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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After greeting the media on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 crew stands in front of space shuttle Atlantis for a final group photo. From left are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim and Stanley Love, Pilot Alan Poindexter and Commander Steve Frick. Schlegel represents the European Space Agency. After a round trip of nearly 5.3 million miles, space shuttle Atlantis and crew returned to Earth with a landing at 9:07 a.m. EST. The shuttle landed on orbit 202 to complete the 13-day STS-122 mission. Main gear touchdown was 9:07:10 a.m. Nose gear touchdown was 9:07:20 a.m. Wheel stop was at 9:08:08 a.m. Mission elapsed time was 12 days, 18 hours, 21 minutes and 44 seconds. During the mission, Atlantis' crew installed the new Columbus laboratory, leaving a larger space station and one with increased science capabilities. The Columbus Research Module adds nearly 1,000 cubic feet of habitable volume and affords room for 10 experiment racks, each an independent science lab. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd0407

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After greeting the media on the Shuttle...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After greeting the media on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 crew stands in front of space shuttle Atlantis for a final group photo. From ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members inspect the Columbus European Laboratory, part of the payload on their mission. Seen here is Commander Steve Frick. The crew is participating in a crew equipment interface test that provides opportunities for hands-on experience with payloads and equipment. The other crew members are Pilot Alan Poindexter and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim, Stan Love, Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency. The 24th mission to the International Space Station, STS-122 will also include the Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure - Non-Deployable (MPESS-ND). Launch of STS-122 on Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled no earlier than October. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0058

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members inspect the Columbus European Laboratory, part of the payload on their mission. Seen here is Commander Steve Frick.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility 2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 crew participate in a crew equipment interface test, or CEIT. From left are Mission Specialists Steve Bowen and Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper. The CEIT provides hands-on experience with hardware and equipment slated to fly on their mission. Endeavour will deliver a multi-purpose logistics module to the International Space Station on the STS-126 mission. Launch is targeted for Nov. 10. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2239

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility 2 at NASA's Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility 2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 crew participate in a crew equipment interface test, or CEIT. From left are ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – With space shuttle Discovery as backdrop on Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the STS-119 crew address the workers and guests on hand to welcome them home following their 13-day, 5.3-million mile journey on the STS-119 mission to the International Space Station. From left are Commander Lee Archambault, Pilot Tony Antonelli and Mission Specialists Joseph Acaba, Steve Swanson, Richard Arnold and John Phillips. Main gear touchdown was at 3:13:17 p.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 3:13:40 p.m. and wheels stop was at 3:14:45 p.m. Discovery delivered the final pair of large power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment. The mission was the 28th flight to the station, the 36th flight of Discovery and the 125th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 70th landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2402

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – With space shuttle Discovery as backdrop on Run...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – With space shuttle Discovery as backdrop on Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the STS-119 crew address the workers and guests on hand to welcome them home fo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the STS-133 crew receive instruction by the catch nets for the slidewire baskets at the base of the pad as part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) emergency exit training. From left are Mission Specialist Tim Kopra, Pilot Eric Boe, Commander Steve Lindsey, and Mission Specialists Alvin Drew, Nicole Stott and Michael Barratt. TCDT provides each shuttle crew and launch team an opportunity to participate in various simulated activities, including equipment familiarization and a launch countdown. Space shuttle Discovery and its STS-133 crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. For more information on the STS-133 mission, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-5166

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the STS-133 crew receive instruction by the catch nets for the slidewire baskets at the base of the pad as part of... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Steve Swanson adjusts his helmet as he puts on the launch-and-entry suit for the launch of space shuttle Discovery. The crew will be heading for Launch Pad 39A and liftoff of Discovery, scheduled for 7:43 p.m. EDT on March 15. An earlier launch attempt March 11 was scrubbed at 2:36 p.m. due to a gaseous hydrogen leak from the external tank at the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate during tanking. A seven-inch quick disconnect and two seals were replaced. The STS-119 mission is the 28th to the International Space Station and the 125th space shuttle flight. Discovery will deliver the final pair of power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment. Installation of S6 will signal the station's readiness to house a six-member crew for conducting increased science. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2044

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Steve Swanson adjusts his helmet as he puts on the launch-and-entry suit for ... More

HOUSTON, Texas -- STS119-S-002: Attired in training versions of their shuttle launch and entry suits, these seven astronauts take a break from training to pose for the STS-119 crew portrait. From the right (front row) are NASA astronauts Lee Archambault, commander, and Tony Antonelli, pilot. From the left (back row) are NASA astronauts Joseph Acaba, John Phillips, Steve Swanson, Richard Arnold and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Koichi Wakata, all mission specialists. Wakata is scheduled to join Expedition 18 as flight engineer after launching to the International Space Station on STS-119. KSC-08pd4131

HOUSTON, Texas -- STS119-S-002: Attired in training versions of their ...

HOUSTON, Texas -- STS119-S-002: Attired in training versions of their shuttle launch and entry suits, these seven astronauts take a break from training to pose for the STS-119 crew portrait. From the right (fro... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The media surround noted wheelchair-bound physicist Stephen Hawking after his arrival at the Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility for his first zero-gravity flight. Behind Hawking, at left, are Zero Gravity Corporation founder Peter Diamandis and Space Florida president Steve Kohler. The flight will be aboard a modified Boeing 727 aircraft owned by Zero G, a commercial company licensed to provide the public with weightless flight experiences. Hawking developed amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease in the 1960s, a type of motor neuron disease which would cost him the loss of almost all neuromuscular control. At the celebration of his 65th birthday on January 8 this year, Hawking announced his plans for a zero-gravity flight to prepare for a sub-orbital space flight in 2009 on Virgin Galactic's space service. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0949

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The media surround noted wheelchair-boun...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The media surround noted wheelchair-bound physicist Stephen Hawking after his arrival at the Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility for his first zero-gravity flight. Behin... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey talks to media at Launch Pad 39A, where space shuttle Discovery is poised for launch next month. The six-member STS-133 crew is at Kennedy for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), which provides each shuttle crew and launch team an opportunity to participate in various simulated activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training at the launch pad. Discovery and its crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. For more information on the STS-133 mission, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-5148

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey talks to media at Launch Pad 39A, where space shuttle Discovery is poised for launch next month. The six-member... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery's main landing gear touches down on Runway 15 at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida after 13-days in space, completing the 5.3-million-mile STS-133 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 11:57:17 a.m., followed by nose gear touchdown at 11:57:28, and wheelstop at 11:58:14 a.m. On board are Commander Steve Lindsey, Pilot Eric Boe, and Mission Specialists Nicole Stott, Michael Barratt, Alvin Drew and Steve Bowen. Discovery and its six-member crew delivered the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the orbiting outpost. STS-133 was Discovery's 39th and final mission. This was the 133rd Space Shuttle Program mission and the 35th shuttle voyage to the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Cooper KSC-2011-2085

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery's main landing gear to...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery's main landing gear touches down on Runway 15 at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida after 13-days in space, completing the 5.3... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Commander Steve Frick (right) and Pilot Alan Poindexter arrive at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in a shuttle training aircraft jet for launch aboard space shuttle Atlantis on Feb. 7. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission, at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7. This will be the third launch attempt for the mission. Some of the tank's ECO sensors gave failed readings during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, subsequently scrubbing further attempts until the cause could be found and repairs made. Atlantis will carry the Columbus module, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to the Harmony module of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0121

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Commander Steve Frick (right) a...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Commander Steve Frick (right) and Pilot Alan Poindexter arrive at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in a shuttle training aircraft jet for launch aboard space shuttle Atlantis o... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arriving at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 Commander Steve Frick is greeted by Doug Lyons, launch director for STS-122 mission. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission, at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7. This will be the third launch attempt for the mission. Some of the tank's ECO sensors gave failed readings during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, subsequently scrubbing further attempts until the cause could be found and repairs made. Atlantis will carry the Columbus module, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to the Harmony module of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0122

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arriving at NASA's Kennedy Space ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arriving at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 Commander Steve Frick is greeted by Doug Lyons, launch director for STS-122 mission. The crew's arrival signals the imminent... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The media surround noted wheelchair-bound physicist Stephen Hawking after his arrival at the Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility for his first zero-gravity flight. Behind Hawking, at left, is Space Florida president Steve Kohler. In the center, striding toward Hawking, is Zero Gravity Corp. founder Peter Diamandis. The flight will be aboard a modified Boeing 727 aircraft owned by Zero Gravity, a commercial company licensed to provide the public with weightless flight experiences. Hawking developed amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease in the 1960s, a type of motor neuron disease which would cost him the loss of almost all neuromuscular control. At the celebration of his 65th birthday on January 8 this year, Hawking announced his plans for a zero-gravity flight to prepare for a sub-orbital space flight in 2009 on Virgin Galactic's space service. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0947

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The media surround noted wheelchair-b...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The media surround noted wheelchair-bound physicist Stephen Hawking after his arrival at the Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility for his first zero-gravity flight. Be... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The media (left) capture the landing of the Virgin Atlantic Airways GlobalFlyer aircraft at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility. The aircraft, piloted by Steve Fossett, is being relocated from Salina, Kan., to the Shuttle Landing Facility to begin preparations for an attempt to set a new world record for the longest flight made by any aircraft. An exact takeoff date for the record-setting flight has not been determined and is contingent on weather and jet-stream conditions. The window for the attempt opens in mid-January, making the flight possible anytime between then and the end of February. NASA agreed to let Virgin Atlantic Airways use Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility as a takeoff site. The facility use is part of a pilot program to expand runway access for non-NASA activities. KSC-06pd0041

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The media (left) capture the landing o...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The media (left) capture the landing of the Virgin Atlantic Airways GlobalFlyer aircraft at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility. The aircraft, piloted by Steve ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members inspect the Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure - Non-Deployable (MPESS-ND), part of the payload on their mission. Here, Mission Specialist Stan Love (left) and Commander Steve Frick get a close look. The crew is participating in a crew equipment interface test that provides opportunities for hands-on experience with payloads and equipment. The other crew members are Pilot Alan Poindexter and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim, Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency. The 24th mission to the International Space Station, STS-122 will also include the Columbus European Laboratory. Launch of STS-122 on Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled no earlier than October. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0061

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members inspect the Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure - Non-Deployable (MPESS-ND), part of the payload on their mis... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA) is ready for flight on the Shuttle Landing Facility runway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey and Pilot Eric Boe will fly the modified Gulfstream II business jets to mimic the shuttle's handling during the final phase of landing. Practice landings are part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), which provides each shuttle crew and launch team an opportunity to participate in various simulated activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training at the launch pad. Space shuttle Discovery and its STS-133 crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. For more information on the STS-133 mission, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2010-5093

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA) is ready for...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA) is ready for flight on the Shuttle Landing Facility runway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey and Pilot Eric Boe... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility, Sir Richard Branson (left), chairman and founder of Virgin Atlantic, talks with Steve Fossett. They are standing next to the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer aircraft, which Fossett will pilot on a record-breaking attempt by flying solo, non-stop without refueling, to surpass the current record for the longest flight of any aircraft. Fossett is expected to take off from the Shuttle Landing Facility early Tuesday morning. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd0199

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle L...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility, Sir Richard Branson (left), chairman and founder of Virgin Atlantic, talks with Steve Fossett. They are standing next to t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialists Koichi Wakata (center) and Steve Swanson are getting into their harnesses, which include a parachute pack, before crawling through the open hatch into space shuttle Discovery. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm on the fixed service structure and provides access into the shuttle. The STS-119 mission is the 28th to the International Space Station and the 125th space shuttle flight. Discovery will deliver the final pair of power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment. Installation of S6 will signal the station's readiness to house a six-member crew for conducting increased science. Liftoff is scheduled for 7:43 p.m. EDT. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray, Tom Farrar KSC-2009-2056

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's K...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialists Koichi Wakata (center) and Steve Swanson are getting into their harnesses, which... More

STS122-S-064 (7 Feb. 2008) --- The Space Shuttle Atlantis and its seven-member STS-122 crew head toward Earth-orbit and a scheduled link-up with the International Space Station (ISS). Liftoff from Kennedy Space Center's launch pad 39A occurred at 2:45 p.m. (EST). The launch is the third attempt for Atlantis since December 2007 to carry the European Space Agency's (ESA) Columbus laboratory to the station. During the mission, the crew's prime objective is to attach the laboratory to the Harmony module, adding to the station's size and capabilities. Onboard are astronauts Steve Frick, commander; Alan Poindexter, pilot; Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim, ESA's Hans Schlegel, Stanley Love and ESA's Leopold Eyharts, all mission specialists. Eyharts will join Expedition 16 in progress to serve as a flight engineer aboard the ISS. 08pp0297

STS122-S-064 (7 Feb. 2008) --- The Space Shuttle Atlantis and its seve...

STS122-S-064 (7 Feb. 2008) --- The Space Shuttle Atlantis and its seven-member STS-122 crew head toward Earth-orbit and a scheduled link-up with the International Space Station (ISS). Liftoff from Kennedy Space... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA) performs touch-and-go landings as the sun sets over the Shuttle Landing Facility runway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey and Pilot Eric Boe are flying two Gulfstream II business jets that are modified to mimic the shuttle's handling during the final phase of landing. Practice landings are part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), which provides each shuttle crew and launch team an opportunity to participate in various simulated activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training at the launch pad. Space shuttle Discovery and its STS-133 crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. For more information on the STS-133 mission, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2010-5130

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA) performs tou...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA) performs touch-and-go landings as the sun sets over the Shuttle Landing Facility runway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. STS-133 Commander Ste... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-126 Mission Specialist Steve Bowen fits his helmet during suit-up in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Bowen and other crew members are having their launch-and-entry suits fit-checked prior to heading for Launch Pad 39A. The crew will take part in a simulated launch countdown at the pad. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training and the simulated countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3422

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-126 Mission Specialist Steve Bowen fits hi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-126 Mission Specialist Steve Bowen fits his helmet during suit-up in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Bowen and other crew members are ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Commander Steve Frick puts on his helmet, part of his launch and entry suit, in astronaut crew quarters. The STS-122 crew is preparing for a simulated launch countdown aboard Atlantis, part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT is a dress rehearsal for launch and also provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest single contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3411

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Commande...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Commander Steve Frick puts on his helmet, part of his launch and entry suit, in astronaut crew quarters. The STS-122 crew is preparing for a simul... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Standing under space shuttle Atlantis at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 NASA Test Director Steve Payne, left, discusses the newly completed mission with STS-129 Mission Specialist Mike Foreman, center, and NASA pilot Dick Clark. Atlantis touched down on Runway 33, completing the 4.5-million-mile STS-129 mission on orbit 171. Main gear touchdown was at 9:44:23 a.m. EST. Nose gear touchdown was at 9:44:36 a.m., and wheels stop was at 9:45:05 a.m. On STS-129, the six-member crew delivered 14 tons of cargo to the orbiting laboratory, including two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers containing spare parts to sustain station operations after the shuttles are retired next year. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-6620

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Standing under space shuttle Atlantis at the Sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Standing under space shuttle Atlantis at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 NASA Test Director Steve Payne, left, discusses the newly complete... More

STS119-S-059 (28 March 2009) --- Space Shuttle Discovery approaches landing on Runway 15 of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, concluding the 13-day, 5.3-million mile journey of the STS-119 mission to the International Space Station. Onboard are NASA astronauts Lee Archambault, commander; Tony Antonelli, pilot; Steve Swanson, Richard Arnold, Joseph Acaba, John Phillips and Sandra Magnus, all mission specialists. The main landing gear touched down at 3:13:17 p.m. (EDT) on March 28, 2009. The nose gear touched down at 3:13:40 p.m. and wheels stop was at 3:14:45 p.m. During the mission, Discovery?s crew delivered and installed the final pair of large power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment to the starboard, or right, side of the station and accomplished important tasks to prepare the station for future upgrades and additions later this year. sts119-s-059

STS119-S-059 (28 March 2009) --- Space Shuttle Discovery approaches la...

STS119-S-059 (28 March 2009) --- Space Shuttle Discovery approaches landing on Runway 15 of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, concluding the 13-day, 5.3-million mile journey of the ST... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Team members stationed at consoles in the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida monitor space shuttle Discovery's external fuel tank as it is loaded with more than 535,000 gallons of cryogenic propellants. From back, are Assistant Launch Orbiter Test Conductor Mark Taffet, Launch Orbiter Test Conductor John Kracsun, STS-133 NASA Test Director Steve Payne, NASA Commentator Allard Beutel, NASA Test Director Jeremy Graeber and STS-133 Assistant NASA Test Director Jeff Spaulding. During today's tanking test, the team is paying particular attention to the external tank's ribbed intertank region. Beginning tomorrow, engineers will evaluate data on 21-foot-long, U-shaped aluminum brackets, called stringers, and the newly replaced ground umbilical carrier plate (GUCP). Discovery's first launch attempt for STS-133 was scrubbed in early November due to a hydrogen gas leak at the GUCP. In order to perform additional analysis on the tank, Discovery will be rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building, a move that is planned for next week. The next launch opportunity is no earlier than Feb. 3, 2011. For more information on STS-133, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2010-5880

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Team members stationed at consoles in the Laun...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Team members stationed at consoles in the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida monitor space shuttle Discovery's external fuel tank as it is loaded with more t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the slidewire basket landing on Launch Pad 39A, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew responds to questions from the media. From left are Commander Steve Frick (with the microphone); Pilot Alan Poindexter; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim, Hans Schlegel, Stanley Love and Leopold Eyharts. Schlegel and Eyharts are with the European Space Agency. Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16 following the STS-122 mission. The STS-122 crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3372

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the slidewire basket landing on Laun...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the slidewire basket landing on Launch Pad 39A, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew responds to questions from the media. From left are Commander Steve Frick (with the mic... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Virgin Atlantic Airways GlobalFlyer aircraft approaches NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility for a landing. The aircraft, piloted by Steve Fossett, is being relocated from Salina, Kan., to the Shuttle Landing Facility to begin preparations for an attempt to set a new world record for the longest flight made by any aircraft. An exact takeoff date for the record-setting flight has not been determined and is contingent on weather and jet-stream conditions. The window for the attempt opens in mid-January, making the flight possible anytime between then and the end of February. NASA agreed to let Virgin Atlantic Airways use Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility as a takeoff site. The facility use is part of a pilot program to expand runway access for non-NASA activities. KSC-06pd0039

