NASA’s C-20A with Generation Orbit’s hypersonic testbed attached is chased by the agency’s F-18 jet for safety and photography.

In the skies above NASA Armstrong in Southern California, Generation Orbit’s hypersonic pod is flight tested on agency C-20A.

NASA’s C-20A with Generation Orbit’s hypersonic pod attached undergoes flight test overs skies of Armstrong Flight Research Center.

This magnified view illustrates the general orientation of the propeller features in Saturn rings as they orbit the planet.

This perspective view, generated from high resolution images acquired by NASA Cassini orbiter, highlights one of the wall scarps of the medial trough of Cairo Sulcus on Enceladus.

This perspective view, generated from high resolution images acquired by NASA Cassini orbiter, highlights one of the wall scarps of the medial trough of Baghdad Sulcus on Enceladus.

This perspective view, generated from high resolution images acquired by NASA Cassini orbiter, highlights one of the wall scarps of the medial trough of Damascus Sulcus on Enceladus.

This graphic depicting the bulk density of the lunar highlands on the near and far sides of the moon was generated using gravity data from NASA GRAIL mission and topography data from NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.

This image from NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft was acquired to look for frost on these generally equator-facing slopes on Mars, which are visible in the shadows after enhancing the brightness levels.

Many types of craters exist on Mars. Most are generated by impacts of asteroids and comets. However, in this image captured by NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, the craters may be due to steam explosions.

This computer-generated view based on multiple orbital observations shows Mars Gale crater. NASA is considering Gale as a possible landing site for the Mars Science Laboratory mission.

This false-color polar map was generated from images obtained by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mars Color Imager MARCI. It shows a large local dust storm that researchers were monitoring on May 25, 2008.

This graphic depicting the bulk density of the lunar highlands on the near and far sides of the moon was generated using gravity data from NASA GRAIL mission and topography data from NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.

This computer-generated view based on multiple orbital observations shows Mars Gale crater as if seen from an aircraft northwest of the crater. NASA has selected Gale as the landing site for the Mars Science Laboratory mission.

This is a synthesized, oblique view of a portion of the wall terraces of Mojave Crater in the Xanthe Terra region of Mars. It is a digital terrain model generated from a stereo pair of images from NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.

This global map of Mars was acquired on Aug. 2, 2012, by the Mars Color Imager instrument on NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. One global map is generated each day to forecast weather conditions for the entry, descent and landing of NASA Curiosity.

This whole area, located in Solis Planum, is an interesting, tectonic terrain south of Noctis Labrynthus which generally slopes toward the south as seen by NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft. Transverse aeolian ridges -- or TAR -- are mysterious, wind-blown features that are intermediate in size between ripples and much larger sand dunes. Ripples form from hopping sand grains, and dunes form from sand grains being blown over longer distances. One hypothesis for TAR formation is that larger grains like pebbles are rolled on top of smaller ripples; then, finer dust settles into the cracks, "inflating" the pebbles, making the TAR larger than typical ripples. Looking between the TAR, one sees a network of ancient, beaten-up channels that were carved by water, lava, or both. This whole area is located in Solis Planum, an interesting, tectonic terrain south of Noctis Labrynthus which generally slopes toward the south. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA20157

This movie was generated using imagery collected on Oct. 29, 2018, during Juno's 16th perijove (the point at which an orbit comes closest to Jupiter's center). Citizen scientists Gerald Eichstädt created this movie using data from the spacecraft's JunoCam imager. Movie available at https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA22906. - Enhanced image by Gerald Eichstädt (CC-BY) based on images provided courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS/SPICE

This is a photograph of a technician checking on a solar array wing for the Orbital Workshop as it is deployed. A solar array, consisting of two wings covered on one side with solar cells, was mounted outside the workshop to generate electrical power to augment the power generated by another solar array mounted on the solar observatory.

