Spacecraft in Gravity Off-load Fixture (GOLF), System Test configuration - Arisa Waddle – Test Engineer, Rick Wilson – Lead Test Engineer

View of javelin and golf ball on lunar surface during Apollo 14 EVA

AS14-66-9337 (6 Feb. 1971) --- This view shows the "javelin" and golf ball used by astronaut Alan B. Shepard Jr., commander, during the mission's second extravehicular activity (EVA) on Feb. 6, 1971. Just to the left of center lies the "javelin", with the golf ball just below it, almost perpendicular to it. Dark colored trails are the results of tracks made by the lunar overshoes of the astronauts and the wheels of the modular equipment transporter (MET). This photograph was made through the right window of the Lunar Module (LM), looking northwest.

Benefit from NASA

The Ultra 500 Series golf balls, introduced in 1995 by Wilson Sporting Goods Company, has 500 dimples arranged in a pattern of 60 spherical triangles. The design employs NASA's aerodynamics technology analysis of air loads of the tank and Shuttle orbiter that was performed under the Space Shuttle External Tank program. According to Wilson, this technology provides "the most symmetrical ball surface available, sustaining initial velocity longer and producing the most stable ball flight for unmatched accuracy and distance." The dimples are in three sizes, shapes and depths mathematically positioned for the best effect. The selection of dimples and their placement optimizes the interaction of opposing forces of lift and drag. Large dimples reduce air drag, enhance lift, and maintain spin for distance. Small dimples prevent excessive lift that destabilizes the ball flight and the medium size dimples blend the other two.

ASTER View of Sharm El Sheik, Egypt

The Red Sea golf resort in Sharm El Sheik, Egypt, where President Clinton met with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat, stands out against the desert landscape in this image acquired on August 25, 2000. This image of the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula shows an area about 30 by 40 kilometers (19 by 25 miles) in the visible and near infrared wavelength region. Vegetation appears in red. The blue areas in the water at the top and bottom of the image are coral reefs. The airport is visible just to the north of the golf resort. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA02667

Ames Exchange - Tee Minus One (T-1) Golf course

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Recruiting Brochure: Shot of Bay Area Sports Activities 1979-1995 (Joe March at Moffett Golf Course)

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Wernher von Braun

X-14B NASA-704: A Bell single-place, open cockpit, twin-engine, jet-lift VTOL aircraft in flight over Sunnyvale golf course. The X-14 was used by NASA Ames Research Center to advance state-of-the-art jet-powered VTOL aircraft.

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Television transmission at end of second extravehicular activity

S71-20784 (5 Feb. 1971) --- Astronaut Alan B. Shepard Jr., Apollo 14 commander, can be seen preparing to swing at a golf ball during a television transmission near the close of the second Extravehicular Activity (EVA-2) at the Apollo 14 Fra Mauro landing site. Shepard is using a real golf ball and an actual six iron, attached to the end of the handle for the contingency sample return. Astronaut Edgar D. Mitchell, lunar module pilot, looks on. Also visible in the picture is the erectable S-Band antenna (left foreground). Astronaut Stuart A. Roosa, command module pilot, remained with the Command and Service Modules (CSM) in lunar orbit, while Shepard and Mitchell descended in the Lunar Module (LM) to explore the moon. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis, atop the mobile launcher platform, rolls back into high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building from Launch Pad 39A. 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. Photo credit: NASA/Jeff Wolfe

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This diamondback rattlesnake lies across the road near Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The diamondback is Florida's largest venomous snake and may exceed six feet in length. It occurs throughout Florida in a variety of dry habitats, such as pinelands, scrub and golf courses. Kennedy shares a boundary with the Merritt Island Wildlife Nature Refuge, which is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. Photo credit: NASA/Kenny Allen

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Highbay 1 inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, technicians look at hail damage on the external tank. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation and minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. A new target launch date has not been determined, but teams will focus on preparing Atlantis for liftoff in late April on mission STS-117. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An eastern diamondback rattlesnake warms in the sun near the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The diamondback is Florida's largest venomous snake and may exceed six feet in length. It lives throughout Florida in a variety of dry habitats, such as pinelands, scrub and golf courses. Kennedy shares a boundary with the Merritt Island Wildlife Nature Refuge, which is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Highbay 1 inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, workers secure scaffolding around the external tank to prepare it for repairs. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation and minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. A new target launch date has not been determined, but teams will focus on preparing Atlantis for liftoff in late April on mission STS-117. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Eastern diamondback rattlesnake

An eastern diamondback rattlesnake warms in the sun near the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The diamondback is Florida's largest venomous snake and may exceed six feet in length. It lives throughout Florida in a variety of dry habitats, such as pinelands, scrub and golf courses. Kennedy shares a boundary with the Merritt Island Wildlife Nature Refuge, which is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles.

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An eastern diamondback rattlesnake is spotted next to a building at the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The diamondback is Florida's largest venomous snake and may exceed six feet in length. It occurs throughout Florida in a variety of dry habitats, such as pinelands, scrub and golf courses. Kennedy shares a boundary with the Merritt Island Wildlife Nature Refuge, which is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

Eastern diamondback rattlesnake

An eastern diamondback rattlesnake slithers through the grass near the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The diamondback is Florida's largest venomous snake and may exceed six feet in length. It lives throughout Florida in a variety of dry habitats, such as pinelands, scrub and golf courses. Kennedy shares a boundary with the Merritt Island Wildlife Nature Refuge, which is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles.

Earth Observations taken by the Expedition 10 crew

ISS010-E-20111 (15 March 2005) --- Lima, Peru is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 10 crewmember on the International Space Station (ISS). Located on the broad alluvial fan of the Rimac River, Lima is the capital of Peru and the only mega city (7.7 million inhabitants in 2002) located on the western coastline of South America. The city was established by Francisco Pizarro in 1535 and became an important colonial port linking silver mines of the Altiplano of the high Andes to the east with the burgeoning Spanish empire. During the mid-20th century a significant relocation of people from rural mountain communities into the Lima metropolitan area led to its growth into a mega city. Problems now facing the metropolitan region include development of adequate water resources, control of pollution, and the potential effects of natural hazards such as earthquakes and landslides. This photograph depicts the wealthier San Isidro and Mira Flores quarters of Lima. This part of the metropolitan area is characterized by numerous vegetated parks, golf courses (such as the Lima Golf Courseapproximately 1 kilometer long), and greenbelts interspersed with residential and commercial areas. The higher proportion of dark asphalt in the street grid of the residential and commercial areas lends a purple coloration to the left portion of the image (downtown Lima is to the north). Regions with fewer built materials and vegetation are light tan. Wave patterns are visible approaching beaches, popular tourist destinations, in the lower half of the image.

Repairing the damage to Atlantis' External Tank

On an upper level of high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, technicians secure protective material around Atlantis' external tank. The preparations are for future repair work of the hail damage that happened Feb. 27. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible 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 on mission STS-117.

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After leaving Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Atlantis, atop the mobile launcher platform, comes to rest in high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building. 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

Repairing the damage to Atlantis' External Tank

On an upper level of high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, technicians prepare the area around the nose cone (foreground) of Atlantis' external tank that will undergo repair for hail damage. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible 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 on mission STS-117.

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Highbay 1 inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, an area near the top of the external tank has been covered in a red dye to help expose cracks or compression dents. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation and minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. A new target launch date has not been determined, but teams will focus on preparing Atlantis for liftoff in late April on mission STS-117. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Highbay 1 inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, technicians perform repair techniques to the external tank inside a tented area that protects the top of the tank. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation and minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. A new target launch date has not been determined, but teams will focus on preparing Atlantis for liftoff in late April on mission STS-117. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Highbay 1 inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, a technician carefully applies red dye to the external tank as part of repair operations. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation and minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. A new target launch date has not been determined, but teams will focus on preparing Atlantis for liftoff in late April on mission STS-117. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Repairing the damage to Atlantis' External Tank

On an upper level of high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, technicians secure protective material around the base of the nose cone of Atlantis' external tank. The nose cone will undergo repair for hail damage. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible 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 on mission STS-117.

Repairing the damage to Atlantis' External Tank

On an upper level of high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, technicians place protective material around the nose cone of Atlantis' external tank. The nose cone will undergo repair for hail damage. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible 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 on mission STS-117.

Repairing the damage to Atlantis' External Tank

In high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, a technician marks off an area for inspection on Atlantis' external tank. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible 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 on mission STS-117.

VIPER Drill

NASA is sending a mobile robot to the south pole of the Moon to get a close-up view of the location and concentration of water ice in the region and for the first time ever, actually sample the water ice at the same pole where the first woman and next man will land in 2024 under the Artemis program. About the size of a golf cart, the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, or VIPER, will roam several miles, using its four science instruments — including a 1-meter drill — to sample various soil environments. Planned for delivery in December 2022, VIPER will collect about 100 days of data that will be used to inform development of the first global water resource maps of the Moon. Illustration by Daniel Rutter.

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis, atop the mobile launcher platform, rolls toward the Vehicle Assembly Building. In the VAB, the shuttle 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

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Spotted near Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, this diamondback rattlesnake curls upon itself in a defensive posture. The diamondback is Florida's largest venomous snake and may exceed six feet in length. It occurs throughout Florida in a variety of dry habitats, such as pinelands, scrub and golf courses. Kennedy shares a boundary with the Merritt Island Wildlife Nature Refuge, which is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. Photo credit: NASA/Kenny Allen

Repairing the damage to Atlantis' External Tank

On an upper level of high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, technicians move protective material toward the nose cone (foreground) of Atlantis' external tank. The nose cone will undergo repair for hail damage. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible 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 on mission STS-117.

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Highbay 1 inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, a technician carefully begins to carefully sand away the red dye that has been applied to the external tank to help expose cracks or compression dents. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation and minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. A new target launch date has not been determined, but teams will focus on preparing Atlantis for liftoff in late April on mission STS-117. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Highbay 1 inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, technicians work on repair techniques to the hail-damaged external tank. They are inside a tented area that protects the tank. Scaffolding around the tank can be seen below. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation and minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. A new target launch date has not been determined, but teams will focus on preparing Atlantis for liftoff in late April on mission STS-117. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Highbay 1 inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, a technician carefully sands away the red dye that has been applied to the external tank to help expose cracks or compression dents, while another technician uses a compression hose to remove excess particles. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation and minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. A new target launch date has not been determined, but teams will focus on preparing Atlantis for liftoff in late April on mission STS-117. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An eastern diamondback rattlesnake slithers through the grass near the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The diamondback is Florida's largest venomous snake and may exceed six feet in length. It lives throughout Florida in a variety of dry habitats, such as pinelands, scrub and golf courses. Kennedy shares a boundary with the Merritt Island Wildlife Nature Refuge, which is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Highbay 1 inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, technicians begin to carefully sand away the red dye that has been applied to the external tank to help expose cracks or compression dents. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation and minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. A new target launch date has not been determined, but teams will focus on preparing Atlantis for liftoff in late April on mission STS-117. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Highbay 1 inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, a technician carefully begins to sand away the red dye that has been applied to the external tank to help expose cracks or compression dents. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation and minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. A new target launch date has not been determined, but teams will focus on preparing Atlantis for liftoff in late April on mission STS-117. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Repairing the damage to Atlantis' External Tank

On an upper level of high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, technicians prepare the area around the nose cone (left) of Atlantis' external tank that will undergo repair for hail damage. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible 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 on mission STS-117.

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building prepare materials that will be used during repair of the nose cone on Atlantis' external tank. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible 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 on mission STS-117. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Highbay 1 inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, technicians carefully apply red dye to the external tank as part of repair operations. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation and minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. A new target launch date has not been determined, but teams will focus on preparing Atlantis for liftoff in late April on mission STS-117. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis, atop the mobile launcher platform, rolls into the Vehicle Assembly Building after leaving Launch Pad 39A. In the VAB, the shuttle 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

Repairing the damage to Atlantis' External Tank

Technicians in the Vehicle Assembly Building prepare materials that will be used during repair of the nose cone on Atlantis' external tank. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible 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 on mission STS-117.

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A worker walks alongside the massive treads of the crawler-transporter that is moving Space Shuttle Atlantis back to the Vehicle Assembly Building, at right. In the VAB, the shuttle 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

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Highbay 1 inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, technicians work on repair techniques to the external tank. They are inside a tented area that protects the tank. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation and minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. A new target launch date has not been determined, but teams will focus on preparing Atlantis for liftoff in late April on mission STS-117. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, a technician marks off an area for inspection on Atlantis' external tank. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible 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 on mission STS-117. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Highbay 1 inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, technicians carefully sand away the red dye that has been applied to the external tank to help expose cracks or compression dents. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation and minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. A new target launch date has not been determined, but teams will focus on preparing Atlantis for liftoff in late April on mission STS-117. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Highbay 1 inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, technicians carefully inspect a portion of the external tank foam that has been covered in red dye to help expose cracks or compression dents. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation and minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. A new target launch date has not been determined, but teams will focus on preparing Atlantis for liftoff in late April on mission STS-117. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An eastern diamondback rattlesnake returns to its natural environs farther from the NASA News Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The diamondback is Florida's largest venomous snake and may exceed six feet in length. It occurs throughout Florida in a variety of dry habitats, such as pinelands, scrub and golf courses. Kennedy shares a boundary with the Merritt Island Wildlife Nature Refuge, which is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

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Iron-Nickel Meteorite Zapped by Mars Rover Laser

The dark, golf-ball-size object in this composite, colorized view from the Chemistry and Camera (ChemCam) instrument on NASA's Curiosity Mars rover shows a grid of shiny dots where ChemCam had fired laser pulses used for determining the chemical elements in the target's composition. The analysis confirmed that this object, informally named "Egg Rock," is an iron-nickel meteorite. Iron-nickel meteorites are a common class of space rocks found on Earth, and previous examples have been found on Mars, but Egg Rock is the first on Mars to be examined with a laser-firing spectrometer. The laser pulses on Oct. 30, 2016, induced bursts of glowing gas at the target, and ChemCam's spectrometer read the wavelengths of light from those bursts to gain information about the target's composition. The laser pulses also burned through the dark outer surface, exposing bright interior material. This view combines two images taken later the same day by ChemCam's remote micro-imager (RMI) camera, with color added from an image taken by Curiosity's Mast Camera (Mastcam). A Mastcam image of Egg Rock is at PIA21134. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA21133

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The crawler-transporter, with its massive treads, has moved under the mobile launcher platform holding Space Shuttle Atlantis on Launch Pad 39A. The crawler will move the shuttle back to the Vehicle Assembly Building where the shuttle 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

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On an upper level of high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, technicians secure protective material around Atlantis' external tank. The preparations are for future repair work of the hail damage that happened Feb. 27. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible 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 on mission STS-117. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Under blue sky streaked with contrails, Space Shuttle Atlantis, atop the mobile launcher platform, is being rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building (at left in the background) from Launch Pad 39A. In the VAB, the shuttle 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

Rolling Stones Rock

The rock in the center of this image was tossed about 3 feet (1 meter) by NASA's InSight spacecraft as it touched down on Mars on November 26, 2018. The rock was later nicknamed "Rolling Stones Rock" in honor of The Rolling Stones. A little larger than a golf ball, the rock is about 2.2 inches (5.5 centimeters) in diameter and 1 inch (2.4 centimeters) in height. A series of 10 or so divots marks the rock's course after being set in motion by the landing. It's the farthest NASA has seen a rock roll after landing a spacecraft on another planet. Though fitting, "Rolling Stones Rock" is not an official designation by the International Astronomical Union, which is responsible to approving the names given to geographical and geological features on other planets. This image, which has been cropped, was taken by the Instrument Deployment Camera (IDC) on InSight's robotic arm. The uncropped image is provided as well. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA23349

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Under a nearly clear blue sky, Space Shuttle Atlantis rolls off Launch Pad 39A back to the Vehicle Assembly Building. In the VAB, the shuttle 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

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, work is underway to repair the damage to Atlantis' external tank, seen here. Technicians will prepare the nose cone for future work. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible 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 on mission STS-117. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Mike Yagley, COBRA PUMA Golf, director of Research and Testing, briefs media representatives in Kennedy Space Center’s Press Site auditorium in preparation for the launch of the SpaceX CRS-4 mission to resupply the International Space Station. Yagley is a member of the ISS Research and Technology Panel. Dr. Eugene Boland, Techshot chief scientist, looks on at right. The mission is the fourth of 12 SpaceX flights NASA contracted with the company to resupply the space station. It will be the fifth trip by a Dragon spacecraft to the orbiting laboratory. The spacecraft’s 2.5 tons of supplies, science experiments, and technology demonstrations include critical materials to support 255 science and research investigations that will occur during the station's Expeditions 41 and 42. Liftoff is targeted for an instantaneous window at 2:14 a.m. EDT. To learn more about the mission, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/launch/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Under a nearly clear blue sky, Space Shuttle Atlantis maneuvers the curve on the crawlerway as it heads back to the Vehicle Assembly Building from Launch Pad 39A (in the background, left). In the VAB, the shuttle 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

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On an upper level of high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, technicians prepare the area around the nose cone (left) of Atlantis' external tank that will undergo repair for hail damage. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible 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 on mission STS-117. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Viewed from inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, Space Shuttle Atlantis, atop the mobile launcher platform, rolls into high bay 1 after leaving Launch Pad 39A. 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

Aero-Acoustic Propulsion Laboratory (AAPL). NASA Glenn finished construction of the the Aero-Acoustic Propulsion Facility, a world-class noise-reduction research lab, in 1991.

Modern jet engines are loud, but they used to be much louder. NASA’s Glenn Research Center has been at the forefront of the nation’s efforts to reduce aircraft engine noise for over 70 years. During this time, the center has built an array of test facilities to carry out this work, culminating in the Aero-Acoustic Propulsion Laboratory (AAPL), a world-class noise-reduction research facility. The AAPL, referred to as “the dome,” contains multiple test rigs enclosed in a large, echo-free chamber. The unique 130-foot diameter and 65-foot-high hemispherical structure stands out on Glenn’s campus. Its triangular sections make it appear like a golf ball rising from the ground. The interior is covered in spiky, fiberglass sound-dampening wedges and an overhead array of microphones that capture engine noise data.

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On an upper level of high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, technicians prepare the area around the nose cone (foreground) of Atlantis' external tank that will undergo repair for hail damage. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible 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 on mission STS-117. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Under a nearly clear blue sky, Space Shuttle Atlantis (left) is being rolled back to the Vehicle Assembly Building from Launch Pad 39A. In the VAB, the shuttle 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

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Viewed from inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, Space Shuttle Atlantis, atop the mobile launcher platform, rolls through the door of high bay 1 after leaving Launch Pad 39A. In the VAB, the shuttle 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

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Under a nearly clear blue sky, Space Shuttle Atlantis (left) rolls away from Launch Pad 39A (right) back to the Vehicle Assembly Building. In the VAB, the shuttle 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

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Seen from behind the mobile launcher platform, the orange external tank and solid rocket boosters all but hide Atlantis. The crawlerway stretches in a curve on the other side. 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

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers stride alongside the massive treads of the crawler-transporter, which is moving Space Shuttle Atlantis, atop the mobile launcher platform, to the Vehicle Assembly Building. In the VAB, the shuttle 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

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On an upper level of high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, technicians secure protective material around the base of the nose cone of Atlantis' external tank. The nose cone will undergo repair for hail damage. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible 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 on mission STS-117. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the early morning light 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

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis, atop the mobile launcher platform, rolls through the door of high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building after leaving Launch Pad 39A. In the VAB, the shuttle 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

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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

Rolling Stones Rock (Animation)

This animation illustrates NASA's InSight lander touching down on Mars, causing a rock to roll 3 feet (1 meter) as the lander touched down on Mars on Nov. 26, 2018. A little bigger than a golf ball, the rock was later nicknamed "Rolling Stones Rock" by the InSight team in honor of The Rolling Stones. A series of 10 or so divots marked the rock's course after being set in motion by the landing. It's the farthest NASA has seen a rock roll after landing a spacecraft on another planet. Though fitting, "Rolling Stones Rock" is not an official designation by the International Astronomical Union, which is responsible to approving the names given to geographical and geological features on other planets. The rock was imaged by the Instrument Deployment Camera (IDC) on InSight's robotic arm, which is not visible here. Movie available at https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA23345

Scar from One of Los Angeles' Biggest Wildfires Imaged by NASA Satellite

On Sept. 1, 2017, the La Tuna Canyon fire began in the foothills north of Los Angeles. By the time it was contained, it became one of the biggest wildfires in the history of the city in terms of sheer acreage. The fire burned several structures and resulted in a large number of evacuations. The fire could be seen over a large area, from the Hollywood Burbank airport (left side of image), to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Rose Bowl (right side of image). In this image from the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) instrument on NASA's Terra satellite, vegetation is depicted in red (golf courses are particularly prominent), and the burned area is in dark gray. The image was acquired Oct. 7, 2017, covers an area of approximately 8 by 13 miles (13.5 by 20.5 kilometers), and is located at 34.2 degrees north, 118.2 degrees west. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA22044

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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

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- As it rolls back to the Vehicle Assembly Building, Space Shuttle Atlantis, atop the mobile launcher platform, is framed in the photo by winter-stripped branches topped by spring blossoms. In the VAB, the shuttle 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

Anchorage, AK

Anchorage, Alaska and Cook Inlet are seen in this 30 by 30 km (19 by 19 miles) sub-image, acquired May 12, 2000 by the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER). Orbiting at an altitude of 705 km (430 miles) on board NASA's Terra satellite, ASTER provides data at a resolution of 15 m (47 feet) and allows creation of this simulated natural color image. At the center of the image is the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport; in the upper right corner is Elmendorf Air Force Base. Dark green coniferous forests are seen in the northwest part of the image. A golf course, with its lush green fairways, is just south of the Air Force Base. The image covers an area of 30 by 30 km, was acquired May 12, 2000, and is located at 61.2 degrees north latitude and 149.9 degrees west longitude. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA02675

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On an upper level of high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, technicians move protective material toward the nose cone (foreground) of Atlantis' external tank. The nose cone will undergo repair for hail damage. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible 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 on mission STS-117. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On an upper level of high bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, technicians place protective material around the nose cone of Atlantis' external tank. The nose cone will undergo repair for hail damage. A severe thunderstorm with golf ball-sized hail caused visible 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 on mission STS-117. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Under a nearly clear blue sky, Space Shuttle Atlantis rolls through the gate to Launch Pad 39A on its way back to the Vehicle Assembly Building. In the VAB, the shuttle 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

Crew Earth Observations (CEO) taken during Expedition 9

ISS009-E-10382 (7 June 2004) --- Tucson, Arizona is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 9 crewmember on the International Space Station (ISS). Tucson lies between the forested Catalina Mountains and the Tucson Mountains (dark reddish brown at left). The typical western North American cityscape is a pattern of regular north-south aligned rectangles outlined by major streets set one mile apart. Tucsons Randolph golf course is the large rectangular dark zone in the image center. The striking contrast between the golf course and its surroundings is due to dense grass cover maintained by frequent watering. The rectangular grid pattern disappears in the small streets of the original city center, situated along the Santa Cruz River (enters the view lower left and exits in the top left corner). Newer and less densely built-up neighborhoods in the foothills of the Catalina Mountains are designed to incorporate natural landscape features, and retain major washes with natural vegetation. This portion of the cityscape seen from space is consequently quite different from the main city grid. The foothills afford views of the city to the south and the mountains to the north and are major areas of development. Large white dots within the urban grid are the reflective rooftops of shopping malls. Tucson enjoys an important position along several major crossroads. Interstate highway I-10, which connects southern California to Florida, appears as a straight line running parallel with the Santa Cruz River northwest from Tucson in the direction of Phoenix. The I-10 traverses a well-marked alluvial fan that extends from the Santa Rita Mountains to the southeast (fine drainage pattern lower center) and exits the view lower right. Highway I-19 is the straight line (lower left) leading south from the city center, between the Santa Cruz River and rectangular spoil heaps of nearby copper mines. The I-19 connects Tucson with Nogales on the Mexican border.