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Virgin Atlantic Airways GlobalFlye...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Virgin Atlantic Airways GlobalFlyer aircraft approaches NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility for a landing. The aircraft, piloted by Steve Fossett, is being ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus (with microphone) answers a question from the media. The other crew members with her are (from left) Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Eric Boe and Mission Specialists Steve Bowen, Shane Kimbrough, Donald Pettit and Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit procedures and a simulated launch countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3400

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus (with microphone) answers a question from the media. The other crew members with h... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, launch team members monitor the countdown to the launch of space shuttle Atlantis on its STS-135 mission to the International Space Station. Seen here is NASA Test Director Steve Payne. Atlantis with its crew of four; Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Doug Hurley, Mission Specialists Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim, lifted off at 11:29 a.m. EDT on July 8, 2011 to deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts for the station. Atlantis also will fly the Robotic Refueling Mission experiment that will investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites in orbit. In addition, Atlantis will return with a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-5292

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, launch team members monitor the countdown to the launch of space shuttle Atlantis on its STS-135 ... More

CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey is ready to take off from the Shuttle Landing Facility runway to fly touch-and-go landings in a Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA). The Gulfstream II business jet is modified to mimic the shuttle's handling during the final phase of landing. Space shuttle Discovery's crew members are at Kennedy for their upcoming launch to the International Space Station. In the days leading up to lift off, they will check the fit of their spacesuits, review launch-day procedures, receive weather briefings and remain medically quarantined to prevent sickness. STS-133 will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the orbiting outpost. For more information on the STS-133 mission, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-5358

CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-133 ...

CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey is ready to take off from the Shuttle Landing Facility runway to fly touch-and-go landings in a Shuttle Training Air... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Richard Arnold (right) practices using the camera to be used on the mission. Looking on is Mission Specialist Steve Swanson. The crew is at Kennedy for a Crew Equipment Interface Test that provides experience handling tools, equipment and hardware they will use on the mission. On the STS-119 mission, space shuttle Discovery will carry the S6 truss segment to complete the 361-foot-long backbone of the International Space Station. The truss includes the fourth pair of solar array wings and electronics that convert sunlight to power for the orbiting laboratory. Discovery is targeted for launch on Feb. 12, 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3789

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility at NASA's K...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Richard Arnold (right) practices using the camera to be used on the mission. Loo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Steve Swanson is helped by the Closeout Crew to put on his harness. The White Room provides access into space shuttle Discovery. Swanson and other crew members will conduct a simulated launch countdown as part of the prelaunch preparation known as Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. The TCDT also includes equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. Discovery is targeted to launch on the STS-119 mission Feb. 12. During the 14-day mission, the crew will install the S6 truss segment and solar arrays to the starboard side of the International Space Station, completing the station's truss, or backbone. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-1270

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Steve Swanson is helped by the Closeout Crew to put on his harness. The White R... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Discovery's main landing gear touches down on Runway 15 at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida after 13-days in space, completing the 5.3-million-mile STS-133 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 11:57:17 a.m., followed by nose gear touchdown at 11:57:28, and wheelstop at 11:58:14 a.m. On board are Commander Steve Lindsey, Pilot Eric Boe, and Mission Specialists Nicole Stott, Michael Barratt, Alvin Drew and Steve Bowen. Discovery and its six-member crew delivered the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the orbiting outpost. STS-133 was Discovery's 39th and final mission. This was the 133rd Space Shuttle Program mission and the 35th shuttle voyage to the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Linda Perry KSC-2011-2083

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Discovery's main landing gear tou...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Discovery's main landing gear touches down on Runway 15 at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida after 13-days in space, completing the 5.3-... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Just at dawn, Steve Fossett (left) climbs into the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer parked on NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility. Fossett will pilot the GlobalFlyer on a record-breaking attempt by flying solo, non-stop without refueling, to surpass the current record for the longest flight of any aircraft. This is the second attempt in two days after a fuel leak was detected Feb. 7. The expected time of takeoff is 7 a.m. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd0237

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Just at dawn, Steve Fossett (left) clim...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Just at dawn, Steve Fossett (left) climbs into the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer parked on NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility. Fossett will pilot the GlobalFlyer ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 mission crew members stride out of the Operations and Checkout Building, eager to ride to the launch pad and take their seats in space shuttle Atlantis for the planned launch today at 2:45 p.m. EST. Seen on the right, front to back, are Commander Steve Frick and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim and Hans Schlegel. On the left, front to back, are Pilot Alan Poindexter, followed by Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Stanley Love and Leopold Eyharts. Schlegel and Eyharts represent the European Space Agency. The launch will be the third attempt for Atlantis since December 2007 to carry the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory to the International Space Station. During the 11-day mission, the crew's prime objective is to attach the laboratory to the Harmony module, adding to the station's size and capabilities. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0199

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 mission crew members stride out of the Operations and Checkout Building, eager to ride to the launch pad and take their seats in space ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility, Space Florida president Steve Kohler (left) talks to the media about physicist Stephen Hawking's (in the wheelchair) first zero-gravity flight. The flight will be aboard a modified Boeing 727 aircraft owned by Zero Gravity Corp., a commercial company licensed to provide the public with weightless flight experiences. At right is Peter Diamandis, founder of the Zero Gravity Corp. Hawking developed amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease in the 1960s, a type of motor neuron disease which would cost him the loss of almost all neuromuscular control. At the celebration of his 65th birthday on January 8 this year, Hawking announced his plans for a zero-gravity flight to prepare for a sub-orbital space flight in 2009 on Virgin Galactic's space service. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0950

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Land...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility, Space Florida president Steve Kohler (left) talks to the media about physicist Stephen Hawking's (in the wheelchair) first zer... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility, Sir Richard Branson (left), chairman and founder of Virgin Atlantic, talks with Steve Fossett. They are standing next to the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer aircraft, which Fossett will pilot on a record-breaking attempt by flying solo, non-stop without refueling, to surpass the current record for the longest flight of any aircraft. Fossett is expected to take off from the Shuttle Landing Facility early Tuesday morning. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-06pd0200

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle L...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility, Sir Richard Branson (left), chairman and founder of Virgin Atlantic, talks with Steve Fossett. They are standing next to t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Steve Swanson is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier used for emergency escape, if needed, from the launch pad. The crew members are at Kennedy for prelaunch preparation known as terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. The training provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. The crew of space shuttle Discovery is targeted to launch on the STS-119 mission Feb. 12. During Discovery's 14-day mission, the crew will install the S6 truss segment and solar arrays to the starboard side of the International Space Station, completing the station's truss, or backbone. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1207

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Steve Swanson is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier used for emergency escape, if needed,... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-126 crew members listen to instructions about the M-113 armored personnel carrier they are sitting in used for emergency escape from Launch Pad 39A. From left are Mission Specialist Steve Bowen and Pilot Eric Boe; astronaut rescue team leader Capt. George Hoggard; and Mission Specialists Shane Kimbrough, Sandra Magnus and Donald Pettit. The crew is at Kennedy for pre-launch preparation known as Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT. The training provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3371

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-126 crew members listen to instructions about the M-113 armored personnel carrier they are sitting in used for emergency escape from L... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-126 crew is ready to answer questions from the media about their mission. Commander Chris Ferguson, at left, introduces his crew: (from left) Pilot Eric Boe and Mission Specialists Steve Bowen, Sandra Magnus, Shane Kimbrough, Donald Pettit and Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper. Behind them is space shuttle Endeavour. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit procedures and a simulated launch countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3398

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-126 crew is ready to answer questions from the media about their mission. Commander Chris Ferguson, at left, introd... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-133 crew members receive instruction on the operation of the pad's slidewire basket system emergency exit training as part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT). From left are Mission Specialist Alvin Drew, Pilot Eric Boe, Mission Specialist Tim Kopra, Commander Steve Lindsey, and Mission Specialists Nicole Stott and Michael Barratt. TCDT provides each shuttle crew and launch team an opportunity to participate in various simulated activities, including equipment familiarization and a launch countdown. Space shuttle Discovery and its STS-133 crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. For more information on the STS-133 mission, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-5164

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-133 crew members receive instruction on the operation of the pad's slidewire basket system emergency exit training as part of the Te... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members pause for a photo in front of the Columbus European Laboratory, part of the payload on their mission. From left are Pilot Alan Poindexter, Mission Specialists Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim and Stan Love, and Commander Steve Frick. Schlegel represents the European Space Agency. The crew is participating in a crew equipment interface test that provides opportunities for hands-on experience with payloads and equipment. The 24th mission to the International Space Station, STS-122 will also include the Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure - Non-Deployable (MPESS-ND). Launch of STS-122 on Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled no earlier than October. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0060

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members pause for a photo in front of the Columbus European Laboratory, part of the payload on their mission. From left are... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Mercury astronauts Scott Carpenter, left, and John Glenn and astronaut Steve Robinson of STS-95 listen to remarks during the "On Shoulders of Giants" program celebrating 50 years of Americans in orbit, an era which began with Glenn's MA-6 mission on Feb. 20, 1962. The event was conducted in the Rocket Garden at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida a few miles from the launch pad where Glenn and Carpenter took flight in Mercury spacecraft. Glenn's launch aboard an Atlas rocket took with it the hopes of an entire nation and ushered in a new era of space travel that eventually led to Americans walking on the moon by the end of the 1960s. Glenn soon was followed into orbit by Carpenter, Walter Schirra and Gordon Cooper. Their fellow Mercury astronauts Alan Shepard and Virgil "Gus" Grissom flew earlier suborbital flights. Deke Slayton, a member of NASA's original Mercury 7 astronauts, was grounded by a medical condition until the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project in 1975. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1478

