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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis' main engines and solid rocket boosters ignite on Launch Pad 39A leaving behind a billow of steam as it lifts off on its STS-135 mission to the International Space Station. 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 International Space 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 is 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/Tony Gray and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2011-5421

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis' main engines and solid rocket boosters ignite on Launch Pad 39A leaving behind a billow of steam as it lifts off on its... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the Shuttle Training Aircraft is ready for STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault or Pilot Tony Antonelli to practice shuttle landings on the Shuttle Landing Facility's runway. The mission crew members arrived in the afternoon at Kennedy to prepare for launch. The mission is the 28th to the International Space Station and the 125th space shuttle flight. Space shuttle Discovery will deliver the final pair of power-generating solar array wings and truss element, S6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1991

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of the Shuttle Training Aircraft is ready for STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault or Pilot Tony Antonelli to p... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis' main engines and solid rocket boosters ignite on Launch Pad 39A leaving behind a billow of steam as it lifts off on its STS-135 mission to the International Space Station. 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 International Space 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 is 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/Tony Gray and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2011-5422

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis' main engines and solid rocket boosters ignite on Launch Pad 39A leaving behind a billow of steam as it lifts off on its... 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. – NASA's Ares I-X test rocket ignites its first stage at Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 11:30 a.m. EDT on Oct. 28. The Constellation Program's 327-foot-tall rocket produces 2.96 million pounds of thrust at liftoff and reaches a speed of 100 mph in eight seconds. This was the first launch from Kennedy's pads of a vehicle other than the space shuttle since the Apollo Program's Saturn rockets were retired. The parts used to make the Ares I-X booster flew on 30 different shuttle missions ranging from STS-29 in 1989 to STS-106 in 2000. The data returned from more than 700 sensors throughout the rocket will be used to refine the design of future launch vehicles and bring NASA one step closer to reaching its exploration goals. For information on the Ares I-X vehicle and flight test, visit http://www.nasa.gov/aresIX. Photo credit: NASA/ George Roberts and Tony Gray KSC-2009-5968

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Ares I-X test rocket ignites its first s...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Ares I-X test rocket ignites its first stage at Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 11:30 a.m. EDT on Oct. 28. The Constellation Program's 327-foot-tall roc... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space shuttle Atlantis emerges from the exhaust cloud building on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16. Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr. On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory. STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tom Farrar and Tony Gray KSC-2009-6361

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space shuttle Atlantis emerges from the exhaust cloud building on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-12... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis' main engines and solid rocket boosters ignite on Launch Pad 39A producing billows of smoke and steam as it lifts off on its STS-135 mission to the International Space Station. 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 is 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/Tony Gray and Tom Farrar KSC-2011-5411

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis' main engines and solid rocket boosters ignite on Launch Pad 39A producing billows of smoke and steam as it lifts off on... 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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Flag waving children welcome the space shuttle Atlantis as it approaches Space Florida's Exploration Park. Atlantis will pause during its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex providing a viewing opportunity for guests before completing the trip to its new home. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis is to be displayed at Kennedy's Visitor Complex beginning in the summer of 2013. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis traveled 125,935,769 miles during 307 days in space over 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Tony Gray KSC-2012-6063

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Flag waving children welcome the space shuttle ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Flag waving children welcome the space shuttle Atlantis as it approaches Space Florida's Exploration Park. Atlantis will pause during its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Space Center Visit... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Brilliant flames spread light across Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as space shuttle Discovery roars toward space on the STS-128 mission. Liftoff from Launch Pad 39A was on time at 11:59 p.m. EDT. The first launch attempt on Aug. 24 was postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions. The second attempt on Aug. 25 also was postponed due to an issue with a valve in space shuttle Discovery's main propulsion system. The STS-128 mission is the 30th International Space Station assembly flight and the 128th space shuttle flight. The 13-day mission will deliver more than 7 tons of supplies, science racks and equipment, as well as additional environmental hardware to sustain six crew members on the International Space Station. The equipment includes a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and the COLBERT treadmill. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray-Tom Farrar KSC-2009-4921

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Brilliant flames spread light across Launch Pad...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Brilliant flames spread light across Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as space shuttle Discovery roars toward space on the STS-128 mission. Liftoff from Launch Pad... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated by twin solid rocket boosters and three main engines, space shuttle Atlantis clears the tower on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16. Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr. On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory. STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tom Farrar and Tony Gray KSC-2009-6392

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generate...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated by twin solid rocket boosters and three main engines, space shuttle Atlantis clears the tower on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Ce... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Xenon lights help lead space shuttle Endeavour home to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Endeavour landed for the final time on the Shuttle Landing Facility's Runway 15, marking the 25th night landing of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. Main gear touchdown was at 2:34:51 a.m. EDT, followed by nose gear touchdown at 2:35:04 a.m., and wheelstop at 2:35:36 a.m. On board are STS-134 Commander Mark Kelly, Pilot Greg H. Johnson, and Mission Specialists Mike Fincke, Drew Feustel, Greg Chamitoff and the European Space Agency's Roberto Vittori. STS-134 delivered the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS) and the Express Logistics Carrier-3 (ELC-3) to the International Space Station. AMS will help researchers understand the origin of the universe and search for evidence of dark matter, strange matter and antimatter from the station. ELC-3 carried spare parts that will sustain station operations once the shuttles are retired from service. STS-134 was the 25th and final flight for Endeavour, which has spent 299 days in space, orbited Earth 4,671 times and traveled 122,883,151 miles. Photo credit: NASA/Tom Farrar and Tony Gray KSC-2011-4239

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Xenon lights help lead space shuttle Endeavour...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Xenon lights help lead space shuttle Endeavour home to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Endeavour landed for the final time on the Shuttle Landing Facility's Runway 15, marking th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- While in the White Room to complete suiting up before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery, STS-116 Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick sends a message home. In the background is Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang, who represents the European Space Agency. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The first launch attempt of STS-116 on Dec. 7 was postponed due a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center. This second launch attempt is scheduled for 8:47 p.m. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2002. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 21 at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-06pp2776

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- While in the White Room to complete sui...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- While in the White Room to complete suiting up before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery, STS-116 Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick sends a message home. In the background i... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers monitor the progress of a crawler-transporter as it moves NASA's new mobile launcher (ML) support structure from a construction site, north of the Vehicle Assembly Building, to the Mobile Launcher east park site. The base of the launcher is lighter than space shuttle mobile launcher platforms so the crawler-transporter can pick up the heavier load of the tower and a taller rocket. Once there, the ML can be outfitted with ground support equipment, such as umbilicals and access arms, for future rocket launches. It took about two years to construct the 355-foot-tall structure, which will support NASA's future human spaceflight program. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray KSC-2010-4969