VANDENBERG AFB, CALIF. - Logos identify the mission of this Delta II rocket that will launch the Gravity Probe B experiment, developed by Stanford University, Lockheed Martin and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The Gravity Probe B will launch a payload of four gyroscopes into low-Earth polar orbit to test two extraordinary predictions of Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity: the geodetic effect (how space and time are warped by the presence of the Earth) and frame dragging (how Earth’s rotation drags space and time around with it). Once in orbit, for 18 months each gyroscope’s spin axis will be monitored as it travels through local spacetime, observing and measuring these effects. The targeted launch date is Dec. 6, 2003.

VANDENBERG AFB, CALIF. - Logos identify the mission of this Delta II rocket that will launch the Gravity Probe B experiment, developed by Stanford University, Lockheed Martin and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The Gravity Probe B will launch a payload of four gyroscopes into low-Earth polar orbit to test two extraordinary predictions of Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity: the geodetic effect (how space and time are warped by the presence of the Earth) and frame dragging (how Earth’s rotation drags space and time around with it). Once in orbit, for 18 months each gyroscope’s spin axis will be monitored as it travels through local spacetime, observing and measuring these effects. The targeted launch date is Dec. 6, 2003.

A stereo pair of images from taken from Mars orbit were used to generate a digital elevation model that is the basis for this simulated perspective view of Cape

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, manages the Space Launch Initiative (SLI), NASA's priority developmental program focused on empowering America's leadership in space. SLI includes commercial, higher education and defense partnerships and contracts to offer widespread participation in both the risk and success of developing our nation's next-generation reusable launch vehicle. This photo depicts an artist's concept of a future second-generation launch vehicle during separation of stages. For SLI, architecture definition includes all components of the next-generation reusable launch system: Earth-to-orbit vehicles (the Space Shuttle is the first-generation earth-to-orbit vehicle), crew transfer vehicles, transfer stages, ground processing systems, flight operations systems, and development of business case strategies. Three contractor teams have each been funded to develop potential second generation reusable launch system architectures: The Boeing Company of Seal Beach, California; Lockheed Martin Corporation of Denver, Colorado; a team including Northrop Grumman of El Segundo, California; and Orbital Sciences Corporation of Dulles, Virginia.

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, manages the Space Launch Initiative (SLI), NASA's priority developmental program focused on empowering America's leadership in space. SLI includes commercial, higher education, and Defense partnerships and contracts to offer widespread participation in both the risk and success of developing our nation's next-generation reusable launch vehicle. This photo depicts an artist's concept of a future second-generation launch vehicle enroute to the International Space Station. For the SLI, architecture definition includes all components of the next-generation reusable launch system: Earth-to-orbit vehicles (the Space Shuttle is the first generation earth-to-orbit vehicle), crew transfer vehicles, transfer stages, ground processing systems, flight operations systems, and development of business case strategies. Three contractor teams have each been funded to develop potential second-generation reusable launch system architectures: The Boeing Company of Seal Beach, California; Lockheed Martin Corporation of Denver, Colorado along with a team including Northrop Grumman of El Segundo, California; and Orbital Sciences Corporation of Dulles, Virginia.

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, manages the Space Launch Initiative (SLI), NASA's priority developmental program focused on empowering America's leadership in space. SLI includes commercial, higher education, and defense partnerships and contracts to offer widespread participation in both the risk and success of developing our nation's next-generation reusable launch vehicle. This photo depicts an artist's concept of a future second-generation launch vehicle. For the SLI, architecture definition includes all components of the next-generation reusable launch system: Earth-to-orbit vehicles (the Space Shuttle is the first generation earth-to-orbit vehicle), crew transfer vehicles, transfer stages, ground processing systems, flight operations systems, and development of business case strategies. Three contractor teams have each been funded to develop potential second- generation reusable launch system architectures: The Boeing Company of Seal Beach, California; Lockheed Martin Corporation of Denver, Colorado along with a team including Northrop Grumman of El Segundo, California; and Orbital Sciences Corporation of Dulles, Virginia.

JSC2006-E-43512 (October 2006) --- Computer-generated artist's rendering of the International Space Station after flight ULF3. U.S. Orbiter delivers EXPRESS Logistics Carrier 1 (ELC1) and EXPRESS Logistics Carrier 2 (ELC2).

iss073e0008223(May 1, 2025) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 72 Flight Engineer Nichole Ayers is pictured during a spacewalk to upgrade the orbital outpost's power generation system and relocate a communications antenna.

Stennis Space Center employees continue work on the A-3 Test Stand test cell. The stand is being built to test next-generation rocket engines that could carry humans beyond low-Earth orbit into deep space.

JSC2006-E-43508 (October 2006) --- Computer-generated artist's rendering of the International Space Station after flight ULF2. U.S. Orbiter brings Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM).

iss064e003738 (Nov. 8, 2020) --- The snow-capped peaks of the Andes Mountains in southern Chile, with General Carrera Lake at bottom left, are pictured from the International Space Station as it orbited above South America.

STS077-392-004 (19-29 May 1996) --- Inside the Spacehab Module onboard the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Endeavour, astronaut Andrew S. W. Thomas works with the Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus (CGBA) experiment. Thomas joined five other NASA astronauts for nine days of research and experimentation in Earth-orbit.

iss071e516947 (Aug. 18, 2024) --- Oklahoma City, the capital of Oklahoma with a population of over 680,000, is pictured from the International Space Station as it orbited 259 miles above. At lower right, near Lake Stanley Draper is Tinker Air Force Base named in honor of Major General Clarence L. Tinker, the first Native American major general.

iss069e005102 (April 24, 2023) --- UAE (United Arab Emirates) astronaut and Expedition 69 Flight Engineer Sultan Alneyadi is pictured trying on his Extravehicular Mobility Unit, or spacesuit, and testing it ahead of a spacewalk planned for Friday, April 28. Alneyadi, along with NASA astronaut Stephen Bowen, will spend about six-and-a-half hours in the vacuum of space continuing to upgrade the International Space Station’s power generation system readying the orbiting lab for its next set of roll-out solar arrays.

iss069e005093 (April 24, 2023) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 69 Flight Engineer Stephen Bowen is pictured trying on his Extravehicular Mobility Unit, or spacesuit, and testing it ahead of a spacewalk planned for Friday, April 28. Bowen, along with UAE (United Arab Emirates) astronaut Sultan Alneyadi, will spend about six-and-a-half hours in the vacuum of space continuing to upgrade the International Space Station’s power generation system readying the orbiting lab for its next set of roll-out solar arrays.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA Manager Steve Cain explains aspects of Space Shuttle processing to Consul General of Japan Ko Kodaira and his family in the Orbiter Processing Facility during their visit to Kennedy Space Center (KSC). From left are Kodaira's wife Marie, his daughter Reiko, Kodaira, and Cain, Senior Future International Space Station Element Manager. Kodaira is touring the facilities at KSC at the invitation of the local office of the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) to acquaint him with KSC's unique processing capabilities.

In this illustration, a Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft is shown in low-Earth orbit. NASA is partnering with Boeing and SpaceX to build a new generation of human-rated spacecraft capable of taking astronauts to the International Space Station and expanding research opportunities in orbit. Boeing's upcoming Orbital Flight Test is part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Transportation Capability contract with the goal of returning human spaceflight launch capabilities to the United States.

AS17-145-22287 (7-19 Dec. 1972) --- An oblique view of the large crater Copernicus on the lunar nearside, as photographed from the Apollo 17 spacecraft in lunar orbit. This view is looking generally southwest toward the crater on the horizon. The coordinates of the center of Copernicus are approximately 20 degrees west longitude and 9.5 degrees north latitude.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – John Elbon, The Boeing Company's vice president general manager of Boeing Space Systems, discusses the CST-100 spacecraft during a ceremony inside Orbiter Processing Facility 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – John Elbon, The Boeing Company's vice president general manager of Boeing Space Systems, discusses the CST-100 spacecraft during a ceremony inside Orbiter Processing Facility 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

JSC2006-E-43517 (October 2006) --- Computer-generated artist's rendering of the International Space Station after flight ULF5. U.S. Orbiter delivers EXPRESS Logistics Carrier-5 (ELC-5). Pirs Docking Compartment moves to zenith (top) port of Zvezda Service Module.

S106-E-5181 (13 September 2000) --- Astronaut Terrence W. Wilcutt, mission commander, works on the mid deck of the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Atlantis. The commander was likely doing a daily status check on the Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus (CGBA).

iss073e0010607 (May 1, 2025) --- NASA astronauts Anne McClain (top) and Nichole Ayers (below), both Expedition 73 flight engineers, are pictured near one of the International Space Station's main solar arrays during a spacewalk to upgrade the orbital outpost's power generation system and relocate a communications antenna.

iss073e0008485 (May 1, 2025) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 72 Flight Engineer Anne McClain is pictured near one of the International Space Station's main solar arrays during a spacewalk to upgrade the orbital outpost's power generation system and relocate a communications antenna.

Rocket engine propellant tanks and cell dome top the A-3 Test Stand under construction at Stennis Space Center. The stand will test next-generation rocket engines that could carry humans beyond low-Earth orbit into deep space once more.

iss064e029029 (Feb. 2, 2021) --- Laguna San Rafael National Park comprises General Carrera Lake and the snow-capped peaks of the Andes in this picture from the International Space Station as it orbited 270 miles above southern Chile in South America.

ISS024-E-009246 (21 July 2010) --- NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson, Expedition 24 flight engineer, is pictured during troubleshooting operations of the Oxygen Generator System (OGS) hardware and replacement of an H2 (hydrogen) Dome Orbit Replaceable Unit (ORU) in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station.

iss070e37241 (Nov. 1, 2023) --- Expedition 70 Flight Engineer and NASA astronaut Loral O'Hara is pictured during a spacewalk for maintenance on the International Space Station's port solar alpha rotary joint, which allows the solar arrays to track the Sun and generate electricity to power the orbital outpost.

iss070e37272 (Nov. 1, 2023) --- Expedition 70 Flight Engineer and NASA astronaut Loral O'Hara is pictured in her spacesuit before beginning a spacewalk for maintenance on the International Space Station's port solar alpha rotary joint, which allows the solar arrays to track the Sun and generate electricity to power the orbital outpost.

JSC2005-E-21684 (June 2005) --- Computer-generated artist's rendering of the International Space Station following scheduled activities of June 19, 2005. This angle shows the starboard side of the orbiting complex. Progress 18 resupply vehicle docks to the aft end of the Zvezda Service Module. Soyuz 10 remains docked to Pirs.

iss073e0008235 (May 1, 2025) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 72 Flight Engineer Anne McClain points a camera towards herself and takes a "space-selfie" during a spacewalk to upgrade the orbital outpost's power generation system and relocate a communications antenna. Reflected in her helmet's visor is fellow spacewalker and NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers.

JSC2005-E-21681 (June 2005) --- Computer-generated artist's rendering of the International Space Station following scheduled activities of June 15, 2005. This angle shows the port side of the orbiting complex. Progress 17 resupply vehicle undocks from the aft end of the Zvezda Service Module. Soyuz 10 remains docked to Pirs.

JSC2005-E-21682 (June 2005) --- Computer-generated artist's rendering of the International Space Station following scheduled activities of June 15, 2005. This angle shows the starboard side of the orbiting complex. Progress 17 resupply vehicle undocks from the aft end of the Zvezda Service Module. Soyuz 10 remains docked to Pirs.

JSC2006-E-43514 (October 2006) --- Computer-generated artist's rendering of the International Space Station after flight 19A. U.S. Orbiter brings Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) and Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure Carrier (LMC).

JSC2005-E-21683 (June 2005) --- Computer-generated artist's rendering of the International Space Station following scheduled activities of June 19, 2005. This angle shows the port side of the orbiting complex. Progress 18 resupply vehicle docks to the aft end of the Zvezda Service Module. Soyuz 10 remains docked to Pirs.

STS040-224-005 (5-14 June 1991) --- Astronaut Tamara E. Jernigan, STS-40 mission specialist, conducts an evaluation of the General Purpose Work Station (GPWS) in the Spacelab Life Sciences (SLS-1) module onboard the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Columbia. The photograph was taken with a 35mm camera.

iss071e581990 (Aug. 31, 2024) --- The SpaceX Dragon Endeavour spacecraft is pictured docked to the International Space Station's space-facing port on the Harmony module. Behind Dragon is a pair of main solar arrays fronted by a smaller roll-out solar array augmenting the orbital outpost's power generation system.