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Mercury astronauts Scott Carpenter, left, and ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Mercury astronauts Scott Carpenter, left, and John Glenn and astronaut Steve Robinson of STS-95 listen to remarks during the "On Shoulders of Giants" program celebrating 50 years of Amer... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-95 astronaut Steve Robinson speaks during the "On Shoulders of Giants" program celebrating 50 years of Americans in orbit, an era which began with John Glenn's MA-6 mission on Feb. 20, 1962. The event was conducted in the Rocket Garden at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida a few miles from the launch pad where Glenn and Scott Carpenter took flight in Mercury spacecraft. Glenn's launch aboard an Atlas rocket took with it the hopes of an entire nation and ushered in a new era of space travel that eventually led to Americans walking on the moon by the end of the 1960s. Glenn soon was followed into orbit by Scott Carpenter, Walter Schirra and Gordon Cooper. Their fellow Mercury astronauts Alan Shepard and Virgil "Gus" Grissom flew earlier suborbital flights. Deke Slayton, a member of NASA's original Mercury 7 astronauts, was grounded by a medical condition until the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project in 1975. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1487

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-95 astronaut Steve Robinson speaks during ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-95 astronaut Steve Robinson speaks during the "On Shoulders of Giants" program celebrating 50 years of Americans in orbit, an era which began with John Glenn's MA-6 mission on Feb. 2... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Mercury astronauts Scott Carpenter, left, and John Glenn and astronaut Steve Robinson of STS-95 listen to remarks during the "On Shoulders of Giants" program celebrating 50 years of Americans in orbit, an era which began with Glenn's MA-6 mission on Feb. 20, 1962. The event was conducted in the Rocket Garden at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida a few miles from the launch pad where Glenn and Carpenter took flight in Mercury spacecraft. Glenn's launch aboard an Atlas rocket took with it the hopes of an entire nation and ushered in a new era of space travel that eventually led to Americans walking on the moon by the end of the 1960s. Glenn soon was followed into orbit by Carpenter, Walter Schirra and Gordon Cooper. Their fellow Mercury astronauts Alan Shepard and Virgil "Gus" Grissom flew earlier suborbital flights. Deke Slayton, a member of NASA's original Mercury 7 astronauts, was grounded by a medical condition until the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project in 1975. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1489

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Mercury astronauts Scott Carpenter, left, and ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Mercury astronauts Scott Carpenter, left, and John Glenn and astronaut Steve Robinson of STS-95 listen to remarks during the "On Shoulders of Giants" program celebrating 50 years of Amer... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-95 astronaut Steve Robinson speaks during the "On Shoulders of Giants" program celebrating 50 years of Americans in orbit, an era which began with John Glenn's MA-6 mission on Feb. 20, 1962. The event was conducted in the Rocket Garden at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida a few miles from the launch pad where Glenn and Scott Carpenter took flight in Mercury spacecraft. Glenn's launch aboard an Atlas rocket took with it the hopes of an entire nation and ushered in a new era of space travel that eventually led to Americans walking on the moon by the end of the 1960s. Glenn soon was followed into orbit by Scott Carpenter, Walter Schirra and Gordon Cooper. Their fellow Mercury astronauts Alan Shepard and Virgil "Gus" Grissom flew earlier suborbital flights. Deke Slayton, a member of NASA's original Mercury 7 astronauts, was grounded by a medical condition until the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project in 1975. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1510

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-95 astronaut Steve Robinson speaks during ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-95 astronaut Steve Robinson speaks during the "On Shoulders of Giants" program celebrating 50 years of Americans in orbit, an era which began with John Glenn's MA-6 mission on Feb. 2... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Astronaut Steve Robinson of STS-95, left, Cal Fowler, Launch test director during Mercury, U.S. Rep. Bill Posey, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana listen to remarks during the "On Shoulders of Giants" program celebrating 50 years of Americans in orbit, an era which began with John Glenn's MA-6 mission on Feb. 20, 1962. The event was conducted in the Rocket Garden at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida a few miles from the launch pad where Glenn and Scott Carpenter took flight in Mercury spacecraft. Glenn's launch aboard an Atlas rocket took with it the hopes of an entire nation and ushered in a new era of space travel that eventually led to Americans walking on the moon by the end of the 1960s. Glenn soon was followed into orbit by Scott Carpenter, Walter Schirra and Gordon Cooper. Their fellow Mercury astronauts Alan Shepard and Virgil "Gus" Grissom flew earlier suborbital flights. Deke Slayton, a member of NASA's original Mercury 7 astronauts, was grounded by a medical condition until the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project in 1975. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1479

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Astronaut Steve Robinson of STS-95, left, Cal ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Astronaut Steve Robinson of STS-95, left, Cal Fowler, Launch test director during Mercury, U.S. Rep. Bill Posey, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana listen... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-82 Pilot Scott J. "Doc" Horowitz, seated, poses as an immobilized person while pad rescue leaders Kathy Weaver and Steve Kelly of KSC Fire Rescue Services demonstrate the use of flight crew rescue equipment. The demonstration is part of crew training during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities at Launch Pad 39A. The seven-member STS-82 crew will conduct the second Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission. Liftoff of the 10-day flight is scheduled Feb. 11 KSC-97pc209

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-82 Pilot Scott J. "Doc" Horowitz, se...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-82 Pilot Scott J. "Doc" Horowitz, seated, poses as an immobilized person while pad rescue leaders Kathy Weaver and Steve Kelly of KSC Fire Rescue Services demonstrate the use o... More

A member of the STS-83 flight crew enters the crew hatch of the Space Shuttle Columbia with the help of the white room crew during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) exercises for that mission. Members of the white room crew are (from left): Steve Crosbie, Rene Arriens and Bob Saulnier. The STS-83 crew members for the 16-day Microgravity Science Laboratory-1 (MSL-1) mission are: Mission Commander James D. Halsell, Jr.; Pilot Susan L. Still; Payload Commander Janice Voss; Mission Specialists Michael L. Gernhardt and Donald A. Thomas; and Payload Specialists Gregory T. Linteris and Roger K. Crouch KSC-97pc463

A member of the STS-83 flight crew enters the crew hatch of the Space ...

A member of the STS-83 flight crew enters the crew hatch of the Space Shuttle Columbia with the help of the white room crew during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) exercises for that mission. Member... More

STS-87 crew members regard the tiles underneath the orbiter Columbia shortly after its return to Runway 33 at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility. Pointing to the tiles is the president of the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, Isao Uchida, who is standing next to NASA Administrator Daniel Goldin. STS-87 Commander Kevin Kregel, at right, looks on as Pilot Steve Lindsey follows behind him to continue inspecting the orbiter. STS-87 concluded its mission with a main gear touchdown at 7:20:04 a.m. EST Dec. 5, drawing the 15-day, 16-hour and 34-minute-long mission of 6.5 million miles to a close. Also onboard the orbiter were Mission Specialists Winston Scott; Kalpana Chawla, Ph.D.; and Takao Doi, Ph.D., of NASDA; along with Payload Specialist Leonid Kadenyuk of the National Space Agency of Ukraine. During the 88th Space Shuttle mission, the crew performed experiments on the United States Microgravity Payload-4 and pollinated plants as part of the Collaborative Ukrainian Experiment. This was the 12th landing for Columbia at KSC and the 41st KSC landing in the history of the Space Shuttle program KSC-97PC1746

STS-87 crew members regard the tiles underneath the orbiter Columbia s...

STS-87 crew members regard the tiles underneath the orbiter Columbia shortly after its return to Runway 33 at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility. Pointing to the tiles is the president of the Natio... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the International Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, senior government officials from 15 countries participating in the space station program signed agreements in Washington D.C. on Jan. 29 to establish the framework of cooperation among the partners on the design, development, operation and utilization of the space station. Acting Secretary of State Strobe Talbott signed the 1998 Intergovernmental Agreement on Space Station Cooperation with representatives of Russia, Japan, Canada, and participating countries of the European Space Agency ESA -- Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Some of these officials then toured Kennedy's Space Station Processing Facility SSPF with NASA Administrator Daniel Goldin, at front, sixth from the left. They are, left to right, front to back: Hidetoshi Murayama, National Space Development Agency of Japan NASDA Louis Laurent, Embassy of France Haakon Blankenborg, Norwegian Parliament Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs His Excellency Joris Vos, ambassador of the Netherlands His Excellency Tom Vraalsen, ambassador of Norway Goldin Luigi Berlinguer, Italian minister for education, scientific, and technological research Antonio Rodota, director general, ESA Yvan Ylieff, Belgian minister of science and chairman of the ESA Ministerial Council Jacqueline Ylieff Masaaki Komatsu, Kennedy local NASDA representative and interpreter Serge Ivanets, space attache, Embassy of Russia Hiroshi Fujita, Science and Technology Agency of Japan Akira Mizutani, Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Peter Grognard, science attache', Royal Embassy of Belgium Michelangelo Pipan, Italian diplomatic counselor to the minister His Excellency Gerhard Fulda, German Federal Foreign Office Jorg Feustel-Buechl, ESA director of manned space flight and microgravity A. Yakovenko, Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs JoAnn Morgan, Kennedy associate director for Advanced Development and Shuttle Upgrades Steve Francois, director, International Space Station and Shuttle Processing Roy Tharpe, Boeing launch site manager Jon Cowart, ISS elements manager John Schumacher, NASA associate administrator for external relations Didier Kechemair, space advistor to the French minister for education, research, and technology Yoshinori Yoshimura, NASDA and Loren Shriver, Kennedy deputy director for launch and payload processing. Node 1 of the ISS is in the background. Photo Credit: NASA KSC-98pc246

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the International Space Station Processing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the International Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, senior government officials from 15 countries participating in the space station program... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The rock band Aerosmith, with their guests, stop on the red carpet entrance to the site of the world premiere of the movie "Armageddon," which was held at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A special theater was constructed for the premiere outside the Apollo/Saturn V Center. The band, which provided four songs for the film's soundtrack, performed at a private party on the site after the screening. Lead vocalist Steve Tyler (middle) is the father of one of the stars of the movie, Liv Tyler. The movie was partly filmed at KSC, and as part of the premiere festivities, guests had a chance to see many of the sites actually used in the film as well as explore a wide range of NASA artifacts and displays. KSC-98PC-0787

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The rock band Aerosmith, with their gue...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The rock band Aerosmith, with their guests, stop on the red carpet entrance to the site of the world premiere of the movie "Armageddon," which was held at the Kennedy Space Center... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Posing in front of the world premiere release of the film "Armageddon" are Peter Stormare, director Michael Bay, Ben Affleck, Liv Tyler, Ken Campbell, Billy Bob Thornton, Bruce Willis, Steve Buscemi, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and Jessica Steen. The screening was held in a theater specially constructed at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at the Kennedy Space Center. The movie was partly filmed at KSC, and as part of the premiere festivities, guests had a chance to see many of the sites actually used in the film as well as explore a wide range of NASA artifacts and displays. A private party that included a performance by rock band Aerosmith followed the premiere. KSC-98PC-0794

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Posing in front of the world premiere r...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Posing in front of the world premiere release of the film "Armageddon" are Peter Stormare, director Michael Bay, Ben Affleck, Liv Tyler, Ken Campbell, Billy Bob Thornton, Bruce Wi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-95 Payload Specialist Chiaki Mukai, representing the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA), handles part of the Biological Research in Canisters (BRIC) experiment which will fly on the planned nine-day mission. She and other crew members, including Mission Specialist Scott E. Parazynski, at right, are at KSC and the adjacent SPACEHAB Payload Processing Facility in Cape Canaveral to familiarize themselves with the STS-95 payloads. Standing behind the two astronauts is Steve Pyle of Boeing in Huntsville, Ala. STS-95 will feature a variety of research payloads, including the Spartan solar-observing deployable spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope Orbital Systems Platform, the International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker, and experiments on space flight and the aging process. STS-95 is targeted for an Oct. 29 launch aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. KSC-98pc854

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-95 Payload Specialist Chiaki Mukai, ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-95 Payload Specialist Chiaki Mukai, representing the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA), handles part of the Biological Research in Canisters (BRIC) experiment ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Cutting a red ribbon for the unveiling of a newly renovated altitude chamber are (left to right) Tommy Mack, project manager, NASA; Steve Francois, director, Space Station and Shuttle Payloads; Sterling Walker, director, Engineering Development; Roy Bridges, director, Kennedy Space Center; Jay Greene, International Space Station manager for Technical; Michael Terry, project manager, Boeing; and Terry Smith, director of Engineering, Boeing Space Coast Operations. The chamber was reactivated, after a 24-year hiatus, to perform leak tests on International Space Station pressurized modules at the launch site. Originally, two chambers were built to test the Apollo command and lunar service modules. They were last used in 1975 during the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project. After installation of new vacuum pumping equipment and controls, a new control room, and a new rotation handling fixture, the chamber again became operational in February 1999. The chamber, which is 33 feet in diameter and 50 feet tall, is constructed of stainless steel. The first module that will be tested for leaks is the U.S. Laboratory. No date has been determined for the test KSC-99pp0237

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Cutting a red ribbon for the unveiling o...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Cutting a red ribbon for the unveiling of a newly renovated altitude chamber are (left to right) Tommy Mack, project manager, NASA; Steve Francois, director, Space Station and Shut... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a ribbon-cutting ceremony inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay, Sterling Walker, director of Engineering Development, introduces the project team members responsible for renovating an altitude chamber formerly used on the Apollo program. In addition, management, media and onlookers are present for the ceremony. Seated in the front row left are (left to right) Terry Smith, director of Engineering, Boeing Space Coast Operations; Steve Francois, director, Space Station and Shuttle Payloads; Jay Greene, International Space Station manager for Technical; and Roy Bridges, center director. The chamber was reactivated, after a 24-year hiatus, to perform leak tests on International Space Station pressurized modules at the launch site. Originally, two chambers were built to test the Apollo command and lunar service modules. They were last used in 1975 during the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project. After installation of new vacuum pumping equipment and controls, a new control room, and a new rotation handling fixture, the chamber again became operational in February 1999. The chamber, which is 33 feet in diameter and 50 feet tall, is constructed of stainless steel. The first module that will be tested for leaks is the U.S. Laboratory. No date has been determined for the test KSC-99pp0236

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a ribbon-cutting ceremony inside the ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At a ribbon-cutting ceremony inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay, Sterling Walker, director of Engineering Development, introduces the project team members respons... More

Capt. Steve Kelly (left), with Space Gateway Support, explains to STS-96 Mission Specialist Valery Ivanovich Tokarev the use of the small armored personnel carrier that is part of emergency egress training during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. Behind him are Commander Kent V. Rominger and Mission Specialist Ellen Ochoa (Ph.D.). The tracked vehicle could be used by the crew in the event of an emergency at the pad during which the crew must make a quick exit from the area. The TCDT also provides simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. Other crew members taking part in the TCDT are Pilot Rick Douglas Husband and Mission Specialists Tamara E. Jernigan (Ph.D.), Daniel Barry (M.D., Ph.D.), and Julie Payette, with the Canadian Space Agency. Tokarev is with the Russian Space Agency. Mission STS-96, which is scheduled for liftoff on May 20 at 9:32 a.m., is a logistics and resupply mission for the International Space Station, carrying such payloads as a Russian crane, the Strela; a U.S.-built crane; the Spacehab Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), a logistics items carrier; and STARSHINE, a student-led experiment KSC-99pp0456

Capt. Steve Kelly (left), with Space Gateway Support, explains to STS-...

Capt. Steve Kelly (left), with Space Gateway Support, explains to STS-96 Mission Specialist Valery Ivanovich Tokarev the use of the small armored personnel carrier that is part of emergency egress training duri... More

STS-96 Mission Specialist Valery Ivanovich Tokarev practices driving the small armored personnel carrier that is part of emergency egress training during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. Riding the front of the carrier is Capt. Steve Kelly (left), with Space Gateway Support, who is assisting with the training. Behind them are Pilot Rick Douglas Husband (waving), and Mission Specialists Daniel Barry (M.D., Ph.D.) and Tamara E. Jernigan (Ph.D.) (waving). The tracked vehicle could be used by the crew in the event of an emergency at the pad during which the crew must make a quick exit from the area. The TCDT also provides simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. Other crew members taking part in the TCDT are Commander Kent V. Rominger and Mission Specialists Ellen Ochoa (Ph.D.) and Julie Payette, with the Canadian Space Agency. Tokarev is with the Russian Space Agency. Mission STS-96, which is scheduled for liftoff on May 20 at 9:32 a.m., is a logistics and resupply mission for the International Space Station, carrying such payloads as a Russian crane, the Strela; a U.S.-built crane; the Spacehab Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), a logistics items carrier; and STARSHINE, a student-led experiment KSC-99pp0457

STS-96 Mission Specialist Valery Ivanovich Tokarev practices driving t...

STS-96 Mission Specialist Valery Ivanovich Tokarev practices driving the small armored personnel carrier that is part of emergency egress training during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities.... More

Under the guidance of Capt. Steve Kelly (left), with Space Gateway Support, STS-96 Mission Specialist Daniel Barry (right) practices driving the small armored personnel carrier that is part of emergency egress training during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. At the rear of the carrier are Pilot Rick Douglas Husband and Mission Specialists Tamara E. Jernigan (Ph.D.) and Ellen Ochoa (Ph.D.). The tracked vehicle could be used by the crew in the event of an emergency at the pad during which the crew must make a quick exit from the area. The TCDT also provides simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. Other crew members taking part in the TCDT are Commander Kent V. Rominger and Mission Specialists Julie Payette, with the Canadian Space Agency, and Valery Ivanovich Tokarev, with the Russian Space Agency. Mission STS-96, which is scheduled for liftoff on May 20 at 9:32 a.m., is a logistics and resupply mission for the International Space Station, carrying such payloads as a Russian crane, the Strela; a U.S.-built crane; the Spacehab Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), a logistics items carrier; and STARSHINE, a student-led experiment KSC-99pp0455

Under the guidance of Capt. Steve Kelly (left), with Space Gateway Sup...

