balance testing. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. THEMIS is scheduled to launch Feb. 15 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd0066

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Hazardous Processing Facility at Astrotech Space Operations, workers prepare the integrated THEMIS spacecraft to be moved to a spin table for spin-balance testing. THEMIS... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Hazardous Processing Facility at Astrotech Space Operations, workers guide the integrated THEMIS spacecraft onto the spin table in the foreground. There it will undergo spin-balance testing. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. THEMIS is scheduled to launch Feb. 15 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd0069

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Hazardous Processing Facility at Astrotech Space Operations, workers guide the integrated THEMIS spacecraft onto the spin table in the foreground. There it will undergo s... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Hazardous Processing Facility at Astrotech Space Operations, workers attach an overhead crane to the integrated THEMIS spacecraft. The carrier is being moved to a spin table for spin-balance testing. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. THEMIS is scheduled to launch Feb. 15 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd0067

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Hazardous Processing Facility at Astrotech Space Operations, workers attach an overhead crane to the integrated THEMIS spacecraft. The carrier is being moved to a spin t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, the integrated THEMIS spacecraft is spinning on the spin table, part of spin-balance testing. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest number of scientific satellites ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. This unique constellation of satellites will resolve the tantalizing mystery of what causes the spectacular sudden brightening of the aurora borealis and aurora australis - the fiery skies over the Earth's northern and southern polar regions. THEMIS is scheduled to launch Feb. 15 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd0077

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, the int...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech Space Operations, the integrated THEMIS spacecraft is spinning on the spin table, part of spin-balance testing. THEMIS consists of five identical probes, the largest... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Technicians at Astrotech check the Dawn spacecraft before spin-balance testing. After the test, Dawn will then be mated to the upper stage booster, installed into a spacecraft transportation canister for the trip to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and mated to the Delta II rocket at Launch Pad 17-B.The Dawn spacecraft will employ ion propulsion to explore two of the asteroid belt's most intriguing and dissimilar occupants: asteroid Vesta and the dwarf planet Ceres. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch by investigating in detail these largest protoplanets that have remained intact since their formations. Ceres and Vesta reside in the extensive zone between Mars and Jupiter together with many other smaller bodies, called the asteroid belt. Dawn is scheduled to launch July 7. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd1507

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Technicians at Astrotech check the Daw...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Technicians at Astrotech check the Dawn spacecraft before spin-balance testing. After the test, Dawn will then be mated to the upper stage booster, installed into a spacecraft t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Technicians at Astrotech are preparing the Dawn spacecraft for spin-balance testing. After the test, Dawn will then be mated to the upper stage booster, installed into a spacecraft transportation canister for the trip to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and mated to the Delta II rocket at Launch Pad 17-B. The Dawn spacecraft will employ ion propulsion to explore two of the asteroid belt's most intriguing and dissimilar occupants: asteroid Vesta and the dwarf planet Ceres. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch by investigating in detail these largest protoplanets that have remained intact since their formations. Ceres and Vesta reside in the extensive zone between Mars and Jupiter together with many other smaller bodies, called the asteroid belt. Dawn is scheduled to launch July 7. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd1506

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Technicians at Astrotech are preparing ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Technicians at Astrotech are preparing the Dawn spacecraft for spin-balance testing. After the test, Dawn will then be mated to the upper stage booster, installed into a spacecra... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, the Dawn spacecraft is ready for spin-balance testing. After the test, Dawn will then be mated to the upper stage booster, installed into a spacecraft transportation canister for the trip to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and mated to the Delta II rocket at Launch Pad 17-B. The Dawn spacecraft will employ ion propulsion to explore two of the asteroid belt's most intriguing and dissimilar occupants: asteroid Vesta and the dwarf planet Ceres. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch by investigating in detail these largest protoplanets that have remained intact since their formations. Ceres and Vesta reside in the extensive zone between Mars and Jupiter together with many other smaller bodies, called the asteroid belt. Dawn is scheduled to launch July 7. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd1508

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, the Dawn spacecraft is r...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Astrotech, the Dawn spacecraft is ready for spin-balance testing. After the test, Dawn will then be mated to the upper stage booster, installed into a spacecraft transportati... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Technicians at Astrotech prepare the Dawn spacecraft for spin-balance testing. After the test, Dawn will then be mated to the upper stage booster, installed into a spacecraft transportation canister for the trip to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and mated to the Delta II rocket at Launch Pad 17-B. The Dawn spacecraft will employ ion propulsion to explore two of the asteroid belt's most intriguing and dissimilar occupants: asteroid Vesta and the dwarf planet Ceres. Dawn's goal is to characterize the conditions and processes of the solar system's earliest epoch by investigating in detail these largest protoplanets that have remained intact since their formations. Ceres and Vesta reside in the extensive zone between Mars and Jupiter together with many other smaller bodies, called the asteroid belt. Dawn is scheduled to launch July 7. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-07pd1505

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Technicians at Astrotech prepare the Da...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Technicians at Astrotech prepare the Dawn spacecraft for spin-balance testing. After the test, Dawn will then be mated to the upper stage booster, installed into a spacecraft tran... More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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