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers monitor the progress of a crawler-transporter as it moves NASA's new mobile launcher (ML) support structure from a construction site, n... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Clouds of smoke and steam roll across Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as towers of flame propel space shuttle Endeavour into the night sky on the STS-126 mission. Liftoff was on time at 7:55 p.m. EST. STS-126 is the 124th space shuttle flight and the 27th flight to the International Space Station. The mission will feature four spacewalks and work that will prepare the space station to house six crew members for long-duration missions. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray-Tom Farrar KSC-08pd3717

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Clouds of smoke and steam roll across Launch Pa...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Clouds of smoke and steam roll across Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as towers of flame propel space shuttle Endeavour into the night sky on the STS-126 mission.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft or SCA, takes off from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The SCA, a modified 747 jetliner, will fly Endeavour to Los Angeles where it will be placed on public display at the California Science Center. This is the final ferry flight scheduled in the Space Shuttle Program era. For more information on the shuttles' transition and retirement, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Robert Murray KSC-2012-5473

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's Sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft or SCA, takes off from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The SCA, a modified 74... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Launch of space shuttle Atlantis from Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is reflected in the marsh near the pad. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16. Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr. On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory. STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tom Farrar and Tony Gray KSC-2009-6374

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Launch of space shuttle Atlantis from Pad 39A a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Launch of space shuttle Atlantis from Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is reflected in the marsh near the pad. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST No... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Led by the Titusville High School band, the space shuttle Atlantis is transported along NASA Causeway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex where it will be put on public display. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis is to be displayed at Kennedy's Visitor Complex beginning in the summer of 2013. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis traveled 125,935,769 miles during 307 days in space over 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Tony Gray KSC-2012-6040

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Led by the Titusville High School band, the spa...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Led by the Titusville High School band, the space shuttle Atlantis is transported along NASA Causeway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Space... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Clouds of smoke and steam swell over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as space shuttle Atlantis hurtles toward space on the STS-125 mission. Atlantis will rendezvous with NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Liftoff was on time at 2:01 p.m. EDT. Atlantis' 11-day flight will include five spacewalks to refurbish and upgrade the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments that will expand Hubble's capabilities and extend its operational lifespan through at least 2014. The payload includes a Wide Field Camera 3, fine guidance sensor and the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray-Tom Farrar KSC-2009-3083

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Clouds of smoke and steam swell over Launch Pad...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Clouds of smoke and steam swell over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as space shuttle Atlantis hurtles toward space on the STS-125 mission. Atlantis will rendezv... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Pilot Tony Antonelli is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier used for emergency escape, if needed, from Launch Pad 39A. 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-2009-1202

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Deputy Chief of the Astronaut Office Rick Sturckow flies weather reconnaissance in a Shuttle Training Aircraft over NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to assess the weather before space shuttle Atlantis returns to Earth for the last time. Weather was observed "go" and Atlantis touched down on Runway 15 at 5:57 a.m., bringing an end to the STS-135 mission and NASA's Space Shuttle Program. On the 37th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-135 delivered more than 9,400 pounds of spare parts, equipment and supplies in the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module that will sustain station operations for the next year. STS-135 was the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis, which has spent 307 days in space, orbited Earth 4,848 times and traveled 125,935,769 miles. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray KSC-2011-5635

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Deputy Chief of the Astronaut Office Rick Stur...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Deputy Chief of the Astronaut Office Rick Sturckow flies weather reconnaissance in a Shuttle Training Aircraft over NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to assess the weather before sp... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Billows of smoke and steam rise alongside space shuttle Discovery as it lifts off Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, racing toward space on the STS-128 mission. Liftoff was on time at 11:59 p.m. EDT. The first launch attempt on Aug. 24 was postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions. The second attempt on Aug. 25 also was postponed due to an issue with a valve in space shuttle Discovery's main propulsion system. The STS-128 mission is the 30th International Space Station assembly flight and the 128th space shuttle flight. The 13-day mission will deliver more than 7 tons of supplies, science racks and equipment, as well as additional environmental hardware to sustain six crew members on the International Space Station. The equipment includes a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and the COLBERT treadmill. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray-Tom Farrar KSC-2009-4937

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Billows of smoke and steam rise alongside space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Billows of smoke and steam rise alongside space shuttle Discovery as it lifts off Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, racing toward space on the STS-128 mission. Lif... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A fish-eye view captures this close view of space shuttle Endeavour as it leaps from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on the STS-127 mission. Liftoff was on-time at 6:03 p.m. EDT. Today was the sixth launch attempt for the STS-127 mission. The launch was scrubbed on June 13 and June 17 when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. The mission was postponed July 11, 12 and 13 due to weather conditions near the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy that violated rules for launching, and lightning issues. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section in the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray, Tom Farrar KSC-2009-4125

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A fish-eye view captures this close view of spa...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A fish-eye view captures this close view of space shuttle Endeavour as it leaps from NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A on the STS-127 mission. Liftoff was on-time at 6:03 p.m. E... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis travels upward on streams of flame as it lifts off on its STS-135 mission to the International Space Station. 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 is 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/Tony Gray and Tom Farrar KSC-2011-5414

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 in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis travels upward on streams of flame as it lifts off on its STS-135 mission to the International Space S... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As clouds of smoke and steam smother Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis soars above them atop a column of fire. Atlantis will rendezvous with NASA's Hubble Space Telescope on the STS-125 mission. Liftoff was on time at 2:01 p.m. EDT. Atlantis' 11-day flight will include five spacewalks to refurbish and upgrade the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments that will expand Hubble's capabilities and extend its operational lifespan through at least 2014. The payload includes a Wide Field Camera 3, fine guidance sensor and the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray-Tom Farrar KSC-2009-3084

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As clouds of smoke and steam smother Launch Pad...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As clouds of smoke and steam smother Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis soars above them atop a column of fire. Atlantis will rendezvous wit... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the space shuttle Atlantis pauses during its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Visitor Complex for a ceremony to commemorate the transfer. Former astronaut Karol Bobko, who commanded Atlantis's first mission, STS-51J in 1985, spoke Kennedy employees and guests at the event. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis is to be displayed at Kennedy's Visitor Complex beginning in the summer of 2013. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis traveled 125,935,769 miles during 307 days in space over 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Tony Gray KSC-2012-6046

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the space shuttle Atlantis pauses during its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Visitor Complex for a ceremony to commemorate the transfer. Former a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Cherie Blair (center), wife of Tony Blair, prime minister of Great Britain, is given a guided walkthrough of the Space Station Processing Facility during a tour of Kennedy Space Center. From left in front are Gale Booth (Mrs. Blair's mother), Mrs. Blair and Tom Pentrack, deputy director of ISS and Spacecraft Processing. Mrs. Blair is an attorney (barrister) in England. She was Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University from 1999-2006, and in July 2006 was awarded the honorary title of Emeritus Chancellor. She is also Governor of the London School of Economics and the Open University. She is a founding member of Matrix Chambers in London, from which she continues to practice as a barrister, which specializes in human rights law. Photo credit: NASA/John Keckley KSC-06pd2890

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Cherie Blair (center), wife of Tony Bla...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Cherie Blair (center), wife of Tony Blair, prime minister of Great Britain, is given a guided walkthrough of the Space Station Processing Facility during a tour of Kennedy Space C... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (front) presents gold seal Senate certificates to the Flow Liner Inspection & Repair team for their work on repairing the flow liners on the orbiters. The team (background) comprises (left to right) Rick Beckwith, STR engineer; Mike Young, MPS engineer; Jerry Goudy, welder; Tony Nesotas, OFP-2 aft technician; and David Strait, OPF-2 orbiter inspector. Strait first spotted the fuel-line crack; Goudy performed arc welding on one of Atlantis' flow liners. KSC-02pd1271

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (front) presents g...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (front) presents gold seal Senate certificates to the Flow Liner Inspection & Repair team for their work on repairing the flow liners on the orbiters. The t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson congratulates Jerry Goudy with the Flow Liner Inspection & Repair team. Nelson presented gold seal Senate certificates to the team for their work on finding the cracks in orbiter flow liners and repairing them. At left is Mike Young, behind Nelson is Tony Nesotas, at right is David Strait, who found the first fuel-line crack. Not pictured is Rick Beckwith. KSC-02pd1272

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson congratulates Jer...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson congratulates Jerry Goudy with the Flow Liner Inspection & Repair team. Nelson presented gold seal Senate certificates to the team for their work on finding... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Bob Herman, with United Space Alliance (USA), and U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson talk to the Flow Liner Inspection & Repair team. . Sen. Nelson presented present gold seal Senate certificates to the Repair team for their part in finding the cracks in orbiter flow liners and repairing them. The team members shown are (behind Herman and Nelson, left to right) Mike Young, Jerry Goudy, Rick Beckwith, and Tony Nesotas; David Strait, who found the original crack, is not pictured. Goudy performed arc welding on one of Atlantis' flow liners. KSC-02pd1268

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Bob Herman, with United Space Alliance (U...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Bob Herman, with United Space Alliance (USA), and U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson talk to the Flow Liner Inspection & Repair team. . Sen. Nelson presented present gold seal Senate certifica... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (right) honors the Flow Liner Inspection & Repair team for their work on repairing the flow liners on the orbiters. The team (background) comprises (left to right) Rick Beckwith, STR engineer; Mike Young, MPS engineer; Jerry Goudy, welder; Tony Nesotas, OFP-2 aft technician; and David Strait, OPF-2 orbiter inspector. Strait first spotted the fuel-line crack; Goudy performed arc welding on one of Atlantis' flow liners. Nelson presented gold seal Senate certificates to the team. KSC-02pd1270

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (right) honors the ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (right) honors the Flow Liner Inspection & Repair team for their work on repairing the flow liners on the orbiters. The team (background) comprises (left to ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Bob Herman,chief engineer, Ground Operations for United Space Alliance (USA), shows U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (center) part of orbiter Atlantis. Nelson was at KSC to present gold seal Senate certificates to the Flow Liner Inspection & Repair team for their part in finding the cracks in orbiter flow liners and repairing them. Team members are (behind Herman and Nelson, left to right) Mike Young, Jerry Goudy, Rick Beckwith, Tony Nesotas and David Strait. Goudy performed arc welding on one of Atlantis' flow liners; Strait found the original crack. In the foreground are Shuttle Engineering Director, USA, Mark Nappi; Center Director Roy Bridges; and vice president and deputy program manager, Florida Operations, USA, Bill Pickavance. KSC-02pd1267

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Bob Herman,chief engineer, Ground Operat...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Bob Herman,chief engineer, Ground Operations for United Space Alliance (USA), shows U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (center) part of orbiter Atlantis. Nelson was at KSC to present gold seal... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson congratulates Rick Beckwith, with the Flow Liner Inspection & Repair team. Nelson presented gold seal Senate certificates to the team for their work on finding the cracks in orbiter flow liners and repairing them. Other team members behind Nelson are Mike Young (center) and Jerry Gouding (right). Not pictured are Tony Nesotas and David Strait. Strait first spotted the fuel-line crack; Goudy performed arc welding on one of Atlantis' flow liners. KSC-02pd1273

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson congratulates Rick...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson congratulates Rick Beckwith, with the Flow Liner Inspection & Repair team. Nelson presented gold seal Senate certificates to the team for their work on findi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Paul Curto (left), chief technologist with NASA’s Inventions and Contributions Board, learns from bioengineer Tony Rector (right) about a wastewater processing project Rector is working on in the Space Life Sciences Lab. Curto is visiting KSC to talk to innovators and encourage workers to submit technologies for future Space Act Awards. The Inventions and Contributions Board, established in 1958, is a major contributor in rewarding outstanding scientific or technical contributions sponsored, adopted, supported or used by NASA that are significant to aeronautics and space activities. KSC-04pd1294

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Paul Curto (left), chief technologist w...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Paul Curto (left), chief technologist with NASA’s Inventions and Contributions Board, learns from bioengineer Tony Rector (right) about a wastewater processing project Rector is w... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the KSC Space Life Sciences Lab’s Resource Recovery lab, bioengineer Tony Rector checks the clear plexiglass ARMS reactor vessel. ARMS, or Aerobic Rotational Membrane System, is a wastewater processing project being tested for use on the International Space Station to collect, clean and reuse wastewater. It could be adapted for use on the Moon and Mars. The Lab is exploring various aspects of a bioregenerative life support system. Such research and technology development will be crucial to long-term habitation of space by humans. KSC-04pd1310

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the KSC Space Life Sciences Lab’s Re...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the KSC Space Life Sciences Lab’s Resource Recovery lab, bioengineer Tony Rector checks the clear plexiglass ARMS reactor vessel. ARMS, or Aerobic Rotational Membrane System, ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the KSC Space Life Sciences Lab’s Resource Recovery lab, bioengineer Tony Rector checks the ARMS reactor vessel. ARMS, or Aerobic Rotational Membrane System, is a wastewater processing project being tested for use on the International Space Station to collect, clean and reuse wastewater. It could be adapted for use on the Moon and Mars. The Lab is exploring various aspects of a bioregenerative life support system. Such research and technology development will be crucial to long-term habitation of space by humans. KSC-04pd1309

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the KSC Space Life Sciences Lab’s Re...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the KSC Space Life Sciences Lab’s Resource Recovery lab, bioengineer Tony Rector checks the ARMS reactor vessel. ARMS, or Aerobic Rotational Membrane System, is a wastewater p... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam thanks the closeout crew for their help in completing his suitup before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The first launch attempt of STS-116 on Dec. 7 was postponed due a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center. This second launch attempt is scheduled for 8:47 p.m. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2002. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 21 at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-06pp2774

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Robert Cur...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam thanks the closeout crew for their help in completing his suitup before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery. The White Room is at the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Joan Higginbotham is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure her launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery. Behind her is Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The first launch attempt of STS-116 on Dec. 7 was postponed due a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center. This second launch attempt is scheduled for 8:47 p.m. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2002. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 21 at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-06pp2775

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Joan Higginb...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Joan Higginbotham is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure her launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery. Behind her i... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery. Fuglesang represents the European Space Agency. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The first launch attempt of STS-116 on Dec. 7 was postponed due a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center. This second launch attempt is scheduled for 8:47 p.m. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2002. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 21 at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-06pp2777

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer Fug...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery. Fuglesang re... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Commander William Oefelein is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The first launch attempt of STS-116 on Dec. 7 was postponed due a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center. This second launch attempt is scheduled for 8:47 p.m. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2002. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 21 at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-06pp2773

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Commander William Oefelein is ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Commander William Oefelein is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery. The White Room is at t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Commander Mark Polansky is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The first launch attempt of STS-116 on Dec. 7 was postponed due a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center. This second launch attempt is scheduled for 8:47 p.m. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2002. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 21 at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-06pp2772

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Commander Mark Polansky is help...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Commander Mark Polansky is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery. The White Room is at the e... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Sunita Williams is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure her launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery. In the foreground, back turned, is Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick. Williams will replace International Space Station Expedition 14 crew member Thomas Reiter, who will return to Earth aboard Discovery in her place. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The first launch attempt of STS-116 on Dec. 7 was postponed due a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center. This second launch attempt is scheduled for 8:47 p.m. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2002. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 21 at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-06pp2778

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Sunita Will...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Sunita Williams is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure her launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery. In the foreg... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II rocket with NASA's THEMIS spacecraft aboard begins its ascent from Pad 17-B, in sight of the Atlantic Ocean, at 6:01 p.m. EST. THEMIS, an acronym for Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms, consists of five identical probes that will track violent, colorful eruptions near the North Pole. This will be the largest number of scientific satellites NASA has ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. The THEMIS mission aims to unravel the mystery behind auroral substorms, an avalanche of magnetic energy powered by the solar wind that intensifies the northern and southern lights. The mission will investigate what causes auroras in the Earth’s atmosphere to dramatically change from slowly shimmering waves of light to wildly shifting streaks of bright color. Photo credit: NASA/Regina MItchell-Ryall, Robert Murray, Tony Gray KSC-07pd0437

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Delta II rocket with NASA's THEMIS spacecraft aboard begins its ascent from Pad 17-B, in sight of the Atlantic Ocean, at 6:01 p.m. EST. THE... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, clouds of smoke encompass the Delta II rocket with NASA's THEMIS spacecraft aboard as it blasts off Pad 17-B, in sight of the Atlantic Ocean, at 6:01 p.m. EST. THEMIS, an acronym for Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms, consists of five identical probes that will track violent, colorful eruptions near the North Pole. This will be the largest number of scientific satellites NASA has ever launched into orbit aboard a single rocket. The THEMIS mission aims to unravel the mystery behind auroral substorms, an avalanche of magnetic energy powered by the solar wind that intensifies the northern and southern lights. The mission will investigate what causes auroras in the Earth’s atmosphere to dramatically change from slowly shimmering waves of light to wildly shifting streaks of bright color. Photo credit: NASA/Regina Mitchell-Ryall, Robert Murray, Tony Gray KSC-07pd0438

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, clo...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, clouds of smoke encompass the Delta II rocket with NASA's THEMIS spacecraft aboard as it blasts off Pad 17-B, in sight of the Atlantic Ocean, a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Atlantis. The mission to the International Space Station is scheduled to launch at 7:38 p.m. EDT. Members of the closeout crew help the astronauts don a parachute pack, strap them into the space shuttle's crew module and take care of any other last-minute needs that arise. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the space station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-07pp1470

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault is helped...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Atlantis. The mission to the Internati... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Delta II 7925 rocket carrying NASA's Phoenix Mars lander lifts off at 5:26 a.m. EDT amid billows of smoke on Pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar, permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing on Mars is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Robert Murray KSC-07pd2181

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Delta II 7925 rocket carrying NASA's ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Delta II 7925 rocket carrying NASA's Phoenix Mars lander lifts off at 5:26 a.m. EDT amid billows of smoke on Pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Phoenix will land in i... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA's Phoenix spacecraft begins its journey to Mars aboard a Delta II 7925 rocket at 5:26 a.m. EDT from Pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar, permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing on Mars is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Robert Murray KSC-07pd2176

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA's Phoenix spacecraft begins its jour...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA's Phoenix spacecraft begins its journey to Mars aboard a Delta II 7925 rocket at 5:26 a.m. EDT from Pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Phoenix will land in icy soils ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA's Phoenix Mars lander illuminates Launch Pad 17A as it lifts off aboard a Delta II 7925 rocket at 5:26 a.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar, permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing on Mars is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Robert Murray KSC-07pd2182

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA's Phoenix Mars lander illuminates La...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA's Phoenix Mars lander illuminates Launch Pad 17A as it lifts off aboard a Delta II 7925 rocket at 5:26 a.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Phoenix will land in icy ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA's Phoenix spacecraft makes a dramatic start on its mission to Mars aboard a Delta II 7925 rocket at 5:26 a.m. EDT from Pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar, permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing on Mars is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Robert Murray KSC-07pd2175

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA's Phoenix spacecraft makes a dramati...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA's Phoenix spacecraft makes a dramatic start on its mission to Mars aboard a Delta II 7925 rocket at 5:26 a.m. EDT from Pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Phoenix will... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA's Phoenix spacecraft makes an auspicious start on its journey to Mars aboard a Delta II 7925 rocket at 5:26 a.m. EDT from Pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar, permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing on Mars is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray and Robert Murray KSC-07pd2180

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA's Phoenix spacecraft makes an auspic...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA's Phoenix spacecraft makes an auspicious start on its journey to Mars aboard a Delta II 7925 rocket at 5:26 a.m. EDT from Pad 17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Phoenix ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Just Against a backdrop of clouds on the horizon, the Delta II rocket carrying NASA's Dawn spacecraft rises from the smoke and fire on the launch pad to begin its 1.7-billion-mile journey through the inner solar system to study a pair of asteroids. Liftoff was at 7:34 a.m. EDT from Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Dawn is the ninth mission in NASA's Discovery Program. The spacecraft will be the first to orbit two planetary bodies, asteroid Vesta and dwarf planet Ceres, during a single mission. Vesta and Ceres lie in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. It is also NASA's first purely scientific mission powered by three solar electric ion propulsion engines. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Robert Murray KSC-07pd2590