Under the guidance of Capt. Steve Kelly (left), with Space Gateway Support, STS-96 Mission Specialist Daniel Barry (right) practices driving the small armored personnel carrier that is part of emergency egress ... More

The STS-96 crew listen to Capt. Steve Kelly, with Space Gateway Support, who is assisting with emergency egress training during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT also provides simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. From left are Mission Specialist Daniel Barry (M.D., Ph.D.), Pilot Rick Douglas Husband, Mission Specialists Valery Ivanovich Tokarev, Ellen Ochoa (Ph.D.), Tamara E. Jernigan (Ph.D.) and Julie Payette, and Commander Kent V. Rominger. Next to Rominger is Douglas Hamilton, Canadian flight surgeon. Payette is with the Canadian Space Agency. Tokarev represents the Russian Space Agency. Mission STS-96, which is scheduled for liftoff on May 20 at 9:32 a.m., is a logistics and resupply mission for the International Space Station, carrying such payloads as a Russian crane, the Strela; a U.S.-built crane; the Spacehab Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), a logistics items carrier; and STARSHINE, a student-led experiment KSC-99pp0450

The STS-96 crew listen to Capt. Steve Kelly, with Space Gateway Suppor...

The STS-96 crew listen to Capt. Steve Kelly, with Space Gateway Support, who is assisting with emergency egress training during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT also provides si... More

At right, STS-96 Mission Specialist Tamara E. Jernigan (Ph.D.) practices driving the small armored personnel carrier that is part of emergency egress training during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. At left is Capt. Steve Kelly, with Space Gateway Support, who is assisting with the training. At the rear of the carrier are (left) Mission Specialist Julie Payette, with the Canadian Space Agency, and Commander Kent V. Rominger (right). The tracked vehicle could be used by the crew in the event of an emergency at the pad during which the crew must make a quick exit from the area. The TCDT also provides simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. Other crew members taking part in the TCDT are Pilot Rick Douglas Husband, and Mission Specialists Ellen Ochoa (Ph.D.), Daniel Barry (M.D., Ph.D.), and Valery Ivanovich Tokarev, who is with the Russian Space Agency. Mission STS-96, which is scheduled for liftoff on May 20 at 9:32 a.m., is a logistics and resupply mission for the International Space Station, carrying such payloads as a Russian crane, the Strela; a U.S.-built crane; the Spacehab Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), a logistics items carrier; and STARSHINE, a student-led experiment KSC-99pp0454

At right, STS-96 Mission Specialist Tamara E. Jernigan (Ph.D.) practic...

At right, STS-96 Mission Specialist Tamara E. Jernigan (Ph.D.) practices driving the small armored personnel carrier that is part of emergency egress training during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT)... More

Under the eye of Capt. Steve Kelly (left), with Space Gateway Support, Commander Kent V. Rominger gets ready to practice driving the small armored personnel carrier that is part of emergency egress training during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. At the rear is Douglas Hamilton, a Canadian flight surgeon. The tracked vehicle could be used by the crew in the event of an emergency at the pad during which the crew must make a quick exit from the area. The TCDT also provides simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. Other crew members taking part in the TCDT are Pilot Rick Douglas Husband, and Mission Specialists Ellen Ochoa (Ph.D.), Tamara E. Jernigan (Ph.D.), Daniel Barry (M.D., Ph.D.), Julie Payette and Valery Ivanovich Tokarev. Payette represents the Canadian Space Agency and Tokarev the Russian Space Agency. Mission STS-96, which is scheduled for liftoff on May 20 at 9:32 a.m., is a logistics and resupply mission for the International Space Station, carrying such payloads as a Russian crane, the Strela; a U.S.-built crane; the Spacehab Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), a logistics items carrier; and STARSHINE, a student-led experiment KSC-99pp0453

Under the eye of Capt. Steve Kelly (left), with Space Gateway Support,...

Under the eye of Capt. Steve Kelly (left), with Space Gateway Support, Commander Kent V. Rominger gets ready to practice driving the small armored personnel carrier that is part of emergency egress training dur... More

Capt. Steve Kelly, with Space Gateway Support, congratulates STS-96 Mission Specialist Ellen Ochoa (Ph.D.), who successfully completed training in the small armored personnel carrier that is part of emergency egress training during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The tracked vehicle could be used by the crew in the event of an emergency at the pad during which the crew must make a quick exit from the area. Behind them (from left) are crew members Mission Specialist Valery Ivanovich Tokarev, Pilot Rick Douglas Husband and Mission Specialist Julie Payette. Holding the camera is Douglas Hamilton, a Canadian flight surgeon. Payette is with the Canadian Space Agency. Tokarev represents the Russian Space Agency. The TCDT also provides simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. Mission STS-96, which is scheduled for liftoff on May 20 at 9:32 a.m., is a logistics and resupply mission for the International Space Station, carrying such payloads as a Russian crane, the Strela; a U.S.-built crane; the Spacehab Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), a logistics items carrier; and STARSHINE, a student-led experiment KSC-99pp0452

Capt. Steve Kelly, with Space Gateway Support, congratulates STS-96 Mi...

Capt. Steve Kelly, with Space Gateway Support, congratulates STS-96 Mission Specialist Ellen Ochoa (Ph.D.), who successfully completed training in the small armored personnel carrier that is part of emergency e... More

While Capt. Steve Kelly, with Space Gateway Support, keeps watch from the top of the vehicle, STS-96 Pilot Rick Douglas Husband practices driving the small armored personnel carrier that is part of emergency egress training during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. Behind them are (from left) Mission Specialist Daniel Barry (M.D., Ph.D.), Commander Kent V. Rominger and Mission Specialist Tamara E. Jernigan (Ph.D.). The tracked vehicle could be used by the crew in the event of an emergency at the pad during which the crew must make a quick exit from the area. The TCDT also provides simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. Other crew members taking part in the TCDT are Mission Specialists Ellen Ochoa (Ph.D.), Julie Payette, with the Canadian Space Agency, and Valery Ivanovich Tokarev, with the Russian Space Agency. Mission STS-96, which is scheduled for liftoff on May 20 at 9:32 a.m., is a logistics and resupply mission for the International Space Station, carrying such payloads as a Russian crane, the Strela; a U.S.-built crane; the Spacehab Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), a logistics items carrier; and STARSHINE, a student-led experiment KSC-99pp0458

While Capt. Steve Kelly, with Space Gateway Support, keeps watch from ...

While Capt. Steve Kelly, with Space Gateway Support, keeps watch from the top of the vehicle, STS-96 Pilot Rick Douglas Husband practices driving the small armored personnel carrier that is part of emergency eg... More

STS-96 Mission Specialist Julie Payette (right) practices driving a small armored personnel carrier that is part of emergency egress training during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The tracked vehicle could be used by the crew in the event of an emergency at the pad during which the crew must make a quick exit from the area. The TCDT also provides simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. At left are Mission Specialist Valery Ivanovich Tokarev, with the Russian Space Agency, and Pilot Rick Douglas Husband. Payette is with the Canadian Space Agency. Riding on the front of the carrier is Capt. Steve Kelly, with Space Gateway Support, who is assisting the crew with their training. Other crew members are Commander Kent V. Rominger and Mission Specialists Ellen Ochoa (Ph.D.), Tamara E. Jernigan (Ph.D.), and Daniel Barry (M.D., Ph.D.). Mission 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-led experiment KSC-99pp0449

STS-96 Mission Specialist Julie Payette (right) practices driving a sm...

STS-96 Mission Specialist Julie Payette (right) practices driving a small armored personnel carrier that is part of emergency egress training during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The ... More

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

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

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

Cutting the ribbon at a ceremony for the opening of the Consolidated Support Operations Center at ROCC, Cape Canaveral Air Station, are (left to right) William P. Hickman, program manager, Space Gateway Support; Ed Gormel, executive director, JPMO; Barbara White, supervisor, Mission Support; KSC Center Director Roy Bridges, and Lt Col Steve Vuresky, USAF KSC-99pp1189

Cutting the ribbon at a ceremony for the opening of the Consolidated S...

Cutting the ribbon at a ceremony for the opening of the Consolidated Support Operations Center at ROCC, Cape Canaveral Air Station, are (left to right) William P. Hickman, program manager, Space Gateway Support... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the STS-103 crew, with representatives from Goddard Space Flight Center, look over the Hubble servicing cargo in the payload bay of Space Shuttle Discovery at Launch Pad 39B. From left are Mission Specialist Steven L. Smith and Claude Nicollier of Switzerland; Steve Pataki and Dave Southwick, with Goddard; and Mission Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr. Inspecting the payload is part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), which also provides the crew with emergency egress training and a simulated countdown exercise. Other crew members taking part in the TCDT are Pilot Scott J. Kelly, and Mission Specialists C. Michael Foale (Ph.D.), John M. Grunsfeld (Ph.D.), and Jean-François Clervoy of France. Clervoy and Nicollier are with the European Space Agency. STS-103 is a "call-up" mission due to the need to replace and repair portions of the Hubble Space Telescope, including the gyroscopes that allow the telescope to point at stars, galaxies and planets. The STS-103 crew will be replacing a Fine Guidance Sensor, an older computer with a new enhanced model, an older data tape recorder with a solid-state digital recorder, a failed spare transmitter with a new one, and degraded insulation on the telescope with new thermal insulation. The crew will also install a Battery Voltage/Temperature Improvement Kit to protect the spacecraft batteries from overcharging and overheating when the telescope goes into a safe mode. Four EVA's are planned to make the necessary repairs and replacements on the telescope. The mission is targeted for launch Dec. 6 at 2:37 a.m. EST KSC-99pp1348

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the STS-103 crew, with repres...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the STS-103 crew, with representatives from Goddard Space Flight Center, look over the Hubble servicing cargo in the payload bay of Space Shuttle Discovery at Launch Pad... More

The audience applauds and enjoys the official opening of the E&O Building as the new site of the Expendable Launch Vehicle Program. Home for NASA’s unmanned missions since 1964, the building has been renovated to house the ELV Program.; Cutting the ribbon for the event were Deputy Manager of the ELV and Payload Carrier Programs, Steve Francois; Director of ELV Launch Services, Michael Benik; Center Director Roy Bridges; Manager of the ELV and Payload Carrier Programs, Bobby Bruckner; and Senior Manager of the Boeing ELV Program Support office, Jim Schofield KSC-00pp1668

The audience applauds and enjoys the official opening of the E&O Build...

The audience applauds and enjoys the official opening of the E&O Building as the new site of the Expendable Launch Vehicle Program. Home for NASA’s unmanned missions since 1964, the building has been renovated ... More

STS-97 Pilot Michael Bloomfield gets help with his boots from suit technician Steve Clendenin during pre-pack and fit check. Mission STS-97 is 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. STS-97 is scheduled to launch Nov. 30 at about 10:06 p.m. EST KSC-00padig106

STS-97 Pilot Michael Bloomfield gets help with his boots from suit tec...

STS-97 Pilot Michael Bloomfield gets help with his boots from suit technician Steve Clendenin during pre-pack and fit check. Mission STS-97 is the sixth construction flight to the International Space Station. I... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Steve Thomas, host of the television series "This Old House," gets a look inside one of the Space Station modules in the Space Station Processing Facility. He and the show's master carpenter Norm Abram are at KSC to film an episode of the series KSC-00pp1922

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Steve Thomas, host of the television se...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Steve Thomas, host of the television series "This Old House," gets a look inside one of the Space Station modules in the Space Station Processing Facility. He and the show's maste... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, Steve Thomas (center), looks at a model of the International Space Station being held by a worker. Thomas is host of the television series "This Old House." In the foreground and at right are crew members of the television series.; They are at KSC to film an episode of the series KSC00pp1918

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, Steve Thomas (center), looks at a model of the International Space Station being held by a worker. Thomas is host of the television serie... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Steve Thomas (left) and Norm Abram (second from left), who are seen in the television series "This Old House," talk with astronaut John Herrington (right). In the background is Johnny Johnson, media escort. Abram is at KSC to film an episode of "This Old House. KSC00padig125

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Steve Thomas (left) and Norm Abram (seco...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Steve Thomas (left) and Norm Abram (second from left), who are seen in the television series "This Old House," talk with astronaut John Herrington (right). In the background is Joh... More

Steve Thomas, host of the television series "This Old House," gets a close look at one of the modules in the Space Station Processing Facility. He and the series’ master carpenter Norm Abram are at KSC to film an episode of the series KSC00pp1920

Steve Thomas, host of the television series "This Old House," gets a c...

Steve Thomas, host of the television series "This Old House," gets a close look at one of the modules in the Space Station Processing Facility. He and the series’ master carpenter Norm Abram are at KSC to film ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A film crew gather around Steve Thomas (kneeling) as they shoot inside a mockup of the U.S. Lab, located in the International Space Station Center, a tour facility. Thomas and Norm Abram, host and master carpenter, respectively, of television’s "This Old House," are at KSC to film an episode of the series KSC-00padig124

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A film crew gather around Steve Thomas (...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A film crew gather around Steve Thomas (kneeling) as they shoot inside a mockup of the U.S. Lab, located in the International Space Station Center, a tour facility. Thomas and Norm... More

Astronaut John Herrington (right) shares a humorous moment with Steve Thomas (left) and Norm Abram (second from left), who are seen in the television series " This Old House." In the background is Johnny Johnson, media escort. Abram is at KSC to film an episode of "This Old House. KSC-00padig126

Astronaut John Herrington (right) shares a humorous moment with Steve ...

Astronaut John Herrington (right) shares a humorous moment with Steve Thomas (left) and Norm Abram (second from left), who are seen in the television series " This Old House." In the background is Johnny Johnso... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Steve Thomas (left) and Norm Abram (second from left), who are seen in the television series "This Old House," talk with astronaut John Herrington (right). In the background is Johnny Johnson, media escort. Abram is at KSC to film an episode of "This Old House. KSC-00padig125

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Steve Thomas (left) and Norm Abram (seco...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Steve Thomas (left) and Norm Abram (second from left), who are seen in the television series "This Old House," talk with astronaut John Herrington (right). In the background is Joh... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On a tour of Kennedy Space Center, Steve Thomas, host of the television series "This Old House," talks with a member of the film crew while in the Space Station Processing Facility. He and the series’ master carpenter Norm Abram are at KSC to film an episode of the series KSC00pp1919

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On a tour of Kennedy Space Center, Stev...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On a tour of Kennedy Space Center, Steve Thomas, host of the television series "This Old House," talks with a member of the film crew while in the Space Station Processing Facilit... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, Steve Thomas (left), host of the television series "This Old House," poses in front of the Joint Airlock module. Thomas and Norm Abram, master carpenter with "This Old House," are at KSC to film an episode of the series KSC-00pp1917

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, Steve Thomas (left), host of the television series "This Old House," poses in front of the Joint Airlock module. Thomas and Norm Abram, m... More

Steve Thomas, host of the television series "This Old House," gets a close look at one of the modules in the Space Station Processing Facility. He and the series’ master carpenter Norm Abram are at KSC to film an episode of the series KSC-00pp1920

Steve Thomas, host of the television series "This Old House," gets a c...

Steve Thomas, host of the television series "This Old House," gets a close look at one of the modules in the Space Station Processing Facility. He and the series’ master carpenter Norm Abram are at KSC to film ... More

Astronaut John Herrington (right) shares a humorous moment with Steve Thomas (left) and Norm Abram (second from left), who are seen in the television series " This Old House." In the background is Johnny Johnson, media escort. Abram is at KSC to film an episode of "This Old House. KSC00padig126

Astronaut John Herrington (right) shares a humorous moment with Steve ...

Astronaut John Herrington (right) shares a humorous moment with Steve Thomas (left) and Norm Abram (second from left), who are seen in the television series " This Old House." In the background is Johnny Johnso... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On a tour of Kennedy Space Center, Steve Thomas, host of the television series "This Old House," talks with a member of the film crew while in the Space Station Processing Facility. He and the series’ master carpenter Norm Abram are at KSC to film an episode of the series KSC-00pp1919

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On a tour of Kennedy Space Center, Stev...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On a tour of Kennedy Space Center, Steve Thomas, host of the television series "This Old House," talks with a member of the film crew while in the Space Station Processing Facilit... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, Steve Thomas (center), looks at a model of the International Space Station being held by a worker. Thomas is host of the television series "This Old House." In the foreground and at right are crew members of the television series.; They are at KSC to film an episode of the series KSC-00pp1918

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, Steve Thomas (center), looks at a model of the International Space Station being held by a worker. Thomas is host of the television serie... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, Steve Thomas (left), host of the television series "This Old House," poses in front of the Joint Airlock module. Thomas and Norm Abram, master carpenter with "This Old House," are at KSC to film an episode of the series KSC00pp1917

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, Steve Thomas (left), host of the television series "This Old House," poses in front of the Joint Airlock module. Thomas and Norm Abram, m... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Steve Thomas, host of the television series "This Old House," gets a look inside one of the Space Station modules in the Space Station Processing Facility. He and the show's master carpenter Norm Abram are at KSC to film an episode of the series KSC00pp1922

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Steve Thomas, host of the television se...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Steve Thomas, host of the television series "This Old House," gets a look inside one of the Space Station modules in the Space Station Processing Facility. He and the show's maste... More

The crew of the television series This Old House pauses for a photo during a tour of KSC. At the far right is Steve Thomas, host of the series. Second from the right is Norm Abram, master carpenter on the show. Accompanying the film crew is astronaut John Herrington (second from left). The cast and crew of This Old House are filming at KSC for an episode of the show KSC00pp1952

The crew of the television series This Old House pauses for a photo du...

The crew of the television series This Old House pauses for a photo during a tour of KSC. At the far right is Steve Thomas, host of the series. Second from the right is Norm Abram, master carpenter on the show.... More

Members of the crew of the television series This Old House get a close look at one of the main engines on Space Shuttle Atlantis in the Vehicle Assembly Building. At left is Norm Abram, master carpenter on the series. Next to him is Steve Thomas, host of the show. At the far right is astronaut John Herrington, who is accompanying the film crew on their tour of KSC. The cast and crew of This Old House are filming at KSC for an episode of the show KSC00pp1955

Members of the crew of the television series This Old House get a clos...

Members of the crew of the television series This Old House get a close look at one of the main engines on Space Shuttle Atlantis in the Vehicle Assembly Building. At left is Norm Abram, master carpenter on the... More

The crew of the television series This Old House film the Space Shuttle Atlantis in the Vehicle Assembly Building. The cast and crew of This Old House, including host Steve Thomas and master carpenter Norm Abram, are filming at KSC for an episode of the show KSC00pp1953

The crew of the television series This Old House film the Space Shuttl...

The crew of the television series This Old House film the Space Shuttle Atlantis in the Vehicle Assembly Building. The cast and crew of This Old House, including host Steve Thomas and master carpenter Norm Abra... More

Members of the crew of the television series This Old House pause for a photo during a tour of KSC with astronaut John Herrington (far right). Second from left is Steve Thomas, host of the show. Second from right is Norm Abram, master carpenter on the series. The cast and crew of This Old House are filming at KSC for an episode of the show KSC00pp1954

Members of the crew of the television series This Old House pause for ...

Members of the crew of the television series This Old House pause for a photo during a tour of KSC with astronaut John Herrington (far right). Second from left is Steve Thomas, host of the show. Second from rig... More

Across from the Vehicle Assembly Building and Launch Control Center, Steve Thomas (left), host of This Old House, and Norm Abram (second from left), master carpenter on the series, watch as a a videographer (in front) checks his camera. With them is astronaut John Herrington. The cast and crew of This Old House are filming at KSC for an episode of the show. Herrington is accompanying the film crew on their tour of KSC KSC00pp1958

Across from the Vehicle Assembly Building and Launch Control Center, S...

Across from the Vehicle Assembly Building and Launch Control Center, Steve Thomas (left), host of This Old House, and Norm Abram (second from left), master carpenter on the series, watch as a a videographer (in... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Working near the top of a solid rocket booster, NASA and United Space Alliance SRB technicians hook up SRB cables to a Cirris Signature Touch 1 cable tester. From left are Steve Swichkow, with NASA, and Jim Silviano (back to camera) and Jeff Suter, with USA. The SRB is part of Space Shuttle Atlantis, rolled back from Launch Pad 39A in order to conduct tests on the cables. A prior extensive evaluation of NASA’s SRB cable inventory on the shelf revealed conductor damage in four (of about 200) cables. Shuttle managers decided to prove the integrity of the system tunnel cables already on Atlantis before launching. Workers are conducting inspections, making continuity checks and conducting X-ray analysis on the cables. The launch has been rescheduled no earlier than Feb. 6. <br KSC01pp0155

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Working near the top of a solid rocket b...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Working near the top of a solid rocket booster, NASA and United Space Alliance SRB technicians hook up SRB cables to a Cirris Signature Touch 1 cable tester. From left are Steve Sw... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Working near the top of a solid rocket booster, NASA and United Space Alliance SRB technicians hook up SRB cables to a CIRRUS computer for testing. From left are Jim Glass, with USA, performing a Flex test on the cable; Steve Swichkow, with NASA, and Jim Silviano, with USA, check the results on a computer. The SRB is part of Space Shuttle Atlantis, rolled back from Launch Pad 39A in order to conduct tests on the cables. A prior extensive evaluation of NASA’s SRB cable inventory on the shelf revealed conductor damage in four (of about 200) cables. Shuttle managers decided to prove the integrity of the system tunnel cables already on Atlantis before launching. Workers are conducting inspections, making continuity checks and conducting X-ray analysis on the cables. The launch has been rescheduled no earlier than Feb. 6. <br KSC01pp0156

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Working near the top of a solid rocket b...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Working near the top of a solid rocket booster, NASA and United Space Alliance SRB technicians hook up SRB cables to a CIRRUS computer for testing. From left are Jim Glass, with US... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- NASA and United Space Alliance SRB technicians hook up solid rocket booster cables to a Cirris Signature Touch 1 cable tester. From left are Loren Atkinson and Steve Swichkow, with NASA, and Jeff Suter, with USA. The SRB is part of Space Shuttle Atlantis, rolled back from Launch Pad 39A in order to conduct tests on the cables. A prior extensive evaluation of NASA’s SRB cable inventory on the shelf revealed conductor damage in four (of about 200) cables. Shuttle managers decided to prove the integrity of the system tunnel cables already on Atlantis before launching. Workers are conducting inspections, making continuity checks and conducting X-ray analysis on the cables. The launch has been rescheduled no earlier than Feb. 6. <br KSC01pp0154

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- NASA and United Space Alliance SRB techn...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- NASA and United Space Alliance SRB technicians hook up solid rocket booster cables to a Cirris Signature Touch 1 cable tester. From left are Loren Atkinson and Steve Swichkow, with... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In a special presentation, ISS International Partners donate funds to the Combined Federal Campaign and United Way at KSC to benefit the Sept. 11 recovery efforts. From left are Francesco Santoro of Alenia (Italian Space Agency contractor), Minako Holdrum of the Natinal Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA), Michele Tripoli and Guiseppe Mancuso of Alenia, Todd Arnold, NASA KSC, Shimpei Takahashi of NASDA, Steve Mozes of the Canadian Space Agency, Agostino Verghini of the Italian Space Agency, Frank Ramsey of United Way/CFC, Center Director Roy D. Bridges Jr. and Director of International Space Station/Payload Processing Tip Talone KSC-01PP1701

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In a special presentation, ISS Internat...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In a special presentation, ISS International Partners donate funds to the Combined Federal Campaign and United Way at KSC to benefit the Sept. 11 recovery efforts. From left are ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Congressman Dave Weldon (second from right) looks over the pieces of Columbia debris stored in the RLV Hangar. At right is Steve Altemus, Space Shuttle test director. Accompanying Weldon are (from left) Center Director Roy Bridges and External Relations and Business Development Director JoAnn Morgan. Workers will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter as part of the ongoing investigation of the accident that destroyed the Columbia and claimed the lives of seven astronauts as they returned to Earth after a 16-day research mission, STS-107. KSC-03pd0446

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Congressman Dave Weldon (second from rig...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Congressman Dave Weldon (second from right) looks over the pieces of Columbia debris stored in the RLV Hangar. At right is Steve Altemus, Space Shuttle test director. Accompanyin... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Center Director Roy Bridges (left) accompanies Congressman Dave Weldon (second from right) on his visit to the RLV Hangar where pieces of Columbia debris are being examined and stored. At right is Steve Altemus, Space Shuttle test director. Workers will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter as part of the ongoing investigation of the accident that destroyed the Columbia and claimed the lives of seven astronauts as they returned to Earth after a 16-day research mission, STS-107. KSC-03pd0444

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Center Director Roy Bridges (left) acco...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Center Director Roy Bridges (left) accompanies Congressman Dave Weldon (second from right) on his visit to the RLV Hangar where pieces of Columbia debris are being examined and st... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RLV Hangar, Space Shuttle Test Director Steve Altemus (left) shows former astronauts Jim Lovell (center) and Wally Schirra (right) a piece of debris from Columbia. The latter two visited several sites around the Center, encouraging workers to help get the space program "back on its feet." The RLV Hangar is where Columbia debris is being collected and examined as part of the investigation into the tragedy that claimed the orbiter and lives of seven astronauts returning from mission STS-107. KSC-03pd0562

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RLV Hangar, Space Shuttle Test Dir...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RLV Hangar, Space Shuttle Test Director Steve Altemus (left) shows former astronauts Jim Lovell (center) and Wally Schirra (right) a piece of debris from Columbia. The latter... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RLV Hangar, looking over a piece of Columbia debris are (from left) Launch Director Mike Leinbach, Acting Deputy Director of External Relations & Business Development Lisa Malone, Space Shuttle Test Director Steve Altemus, reconstruction engineer John Cowart, and former astronauts Wally Schirra and Jim Lovell. The latter two visited several sites around the Center, encouraging workers to help get the space program "back on its feet." The RLV Hangar is where Columbia debris is being collected and examined as part of the investigation into the tragedy that claimed the orbiter and lives of seven astronauts returning from mission STS-107. KSC-03pd0564

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RLV Hangar, looking over a piece ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RLV Hangar, looking over a piece of Columbia debris are (from left) Launch Director Mike Leinbach, Acting Deputy Director of External Relations & Business Development Lisa M... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RLV Hangar, (from left) Lisa Malone, acting deputy director of External Relations & Business Development at KSC, former astronauts Jim Lovell and Wally Schirra, and Steve Altemus, Space Shuttle test director, look over pieces of Columbia debris. Lovell and Schirra visited several sites around the Center, encouraging workers to help get the space program "back on its feet." The RLV Hangar is where Columbia debris is being collected and examined as part of the investigation into the tragedy that claimed the orbiter and lives of seven astronauts returning from mission STS-107. KSC-03pd0563

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RLV Hangar, (from left) Lisa Malon...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RLV Hangar, (from left) Lisa Malone, acting deputy director of External Relations & Business Development at KSC, former astronauts Jim Lovell and Wally Schirra, and Steve Alt... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During a visit to KSC, former astronauts Wally Schirra (second from left) and Jim Lovell (third from left) greet Space Shuttle Test Director Steve Altemus. At far left is is Lisa Malone, acting deputy director of External Relations & Business Development at KSC, and reconstruction engineer John Cowart (second from right). Lovell and Schirra visited KSC to talk about the space program and their experiences, as well as offer encouragement to workers to help get the space program "back on its feet." They visited several sites around the Center, including the RLV Hangar where Columbia debris is being collected and examined as part of the investigation into the tragedy that claimed the orbiter and lives of seven astronauts returning from mission STS-107. KSC-03pd0560

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During a visit to KSC, former astronauts ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During a visit to KSC, former astronauts Wally Schirra (second from left) and Jim Lovell (third from left) greet Space Shuttle Test Director Steve Altemus. At far left is is Lisa M... More

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