Rocket engine propellant tanks and cell dome top the A-3 Test Stand under construction at Stennis Space Center. The stand will test next-generation rocket engines that could carry humans beyond low-Earth orbit into deep space once more.

S64-05966 (1964) --- Diagram shows the general arrangement of the liquid rocket systems on the Gemini spacecraft are shown. The locations of the 25-pound, 85-pound and 100-pound thrusters of the orbital attitude and maneuver system and the 25-pound thrusters of the re-entry control system are shown.

A J-2X next-generation rocket engine is lifted onto the A-2 Test Stand at Stennis Space Center. Testing of the engine began the following month. The engine is being developed for NASA by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne and could help carry humans beyond low-Earth orbit into deep space once more.

VANDENBERG AFB, CALIF. - Workers on the mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., check the Delta II rocket’s second stage as it is mated with the first stage. The Delta II is the launch vehicle for the Gravity Probe B experiment, developed by Stanford University, Lockheed Martin and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The Gravity Probe B will launch a payload of four gyroscopes into low-Earth polar orbit to test two extraordinary predictions of Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity: the geodetic effect (how space and time are warped by the presence of the Earth) and frame dragging (how Earth’s rotation drags space and time around with it). Once in orbit, for 18 months each gyroscope’s spin axis will be monitored as it travels through local spacetime, observing and measuring these effects. The targeted launch date is Dec. 6, 2003.

VANDENBERG AFB, CALIF. - A worker in the spacecraft processing facility on North Vandenberg Air Force Base checks the Gravity Probe B experiment during prelaunch testing. The Gravity Probe B will launch a payload of four gyroscopes into low-Earth polar orbit to test two extraordinary predictions of Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity: the geodetic effect (how space and time are warped by the presence of the Earth) and frame dragging (how Earth’s rotation drags space and time around with it). Once in orbit, for 18 months each gyroscope’s spin axis will be monitored as it travels through local spacetime, observing and measuring these effects. The experiment was developed by Stanford University, Lockheed Martin and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The targeted launch date is Dec. 6, 2003.

VANDENBERG AFB, CALIF. - The first stage of the Delta II launch vehicle for the Gravity Probe B experiment is raised to a vertical position at Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Gravity Probe B will launch a payload of four gyroscopes into low-Earth polar orbit to test two extraordinary predictions of Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity: the geodetic effect (how space and time are warped by the presence of the Earth) and frame dragging (how Earth’s rotation drags space and time around with it). Once in orbit, for 18 months each gyroscope’s spin axis will be monitored as it travels through local spacetime, observing and measuring these effects. The experiment was developed by Stanford University, Lockheed Martin and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The targeted launch date is Dec. 6, 2003.

VANDENBERG AFB, CALIF. - The second stage of the Delta II launch vehicle for the Gravity Probe B experiment arrives at the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Gravity Probe B will launch a payload of four gyroscopes into low-Earth polar orbit to test two extraordinary predictions of Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity: the geodetic effect (how space and time are warped by the presence of the Earth) and frame dragging (how Earth’s rotation drags space and time around with it). Once in orbit, for 18 months each gyroscope’s spin axis will be monitored as it travels through local spacetime, observing and measuring these effects. The experiment was developed by Stanford University, Lockheed Martin and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The targeted launch date is Dec. 6, 2003.

VANDENBERG AFB, CALIF. - The interstage of the Delta II launch vehicle for the Gravity Probe B experiment is moved into the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., where it will be mated with the second stage. The Gravity Probe B will launch a payload of four gyroscopes into low-Earth polar orbit to test two extraordinary predictions of Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity: the geodetic effect (how space and time are warped by the presence of the Earth) and frame dragging (how Earth’s rotation drags space and time around with it). Once in orbit, for 18 months each gyroscope’s spin axis will be monitored as it travels through local spacetime, observing and measuring these effects. The experiment was developed by Stanford University, Lockheed Martin and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The targeted launch date is Dec. 6, 2003.

VANDENBERG AFB, CALIF. - The second stage of the Delta II launch vehicle for the Gravity Probe B experiment is lifted up the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Gravity Probe B will launch a payload of four gyroscopes into low-Earth polar orbit to test two extraordinary predictions of Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity: the geodetic effect (how space and time are warped by the presence of the Earth) and frame dragging (how Earth’s rotation drags space and time around with it). Once in orbit, for 18 months each gyroscope’s spin axis will be monitored as it travels through local spacetime, observing and measuring these effects. The experiment was developed by Stanford University, Lockheed Martin and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The targeted launch date is Dec. 6, 2003.

VANDENBERG AFB, CALIF. - The interstage of the Delta II launch vehicle for the Gravity Probe B experiment is lifted up the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. It will enclose the second stage. The Gravity Probe B will launch a payload of four gyroscopes into low-Earth polar orbit to test two extraordinary predictions of Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity: the geodetic effect (how space and time are warped by the presence of the Earth) and frame dragging (how Earth’s rotation drags space and time around with it). Once in orbit, for 18 months each gyroscope’s spin axis will be monitored as it travels through local spacetime, observing and measuring these effects. The experiment was developed by Stanford University, Lockheed Martin and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The targeted launch date is Dec. 6, 2003.

VANDENBERG AFB, CALIF. - The second stage of the Delta II launch vehicle for the Gravity Probe B experiment is moved into the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Behind it can be seen the first stage of the Delta II. The Gravity Probe B will launch a payload of four gyroscopes into low-Earth polar orbit to test two extraordinary predictions of Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity: the geodetic effect (how space and time are warped by the presence of the Earth) and frame dragging (how Earth’s rotation drags space and time around with it). Once in orbit, for 18 months each gyroscope’s spin axis will be monitored as it travels through local spacetime, observing and measuring these effects. The experiment was developed by Stanford University, Lockheed Martin and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The targeted launch date is Dec. 6, 2003.

VANDENBERG AFB, CALIF. - Viewed from inside, the second stage of the Delta II launch vehicle for the Gravity Probe B experiment is lifted up the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Behind it is the first stage of the Delta II. The Gravity Probe B will launch a payload of four gyroscopes into low-Earth polar orbit to test two extraordinary predictions of Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity: the geodetic effect (how space and time are warped by the presence of the Earth) and frame dragging (how Earth’s rotation drags space and time around with it). Once in orbit, for 18 months each gyroscope’s spin axis will be monitored as it travels through local spacetime, observing and measuring these effects. The experiment was developed by Stanford University, Lockheed Martin and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The targeted launch date is Dec. 6, 2003.

VANDENBERG AFB, CALIF. - The second stage of the Delta II launch vehicle for the Gravity Probe B experiment is lifted off the transporter after its arrival on Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Gravity Probe B will launch a payload of four gyroscopes into low-Earth polar orbit to test two extraordinary predictions of Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity: the geodetic effect (how space and time are warped by the presence of the Earth) and frame dragging (how Earth’s rotation drags space and time around with it). Once in orbit, for 18 months each gyroscope’s spin axis will be monitored as it travels through local spacetime, observing and measuring these effects. The experiment was developed by Stanford University, Lockheed Martin and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The targeted launch date is Dec. 6, 2003.

VANDENBERG AFB, CALIF. - Viewed from inside, the second stage of the Delta II launch vehicle for the Gravity Probe B experiment is lifted up the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Gravity Probe B will launch a payload of four gyroscopes into low-Earth polar orbit to test two extraordinary predictions of Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity: the geodetic effect (how space and time are warped by the presence of the Earth) and frame dragging (how Earth’s rotation drags space and time around with it). Once in orbit, for 18 months each gyroscope’s spin axis will be monitored as it travels through local spacetime, observing and measuring these effects. The experiment was developed by Stanford University, Lockheed Martin and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The targeted launch date is Dec. 6, 2003.

VANDENBERG AFB, CALIF. - The first stage of the Delta II launch vehicle for the Gravity Probe B experiment is lifted up the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Gravity Probe B will launch a payload of four gyroscopes into low-Earth polar orbit to test two extraordinary predictions of Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity: the geodetic effect (how space and time are warped by the presence of the Earth) and frame dragging (how Earth’s rotation drags space and time around with it). Once in orbit, for 18 months each gyroscope’s spin axis will be monitored as it travels through local spacetime, observing and measuring these effects. The experiment was developed by Stanford University, Lockheed Martin and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The targeted launch date is Dec. 6, 2003.

VANDENBERG AFB, CALIF. - In the spacecraft processing facility on North Vandenberg Air Force Base, the Gravity Probe B experiment sits on an assembly and test stand where it has been subject to various prelaunch testing. The Gravity Probe B will launch a payload of four gyroscopes into low-Earth polar orbit to test two extraordinary predictions of Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity: the geodetic effect (how space and time are warped by the presence of the Earth) and frame dragging (how Earth’s rotation drags space and time around with it). Once in orbit, for 18 months each gyroscope’s spin axis will be monitored as it travels through local spacetime, observing and measuring these effects. The experiment was developed by Stanford University, Lockheed Martin and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The targeted launch date is Dec. 6, 2003.

VANDENBERG AFB, CALIF. - The second stage of the Delta II launch vehicle for the Gravity Probe B experiment arrives at the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Gravity Probe B will launch a payload of four gyroscopes into low-Earth polar orbit to test two extraordinary predictions of Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity: the geodetic effect (how space and time are warped by the presence of the Earth) and frame dragging (how Earth’s rotation drags space and time around with it). Once in orbit, for 18 months each gyroscope’s spin axis will be monitored as it travels through local spacetime, observing and measuring these effects. The experiment was developed by Stanford University, Lockheed Martin and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The targeted launch date is Dec. 6, 2003.

VANDENBERG AFB, CALIF. - The first stage of the Delta II launch vehicle for the Gravity Probe B experiment arrives at Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Gravity Probe B will launch a payload of four gyroscopes into low-Earth polar orbit to test two extraordinary predictions of Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity: the geodetic effect (how space and time are warped by the presence of the Earth) and frame dragging (how Earth’s rotation drags space and time around with it). Once in orbit, for 18 months each gyroscope’s spin axis will be monitored as it travels through local spacetime, observing and measuring these effects. The experiment was developed by Stanford University, Lockheed Martin and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The targeted launch date is Dec. 6, 2003.

VANDENBERG AFB, CALIF. - The interstage of the Delta II launch vehicle for the Gravity Probe B experiment is prepared for lifting up the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. It will enclose the second stage. The Gravity Probe B will launch a payload of four gyroscopes into low-Earth polar orbit to test two extraordinary predictions of Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity: the geodetic effect (how space and time are warped by the presence of the Earth) and frame dragging (how Earth’s rotation drags space and time around with it). Once in orbit, for 18 months each gyroscope’s spin axis will be monitored as it travels through local spacetime, observing and measuring these effects. The experiment was developed by Stanford University, Lockheed Martin and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The targeted launch date is Dec. 6, 2003.

VANDENBERG AFB, CALIF. - The interstage of the Delta II launch vehicle for the Gravity Probe B experiment is moved into the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., where it will be mated with the second stage. The Gravity Probe B will launch a payload of four gyroscopes into low-Earth polar orbit to test two extraordinary predictions of Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity: the geodetic effect (how space and time are warped by the presence of the Earth) and frame dragging (how Earth’s rotation drags space and time around with it). Once in orbit, for 18 months each gyroscope’s spin axis will be monitored as it travels through local spacetime, observing and measuring these effects. The experiment was developed by Stanford University, Lockheed Martin and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The targeted launch date is Dec. 6, 2003.

VANDENBERG AFB, CALIF. - The first stage of the Delta II launch vehicle for the Gravity Probe B experiment is ready to be lifted up the mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The Gravity Probe B will launch a payload of four gyroscopes into low-Earth polar orbit to test two extraordinary predictions of Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity: the geodetic effect (how space and time are warped by the presence of the Earth) and frame dragging (how Earth’s rotation drags space and time around with it). Once in orbit, for 18 months each gyroscope’s spin axis will be monitored as it travels through local spacetime, observing and measuring these effects. The experiment was developed by Stanford University, Lockheed Martin and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The targeted launch date is Dec. 6, 2003.

VANDENBERG AFB, CALIF. - The mobile service tower on Space Launch Complex 2, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., rolls back from the Delta II rocket that will launch the Gravity Probe B experiment. The Gravity Probe B will launch a payload of four gyroscopes into low-Earth polar orbit to test two extraordinary predictions of Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity: the geodetic effect (how space and time are warped by the presence of the Earth) and frame dragging (how Earth’s rotation drags space and time around with it). Once in orbit, for 18 months each gyroscope’s spin axis will be monitored as it travels through local spacetime, observing and measuring these effects. The experiment was developed by Stanford University, Lockheed Martin and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The targeted launch date is Dec. 6, 2003.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jay Feaster, general manager of the National Hockey League 2004 Champions Tampa Bay Lightning, stands next to the Stanley Cup, which he brought to KSC while on a tour. The cup stands next to the orbiter Discovery in the Orbiter Processing Facility. The cup was also briefly available for viewing by employees in the KSC Training Auditorium. The Stanley Cup weighs 35 pounds and is more than 100 years old. The Lightning will be added to the cup in September.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers prepare to remove shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers use a crane to grapple shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod for removal. It then will be transported to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

The space shuttle Endeavour is seen as it traverses through Inglewood, Calif. on Friday, Oct. 12, 2012. Endeavour, built as a replacement for space shuttle Challenger, completed 25 missions, spent 299 days in orbit, and orbited Earth 4,671 times while traveling 122,883,151 miles. Beginning Oct. 30, the shuttle will be on display in the CSC's Samuel Oschin Space Shuttle Endeavour Display Pavilion, embarking on its new mission to commemorate past achievements in space and educate and inspire future generations of explorers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers monitor an overhead crane as it lowers shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod toward a transporter. It then will be moved to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers prepare to remove shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an overhead crane lowered shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod onto a transporter. It then will be moved to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers use a crane to grapple shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod for removal. It then will be transported to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers monitor an overhead crane as it lowers shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod toward a transporter. It then will be moved to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers monitor an overhead crane as it lowers shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod toward a transporter. It then will be moved to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers use a crane to grapple shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod for removal. It then will be transported to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers use a crane to remove shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod. It then will be transported to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an overhead crane removes shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod. It then will be transported to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers use a crane to grapple shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod for removal. It then will be transported to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

JSC2011-E-037291 (May 2011) --- Computer-generated artist?s rendering of the International Space Station as of May 30, 2011. STS-134 space shuttle Endeavour departs, leaving new hardware: the Express Logistics Carrier 3 (ELC3) and Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS); and installed the Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS) on the S1 truss. This angle shows the port side of the orbiting complex. Photo credit: NASA

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The specialized engine installer is moved near space shuttle Discovery as technicians prepare to remove the three main engines from the orbiter. The work is taking place in Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The transition and retirement processing is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for display. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an overhead crane removes shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod. It then will be transported to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

The space shuttle Endeavour is seen as it traverses through Inglewood, California on Friday, Oct. 2012. Endeavour, built as a replacement for space shuttle Challenger, completed 25 missions, spent 299 days in orbit, and orbited Earth 4,671 times while traveling 122,883,151 miles. Beginning Oct. 30, the shuttle will be on display in the CSC’s Samuel Oschin Space Shuttle Endeavour Display Pavilion, embarking on its new mission to commemorate past achievements in space and educate and inspire future generations of explorers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers position shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod onto a transporter. It then will be moved to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers use a crane to grapple shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod for removal. It then will be transported to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers remove shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers climb up to the level where a crane is being used to grapple shuttle Discovery's right-hand orbital maneuvering system, or OMS, pod for removal. It then will be transported to the Hypergol Maintenance Facility. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller