Browse All : Dawn and Space Shuttle Orbiter of Florida

Description	NASA's modified Boeing 747 carrying the space shuttle Discovery taxis toward the runway at Edwards Air Force Base shortly before dawn on Sept. 20, 2009, prior to taking off on their two-day ferry flight to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Discovery landed at Edwards on Sept. 11, after a 14-day mission STS-128 to the International Space Station. Image Credit: NASA/Jim Ross
Date	9/21/09

Title	STS-76 - Being Prepared for Delivery to Kennedy Space Center via SCA 747 Aircraft
Description	(now part of Boeing) builds the three main engines, and Thiokol, Brigham City, Utah, makes the solid rocket booster motors. Martin Marietta Corporation (now Lockheed Martin), New Orleans, Louisiana, makes the external tanks. Each orbiter (Space Shuttle) is 121 feet long, has a wingspan of 78 feet, and a height of 57 feet. The Space Shuttle is approximately the size of a DC-9 commercial airliner and can carry a payload of 65,000 pounds into orbit. The payload bay is 60 feet long and 15 feet in diameter. Each main engine is capable of producing a sea level thrust of 375,000 pounds and a vacuum (orbital) thrust of 470,000 pounds. The engines burn a mixture of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. In orbit, the Space Shuttles circle the earth at a speed of 17,500 miles per hour with each orbit taking about 90 minutes. A Space Shuttle crew sees a sunrise or sunset every 45 minutes. When Space Shuttle flights began in April 1981, Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, was the primary landing site for the Shuttles. Now Kennedy Space Center, Florida, is the primary landing site with Dryden remaining as the principal alternate landing site., Moonrise over Atlantis: following the STS-76 dawn landing at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, on 31 March 1996, NASA 905, one of two modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, was prepared to ferry Atlantis back to the Kennedy Space Center, FL. Delivery of Altlantis to Florida was delayed until 11 April 1996, due to an engine warning light that appeared shortly after take off on April 6. The SCA #905 returned to Edwards only minutes after departure. The right inboard engine #3 was exchanged and the 747 with Atlantis atop was able to depart for Davis-Monthan Air Force Base for a refueling stop. Space Shuttles are the main element of America's Space Transportation System and are used for space research and other space applications. The shuttles are the first vehicles capable of being launched into space and returning to Earth on a routine basis. Space Shuttles are used as orbiting laboratories in which scientists and mission specialists conduct a wide variety of scientific experiments. Crews aboard shuttles place satellites in orbit, rendezvous with satellites to carry out repair missions and return them to space, and retrieve satellites and return them to Earth for refurbishment and reuse. Space Shuttles are true aerospace vehicles. They leave Earth and its atmosphere under rocket power provided by three liquid-propellant main engines with two solid-propellant boosters attached plus an external liquid-fuel tank. After their orbital missions, they streak back through the atmosphere and land like airplanes. The returning shuttles, however, land like gliders, without power and on runways. Other rockets can place heavy payloads into orbit, but, they can only be used once. Space Shuttles are designed to be continually reused. When Space Shuttles are used to transport complete scientific laboratories into space, the laboratories remain inside the payload bay throughout the mission. They are then removed after the Space Shuttle returns to Earth and can be reused on future flights. Some of these orbital laboratories, like the Spacelab, provide facilities for several specialists to conduct experiments in such fields as medicine, astronomy, and materials manufacturing. Some types of satellites deployed by Space Shuttles include those involved in environmental and resources protection, astronomy, weather forecasting, navigation, oceanographic studies, and other scientific fields. The Space Shuttles can also launch spacecraft into orbits higher than the Shuttle's altitude limit through the use of Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) propulsion units. After release from the Space Shuttle payload bay, the IUS is ignited to carry the spacecraft into deep space. The Space Shuttles are also being used to carry elements of the International Space Station into space where they are assembled in orbit. The Space Shuttles were built by Rockwell International's Space Transportation Systems Division, Downey, California. Rockwell's Rocketdyne Division
Date	04.01.1996

Title	STS-76 - Being Prepared for Delivery to Kennedy Space Center via SCA 747 Aircraft
Description	Moonrise over Atlantis following the STS-76 dawn landing at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, on 31 March 1996. NASA 905, one of two modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), was readied to ferry Atlantis back to the Kennedy Space Center, Florida. Delivery of Atlantis to Florida was delayed until 11 April 1996, due to an engine warning light that appeared shortly after take off on 6 April. The SCA #905 returned to Edwards with Atlantis attached only minutes after departure. The right inboard engine #3 was exchanged and the 747 with Atlantis atop was able to depart for Davis-Monthan Air Force Base for a refueling stop. Space Shuttles are the main element of America's Space Transportation System and are used for space research and other space applications. The shuttles are the first vehicles capable of being launched into space and returning to Earth on a routine basis. Space Shuttles are used as orbiting laboratories in which scientists and mission specialists conduct a wide variety of scientific experiments. Crews aboard shuttles place satellites in orbit, rendezvous with satellites to carry out repair missions and return them to space, and retrieve satellites and return them to Earth for refurbishment and reuse. Space Shuttles are true aerospace vehicles. They leave Earth and its atmosphere under rocket power provided by three liquid-propellant main engines with two solid-propellant boosters attached plus an external liquid-fuel tank. After their orbital missions, they streak back through the atmosphere and land like airplanes. The returning shuttles, however, land like gliders, without power and on runways. Other rockets can place heavy payloads into orbit, but, they can only be used once. Space Shuttles are designed to be continually reused. When Space Shuttles are used to transport complete scientific laboratories into space, the laboratories remain inside the payload bay throughout the mission. They are then removed after the Space Shuttle returns to Earth and can be reused on future flights. Some of these orbital laboratories, like the Spacelab, provide facilities for several specialists to conduct experiments in such fields as medicine, astronomy, and materials manufacturing. Some types of satellites deployed by Space Shuttles include those involved in environmental and resources protection, astronomy, weather forecasting, navigation, oceanographic studies, and other scientific fields. The Space Shuttles can also launch spacecraft into orbits higher than the Shuttle's altitude limit through the use of Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) propulsion units. After release from the Space Shuttle payload bay, the IUS is ignited to carry the spacecraft into deep space. The Space Shuttles are also being used to carry elements of the International Space Station into space where they are assembled in orbit. The Space Shuttles were built by Rockwell International's Space Transportation Systems Division, Downey, California., Rockwell's Rocketdyne Division (now part of Boeing) builds the three main engines, and Thiokol, Brigham City, Utah, makes the solid rocket booster motors. Martin Marietta Corporation (now Lockheed Martin), New Orleans, Louisiana, makes the external tanks. Each orbiter (Space Shuttle) is 121 feet long, has a wingspan of 78 feet, and a height of 57 feet. The Space Shuttle is approximately the size of a DC-9 commercial airliner and can carry a payload of 65,000 pounds into orbit. The payload bay is 60 feet long and 15 feet in diameter. Each main engine is capable of producing a sea level thrust of 375,000 pounds and a vacuum (orbital) thrust of 470,000 pounds. The engines burn a mixture of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. In orbit, the Space Shuttles circle the earth at a speed of 17,500 miles per hour with each orbit taking about 90 minutes. A Space Shuttle crew sees a sunrise or sunset every 45 minutes. When Space Shuttle flights began in April 1981, Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, was the primary landing site for the Shuttles. Now Kennedy Space Center, Florida, is the primary landing site with Dryden remaining as the principal alternate landing site.
Date	04.01.1996

