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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A contrast in speed and design, the F/A-18 Super Hornet jet (behind) flies alongside a World War II Vought F4U Corsair during the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Show Nov. 8-9 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This year’s show brought together the best in military aircraft, such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-16 Fighting Falcon, coupled with precision pilots and veteran astronauts to celebrate spaceflight and aviation. The event included a water rescue demonstration by the 920th Rescue Wing. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3598

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A contrast in speed and design, the F/A-18 S...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A contrast in speed and design, the F/A-18 Super Hornet jet (behind) flies alongside a World War II Vought F4U Corsair during the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Space and Air Sho... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Chairman and Hall of Fame astronaut Charlie Duke inducts shuttle astronaut Kevin Chilton into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Class of 2012 during the induction ceremony. Shuttle astronauts Franklin Chang Diaz and Charlie Precourt also were inducted into the Hall of Fame. The year’s inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The selection process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2726

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Chairman and Hall of Fame astronaut Charlie Duke inducts shuttle astronaut Kevin Chilton into t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson speaks during the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space shuttle Atlantis. Delaware North Parks & Resorts, in partnership with NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, broke ground for the 65,000 square-foot exhibit that will house Atlantis at the visitor complex. For more information, visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-1051

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Shuttle Plaza area at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson speaks during the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the future home of space ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis is towed from the Vehicle Assembly Building toward Orbiter Processing Facility-1 OPF-1. In the background, space shuttle Discovery faces Atlantis after it was completely towed out from OPF-1. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the three space shuttles. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and is scheduled to rollover to the complex in November. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2012-1728

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis is towed from the Vehicle Assembly Building toward Orbiter Processing Facility-1 OPF-1. In the background, space shuttle ... More

Cape Canaveral, Fla. -- Hall of Fame astronaut Fred Haise thanks the audience for their applause at the 2011 U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame induction ceremony at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Hall of Fame astronauts and visitors gathered to honor 2011 inductees Karol "Bo" Bobko and Susan Helms. During his 19 years in the astronaut program, Bobko flew on three space shuttle missions and logged more than 386 hours in space. He served as pilot during the first voyage of space shuttle Challenger aboard STS-6 in April 1983 and as commander during the maiden flight of space shuttle Atlantis aboard STS-51J in October 1985. Helms, a five-time space shuttle astronaut, has logged 5,064 hours in space. During her stay onboard the International Space Station as a member of the Expedition-2 crew in 2001, Helms performed a world record 8 hour and 56 minute spacewalk. Bobko and Helms join the ranks of the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame bringing the number of space explorers enshrined in the Hall of Fame to 79. Photo Credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-3401

Cape Canaveral, Fla. -- Hall of Fame astronaut Fred Haise thanks the a...

Cape Canaveral, Fla. -- Hall of Fame astronaut Fred Haise thanks the audience for their applause at the 2011 U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame induction ceremony at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Flor... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame member John Blaha is introduced at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, prior to the ceremony in which Bonnie Dunbar, Curt Brown and Eileen Collins will be inducted into the group of space pioneers. This induction is the twelfth group of space shuttle astronauts named to the AHOF, and the first time two women are inducted at the same time. The year’s inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The selection process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. For more on the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, go to http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/astronaut-hall-of-fame.aspx For more on the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, go to http://astronautscholarship.org/ Photo credit: NASA/ Kim Shiflett KSC-2013-2065

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame member John Blaha i...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame member John Blaha is introduced at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, prior to the ceremony in which Bonnie Dunbar, Curt Brown and Eileen ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, the Titusville Naval Junior ROTC from Titusville High School in Florida, presents the colors to open the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction ceremony. Space shuttle astronauts and space explorers Shannon Lucid and Jerry Ross were inducted into the Hall of Fame Class of 2014. The 2014 inductees are selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians and journalists. The process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. To be eligible, an astronaut must have made his or her first flight at least 17 years before the induction. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen and a NASA-trained commander, pilot or mission specialist who has orbited the earth at least once. Including Lucid and Ross, 87 astronauts have been inducted into the AHOF. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2385

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, the Titusville Naval Junior ROTC from Titusville High School in Florida, presents t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center engineer Marc Seibert presents the Communication Award to the University of New Hampshire team members during NASA's 2014 Robotic Mining Competition award ceremony inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The team moved 10 kilograms of simulated Martian soil with its robot while using the least amount of communication power. More than 35 teams from colleges and universities around the U.S. designed and built remote-controlled robots for the mining competition. The competition is a NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate project designed to engage and retain students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, fields by expanding opportunities for student research and design. Teams use their remote-controlled robotics to maneuver and dig in a supersized sandbox filled with a crushed material that has characteristics similar to Martian soil. The objective of the challenge is to see which team’s robot can collect and move the most regolith within a specified amount of time. The competition includes on-site mining, writing a systems engineering paper, performing outreach projects for K-12 students, slide presentation and demonstrations, and team spirit. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/nasarmc. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett 2014-2685

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center engineer Marc Seibert pre...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center engineer Marc Seibert presents the Communication Award to the University of New Hampshire team members during NASA's 2014 Robotic Mining Competition award ceremony i... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- A large crowd is gathered at the KSC Visitor Complex to honor the induction of the first four Shuttle astronauts into the Astronaut Hall of Fame. The four honored were Robert Crippen, Frederick "Rick" Hauck, Richard Truly and Joe Engle. KSC-01pp1753

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- A large crowd is gathered at the KSC Vi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- A large crowd is gathered at the KSC Visitor Complex to honor the induction of the first four Shuttle astronauts into the Astronaut Hall of Fame. The four honored were Robert Cri... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Chickasaw Dance Troupe performs an Honor Dance during the Native American Ceremony at the Rocket Garden in the KSC Visitor Complex. The ceremony was part of several days' activities commemorating John B. Herrington as the first tribally enrolled Native American astronaut to fly on a Shuttle mission. Herrington is a Mission Specialist on STS-113. KSC-02pp1750

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Chickasaw Dance Troupe performs an H...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Chickasaw Dance Troupe performs an Honor Dance during the Native American Ceremony at the Rocket Garden in the KSC Visitor Complex. The ceremony was part of several days' activ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The space shuttle Atlantis is towed from the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Atlantis is switching places with Endeavour which had been in Bay 2 of the Orbiter Processing Facility OPF. In the OPF, Atlantis will undergo final preparations for its transfer to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex targeted for November. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the remaining space shuttles, Atlantis and Endeavour. Atlantis is being prepared for public display at Kennedy's Visitor Complex. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis spent 293 days in space during 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-4521

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The space shuttle Atlantis is towed from the Ve...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The space shuttle Atlantis is towed from the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Atlantis is switching places with Endeavour which had been in Bay 2 of th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, officials pose at the site where a Shuttle Program time capsule has been secured vault within the walls of the Space Shuttle Atlantis home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. From the left are: Pete Nickolenko, deputy director of NASA Ground Processing at Kennedy, Patty Stratton of Abacus Technology, currently program manager for the Information Management Communications Support Contract. During the Shuttle Program she was deputy director of Ground Operations for NASA's Space Program Operations Contractor, United Space Alliance, Rita Wilcoxon, NASA's now retired director of Shuttle Processing, Bob Cabana, director of the Kennedy Space Center and George Jacobs, deputy director of Center Operations, who was manager of the agency's Shuttle Transition and Retirement Project Office. The time capsule, containing artifacts and other memorabilia associated with the history of the program is designated to be opened on the 50th anniversary of the shuttle's final landing, STS-135. The new $100 million "Space Shuttle Atlantis" facility includes interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlight the future of space exploration. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2013-3517

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, officials pose at the site where a Shuttle Program time capsule has been secured vault within the walls of the Space Shuttle Atlan... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- John J. “Tip” Talone (right) poses with Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach and his wife during the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet. Talone received the award that was created to recognize significant achievements made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. The event was held at the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Conference Facility in the Visitor Complex. Talone is director of the International Space Station/Payloads Processing directorate at KSC that is responsible for prelaunch and launch preparations for all Shuttle payloads. He was honored for his outstanding personal and professional efforts in supporting the U.S. space program, especially in his current role. The award was created by the National Space Club Florida Committee to recognize significant achievements and contributions made in Florida to American aerospace efforts. It is named for Dr. Kurt H. Debus, first director of KSC, from 1962 to 1974. KSC-04pd0683

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- John J. “Tip” Talone (right) poses with ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- John J. “Tip” Talone (right) poses with Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach and his wife during the annual National Space Club Debus Award Banquet. Talone received the award tha... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Atlantis is parked in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, following its move from Orbiter Processing Facility-2. Atlantis will be stored temporarily in the VAB while transition and retirement processing resumes on shuttle Endeavour in the processing hangar. Endeavour is being prepared for public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home -- a 65,000-square-foot exhibit in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. For additional information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-1098

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Atlantis is parked in the transf...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Atlantis is parked in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, following its move from Orbiter Processing Facili... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, left, and NASA Administrator Charles Bolden speak to guests at Space Florida's Exploration Park where the space shuttle Atlantis pauses during its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Visitor Complex. 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/ Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-6069

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, left,...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, left, and NASA Administrator Charles Bolden speak to guests at Space Florida's Exploration Park where the space shuttle Atlantis pauses during it... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis is transported along Kennedy Parkway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy 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/ Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-6012

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis is transported along Ken...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis is transported along Kennedy Parkway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on its 10-mile journey to the Kennedy Visitor Complex where it will be put on public ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis dwarfs the crowd gathered around it in Space Florida's Exploration Park during its 10-mile journey from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis stopped in the park for a viewing opportunity for visitor complex guests before completing the trip to its new home. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis will be displayed in a new exhibit hall at the visitor complex beginning in the summer of 2013. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis traveled 125,935,769 miles, completing 33 missions during 307 days in space. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-6085

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis dwarfs the crowd gathered around it in Space Florida's Exploration Park during its 10-mile journey from the Vehicle Assem... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Buddy Valastro from Carlo's Bakery (Cake Boss) speaks to the crowd about his tribute to the workforce and NASA's successful Space Shuttle Program in the form of a space shuttle cake celebrating the Program's 30th anniversary. Alongside Valastro is Rita Willcoxon, Launch Vehicle Processing director and NASA Astronaut and STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson. The celebration followed an announcement by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden where the four orbiters will be placed for permanent display after retirement. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-2900

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Buddy Valastro from Carlo's Bakery (Cake Boss) speaks to the crowd about his tribute to the workforce and NASA's successful Spa... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Michael McCulley, former astronaut and chairman of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, speaks to a crowd gathered in front of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida to honor space shuttle Challenger's STS-51L crew members who gave their lives for while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2011-1244

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Michael McCulley, former astronaut and chairma...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Michael McCulley, former astronaut and chairman of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, speaks to a crowd gathered in front of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visito... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Florida’s Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll sits in the commander’s seat on the flight deck of space shuttle Atlantis during a tour of Kennedy Space Center’s Orbiter Processing Facility-1. The tour coincided with Carroll’s visit to Kennedy for a meeting with Cabana. Atlantis is being prepared for public display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in 2013. The groundbreaking for Atlantis’ exhibit hall took place in January Atlantis is scheduled to be moved to the visitor complex in November. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-1964

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Florida’s Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll sits in the...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Florida’s Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll sits in the commander’s seat on the flight deck of space shuttle Atlantis during a tour of Kennedy Space Center’s Orbiter Processing Facility-1. The... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Swarms of people are at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida to watch space shuttle Discovery lift off on its final scheduled mission from Launch Pad 39A. Liftoff is set for 4:50 p.m. EST on Feb. 24. Discovery and its six-member STS-133 crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the International Space Station. Discovery, which will fly its 39th mission, is scheduled to be retired following STS-133. This will be the 133rd Space Shuttle Program mission and the 35th shuttle voyage to the space station. For more information on the STS-133 mission, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2011-1624

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Swarms of people are at the Kennedy Space Cent...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Swarms of people are at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida to watch space shuttle Discovery lift off on its final scheduled mission from Launch Pad 39A. Liftoff is ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The high-fidelity space shuttle model draws the attention of curious bystanders as it passes through the lock at Port Canaveral. The model is departing NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida by barge for Space Center Houston, NASA Johnson Space Center’s official visitor center. The model was built in Apopka, Fla., by Guard-Lee and installed at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in 1993. The model is expected to arrive June 1 in Houston and to be transported June 3 to Space Center Houston, its final destination, where it will become part of a unique display telling the story of the space shuttle’s achievements and the nationwide team that made them possible. For more information about Space Center Houston, visit http://www.spacecenter.org. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2988

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The high-fidelity space shuttle model draws the...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The high-fidelity space shuttle model draws the attention of curious bystanders as it passes through the lock at Port Canaveral. The model is departing NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Flor... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media get an up close view of space shuttle Atlantis in her new home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The shuttle is wrapped in a protective plastic to protect it from dust and debris while being prepared for display. Atlantis was lifted 26 feet from the ground level and slowly tilted to exactly a 43.21 angle to its portside to allow optimum viewing of the vehicle with its payload bay doors open. Atlantis is being prepared for display in the new 90,000-square-foot facility under construction at the visitor complex which is managed by Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-6364

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media get an up close view of sp...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media get an up close view of space shuttle Atlantis in her new home at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The shuttle is wrapped in a protective plastic ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Current and former NASA astronauts, including some who flew on missions aboard space shuttle Atlantis, pause for photographs before accompanying Atlantis into the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The astronauts walked the final portion of the shuttle’s 10-mile journey route. At far right, dressed in suits, are NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden and Kennedy Director Robert Cabana, both former astronauts. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis will 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/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-6134

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Current and former NASA astronauts, including s...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Current and former NASA astronauts, including some who flew on missions aboard space shuttle Atlantis, pause for photographs before accompanying Atlantis into the Kennedy Space Center Vis... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the left orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod has been installed onto space shuttle Atlantis. The OMS provided the shuttle with thrust for orbit insertion, rendezvous and deorbit, and could provide up to 1,000 pounds of propellant to the aft reaction control system. The OMS is housed in two independent pods located on each side of the shuttle’s aft fuselage. Each pod contains one OMS engine and the hardware needed to pressurize, store and distribute the propellants to perform the velocity maneuvers. Atlantis’ OMS pods were removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of residual toxic propellant. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the space shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis’ future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2012-3348

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the left orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod has been installed onto space shuttle Atlantis. The OMS pr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers secure the high-fidelity space shuttle model to the structure that will cradle the model on its journey from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to Johnson Space Center's visitor center in Houston atop a barge. The model was built in Apopka, Fla., by Guard-Lee and installed at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in 1993.The model has been parked at the turn basin the past five months to allow the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to begin building a new facility next year to display space shuttle Atlantis in 2013. For more information about Johnson’s visitor center, called Space Center Houston, visit http://www.spacecenter.org. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-2012-2961

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers secure the high-fidelity space shuttle ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Workers secure the high-fidelity space shuttle model to the structure that will cradle the model on its journey from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to Johnson Space Center's visit... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The space shuttle Atlantis begins backing out of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Atlantis is switching places with Endeavour which had been in Bay 2 of the Orbiter Processing Facility OPF. In the OPF, Atlantis will undergo final preparations for its transfer to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex targeted for November. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the remaining space shuttles, Atlantis and Endeavour. Atlantis is being prepared for public display at Kennedy's Visitor Complex. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis spent 293 days in space during 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-4499

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The space shuttle Atlantis begins backing out o...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The space shuttle Atlantis begins backing out of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Atlantis is switching places with Endeavour which had been in Bay... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, left, explains the placement of high-temperature reusable surface insulation HRSI tile on the underbelly of space shuttle Atlantis to Florida’s Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll during a tour of Kennedy’s Orbiter Processing Facility-1. The tile is part of the shuttle’s thermal protection system which covers the shuttle’s exterior and protects it from the heat of re-entry. The tour coincided with Carroll’s visit to Kennedy for a meeting with Cabana. Atlantis is being prepared for public display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in 2013. The groundbreaking for Atlantis’ exhibit hall took place in January Atlantis is scheduled to be moved to the visitor complex in November. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-1962

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, left,...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, left, explains the placement of high-temperature reusable surface insulation HRSI tile on the underbelly of space shuttle Atlantis to Florida’s L... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a full-size mock-up of the Orion spacecraft and launch abort system were transported to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. In the background are full-size replicas of the external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters that mark the entranceway to the new Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit. Crane operators and technicians practice de-stacking operations on mock-ups of Orion and the launch abort system in the Vehicle Assembly Building in order to keep processing procedures and skills current. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry crews to space beyond low Earth orbit. It will provide emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during the space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. Orion’s first unpiloted test flight is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket. A second uncrewed flight test is scheduled for 2017 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2013-2903

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a full-size mock-up of the Orion spacecraft and launch abort system were transported to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. In the backgro... More

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

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, former NASA astronaut and Hall of Famer John Blaha walks the red carpet at the 2014 U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction ceremony. Space shuttle astronauts and space explorers Shannon Lucid and Jerry Ross were inducted into the Hall of Fame Class of 2014. The 2014 inductees are selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians and journalists. The process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. To be eligible, an astronaut must have made his or her first flight at least 17 years before the induction. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen and a NASA-trained commander, pilot or mission specialist who has orbited the earth at least once. Including Lucid and Ross, 87 astronauts have been inducted into the AHOF. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2455

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, former NASA astronaut and Hall of Famer John Blaha walks the red carpet at the 201... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Chairman and Hall of Fame astronaut Charlie Duke inducts shuttle astronaut Franklin Chang Diaz into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Class of 2012. At the podium to the left, is CNN correspondent and Master of Ceremonies John Zarrella. Also inducted into the Hall of Fame were shuttle astronauts Kevin Chilton and Charlie Precourt. The year’s inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The selection process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2721

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Chairman and Hall of Fame astronaut Charlie Duke inducts shuttle astronaut Franklin Chang Diaz ... More

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

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida awaits the arrival of the space shuttle Atlantis as it moves from Orbiter Processing Facility-2. Atlantis will be moved to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in November where it will be placed on public display. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-5870

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida awaits the arrival of the space shuttle Atlantis as it moves from Orbiter Processing Facility-2. Atlantis will be m... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Working at the main landing gear, a technician supports weight and center-of-gravity checks of space shuttle Atlantis in Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18, 2012, for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex during November in preparation for the exhibit's grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3559

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Working at the main landing gear, a technician ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Working at the main landing gear, a technician supports weight and center-of-gravity checks of space shuttle Atlantis in Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center i... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – 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/ Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-6031

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis is transported along NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – 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... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis moves into the Vehicle Assembly Building from Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Atlantis will be moved to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in November where it will be placed on public display. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-5876

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis moves into the Vehicle A...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis moves into the Vehicle Assembly Building from Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Atlantis will be moved to the Kennedy Space C... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a technician assists as a special crane lifts one of the three fuel cells away from space shuttle Atlantis’ payload bay. The fuel cells will be drained of all fluids. The hydrogen and oxygen dewars which feed reactants to the fuel cells remain in Atlantis’ mid-body and will be purged with inert gases and vented down. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Atlantis. The orbiter is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-8279

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a technician assists as a special crane lifts one of the three fuel cells away from space shuttle Atlantis’... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Working at the main landing gear, technicians complete weight and center-of-gravity checks of space shuttle Atlantis in Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18, 2012, for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex during November in preparation for the exhibit's grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3557

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Working at the main landing gear, technicians c...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Working at the main landing gear, technicians complete weight and center-of-gravity checks of space shuttle Atlantis in Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians prepare a mock air lock for installation in the payload bay of the space shuttle Atlantis in Bay 2 of the Orbiter Processing Facility. Atlantis is undergoing final preparations for its transfer to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex targeted for November. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the remaining space shuttles, Atlantis and Endeavour. Atlantis is being prepared for public display at Kennedy's Visitor Complex. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis spent 293 days in space during 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-4817

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians prepare a mock air lock for installation in the payload bay of the space shuttle Atlantis in Bay 2 of the Orbi... 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. - Looking along the underbelly toward the main landing gear of the space shuttle Atlantis, technicians monitor weight and center-of-gravity checks in Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18, 2012, for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex during November in preparation for the exhibit's grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3555

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Looking along the underbelly toward the main la...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Looking along the underbelly toward the main landing gear of the space shuttle Atlantis, technicians monitor weight and center-of-gravity checks in Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1 at NA... More

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians sitting on the Hyster forklift monitor the progress as they guide replica shuttle main engine RSME ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A tugboat pulls the barge transporting the high-fidelity space shuttle model through the turn basin into the Banana River at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on its way to Space Center Houston, NASA Johnson Space Center’s official visitor center. The model was built in Apopka, Fla., by Guard-Lee and installed at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in 1993. The model is expected to arrive June 1 in Houston and to be transported June 3 to Space Center Houston, its final destination, where it will become part of a unique display telling the story of the space shuttle’s achievements and the nationwide team that made them possible. For more information about Space Center Houston, visit http://www.spacecenter.org. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2984

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A tugboat pulls the barge transporting the high...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A tugboat pulls the barge transporting the high-fidelity space shuttle model through the turn basin into the Banana River at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on its way to Space Cen... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians monitor the progress as a large crane lifts the right orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod for installation on space shuttle Atlantis. It is the last time an OMS pod will be installed on Atlantis. The OMS provided the shuttle with thrust for orbit insertion, rendezvous and deorbit, and could provide up to 1,000 pounds of propellant to the aft reaction control system. The OMS is housed in two independent pods located on each side of the shuttle’s aft fuselage. Each pod contains one OMS engine and the hardware needed to pressurize, store and distribute the propellants to perform the velocity maneuvers. Atlantis’ OMS pods were removed and sent to the test facility at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico to be cleaned of residual toxic propellant. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the space shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis’ future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-3406

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians monitor the progress as a large crane lifts the right orbital maneuverin... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians remove the top emergency escape window from space shuttle Atlantis. The window is being removed in order to gain access to remove hazardous pyrotechnics from the shuttle. The window will be shipped to Johnson Space Center in Houston for inspections and a replacement outer pane will be installed in its place. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Atlantis. The shuttle is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1003

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians remove the top emergency escape window from space shuttle Atlantis. The window is being re... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Fireworks celebrate the arrival of the space shuttle Atlantis at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex following a 10-mile journey. 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/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-6114

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Fireworks celebrate the arrival of the space sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Fireworks celebrate the arrival of the space shuttle Atlantis at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex following a 10-mile journey. As part of transition and retirement of the Space... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Launch Alliance technicians provide assistance as a large crane is lowered toward the right orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod for space shuttle Atlantis. It will be the last time an OMS pod is installed on Atlantis. The OMS provided the shuttle with thrust for orbit insertion, rendezvous and deorbit, and could provide up to 1,000 pounds of propellant to the aft reaction control system. The OMS is housed in two independent pods located on each side of the shuttle’s aft fuselage. Each pod contains one OMS engine and the hardware needed to pressurize, store and distribute the propellants to perform the velocity maneuvers. Atlantis’ OMS pods were removed and sent to the test facility at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico to be cleaned of residual toxic propellant. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the space shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis’ future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-3400

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Launch Alliance technicians provide assistance as a large crane is lowered toward the right orbital ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians prepare to install window No. 4 on space shuttle Atlantis. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of space shuttles Atlantis and Endeavour. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and is scheduled to roll over to the complex in November. The visitor complex is targeting a July 2013 grand opening for Atlantis’ new home. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2682

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians prepare to install window No. 4 on space shuttle Atlantis. The work i... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In this aerial view, NASA's Orion crew module, enclosed in its crew module transportation fixture and secured on a flatbed truck is passing the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on its way to the entrance gate to Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In view is the Space Shuttle Atlantis facility. Orion made the 2,700 mile overland trip from Naval Base San Diego in California. Orion was recovered from the Pacific Ocean after completing a two-orbit, four-and-a-half hour mission Dec. 5 to test systems critical to crew safety, including the launch abort system, the heat shield and the parachute system. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program led the recovery, offload and transportation efforts. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-4845

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In this aerial view, NASA's Orion crew module,...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In this aerial view, NASA's Orion crew module, enclosed in its crew module transportation fixture and secured on a flatbed truck is passing the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on it... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, preparations are underway to install the right orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod on space shuttle Atlantis. It will be the last time an OMS pod is installed on Atlantis. The OMS provided the shuttle with thrust for orbit insertion, rendezvous and deorbit, and could provide up to 1,000 pounds of propellant to the aft reaction control system. The OMS is housed in two independent pods located on each side of the shuttle’s aft fuselage. Each pod contains one OMS engine and the hardware needed to pressurize, store and distribute the propellants to perform the velocity maneuvers. Atlantis’ OMS pods were removed and sent to the test facility at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico to be cleaned of residual toxic propellant. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the space shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis’ future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-3398

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, preparations are underway to install the right orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod on space shuttle At... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis moves into the Vehicle Assembly Building from Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Atlantis will be moved to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in November where it will be placed t on public display. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-5872

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis moves into the Vehicle A...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis moves into the Vehicle Assembly Building from Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Atlantis will be moved to the Kennedy Space C... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, former NASA astronaut and Hall of Famer Kathy Thornton walks the red carpet at the 2014 U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction ceremony. Space shuttle astronauts and space explorers Shannon Lucid and Jerry Ross were inducted into the Hall of Fame Class of 2014. The 2014 inductees are selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians and journalists. The process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. To be eligible, an astronaut must have made his or her first flight at least 17 years before the induction. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen and a NASA-trained commander, pilot or mission specialist who has orbited the earth at least once. Including Lucid and Ross, 87 astronauts have been inducted into the AHOF. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2456

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, former NASA astronaut and Hall of Famer Kathy Thornton walks the red carpet at the... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Therrin Protze, chief operating officer for Delaware North Parks Services at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, speaks at a wreath-laying ceremony honoring Henry W. "Hank" Hartsfield at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Hartsfield commanded space shuttle Discovery's maiden mission and was a veteran of three shuttle flights. He died July 17 after an illness. He was 80 years old. Hartsfield joined NASA in 1969 and was part of the astronaut support crew for Apollo 16 and the Skylab 2, 3 and 4 missions. He logged 483 hours in space during missions STS-4, on which he served as pilot, as well as STS-41D and STS-61A, both of which he commanded. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2014-3268

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Therrin Protze, chief operating officer for De...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Therrin Protze, chief operating officer for Delaware North Parks Services at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, speaks at a wreath-laying ceremony honoring Henry W. "Hank" Hartsfield ... More

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

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 (OPF-2) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians help position a special crane around space shuttle Atlantis so that work can begin to remove the spacecraft’s forward reaction control system. The system provided some of the maneuvering capabilities to the spacecraft during its missions. Atlantis glided to a landing, July 21, 2011, at Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility, completing NASA’s final space shuttle mission, STS-135. The shuttle is in OPF-2 being decommissioned and prepared for eventual display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-6443

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 (OPF-2) at NA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 (OPF-2) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians help position a special crane around space shuttle Atlantis so that work can begin to remo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis moves from Orbiter Processing Facility-2 to the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Atlantis will be moved to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in November where it will be put on public display. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-5844

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis moves from Orbiter Proce...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis moves from Orbiter Processing Facility-2 to the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Atlantis will be moved to the Kennedy Space Cen... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Four members of the STS-134 crew answer questions as part of a mission overview at the Visitor Complex of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Participating in the event, seated, from the left, former astronaut Bruce Melnick, along with Greg Johnson, Michael Fincke, Andrew Feustel and Gregory Chamitoff. STS-134 commander Mark Kelly, pilot Greg Johnson and Mission Specialists Michael Fincke, Gregory Chamitoff, Andrew Feustel and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori lifted off May 16, 2011 aboard space shuttle Endeavour. During the nearly 16-day STS-134 mission, Endeavour delivered to the International Space Station the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer and spare parts, including two S-band communications antennas and a high-pressure gas tank. This was the 36th shuttle mission to the station and Endeavour's 25th and final flight. For more information, visit: www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-5341

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Four members of the STS-134 crew answer questio...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Four members of the STS-134 crew answer questions as part of a mission overview at the Visitor Complex of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Participating in the event, seated, from ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers remove the Public Affairs Office console and chairs from Firing Room 3. The console will be moved to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida and will be preserved for use in the space shuttle Atlantis display. During the 30-year history of NASA’s space shuttle launches, Public Affairs Officers sat at the console to provide commentary during shuttle tanking and launches. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-2610

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Launch Control Center at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers remove the Public Affairs Office console and chairs from Firing Room 3. The console will be moved to... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis moves into the Vehicle Assembly Building from Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Atlantis will be moved to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in November where it will be placed on public display. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-5875

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis moves into the Vehicle A...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis moves into the Vehicle Assembly Building from Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Atlantis will be moved to the Kennedy Space C... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the left orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod has been installed onto space shuttle Atlantis. The OMS provided the shuttle with thrust for orbit insertion, rendezvous and deorbit, and could provide up to 1,000 pounds of propellant to the aft reaction control system. The OMS is housed in two independent pods located on each side of the shuttle’s aft fuselage. Each pod contains one OMS engine and the hardware needed to pressurize, store and distribute the propellants to perform the velocity maneuvers. Atlantis’ OMS pods were removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of residual toxic propellant. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the space shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis’ future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2012-3351

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the left orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod has been installed onto space shuttle Atlantis. The OMS pr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As the sun rises over the turn basin at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the high-fidelity space shuttle model is aboard the barge that will transport it from Kennedy to Johnson Space Center's visitor center in Houston. The model was built in Apopka, Fla., by Guard-Lee and installed at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in 1993.The model has been parked at the turn basin the past five months to allow the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to begin building a new facility to display space shuttle Atlantis in 2013. For more information about Johnson’s visitor center, called Space Center Houston, visit http://www.spacecenter.org. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser KSC-2012-3004

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As the sun rises over the turn basin at NASA’s ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As the sun rises over the turn basin at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the high-fidelity space shuttle model is aboard the barge that will transport it from Kennedy to Johnson Sp... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis’ arrival at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida is marked by celebration and fireworks. Atlantis made the 10-mile trip from Kennedy’s Vehicle Assembly Building to the visitor complex where it will be put on public display. As part of transition and retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, Atlantis will 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/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-6136

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis’ arrival at the Kennedy ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis’ arrival at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida is marked by celebration and fireworks. Atlantis made the 10-mile trip from Kennedy’s Vehicle Assemb... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the camera captures a section of space shuttle Atlantis' flight deck. Preparations are under way for the shuttle's final power down during Space Shuttle Program transition and retirement activities. Atlantis is being prepared for public display in 2013 at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-8371

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the camera captures a section of space shuttle Atlantis' flight deck. Preparations are under way for the shuttl... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers monitor the progress as space shuttle Atlantis is towed toward Orbiter Processing Facility-1 after being towed from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the three space shuttles. Atlantis is being prepared for display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and is scheduled to rollover to the complex in November. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2012-1735

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers monitor the progress as space shuttle Atlantis is towed toward Orbiter Processing Facility-1 after being towed from the Vehicle Assembly... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Former space shuttle astronaut and space explorer Jerry Ross was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame during a ceremony inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Ross was an astronaut from 1979 to 2012. He was the first astronaut to break the world record for being the first human launched into space seven times. He flew on seven space shuttle missions, performed nine spacewalks and logged 58 days in space. The 2014 inductees were selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians and journalists. The process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. To be eligible, an astronaut must have made his or her first flight at least 17 years before the induction. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen and a NASA-trained commander, pilot or mission specialist who has orbited the earth at least once. Including Lucid and Ross, 87 astronauts have been inducted into the AHOF. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2394

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Former space shuttle astronaut and space explor...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Former space shuttle astronaut and space explorer Jerry Ross was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame during a ceremony inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at NASA’s Ken... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Between 1962 and 1963, the Mission Control Center was modified to handle the additional complexities of the Gemini Program. In 1962, Pan American World Airways Inc. was contracted to design an addition to the facility, which wrapped around the east, north, and most of the west and south sides. The Mercury Mission Control Center in Florida played a key role in the United States' early spaceflight program. Located at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the original part of the building was constructed between 1956 and 1958, with additions in 1959 and 1963. The facility officially was transferred to NASA on Dec. 26, 1963, and served as mission control during all the Project Mercury missions, as well as the first three flights of the Gemini Program, when it was renamed Mission Control Center. With its operational days behind, on June 1, 1967, the Mission Control Center became a stop on the public tour of NASA facilities until the mid-90s. In 1999, much of the equipment and furnishings from the Flight Control Area were moved to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex where they became part of the exhibit there. The building was demolished in spring 2010. Photo credit: NASA KSC-LOC-63-1017

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Between 1962 and 1963, the Mission Control Cent...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Between 1962 and 1963, the Mission Control Center was modified to handle the additional complexities of the Gemini Program. In 1962, Pan American World Airways Inc. was contracted to desi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Between 1962 and 1963, the Mission Control Center was modified to handle the additional complexities of the Gemini Program. In 1962, Pan American World Airways Inc. was contracted to design an addition to the facility, which wrapped around the east, north, and most of the west and south sides. The Mercury Mission Control Center in Florida played a key role in the United States' early spaceflight program. Located at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the original part of the building was constructed between 1956 and 1958, with additions in 1959 and 1963. The facility officially was transferred to NASA on Dec. 26, 1963, and served as mission control during all the Project Mercury missions, as well as the first three flights of the Gemini Program, when it was renamed Mission Control Center. With its operational days behind, on June 1, 1967, the Mission Control Center became a stop on the public tour of NASA facilities until the mid-90s. In 1999, much of the equipment and furnishings from the Flight Control Area were moved to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex where they became part of the exhibit there. The building was demolished in spring 2010. Photo credit: NASA KSC-LOC-63-1971

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Between 1962 and 1963, the Mission Control Cent...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Between 1962 and 1963, the Mission Control Center was modified to handle the additional complexities of the Gemini Program. In 1962, Pan American World Airways Inc. was contracted to desi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Between 1962 and 1963, the Mission Control Center was modified to handle the additional complexities of the Gemini Program. In 1962, Pan American World Airways Inc. was contracted to design an addition to the facility, which wrapped around the east, north, and most of the west and south sides. The Mercury Mission Control Center in Florida played a key role in the United States' early spaceflight program. Located at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the original part of the building was constructed between 1956 and 1958, with additions in 1959 and 1963. The facility officially was transferred to NASA on Dec. 26, 1963, and served as mission control during all the Project Mercury missions, as well as the first three flights of the Gemini Program, when it was renamed Mission Control Center. With its operational days behind, on June 1, 1967, the Mission Control Center became a stop on the public tour of NASA facilities until the mid-90s. In 1999, much of the equipment and furnishings from the Flight Control Area were moved to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex where they became part of the exhibit there. The building was demolished in spring 2010. Photo credit: NASA KSC-LOC-63-5635

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Between 1962 and 1963, the Mission Control Cent...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Between 1962 and 1963, the Mission Control Center was modified to handle the additional complexities of the Gemini Program. In 1962, Pan American World Airways Inc. was contracted to desi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Between 1962 and 1963, the Mission Control Center was modified to handle the additional complexities of the Gemini Program. In 1962, Pan American World Airways Inc. was contracted to design an addition to the facility, which wrapped around the east, north, and most of the west and south sides. The Mercury Mission Control Center in Florida played a key role in the United States' early spaceflight program. Located at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the original part of the building was constructed between 1956 and 1958, with additions in 1959 and 1963. The facility officially was transferred to NASA on Dec. 26, 1963, and served as mission control during all the Project Mercury missions, as well as the first three flights of the Gemini Program, when it was renamed Mission Control Center. With its operational days behind, on June 1, 1967, the Mission Control Center became a stop on the public tour of NASA facilities until the mid-90s. In 1999, much of the equipment and furnishings from the Flight Control Area were moved to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex where they became part of the exhibit there. The building was demolished in spring 2010. Photo credit: NASA KSC-LOC-63-5674

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Between 1962 and 1963, the Mission Control Cent...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Between 1962 and 1963, the Mission Control Center was modified to handle the additional complexities of the Gemini Program. In 1962, Pan American World Airways Inc. was contracted to desi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 (OPF-2) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, work begins to remove space shuttle Atlantis’ forward reaction control system. The system provided maneuvering capabilities to the spacecraft during its missions. Atlantis glided to a landing, July 21, 2011, at Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility, completing NASA’s final space shuttle mission, STS-135. The shuttle is in OPF-2 being decommissioned and prepared for eventual display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-6439

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 (OPF-2) at NA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 (OPF-2) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, work begins to remove space shuttle Atlantis’ forward reaction control system. The system provided man... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame member Brewster Shaw is introduced at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, prior to the ceremony in which Bonnie Dunbar, Curt Brown and Eileen Collins will be inducted into the group of space pioneers. This induction is the twelfth group of space shuttle astronauts named to the AHOF, and the first time two women are inducted at the same time. The year’s inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The selection process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. For more on the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, go to http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/astronaut-hall-of-fame.aspx For more on the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, go to http://astronautscholarship.org/ Photo credit: NASA/ Kim Shiflett KSC-2013-2056

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame member Brewster Sha...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame member Brewster Shaw is introduced at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, prior to the ceremony in which Bonnie Dunbar, Curt Brown and Eile... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A wreath is displayed at the foot of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida during a ceremony to honor space shuttle Challenger's STS-51L crew members who gave their lives for while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-1228

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A wreath is displayed at the foot of the Space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A wreath is displayed at the foot of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida during a ceremony to honor space shuttle Challenger's STS-51L crew m... 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. – A barge moves the high-fidelity space shuttle model through the lock at Port Canaveral. The model is on its way from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to Space Center Houston, NASA Johnson Space Center’s official visitor center. The model was built in Apopka, Fla., by Guard-Lee and installed at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in 1993. The model is expected to arrive June 1 in Houston and to be transported June 3 to Space Center Houston, its final destination, where it will become part of a unique display telling the story of the space shuttle’s achievements and the nationwide team that made them possible. For more information about Space Center Houston, visit http://www.spacecenter.org. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2991

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A barge moves the high-fidelity space shuttle m...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A barge moves the high-fidelity space shuttle model through the lock at Port Canaveral. The model is on its way from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to Space Center Houston, NASA J... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, operations are under way to remove the fuel line that supplied liquid hydrogen propellant to space shuttle Atlantis’ main engine No. 2. The liquid hydrogen lines will be placed in storage to preserve the option to reuse them on NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift vehicle, under development. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of shuttle Atlantis. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2012-2694

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, operations are under way to remove the fuel line that supplied liquid hydrogen propellant to space shuttle Atla... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians monitor operations as a crane is used to lift a mock air lock being prepared for installation in the payload bay of the space shuttle Atlantis in Bay 2 of the Orbiter Processing Facility. Atlantis is undergoing final preparations for its transfer to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex targeted for November. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the remaining space shuttles, Atlantis and Endeavour. Atlantis is being prepared for public display at Kennedy's Visitor Complex. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis spent 293 days in space during 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-4821

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians monitor operations as a crane is used to lift a mock air lock being prepared for installation in the payload b... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Former NASA shuttle astronaut and space explorer Shannon Lucid was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame class of 2014 during a ceremony inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Lucid is the only American woman to serve aboard the Russian Space Station Mir and was the first woman to join a U.S. class of astronauts. She held the record until 2007 for the most flight hours in orbit by a female astronaut, 223 days. The 2014 inductees were selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians and journalists. The process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. To be eligible, an astronaut must have made his or her first flight at least 17 years before the induction. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen and a NASA-trained commander, pilot or mission specialist who has orbited the earth at least once. Including Lucid and Ross, 87 astronauts have been inducted into the AHOF. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2393

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Former NASA shuttle astronaut and space explore...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Former NASA shuttle astronaut and space explorer Shannon Lucid was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame class of 2014 during a ceremony inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attracti... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians install a mock air lock in the payload bay of the space shuttle Atlantis in Bay 2 of the Orbiter Processing Facility. Atlantis is undergoing final preparations for its transfer to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex targeted for November. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the remaining space shuttles, Atlantis and Endeavour. Atlantis is being prepared for public display at Kennedy's Visitor Complex. Over the course of its 26-year career, Atlantis spent 293 days in space during 33 missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-4825

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance technicians install a mock air lock in the payload bay of the space shuttle Atlantis in Bay 2 of the Orbiter Processing Fa... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod is lifted toward space shuttle Atlantis on which it will be installed. The orbital maneuvering system provided the shuttle with thrust for orbit insertion, rendezvous and deorbit, and could provide up to 1,000 pounds of propellant to the aft reaction control system. The OMS is housed in two independent pods located on each side of the shuttle's aft fuselage. Each pod contains one OMS engine and the hardware needed to pressurize, store and distribute the propellants to perform the velocity maneuvers. Atlantis’ OMS pods were removed and sent to White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico to be cleaned of residual toxic propellant. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing of the shuttle fleet. A groundbreaking was held Jan. 18 for Atlantis' future home, a 65,000-square-foot exhibit hall in Shuttle Plaza at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the visitor complex in November in preparation for the exhibit’s grand opening in July 2013. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3334

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod is lifted toward space shuttle Atlantis on which it will be installe... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Four members of the STS-134 crew answer questions as part of a mission overview at the Visitor Complex of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Participating in the event, seated, from the left, former astronaut Bruce Melnick, along with Greg Johnson, Michael Fincke, Andrew Feustel and Gregory Chamitoff. STS-134 commander Mark Kelly, pilot Greg Johnson and Mission Specialists Michael Fincke, Gregory Chamitoff, Andrew Feustel and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori lifted off May 16, 2011 aboard space shuttle Endeavour. During the nearly 16-day STS-134 mission, Endeavour delivered to the International Space Station the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer and spare parts, including two S-band communications antennas and a high-pressure gas tank. This was the 36th shuttle mission to the station and Endeavour's 25th and final flight. For more information, visit: www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/main/index.html Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-5336

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Four members of the STS-134 crew answer questio...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Four members of the STS-134 crew answer questions as part of a mission overview at the Visitor Complex of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Participating in the event, seated, from ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, shuttle astronaut Bonnie Dunbar listens as she is being introduced for induction into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame AHOF. Dunbar received NASA’s Outstanding Leadership Award in 1993 and NASA’s Exceptional Service Medal in 1998 and 1991. During her career with NASA, she served as a mission specialist and a payload commander. Dunbar logged 1,208 hours in space, and her spaceflights include STS 61-A, STS-32, STS-50, STS-71 and STS-89. Shuttle astronauts Curt Brown and Eileen Collins also were inducted into the AHOF. This induction is the twelfth group of space shuttle astronauts named to the AHOF, and the first time two women are inducted at the same time. The year’s inductees were selected by a committee of current Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, historians and journalists. The selection process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. For more on the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, go to http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/astronaut-hall-of-fame.aspx For more on the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, go to http://astronautscholarship.org/ Photo credit: NASA/ Kim Shiflett KSC-2013-2074

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, shuttle astronaut Bonnie Dunbar listens as she is being introduced for induction into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame AHOF. Dunb... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians use a Hyster forklift to transport Engine #3 to the Engine Shop for possible future use after it was removed from space shuttle Atlantis in Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Each of the three space shuttle main engines is 14 feet long and weighs 7,800 pounds. Removal of the space shuttle main engines is part of the Transition and Retirement work that is being performed in order to prepare Atlantis for eventual display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Photo credit: Frankie Martin KSC-2011-6526

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians use a Hyster forklift to transport...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians use a Hyster forklift to transport Engine #3 to the Engine Shop for possible future use after it was removed from space shuttle Atlantis in Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at N... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians move a Hyster forklift closer to Engine #1, the final engine to be removed from space shuttle Atlantis. The forklift will be used to remove the engine and transport it to the Engine Shop for possible future use. Each of the three space shuttle main engines is 14 feet long and weighs 7,800 pounds. Removal of the space shuttle main engines is part of the Transition and Retirement work that is being performed in order to prepare Atlantis for eventual display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Photo credit: Frankie Martin KSC-2011-6530

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians move a Hyster forklift closer to Engine #1, the final engine to be removed from space shuttle Atla... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the KSC Visitor Complex, former astronaut Frederick H. (Rick) Hauck (standing right) congratulates former astronaut Daniel Brandenstein (standing center) at his induction ceremony into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Also standing is former astronaut James A. Lovell. Seated on the dais, from left, are former astronauts John H. Glenn and Gordon Cooper, both previously inducted into the Hall of Fame. Being inducted with Brandenstein are Space Shuttle astronauts Robert "Hoot" Gibson, Story Musgrave, and Sally K. Ride. Conceived by six of the Mercury Program astronauts, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. The four new inductees join 48 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the KSC Visitor Complex, former astro...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the KSC Visitor Complex, former astronaut Frederick H. (Rick) Hauck (standing right) congratulates former astronaut Daniel Brandenstein (standing center) at his induction ceremo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the KSC Visitor Complex, former astronaut Robert L. Crippen (standing right) congratulates former astronaut Sally K. Ride at her induction ceremony into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Also standing is former astronaut James A. Lovell. Seated on the dais, from left, are former astronauts Gordon Cooper, Scott Carpenter, Buzz Aldrin, Walter Cunningham, Edgar B. Mitchell, and Fred W. Haise, all previously inducted into the Hall of Fame. Being inducted with Ride are Space Shuttle astronauts Daniel Brandenstein, Robert "Hoot" Gibson, and Story Musgrave. Conceived by six of the Mercury Program astronauts, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. The four new inductees join 48 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the KSC Visitor Complex, former astro...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the KSC Visitor Complex, former astronaut Robert L. Crippen (standing right) congratulates former astronaut Sally K. Ride at her induction ceremony into the U.S. Astronaut Hall ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, former NASA astronaut Richard O. Covey, commander of the Hubble Space Telescope repair mission, is inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Also chosen for this honor in 2004 are Kathryn D. Sullivan, the first American woman to walk in space; Frederick D. Gregory, the first African-American to command a space mission; Norman E. Thagard, the first American to occupy Russia's Mir space station; and the late Francis R. "Dick" Scobee, commander of the ill-fated 1986 Challenger mission. The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. To be eligible for induction, an individual must have been a U.S. citizen, a NASA astronaut, and out of the active astronaut corps at least five years. The five inductees join 52 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs. KSC-04pd0991

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Comp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, former NASA astronaut Richard O. Covey, commander of the Hubble Space Telescope repair mission, is inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hal... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Center Director and former astronaut Roy D. Bridges, Jr., (left) shakes hands with former astronaut James Lovell following a ribbon cutting ceremony officially opening the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame as part of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Invited guests and dignitaries look on, such as, from left, former astronauts Edward G. Gibson, Edgar D. Mitchell, Jack R. Lousma, Frederick H. (Rick) Hauck, and Buzz Aldrin (far right). The ceremony was held in conjunction with the induction of four Space Shuttle astronauts into the Hall of Fame including Daniel Brandenstein, Robert "Hoot" Gibson, Story Musgrave, and Sally Ride. Conceived by six of the Mercury Program astronauts, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. The four new inductees join 48 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Center Director and former astronaut Roy...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Center Director and former astronaut Roy D. Bridges, Jr., (left) shakes hands with former astronaut James Lovell following a ribbon cutting ceremony officially opening the U.S. Ast... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, NASA Deputy Administrator Frederick D. Gregory (left) is congratulated by former NASA astronaut Daniel C. Brandenstein at his induction into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Gregory was the first African-American to command a space mission. Also chosen for this honor in 2004 are Kathryn D. Sullivan, the first American woman to walk in space; Richard O. Covey, commander of the Hubble Space Telescope repair mission; Norman E. Thagard, the first American to occupy Russia's Mir space station; and the late Francis R. "Dick" Scobee, commander of the ill-fated 1986 Challenger mission. The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. To be eligible for induction, an individual must have been a U.S. citizen, a NASA astronaut, and out of the active astronaut corps at least five years. The five inductees join 52 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs. KSC-04pd0985

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Comp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, NASA Deputy Administrator Frederick D. Gregory (left) is congratulated by former NASA astronaut Daniel C. Brandenstein at his induction... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, former NASA astronaut Joe H. Engle participates in the 2004 U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame induction ceremony. He is introducing inductee Richard O. Covey, commander of the Hubble Space Telescope repair mission. Also chosen for induction in 2004 are Kathryn D. Sullivan, the first American woman to walk in space; Frederick D. Gregory, the first African-American to command a space mission; Norman E. Thagard, the first American to occupy Russia's Mir space station; and the late Francis R. "Dick" Scobee, commander of the ill-fated 1986 Challenger mission. The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. To be eligible for induction, an individual must have been a U.S. citizen, a NASA astronaut, and out of the active astronaut corps at least five years. The five inductees join 52 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs. KSC-04pd0989

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Comp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, former NASA astronaut Joe H. Engle participates in the 2004 U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame induction ceremony. He is introducing inductee ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, former NASA astronaut Joe H. Engle (right) congratulates Richard O. Covey, commander of the Hubble Space Telescope repair mission, on his induction into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Also chosen for this honor in 2004 are Kathryn D. Sullivan, the first American woman to walk in space; Frederick D. Gregory, the first African-American to command a space mission; Norman E. Thagard, the first American to occupy Russia's Mir space station; and the late Francis R. "Dick" Scobee, commander of the ill-fated 1986 Challenger mission. The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. To be eligible for induction, an individual must have been a U.S. citizen, a NASA astronaut, and out of the active astronaut corps at least five years. The five inductees join 52 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs. KSC-04pd0992

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Comp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, former NASA astronaut Joe H. Engle (right) congratulates Richard O. Covey, commander of the Hubble Space Telescope repair mission, on h... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- U.S. Rep. Bill Posey listens to remarks during the "On Shoulders of Giants" program celebrating 50 years of Americans in orbit, an era which began with John Glenn's MA-6 mission on Feb. 20, 1962. The event was conducted in the Rocket Garden at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida a few miles from the launch pad where Glenn and Scott Carpenter took flight in Mercury spacecraft. Glenn's launch aboard an Atlas rocket took with it the hopes of an entire nation and ushered in a new era of space travel that eventually led to Americans walking on the moon by the end of the 1960s. Glenn soon was followed into orbit by Carpenter, Walter Schirra and Gordon Cooper. Their fellow Mercury astronauts Alan Shepard and Virgil "Gus" Grissom flew earlier suborbital flights. Deke Slayton, a member of NASA's original Mercury 7 astronauts, was grounded by a medical condition until the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project in 1975. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1484

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- U.S. Rep. Bill Posey listens to remarks during...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- U.S. Rep. Bill Posey listens to remarks during the "On Shoulders of Giants" program celebrating 50 years of Americans in orbit, an era which began with John Glenn's MA-6 mission on Feb. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Mercury astronauts, John Glenn, left, and Scott Carpenter, talk to Mercury Project workers and other guests in the Astronaut Encounter Theater at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The pair participated in 50th anniversary events at the launch site of Glenn's first orbital flight aboard NASA's Friendship 7 capsule, which launched Feb. 20, 1962, aboard an Atlas rocket. At right, is Jack King, who was chief of Kennedy's Public Information Office during Project Mercury. Glenn's launch aboard an Atlas rocket took with it the hopes of an entire nation and ushered in a new era of space travel that eventually led to Americans walking on the moon by the end of the 1960s. Glenn soon was followed into orbit by Carpenter, Walter Schirra and Gordon Cooper. Their fellow Mercury astronauts Alan Shepard and Virgil "Gus" Grissom flew earlier suborbital flights. Deke Slayton, a member of NASA's original Mercury 7 astronauts, was grounded by a medical condition until the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project in 1975. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1477

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Mercury astronauts, John Glenn, left, and Scot...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Mercury astronauts, John Glenn, left, and Scott Carpenter, talk to Mercury Project workers and other guests in the Astronaut Encounter Theater at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --John Zarella leads a standing ovation during the "On Shoulders of Giants" program celebrating 50 years of Americans in orbit, an era which began with John Glenn's MA-6 mission on Feb. 20, 1962. The event was conducted in the Rocket Garden at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida a few miles from the launch pad where Glenn and Scott Carpenter took flight in Mercury spacecraft. Glenn's launch aboard an Atlas rocket took with it the hopes of an entire nation and ushered in a new era of space travel that eventually led to Americans walking on the moon by the end of the 1960s. Glenn soon was followed into orbit by Scott Carpenter, Walter Schirra and Gordon Cooper. Their fellow Mercury astronauts Alan Shepard and Virgil "Gus" Grissom flew earlier suborbital flights. Deke Slayton, a member of NASA's original Mercury 7 astronauts, was grounded by a medical condition until the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project in 1975. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1514

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --John Zarella leads a standing ovation during th...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --John Zarella leads a standing ovation during the "On Shoulders of Giants" program celebrating 50 years of Americans in orbit, an era which began with John Glenn's MA-6 mission on Feb. 20,... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Mercury astronauts, John Glenn, left, and Scott Carpenter, talk to Mercury Project workers and other guests in the Astronaut Encounter Theater at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The pair participated in 50th anniversary events at the launch site of Glenn's first orbital flight aboard NASA's Friendship 7 capsule, which launched Feb. 20, 1962, aboard an Atlas rocket. Glenn's launch aboard an Atlas rocket took with it the hopes of an entire nation and ushered in a new era of space travel that eventually led to Americans walking on the moon by the end of the 1960s. Glenn soon was followed into orbit by Carpenter, Walter Schirra and Gordon Cooper. Their fellow Mercury astronauts Alan Shepard and Virgil "Gus" Grissom flew earlier suborbital flights. Deke Slayton, a member of NASA's original Mercury 7 astronauts, was grounded by a medical condition until the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project in 1975. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1472

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Mercury astronauts, John Glenn, left, and Scot...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Mercury astronauts, John Glenn, left, and Scott Carpenter, talk to Mercury Project workers and other guests in the Astronaut Encounter Theater at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A group of current and former U.S. astronauts are introduced to the audience at a ribbon cutting ceremony officially opening the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame as part of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. In the front row, from left, are Owen K. Garriott, Walter Cunningham, Jack R. Lousma, Alfred M. Worden, and Buzz Aldrin. In the back row, from left, are Edgar D. Mitchell, Edward G. Gibson, Fred W. Haise, Frederick H. (Rick) Hauck, and John W. Young. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the induction of four Space Shuttle astronauts into the Hall of Fame including Daniel Brandenstein, Robert "Hoot" Gibson, Story Musgrave, and Sally Ride. Conceived by six of the Mercury Program astronauts, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. The four new inductees join 48 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A group of current and former U.S. astro...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A group of current and former U.S. astronauts are introduced to the audience at a ribbon cutting ceremony officially opening the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame as part of the Kennedy ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the KSC Visitor Complex, former astronaut Robert L. Crippen (right) presents former astronaut Sally K. Ride (standing center) at her induction ceremony into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Also standing is former astronaut James A. Lovell. Seated on the dais are, from left, former astronauts John H. Glenn, Gordon Cooper, Buzz Aldrin, and Walter Cunningham, all previously inducted into the Hall of Fame. Being inducted with Ride are Space Shuttle astronauts Daniel Brandenstein, Robert "Hoot" Gibson, and Story Musgrave. Conceived by six of the Mercury Program astronauts, the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. The four new inductees join 48 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the KSC Visitor Complex, former astro...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the KSC Visitor Complex, former astronaut Robert L. Crippen (right) presents former astronaut Sally K. Ride (standing center) at her induction ceremony into the U.S. Astronaut H... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, former NASA astronaut John H. Glenn Jr. (right) congratulates former NASA astronaut and fellow Ohioan Kathryn D. Sullivan on her induction into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Former NASA astronaut James A. Lovell Jr. looks on (left). Sullivan was the first American woman to walk in space. Also chosen for this honor in 2004 are Richard O. Covey, commander of the Hubble Space Telescope repair mission; Frederick D. Gregory, the first African-American to command a space mission; Norman E. Thagard, the first American to occupy Russia's Mir space station; and the late Francis R. "Dick" Scobee, commander of the ill-fated 1986 Challenger mission. The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. To be eligible for induction, an individual must have been a U.S. citizen, a NASA astronaut, and out of the active astronaut corps at least five years. The five inductees join 52 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs. KSC-04pd0981

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Comp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, former NASA astronaut John H. Glenn Jr. (right) congratulates former NASA astronaut and fellow Ohioan Kathryn D. Sullivan on her induct... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, former NASA astronaut John H. Glenn Jr. participates in the 2004 U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame induction ceremony. He is introducing inductee and fellow Ohioan Kathryn D. Sullivan, the first American woman to walk in space. Also chosen for this honor in 2004 are Richard O. Covey, commander of the Hubble Space Telescope repair mission; Frederick D. Gregory, the first African-American to command a space mission; Norman E. Thagard, the first American to occupy Russia's Mir space station; and the late Francis R. "Dick" Scobee, commander of the ill-fated 1986 Challenger mission. The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. To be eligible for induction, an individual must have been a U.S. citizen, a NASA astronaut, and out of the active astronaut corps at least five years. The five inductees join 52 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs. KSC-04pd0978

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Comp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, former NASA astronaut John H. Glenn Jr. participates in the 2004 U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame induction ceremony. He is introducing indu... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, former NASA astronaut John H. Glenn Jr. participates in the 2004 U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame induction ceremony. He is introducing inductee and fellow Ohioan Kathryn D. Sullivan, the first American woman to walk in space. Also chosen for this honor in 2004 are Richard O. Covey, commander of the Hubble Space Telescope repair mission; Frederick D. Gregory, the first African-American to command a space mission; Norman E. Thagard, the first American to occupy Russia's Mir space station; and the late Francis R. "Dick" Scobee, commander of the ill-fated 1986 Challenger mission. The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame opened in 1990 to provide a place where space travelers could be remembered for their participation and accomplishments in the U.S. space program. To be eligible for induction, an individual must have been a U.S. citizen, a NASA astronaut, and out of the active astronaut corps at least five years. The five inductees join 52 previously honored astronauts from the ranks of the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz, and Space Shuttle programs. KSC-04pd0977

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Comp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, former NASA astronaut John H. Glenn Jr. participates in the 2004 U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame induction ceremony. He is introducing indu... More

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