Blunt Leading Edge Model in the Unitary Wind Tunnel high mach number test section.

Blunt Leading Edge Model in the Unitary Wind Tunnel high mach number test section.

Leading Edge Vortex Suppression Series

3/4 front view of Wind Tunnel investigation of the Lockheed T-33 modified for area-suction leading-edge and trailing edge flaps in Ames 40x80 foot Wind Tunnel.

Leading Edge Vortex Suppression Series with Christine Darden in photos

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, astronaut Michael E. Lopez-Alegria looks at the Reinforced Carbon Carbon panels used on the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters. He and engineers from around the Agency are on a fact-finding tour for improving the RCC panels used on the wing leading edge. The gray carbon composite RCC panels have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - - In the Orbiter Processing Facility astronaut Danny Olivas listens to Greg Grantham (left) talking about the Reinforced Carbon Carbon panels used on the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters. Behind Olivas are engineers from around the Agency who are working on improving the RCC panels used on the wing leading edge. The gray carbon composite RCC panels have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, astronaut Scott E. Parazynski discusses the Reinforced Carbon Carbon panels used on the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters. With him are engineers from around the Agency who are working on improving the RCC panels used on the wing leading edge. The gray carbon composite RCC panels have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, astronaut Scott E. Parazynski points to the Reinforced Carbon Carbon panels used on the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters. With Parazynski are engineers from around the Agency who are working on improving the RCC panels used on the wing leading edge. The gray carbon composite RCC panels have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.

Aramis System setup with Enterprise fiberglass leading edge Panel 9L

Aramis System setup with Orbiter Enterprise fiberglass leading edge Panel 9L

The U.S.-French SWOT (Surface Water and Ocean Topography) satellite captured the leading edge of a tsunami wave that rolled through the Pacific Ocean on July 30, 2025 (11:25 a.m. local time), in the wake of a magnitude 8.8 earthquake that struck Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula. The satellite captured the data about 70 minutes after the earthquake struck. The SWOT sea level measurements, shown in the highlighted swath from the satellite's ground track, is plotted against a tsunami forecast model from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Center for Tsunami Research in the background. A red star marks the location of the earthquake. The measurements show a wave height exceeding 1.5 feet (45 centimeters) as well as a look at the shape and direction of travel of the leading edge of the wave (indicated in red). Researchers noted that while the wave height might seem small, tsunamis extend from the seafloor to the ocean surface. A seemingly small wave in the open ocean can become much larger in shallower coastal waters. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA26652

3/4 front view in Ames 40x80 foot Wind Tunnel investigation of the Lockheed T-33 modified for area-suction leading-edge and trailing edge flaps.

3/4 front view of model without nacelles on regular struts. Generalized Subsonic Jet Transport model with leading edge and trailing edge blowing BLC in the 40x80 foot wind tunnel at NASA Ames.

Adrienne Veverka performing Aramis System setup with Orbiter Enterprise fiberglass leading edge Panel 9L

Application of blowing-type boundry-layer control to the leading-and trailing-edge flaps of a Change Vought XF8U-1 wing

Team members of the Leading Edge Asynchronous Propeller Technology Ground Test team include from left Brian Soukup, Sean Clarke, Douglas Howe, Dena Gruca, Kurt Papathakis, Jason Denman, Vincent Bayne and Freddie Graham.

3/4 front view of Fixed Wing SST - Lockheed SST on Ground Plane with leading edge flaps deflected in Ames 40x80 foot Wind Tunnel.