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Just Against a backdrop of clouds on the...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Just Against a backdrop of clouds on the horizon, the Delta II rocket carrying NASA's Dawn spacecraft rises from the smoke and fire on the launch pad to begin its 1.7-billion-mile ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Just after sunrise, the Delta II rocket carrying NASA's Dawn spacecraft rose from its launch pad to begin its 1.7-billion-mile journey through the inner solar system to study a pair of asteroids. Liftoff was at 7:34 a.m. EDT from Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Dawn is the ninth mission in NASA's Discovery Program. The spacecraft will be the first to orbit two planetary bodies, asteroid Vesta and dwarf planet Ceres, during a single mission. Vesta and Ceres lie in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. It is also NASA's first purely scientific mission powered by three solar electric ion propulsion engines. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Robert Murray KSC-07pd2588

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Just after sunrise, the Delta II rocket ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Just after sunrise, the Delta II rocket carrying NASA's Dawn spacecraft rose from its launch pad to begin its 1.7-billion-mile journey through the inner solar system to study a pai... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Just after sunrise, the Delta II rocket carrying NASA's Dawn spacecraft rose from its launch pad to begin its 1.7-billion-mile journey through the inner solar system to study a pair of asteroids. Liftoff was at 7:34 a.m. EDT from Pad 17-B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Dawn is the ninth mission in NASA's Discovery Program. The spacecraft will be the first to orbit two planetary bodies, asteroid Vesta and dwarf planet Ceres, during a single mission. Vesta and Ceres lie in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. It is also NASA's first purely scientific mission powered by three solar electric ion propulsion engines. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Robert Murray KSC-07pd2587

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Just after sunrise, the Delta II rocket ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Just after sunrise, the Delta II rocket carrying NASA's Dawn spacecraft rose from its launch pad to begin its 1.7-billion-mile journey through the inner solar system to study a pai... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- In the 16th night landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Endeavour kicks up dust as its wheels touch down on Runway 15 to end the STS-123 mission, a 16-day flight to the International Space Station. The main landing gear touched down at 8:39:08 p.m. EDT. The nose landing gear touched down at 8:39:17 p.m. and wheel stop was at 8:40:41 p.m. The mission completed nearly 6.6 million miles. The landing was the second opportunity after the first was waved off due to unstable weather in the Kennedy Space Center area. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray, Kevin O'Connell, Scott Haun KSC-08pp0884

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- In the 16th night landing at NASA's Kennedy...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- In the 16th night landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Endeavour kicks up dust as its wheels touch down on Runway 15 to end the STS-123 mission, a 16-day flight to th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- In the 16th night landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Endeavour approaches Runway 15 to end the STS-123 mission, a 16-day flight to the International Space Station. The main landing gear touched down at 8:39:08 p.m. EDT. The nose landing gear touched down at 8:39:17 p.m. and wheel stop was at 8:40:41 p.m. The mission completed nearly 6.6 million miles. The landing was the second opportunity after the first was waved off due to unstable weather in the Kennedy Space Center area. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray, Kevin O'Connell, Scott Haun KSC-08pp0885

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- In the 16th night landing at NASA's Kennedy ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- In the 16th night landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Endeavour approaches Runway 15 to end the STS-123 mission, a 16-day flight to the International Space Station. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- With xenon lights flooding Runway 15, a drag chute slows space shuttle Endeavour as it returns to NASA's Kennedy Space Center, ending the STS-123 mission, a 16-day flight to the International Space Station. The main landing gear touched down at 8:39:08 p.m. EDT. The nose landing gear touched down at 8:39:17 p.m. and wheel stop was at 8:40:41 p.m. The mission completed nearly 6.6 million miles. The landing was the second opportunity after the first was waved off due to unstable weather in the Kennedy Space Center area. The STS-123 mission delivered the first segment of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, known as Dextre. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray, Kevin O'Connell, Scott Haun KSC-08pp0882

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- With xenon lights flooding Runway 15, a dra...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- With xenon lights flooding Runway 15, a drag chute slows space shuttle Endeavour as it returns to NASA's Kennedy Space Center, ending the STS-123 mission, a 16-day flight to the Inter... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The water near Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center ripples from the sound of space shuttle Discovery's liftoff on its STS-124 mission to the International Space Station. Launch was on time at 5:02 p.m. EDT. Discovery is making its 35th flight. The STS-124 mission is the 26th in the assembly of the space station. It is the second of three flights launching components to complete the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. The shuttle crew will install Kibo's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system, or RMS. The 14-day flight includes three spacewalks. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray, Mike Kerley KSC-08pd1548

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The water near Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The water near Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center ripples from the sound of space shuttle Discovery's liftoff on its STS-124 mission to the International Space Station. Laun... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A stork has a birds-eye view of space shuttle Discovery's fiery liftoff on its STS-124 mission to the International Space Station from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Launch was on time at 5:02 p.m. EDT. Discovery is making its 35th flight. The STS-124 mission is the 26th in the assembly of the space station. It is the second of three flights launching components to complete the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. The shuttle crew will install Kibo's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system, or RMS. The 14-day flight includes three spacewalks. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray, Mike Kerley KSC-08pd1546

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A stork has a birds-eye view of space shuttle...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A stork has a birds-eye view of space shuttle Discovery's fiery liftoff on its STS-124 mission to the International Space Station from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. L... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Hills of smoke and steam rise from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center as space shuttle Discovery lifts off on its STS-124 mission to the International Space Station. Launch was on time at 5:02 p.m. EDT. Discovery is making its 35th flight. The STS-124 mission is the 26th in the assembly of the space station. It is the second of three flights launching components to complete the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. The shuttle crew will install Kibo's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system, or RMS. The 14-day flight includes three spacewalks. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray, Mike Kerley KSC-08pd1545

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Hills of smoke and steam rise from Launch Pad...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Hills of smoke and steam rise from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center as space shuttle Discovery lifts off on its STS-124 mission to the International Space Station. Launch w... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Smoke begins pouring out of the flame trench on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center as space shuttle Discovery lifts off on its STS-124 mission to the International Space Station. Launch was on time at 5:02 p.m. EDT. At left is the fixed service structure with the 80-foot lightning mast on top. Discovery is making its 35th flight. The STS-124 mission is the 26th in the assembly of the space station. It is the second of three flights launching components to complete the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. The shuttle crew will install Kibo's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system, or RMS. The 14-day flight includes three spacewalks. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray, Mike Kerley KSC-08pd1550

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Smoke begins pouring out of the flame trench ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Smoke begins pouring out of the flame trench on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center as space shuttle Discovery lifts off on its STS-124 mission to the International Space Stat... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Smoke and steam billow out from space shuttle Discovery as towers of flame from the solid rocket boosters hurl it into the sky above Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Launch of Discovery on its STS-124 mission was on time at 5:02 p.m. EDT. At left is the fixed service structure with the 80-foot lightning mast on top. Discovery is making its 35th flight. The STS-124 mission is the 26th in the assembly of the space station. It is the second of three flights launching components to complete the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. The shuttle crew will install Kibo's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system, or RMS. The 14-day flight includes three spacewalks. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray, Mike Kerley KSC-08pd1551

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Smoke and steam billow out from space shuttle...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Smoke and steam billow out from space shuttle Discovery as towers of flame from the solid rocket boosters hurl it into the sky above Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Laun... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery soars above the branches as it hurtles into the sky on a column of flame and smoke on its STS-124 mission to the International Space Station. Launch was on time at 5:02 p.m. EDT. Discovery is making its 35th flight. The STS-124 mission is the 26th in the assembly of the space station. It is the second of three flights launching components to complete the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. The shuttle crew will install Kibo's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system, or RMS. The 14-day flight includes three spacewalks. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray, Mike Kerley KSC-08pd1544

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery soars above the branc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery soars above the branches as it hurtles into the sky on a column of flame and smoke on its STS-124 mission to the International Space Station. Launch was on time... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The nearby water catches the flames of space shuttle Discovery's liftoff from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on its STS-124 mission to the International Space Station. Launch was on time at 5:02 p.m. EDT. Discovery is making its 35th flight. The STS-124 mission is the 26th in the assembly of the space station. It is the second of three flights launching components to complete the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. The shuttle crew will install Kibo's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system, or RMS. The 14-day flight includes three spacewalks. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray, Mike Kerley KSC-08pd1547

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The nearby water catches the flames of space ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The nearby water catches the flames of space shuttle Discovery's liftoff from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on its STS-124 mission to the International Space Station. L... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Above Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Discovery emerges from behind a growing cloud of smoke as it races toward space on its STS-124 mission to the International Space Station. Liftoff was on time at 5:02 p.m. EDT. Discovery is making its 35th flight. The STS-124 mission is the 26th in the assembly of the space station. It is the second of three flights launching components to complete the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. The shuttle crew will install Kibo's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system, or RMS. The 14-day flight includes three spacewalks. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray, Mike Kerley KSC-08pd1554

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Above Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Discovery emerges from behind a growing cloud of smoke as it races toward space on its STS-124 mission to the Internat... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Smoke and steam billow across Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center as space shuttle Discovery hurtles into the clear blue sky on its STS-124 mission to the International Space Station. At its left is the fixed service structure with the 80-foot lightning mast on top. Discovery is making its 35th flight. The STS-124 mission is the 26th in the assembly of the space station. It is the second of three flights launching components to complete the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. The shuttle crew will install Kibo's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system, or RMS. The 14-day flight includes three spacewalks. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray, Mike Kerley KSC-08pd1552

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Smoke and steam billow across Launch Pad 39A ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Smoke and steam billow across Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center as space shuttle Discovery hurtles into the clear blue sky on its STS-124 mission to the International Space ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Space shuttle Discovery leaps from Launch Pad 39A atop towers of flame as it races toward space on its STS-124 mission to the International Space Station. Launch was on time at 5:02 p.m. EDT. Behind it is the fixed service structure with the 80-foot lightning mast on top, seen just above the external tank. At far left is the open rotating service structure. Discovery is making its 35th flight. The STS-124 mission is the 26th in the assembly of the space station. It is the second of three flights launching components to complete the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. The shuttle crew will install Kibo's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system, or RMS. The 14-day flight includes three spacewalks. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray, Mike Kerley KSC-08pd1549

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Space shuttle...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Space shuttle Discovery leaps from Launch Pad 39A atop towers of flame as it races toward space on its STS-124 mission to the International Space Station... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tree branches across the pond from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center frame the fiery liftoff of space shuttle Discovery on its STS-124 mission to the International Space Station. Launch was on time at 5:02 p.m. EDT. Discovery is making its 35th flight. The STS-124 mission is the 26th in the assembly of the space station. It is the second of three flights launching components to complete the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. The shuttle crew will install Kibo's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system, or RMS. The 14-day flight includes three spacewalks. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray, Mike Kerley KSC-08pd1543

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tree branches across the pond from Launch Pad ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tree branches across the pond from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center frame the fiery liftoff of space shuttle Discovery on its STS-124 mission to the International Space Stat... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Clouds of smoke and steam fill Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center as space shuttle Discovery races toward space on its STS-124 mission to the International Space Station. Liftoff was on time at 5:02 p.m. EDT. Discovery is making its 35th flight. The STS-124 mission is the 26th in the assembly of the space station. It is the second of three flights launching components to complete the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. The shuttle crew will install Kibo's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system, or RMS. The 14-day flight includes three spacewalks. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray, Robert Murray, Mike Kerley KSC-08pd1553

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Clouds of smoke and steam fill Launch Pad 39A...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Clouds of smoke and steam fill Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center as space shuttle Discovery races toward space on its STS-124 mission to the International Space Station. Lif... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Smoke billows across Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Pad 17-B as the Delta II rocket blasts off with NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope , or GLAST, aboard. Liftoff was at 12:05 p.m. EDT. GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. June 11. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray, Regina Mitchell-Ryall KSC-08pd1634

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Smoke billows across Cape Canaveral Air Force...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Smoke billows across Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Pad 17-B as the Delta II rocket blasts off with NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope , or GLAST, aboard. Liftoff w... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Smoke is generated at liftoff of NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope , or GLAST, aboard a Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Pad 17-B. Liftoff was at 12:05 p.m. EDT. GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. June 11. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray, Regina Mitchell-Ryall KSC-08pd1635

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Smoke is generated at liftoff of NASA's Gamma...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Smoke is generated at liftoff of NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope , or GLAST, aboard a Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Pad 17-B. Liftoff was at... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Smoke rises to obscure the Delta II rocket with NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope , or GLAST, aboard as it launches from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Pad 17-B. Liftoff was at 12:05 p.m. EDT. GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. June 11. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray, Regina Mitchell-Ryall KSC-08pd1636

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Smoke rises to obscure the Delta II rocket wi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Smoke rises to obscure the Delta II rocket with NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope , or GLAST, aboard as it launches from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Pad 17-B. Li... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Smoke is generated at liftoff of NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope , or GLAST, aboard a Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Pad 17-B. Liftoff was at 12:05 p.m. EDT. GLAST is a powerful space observatory that will explore the universe's ultimate frontier, where nature harnesses forces and energies far beyond anything possible on Earth; probe some of science's deepest questions, such as what our universe is made of, and search for new laws of physics; explain how black holes accelerate jets of material to nearly light speed; and help crack the mystery of stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts. Launch is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. June 11. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray, Regina Mitchell-Ryall KSC-08pd1633

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Smoke is generated at liftoff of NASA's Gamm...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Smoke is generated at liftoff of NASA's Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope , or GLAST, aboard a Delta II rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Pad 17-B. Liftoff was a... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Tile Shop at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a United Space Alliance machinist, Tony Rollins, is setting up the tracer mill to machine the Boeing Rigid Insulation-18, or BRI-18, tile. BRI-18 is the strongest material used for thermal insulation on the orbiters and, when coated to produce toughened unipiece fibrous insulation, provides a tile with extremely high-impact resistance. It is replacing tiles on areas of the vehicle where impact risk is high. These areas include the landing gear doors, the wing leading edge and the external tank doors. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd1921

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Tile Shop at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Tile Shop at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a United Space Alliance machinist, Tony Rollins, is setting up the tracer mill to machine the Boeing Rigid Insulation-18, or BRI-18, tile... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-119 crew takes time to familiarize themselves with hardware slated to fly on their upcoming space shuttle mission. From left are Pilot Tony Antonelli, Mission Specialist Richard Arnold, Commander Lee Archambault, and Mission Specialists Steve Swanson, Joseph Acaba and John Phillips. 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. Launch is targeted for Feb. 12, 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2178

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-119 crew takes time to familiarize themselves with hardware slated to fly on their upcoming space shuttle ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the NASA Railroad and Transportation Management Team poses alongside NASA Railroad locomotive 3. From left are John Muzzy, with EG&G, Sandeep Wilkhu, with NASA, and Tony Adrade and Chuck Sturgill, with EG&G. The Railroad Operation and Maintenance Team at Kennedy completed the refurbishment of locomotive 3 in October. The 15-month process, including a new paint scheme, dealt with extensive corrosion to the locomotive because of Kennedy's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Locomotives 1 and 2 also will be refurbished eventually. The NASA Railroad locomotives are SW-1500 switch engines built by Electro Motive Diesel (EMD). Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-08pd3586

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the NASA Railroad and Transportation Management Team poses alongside NASA Railroad locomotive 3. From left are John Muzzy, with EG&G, Sandeep... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the NASA Railroad Maintenance Crew and Railroad and Transportation Management Team pose alongside NASA Railroad locomotive 3. From left, in front are Rick Koury, Chris Bryant and Tony Andrade. Behind, from left, are Will Eriksen, Mike Stephens, Kurt Bush, Gary Steele, John Muzzy, Mike Fitch, Chuck Sturgill and Jesse Crews. The maintenance team completed the refurbishment of locomotive 3 in October. The 15-month process, including a new paint scheme, dealt with extensive corrosion to the locomotive because of Kennedy's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Locomotives 1 and 2 also will be refurbished eventually. The NASA Railroad locomotives are SW-1500 switch engines built by Electro Motive Diesel (EMD). Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-08pd3583

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the NASA Railroad Maintenance Crew and Railroad and Transportation Management Team pose alongside NASA Railroad locomotive 3. From left, in fr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The light-filled clouds of smoke and steam spotlight space shuttle Endeavour as it lifts off on the STS-126 mission from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Liftoff was on time at 7:55 p.m. EST. STS-126 is the 124th space shuttle flight and the 27th flight to the International Space Station. The mission will feature four spacewalks and work that will prepare the space station to house six crew members for long-duration missions. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray-Tom Farrar KSC-08pd3709

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The light-filled clouds of smoke and steam spot...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The light-filled clouds of smoke and steam spotlight space shuttle Endeavour as it lifts off on the STS-126 mission from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Liftoff was on tim... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Clouds of smoke and steam roll across Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as towers of flame propel space shuttle Endeavour into the night sky on the STS-126 mission. Liftoff was on time at 7:55 p.m. EST. STS-126 is the 124th space shuttle flight and the 27th flight to the International Space Station. The mission will feature four spacewalks and work that will prepare the space station to house six crew members for long-duration missions. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray-Tom Farrar KSC-08pd3718

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Clouds of smoke and steam roll across Launch Pa...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Clouds of smoke and steam roll across Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida as towers of flame propel space shuttle Endeavour into the night sky on the STS-126 mission.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The fiery glow from the liftoff of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-126 mission fills the Launch Pad 39A and water nearby at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff was on time at 7:55 p.m. EST. STS-126 is the 124th space shuttle flight and the 27th flight to the International Space Station. The mission will feature four spacewalks and work that will prepare the space station to house six crew members for long-duration missions. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray-Tom Farrar KSC-08pd3708

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The fiery glow from the liftoff of space shuttl...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The fiery glow from the liftoff of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-126 mission fills the Launch Pad 39A and water nearby at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff was on time... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Pilot Tony Antonelli checks the cockpit window of space shuttle Discovery. He and other crew members are 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-08pd3793

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Pilot Tony Antonelli checks the cockpit window of space shuttle Discovery. He and other crew membe... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 crew members take a close look at the S6 truss that is the primary payload on the mission. Standing are (left) Mission Specialist Richard Arnold and (right) Mission Specialist Steve Swanson. Below are (left) Mission Specialist Joseph Acaba and (right) Pilot Tony Antonelli. 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-08pd3776

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 crew members take a close look at the S6 truss that is the primary payload on the mission. Sta... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-119 crew members learn about the thermal protection system on the underside of space shuttle Discovery. In their blue suits are (from left) Pilot Tony Antonelli, Mission Specialists Steve Swanson, Richard Arnold, Joseph Acaba and Koichi Wakata, Commander Lee Archambault and Mission Specialist John Phillips. 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-08pd3781

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, the STS-119 crew members learn about the thermal protection system on the underside of space shuttle Discove... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Pilot Tony Antonelli checks the cockpit window of space shuttle Discovery. He and other crew members are 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-08pd3792

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 Pilot Tony Antonelli checks the cockpit window of space shuttle Discovery. He and other crew member... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Pilot Tony Antonelli drives the M-113 armored personnel carrier used for emergency escape, if needed, from the launch pad. Next to Antonelli is astronaut rescue team leader Capt. George Hoggard. Behind Hoggard is Commander Lee Archambault. At left of the path are the new lightning towers being constructed on Launch Pad 39B for the Constellation Program and behind is the fixed service structure with the 80-foot lightning mast on top. 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-2009-1203

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 Pilot Tony Antonelli drives the M-113 armored personnel carrier used for emergency escape, if needed, from the launch pad. Next to Ant... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-119 Pilot Tony Antonelli heads across the tarmac of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to practice shuttle landings in the shuttle training aircraft, or STA. Antonelli and the rest of the crew are at Kennedy to prepare for launch as part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT includes equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate a shuttle’s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the aircraft duplicates the shuttle’s atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet to landing. 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-2009-1217

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-119 Pilot Tony Antonelli heads across the t...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-119 Pilot Tony Antonelli heads across the tarmac of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to practice shuttle landings in the shuttle training aircraf... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault happily strides away from the shuttle training aircraft after successful practice landings. STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault and Pilot Tony Antonelli practiced shuttle landings as part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT includes equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate a shuttle’s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the aircraft duplicates the shuttle’s atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet to landing. 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-2009-1224

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Ken...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault happily strides away from the shuttle training aircraft after successful pr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Pilot Tony Antonelli smiles after the successful practice landings in the shuttle training aircraft. STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault and Pilot Tony Antonelli practiced shuttle landings as part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT includes equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate a shuttle’s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the aircraft duplicates the shuttle’s atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet to landing. 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-2009-1223

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Ken...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Pilot Tony Antonelli smiles after the successful practice landings in the shuttle training aircraft. S... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault is in the driver's seat of the M-113 armored personnel carrier used for emergency escape, if needed, from Launch Pad 39A. Other crew members behind him are (from left) Mission Specialist Steve Swanson, Pilot Tony Antonelli, and Mission Specialists Joseph Acaba, Richard Arnold, John Phillips and Koichi Wakata, who represents the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. 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-2009-1199

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault is in the driver's seat of the M-113 armored personnel carrier used for emergency escape, if needed, from L... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a shuttle training aircraft taxis toward the runway for takeoff. STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault and Pilot Tony Antonelli are practicing shuttle landings as part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT includes equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate a shuttle’s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the aircraft duplicates the shuttle’s atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet to landing. 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-2009-1220

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a shuttle training aircraft taxis toward the runway for takeoff. STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault and Pilot To... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – From the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a shuttle training aircraft takes off into the night sky. STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault and Pilot Tony Antonelli are practicing shuttle landings as part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT includes equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate a shuttle’s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the aircraft duplicates the shuttle’s atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet to landing. 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-2009-1221

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – From the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Ke...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – From the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a shuttle training aircraft takes off into the night sky. STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault and Pilot Tony An... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault greets the media. He and other crew members explained their roles in the upcoming mission and answered reporters' questions. Next to Archambault, from left, are Pilot Tony Antonelli, and Mission Specialists Joseph Acaba, Steve Swanson, Richard Arnold, John Phillips and Koichi Wakata. Wakata represents the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and will fly on the mission to the International Space Station to remain behind as a member of the Expedition 18 crew. The crew flew to Kennedy to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test activities, which include equipment familiarization and emergency exit training and culminate in a simulated launch countdown. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1182

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault greets the media. He and other crew members explained their r... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After arriving at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a T-38 jet training aircraft, STS-119 Pilot Tony Antonelli is greeted by Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (right). Next to Leinbach is Jerry Ross, chief of the Vehicle Integration Test Office. Behind Antonelli is Mission Specialist Richard Arnold. The crew flew to Kennedy to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test activities, which include equipment familiarization and emergency exit training and culminate in a simulated launch countdown. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1177

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After arriving at NASA's Kennedy Space Center...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After arriving at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a T-38 jet training aircraft, STS-119 Pilot Tony Antonelli is greeted by Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (right). Next... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A shuttle training aircraft drops for touchdown on the Shuttle Landing Facility runway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault and Pilot Tony Antonelli are practicing shuttle landings as part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT includes equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate a shuttle’s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the aircraft duplicates the shuttle’s atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet to landing. 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-2009-1222

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A shuttle training aircraft drops for touchdow...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A shuttle training aircraft drops for touchdown on the Shuttle Landing Facility runway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault and Pilot Tony Antone... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault drives the M-113 armored personnel carrier used for emergency escape, if needed, from Launch Pad 39A. Next to him in front is astronaut rescue team leader Capt. George Hoggard. Behind is Pilot Tony Antonelli and Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata, who represents the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. 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-2009-1201

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault drives the M-113 armored personnel carrier used for emergency escape, if needed, from Launch Pad 39A. Next t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After their arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-119 crew members head across the tarmac to greet the media for a question-and-answer session. Leading the way is Commander Lee Archambault followed by Pilot Tony Antonelli, and Mission Specialists Joseph Acaba, Steve Swanson, Richard Arnold, John Phillips and Koichi Wakata. Wakata represents the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and will fly on the mission to the International Space Station to remain behind as a member of the Expedition 18 crew. The crew flew to Kennedy to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test activities, which include equipment familiarization and emergency exit training and culminate in a simulated launch countdown. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1180

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After their arrival at the Shuttle Landing Fa...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After their arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-119 crew members head across the tarmac to greet the media for a question-and-answ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a shuttle training aircraft is ready for takeoff. STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault and Pilot Tony Antonelli are practicing shuttle landings as part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT includes equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate a shuttle’s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the aircraft duplicates the shuttle’s atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet to landing. 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-2009-1219

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a shuttle training aircraft is ready for takeoff. STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault and Pilot Tony Antonelli ar... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After their arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-119 crew poses for a final photo after a question-and-answer session with the media. Standing left to right are Commander Lee Archambault, Pilot Tony Antonelli, and Mission Specialists Joseph Acaba, Steve Swanson, Richard Arnold, John Phillips and Koichi Wakata, who represents the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. Wakata will fly on the mission to the International Space Station to remain behind as a member of the Expedition 18 crew. The STS-119 crew flew to Kennedy to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test activities, which include equipment familiarization and emergency exit training and culminate in a simulated launch countdown. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1187

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After their arrival at the Shuttle Landing Fa...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After their arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-119 crew poses for a final photo after a question-and-answer session with the medi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After their arrival at the Shuttle landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-119 crew members take part in a question-and-answer session with the media. Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata (far right) responds in Japan to a Japan reporter. The other crew members, starting at left, are Commander Lee Archambault, Pilot Tony Antonelli, and Mission Specialists Joseph Acaba, Steve Swanson, Richard Arnold and John Phillips. Wakata represents the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and will fly on the mission to the International Space Station to remain behind as a member of the Expedition 18 crew. The STS-119 crew flew to Kennedy to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test activities, which include equipment familiarization and emergency exit training and culminate in a simulated launch countdown. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1184

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After their arrival at the Shuttle landing Fa...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After their arrival at the Shuttle landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-119 crew members take part in a question-and-answer session with the media. Missi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After their arrival at the Shuttle landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-119 crew members take part in a question-and-answer session with the media. Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata (far right) responds in Japan to a Japan reporter. The other crew members, starting at left, are Commander Lee Archambault, Pilot Tony Antonelli, and Mission Specialists Joseph Acaba, Steve Swanson, Richard Arnold and John Phillips. Wakata represents the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and will fly on the mission to the International Space Station to remain behind as a member of the Expedition 18 crew. The STS-119 crew flew to Kennedy to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test activities, which include equipment familiarization and emergency exit training and culminate in a simulated launch countdown. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1183

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After their arrival at the Shuttle landing Fa...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After their arrival at the Shuttle landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-119 crew members take part in a question-and-answer session with the media. Missi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-119 Pilot Tony Antonelli arrives at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a T-38 jet training aircraft. The crew flew to Kennedy to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test activities, which include equipment familiarization and emergency exit training and culminate in a simulated launch countdown. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1176

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-119 Pilot Tony Antonelli arrives at NASA'...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-119 Pilot Tony Antonelli arrives at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a T-38 jet training aircraft. The crew flew to Kennedy to take part in terminal countdown demonstration... More

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