Browse All : Space Shuttle Orbiter of Washington, D.C. from 2006

Title	Happy Sweet Sixteen, Hubble Telescope!

Crowds thronged around NASA's modified 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft and an Air Force B-1B Lancer at the Edwards Air Force Base open house Oct. 28-29, 2006.

Photo Description	Crowds thronged around NASA's modified 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft and an Air Force B-1B Lancer at the Edwards Air Force Base open house Oct. 28-29, 2006.
Project Description	NASA uses two modified Boeing 747 jetliners, originally manufactured for commercial use, as Space Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA). One is a 747-100 model, while the other is designated a 747-100SR (short range). The two aircraft are identical in appearance and in their performance as Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. The 747 series of aircraft are four-engine intercontinental-range swept-wing "jumbo jets" that entered commercial service in 1969. The SCAs are used to ferry space shuttle orbiters from landing sites back to the launch complex at the Kennedy Space Center, and also to and from other locations too distant for the orbiters to be delivered by ground transportation. The orbiters are placed atop the SCAs by Mate-Demate Devices, large gantry-like structures which hoist the orbiters off the ground for post-flight servicing, and then mate them with the SCAs for ferry flights. Features which distinguish the two SCAs from standard 747 jetliners are: - Three struts, with associated interior structural strengthening, protruding from the top of the fuselage (two aft, one forward) on which the orbiter is attached - Two additional vertical stabilizers, one on each end of the standard horizontal stabilizer, to enhance directional stability - Removal of all interior furnishings and equipment aft of the forward No. 1 doors - Instrumentation used by SCA flight crews and engineers to monitor orbiter electrical loads during the ferry flights and also during pre- and post-ferry flight operations. The two SCAs are under the operational control of NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, Tex. NASA 905 NASA 905 was the first SCA. It was obtained from American Airlines in 1974. Shortly after it was accepted by NASA it was flown in a series of wake vortex research flights at the Dryden Flight Research Center in a study to seek ways of reducing turbulence produced by large aircraft. Pilots flying as much as several miles behind large aircraft have encountered wake turbulence that have caused control problems. The NASA study helped the Federal Aviation Administration modify flight procedures for commercial aircraft during airport approaches and departures. Following the wake vortex studies, NASA 905 was modified by Boeing to its present SCA configuration and the aircraft was returned to Dryden for its role in the 1977 Space Shuttle Approach and Landing Tests (ALT). This series of eight captive and five free flights with the orbiter prototype Enterprise, in addition to ground taxi tests, validated the aircraft's performance as an SCA, in addition to verifying the glide and landing characteristics of the orbiter configuration -- paving the way for orbital flights. A flight crew escape system, consisting of an exit tunnel extending from the flight deck to a hatch in the bottom of the fuselage, was installed during the modifications. The system also included a pyrotechnic system to activate the hatch release and cabin window release mechanisms. The flight crew, escape system was removed from the NASA 905 following the successful completion of the ALT program. NASA 905 was the only SCA used by the space shuttle program until November 1990, when NASA 911 was delivered as an SCA. Along with ferrying Enterprise and the flight-rated orbiters between the launch and landing sites and other locations, NASA 905 also ferried Enterprise to Europe for display in England and at the Paris Air Show. NASA 911 The second SCA is designated NASA 911. It was obtained by NASA from Japan Airlines (JAL) in 1989. It was also modified by Boeing Corporation. It was delivered to NASA 20 November 1990.
Photo Date	October 28, 2006

A brief tour through NASA's modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft was a popular attraction at the Edwards Air Force Base open house Oct. 28-29, 2006.

Photo Description	A brief tour through NASA's modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft was a popular attraction at the Edwards Air Force Base open house Oct. 28-29, 2006.
Project Description	NASA uses two modified Boeing 747 jetliners, originally manufactured for commercial use, as Space Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA). One is a 747-100 model, while the other is designated a 747-100SR (short range). The two aircraft are identical in appearance and in their performance as Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. The 747 series of aircraft are four-engine intercontinental-range swept-wing "jumbo jets" that entered commercial service in 1969. The SCAs are used to ferry space shuttle orbiters from landing sites back to the launch complex at the Kennedy Space Center, and also to and from other locations too distant for the orbiters to be delivered by ground transportation. The orbiters are placed atop the SCAs by Mate-Demate Devices, large gantry-like structures which hoist the orbiters off the ground for post-flight servicing, and then mate them with the SCAs for ferry flights. Features which distinguish the two SCAs from standard 747 jetliners are: - Three struts, with associated interior structural strengthening, protruding from the top of the fuselage (two aft, one forward) on which the orbiter is attached - Two additional vertical stabilizers, one on each end of the standard horizontal stabilizer, to enhance directional stability - Removal of all interior furnishings and equipment aft of the forward No. 1 doors - Instrumentation used by SCA flight crews and engineers to monitor orbiter electrical loads during the ferry flights and also during pre- and post-ferry flight operations. The two SCAs are under the operational control of NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, Tex. NASA 905 NASA 905 was the first SCA. It was obtained from American Airlines in 1974. Shortly after it was accepted by NASA it was flown in a series of wake vortex research flights at the Dryden Flight Research Center in a study to seek ways of reducing turbulence produced by large aircraft. Pilots flying as much as several miles behind large aircraft have encountered wake turbulence that have caused control problems. The NASA study helped the Federal Aviation Administration modify flight procedures for commercial aircraft during airport approaches and departures. Following the wake vortex studies, NASA 905 was modified by Boeing to its present SCA configuration and the aircraft was returned to Dryden for its role in the 1977 Space Shuttle Approach and Landing Tests (ALT). This series of eight captive and five free flights with the orbiter prototype Enterprise, in addition to ground taxi tests, validated the aircraft's performance as an SCA, in addition to verifying the glide and landing characteristics of the orbiter configuration -- paving the way for orbital flights. A flight crew escape system, consisting of an exit tunnel extending from the flight deck to a hatch in the bottom of the fuselage, was installed during the modifications. The system also included a pyrotechnic system to activate the hatch release and cabin window release mechanisms. The flight crew, escape system was removed from the NASA 905 following the successful completion of the ALT program. NASA 905 was the only SCA used by the space shuttle program until November 1990, when NASA 911 was delivered as an SCA. Along with ferrying Enterprise and the flight-rated orbiters between the launch and landing sites and other locations, NASA 905 also ferried Enterprise to Europe for display in England and at the Paris Air Show. NASA 911 The second SCA is designated NASA 911. It was obtained by NASA from Japan Airlines (JAL) in 1989. It was also modified by Boeing Corporation. It was delivered to NASA 20 November 1990.
Photo Date	October 28, 2006

One of NASA's two modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft is silhouetted against the morning sky at sunrise on the ramp at Edwards Air Force Base.

Photo Description	One of NASA's two modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft is silhouetted against the morning sky at sunrise on the ramp at Edwards Air Force Base.
Project Description	NASA uses two modified Boeing 747 jetliners, originally manufactured for commercial use, as Space Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA). One is a 747-100 model, while the other is designated a 747-100SR (short range). The two aircraft are identical in appearance and in their performance as Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. The 747 series of aircraft are four-engine intercontinental-range swept-wing "jumbo jets" that entered commercial service in 1969. The SCAs are used to ferry space shuttle orbiters from landing sites back to the launch complex at the Kennedy Space Center, and also to and from other locations too distant for the orbiters to be delivered by ground transportation. The orbiters are placed atop the SCAs by Mate-Demate Devices, large gantry-like structures which hoist the orbiters off the ground for post-flight servicing, and then mate them with the SCAs for ferry flights. Features which distinguish the two SCAs from standard 747 jetliners are: - Three struts, with associated interior structural strengthening, protruding from the top of the fuselage (two aft, one forward) on which the orbiter is attached - Two additional vertical stabilizers, one on each end of the standard horizontal stabilizer, to enhance directional stability - Removal of all interior furnishings and equipment aft of the forward No. 1 doors - Instrumentation used by SCA flight crews and engineers to monitor orbiter electrical loads during the ferry flights and also during pre- and post-ferry flight operations. The two SCAs are under the operational control of NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, Tex. NASA 905 NASA 905 was the first SCA. It was obtained from American Airlines in 1974. Shortly after it was accepted by NASA it was flown in a series of wake vortex research flights at the Dryden Flight Research Center in a study to seek ways of reducing turbulence produced by large aircraft. Pilots flying as much as several miles behind large aircraft have encountered wake turbulence that have caused control problems. The NASA study helped the Federal Aviation Administration modify flight procedures for commercial aircraft during airport approaches and departures. Following the wake vortex studies, NASA 905 was modified by Boeing to its present SCA configuration and the aircraft was returned to Dryden for its role in the 1977 Space Shuttle Approach and Landing Tests (ALT). This series of eight captive and five free flights with the orbiter prototype Enterprise, in addition to ground taxi tests, validated the aircraft's performance as an SCA, in addition to verifying the glide and landing characteristics of the orbiter configuration -- paving the way for orbital flights. A flight crew escape system, consisting of an exit tunnel extending from the flight deck to a hatch in the bottom of the fuselage, was installed during the modifications. The system also included a pyrotechnic system to activate the hatch release and cabin window release mechanisms. The flight crew, escape system was removed from the NASA 905 following the successful completion of the ALT program. NASA 905 was the only SCA used by the space shuttle program until November 1990, when NASA 911 was delivered as an SCA. Along with ferrying Enterprise and the flight-rated orbiters between the launch and landing sites and other locations, NASA 905 also ferried Enterprise to Europe for display in England and at the Paris Air Show. NASA 911 The second SCA is designated NASA 911. It was obtained by NASA from Japan Airlines (JAL) in 1989. It was also modified by Boeing Corporation. It was delivered to NASA 20 November 1990.
Photo Date	October 28, 2006

General Description	International Space Station Imagery

General Description	STS-116 Shuttle Mission Imagery

General Description	International Space Station Imagery

General Description	STS-121 Shuttle Mission Imagery

General Description	STS-121 Shuttle Mission Imagery

General Description	STS-121 Shuttle Mission Imagery

General Description	STS-121 Shuttle Mission Imagery

General Description	STS-121 Shuttle Mission Imagery

General Description	STS-121 Shuttle Mission Imagery

General Description	STS-121 Shuttle Mission Imagery

General Description	STS-121 Shuttle Mission Imagery

General Description	STS-121 Shuttle Mission Imagery

General Description	STS-121 Shuttle Mission Imagery

General Description	STS-121 Shuttle Mission Imagery

General Description	STS-121 Shuttle Mission Imagery

General Description	STS-121 Shuttle Mission Imagery

General Description	STS-121 Shuttle Mission Imagery

General Description	STS-121 Shuttle Mission Imagery

General Description	STS-121 Shuttle Mission Imagery

General Description	STS-121 Shuttle Mission Imagery

General Description	STS-121 Shuttle Mission Imagery

General Description	STS-121 Shuttle Mission Imagery

General Description	STS-121 Shuttle Mission Imagery

General Description	STS-121 Shuttle Mission Imagery

General Description	STS-121 Shuttle Mission Imagery

General Description	STS-121 Shuttle Mission Imagery

General Description	STS-121 Shuttle Mission Imagery

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Towed by the solid rocket booster retrieval ship Freedom Star, the Pegasus barge approaches the dock in the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building. The barge is on the last leg of its journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The barge carries the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Discovery on the next shuttle mission, STS-121. After off-loading, the tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-119, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from a ramp came off during the last shuttle launch in July 2005. The ramps were removed to eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. The next launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006.

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Towed by the solid rocket booster retrieval ship Freedom Star, the Pegasus barge approaches the dock in the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building. The barge is on the last leg of its journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The barge carries the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Discovery on the next shuttle mission, STS-121. After off-loading, the tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-119, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. A large piece of foam from a ramp came off during the last shuttle launch in July 2005. The ramps were removed to eliminate a potential source of damaging debris to the space shuttle. The next launch of Discovery is scheduled for May 2006.
Release Date	03/01/2006

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney takes a close look at the orbiter Atlantis while on a personal tour guided by Scott Thurston, Crew Exploration Vehicle manager in the Shuttle Processing Directorate. Thurston previously was the NASA flow director for Atlantis. Standing next to Cheney is Shana Dale, NASA deputy administrator. Cheney flew in to view the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121.

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney takes a close look at the orbiter Atlantis while on a personal tour guided by Scott Thurston, Crew Exploration Vehicle manager in the Shuttle Processing Directorate. Thurston previously was the NASA flow director for Atlantis. Standing next to Cheney is Shana Dale, NASA deputy administrator. Cheney flew in to view the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121.
Release Date	07/01/2006

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On the Skid Strip at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney is saluted by officers from Patrick Air Force Base as he boards Air Force Two for a return trip to Washington. Cheney and his family flew in earlier to witness the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121. The launch was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On the Skid Strip at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney is saluted by officers from Patrick Air Force Base as he boards Air Force Two for a return trip to Washington. Cheney and his family flew in earlier to witness the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121. The launch was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Release Date	07/01/2006

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On the Skid Strip at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Air Force Two, carrying U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney and his family, is ready for a return trip to Washington. Cheney flew in earlier to witness the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121. The launch was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On the Skid Strip at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Air Force Two, carrying U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney and his family, is ready for a return trip to Washington. Cheney flew in earlier to witness the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121. The launch was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Release Date	07/01/2006

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, Scott Thurston (right), Crew Exploration Vehicle manager in the Shuttle Processing Directorate, gives a personal tour to U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney (far left) and his family. They are standing underneath the orbiter Atlantis. Thurston previously was the NASA flow director for Atlantis. Cheney flew in to view the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, Scott Thurston (right), Crew Exploration Vehicle manager in the Shuttle Processing Directorate, gives a personal tour to U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney (far left) and his family. They are standing underneath the orbiter Atlantis. Thurston previously was the NASA flow director for Atlantis. Cheney flew in to view the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Release Date	07/01/2006

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From the viewing area of the Operations and Support Building II, U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney has a direct view to Launch Pad 39B and Space Shuttle Discovery. Cheney flew in to view the launch of Discovery on mission STS-121. Standing next to him is Shana Dale, NASA deputy administrator. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From the viewing area of the Operations and Support Building II, U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney has a direct view to Launch Pad 39B and Space Shuttle Discovery. Cheney flew in to view the launch of Discovery on mission STS-121. Standing next to him is Shana Dale, NASA deputy administrator. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Release Date	07/01/2006

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On the Skid Strip at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Air Force Two, carrying U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney and his family, is ready for a return trip to Washington. Cheney flew in earlier to witness the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121. The launch was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Release Date	07/01/2006

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On the Skid Strip at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney waves before entering Air Force Two for a return trip to Washington. Preceding him is his wife, Lynne. Cheney and his family flew in earlier to witness the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121. The launch was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On the Skid Strip at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney waves before entering Air Force Two for a return trip to Washington. Preceding him is his wife, Lynne. Cheney and his family flew in earlier to witness the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121. The launch was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Release Date	07/01/2006

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From the viewing area of the Operations and Support Building II, U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney will be able to view the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121. Cheney flew in earlier to view the launch. Standing next to him is Shana Dale, NASA deputy administrator. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - From the viewing area of the Operations and Support Building II, U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney will be able to view the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121. Cheney flew in earlier to view the launch. Standing next to him is Shana Dale, NASA deputy administrator. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Release Date	07/01/2006

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney talks to the media on the observation deck of the Operations and Support Building II at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. In the background, the white jacket, is Cheney's wife, Lynne. Cheney is at the Center to view the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney talks to the media on the observation deck of the Operations and Support Building II at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. In the background, the white jacket, is Cheney's wife, Lynne. Cheney is at the Center to view the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Release Date	07/01/2006

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney talks to the media on the observation deck of the Operations and Support Building II at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. In the background, the white jacket, is Cheney's wife, Lynne. Cheney is at the Center to view the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121.Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Release Date	07/01/2006

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Pegasus barge is towed toward the turn basin dock in the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Onboard the barge is the external tank No. 123, designated to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-116 in December. The tank, which was shipped from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, has undergone major safety changes, including removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Mission STS-116 will deliver the P5 truss segment, a SPACEHAB module and other key components to the International Space Station. Launch is currently scheduled no earlier than Dec. 14. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Pegasus barge is towed toward the turn basin dock in the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Onboard the barge is the external tank No. 123, designated to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-116 in December. The tank, which was shipped from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, has undergone major safety changes, including removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Mission STS-116 will deliver the P5 truss segment, a SPACEHAB module and other key components to the International Space Station. Launch is currently scheduled no earlier than Dec. 14. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton
Release Date	09/19/2006

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 heads toward the open doorway of the Vehicle Assembly Building. Once inside the VAB, the tank will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. Shipped from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans aboard the Pegasus barge, the tank has undergone major safety changes, including removal of the protuberance air load ramps. It is designated to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-116 in December. Mission STS-116 will deliver the P5 truss segment, a SPACEHAB module and other key components to the International Space Station. Launch is currently scheduled no earlier than Dec. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 heads toward the open doorway of the Vehicle Assembly Building. Once inside the VAB, the tank will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. Shipped from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans aboard the Pegasus barge, the tank has undergone major safety changes, including removal of the protuberance air load ramps. It is designated to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-116 in December. Mission STS-116 will deliver the P5 truss segment, a SPACEHAB module and other key components to the International Space Station. Launch is currently scheduled no earlier than Dec. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
Release Date	09/20/2006

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 is offloaded from the Pegasus barge in the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area. Designated to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-116 in December, the tank is being moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, which was shipped from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, has undergone major safety changes, including removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Mission STS-116 will deliver the P5 truss segment, a SPACEHAB module and other key components to the International Space Station. Launch is currently scheduled no earlier than Dec. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 is offloaded from the Pegasus barge in the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area. Designated to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-116 in December, the tank is being moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, which was shipped from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, has undergone major safety changes, including removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Mission STS-116 will deliver the P5 truss segment, a SPACEHAB module and other key components to the International Space Station. Launch is currently scheduled no earlier than Dec. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
Release Date	09/20/2006

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the Pegasus barge can be seen external tank No. 123, designated to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-116 in December. Now docked at the turn basin dock in the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the barge was towed from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. The tank has undergone major safety changes, including removal of the protuberance air load ramps. The tank will be offloaded and transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building. Mission STS-116 will deliver the P5 truss segment, a SPACEHAB module and other key components to the International Space Station. Launch is currently scheduled no earlier than Dec. 14. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the Pegasus barge can be seen external tank No. 123, designated to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-116 in December. Now docked at the turn basin dock in the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the barge was towed from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. The tank has undergone major safety changes, including removal of the protuberance air load ramps. The tank will be offloaded and transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building. Mission STS-116 will deliver the P5 truss segment, a SPACEHAB module and other key components to the International Space Station. Launch is currently scheduled no earlier than Dec. 14. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton
Release Date	09/19/2006

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Tow boats secure the Pegasus barge at the turn basin dock in the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Onboard the barge is the external tank No. 123, designated to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-116 in December. At left is the 525-foot-high Vehicle Assembly Building where the external tank will go after offloading from the barge. The tank, which was shipped from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, has undergone major safety changes, including removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Mission STS-116 will deliver the P5 truss segment, a SPACEHAB module and other key components to the International Space Station. Launch is currently scheduled no earlier than Dec. 14. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Tow boats secure the Pegasus barge at the turn basin dock in the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Onboard the barge is the external tank No. 123, designated to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-116 in December. At left is the 525-foot-high Vehicle Assembly Building where the external tank will go after offloading from the barge. The tank, which was shipped from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, has undergone major safety changes, including removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Mission STS-116 will deliver the P5 truss segment, a SPACEHAB module and other key components to the International Space Station. Launch is currently scheduled no earlier than Dec. 14. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton
Release Date	09/19/2006

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 heads into the open doorway of the Vehicle Assembly Building. Once inside the VAB, the tank will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. Shipped from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans aboard the Pegasus barge, the tank has undergone major safety changes, including removal of the protuberance air load ramps. It is designated to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-116 in December. Mission STS-116 will deliver the P5 truss segment, a SPACEHAB module and other key components to the International Space Station. Launch is currently scheduled no earlier than Dec. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 heads into the open doorway of the Vehicle Assembly Building. Once inside the VAB, the tank will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. Shipped from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans aboard the Pegasus barge, the tank has undergone major safety changes, including removal of the protuberance air load ramps. It is designated to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-116 in December. Mission STS-116 will deliver the P5 truss segment, a SPACEHAB module and other key components to the International Space Station. Launch is currently scheduled no earlier than Dec. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
Release Date	09/20/2006

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 makes the turn toward the Vehicle Assembly Building after being offloaded from the Pegasus barge in the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area. Once inside the VAB, the tank will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. Shipped from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, the tank has undergone major safety changes, including removal of the protuberance air load ramps. It is designated to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-116 in December. Mission STS-116 will deliver the P5 truss segment, a SPACEHAB module and other key components to the International Space Station. Launch is currently scheduled no earlier than Dec. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - External tank No. 123 makes the turn toward the Vehicle Assembly Building after being offloaded from the Pegasus barge in the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area. Once inside the VAB, the tank will be lifted into a checkout cell for further work. Shipped from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, the tank has undergone major safety changes, including removal of the protuberance air load ramps. It is designated to launch Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-116 in December. Mission STS-116 will deliver the P5 truss segment, a SPACEHAB module and other key components to the International Space Station. Launch is currently scheduled no earlier than Dec. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
Release Date	09/20/2006

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Engine No. 3 is ready to be installed on Discovery in the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3. The main engine configuration is manufactured by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne in Canoga Park, Calif., and includes a Pratt & Whitney high-pressure fuel turbo pump. Each space shuttle main engine is 14 feet long, weighs about 6,700 pounds, and is 7.5 feet in diameter at the end of the nozzle. Discovery is being processed for its next mission, STS-116 (12A.1), to deliver a third truss segment, a SPACEHAB module and other key components to the International Space Station. The launch is currently scheduled no earlier than Dec. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Description	KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Engine No. 3 is ready to be installed on Discovery in the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3. The main engine configuration is manufactured by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne in Canoga Park, Calif., and includes a Pratt & Whitney high-pressure fuel turbo pump. Each space shuttle main engine is 14 feet long, weighs about 6,700 pounds, and is 7.5 feet in diameter at the end of the nozzle. Discovery is being processed for its next mission, STS-116 (12A.1), to deliver a third truss segment, a SPACEHAB module and other key components to the International Space Station. The launch is currently scheduled no earlier than Dec. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Release Date	09/13/2006

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Browse All : Space Shuttle Orbiter of Washington, D.C. from 2006