Close up documentation of the Left Side Rudder Leading Edge becoming delaminated on T-38A, NASA 962, on Dec. 6, 1983.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In an installation demonstration in the Orbiter Processing Facility, a sensor is placed on the wing leading edge of orbiter Discovery. The sensors are part of the Wing Leading Edge Impact Detection System, a new safety measure added for all future Space Shuttle missions. The system also includes accelerometers that monitor the orbiter's wings for debris impacts during launch and while in orbit. There are 22 temperature sensors and 66 accelerometers on each wing. Sensor data will flow from the wing to the crew compartment, where it will be transmitted to Earth.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In an installation demonstration the Orbiter Processing Facility, a sensor is placed on the wing leading edge of orbiter Discovery. The sensors are part of the Wing Leading Edge Impact Detection System, a new safety measure added for all future Space Shuttle missions. The system also includes accelerometers that monitor the orbiter's wings for debris impacts during launch and while in orbit. There are 22 temperature sensors and 66 accelerometers on each wing. Sensor data will flow from the wing to the crew compartment, where it will be transmitted to Earth.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During an installation demonstration the Orbiter Processing Facility, Robert Early, lead instrument engineer with United Space Alliance, holds components of the sensor system being placed on the wing leading edge of orbiter Discovery. The sensors are part of the Wing Leading Edge Impact Detection System, a new safety measure added for all future Space Shuttle missions. The system also includes accelerometers that monitor the orbiter's wings for debris impacts during launch and while in orbit. There are 22 temperature sensors and 66 accelerometers on each wing. Sensor data will flow from the wing to the crew compartment, where it will be transmitted to Earth.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, workers install C-shaped T-seals, which fit between each Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel, on the left-side wing leading edge of the orbiter Atlantis.

The F-111B with its wings swept to their maximum angle. It carried the Mission Adaptive Wing, a single-piece composite structure with leading and trailing edges that could be lowered or raised in flight.

North American F-100A NASA-200 Super Sabre airplane - wing leading edge deflected 60 degrees for increased lift with boundary=layer control; takeoff preformance was improved 10% (mar 1960)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, workers install C-shaped T-seals, which fit between each Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel, on the left-side wing leading edge of the orbiter Atlantis.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, workers install C-shaped T-seals, which fit between each Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel, on the left-side wing leading edge of the orbiter Atlantis.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, workers install C-shaped T-seals, which fit between each Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel, on the left-side wing leading edge of the orbiter Atlantis.

How differential deflection of the inboard and outboard leading-edge flaps affected the handling qualities of this modified F/A-18A was evaluated during the first check flight in the Active Aeroelastic Wing program at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center.

Leading Edge De-Icing Evaluation Test of the General Atomics Predator B Wing Section using Electro-Expulsive De-Icing System (EEDS) Testing conducted in cooperation with Wichita State University

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, workers install C-shaped T-seals, which fit between each Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel, on the left-side wing leading edge of the orbiter Atlantis.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - While talking to the media in the RLV Hangar, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach points to the model of the leading edge of an orbiter’s left wing that is being used to reconstruct Columbia’s wing with the recovered debris. The items shipped to KSC number more than 82,000 and weigh 84,800 pounds or 38 percent of the total dry weight of Columbia. Of those items, 78,760 have been identified, with 753 placed on the left wing grid in the Hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA Vehicle Manager Scott Thurston (facing camera) talks to the media in the Orbiter Processing Facility. The media was invited to see the orbiter Atlantis as it is being prepared for Return to Flight. Both local and national reporters representing print and TV networks were able to see work in progress on Atlantis, including the reinstallation of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels on the orbiter’s wing leading edge; wiring inspections; and checks of the engines in the Orbital Maneuvering System.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This is the leading edge of the wing of Discovery, which is in the Orbiter Processing Facility. The orbiter recently underwent an Orbiter Major Modification period, which included inspection, modifications and reservicing of most systems onboard. The work on Discovery also included the installation of a Multifunction Electronic Display Subsystem (MEDS) - a state-of-the-art “glass cockpit.” The orbiter is now being prepared for eventual launch on a future mission.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA Vehicle Manager Scott Thurston talks to the media in the Orbiter Processing Facility. The media was invited to see the orbiter Atlantis as it is being prepared for Return to Flight. Both local and national reporters representing print and TV networks were able to see work in progress on Atlantis, including the reinstallation of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels on the orbiter’s wing leading edge; wiring inspections; and checks of the engines in the Orbital Maneuvering System.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - United Space Alliance employee Anthony Simmons continues electrowelding on an insulator inside a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel. The gray carbon composite RCC panels are attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA Vehicle Manager Scott Thurston (left) talks to a phalanx of media in the Orbiter Processing Facility. The media was invited to see the orbiter Atlantis as it is being prepared for Return to Flight. Both local and national reporters representing print and TV networks were able to see work in progress on Atlantis, including the reinstallation of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels on the orbiter’s wing leading edge; wiring inspections; and checks of the engines in the Orbital Maneuvering System.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA Vehicle Manager Scott Thurston (facing camera) talks to the media in the Orbiter Processing Facility. The media was invited to see the orbiter Atlantis as it is being prepared for Return to Flight. Both local and national reporters representing print and TV networks were able to see work in progress on Atlantis, including the reinstallation of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels on the orbiter’s wing leading edge; wiring inspections; and checks of the engines in the Orbital Maneuvering System.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The media gather around NASA Vehicle Manager Scott Thurston (white shirt, right) who talks about some of the work being done on the orbiter Atlantis as it is being prepared for Return to Flight in the Orbiter Processing Facility. Both local and national reporters representing print and TV networks were able to see work in progress on Atlantis, including the reinstallation of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels on the orbiter’s wing leading edge; wiring inspections; and checks of the engines in the Orbital Maneuvering System.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA Vehicle Manager Scott Thurston (right) talks to the media in the Orbiter Processing Facility. The media was invited to see the orbiter Atlantis as it is being prepared for Return to Flight. Both local and national reporters representing print and TV networks were able to see work in progress on Atlantis, including the reinstallation of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels on the orbiter’s wing leading edge; wiring inspections; and checks of the engines in the Orbital Maneuvering System. will be available to discuss the work and answer questions.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA Vehicle Manager Scott Thurston (right) talks to the media in the Orbiter Processing Facility . The media was invited to see the orbiter Atlantis as it is being prepared for Return to Flight. Both local and national reporters representing print and TV networks were able to see work in progress on Atlantis, including the reinstallation of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels on the orbiter’s wing leading edge; wiring inspections; and checks of the engines in the Orbital Maneuvering System.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - United Space Alliance employee Anthony Simmons electrowelds a crack formed in the insulator inside a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel. The gray carbon composite RCC panels are attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - United Space Alliance employee Anthony Simmons continues electrowelding on an insulator inside a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel. The gray carbon composite RCC panels are attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - United Space Alliance employee Anthony Simmons checks the electroweld he performed on an insulator inside a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel. The gray carbon composite RCC panels are attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - United Space Alliance employee Anthony Simmons prepares to electroweld a crack found on an insulator inside a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel. The gray carbon composite RCC panels are attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA Vehicle Manager Scott Thurston talks to the media in the Orbiter Processing Facility. The media was invited to see the orbiter Atlantis as it is being prepared for Return to Flight. Both local and national reporters representing print and TV networks were able to see work in progress on Atlantis, including the reinstallation of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels on the orbiter’s wing leading edge; wiring inspections; and checks of the engines in the Orbital Maneuvering System.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA Vehicle Manager Scott Thurston (hands extended) talks to the media in the Orbiter Processing Facility. The media was invited to see the orbiter Atlantis as it is being prepared for Return to Flight. Both local and national reporters representing print and TV networks were able to see work in progress on Atlantis, including the reinstallation of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels on the orbiter’s wing leading edge; wiring inspections; and checks of the engines in the Orbital Maneuvering System.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, Rick Beckwith (center), an orbiter engineer with United Space Alliance, explains to the media the reinstallation of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels on the orbiter Atlantis’ wing leading edge. The media was invited to tour the OPF at KSC and to see the orbiter Atlantis as it is being prepared for Return to Flight. Both local and national reporters representing print and TV networks were able to see work in progress on Atlantis, also including wiring inspections and checks of the engines in the Orbital Maneuvering System.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project Team place debris on the mounting fixture for RCC pieces of the leading edge of Columbia’s left wing. The final shipment of debris arrived on this date - recovery efforts have been concluded in East Texas. Prior to this final shipment, the total number of items at KSC is 82,567, weighing 84,800 pounds or 38 percent of the total dry weight of Columbia. Of those items, 78,760 have been identified, with 753 placed on the left wing grid in the RLV Hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - United Space Alliance employee Anthony Simmons electrowelds a crack formed in the insulator inside a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel. The gray carbon composite RCC panels are attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, the media photograph work being done on the tiles on the orbiter Atlantis as it is being prepared for Return to Flight in the Orbiter Processing Facility. Both local and national reporters representing print and TV networks were able to see work in progress on Atlantis, including the reinstallation of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels on the orbiter’s wing leading edge; wiring inspections; and checks of the engines in the Orbital Maneuvering System.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, the media photograph work being done on the tiles on the orbiter Atlantis as it is being prepared for Return to Flight in the Orbiter Processing Facility. Both local and national reporters representing print and TV networks were able to see work in progress on Atlantis, including the reinstallation of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels on the orbiter’s wing leading edge; wiring inspections; and checks of the engines in the Orbital Maneuvering System.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF), Rick Beckwith, an orbiter engineer with United Space Alliance, explains to the media the reinstallation of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels on the orbiter Atlantis’ wing leading edge. The media was invited to tour the OPF at KSC and to see the orbiter Atlantis as it is being prepared for Return to Flight. Both local and national reporters representing print and TV networks were able to see work in progress on Atlantis, also including wiring inspections and checks of the engines in the Orbital Maneuvering System.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - United Space Alliance employee Anthony Simmons prepares to electroweld a crack formed in the insulator inside a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel. The gray carbon composite RCC panels are attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialists Andrew Thomas and Soichi Noguchi look at the leading edge of Discovery’s wing with RCC panels removed. Noguchi is with the Japanese Aerospace and Exploration Agency. Crew members are at KSC becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During a media tour of the Columbia Debris Hangar, a photographer gets a close-up of the mockup of the leading edge of Columbia’s left wing. About 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC from search and recovery efforts in East Texas. About 83,000 pieces of debris from Columbia were shipped to KSC, which represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds. The debris is being packaged for storage in an area of the Vehicle Assembly Building.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During a media tour of the Columbia Debris Hangar, photographers pause at the mockup of the leading edge of Columbia’s left wing. About 83,000 pieces of debris from Columbia were shipped to KSC from search and recovery efforts in East Texas. About 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC, which represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds. The debris is being packaged for storage in an area of the Vehicle Assembly Building.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, the media record workers on the job preparing the orbiter Atlantis for Return to Flight. Both local and national reporters representing print and TV networks were invited to see work in progress on Atlantis, including the reinstallation of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels on the orbiter’s wing leading edge; wiring inspections; and checks of the engines in the Orbital Maneuvering System.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF), Rick Beckwith, an orbiter engineer with United Space Alliance, explains to the media the reinstallation of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels on Atlantis’ wing leading edge. The media was invited to tour the OPF at KSC and to see the orbiter Atlantis as it is being prepared for Return to Flight. Both local and national reporters representing print and TV networks were able to see work in progress on Atlantis, also including wiring inspections and checks of the engines in the Orbital Maneuvering System.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, Stephanie Stilson, NASA vehicle manager for Discovery, stands in front of a leading edge on the wing of Discovery. She is being filmed for a special feature on the KSC Web about the recent Orbiter Major Modification period on Discovery, which included inspection, modifications and reservicing of most systems onboard, plus installation of a Multifunction Electronic Display Subsystem (MEDS) - a state-of-the-art “glass cockpit.” The orbiter is now being prepared for eventual launch on a future mission.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During an installation demonstration the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance technician Lisa Campbell handles components of the sensor system being placed on the wing leading edge of orbiter Discovery. The sensors are part of the Wing Leading Edge Impact Detection System, a new safety measure added for all future Space Shuttle missions. The system also includes accelerometers that monitor the orbiter's wings for debris impacts during launch and while in orbit. There are 22 temperature sensors and 66 accelerometers on each wing. Sensor data will flow from the wing to the crew compartment, where it will be transmitted to Earth.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This photo shows the size of the sensors being placed on the wing leading edge of orbiter Discovery. In her hand, United Space Alliance technician Lisa Campbell holds an accelerometer (left), which will eventually be installed on a mounting nut. The sensors are part of the Wing Leading Edge Impact Detection System, a new safety measure added for all future Space Shuttle missions. The system also includes accelerometers that monitor the orbiter's wings for debris impacts during launch and while in orbit. There are 22 temperature sensors and 66 accelerometers on each wing. Sensor data will flow from the wing to the crew compartment, where it will be transmitted to Earth.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During an installation demonstration the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance technician Lisa Campbell works with components of the sensor system being placed on the wing leading edge of orbiter Discovery. The sensors are part of the Wing Leading Edge Impact Detection System, a new safety measure added for all future Space Shuttle missions. The system also includes accelerometers that monitor the orbiter's wings for debris impacts during launch and while in orbit. There are 22 temperature sensors and 66 accelerometers on each wing. Sensor data will flow from the wing to the crew compartment, where it will be transmitted to Earth.

Except for the loss of its ring of ejecta, the crater at the leading edge of this streamlined island in Kasei Vallis, imaged here by NASA Mars Odyssey, shows no hint of the catastrophic floods that passed by it. Kasei Vallis is one of several major outflow channel systems that were active over 3 billion years ago. The intense floods scoured the landscape, eroding craters and producing streamlined islands. But in a close-up view, the evidence for these floods is not apparent. This true of the most similar terrestrial example, the channeled scablands of eastern Washington which also were formed by a catastrophic flood. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA04022

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A closeup of the wing leading edge on space shuttle Atlantis where a reinforced-carbon carbon, or RCC, panel has been removed. The structural edge of the wing (area of red and green behind the panels) will undergo spar corrosion inspection to verify the structural integrity of the wing. The RCC panels will be placed in protective coverings until the inspection is complete. Atlantis will make the 31st flight to the International Space Station for the STS-129 mission, targeted for launch on Nov. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs

This thunderstorm along the Texas Gulf Coast (29.0N, 95.0W), USA is seen as the trailing edge of a large cloud mass formed along the leading edge of a spring frontal system stretching northwest to southeast across the Texas Gulf Coast. This system brought extensive severe weather and flooding to parts of Texas and surrounding states. Muddy water discharging from coastal streams can be seen in the shallow Gulf of Mexico as far south as Lavaca Bay.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-114 crew take a close look at the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon on the wing’s leading edge on Discovery. From left are Mission Specialists Charles Camarda and Soichi Noguchi (with the Japanese Space Agency), and Commander Eileen Collins. They and other crew members are at KSC for Crew Equipment Interface Test activities. The leading edge panels of the orbiters’ wings have 22 RCC panels, made entirely of carbon composite material. The molded components are approximately 0.25-inch to 0.5-inch thick. The leading edge panels of the orbiters’ wings have 22 Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels, made entirely of carbon composite material. The molded components are approximately 0.25-inch to 0.5-inch thick. During CEIT, the crew has an opportunity to get a hands-on look at the orbiter and equipment they will be working with on the mission. Return to Flight Mission STS-114 will carry the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, filled with supplies for the International Space Station, and a replacement Control Moment Gyroscope. Launch of STS-114 has a launch window of May 12 to June 3.

JSC2006-E-39881 (10 Sept. 2006) --- In the Shuttle (White) Flight Control Room of Houston's Mission Control Center, flight director Paul Dye (right) and spacecraft communicator (CAPCOM) Megan McArthur monitor data during the STS-115 inspection of the wings' leading edge and nose cap of the Space Shuttle Atlantis.

In the Vehicle Assembly Building, the mockup of the leading edge of Columbia’s left wing takes its place among the rest of the debris. All of the pieces received and collected in the Columbia Reconstruction Hangar have been catalogued and moved to a permanent site in the VAB.

Application of blowing type boundry-layer control to the leading and trailing edge flaps of a 52 deg swept wing. 3/4 view of Aspect Ratio 2.8, taper ratio .17, 45 deg swept back wing model -3/4 front view

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, workers wipe down the Reinforced Carbon Carbon panels on Atlantis’ left-side wing leading edge in preparation for installing the C-shaped T-seals, which fit between each panel.

Ice accretion is shown on the leading edge of the next-generation Transonic Truss-Braced Wing design at NASA Glenn's Icing Research Center. This critical research will help understand icing effects for future, high-lift, ultra-efficient aircraft. Photo Credit: (NASA/Jordan Salkin)

Thomas Ozoroski, an Icing Researcher, is shown documenting ice accretion on the leading edge of the next-generation Transonic Truss-Braced Wing design at NASA Glenn's Icing Research Center. This critical research will help understand icing effects for future, high-lift, ultra-efficient aircraft. Photo Credit: (NASA/Jordan Salkin)

AS09-21-3299 (3-13 March 1969) --- Dallas-Fort Worth area as photographed from the Apollo 9 spacecraft during its Earth-orbital mission. The superhighways leading out of two cities are clearly visible. The largest body of water north of Dallas is the Garza-Little Elm Reservoir. Cedar Creek Reservoir is located to the southeast of Dallas. The City of Denton is near left center edge of picture at junction of two highways leading from Fort Worth and Dallas.

STS080-742-070 (19 Nov.-7 Dec. 1996) --- A view of the Tongue of the Ocean in the Bahama Islands east of Florida. The lines leading from the flat bottom of the Great Bahama Bank, leading into the Tongue, are caused by rapid transfer of ocean water caused by both temperature changes in the water and hurricanes that periodically cross the area. The water is about 30 feet deep on the Great Bahama Bank, and nearly a mile deep in the tongue. To the left is the Exuma Sound, over a mile deep, and a series of islands along its edge with Great Exuma Island the easiest to see. Green Cay, the small dot lower left, leaving a wake to the southeast of light colored coral. The deep blue area to the top right center is the southeastern edge of the Great Bahama Bank.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, several workers check out the first Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panel to be installed on the left wing leading edge on Discovery. Second from right is Danny Wyatt, NASA Quality Assurance specialist; on the left is Dave Fuller, technician; behind Wyatt is John Legere, NASA Quality Assurance specialist. The RCC panels are mechanically attached to the wing with spars, a series of floating joints to reduce loading on the panels caused by wing deflections. The T-seals between each wing leading edge panel allow for lateral motion and thermal expansion differences between the RCC and the orbiter wing. Discovery has been named as the orbiter to fly on the first Return to Flight mission, STS-114.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-114 Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence looks closely at Discovery’s wing leading edge. The leading edge panels of the orbiters’ wings have 22 Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels, made entirely of carbon composite material. The molded components are approximately 0.25-inch to 0.5-inch thick. Lawrence and other crew members are at KSC for Crew Equipment Interface Test activities. During CEIT, the crew has an opportunity to get a hands-on look at the orbiter and equipment they will be working with on the mission. Return to Flight Mission STS-114 will carry the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, filled with supplies for the International Space Station, and a replacement Control Moment Gyroscope. Launch of STS-114 has a launch window of May 12 to June 3.

The HL-10 Lifting Body is seen here parked on Rogers Dry Lake, the unique location where it landed after research flights. This 1968 photo shows the vehicle after the fins were modified to remove instabilities encountered on the first flight. It involved a change to the shape of the leading edge of the fins to eliminate flow separation. It required extensive wind-tunnel testing at Langley Research Center, Hampton, Va. NASA Flight Research Center (FRC) engineer Bob Kempel than plotted thousands of data points by hand to come up with the modification, which involved a fiberglass glove backed with a metal structure on each fin's leading edge. This transformed the vehicle from a craft that was difficult to control into the best handling of the original group of lifting bodies at the FRC.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-121 Mission Specialists Michael E. Fossum (left) and Piers J. Sellers receive a briefing and up-close look at the wing leading edge of Space Shuttle Atlantis, the orbiter that will take them into space. The leading edge of each of the orbiters’ wings has 22 Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels, made entirely of carbon composite material. The molded components are approximately 0.25-inch to 0.5-inch thick. The astronauts of the second Return to Flight mission, STS-121, are at Kennedy Space Center to participate in the Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT). During CEIT, the crew has an opportunity to get a hands-on look at the orbiter and equipment they will be working with on their mission. Mission STS-121 is scheduled to launch in July.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-121 Commander Steven W. Lindsey and Mission Specialist Lisa M. Nowak examine the wing leading edge of Space Shuttle Atlantis, the orbiter that will take them into space. The leading edge of each of the orbiters’ wings has 22 Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels, made entirely of carbon composite material. The molded components are approximately 0.25-inch to 0.5-inch thick. Lindsey and the other STS-121 crew members are at Kennedy Space Center to participate in the Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT). During CEIT, the crew has an opportunity to get a hands-on look at the orbiter and equipment they will be working with on their mission. Mission STS-121 is scheduled to launch in July.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-121 Commander Steven W. Lindsey (left) receives a briefing and up-close look at the wing leading edge of Space Shuttle Atlantis, the orbiter that will take his crew into space. The leading edge of each of the orbiters’ wings has 22 Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels, made entirely of carbon composite material. The molded components are approximately 0.25-inch to 0.5-inch thick. Lindsey and the other STS-121 crew members are at Kennedy Space Center to participate in the Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT). During CEIT, the crew has an opportunity to get a hands-on look at the orbiter and equipment they will be working with on their mission. Mission STS-121 is scheduled to launch in July.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-114 Mission Specialist Charles Camarda looks under the wing leading edge on Discovery while Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi and Commander Eileen Collins look at an area on top. They and other crew members are at KSC for Crew Equipment Interface Test activities. The leading edge panels of the orbiters’ wings have 22 Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels, made entirely of carbon composite material. The molded components are approximately 0.25-inch to 0.5-inch thick. During CEIT, the crew has an opportunity to get a hands-on look at the orbiter and equipment they will be working with on the mission. Return to Flight Mission STS-114 will carry the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, filled with supplies for the International Space Station, and a replacement Control Moment Gyroscope. Launch of STS-114 has a launch window of May 12 to June 3.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-121 Mission Specialists Stephanie D. Wilson (left) and Piers J. Sellers receive a briefing and up-close look at the wing leading edge of Space Shuttle Atlantis, the orbiter that will take them into space. The leading edge of each of the orbiters’ wings has 22 Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels, made entirely of carbon composite material. The molded components are approximately 0.25-inch to 0.5-inch thick. The astronauts of the second Return to Flight mission, STS-121, are at Kennedy Space Center to participate in the Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT). During CEIT, the crew has an opportunity to get a hands-on look at the orbiter and equipment they will be working with on their mission. Mission STS-121 is scheduled to launch in July.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance workers (left to right) Jim Landy, Dan Phillips, Paul Ogletree and Dan Kenna check results of flash thermography on the Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel on the table (foreground). Attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters, the gray carbon composite RCC panels have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, while a few photographers (left) set up for photos, NASA Vehicle Manager Scott Thurston (right, with arm extended) talks about the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panel at right. The media was invited to see the orbiter Atlantis as it is being prepared for Return to Flight. Both local and national reporters representing print and TV networks were able to see work in progress on Atlantis, including the reinstallation of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels on the orbiter’s wing leading edge; wiring inspections; and checks of the engines in the Orbital Maneuvering System.