Title	STS-76 - SCA 747 Aircraft Takeoff for Delivery to Kennedy Space Center
Description	NASA's Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft leaves the runway with the Shuttle Atlantis on its back. Following the STS-76 dawn landing at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, on 31 March 1996. NASA 905, one of two modified 747's, was prepared to ferry Atlantis back to the Kennedy Space Center, FL. Delivery of Altlantis to Florida was delayed until 11 April 1996, due to an engine warning light that appeared shortly after take off on 6 April. The SCA #905 returned to Edwards with Atlantis aboard only minutes after departure. The right inboard engine #3 was exchanged and the 747 with Atlantis atop was able to depart for Davis-Monthan Air Force Base for a refueling stop. Space Shuttles are the main element of America's Space Transportation System and are used for space research and other space applications. The shuttles are the first vehicles capable of being launched into space and returning to Earth on a routine basis. Space Shuttles are used as orbiting laboratories in which scientists and mission specialists conduct a wide variety of scientific experiments. Crews aboard shuttles place satellites in orbit, rendezvous with satellites to carry out repair missions and return them to space, and retrieve satellites and return them to Earth for refurbishment and reuse. Space Shuttles are true aerospace vehicles. They leave Earth and its atmosphere under rocket power provided by three liquid-propellant main engines with two solid-propellant boosters attached plus an external liquid-fuel tank. After their orbital missions, they streak back through the atmosphere and land like airplanes. The returning shuttles, however, land like gliders, without power and on runways. Other rockets can place heavy payloads into orbit, but, they can only be used once. Space Shuttles are designed to be continually reused. When Space Shuttles are used to transport complete scientific laboratories into space, the laboratories remain inside the payload bay throughout the mission. They are then removed after the Space Shuttle returns to Earth and can be reused on future flights. Some of these orbital laboratories, like the Spacelab, provide facilities for several specialists to conduct experiments in such fields as medicine, astronomy, and materials manufacturing. Some types of satellites deployed by Space Shuttles include those involved in environmental and resources protection, astronomy, weather forecasting, navigation, oceanographic studies, and other scientific fields. The Space Shuttles can also launch spacecraft into orbits higher than the Shuttle's altitude limit through the use of Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) propulsion units. After release from the Space Shuttle payload bay, the IUS is ignited to carry the spacecraft into deep space. The Space Shuttles are also being used to carry elements of the International Space Station into space where they are assembled in orbit. The Space Shuttles were built by Rockwell International's Space Transportation, Systems Division, Downey, California. Rockwell's Rocketdyne Division (now part of Boeing) builds the three main engines, and Thiokol, Brigham City, Utah, makes the solid rocket booster motors. Martin Marietta Corporation (now Lockheed Martin), New Orleans, Louisiana, makes the external tanks. Each orbiter (Space Shuttle) is 121 feet long, has a wingspan of 78 feet, and a height of 57 feet. The Space Shuttle is approximately the size of a DC-9 commercial airliner and can carry a payload of 65,000 pounds into orbit. The payload bay is 60 feet long and 15 feet in diameter. Each main engine is capable of producing a sea level thrust of 375,000 pounds and a vacuum (orbital) thrust of 470,000 pounds. The engines burn a mixture of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. In orbit, the Space Shuttles circle the earth at a speed of 17,500 miles per hour with each orbit taking about 90 minutes. A Space Shuttle crew sees a sunrise or sunset every 45 minutes. When Space Shuttle flights began in April 1981, Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, was the primary landing site for the Shuttles. Now Kennedy Space Center, Florida, is the primary landing site with Dryden remaining as the principal alternate landing site.
Date	04.01.1996

mediatype	IMAGE
mediatype	image
date	2010-10-15
creator	NASA
identifier	483257main_2columbia

mediatype	IMAGE
mediatype	image
date	2011-02-23
creator	NASA
identifier	519531main_discovery_at_pad

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Columbia emblazons the pre-dawn clouds as it soars into the sky on its 27th flight into space on mission STS-109. Liftoff occurred at 6:22:02:08 a.m. EST(11:22:02:08 GMT). The goal of the mission is the maintenance and upgrade of the Hubble Space Telescope, to be carried out in five spacewalks. The crew of STS-109 comprises Commander Scott D. Altman, Pilot Duane G. Carey, Payload Commander John M. Grunsfeld, and Mission Specialists Nancy Jane Currie, Richard M. Linnehan, James H. Newman and Michael J. Massimino. After an 11-day mission, Columbia is expected to return to Kennedy March 12 about 4:35 a.m. EST (09:35 GMT). [Photo by Anita Barrett]

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Columbia emblazons the pre-dawn clouds as it soars into the sky on its 27th flight into space on mission STS-109. Liftoff occurred at 6:22:02:08 a.m. EST(11:22:02:08 GMT). The goal of the mission is the maintenance and upgrade of the Hubble Space Telescope, to be carried out in five spacewalks. The crew of STS-109 comprises Commander Scott D. Altman, Pilot Duane G. Carey, Payload Commander John M. Grunsfeld, and Mission Specialists Nancy Jane Currie, Richard M. Linnehan, James H. Newman and Michael J. Massimino. After an 11-day mission, Columbia is expected to return to Kennedy March 12 about 4:35 a.m. EST (09:35 GMT). [Photo by Anita Barrett]
Release Date	03/01/2002

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the pre-dawn hours, a pregnant white-tailed deer is watchful as she browses for food on the west end of NASA Kennedy Space Center?s Shuttle Landing Facility. The deer would have had an enviable position to watch the landing of Space Shuttle Discovery if the landing had not been postponed. White-tailed deer are found in forest edge habitats statewide. Their color ranges from gray- to russet-brown with a white neck, chest, underside and underneath the tail. The deer stand 55 inches to 80 inches high, have large ears, a large tail and long slender legs. They feed primarily on twigs and leaves. Their diet also includes acorns, fruits and mushrooms. Most browsing is done at night or on overcast days.

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the pre-dawn hours, a pregnant white-tailed deer is watchful as she browses for food on the west end of NASA Kennedy Space Center?s Shuttle Landing Facility. The deer would have had an enviable position to watch the landing of Space Shuttle Discovery if the landing had not been postponed. White-tailed deer are found in forest edge habitats statewide. Their color ranges from gray- to russet-brown with a white neck, chest, underside and underneath the tail. The deer stand 55 inches to 80 inches high, have large ears, a large tail and long slender legs. They feed primarily on twigs and leaves. Their diet also includes acorns, fruits and mushrooms. Most browsing is done at night or on overcast days.
Release Date	08/08/2005

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the pre-dawn hours, a pregnant white-tailed deer is watchful as she browses for food on the west end of NASA Kennedy Space Center?s Shuttle Landing Facility. The deer would have had an enviable position to watch the landing of Space Shuttle Discovery if the landing had not been postponed. White-tailed deer are found in forest edge habitats statewide. Their color ranges from gray- to russet-brown with a white neck, chest, underside and underneath the tail. The deer stand 55 inches to 80 inches high, have large ears, a large tail and long slender legs. They feed primarily on twigs and leaves. Their diet also includes acorns, fruits and mushrooms. Most browsing is done at night or on overcast days.
Release Date	08/08/2005

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the pre-dawn hours, a pregnant white-tailed deer browses for food on the west end of NASA Kennedy Space Center?s Shuttle Landing Facility. The deer would have had an enviable position to watch the landing of Space Shuttle Discovery if the landing had not been postponed. White-tailed deer are found in forest edge habitats statewide. Their color ranges from gray- to russet-brown with a white neck, chest, underside and underneath the tail. The deer stand 55 inches to 80 inches high, have large ears, a large tail and long slender legs. They feed primarily on twigs and leaves. Their diet also includes acorns, fruits and mushrooms. Most browsing is done at night or on overcast days.

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the pre-dawn hours, a pregnant white-tailed deer browses for food on the west end of NASA Kennedy Space Center?s Shuttle Landing Facility. The deer would have had an enviable position to watch the landing of Space Shuttle Discovery if the landing had not been postponed. White-tailed deer are found in forest edge habitats statewide. Their color ranges from gray- to russet-brown with a white neck, chest, underside and underneath the tail. The deer stand 55 inches to 80 inches high, have large ears, a large tail and long slender legs. They feed primarily on twigs and leaves. Their diet also includes acorns, fruits and mushrooms. Most browsing is done at night or on overcast days.
Release Date	08/08/2005

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the pre-dawn hours, a pregnant white-tailed deer is watchful as she browses for food on the west end of NASA Kennedy Space Center?s Shuttle Landing Facility. The deer would have had an enviable position to watch the landing of Space Shuttle Discovery if the landing had not been postponed. White-tailed deer are found in forest edge habitats statewide. Their color ranges from gray- to russet-brown with a white neck, chest, underside and underneath the tail. The deer stand 55 inches to 80 inches high, have large ears, a large tail and long slender legs. They feed primarily on twigs and leaves. Their diet also includes acorns, fruits and mushrooms. Most browsing is done at night or on overcast days.
Release Date	08/08/2005

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Under post-dawn cloudy skies, Space Shuttle Discovery, resting on the Mobile Launcher Platform, rolls away from Launch Pad 39B via the Crawler/Transporter underneath. At left are the Rotating and Fixed Service Structures (RSS and FSS). Atop the FSS is the 80-foot lightning mast. At right is the 290-foot-tall water tower that holds 300,000 gallons of water, part of the sound suppression system during a launch. Discovery is returning to the Vehicle Assembly Buildling where it will be demated from its External Tank and lifted into the transfer aisle. On or about June 7, Discovery will be lifted and attached to its new tank and Solid Rocket Boosters, which are already in the VAB. Only the 15th rollback in Space Shuttle Program history, the 4.2-mile journey allows additional modifications to be made to the External Tank prior to a safe Return to Flight. Discovery is expected to be rolled back to the launch pad in mid-June for Return to Flight mission STS-114. The launch window extends from July 13 to July 31.

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Under post-dawn cloudy skies, Space Shuttle Discovery, resting on the Mobile Launcher Platform, rolls away from Launch Pad 39B via the Crawler/Transporter underneath. At left are the Rotating and Fixed Service Structures (RSS and FSS). Atop the FSS is the 80-foot lightning mast. At right is the 290-foot-tall water tower that holds 300,000 gallons of water, part of the sound suppression system during a launch. Discovery is returning to the Vehicle Assembly Buildling where it will be demated from its External Tank and lifted into the transfer aisle. On or about June 7, Discovery will be lifted and attached to its new tank and Solid Rocket Boosters, which are already in the VAB. Only the 15th rollback in Space Shuttle Program history, the 4.2-mile journey allows additional modifications to be made to the External Tank prior to a safe Return to Flight. Discovery is expected to be rolled back to the launch pad in mid-June for Return to Flight mission STS-114. The launch window extends from July 13 to July 31.
Release Date	05/26/2005

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After dawn and under cloudy skies, the Crawler/Transporter has moved under Space Shuttle Discovery and the Mobile Launcher Platform for the Shuttle?s rollback to the Vehicle Assembly Building. Once inside the VAB, Discovery will be demated from its External Tank and lifted into the transfer aisle. On or about June 7, Discovery will be lifted and attached to its new tank and Solid Rocket Boosters, which are already in the VAB. Only the 15th rollback in Space Shuttle Program history, the 4.2-mile journey allows additional modifications to be made to the External Tank prior to a safe Return to Flight. Discovery is expected to be rolled back to the launch pad in mid-June for Return to Flight mission STS-114. The launch window extends from July 13 to July 31.

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After dawn and under cloudy skies, the Crawler/Transporter has moved under Space Shuttle Discovery and the Mobile Launcher Platform for the Shuttle?s rollback to the Vehicle Assembly Building. Once inside the VAB, Discovery will be demated from its External Tank and lifted into the transfer aisle. On or about June 7, Discovery will be lifted and attached to its new tank and Solid Rocket Boosters, which are already in the VAB. Only the 15th rollback in Space Shuttle Program history, the 4.2-mile journey allows additional modifications to be made to the External Tank prior to a safe Return to Flight. Discovery is expected to be rolled back to the launch pad in mid-June for Return to Flight mission STS-114. The launch window extends from July 13 to July 31.
Release Date	05/26/2005

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After dawn and under cloudy skies, the Crawler/Transporter has moved under Space Shuttle Discovery and the Mobile Launcher Platform for the Shuttle?s rollback to the Vehicle Assembly Building. Once inside the VAB, Discovery will be demated from its External Tank and lifted into the transfer aisle. On or about June 7, Discovery will be lifted and attached to its new tank and Solid Rocket Boosters, which are already in the VAB. Only the 15th rollback in Space Shuttle Program history, the 4.2-mile journey allows additional modifications to be made to the External Tank prior to a safe Return to Flight. Discovery is expected to be rolled back to the launch pad in mid-June for Return to Flight mission STS-114. The launch window extends from July 13 to July 31.
Release Date	05/26/2005

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Under post-dawn cloudy skies, Space Shuttle Discovery, resting on the Mobile Launcher Platform, begins rolling off Launch Pad 39B via the Crawler/Transporter underneath. At left are the Rotating and Fixed Service Structures (RSS and FSS). The 80-foot lightning mast is atop the FSS. At right is the 290-foot-tall water tower that holds 300,000 gallons of water, part of the sound suppression system during a launch. Discovery is returning to the Vehicle Assembly Buildling where it will be demated from its External Tank and lifted into the transfer aisle. On or about June 7, Discovery will be lifted and attached to its new tank and Solid Rocket Boosters, which are already in the VAB. Only the 15th rollback in Space Shuttle Program history, the 4.2-mile journey allows additional modifications to be made to the External Tank prior to a safe Return to Flight. Discovery is expected to be rolled back to the launch pad in mid-June for Return to Flight mission STS-114. The launch window extends from July 13 to July 31.

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Under post-dawn cloudy skies, Space Shuttle Discovery, resting on the Mobile Launcher Platform, begins rolling off Launch Pad 39B via the Crawler/Transporter underneath. At left are the Rotating and Fixed Service Structures (RSS and FSS). The 80-foot lightning mast is atop the FSS. At right is the 290-foot-tall water tower that holds 300,000 gallons of water, part of the sound suppression system during a launch. Discovery is returning to the Vehicle Assembly Buildling where it will be demated from its External Tank and lifted into the transfer aisle. On or about June 7, Discovery will be lifted and attached to its new tank and Solid Rocket Boosters, which are already in the VAB. Only the 15th rollback in Space Shuttle Program history, the 4.2-mile journey allows additional modifications to be made to the External Tank prior to a safe Return to Flight. Discovery is expected to be rolled back to the launch pad in mid-June for Return to Flight mission STS-114. The launch window extends from July 13 to July 31.
Release Date	05/26/2005

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Under post-dawn cloudy skies that shade the normally bright blue Atlantic Ocean, Space Shuttle Discovery, resting on the Mobile Launcher Platform on Launch Pad 39B, awaits rollback to the Vehicle Assembly Building. To the left of the Solid Rocket Booster is the 290-foot-tall water tower that holds 300,000 gallons of water, part of the sound suppression system during a launch. Once inside the VAB, Discovery will be demated from its External Tank and lifted into the transfer aisle. On or about June 7, Discovery will be lifted and attached to its new tank and Solid Rocket Boosters, which are already in the VAB. Only the 15th rollback in Space Shuttle Program history, the 4.2-mile journey allows additional modifications to be made to the External Tank prior to a safe Return to Flight. Discovery is expected to be rolled back to the launch pad in mid-June for Return to Flight mission STS-114. The launch window extends from July 13 to July 31.

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Under post-dawn cloudy skies that shade the normally bright blue Atlantic Ocean, Space Shuttle Discovery, resting on the Mobile Launcher Platform on Launch Pad 39B, awaits rollback to the Vehicle Assembly Building. To the left of the Solid Rocket Booster is the 290-foot-tall water tower that holds 300,000 gallons of water, part of the sound suppression system during a launch. Once inside the VAB, Discovery will be demated from its External Tank and lifted into the transfer aisle. On or about June 7, Discovery will be lifted and attached to its new tank and Solid Rocket Boosters, which are already in the VAB. Only the 15th rollback in Space Shuttle Program history, the 4.2-mile journey allows additional modifications to be made to the External Tank prior to a safe Return to Flight. Discovery is expected to be rolled back to the launch pad in mid-June for Return to Flight mission STS-114. The launch window extends from July 13 to July 31.
Release Date	05/26/2005

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Discovery, resting on the Mobile Launcher Platform, looms against post-dawn cloudy skies as it slowly rolls off Launch Pad 39B on its way back to the Vehicle Assembly Building. At left are the Rotating and Fixed Service Structures (RSS and FSS). Atop the FSS is the 80-foot lightning mast. Once inside the VAB, Discovery will be demated from its External Tank and lifted into the transfer aisle. On or about June 7, Discovery will be lifted and attached to its new tank and Solid Rocket Boosters, which are already in the VAB. Only the 15th rollback in Space Shuttle Program history, the 4.2-mile journey allows additional modifications to be made to the External Tank prior to a safe Return to Flight. Discovery is expected to be rolled back to the launch pad in mid-June for Return to Flight mission STS-114. The launch window extends from July 13 to July 31.

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Discovery, resting on the Mobile Launcher Platform, looms against post-dawn cloudy skies as it slowly rolls off Launch Pad 39B on its way back to the Vehicle Assembly Building. At left are the Rotating and Fixed Service Structures (RSS and FSS). Atop the FSS is the 80-foot lightning mast. Once inside the VAB, Discovery will be demated from its External Tank and lifted into the transfer aisle. On or about June 7, Discovery will be lifted and attached to its new tank and Solid Rocket Boosters, which are already in the VAB. Only the 15th rollback in Space Shuttle Program history, the 4.2-mile journey allows additional modifications to be made to the External Tank prior to a safe Return to Flight. Discovery is expected to be rolled back to the launch pad in mid-June for Return to Flight mission STS-114. The launch window extends from July 13 to July 31.
Release Date	05/26/2005

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Discovery, resting on the Mobile Launcher Platform, looms against post-dawn cloudy skies as it slowly rolls back to the Vehicle Assembly Building from Launch Pad 39B. Once inside the VAB, Discovery will be demated from its External Tank and lifted into the transfer aisle. On or about June 7, Discovery will be lifted and attached to its new tank and Solid Rocket Boosters, which are already in the VAB. Only the 15th rollback in Space Shuttle Program history, the 4.2-mile journey allows additional modifications to be made to the External Tank prior to a safe Return to Flight. Discovery is expected to be rolled back to the launch pad in mid-June for Return to Flight mission STS-114. The launch window extends from July 13 to July 31.
Release Date	05/26/2005

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the dark before dawn, the payloads that will launch aboard Space Shuttle Discovery's Return to Flight mission STS-114 roll past the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA?s Kennedy Space Center. Enclosed in a payload canister, the payloads are heading for Launch Pad 39B. The canister will be lifted up alongside the Rotating Service Structure to the Payload Changeout Room where the STS-114 payloads will be removed. Discovery?s payloads include the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure Carrier (LMC), and the External Stowage Platform-2 (ESP-2). Raffaello will deliver supplies to the International Space Station including food, clothing and research equipment. The LMC will carry a replacement Control Moment Gyroscope and a tile repair sample box. The ESP-2 is outfitted with replacement parts. Discovery?s launch window extends from July 13 through July 31.

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the dark before dawn, the payloads that will launch aboard Space Shuttle Discovery's Return to Flight mission STS-114 roll past the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA?s Kennedy Space Center. Enclosed in a payload canister, the payloads are heading for Launch Pad 39B. The canister will be lifted up alongside the Rotating Service Structure to the Payload Changeout Room where the STS-114 payloads will be removed. Discovery?s payloads include the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure Carrier (LMC), and the External Stowage Platform-2 (ESP-2). Raffaello will deliver supplies to the International Space Station including food, clothing and research equipment. The LMC will carry a replacement Control Moment Gyroscope and a tile repair sample box. The ESP-2 is outfitted with replacement parts. Discovery?s launch window extends from July 13 through July 31.
Release Date	06/13/2005

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After dawn on Launch Pad 39B, the payload canister carrying payloads that will launch aboard Space Shuttle Discovery's Return to Flight mission STS-114 is lifted up to the Payload Changeout Room. There the payloads will be removed. Discovery?s payloads include the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure Carrier (LMC), and the External Stowage Platform-2 (ESP-2). Raffaello will deliver supplies to the International Space Station including food, clothing and research equipment. The LMC will carry a replacement Control Moment Gyroscope and a tile repair sample box. The ESP-2 is outfitted with replacement parts. Discovery?s launch window extends from July 13 through July 31.

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After dawn on Launch Pad 39B, the payload canister carrying payloads that will launch aboard Space Shuttle Discovery's Return to Flight mission STS-114 is lifted up to the Payload Changeout Room. There the payloads will be removed. Discovery?s payloads include the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure Carrier (LMC), and the External Stowage Platform-2 (ESP-2). Raffaello will deliver supplies to the International Space Station including food, clothing and research equipment. The LMC will carry a replacement Control Moment Gyroscope and a tile repair sample box. The ESP-2 is outfitted with replacement parts. Discovery?s launch window extends from July 13 through July 31.
Release Date	06/13/2005

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After dawn on Launch Pad 39B, the payload canister carrying payloads that will launch aboard Space Shuttle Discovery's Return to Flight mission STS-114 is lifted up to the Payload Changeout Room. There the payloads will be removed. Discovery?s payloads include the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure Carrier (LMC), and the External Stowage Platform-2 (ESP-2). Raffaello will deliver supplies to the International Space Station including food, clothing and research equipment. The LMC will carry a replacement Control Moment Gyroscope and a tile repair sample box. The ESP-2 is outfitted with replacement parts. Discovery?s launch window extends from July 13 through July 31.
Release Date	06/13/2005

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the dark before dawn, the payload canister carrying payloads that will launch aboard Space Shuttle Discovery's Return to Flight mission STS-114 rolls toward Launch Pad 39B. There, it will be lifted up alongside the Rotating Service Structure to the Payload Changeout Room where the payloads will be removed. Discovery?s payloads include the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure Carrier (LMC), and the External Stowage Platform-2 (ESP-2). Raffaello will deliver supplies to the International Space Station including food, clothing and research equipment. The LMC will carry a replacement Control Moment Gyroscope and a tile repair sample box. The ESP-2 is outfitted with replacement parts. Discovery?s launch window extends from July 13 through July 31.

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the dark before dawn, the payload canister carrying payloads that will launch aboard Space Shuttle Discovery's Return to Flight mission STS-114 rolls toward Launch Pad 39B. There, it will be lifted up alongside the Rotating Service Structure to the Payload Changeout Room where the payloads will be removed. Discovery?s payloads include the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure Carrier (LMC), and the External Stowage Platform-2 (ESP-2). Raffaello will deliver supplies to the International Space Station including food, clothing and research equipment. The LMC will carry a replacement Control Moment Gyroscope and a tile repair sample box. The ESP-2 is outfitted with replacement parts. Discovery?s launch window extends from July 13 through July 31.
Release Date	06/13/2005

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dawn creeps over the horizon revealing shadows of the media tents and trucks at the NASA News Center. The scene is the calm before the storm of journalists and photographers who have descended upon KSC to capture the Return to Flight mission STS-114 to the International Space Station. This is the first Space Shuttle flight since the loss of Columbia, STS-107, on Feb. 1, 2003. Launch is scheduled for 3:51 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B. The 12-day mission is expected to end with touchdown at NASA Kennedy Space Center?s Shuttle Landing Facility at 11:06 a.m. July 25.

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dawn creeps over the horizon revealing shadows of the media tents and trucks at the NASA News Center. The scene is the calm before the storm of journalists and photographers who have descended upon KSC to capture the Return to Flight mission STS-114 to the International Space Station. This is the first Space Shuttle flight since the loss of Columbia, STS-107, on Feb. 1, 2003. Launch is scheduled for 3:51 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B. The 12-day mission is expected to end with touchdown at NASA Kennedy Space Center?s Shuttle Landing Facility at 11:06 a.m. July 25.
Release Date	07/13/2005

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dawn creeps over the horizon revealing canopies going up for some of the media in preparation for launch coverage at NASA Kennedy Space Center. Thousands of journalists, photographers and television media have descended upon KSC to capture the Return to Flight mission STS-114 to the International Space Station. This is the first Space Shuttle flight since the loss of Columbia, STS-107, on Feb. 1, 2003. Launch is scheduled for 3:51 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B. The 12-day mission is expected to end with touchdown at NASA Kennedy Space Center?s Shuttle Landing Facility at 11:06 a.m. July 25.

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dawn creeps over the horizon revealing canopies going up for some of the media in preparation for launch coverage at NASA Kennedy Space Center. Thousands of journalists, photographers and television media have descended upon KSC to capture the Return to Flight mission STS-114 to the International Space Station. This is the first Space Shuttle flight since the loss of Columbia, STS-107, on Feb. 1, 2003. Launch is scheduled for 3:51 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B. The 12-day mission is expected to end with touchdown at NASA Kennedy Space Center?s Shuttle Landing Facility at 11:06 a.m. July 25.
Release Date	07/13/2005

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The countdown clock at NASA Kennedy Space Center glows in the dark as a hint of dawn creeps over the horizon. The clock counts down the hours until launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on Return to Flight mission STS-114 to the International Space Station. This is the first Space Shuttle flight since the loss of Columbia, STS-107, on Feb. 1, 2003. Launch is scheduled for 3:51 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B. The 12-day mission is expected to end with touchdown at NASA Kennedy Space Center?s Shuttle Landing Facility at 11:06 a.m. July 25.

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The countdown clock at NASA Kennedy Space Center glows in the dark as a hint of dawn creeps over the horizon. The clock counts down the hours until launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on Return to Flight mission STS-114 to the International Space Station. This is the first Space Shuttle flight since the loss of Columbia, STS-107, on Feb. 1, 2003. Launch is scheduled for 3:51 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B. The 12-day mission is expected to end with touchdown at NASA Kennedy Space Center?s Shuttle Landing Facility at 11:06 a.m. July 25.
Release Date	07/13/2005

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the pre-dawn hours, the Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA) approaches the runway on NASA Kennedy Space Center?s Shuttle Landing Facility. The STA was in the air to observe flying conditions for the pending landing of Space Shuttle Discovery to conclude Return to Flight mission STS-114. The landing was postponed until Aug. 9.

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the pre-dawn hours, the Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA) approaches the runway on NASA Kennedy Space Center?s Shuttle Landing Facility. The STA was in the air to observe flying conditions for the pending landing of Space Shuttle Discovery to conclude Return to Flight mission STS-114. The landing was postponed until Aug. 9.
Release Date	08/08/2005

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the pre-dawn hours, STS-121 Pilot Mark Kelly (left) and Commander Steven Lindsey look at the Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA) they will be flying to practice landings in preparation for the July 1 launch of Space Shuttle Discovery. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate an orbiter?s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the STA duplicates the orbiter?s atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. Because the orbiter is unpowered during re-entry and landing, its high-speed glide must be perfectly executed the first time. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the pre-dawn hours, STS-121 Pilot Mark Kelly (left) and Commander Steven Lindsey look at the Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA) they will be flying to practice landings in preparation for the July 1 launch of Space Shuttle Discovery. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate an orbiter?s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the STA duplicates the orbiter?s atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. Because the orbiter is unpowered during re-entry and landing, its high-speed glide must be perfectly executed the first time. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Release Date	06/28/2006

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the early dawn, STS-121 Pilot Mark Kelly is ready for takeoff from the Shuttle Training Facility to practice landing a shuttle in preparation for the July 1 launch of Space Shuttle Discovery. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate an orbiter?s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the STA duplicates the orbiter?s atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. Because the orbiter is unpowered during re-entry and landing, its high-speed glide must be perfectly executed the first time. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the early dawn, STS-121 Pilot Mark Kelly is ready for takeoff from the Shuttle Training Facility to practice landing a shuttle in preparation for the July 1 launch of Space Shuttle Discovery. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate an orbiter?s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the STA duplicates the orbiter?s atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. Because the orbiter is unpowered during re-entry and landing, its high-speed glide must be perfectly executed the first time. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Release Date	06/28/2006

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the pre-dawn hours, STS-121 Pilot Mark Kelly heads across the Shuttle Landing Facility to the Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA). Kelly and Commander Steven Lindsey will be making practice landings in preparation for the July 1 launch of Space Shuttle Discovery. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate an orbiter?s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the STA duplicates the orbiter?s atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. Because the orbiter is unpowered during re-entry and landing, its high-speed glide must be perfectly executed the first time. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the pre-dawn hours, STS-121 Pilot Mark Kelly heads across the Shuttle Landing Facility to the Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA). Kelly and Commander Steven Lindsey will be making practice landings in preparation for the July 1 launch of Space Shuttle Discovery. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate an orbiter?s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the STA duplicates the orbiter?s atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. Because the orbiter is unpowered during re-entry and landing, its high-speed glide must be perfectly executed the first time. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Release Date	06/28/2006

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the pre-dawn hours, STS-121 Commander Steven Lindsey walks across the Shuttle Landing Facility to the Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA). Lindsey and Pilot Mark Kelly will be making practice landings in preparation for the July 1 launch of Space Shuttle Discovery. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate an orbiter?s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the STA duplicates the orbiter?s atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. Because the orbiter is unpowered during re-entry and landing, its high-speed glide must be perfectly executed the first time. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the pre-dawn hours, STS-121 Commander Steven Lindsey walks across the Shuttle Landing Facility to the Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA). Lindsey and Pilot Mark Kelly will be making practice landings in preparation for the July 1 launch of Space Shuttle Discovery. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate an orbiter?s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the STA duplicates the orbiter?s atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. Because the orbiter is unpowered during re-entry and landing, its high-speed glide must be perfectly executed the first time. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Release Date	06/28/2006

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As dawn washes the sky in pink, STS-121 Commander Steven Lindsey is ready for his first flight in the Shuttle Training Aircraft today to practice landing a shuttle in preparation for the July 1 launch of Space Shuttle Discovery. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate an orbiter?s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the STA duplicates the orbiter?s atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. Because the orbiter is unpowered during re-entry and landing, its high-speed glide must be perfectly executed the first time. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As dawn washes the sky in pink, STS-121 Commander Steven Lindsey is ready for his first flight in the Shuttle Training Aircraft today to practice landing a shuttle in preparation for the July 1 launch of Space Shuttle Discovery. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate an orbiter?s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the STA duplicates the orbiter?s atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. Because the orbiter is unpowered during re-entry and landing, its high-speed glide must be perfectly executed the first time. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Release Date	06/28/2006

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Just before dawn on Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Atlantis is revealed after rollback of the rotating service structure (at left). The shuttle is being rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will be examined for hail damage. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused divots in the giant tank's foam insulation and minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. Further evaluation of the tank is necessary to get an accurate accounting of foam damage and determine the type of repair required and the time needed for that work. A new target launch date has not been determined, but teams will focus on preparing Atlantis for liftoff in late April. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Just before dawn on Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Atlantis is revealed after rollback of the rotating service structure (at left). The shuttle is being rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will be examined for hail damage. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused divots in the giant tank's foam insulation and minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. Further evaluation of the tank is necessary to get an accurate accounting of foam damage and determine the type of repair required and the time needed for that work. A new target launch date has not been determined, but teams will focus on preparing Atlantis for liftoff in late April. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller
Release Date	03/04/2007

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Just before dawn on Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Atlantis is revealed after rollback of the rotating service structure. The shuttle is being rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will be examined for hail damage. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused divots in the giant tank's foam insulation and minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. Further evaluation of the tank is necessary to get an accurate accounting of foam damage and determine the type of repair required and the time needed for that work. A new target launch date has not been determined, but teams will focus on preparing Atlantis for liftoff in late April. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller
Release Date	03/04/2007

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis, mounted on a mobile launch platform, rolls to Launch Pad 39A atop a crawler transporter at dawn. First motion was at 5:02 a.m. EDT. In late February, Atlantis' external tank received hail damage during a severe thunderstorm that passed through the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 area. The hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation, as well as minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. The launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-117 is now targeted for June 8. A flight readiness review will be held on May 30 and 31. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis, mounted on a mobile launch platform, rolls to Launch Pad 39A atop a crawler transporter at dawn. First motion was at 5:02 a.m. EDT. In late February, Atlantis' external tank received hail damage during a severe thunderstorm that passed through the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 area. The hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation, as well as minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. The launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-117 is now targeted for June 8. A flight readiness review will be held on May 30 and 31. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder
Release Date	05/15/2007

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis, mounted on a mobile launch platform, rolls to Launch Pad 39A atop a crawler transporter at dawn. First motion was at 5:02 a.m. EDT. In late February, Atlantis' external tank received hail damage during a severe thunderstorm that passed through the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 area. The hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation, as well as minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. The launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-117 is now targeted for June 8. A flight readiness review will be held on May 30 and 31. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder
Release Date	05/15/2007

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An alligator, seen just above the shrubs, has a close-up view of Space Shuttle Atlantis as it sits on Launch Pad 39A. Atlantis rolled out to the pad before dawn for the second time. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 5:02 a.m. EDT. In late February, while Atlantis was on the launch pad, Atlantis' external tank received hail damage during a severe thunderstorm that passed through the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 area. The hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation, as well as minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. The shuttle was returned to the VAB for repairs. The launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-117 is now targeted for June 8. A flight readiness review will be held on May 30 and 31. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An alligator, seen just above the shrubs, has a close-up view of Space Shuttle Atlantis as it sits on Launch Pad 39A. Atlantis rolled out to the pad before dawn for the second time. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 5:02 a.m. EDT. In late February, while Atlantis was on the launch pad, Atlantis' external tank received hail damage during a severe thunderstorm that passed through the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 area. The hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation, as well as minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. The shuttle was returned to the VAB for repairs. The launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-117 is now targeted for June 8. A flight readiness review will be held on May 30 and 31. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley
Release Date	05/15/2007

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Viewed across an arm of the Banana River, Space Shuttle Atlantis sits on Launch Pad 39A. At right of the pad is the 300,000-gallon water tower that provides the water for sound suppression during liftoff. Atlantis rolled out to the pad for the second time before dawn. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 5:02 a.m. EDT. In late February, while Atlantis was on the launch pad, Atlantis' external tank received hail damage during a severe thunderstorm that passed through the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 area. The hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation, as well as minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. The shuttle was returned to the VAB for repairs. The launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-117 is now targeted for June 8. A flight readiness review will be held on May 30 and 31. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Viewed across an arm of the Banana River, Space Shuttle Atlantis sits on Launch Pad 39A. At right of the pad is the 300,000-gallon water tower that provides the water for sound suppression during liftoff. Atlantis rolled out to the pad for the second time before dawn. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 5:02 a.m. EDT. In late February, while Atlantis was on the launch pad, Atlantis' external tank received hail damage during a severe thunderstorm that passed through the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 area. The hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation, as well as minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. The shuttle was returned to the VAB for repairs. The launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-117 is now targeted for June 8. A flight readiness review will be held on May 30 and 31. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley
Release Date	05/15/2007

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis, mounted on a mobile launch platform, finally rests next to the fixed service structure on the hard stand of Launch Pad 39A after an early morning rollout. Seen at the top of the service structure is the 80-foot-tall lightning mast. Atlantis rolled out to the pad for the second time before dawn. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 5:02 a.m. EDT. In late February, while Atlantis was on the launch pad, Atlantis' external tank received hail damage during a severe thunderstorm that passed through the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 area. The hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation, as well as minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. The shuttle was returned to the VAB for repairs. The launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-117 is now targeted for June 8. A flight readiness review will be held on May 30 and 31. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis, mounted on a mobile launch platform, finally rests next to the fixed service structure on the hard stand of Launch Pad 39A after an early morning rollout. Seen at the top of the service structure is the 80-foot-tall lightning mast. Atlantis rolled out to the pad for the second time before dawn. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 5:02 a.m. EDT. In late February, while Atlantis was on the launch pad, Atlantis' external tank received hail damage during a severe thunderstorm that passed through the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 area. The hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation, as well as minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. The shuttle was returned to the VAB for repairs. The launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-117 is now targeted for June 8. A flight readiness review will be held on May 30 and 31. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley
Release Date	05/15/2007

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Reflected in the water of the Banana River is Space Shuttle Atlantis, sitting on Launch Pad 39A. Atlantis rolled out to the pad for the second time before dawn. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 5:02 a.m. EDT. In late February, while Atlantis was on the launch pad, Atlantis' external tank received hail damage during a severe thunderstorm that passed through the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 area. The hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation, as well as minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. The shuttle was returned to the VAB for repairs. The launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-117 is now targeted for June 8. A flight readiness review will be held on May 30 and 31. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Reflected in the water of the Banana River is Space Shuttle Atlantis, sitting on Launch Pad 39A. Atlantis rolled out to the pad for the second time before dawn. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 5:02 a.m. EDT. In late February, while Atlantis was on the launch pad, Atlantis' external tank received hail damage during a severe thunderstorm that passed through the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 area. The hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation, as well as minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. The shuttle was returned to the VAB for repairs. The launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-117 is now targeted for June 8. A flight readiness review will be held on May 30 and 31. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley
Release Date	05/15/2007

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From a vantage point across scrub lands and the Banana River, Space Shuttle Atlantis is seen finally sitting on Launch Pad 39A. Atlantis rolled out to the pad for the second time before dawn. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 5:02 a.m. EDT. In late February, while Atlantis was on the launch pad, Atlantis' external tank received hail damage during a severe thunderstorm that passed through the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 area. The hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation, as well as minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. The shuttle was returned to the VAB for repairs. The launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-117 is now targeted for June 8. A flight readiness review will be held on May 30 and 31. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From a vantage point across scrub lands and the Banana River, Space Shuttle Atlantis is seen finally sitting on Launch Pad 39A. Atlantis rolled out to the pad for the second time before dawn. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 5:02 a.m. EDT. In late February, while Atlantis was on the launch pad, Atlantis' external tank received hail damage during a severe thunderstorm that passed through the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 area. The hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation, as well as minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. The shuttle was returned to the VAB for repairs. The launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-117 is now targeted for June 8. A flight readiness review will be held on May 30 and 31. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley
Release Date	05/15/2007

After its Rotational Service Structure is rolled back, the Space Shuttle Discovery awaits the dawn of day on its scheduled day of launch on mission STS-95 at Launch Pad 39B. Liftoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Oct. 29. The STS-95 mission is expected to last almost 9 days, with a landing at KSC at 11:49 a.m. EST on Nov. 7

Description	After its Rotational Service Structure is rolled back, the Space Shuttle Discovery awaits the dawn of day on its scheduled day of launch on mission STS-95 at Launch Pad 39B. Liftoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Oct. 29. The STS-95 mission is expected to last almost 9 days, with a landing at KSC at 11:49 a.m. EST on Nov. 7
Release Date	10/28/1998

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The dawn sky over the Atlantic Ocean reveals Space Shuttle Endeavour sitting on Launch Pad 39A. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 8:10 p.m. July 10, and the shuttle was hard down on the pad at 3:02 a.m. July 11. The orbiter access arm is already extended to the orbiter from the fixed service structure. Peering just above the solid rocket booster on the left is the 290-foot-tall water tank. It provides the deluge over the mobile launcher platform for sound suppression during liftoff. Endeavour is scheduled to launch on mission STS-118 on Aug. 7. During the mission, Endeavour will carry into orbit the S5 truss, SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and will mark the first flight of Mission Specialist Barbara Morgan, the teacher-turned-astronaut whose association with NASA began more than 20 years ago. STS-118 will be the first flight since 2002 for Endeavour, which has undergone extensive modifications, including the addition of safety upgrades already added to orbiters Discovery and Atlantis. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The dawn sky over the Atlantic Ocean reveals Space Shuttle Endeavour sitting on Launch Pad 39A. First motion out of the Vehicle Assembly Building was at 8:10 p.m. July 10, and the shuttle was hard down on the pad at 3:02 a.m. July 11. The orbiter access arm is already extended to the orbiter from the fixed service structure. Peering just above the solid rocket booster on the left is the 290-foot-tall water tank. It provides the deluge over the mobile launcher platform for sound suppression during liftoff. Endeavour is scheduled to launch on mission STS-118 on Aug. 7. During the mission, Endeavour will carry into orbit the S5 truss, SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and will mark the first flight of Mission Specialist Barbara Morgan, the teacher-turned-astronaut whose association with NASA began more than 20 years ago. STS-118 will be the first flight since 2002 for Endeavour, which has undergone extensive modifications, including the addition of safety upgrades already added to orbiters Discovery and Atlantis. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton
Release Date	07/11/2007

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the early light of dawn, a crawler transporter moves Space Shuttle Discovery, with its external tank and solid rocket boosters, from Pad 39B back to the Vehicle Assembly Building for repair of damage to the external tank foam insulation caused by hail. The necessary repair work could not be performed at the pad due to limited access to the damaged areas. The work is expected to take two to three days, allowing Discovery to roll back to the pad by midweek for launch of mission STS-96, the 94th launch in the Space Shuttle Program. This is only the 13th time since 1981 that a Shuttle has had to roll back from the pad. Liftoff will occur no earlier than May 27. STS-96 is a logistics and resupply mission for the International Space Station, carrying such payloads as a Russian crane, the Strela, a U.S.-built crane, the Spacehab Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), a logistics items carrier, and STARSHINE, a student-shared experiment

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the early light of dawn, a crawler transporter moves Space Shuttle Discovery, with its external tank and solid rocket boosters, from Pad 39B back to the Vehicle Assembly Building for repair of damage to the external tank foam insulation caused by hail. The necessary repair work could not be performed at the pad due to limited access to the damaged areas. The work is expected to take two to three days, allowing Discovery to roll back to the pad by midweek for launch of mission STS-96, the 94th launch in the Space Shuttle Program. This is only the 13th time since 1981 that a Shuttle has had to roll back from the pad. Liftoff will occur no earlier than May 27. STS-96 is a logistics and resupply mission for the International Space Station, carrying such payloads as a Russian crane, the Strela, a U.S.-built crane, the Spacehab Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), a logistics items carrier, and STARSHINE, a student-shared experiment
Release Date	05/16/1999

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the early dawn, the brilliant flames from the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery light up the billows of steam below. Mission STS-96 lifted off at 6:49:42 a.m. EDT. The crew of seven begin a 10-day logistics and resupply mission for the International Space Station, carrying about 4,000 pounds of supplies, to be stored aboard the station for use by future crews, including laptop computers, cameras, tools, spare parts, and clothing. The mission also includes such payloads as a Russian crane, the Strela, a U.S.-built crane, the Spacehab Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), a logistics items carrier, and STARSHINE, a student-involved experiment. It will include a space walk to attach the cranes to the outside of the ISS for use in future construction. Landing is expected at the SLF on June 6 about 1:58 a.m. EDT

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the early dawn, the brilliant flames from the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery light up the billows of steam below. Mission STS-96 lifted off at 6:49:42 a.m. EDT. The crew of seven begin a 10-day logistics and resupply mission for the International Space Station, carrying about 4,000 pounds of supplies, to be stored aboard the station for use by future crews, including laptop computers, cameras, tools, spare parts, and clothing. The mission also includes such payloads as a Russian crane, the Strela, a U.S.-built crane, the Spacehab Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), a logistics items carrier, and STARSHINE, a student-involved experiment. It will include a space walk to attach the cranes to the outside of the ISS for use in future construction. Landing is expected at the SLF on June 6 about 1:58 a.m. EDT
Release Date	05/27/1999

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On its perfect launch today, Space Shuttle Discovery's brilliant flames illuminate the tower at left, with the lightning mast on top, and the billows of smoke and steam at right. Liftoff into a gossamer dawn sky for mission STS-96 occurred at 6:49:42 a.m. EDT. The crew of seven begin a 10-day logistics and resupply mission for the International Space Station, carrying about 4,000 pounds of supplies, to be stored aboard the station for use by future crews, including laptop computers, cameras, tools, spare parts, and clothing. The mission also includes such payloads as a Russian crane, the Strela, a U.S.-built crane, the Spacehab Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), a logistics items carrier, and STARSHINE, a student-involved experiment. It will include a space walk to attach the cranes to the outside of the ISS for use in future construction. Landing is expected at the SLF on June 6 about 1:58 a.m. EDT

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On its perfect launch today, Space Shuttle Discovery's brilliant flames illuminate the tower at left, with the lightning mast on top, and the billows of smoke and steam at right. Liftoff into a gossamer dawn sky for mission STS-96 occurred at 6:49:42 a.m. EDT. The crew of seven begin a 10-day logistics and resupply mission for the International Space Station, carrying about 4,000 pounds of supplies, to be stored aboard the station for use by future crews, including laptop computers, cameras, tools, spare parts, and clothing. The mission also includes such payloads as a Russian crane, the Strela, a U.S.-built crane, the Spacehab Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), a logistics items carrier, and STARSHINE, a student-involved experiment. It will include a space walk to attach the cranes to the outside of the ISS for use in future construction. Landing is expected at the SLF on June 6 about 1:58 a.m. EDT
Release Date	05/27/1999

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In this view of the launch from the roof of the Vehicle Assembly Building, the liftoff of Space Shuttle Atlantis challenges the early dawn. The light is reflected in waters all around the Launch Pad 39A while clouds of steam and smoke roll away from the pad. Liftoff occurred at 6:11:10 a.m. EDT. The mission is taking the crew of seven to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies as well as to prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk and will reboost the space station from 230 statute miles to 250 statute miles. This will be the third assembly flight to the Space Station. After a 10-day mission, landing is targeted for May 29 at 2:19 a.m. EDT. This is the 98th Shuttle flight and the 21st flight for Shuttle Atlantis

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In this view of the launch from the roof of the Vehicle Assembly Building, the liftoff of Space Shuttle Atlantis challenges the early dawn. The light is reflected in waters all around the Launch Pad 39A while clouds of steam and smoke roll away from the pad. Liftoff occurred at 6:11:10 a.m. EDT. The mission is taking the crew of seven to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies as well as to prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk and will reboost the space station from 230 statute miles to 250 statute miles. This will be the third assembly flight to the Space Station. After a 10-day mission, landing is targeted for May 29 at 2:19 a.m. EDT. This is the 98th Shuttle flight and the 21st flight for Shuttle Atlantis
Release Date	05/19/2000

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In a burst of light, Space Shuttle Atlantis hurtles into the pre-dawn sky on mission STS-101 at 6:11:10 a.m. EDT. Silhouetted on the left are two American flags, hung from a flagpole near the Press Site bleachers. Media and spectators below have an unobstructed view across the turn basin, which reflects the fiery liftoff. The mission is taking the crew of seven to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies as well as to prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk and will reboost the space station from 230 statute miles to 250 statute miles. This will be the third assembly flight to the Space Station. After a 10-day mission, landing is targeted for May 29 at 2:19 a.m. EDT. This is the 98th Shuttle flight and the 21st flight for Shuttle Atlantis

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In a burst of light, Space Shuttle Atlantis hurtles into the pre-dawn sky on mission STS-101 at 6:11:10 a.m. EDT. Silhouetted on the left are two American flags, hung from a flagpole near the Press Site bleachers. Media and spectators below have an unobstructed view across the turn basin, which reflects the fiery liftoff. The mission is taking the crew of seven to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies as well as to prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk and will reboost the space station from 230 statute miles to 250 statute miles. This will be the third assembly flight to the Space Station. After a 10-day mission, landing is targeted for May 29 at 2:19 a.m. EDT. This is the 98th Shuttle flight and the 21st flight for Shuttle Atlantis
Release Date	05/19/2000

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis lifts off at 6:11:10 a.m. EDT, challenging dawn as it lights up the sky on the fourth attempt to keep a rendezvous with the International Space Station. The mission is taking the crew of seven to the Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies as well as to prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk and will reboost the space station from 230 statute miles to 250 statute miles. This will be the third assembly flight to the Space Station. After a 10-day mission, landing is targeted for May 29 at 2:19 a.m. EDT. This is the 98th Shuttle flight and the 21st flight for Shuttle Atlantis

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis lifts off at 6:11:10 a.m. EDT, challenging dawn as it lights up the sky on the fourth attempt to keep a rendezvous with the International Space Station. The mission is taking the crew of seven to the Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies as well as to prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk and will reboost the space station from 230 statute miles to 250 statute miles. This will be the third assembly flight to the Space Station. After a 10-day mission, landing is targeted for May 29 at 2:19 a.m. EDT. This is the 98th Shuttle flight and the 21st flight for Shuttle Atlantis
Release Date	05/19/2000

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis leaps off the Launch Pad 39A trailing a twin streams of flame from its solid rocket boosters to light up the pre-dawn sky on mission STS-101. Liftoff occurred on time at 6:11:10 a.m. EDT. The mission is taking the crew of seven to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies as well as to prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk and will reboost the space station from 230 statute miles to 250 statute miles. This will be the third assembly flight to the Space Station. After a 10-day mission, landing is targeted for May 29 at 2:19 a.m. EDT. This is the 98th Shuttle flight and the 21st flight for Shuttle Atlantis

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis leaps off the Launch Pad 39A trailing a twin streams of flame from its solid rocket boosters to light up the pre-dawn sky on mission STS-101. Liftoff occurred on time at 6:11:10 a.m. EDT. The mission is taking the crew of seven to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies as well as to prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk and will reboost the space station from 230 statute miles to 250 statute miles. This will be the third assembly flight to the Space Station. After a 10-day mission, landing is targeted for May 29 at 2:19 a.m. EDT. This is the 98th Shuttle flight and the 21st flight for Shuttle Atlantis
Release Date	05/19/2000

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Flames from the solid rocket boosters light up the clouds of smoke and steam trailing behind Space Shuttle Atlantis as it leaps into the pre-dawn sky on mission STS-101. Liftoff occurred on time at 6:11:10 a.m. EDT. The mission is taking the crew of seven to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies as well as to prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk and will reboost the space station from 230 statute miles to 250 statute miles. This will be the third assembly flight to the Space Station. After a 10-day mission, landing is targeted for May 29 at 2:19 a.m. EDT. This is the 98th Shuttle flight and the 21st flight for Shuttle Atlantis

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Flames from the solid rocket boosters light up the clouds of smoke and steam trailing behind Space Shuttle Atlantis as it leaps into the pre-dawn sky on mission STS-101. Liftoff occurred on time at 6:11:10 a.m. EDT. The mission is taking the crew of seven to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies as well as to prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk and will reboost the space station from 230 statute miles to 250 statute miles. This will be the third assembly flight to the Space Station. After a 10-day mission, landing is targeted for May 29 at 2:19 a.m. EDT. This is the 98th Shuttle flight and the 21st flight for Shuttle Atlantis
Release Date	05/19/2000

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