STS-27 Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104, is suspended via overhead crane, attached at four points, in the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). Below OV-104 on the mobile launcher platform are the external tank (ET) and solid rocket boosters (SRBs). During ET/SRB mating operations, OV-104 will be mounted atop the ET.

STS-27 Atlantis, OV-104, ET/SRB mating operations at KSC VAB

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, external fuel tank, ET-138, for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 mission, is lowered into high bay-1 for joining with the twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. Shuttle Atlantis' move, or "rollover," from Orbiter Processing Facility-1 to the VAB is targeted for May 10. Once there it will be mated with the external tank and boosters. Atlantis and its crew of four will deliver the Raffaello multipurpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. STS-135 is targeted to launch June 28, and will be the last spaceflight for the Space Shuttle Program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, external fuel tank, ET-138, for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 mission, is lowered into high bay-1 for joining with the twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. Shuttle Atlantis' move, or "rollover," from Orbiter Processing Facility-1 to the VAB is targeted for May 10. Once there it will be mated with the external tank and boosters. Atlantis and its crew of four will deliver the Raffaello multipurpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. STS-135 is targeted to launch June 28, and will be the last spaceflight for the Space Shuttle Program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers monitor the progress of external fuel tank, ET-138, for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 mission, as it is positioned between the twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform in high bay-1. Shuttle Atlantis' move, or "rollover," from Orbiter Processing Facility-1 to the VAB is targeted for May 10. Once there it will be mated with the external tank and boosters. Atlantis and its crew of four will deliver the Raffaello multipurpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. STS-135 is targeted to launch June 28, and will be the last spaceflight for the Space Shuttle Program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, external fuel tank, ET-138, for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 mission, is being lowered between the twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform in high bay-1. Shuttle Atlantis' move, or "rollover," from Orbiter Processing Facility-1 to the VAB is targeted for May 10. Once there it will be mated with the external tank and boosters. Atlantis and its crew of four will deliver the Raffaello multipurpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. STS-135 is targeted to launch June 28, and will be the last spaceflight for the Space Shuttle Program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers monitor the progress of external fuel tank, ET-138, for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 mission, as it is lifted from its test cell for transfer to high bay-1 for joining with the twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. Shuttle Atlantis' move, or "rollover," from Orbiter Processing Facility-1 to the VAB is targeted for May 10. Once there it will be mated with the external tank and boosters. Atlantis and its crew of four will deliver the Raffaello multipurpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. STS-135 is targeted to launch June 28, and will be the last spaceflight for the Space Shuttle Program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers guide external fuel tank, ET-138, for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 mission, as it is lowered into high bay-1 between the twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. Shuttle Atlantis' move, or "rollover," from Orbiter Processing Facility-1 to the VAB is targeted for May 10. Once there it will be mated with the external tank and boosters. Atlantis and its crew of four will deliver the Raffaello multipurpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. STS-135 is targeted to launch June 28, and will be the last spaceflight for the Space Shuttle Program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 mission, ET-138, is prepared for transfer from its test cell to high bay-1 for joining with the twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. Shuttle Atlantis' move, or "rollover," from Orbiter Processing Facility-1 to the VAB is targeted for May 10. Once there it will be mated with the external tank and boosters. Atlantis and its crew of four will deliver the Raffaello multipurpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. STS-135 is targeted to launch June 28, and will be the last spaceflight for the Space Shuttle Program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers monitor the progress of external fuel tank, ET-138, for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 mission, as it is lowered into high bay-1 between the twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. Shuttle Atlantis' move, or "rollover," from Orbiter Processing Facility-1 to the VAB is targeted for May 10. Once there it will be mated with the external tank and boosters. Atlantis and its crew of four will deliver the Raffaello multipurpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. STS-135 is targeted to launch June 28, and will be the last spaceflight for the Space Shuttle Program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers guide external fuel tank, ET-138, for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 mission, as it is lowered into high bay-1 between the twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. Shuttle Atlantis' move, or "rollover," from Orbiter Processing Facility-1 to the VAB is targeted for May 10. Once there it will be mated with the external tank and boosters. Atlantis and its crew of four will deliver the Raffaello multipurpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. STS-135 is targeted to launch June 28, and will be the last spaceflight for the Space Shuttle Program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, external fuel tank, ET-138, for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 mission, is transferred to high bay-1 for joining with the twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. Shuttle Atlantis' move, or "rollover," from Orbiter Processing Facility-1 to the VAB is targeted for May 10. Once there it will be mated with the external tank and boosters. Atlantis and its crew of four will deliver the Raffaello multipurpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. STS-135 is targeted to launch June 28, and will be the last spaceflight for the Space Shuttle Program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, external fuel tank, ET-138, for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 mission, is lifted from its test cell for transfer to high bay-1 for joining with the twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. Shuttle Atlantis' move, or "rollover," from Orbiter Processing Facility-1 to the VAB is targeted for May 10. Once there it will be mated with the external tank and boosters. Atlantis and its crew of four will deliver the Raffaello multipurpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. STS-135 is targeted to launch June 28, and will be the last spaceflight for the Space Shuttle Program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers monitor the progress of external fuel tank, ET-138, for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 mission, as it is lowered into high bay-1 between the twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. Shuttle Atlantis' move, or "rollover," from Orbiter Processing Facility-1 to the VAB is targeted for May 10. Once there it will be mated with the external tank and boosters. Atlantis and its crew of four will deliver the Raffaello multipurpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. STS-135 is targeted to launch June 28, and will be the last spaceflight for the Space Shuttle Program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, external fuel tank, ET-138, for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 mission, is lifted from its test cell for transfer to high bay-1 for joining with the twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. Shuttle Atlantis' move, or "rollover," from Orbiter Processing Facility-1 to the VAB is targeted for May 10. Once there it will be mated with the external tank and boosters. Atlantis and its crew of four will deliver the Raffaello multipurpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. STS-135 is targeted to launch June 28, and will be the last spaceflight for the Space Shuttle Program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, external fuel tank, ET-138, for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 mission, is lowered into high bay-1 for joining with the twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. Shuttle Atlantis' move, or "rollover," from Orbiter Processing Facility-1 to the VAB is targeted for May 10. Once there it will be mated with the external tank and boosters. Atlantis and its crew of four will deliver the Raffaello multipurpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. STS-135 is targeted to launch June 28, and will be the last spaceflight for the Space Shuttle Program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, external fuel tank, ET-138, for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 mission, is transferred to high bay-1 for joining with the twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. Shuttle Atlantis' move, or "rollover," from Orbiter Processing Facility-1 to the VAB is targeted for May 10. Once there it will be mated with the external tank and boosters. Atlantis and its crew of four will deliver the Raffaello multipurpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. STS-135 is targeted to launch June 28, and will be the last spaceflight for the Space Shuttle Program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, external fuel tank, ET-138, for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 mission, is lowered into high bay-1 for joining with the twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. Shuttle Atlantis' move, or "rollover," from Orbiter Processing Facility-1 to the VAB is targeted for May 10. Once there it will be mated with the external tank and boosters. Atlantis and its crew of four will deliver the Raffaello multipurpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. STS-135 is targeted to launch June 28, and will be the last spaceflight for the Space Shuttle Program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, external fuel tank, ET-138, for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 mission, is positioned between the twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform in high bay-1. Shuttle Atlantis' move, or "rollover," from Orbiter Processing Facility-1 to the VAB is targeted for May 10. Once there it will be mated with the external tank and boosters. Atlantis and its crew of four will deliver the Raffaello multipurpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. STS-135 is targeted to launch June 28, and will be the last spaceflight for the Space Shuttle Program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, external fuel tank, ET-138, for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 mission, is positioned between the twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform in high bay-1. Shuttle Atlantis' move, or "rollover," from Orbiter Processing Facility-1 to the VAB is targeted for May 10. Once there it will be mated with the external tank and boosters. Atlantis and its crew of four will deliver the Raffaello multipurpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. STS-135 is targeted to launch June 28, and will be the last spaceflight for the Space Shuttle Program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 mission, ET-138, is prepared for transfer from its test cell to high bay-1 for joining with the twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. Shuttle Atlantis' move, or "rollover," from Orbiter Processing Facility-1 to the VAB is targeted for May 10. Once there it will be mated with the external tank and boosters. Atlantis and its crew of four will deliver the Raffaello multipurpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. STS-135 is targeted to launch June 28, and will be the last spaceflight for the Space Shuttle Program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers monitor the progress of external fuel tank, ET-138, for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 mission, as it is lowered into high bay-1 between the twin solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. Shuttle Atlantis' move, or "rollover," from Orbiter Processing Facility-1 to the VAB is targeted for May 10. Once there it will be mated with the external tank and boosters. Atlantis and its crew of four will deliver the Raffaello multipurpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. STS-135 is targeted to launch June 28, and will be the last spaceflight for the Space Shuttle Program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

STS-26 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, ET/SRB mating in KSC VAB

S88-41541 (7 July 1988) --- STS-26 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, is suspended by overhead crane and large frame attached to vehicle at four points. A ground-level view shows OV-103 during operations to accomplish its mating to two solid rocket boosters (SRBs) and an external fuel tank (ET) in the vehicle assembly building (VAB) at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). From this step OV-103 will be lifted vertically and hoisted high inside the VAB for mating with the already connected ET and SRBs. In less than two weeks, the combined components will be rolled to Pad 39B atop a mobile launch platform.

STS-27 external tank (ET) transfer into KSC's VAB

S88-37367 (March 28, 1988) --- The external tank (ET) for STS-27 arrived at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) today via ocean going barge and was moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) where preparations will soon begin to ready it for the second return flight launch of the Space Shuttle. The tank is 154 feet long, 27.5 feet in diameter, and holds a total of 1,585,379 pounds of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen fuel - fuel which is used by the orbiter's main engines during launch. The empty burnt orange colored tank weighs 1,667,677 pounds and is the only piece of flight hardware not recovered for reuse.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers check the progress of external fuel tank ET-131 as it is lowered into a high bay for checkout. ET-131 will be used on space shuttle Endeavour's STS-127 mission. Payload for the mission is the Japanese Experiment Module's Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES. Launch is targeted for June. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, external fuel tank ET-131 has been lifted into the upper levels and is moving above a high bay. The fuel tank will be lowered onto a stand for checkout. ET-131 will be used on space shuttle Endeavour's STS-127 mission. Payload for the mission is the Japanese Experiment Module's Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES. Launch is targeted for June. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, external fuel tank ET-131 is being raised to a vertical position. It will be lifted into the upper levels and lowered into a checkout bay. ET-131 will be used on space shuttle Endeavour's STS-127 mission. Payload for the mission is the Japanese Experiment Module's Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES. Launch is targeted for June. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers check the progress of external fuel tank ET-131 as it is lowered into a high bay for checkout. ET-131 will be used on space shuttle Endeavour's STS-127 mission. Payload for the mission is the Japanese Experiment Module's Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES. Launch is targeted for June. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, external fuel tank ET-131 is suspended by a crane over the transfer aisle. It will be lifted into the upper levels and lowered into a checkout bay. ET-131 will be used on space shuttle Endeavour's STS-127 mission. Payload for the mission is the Japanese Experiment Module's Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES. Launch is targeted for June. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, external fuel tank ET-131 is being lowered into a high bay for checkout. ET-131 will be used on space shuttle Endeavour's STS-127 mission. Payload for the mission is the Japanese Experiment Module's Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES. Launch is targeted for June. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, external fuel tank ET-131 is lifted from its transporter. It will be raised to vertical and then lifted into the upper levels and lowered into a checkout bay. ET-131 will be used on space shuttle Endeavour's STS-127 mission. Payload for the mission is the Japanese Experiment Module's Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES. Launch is targeted for June. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers check the progress of external fuel tank ET-131 as it is lowered into a high bay for checkout. ET-131 will be used on space shuttle Endeavour's STS-127 mission. Payload for the mission is the Japanese Experiment Module's Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES. Launch is targeted for June. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The suspension of external fuel tank ET-131 over the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is viewed from an upper level. The fuel tank will be lifted into the upper levels and lowered into a high bay for checkout. ET-131 will be used on space shuttle Endeavour's STS-127 mission. Payload for the mission is the Japanese Experiment Module's Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES. Launch is targeted for June. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

STS-335 LON ET-122 OFFLOAD FROM PEGASUS BARGE AND XFER TO VAB

2010-4898

2010-4891