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance workers Jim Landy (front), Dan Phillips and Dan Kenna watch a monitor showing results of flash thermography on the Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel on the table (foreground). Attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters, the gray carbon composite RCC panels have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, Bill Prosser (left) and Eric Madaras, NASA-Langley Research Center, and Jim McGee (right), The Boeing Company, Huntington Beach, Calif., conduct impulse tests on the right wing leading edge (WLE) of Space Shuttle Endeavour. The tests monitor how sound impulses propagate through the WLE area. The data collected will be analyzed to explore the possibility of adding new instrumentation to the wing that could automatically detect debris or micrometeroid impacts on the Shuttle while in flight. The study is part of the initiative ongoing at KSC and around the agency to return the orbiter fleet to flight status.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance workers Mike Hyatt (above) and Saul Ngy (below right) finish installing a Reinforced Carbon Carbon (RCC) panel to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiter Atlantis. The gray carbon composite RCC panels have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance workers (left to right) Jim Landy, Paul Ogletree, Dan Kenna and Dan Phillips check results of flash thermography on the Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel on the table (foreground). Attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters, the gray carbon composite RCC panels have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance workers Mike Hyatt (left) Jerry Belt (center), and Saul Ngy (right), lift a Reinforced Carbon Carbon (RCC) panel they will attach to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiter Atlantis. The gray carbon composite RCC panels have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance worker Mike Hyatt (above) finishes installing a Reinforced Carbon Carbon (RCC) panel to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiter Atlantis. The gray carbon composite RCC panels have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA worker Joy Huff (right) shows a leading edge subsystems (LESS) with tile bonded to it to members of the Stafford-Covey Return to Flight Task Group (SCTG). From left are Dr. Amy Donahue, David Lengyel, Dr. Kathryn Clark, Richard Covey, former Space Shuttle commander, and William Wegner. Covey is co-chair of the SCTG along with Thomas P. Stafford, Apollo commander. Chartered by NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe, the task group will perform an independent assessment of NASA’s implementation of the final recommendations by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance worker Mike Hyatt (right) attaches a Reinforced Carbon Carbon (RCC) panel onto the leading edge of the wing of the orbiter Atlantis. The gray carbon composite RCC panels have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, Jim Landy (left), NDE specialist with United Space Alliance (USA), prepares to examine a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel using flash thermography. Helping out, at right, is Dan Phillips, also with USA. Attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters, the gray carbon composite RCC panels have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance workers Dan Kenna and Jim Landy prepare to examine a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel using flash thermography. Attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters, the gray carbon composite RCC panels have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance workers share the task of examining a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel using flash thermography. From left are Paul Ogletree, Jim Landy (kneeling), Dan Phillips and Dan Kenna. Attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters, the gray carbon composite RCC panels have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, Jim Landy, NDE specialist with United Space Alliance (USA), watches a monitor off-screen to examine a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel using flash thermography. Attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters, the gray carbon composite RCC panels have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance worker Mike Hyatt (above) attaches a Reinforced Carbon Carbon (RCC) panel onto the leading edge of the wing of the orbiter Atlantis. The gray carbon composite RCC panels have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Billy Witt, a midbody shop mechanic with United Space Alliance, checks a part used for installation of a Reinforced Carbon Carbon (RCC) panel to the leading edge of the wing of an orbiter. Above him is an RCC panel just installed on Atlantis. The gray carbon composite RCC panels have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, United Space Alliance worker Mike Hyatt (above) completes installation of a Reinforced Carbon Carbon (RCC) panel onto the leading edge of the wing of the orbiter Atlantis. The gray carbon composite RCC panels have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry.