KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (left) accompanies Executive Director of NASDA Koji Yamamoto (third from left) and others visiting the Columbia Debris Hangar. Mr. Yamamoto is at KSC for a welcome ceremony involving the arrival of the newest Space Station module, the Japanese Experiment Module/pressurized module.

Former NASA Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach speaks to employees during an Apollo, Challenger, Columbia Lessons Learned Program event in the Training Auditorium at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The program's theme was "Columbia: Lessons and Legends of Recovery." Leinbach participated in a panel discussion during the event.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Launch Director Mike Leinbach greets former President Jimmy Carter , who is touring Kennedy Space Center with his wife Rosalyn (right). Center Director Roy D. Bridges Jr. stands between Leinbach and Carter

Former NASA Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach speaks to employees during an Apollo, Challenger, Columbia Lessons Learned Program event in the Training Auditorium at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The program's theme was "Columbia: Lessons and Legends of Recovery." Leinbach participated in a panel discussion during the event.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach answers reporters' questions in the RLV Hangar. Leinbach is overseeing assessment of the debris as it is delivered to KSC. The Columbia Reconstruction Project team is identifying pieces and placing them on a grid approximating the shape of the orbiter. About 25 percent of the orbiter has been delivered to the hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (second from left) explains recovery and reconstruction efforts of Columbia to the Executive Director of NASDA Koji Yamamoto (fourth from left) and others visiting the Columbia Debris Hangar. Mr. Yamamoto is at KSC for a welcome ceremony involving the arrival of the newest Space Station module, the Japanese Experiment Module/pressurized module.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (left) talks to the media about activities that have taken place since the Columbia accident on Feb. 1, 2003. Behind him is a model of the left wing of the orbiter. STS-107 debris recovery and reconstruction operations are winding down. To date, nearly 84,000 pieces of debris have been recovered and sent to KSC. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On a KSC visit, Executive Director of NASDA Koji Yamamoto (kneeling, left) reaches out to a piece of Columbia debris in the Columbia Debris Hangar. At right is Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach, who is explaining recovery and reconstruction efforts. Mr. Yamamoto is at KSC for a welcome ceremony involving the arrival of the newest Space Station module, the Japanese Experiment Module/pressurized module.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The media get a guided tour of the Columbia Debris Hangar. Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach discussed activities that have taken place since the Columbia accident on Feb. 1, 2003. STS-107 debris recovery and reconstruction operations are winding down. To date, nearly 84,000 pieces of debris have been recovered and sent to KSC. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (right) explains recovery and reconstruction efforts of Columbia to the Executive Director of NASDA Koji Yamamoto (center, foreground) and others visiting the Columbia Debris Hangar. Mr. Yamamoto is at KSC for a welcome ceremony involving the arrival of the newest Space Station module, the Japanese Experiment Module/pressurized module.

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. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (right) talks to the media about activities that have taken place since the Columbia accident on Feb. 1, 2003. STS-107 debris recovery and reconstruction operations are winding down. To date, nearly 84,000 pieces of debris have been recovered and sent to KSC. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach throws out the first pitch at a local baseball game at Manatees Stadium. KSC employees were hosted by the Brevard Manatees, a minor league baseball team in Central Florida. Before the game, attendees offered a moment of silence to honor the STS-107 crew and two recovery workers who died in a helicopter crash.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach points to some of the tiles recovered from the orbiter as he explains to the media about activities that have taken place since the Columbia accident on Feb. 1, 2003. STS-107 debris recovery and reconstruction operations are winding down. To date, nearly 84,000 pieces of debris have been recovered and sent to KSC. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach points to some of the debris as he explains to the media about activities that have taken place since the Columbia accident on Feb. 1, 2003. STS-107 debris recovery and reconstruction operations are winding down. To date, nearly 84,000 pieces of debris have been recovered and sent to KSC. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (center) points to some of the tiles recovered from the orbiter as he explains to the media about activities that have taken place since the Columbia accident on Feb. 1, 2003. STS-107 debris recovery and reconstruction operations are winding down. To date, nearly 84,000 pieces of debris have been recovered and sent to KSC. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - While talking to the media, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach points to some of the investigative tools in the RLV Hangar, where Columbia debris is being examined. 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. - Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (left) explains recovery and reconstruction efforts of Columbia to the Executive Director of NASDA Koji Yamamoto (second from left) and others visiting the Columbia Debris Hangar. Mr. Yamamoto is at KSC for a welcome ceremony involving the arrival of the newest Space Station module, the Japanese Experiment Module/pressurized module.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach talks to the media about activities that have taken place since the Columbia accident on Feb. 1, 2003. Behind him is a model of the left wing of the orbiter. STS-107 debris recovery and reconstruction operations are winding down. To date, nearly 84,000 pieces of debris have been recovered and sent to KSC. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach points to some of the tiles recovered from the orbiter as he explains to the media about activities that have taken place since the Columbia accident on Feb. 1, 2003. STS-107 debris recovery and reconstruction operations are winding down. To date, nearly 84,000 pieces of debris have been recovered and sent to KSC. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (right) talks to the media about activities that have taken place since the Columbia accident on Feb. 1, 2003. STS-107 debris recovery and reconstruction operations are winding down. To date, nearly 84,000 pieces of debris have been recovered and sent to KSC. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach points to some of the debris as he explains to the media about activities that have taken place since the Columbia accident on Feb. 1, 2003. STS-107 debris recovery and reconstruction operations are winding down. To date, nearly 84,000 pieces of debris have been recovered and sent to KSC. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (left) talks to members of the Stafford-Covey Return to Flight Task Group (SCTG) about reconstruction efforts. Chairing the task group are Richard O. Covey (second from right), former Space Shuttle commander, and 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 Columbia Debris Hangar, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (right) talks to the media about activities that have taken place since the Columbia accident on Feb. 1, 2003. STS-107 debris recovery and reconstruction operations are winding down. To date, nearly 84,000 pieces of debris have been recovered and sent to KSC. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach, Center Director Jim Kennedy and NASA Vehicle Manager Scott Thurston unveil a plaque honoring “Columbia, the crew of STS-107, and their loved ones.” The site is the “Columbia room,” a permanent repository of the debris collected in the aftermath of the tragic accident Feb. 1, 2003, that claimed the orbiter and lives of the seven-member crew. The dedication of the plaque was made in front of the 40-member preservation team.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (right) explains recovery and reconstruction efforts of Columbia to the Executive Director of NASDA Koji Yamamoto (third from left) and others visiting the Columbia Debris Hangar. Mr. Yamamoto is at KSC for a welcome ceremony involving the arrival of the newest Space Station module, the Japanese Experiment Module/pressurized module.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach talks to the media in the RLV Hangar, site of the collection of Columbia debris undergoing examination. 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. - Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach talks to the media in the RLV Hangar, site of the collection of Columbia debris undergoing examination. 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. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach answers questions from the Stafford-Covey Return to Flight Task Group (SCTG). Chairing the task group are Richard O. Covey (fifth from left), former Space Shuttle commander, and 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. - Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (right) explains recovery and reconstruction efforts of Columbia to the Executive Director of NASDA Koji Yamamoto (second from left) and others visiting the Columbia Debris Hangar. Mr. Yamamoto is at KSC for a welcome ceremony involving the arrival of the newest Space Station module, the Japanese Experiment Module/pressurized module.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (second from left) accompanies Executive Director of NASDA Koji Yamamoto (fourth from left) and others visiting the Columbia Debris Hangar. Mr. Yamamoto is at KSC for a welcome ceremony involving the arrival of the newest Space Station module, the Japanese Experiment Module/pressurized module.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach answers reporters' questions in the RLV Hangar. Leinbach is overseeing assessment of the debris, seen in the background, as it is delivered to KSC. The Columbia Reconstruction Project team is identifying pieces and placing them on a grid approximating the shape of the orbiter. About 25 percent of the orbiter has been delivered to the hangar.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Richard Arnold is greeted by Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. Next to Leinbach is Jerry Ross, chief of the Vehicle Integration Test Office. The crew flew to Kennedy to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test activities, which include equipment familiarization and emergency exit training and culminate in a simulated launch countdown. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach answers reporters' questions in the RLV Hangar. Leinbach is overseeing assessment of the debris, seen in the background, as it is delivered to KSC. The Columbia Reconstruction Project team is identifying pieces and placing them on a grid approximating the shape of the orbiter. About 25 percent of the orbiter has been delivered to the hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach answers reporters' questions in the RLV Hangar. Leinbach is overseeing assessment of the debris, seen in the background, as it is delivered to KSC. The Columbia Reconstruction Project team is identifying pieces and placing them on a grid approximating the shape of the orbiter. About 25 percent of the orbiter has been delivered to the hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach informs the launch team of the decision to reverse the rollback of Space Shuttle Atlantis and return to Launch Pad 39B. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach informs the launch team of the decision to reverse the rollback of Space Shuttle Atlantis and return to Launch Pad 39B. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Press Site auditorium at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA managers brief the media about the Flight Readiness Review for STS-129. From left are Associate Administrator for NASA Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier, Mission Management Team Chair Mike Moses and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. The session confirmed a Nov. 16 launch date for space shuttle Atlantis is to fly the resupply mission to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A press conference after the landing of the orbiter Discovery and mission STS-121 crew features NASA Administrator Mike Griffin, Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. Discovery traveled 5.3 million miles, landing on orbit 202. Mission elapsed time was 12 days, 18 hours, 37 minutes and 54 seconds. The landing is the 62nd at Kennedy Space Center and the 32nd for Discovery. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, far right, poses a question to several panelists during an Apollo, Challenger, Columbia Lessons Learned Program (ACCLLP) employee event. The theme of the presentation was "Columbia: Lessons and Legends of Recovery." Participating, from left, are Mike Ciannilli, ACCLLP manager; Mike Leinbach, former shuttle launch director; and Dave King, NASA Columbia Recovery director and former director of Marshall Space Flight Center.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At a post-launch briefing, Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale, center, briefs the media about the successful launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121. Seated with him are, left to right, NASA Administrator Mike Griffin, NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations Mission Bill Gerstenmaier, Chief of the Mission Management Team John Shannon, and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. Liftoff of Discovery was on time at 2:30 p.m. EDT.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the STS-134 crew members are greeted by Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach and other NASA managers after the crew's arrival for final preparations for shuttle Endeavour's liftoff to the International Space Station. From center are Commander Mark Kelly, Bob Cabana, Mike Leinbach, Mission Specialists Greg Chamitoff, European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, Mission Specialists Andrew Feustel, Michael Fincke and Pilot Greg H. Johnson. Endeavour and its crew will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), a high-pressure gas tank and additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper to the station. This will be the final spaceflight for Endeavour. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (center) is congratulated by NASA Administrator Mike Griffin (right) for the successful launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121. The launch was the first ever to take place on Independence Day. Behind Leinbach are David R. Mould, assistant administrator for Public Affairs NASA, and Lisa Malone, director of External Relations at Kennedy. Liftoff was on-time at 2:38 p.m. EDT. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew of seven will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Landing is scheduled for July 16 or 17 at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After arriving at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a T-38 jet training aircraft, STS-119 Pilot Tony Antonelli is greeted by Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (right). Next to Leinbach is Jerry Ross, chief of the Vehicle Integration Test Office. Behind Antonelli is Mission Specialist Richard Arnold. The crew flew to Kennedy to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test activities, which include equipment familiarization and emergency exit training and culminate in a simulated launch countdown. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The crew of space shuttle Discovery's STS-124 mission arrive at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT. Here, Commander Mark Kelly is greeted by Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. Behind Leinbach is Mission Specialist Greg Chamitoff. TCDT is a rehearsal for launch that includes practicing emergency procedures, handling on-orbit equipment, and simulating a launch countdown. On the STS-124 mission, the crew will deliver and install the Japanese Experiment Module – Pressurized Module and Japanese Remote Manipulator System. Discovery's launch is targeted for May 31. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach discusses the progress of the Columbia accident investigation with the media in the RLV Hangar. Leinbach is overseeing assessment of the debris as it is delivered to KSC. Shipped from Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, La., more than 70,000 items, weighing 78,000 pounds, about 36 percent of the Shuttle by weight, have been delivered to KSC for use in the mishap investigation. Ground teams have completed 78 percent of their primary search area, and airborne crews finished 80 percent of their assigned area. Search teams have completed 98 percent of the underwater searches in Lake Nacogdoches and Toledo Bend Reservoir.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The crew of space shuttle Discovery's STS-124 mission arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center aboard T-38 jet trainers to get ready for launch. From left, Mission Specialists Ron Garan and Mike Fossum are greeted by Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach and the director of Launch Vehicle Processing, Mike Wetmore. Launch of Discovery is scheduled for 5:02 p.m. May 31. On the STS-124 mission, the crew of seven will deliver and install the Japanese Experiment Module – Pressurized Module and Japanese Remote Manipulator System. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Mike Curie (left), with NASA Public Affairs, introduces NASA managers following their day-long Flight Readiness Review of space shuttle Discovery for the STS-119 mission. Next to Curie are (from left) William H. Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations, John Shannon, Shuttle Program manager, Mike Suffredini, program manager for the International Space Station, and Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director. NASA managers decided to plan a launch no earlier than Feb. 19, pending additional analysis and particle impact testing associated with a flow control valve in the shuttle's main engine system. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Posing with the plaque dedicated to Columbia Jan. 29, 2004, are (left to right) United Space Alliance project leader for Columbia reconstruction Jim Comer, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach, astronauts Douglas Hurley and Pam Melroy, Center Director Jim Kennedy and NASA Vehicle Manager Scott Thurston. The dedication of the plaque was made in front of the 40-member preservation team in the “Columbia room,” a permanent repository in the Vehicle Assembly Building of the debris collected in the aftermath of the tragic accident Feb. 1, 2003, that claimed the orbiter and lives of the seven-member crew.

NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, center, leads a panel discussion during an Apollo, Challenger, Columbia Lessons Learned Program (ACCLLP) employee event. The theme of the presentation was "Columbia: Lessons and Legends of Recovery." Participating, from left, are Mike Ciannilli, ACCLLP manager; Mike Leinbach, former shuttle launch director; Dave King, NASA Columbia Recovery director and former director of Marshall Space Flight Center; Gerry Schumann, NASA Mishap Investigation manager; Greg Cohrs, U.S. Forestry Service ranger; and Jonathan Ward, author and space historian.

NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, center, leads a panel discussion during an Apollo, Challenger, Columbia Lessons Learned Program (ACCLLP) employee event. The theme of the presentation was "Columbia: Lessons and Legends of Recovery." Participating, from left, are Mike Ciannilli, ACCLLP manager; Mike Leinbach, former shuttle launch director; Dave King, NASA Columbia Recovery director and former director of Marshall Space Flight Center; Gerry Schumann, NASA Mishap Investigation manager; Greg Cohrs, U.S. Forestry Service ranger; and Jonathan Ward, author and space historian.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A press conference after the landing of the orbiter Discovery and mission STS-121 crew features NASA Administrator Mike Griffin, Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. A few of the questions from the media evoked smiles from the panelists. Discovery traveled 5.3 million miles, landing on orbit 202. Mission elapsed time was 12 days, 18 hours, 37 minutes and 54 seconds. The landing is the 62nd at Kennedy Space Center and the 32nd for Discovery. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The crew of space shuttle Discovery's STS-124 mission arrive at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT. Mission Specialist Mike Fossum is greeted by Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. TCDT is a rehearsal for launch that includes practicing emergency procedures, handling on-orbit equipment, and simulating a launch countdown. On the STS-124 mission, the crew will deliver and install the Japanese Experiment Module – Pressurized Module and Japanese Remote Manipulator System. Discovery's launch is targeted for May 31. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The crew of space shuttle Discovery's STS-124 mission arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center aboard T-38 jet trainers to get ready for launch. At left is Mission Specialist Karen Nyberg; at center, Pilot Ken Ham is greeted by the director of Launch Vehicle Processing, Mike Wetmore. Behind them is Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. Launch of Discovery is scheduled for 5:02 p.m. May 31. On the STS-124 mission, the crew of seven will deliver and install the Japanese Experiment Module – Pressurized Module and Japanese Remote Manipulator System. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A press conference after the landing of the orbiter Discovery and mission STS-121 crew features NASA and Kennedy Space Center senior management. From left, NASA Public Affairs Dean Acosta moderated questions posed to NASA Administrator Mike Griffin, Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. Discovery traveled 5.3 million miles, landing on orbit 202. Mission elapsed time was 12 days, 18 hours, 37 minutes and 54 seconds. The landing is the 62nd at Kennedy Space Center and the 32nd for Discovery. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At a media conference following the day-long Flight Readiness Review of space shuttle Discovery for the STS-119 mission, NASA managers respond to questions. From left are John Shannon, Shuttle Program manager, Mike Suffredini, program manager for the International Space Station, and Mike Leinbach, shuttle launch director. NASA managers decided to plan a launch no earlier than Feb. 19, pending additional analysis and particle impact testing associated with a flow control valve in the shuttle's main engine system. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The crew of space shuttle Discovery's STS-124 mission arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center aboard T-38 jet trainers to get ready for launch. At left, Pilot Ken Ham is greeted by Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. At right is the director of Launch Vehicle Processing, Mike Wetmore. Launch of Discovery is scheduled for 5:02 p.m. May 31. On the STS-124 mission, the crew of seven will deliver and install the Japanese Experiment Module – Pressurized Module and Japanese Remote Manipulator System. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The crew of space shuttle Discovery's STS-124 mission arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center aboard T-38 jet trainers to get ready for launch. From left, Commander Mark Kelly is greeted by the director of Launch Vehicle Processing, Mike Wetmore, and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. Launch of Discovery is scheduled for 5:02 p.m. May 31. On the STS-124 mission, the crew of seven will deliver and install the Japanese Experiment Module – Pressurized Module and Japanese Remote Manipulator System. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale answers a question from a reporter during a press conference. He and NASA Launch Director Mike Leinbach and STS-114 External Tank Tiger Team lead Tim Wilson, with the NASA Engineering & Safety Center, briefed the media about the Space Shuttle Program and mission STS-121 from the press site at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the Launch Control Center, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (center, standing) watches the computer screen as cameras document Space Shuttle Atlantis' climb toward space on mission STS-115. Mission STS-115 is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. sts-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach talks to the Columbia Reconstruction Project team before arrival of the final shipment of Columbia debris. The 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.

JSC2011-E-067691 (21 July 2011) --- Shuttle launch director Mike Leinbach, facing camera, hugs LeRoy Cain, deputy space shuttle program manager, after the space shuttle Atlantis landed on July 21 at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The landing completed STS-135, the final mission of the Space Shuttle Program. Photo credit: NASA/Houston Chronicle, Smiley N. Pool

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Congressman Dave Weldon (center) is greeted by Launch Director Mike Leinbach (right) at the RLV Hangar. Weldon is visiting the site where pieces of Columbia debris are being examined and stored. Workers will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter as part of the ongoing investigation of the accident that destroyed the Columbia and claimed the lives of seven astronauts as they returned to Earth after a 16-day research mission, STS-107. .

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RLV Hangar, NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe (second from left) discusses the status of the investigation into the Space Shuttle Columbia accident with Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (center) and Shuttle Test Director Steve Altemus (right), both members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project Team. To date, more than 70,000 items have been delivered to KSC for use in the ongoing mishap investigation.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After arriving at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a T-38 jet training aircraft, STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault (left) is greeted by Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. Behind them is Mission Specialist John Phillips. The crew flew to Kennedy to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test activities, which include equipment familiarization and emergency exit training and culminate in a simulated launch countdown. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Former space shuttle launch director Mike Leinbach, left, talks with attendees of “Columbia: The Mission Continues,” in Kennedy Space Center’s Training Auditorium on April 12, 2019. Organized by the Apollo Challenger Columbia Lessons Learned Program (ACCLLP), the event is part of the Space Shuttle Columbia national tour and took place on the 38th anniversary of STS-1, the first orbital spaceflight of NASA’s Space Shuttle Program. The tour launched at Kennedy and will make its way to each of the 10 NASA centers.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach, third from left, greets the truck driver delivering the final shipment of Columbia debris. The 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.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach talks about the Flight Readiness review for STS-129 during a news conference in the Press Site auditorium at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The session confirmed a Nov. 16 launch date for space shuttle Atlantis is to fly the resupply mission to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis reverses direction and begins rolling back out to Launch Pad 39B. It had been moved off the launch pad due to concerns about the impact of Tropical Storm Ernesto, expected within 24 hours. The forecast of lesser winds expected from Ernesto and its projected direction convinced Launch Integration Manager LeRoy Cain and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach to return the shuttle to the launch pad Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis reverses direction and begins rolling back out to Launch Pad 39B. It had been moved off the launch pad due to concerns about the impact of Tropical Storm Ernesto, expected within 24 hours. The forecast of lesser winds expected from Ernesto and its projected direction convinced Launch Integration Manager LeRoy Cain and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach to return the shuttle to the launch pad. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RLV Hangar at KSC, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (left) shows some of the debris from Space Shuttle Columbia to former payload specialist Dr. Roger Crouch (center) and NASA Chief of Staff and White House liaison Courtney Stadd. The search of more than 500,000 acres of primary recovery area for Columbia material has passed the halfway mark. To date about 28 percent of Columbia, by weight, has been delivered to the hangar.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- Mike Leinbach, NASA space shuttle launch director, answers a question during a media briefing held after the successful landing of space shuttle Endeavour to conclude the STS-123 mission. Endeavour landed on the second opportunity, on orbit 250, at 8:39:08 p.m. EDT. The STS-123 mission delivered the first segment of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, known as Dextre. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Mike Leinbach talks to the Columbia Reconstruction Project team before arrival of the final shipment of Columbia debris. The 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. - On the crawlerway, Space Shuttle Atlantis reverses direction and begins rolling back out to Launch Pad 39B. It had been moved off the launch pad due to concerns about the impact of Tropical Storm Ernesto, expected within 24 hours. The forecast of lesser winds expected from Ernesto and its projected direction convinced Launch Integration Manager LeRoy Cain and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach to return the shuttle to the launch pad. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After arriving at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a T-38 jet training aircraft, STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault (left) is greeted by Pete Nickolenko, chief of the NASA Launch and Landing Division. Between them is Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. The crew flew to Kennedy to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test activities, which include equipment familiarization and emergency exit training and culminate in a simulated launch countdown. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - In the RLV Hangar, members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project Team look at a piece of debris. Second from left is Mike Leinbach, who is Shuttle launch director. To date, 35,319 pieces of debris have been shipped to KSC; 1,218 have been identified and placed on a grid in a configuration of the orbiter. The team is attempting to reconstruct the bottom of the orbiter as part of the investigation into the accident that caused the destruction of Columbia and loss of its crew as it returned to Earth on mission STS-107.

Former space shuttle launch directors Mike Leinbach, left, and Bob Sieck listen to a presentation in Kennedy Space Center’s Training Auditorium on April 12, 2019, during “Columbia: The Mission Continues,” an event organized by the Apollo Challenger Columbia Lessons Learned Program (ACCLLP). The event is part of the Space Shuttle Columbia national tour and took place on the 38th anniversary of STS-1, the first orbital spaceflight of NASA’s Space Shuttle Program. The tour launched at Kennedy and will make its way to each of the 10 NASA centers.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA managers brief the media about the Space Shuttle Program and mission STS-121 from the press site at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Public Information Officer Jessica Rye moderated. Seated at her right are Space Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale, NASA Launch Director Mike Leinbach and STS-114 External Tank Tiger Team lead Tim Wilson, with the NASA Engineering & Safety Center. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

Jorge Rivera (center) receives a plaque and congratulations for his observatory powers from Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (right). A NASA external tank mechanical engineer, Rivera is the one who spotted the misplaced lock pin on Shuttle Discovery Oct. 10, shortly before the intended launch of mission STS-92, causing a scrub for safety reasons

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RLV Hangar, NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe (left) is briefed on the status of the investigation into the Space Shuttle Columbia accident by Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (center) and Shuttle Test Director Steve Altemus (right), both members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project Team. To date, more than 70,000 items have been delivered to KSC for use in the ongoing mishap investigation.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, former President Jimmy Carter (center) gets a closeup view of the underside of an orbiter space vehicle. On the outer edge of the crowd are (left to riht) Launch Director Mike Leinbach (green jacket), Space Shuttle Launch Integration Manager Jim Halsell and Center Director Roy D. Bridges. Carter and former First Lady Rosalyn Carter are touring KSC

Retired Space Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach speaks during NASA’s Day of Remembrance ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s Space Mirror Memorial. The crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other fallen astronauts who lost their lives in the name of space exploration and discovery, were honored by Kennedy employees and guests at the annual memorial event.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - In the RLV Hangar, Mike Leinbach, Shuttle launch director, describes some of the debris to U.S. Representative Tom Feeney (second from left), who is visiting KSC to see the Columbia debris collected in the hangar. At right, from KSC, are JoAnn Morgan, director of External Relations and Business Development; Greg Katnik, technical manager, Space Shuttle Program Launch Integration Office; and John Halsema, Chief/Federal & International Liaison, Government Relations Office.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Mike Leinbach, who is Shuttle launch director, looks closely at a piece of debris in the RLV Hangar. To date, 35,319 pieces of debris have been shipped to KSC; 1,218 have been identified and placed on a grid in a configuration of the orbiter. The team is attempting to reconstruct the bottom of the orbiter as part of the investigation into the accident that caused the destruction of Columbia and loss of its crew as it returned to Earth on mission STS-107.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RLV Hangar at KSC, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (left) shows some of the debris from Space Shuttle Columbia to former payload specialist Dr. Roger Crouch (center) and NASA Chief of Staff and White House liaison Courtney Stadd. The search of more than 500,000 acres of primary recovery area for Columbia material has passed the halfway mark. To date about 28 percent of Columbia, by weight, has been delivered to the hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Mike Leinbach, Shuttle launch director, points out a piece of debris to U.S. Representative Tom Feeney (third from right) along with his staff. They are visiting KSC to see the Columbia debris collected in the RLV Hangar. At far left is JoAnn Morgan, KSC's director of External Relations and Business Development. At far right is John Halsema, Chief/Federal & International Liaison, Government Relations Office

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RLV Hangar, NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe (second from left) listens as Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (center) explains an aspect of the investigation into the Space Shuttle Columbia accident. On the right is Shuttle Test Director Steve Altemus, a member of the Columbia Reconstruction Project Team. To date, more than 70,000 items have been delivered to KSC for use in the ongoing mishap investigation.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach answers reporters' questions in the RLV Hangar. Leinbach is overseeing assessment of the debris, seen in the background, as it is delivered to KSC. The Columbia Reconstruction Project team is identifying pieces and placing them on a grid approximating the shape of the orbiter. Shipped from Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, La., more than 70,000 items, weighing 78,000 pounds, about 36 percent of the Shuttle by weight, have been delivered to KSC for use in the mishap investigation. Ground teams have completed 78 percent of their primary search area, and airborne crews finished 80 percent of their assigned area. Search teams have completed 98 percent of the underwater searches in Lake Nacogdoches and Toledo Bend Reservoir.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach answers reporters' questions in the RLV Hangar. Leinbach is overseeing assessment of the debris, seen in the background, as it is delivered to KSC. The Columbia Reconstruction Project team is identifying pieces and placing them on a grid approximating the shape of the orbiter. Shipped from Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, La., more than 70,000 items, weighing 78,000 pounds, about 36 percent of the Shuttle by weight, have been delivered to KSC for use in the mishap investigation. Ground teams have completed 78 percent of their primary search area, and airborne crews finished 80 percent of their assigned area. Search teams have completed 98 percent of the underwater searches in Lake Nacogdoches and Toledo Bend Reservoir.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility, Launch Director Mike Leinbach welcomes members of the STS-116 crew upon their arrival at KSC aboard T-38 jet aircraft for the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on Dec. 7. From left are Leinbach, Pilot William Oefelein, Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang representing the European Space Agency, Mission Specialists Robert Curbeam and Nicholas Patrick, Commander Mark Polansky (back to camera) and Mission Specialist Sunita Williams joining Expedition 14 in progress on the International Space Station. On the mission, the STS-116 crew will deliver truss segment, P5, to the International Space Station and begin the intricate process of reconfiguring and redistributing the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. The P5 will be mated to the P4 truss that was delivered and attached during the STS-115 mission in September. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery's STS-128 mission crew members arrive in T-38 training jets at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility. Commander Rick Sturckow is greeted by Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. Behind Leinbach is Chief of the Vehicle Integration Test Office Jerry Ross. The astronauts will be taking part in terminal countdown demonstration test activities that include equipment familiarization and emergency egress training, and will culminate in a simulated launch countdown aboard Discovery. The mission will deliver a new crew member and 33,000 pounds of equipment to the International Space Station. The equipment includes science and storage racks, a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and the COLBERT treadmill. Launch of Discovery is targeted for late August. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - (From left) Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach, Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier, Associate Administrator Rex Geveden and NASA Administrator Mike Griffin greet STS-121 Commander Steven Lindsey, Pilot Mike Kelly and Mission Specialists Michael Fossum and Stephanie Wilson. Not visible are Mission Specialists Piers Sellers and Lisa Nowak. Mission Specialist Thomas Reiter, who launched with the crew on July 4, remained on the station to join the Expedition 13 crew there. Discovery's smooth and perfect landing was on time at 9:14 a.m. EDT on Runway 15 of NASA's Shuttle Landing Facility after traveling 5.3 million miles on 202 orbits. Mission elapsed time was 12 days, 18 hours, 37 minutes and 54 seconds. The landing is the 62nd at Kennedy Space Center and the 32nd for Discovery. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the firing room at the Launch Control Center, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach presents a memento of the night's successful launch of Space Shuttle Discovery to Kennedy Space Center Director Jim Kennedy, who is retiring in January. Behind Leinbach and Kennedy are, left to right, Deputy Director Bill Parsons, External Relations Director Lisa Malone, NASA Flow Director for Discovery Stephanie Stilson, NASA KSC News Chief Bruce Buckingham, Associate Administrator for Space Operations Mission William Gerstenmaier and NASA Administrator Mike Griffin and his wife, Becky. This was the second launch attempt for mission STS-116. The first launch attempt on Dec. 7 was postponed due a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2002. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 21 at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the firing room at the Launch Control Center, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach applauds with other NASA officials the successful second launch attempt of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-116. Liftoff occurred on time at 8:47 p.m. EST. Standing left to right are NASA Flow Director for Discovery Stephanie Stilson, Leinbach, NASA KSC News Chief Bruce Buckingham, Associate Administrator for Space Operations Mission William Gerstenmaier, NASA Administrator Mike Griffin, Mrs. Griffin, and Kennedy Space Center Director Jim Kennedy. The first launch attempt on Dec. 7 was postponed due a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2002. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 21 at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Press Site auditorium at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA managers brief media about the launch status of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission. From left are NASA Public Affairs Officer Candrea Thomas, Space Shuttle Program Launch Integration Manager, Mike Moses, Shuttle Launch Director, Mike Leinbach, and Shuttle Weather Officer, Kathy Winters. Endeavour and its crew will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), a high-pressure gas tank and additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper to the International Space Station. Launch is scheduled for April 29 at 3:47 p.m. EDT. This will be the final spaceflight for Endeavour. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – During a press conference in the NASA News Auditorium at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach, right, answers a question from the media. Others from left are NASA Public Affairs Officer John Yembrick, who moderated, Associate Administrator for NASA's Space Operations Directorate William Gerstenmaier, Associate Administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate Ed Weiler and Launch Integration Manager Mike Moses. The conference followed the successful launch of space shuttle Atlantis on the STS-125 mission to service NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Atlantis' 11-day flight will include five spacewalks to refurbish and upgrade the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments that will expand Hubble's capabilities and extend its operational lifespan through at least 2014. The payload includes a Wide Field Camera 3, Fine Guidance Sensor and the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The NASA News Auditorium is filled with media during the post-launch press conference at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Featured on the dais were Associate Administrator for NASA's Space Operations Directorate William Gerstenmaier, Associate Administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate Ed Weiler, Launch Integration Manager Mike Moses and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. The conference followed the successful launch of space shuttle Atlantis on the STS-125 mission to service NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Atlantis' 11-day flight will include five spacewalks to refurbish and upgrade the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments that will expand Hubble's capabilities and extend its operational lifespan through at least 2014. The payload includes a Wide Field Camera 3, Fine Guidance Sensor and the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- NASA Administrator Mike Griffin talks to STS-120 Commander Pamela Melroy as they walk across the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. On the left are Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach and Shuttle Program Manager Wayne Hale. At right is Rebecca Griffin, wife of the administrator. Melroy and the Discovery crew completed the 15-day mission STS-120, with an on-time landing at 1:01:16 p.m. Wheel stop was at 1:02:07 p.m. Mission elapsed time was 15 days, 2 hours, 24 minutes and 2 seconds. Mission STS-120 continued the construction of the station with the installation of the Harmony Node 2 module and the relocation of the P6 truss. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Program Launch Integration Manager Mike Moses looks on proudly as Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach holds up a Discovery banner signed by the STS-133 astronauts, at a news conference held in the Press Site auditorium at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida following today's successful launch of space shuttle Discovery. Shuttle Discovery lifted off at 4:53 p.m. EST. The six-member crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the orbiting outpost. Discovery is flying on its 39th and final mission and is scheduled to be retired following STS-133. This is the 133rd Space Shuttle Program mission and the 35th shuttle voyage to the space station. For more information on the STS-133 mission, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a press conference following the successful launch of space shuttle Atlantis on the STS-125 mission featured (from left) Associate Administrator for NASA's Space Operations Directorate William Gerstenmaier, Associate Administrator for NASA's Science Mission Directorate Ed Weiler, Launch Integration Manager Mike Moses and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. Atlantis will rendezvous with NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Liftoff was on time at 2:01 p.m. EDT. Atlantis' 11-day flight will include five spacewalks to refurbish and upgrade the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments that will expand Hubble's capabilities and extend its operational lifespan through at least 2014. The payload includes a Wide Field Camera 3, Fine Guidance Sensor and the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann