A NASA CV-990, modified as a Landing Systems Research Aircraft (LSRA), is serviced on the ramp at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, before a test of the space shuttle landing gear system. The space shuttle landing gear test unit, operated by a high-pressure hydraulic system, allowed engineers to assess and document the performance of space shuttle main and nose landing gear systems, tires and wheel assemblies, plus braking and nose wheel steering performance. The series of 155 test missions for the space shuttle program provided extensive data about the life and endurance of the shuttle tire systems and helped raise the shuttle crosswind landing limits at Kennedy.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, United Space Alliance technicians Terry Williams (left) and Ron Delaney retract the nose landing gear on Space Shuttle Atlantis. Compression measurements will be taken of the newly installed nose landing gear thermal barrier seal with the gear in position in its wheel well and the landing gear doors closed. Atlantis is being processed for launch on the second Return to Flight mission, STS-121, which is scheduled to fly in July.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, United Space Alliance technicians Terry Williams (left) and Ron Delaney examine Space Shuttle Atlantis before retracting the nose landing gear. Compression measurements will be taken of the newly installed nose landing gear thermal barrier seal with the gear in position in its wheel well and the landing gear doors closed. Atlantis is being processed for launch on the second Return to Flight mission, STS-121, which is scheduled to fly in July.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, United Space Alliance technicians Terry Williams (left) and Ron Delaney retract the nose landing gear on Space Shuttle Atlantis. Compression measurements will be taken of the newly installed nose landing gear thermal barrier seal with the gear in position in its wheel well and the landing gear doors closed. Atlantis is being processed for launch on the second Return to Flight mission, STS-121, which is scheduled to fly in July.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, the nose landing gear on Space Shuttle Atlantis is retracted under the supervision of United Space Alliance technicians Terry Williams (left) and Ron Delaney. Compression measurements are being taken of the newly installed nose landing gear thermal barrier seal with the gear in position in its wheel well and the landing gear doors closed. Atlantis is being processed for launch on the second Return to Flight mission, STS-121, which is scheduled to fly in July.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, United Space Alliance technicians Terry Williams (left) and Ron Delaney retract the nose landing gear on Space Shuttle Atlantis. Compression measurements will be taken of the newly installed nose landing gear thermal barrier seal with the gear in position in its wheel well and the landing gear doors closed. Atlantis is being processed for launch on the second Return to Flight mission, STS-121, which is scheduled to fly in July.

Snapshot from a simulation run on the Pleiades supercomputer. It depicts a fluctuating pressure field on aircraft nose landing gear and fuselage surfaces. The simulation helped scientists better understand the effects of landing gear and acoustic noise. The goal of the study was to improve the current understanding of aircraft nose landing gear noise, which will lead to quieter, more efficient airframe components for future aircraft designs. The visualization was produced with help from the NAS Data Analysis & Visualization group. Investigator: Mehdi Khorrami, NASA Langley Research Center.

Shuttle Challenger lands on Runway 17 at Edwards at end of 51-B mission. The photo is a rear view of the shuttle landing gear touching the runway, with clouds of dirt trailing behind it. The nose gear is still in the air (071); Side view of the Challenger landing gear touching the runway (072).

A NASA CV-990, modified as a Landing Systems Research Aircraft (LSRA), in flight over NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, for a test of the space shuttle landing gear system. The space shuttle landing gear test unit, operated by a high-pressure hydraulic system, allowed engineers to assess and document the performance of space shuttle main and nose landing gear systems, tires and wheel assemblies, plus braking and nose wheel steering performance. The series of 155 test missions for the space shuttle program provided extensive data about the life and endurance of the shuttle tire systems and helped raise the shuttle crosswind landing limits at Kennedy.

A NASA CV-990, modified as a Landing Systems Research Aircraft (LSRA), in flight over NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, for a test of the space shuttle landing gear system. The space shuttle landing gear test unit, operated by a high-pressure hydraulic system, allowed engineers to assess and document the performance of space shuttle main and nose landing gear systems, tires and wheel assemblies, plus braking and nose wheel steering performance. The series of 155 test missions for the space shuttle program provided extensive data about the life and endurance of the shuttle tire systems and helped raise the shuttle crosswind landing limits at Kennedy.

STS-41 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, with nose landing gear (NLG) and main landing gear (MLG) deployed, glides over concrete runway 22 at Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB), California, prior to touchdown.

STS-41 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, with nose landing gear (NLG) and main landing gear (MLG) deployed, glides over concrete runway 22 at Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB), California, prior to touchdown.

STS-26 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, with nose landing gear (NLG) and main landing gear (MLG) deployed glides above dry lakebed runway 17 at Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB), California. This profile view shows OV-103's port side just before MLG touchdown.

Taking off on a flight from NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, is NASA's Landing Systems Research Aircraft (LSRA), a modified Convair (CV) 990. A new landing gear test fixture representative of the shuttle's landing gear system had been installed in the lower fuselage of the CV-990 test aircraft between the aircraft's normal main landing gear. Following initial flights, static loads testing and calibration of the test gear were conducted at Dryden. Tests allowed engineers to assess the performance of the space shuttle's main and nose landing gear systems under varying conditions.

A NASA CV-990, modified as a Landing Systems Research Aircraft (LSRA), lands on the Edwards AFB main runway in test of the space shuttle landing gear system. In this case, the shuttle tire failed, bursting into flame during the rollout. The space shuttle landing gear test unit, operated by a high-pressure hydraulic system, allowed engineers to assess and document the performance of space shuttle main and nose landing gear systems, tires and wheel assemblies, plus braking and nose wheel steering performance. The series of 155 test missions for the space shuttle program provided extensive data about the life and endurance of the shuttle tire systems and helped raise the shuttle crosswind landing limits at Kennedy. The CV-990 used as the LSRA was built in 1962 by the Convair Division of General Dynamics Corp., Ft. Worth, Texas, served as a research aircraft at Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, before it came to Dryden.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Atlantis goes through a routine landing gear test in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Technicians are checking to make sure the shuttle's wheels, brakes, elevons and body flap function properly. Seen here, the nose landing gear is deployed. During a shuttle landing, the nose gear comes down after the main gear and helps the shuttle coast to a stop. Atlantis is being prepared for the STS-135 mission, which will deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies, logistics and spare parts to the International Space Station. STS-135 is targeted to launch June 28, and will be the last spaceflight for the Space Shuttle Program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Atlantis goes through a routine landing gear test in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Technicians are checking to make sure the shuttle's wheels, brakes, elevons and body flap function properly. Seen here, the nose landing gear is deployed. During a shuttle landing, the nose gear comes down after the main gear and helps the shuttle coast to a stop. Atlantis is being prepared for the STS-135 mission, which will deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies, logistics and spare parts to the International Space Station. STS-135 is targeted to launch June 28, and will be the last spaceflight for the Space Shuttle Program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Atlantis goes through a routine landing gear test in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Technicians are checking to make sure the shuttle's wheels, brakes, elevons and body flap function properly. Seen here, the nose landing gear is deployed. During a shuttle landing, the nose gear comes down after the main gear and helps the shuttle coast to a stop. Atlantis is being prepared for the STS-135 mission, which will deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies, logistics and spare parts to the International Space Station. STS-135 is targeted to launch June 28, and will be the last spaceflight for the Space Shuttle Program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Atlantis goes through a routine landing gear test in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Technicians are checking to make sure the shuttle's wheels, brakes, elevons and body flap function properly. Seen here, the nose landing gear is deployed. During a shuttle landing, the nose gear comes down after the main gear and helps the shuttle coast to a stop. Atlantis is being prepared for the STS-135 mission, which will deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies, logistics and spare parts to the International Space Station. STS-135 is targeted to launch June 28, and will be the last spaceflight for the Space Shuttle Program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Atlantis goes through a routine landing gear test in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Technicians are checking to make sure the shuttle's wheels, brakes, elevons and body flap function properly. Seen here, the nose landing gear is deployed. During a shuttle landing, the nose gear comes down after the main gear and helps the shuttle coast to a stop. Atlantis is being prepared for the STS-135 mission, which will deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies, logistics and spare parts to the International Space Station. STS-135 is targeted to launch June 28, and will be the last spaceflight for the Space Shuttle Program. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A technician watches the nose gear on space shuttle Atlantis as it is stowed during a landing gear functional test in Orbiter Processing Facility-2, where the shuttle is undergoing transition and retirement processing. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A technician surveys the closed doors over the nose gear on space shuttle Atlantis as it is stowed during a landing gear functional test in Orbiter Processing Facility-2, where the shuttle is undergoing transition and retirement processing. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A technician watches the nose gear on space shuttle Atlantis as it is stowed during a landing gear functional test in Orbiter Processing Facility-2, where the shuttle is undergoing transition and retirement processing. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Technician latch the doors closed over the nose gear during a landing gear functional test on space shuttle Atlantis in Orbiter Processing Facility-2, where the shuttle is undergoing transition and retirement processing. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

The Space Shuttle Challenger lands at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) at the end of the STS 41-G mission. The main landing gear has already touched down in this view, but the nose gear is still in the air (90232); Front view through tall grass of the Challenger making its landing at KSC (90233); Close-up side view of the Challenger making its landing at KSC (90234); Aerial view of the Challenger making its final approach to the runway to land at KSC (90235).

The Space Shuttle Challenger lands at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) at the end of the STS 41-G mission. The main landing gear has already touched down in this view, but the nose gear is still in the air (90232); Front view through tall grass of the Challenger making its landing at KSC (90233); Close-up side view of the Challenger making its landing at KSC (90234); Aerial view of the Challenger making its final approach to the runway to land at KSC (90235).

The Space Shuttle Challenger lands at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) at the end of the STS 41-G mission. The main landing gear has already touched down in this view, but the nose gear is still in the air (90232); Front view through tall grass of the Challenger making its landing at KSC (90233); Close-up side view of the Challenger making its landing at KSC (90234); Aerial view of the Challenger making its final approach to the runway to land at KSC (90235).

STS-43 Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104, lands on runway 15 at the Kennedy Space Center's (KSC's) Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF). The main landing gear (MLG) touched down at 8:23:25 am (Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)). OV-104 glides toward wheel stop as the nose landing gear (NLG) rides above the runway.

STS-50 Columbia's, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102's, main landing gear touches down on runway 33 at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) producing a small cloud of dust. Landing occurred at 7:42 am (Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)). In this view of the OV-102's starboard side, the nose landing gear (NLG) continues to ride above the runway surface. Florida vegetation, a runway sign, and runway lights appear in the foreground.

STS038-S-041 (20 Nov 1990) --- STS-38 Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104, lands on runway 33 at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF). The main landing gear (MLG) has just touched down on the runway surface as the nose landing gear (NLG) glides above it. The Department of Defense (DOD)-devoted mission came to an end (with complete wheel stop) at 4:43:37 pm (Eastern Standard Time (EST)).

STS-45 Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104, lands on concrete runway 33 at the Kennedy Space Center's (KSC's) Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF). The main landing gear (MLG) touched down at 6:23:06 am (Eastern Standard Time (EST)) in the early morning Florida fog as seen in these views. The deployed nose landing gear (NLG) rides above the runway before wheel stop.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Standing next to the nose of Atlantis, returned from its successful mission STS-110 to the International Space Station, Commander Michael Bloomfield talks with NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe. Atlantis landed on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility after 171 orbits, completing a 10-day, 19-hour, 4.5-million mile journey. Main gear touchdown was 12:26:57 p.m. EDT, nose gear touchdown was 12:27:09 p.m. and wheel stop was 12:28:07 p.m. The crew delivered and installed the S0 truss, which will support cooling and power systems essential for the addition of future international laboratories, on the Station

STS-31 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, rolls along concrete runway 22 at Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB), California, after nose landing gear (NLG) and main landing gear (MLG) touchdown. This view looks down OV-103's port side from the space shuttle main engines (SSMEs) to the nose section. The SSMEs are gimbaled to their descent position and the rudder/speedbrake is deployed on the vertical stabilizer. Wheel stop occurred at 6:51 am (Pacific Daylight Time (PDT)). In the distance EAFB facilities are visible.

STS-34 Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104, main landing gear (MLG) touches down on Runway 23 dry lake bed at Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB), California. The nose landing gear rides above runway before touchdown as the MLG wheels produce a cloud of dust. OV-104's port side profile is captured as it glides by at a speed of approximately 195 knots (224 miles per hour). The tail section with deployed speedbrake/rudder and space shuttle main engines (SSMEs) are visible.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-119 Pilot Tony Antonelli and Commander Lee Archambault share a congratulatory handshake as they kneel beside the nose gear of space shuttle Discovery on Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Discovery’s landing completed the 13-day, 5.3-million mile journey of the STS-119 mission to the International Space Station. Main gear touchdown was at 3:13:17 p.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 3:13:40 p.m. and wheels stop was at 3:14:45 p.m. Discovery delivered the final pair of large power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment. The mission was the 28th flight to the station, the 36th flight of Discovery and the 125th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 70th landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault kneels beside the nose gear of space shuttle Discovery on Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Discovery’s landing completed the 13-day, 5.3-million mile journey of the STS-119 mission to the International Space Station. Main gear touchdown was at 3:13:17 p.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 3:13:40 p.m. and wheels stop was at 3:14:45 p.m. Discovery delivered the final pair of large power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment. The mission was the 28th flight to the station, the 36th flight of Discovery and the 125th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 70th landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the 69th landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Discovery approaches landing on Runway 15 to end the STS-124 mission, a 14-day flight to the International Space Station. The main landing gear touched down at 11:15:19 a.m. EDT. The nose landing gear touched down at 11:15:30 a.m. and wheel stop was at 11:16:19 a.m. The mission completed 5.7 million miles. The STS-124 mission delivered the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system to the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Chris Lynch

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the 69th landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Discovery approaches landing on Runway 15 to end the STS-124 mission, a 14-day flight to the International Space Station. The main landing gear touched down at 11:15:19 a.m. EDT. The nose landing gear touched down at 11:15:30 a.m. and wheel stop was at 11:16:19 a.m. The mission completed 5.7 million miles. The STS-124 mission delivered the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system to the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- In the 16th night landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Endeavour approaches Runway 15 to end the STS-123 mission, a 16-day flight to the International Space Station. The main landing gear touched down at 8:39:08 p.m. EDT. The nose landing gear touched down at 8:39:17 p.m. and wheel stop was at 8:40:41 p.m. The mission completed nearly 6.6 million miles. The landing was the second opportunity after the first was waved off due to unstable weather in the Kennedy Space Center area. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray, Kevin O'Connell, Scott Haun

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A drag chute slows space shuttle Discovery's landing on Runway 15 to end the STS-124 mission, a 14-day flight to the International Space Station. This landing was the 69th at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The main landing gear touched down at 11:15:19 a.m. EDT. The nose landing gear touched down at 11:15:30 a.m. and wheel stop was at 11:16:19 a.m. The mission completed 5.7 million miles. The STS-124 mission delivered the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system to the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Under blue skies, space shuttle Discovery approaches landing on Runway 15 to end the STS-124 mission, a 14-day flight to the International Space Station. This landing was the 69th at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The main landing gear touched down at 11:15:19 a.m. EDT. The nose landing gear touched down at 11:15:30 a.m. and wheel stop was at 11:16:19 a.m. The mission completed 5.7 million miles. The STS-124 mission delivered the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system to the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Mike Gayle

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the 69th landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a drag chute slows space shuttle Discovery's landing on Runway 15 to end the STS-124 mission, a 14-day flight to the International Space Station. The main landing gear touched down at 11:15:19 a.m. EDT. The nose landing gear touched down at 11:15:30 a.m. and wheel stop was at 11:16:19 a.m. The mission completed 5.7 million miles. The STS-124 mission delivered the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system to the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Chris Lynch

President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, daughters Malia, left, Sasha, and Astronaut Janet Kavandi walk under the landing gear from beneath the nose of space shuttle Atlantis as they visit Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Friday, April 29, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

President Barack Obama, daughters Malia, left, Sasha, and Astronaut Janet Kavandi walk under the landing gear from beneath the nose of space shuttle Atlantis as they visit Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Friday, April 29, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Forward Attach Point (hanging down from a point behind the nose landing gear) is installed on the orbiter Discovery. The equipment attaches the External Tank to the orbiter. Discovery is the orbiter designated for the Return to Flight mission, STS-114. The launch window is May 12 to June 3, 2005.

President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, daughters Malia, left, Sasha, and Astronaut Janet Kavandi walk under the landing gear from beneath the nose of space shuttle Atlantis as they visit Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Friday, April 29, 2011. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

STS-53 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, is slowed by a red, white, and blue drag chute during its landing on concrete runway 22 at Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB), California. Main landing gear (MLG) touchdown occurred at 12:43:17 pm (Pacific Standard Time (PST)). This aft view of OV-103 shows the drag chute deployed from its compartment at the base of the vertical tail, the speedbrake/rudder flaps open, and the space shuttle main engines (SSMEs). Both MLG and nose landing gear (NLG) ride along the runway surface. Desert scrub brush appears in the foreground and mountains are seen in the background.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery touches down on Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to end the STS-124 mission, a 14-day flight to the International Space Station. This landing was the 69th at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The main landing gear touched down at 11:15:19 a.m. EDT. The nose landing gear touched down at 11:15:30 a.m. and wheel stop was at 11:16:19 a.m. The mission completed 5.7 million miles. The STS-124 mission delivered the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system to the space station. Photo courtesy of Scott Andrews

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the 69th landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Discovery kicks up dust as it touches down on Runway 15 to end the STS-124 mission, a 14-day flight to the International Space Station. The main landing gear touched down at 11:15:19 a.m. EDT. The nose landing gear touched down at 11:15:30 a.m. and wheel stop was at 11:16:19 a.m. The mission completed 5.7 million miles. The STS-124 mission delivered the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system to the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Mike Gayle

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the 69th landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Discovery kicks up dust as it touches down on Runway 15 to end the STS-124 mission, a 14-day flight to the International Space Station. The main landing gear touched down at 11:15:19 a.m. EDT. The nose landing gear touched down at 11:15:30 a.m. and wheel stop was at 11:16:19 a.m. The mission completed 5.7 million miles. The STS-124 mission delivered the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system to the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Mike Gayle

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the 69th landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Discovery kicks up dust as it touches down on Runway 15 to end the STS-124 mission, a 14-day flight to the International Space Station. The main landing gear touched down at 11:15:19 a.m. EDT. The nose landing gear touched down at 11:15:30 a.m. and wheel stop was at 11:16:19 a.m. The mission completed 5.7 million miles. The STS-124 mission delivered the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system to the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Chris Lynch

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the 69th landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Discovery comes to a stop on Runway15 with the aid of a drag chute to end the STS-124 mission, a 14-day flight to the International Space Station. The main landing gear touched down at 11:15:19 a.m. EDT. The nose landing gear touched down at 11:15:30 a.m. and wheel stop was at 11:16:19 a.m. The mission completed 5.7 million miles. The STS-124 mission delivered the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system to the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery approaches Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to end the STS-124 mission, a 14-day flight to the International Space Station. This landing was the 69th at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The main landing gear touched down at 11:15:19 a.m. EDT. The nose landing gear touched down at 11:15:30 a.m. and wheel stop was at 11:16:19 a.m. The mission completed 5.7 million miles. The STS-124 mission delivered the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system to the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Mike Kerley

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery touches down on Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to end the STS-124 mission, a 14-day flight to the International Space Station. This landing was the 69th at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The main landing gear touched down at 11:15:19 a.m. EDT. The nose landing gear touched down at 11:15:30 a.m. and wheel stop was at 11:16:19 a.m. The mission completed 5.7 million miles. The STS-124 mission delivered the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system to the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Mike Kerley

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the 69th landing at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Discovery touches down on Runway 15 to end the STS-124 mission, a 14-day flight to the International Space Station. The main landing gear touched down at 11:15:19 a.m. EDT. The nose landing gear touched down at 11:15:30 a.m. and wheel stop was at 11:16:19 a.m. The mission completed 5.7 million miles. The STS-124 mission delivered the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system to the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier looks at the thermal protection system tiles on the underside of space shuttle Discovery, whose landing ended the STS-124 mission, a 14-day flight to the International Space Station. The main landing gear touched down at 11:15:19 a.m. EDT. The nose landing gear touched down at 11:15:30 a.m. and wheel stop was at 11:16:19 a.m. The mission completed 5.7 million miles. The STS-124 mission delivered the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system to the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – With landing gear down, space shuttle Endeavour approaches landing on Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to complete the 16-day, 6.5-million mile journey on the STS-127 mission to the International Space Station. Endeavour landed on orbit 248. Main gear touchdown was at 10:48:08 a.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 10:48:21 a.m. and wheels stop was at 10:49:13 a.m. Endeavour delivered the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section to the International Space Station. The mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 127th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Linda Perry

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Endeavour lowers its landing gear as it approaches Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The landing completes Endeavour's 16-day, 6.5-million mile journey on the STS-127 mission to the International Space Station. Endeavour landed on orbit 248. Main gear touchdown was at 10:48:08 a.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 10:48:21 a.m. and wheels stop was at 10:49:13 a.m. Endeavour delivered the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section to the International Space Station. The mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 127th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A large team of specialists works methodically through procedures to "safe" Endeavour as it sits on the runway after landing to complete the 16-day, 6.5-million mile journey on the STS-127 mission to the International Space Station. Trucks are positioned at the shuttle’s nose and tail to drain away hazardous chemicals that may still be inside systems such as the thrusters. Later, the astronauts are expected to walk around Endeavour. Main gear touchdown was at 10:48:08 a.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 10:48:21 a.m. and wheels stop was at 10:49:13 a.m. Endeavour delivered the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section to the International Space Station. The mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 127th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During a post-flight walk around orbiter Columbia at the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-109 Pilot Duane Carey gingerly checks the heat of the nose cone. The crew returned to Earth after an 11-day mission servicing the Hubble Space Telescope. Wheel stop occurred on orbit 165 at 4:33:09 a.m. EST. Main gear touchdown occurred at 4:31:52 a.m. and nose wheel touchdown at 4:32:02. Rollout time was 1 minute, 17 seconds. This was the 58th landing at KSC out of 108 missions in the history of the Shuttle program

JSC2011-E-068007 (21 July 2011) --- Green paint marks the location where Atlantis' nose landing gear came to a stop on the runway after the space shuttle landed at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on July 21, 2011. The landing completed STS-135, the final mission of the NASA Space Shuttle Program. Photo credit: NASA Photo/Houston Chronicle, Smiley N. Pool

EDWARDS AFB, CALIF. -- After traveling 5.8 million miles in space during 217 orbits, and with drag chute deployed, Endeavour lands on concrete runway 22 at Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., completing mission STS-111. Three days of unfavorable weather conditions at KSC prompted the decision to land at Edwards, which enjoyed pristine, dry conditions.. Main gear touchdown occurred at 1:57:41 p.m EDT, nose gear touchdown at 1:57:53 p.m. EDT and wheel stop at 1:58:45 p.m. EDT. [Photo by Jim Ross

STS111-S-027 (19 June 2002) --- After traveling 5.8 million miles in space during 217 orbits, the Space Shuttle Endeavour is just about to complete NASA's STS-111 mission with a landing on concrete runway 22 at Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Three days of unfavorable weather conditions at KSC prompted the decision to land at Edwards, which enjoyed pristine, dry conditions. Main gear touchdown occurred at 10:57:41 a.m. (PDT), nose gear touchdown at 10:57:53 a.m. (PDT) and wheel stop at 10:58:45 a.m. (PDT).

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault participates in a news conference following landing of the space shuttle Discovery STS-119 mission to the International Space Station. Main gear touchdown was at 3:13:17 p.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 3:13:40 p.m. and wheels stop was at 3:14:45 p.m. Discovery delivered the final pair of large power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment. The mission was the 28th flight to the station, the 36th flight of Discovery and the 125th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 70th landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After a flawless landing on runway 33 of the Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-112 crew poses in front of Atlantis. From left are Mission Specialists Piers Sellers and Sandra Magnus, Pilot Pamela Melroy, Commander Jeffrey Ashby, and Mission Specialists David Wolf and Fyodor Yurchikhin, who represents the Russian Space Agency. Main gear touchdown occurred at 11:43:40 a.m. EDT; nose gear touchdown at 11:43:48 a.m.; and wheel stop at 11:44:35 a.m. Mission elapsed time was 10:19:58:44. STS-112 expanded the size of the Station with the addition of the S1 truss segment.

EDWARDS AFB, CALIF. -- After traveling 5.8 million miles in space during 217 orbits, and with drag chute deployed, Endeavour lands on concrete runway 22 at Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., completing mission STS-111. Three days of unfavorable weather conditions at KSC prompted the decision to land at Edwards, which enjoyed pristine, dry conditions.. Main gear touchdown occurred at 1:57:41 p.m. EDT, nose gear touchdown at 1:57:53 p.m. EDT and wheel stop at 1:58:45 p.m. EDT. [Photo by Jim Ross]

EDWARDS AFB, CALIF. -- A chase plane follows behind Endeavour as it lands on concrete runway 22 at Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., completing mission STS-111. Endeavour traveled 5.8 million miles in space during 217 orbits. Three days of unfavorable weather conditions at KSC prompted the decision to land at Edwards, which enjoyed pristine, dry conditions.. Main gear touchdown occurred at 1:57:41 p.m EDT, nose gear touchdown at 1:57:53 p.m. EDT and wheel stop at 1:58:45 p.m. EDT. [Photo by Jim Ross

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Joseph Acaba participates in a news conference following landing of the space shuttle Discovery STS-119 mission to the International Space Station. Main gear touchdown was at 3:13:17 p.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 3:13:40 p.m. and wheels stop was at 3:14:45 p.m. Discovery delivered the final pair of large power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment. The mission was the 28th flight to the station, the 36th flight of Discovery and the 125th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 70th landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

STS111-S-028 (19 June 2002) --- The drag chute on the Space Shuttle Endeavour deploys to slow down the spacecraft during landing on runway 22 at Dryden Flight Research Center. After traveling 5.8 million miles in space during 217 orbits, the shuttle ended NASA's STS-111 mission with complete wheel stop on the concrete runway at 10:58:45 a.m. (PDT), June 19, 2002. Three days of unfavorable weather conditions at KSC prompted the decision to land at Edwards, which enjoyed pristine, dry conditions. Main gear touchdown occurred at 10:57:41 a.m. (PDT) and nose gear touchdown at 10:57:53 a.m. (PDT).

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Pilot Tony Antonelli participates in a news conference following landing of the space shuttle Discovery STS-119 mission to the International Space Station. Main gear touchdown was at 3:13:17 p.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 3:13:40 p.m. and wheels stop was at 3:14:45 p.m. Discovery delivered the final pair of large power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment. The mission was the 28th flight to the station, the 36th flight of Discovery and the 125th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 70th landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-110 Mission Specialists Jerry Ross (left) and Steven Smith (right) are happy to be back on Earth after a successful mission to the International Space Station. Atlantis landed on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility after 171 orbits, completing a 10-day, 19-hour, 4.5-million mile journey. Main gear touchdown was 12:26:57 p.m. EDT, nose gear touchdown was 12:27:09 p.m. and wheel stop was 12:28:07 p.m. The crew delivered and installed the S0 truss, which will support cooling and power systems essential for the addition of future international laboratories, on the Station

EDWARDS AFB, CALIF. -- After traveling 5.8 million miles in space during 217 orbits, Endeavour completes mission STS-111 with a landing on concrete runway 22 at Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Three days of unfavorable weather conditions at KSC prompted the decision to land at Edwards, which enjoyed pristine, dry conditions.. Main gear touchdown occurred at 1:57:41 p.m EDT, nose gear touchdown at 1:57:53 p.m. EDT and wheel stop at 1:58:45 p.m. EDT. [Photo by Tom Tschida

STS111-S-026 (19 June 2002) --- After traveling 5.8 million miles in space during 217 orbits, the Space Shuttle Endeavour is just about to complete NASA's STS-111 mission with a landing on concrete runway 22 at Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. Three days of unfavorable weather conditions at KSC prompted the decision to land at Edwards, which enjoyed pristine, dry conditions. Main gear touchdown occurred at 10:57:41 a.m. (PDT), nose gear touchdown at 10:57:53 a.m. (PDT) and wheel stop at 10:58:45 a.m. (PDT).

STS112-S-038 (18 October 2002) --- An aft view shows the Space Shuttle Atlantis just prior to touchdown of its main landing gear at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The touchdown completed the 4.5-million-mile STS-112 journey to the International Space Station. Main gear touchdown occurred at 11:43:40 a.m. EDT nose gear touchdown at 11:43:48 a.m.; and wheel stop at 11:44:35 a.m. Mission elapsed time was 10:19:58:44. Mission STS-112 expanded the size of the Station with the addition of the S1 truss segment. The returning crew of Atlantis are Jeffrey S. Ashby, commander; Pamela A. Melroy, pilot; and David A. Wolf, Piers J. Sellers, Sandra H. Magnus and Rosaviakosmos' Fyodor N. Yurchikhin, all mission specialists. This landing is the 60th at KSC in the 21-year history of the Shuttle program.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Endeavour's landing gear approaches contact with Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to complete the 16-day, 6.5-million mile journey on the STS-127 mission to the International Space Station. Endeavour landed on orbit 248. Main gear touchdown was at 10:48:08 a.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 10:48:21 a.m. and wheels stop was at 10:49:13 a.m. Endeavour delivered the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section to the International Space Station. The mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 127th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Tom Joseph

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – With landing gear lowered, space shuttle Endeavour drops quickly toward Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to complete the 16-day, 6.5-million mile journey on the STS-127 mission to the International Space Station. Endeavour landed on orbit 248. Main gear touchdown was at 10:48:08 a.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 10:48:21 a.m. and wheels stop was at 10:49:13 a.m. Endeavour delivered the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section to the International Space Station. The mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 127th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Chuck Tintera

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Director of Launch Vehicle Processing Rita Willcoxon points out an area near the landing gear on space shuttle Endeavour to Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier. Endeavour landed at 10:48 a.m. EDT, completing the 6.5-million mile journey on the STS-127 mission to the International Space Station. Endeavour's main gear touchdown was at 10:48:08 a.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 10:48:21 a.m. and wheels stop was at 10:49:13 a.m. Endeavour delivered the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section to the International Space Station. The mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 127th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The main landing gear of space shuttle Endeavour touches down on the pavement of Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, to complete the 16-day, 6.5-million mile journey on the STS-127 mission to the International Space Station. Endeavour landed on orbit 248. Main gear touchdown was at 10:48:08 a.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 10:48:21 a.m. and wheels stop was at 10:49:13 a.m. Endeavour delivered the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section to the International Space Station. The mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 127th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

STS112-S-040 (18 October 2002) --- The main landing gear of the Space Shuttle Atlantis is just about to touch down at the Shuttle Landing Facility, completing the 4.5-million-mile journey to the International Space Station. Main gear touchdown occurred at 11:43:40 a.m. (EDT); nose gear touchdown at 11:43:48 a.m.; and wheel stop at 11:44:35 a.m. Mission elapsed time was 10:19:58:44. Mission STS-112 expanded the size of the Station with the addition of the S1 truss segment. The returning crew of Atlantis are Jeffrey S. Ashby, commander; Pamela A. Melroy, pilot; and David A. Wolf, Piers J. Sellers, Sandra H. Magnus and Rosaviakosmos' Fyodor N. Yurchikhin, all mission specialists. This landing is the 60th at KSC in the 21-year history of the Shuttle program.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After landing safely aboard Atlantis on Runway 33 of the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-115 Commander Brent Jett is happy to touch Earth again. He and other crew members are examining the underside of the orbiter Atlantis during the traditional post-landing inspection.During the mission, astronauts completed three spacewalks to attach the P3/P4 integrated truss structure to the International Space Station. Main gear touchdown was at 6:21:30 a.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 6:21:36 a.m. and wheel stop was at 6:22:16 a.m. Atlantis traveled 4.9 million miles, landing on orbit 187. Mission elapsed time was 11 days, 19 hours, six minutes. This is the 15th night landing at KSC and the 23rd night landing overall. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- STS-123 Commander Dominic Gorie inspects the thermal protection system tile on space shuttle Endeavour at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility. Endeavour landed on Runway 15 to end the STS-123 mission, a 16-day flight to the International Space Station. This was the 16th night landing at Kennedy. The main landing gear touched down at 8:39:08 p.m. EDT. The nose landing gear touched down at 8:39:17 p.m. and wheel stop was at 8:40:41 p.m. The mission completed nearly 6.6 million miles. The landing was on the second opportunity after the first was waved off due to unstable weather in the Kennedy Space Center area. 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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-130 Commander George Zamka, left, and Pilot Terry Virts pause for a photograph in front of space shuttle Endeavour's nose gear following its successful landing on Runway 15 at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. After 14 days in space, Endeavour's 5.7-million-mile STS-130 mission was completed on orbit 217. Main gear touchdown was at 10:20:31 p.m. EST followed by nose gear touchdown at 10:20:39 p.m. and wheels stop at 10:22:10 p.m. It was the 23rd night landing in shuttle history and the 17th at Kennedy. During Endeavour's STS-130 mission, astronauts installed the Tranquility node, a module that provides additional room for crew members and many of the station's life support and environmental control systems. Attached to Tranquility is a cupola with seven windows that provide a panoramic view of Earth, celestial objects and visiting spacecraft. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency. The orbiting laboratory is approximately 90 percent complete now in terms of mass. STS-130 was the 24th flight for Endeavour, the 32nd shuttle mission devoted to ISS assembly and maintenance, and the 130th shuttle mission to date. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http:__www.nasa.gov_mission_pages_shuttle_shuttlemissions_sts130_index.html. Photo credit: NASA_Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The nose landing gear of space shuttle Endeavour is lifted during operations to raise the shuttle for securing to the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA. The shuttle is inside the Mate-Demate Device, or MDD, at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The SCA will carry Endeavour to Los Angeles where it will be placed on public display. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

STS-86 Mission Specialist Jean-Loup J.M. Chretien of the French Space Agency, CNES, can still feel heat from the nose of the orbiter Atlantis more than an hour after landing on KSC’s Runway 15 of the Shuttle Landing Facility. The nearly 11-day mission ended with main gear touchdown at 5:55:09 p.m. EDT, Oct. 6, 1997. STS-86 was the seventh docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir

S84-27154 (11 Feb 1984) --- The first Space Shuttle landing on the Kennedy Space Center?s landing facility was recorded by a ground camera on February 11, 1984. A T-38 chase plane trails the Challenger. The nose gear has not yet touched down in this scene. Aboard the spacecraft were Astronauts Vance D. Brand, commander; Robert L. Gibson, pilot; and Bruce McCandless II, Ronald R. McNair and Robert L. Stewart, all mission specialists.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The nose landing gear of space shuttle Endeavour is lifted during operations to raise the shuttle for securing to the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA. The shuttle is inside the Mate-Demate Device, or MDD, at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The SCA will carry Endeavour to Los Angeles where it will be placed on public display. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Atlantis is silhouetted by the brilliant runway lights as it lands on Runway 15 of the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. Main gear touchdown was at 3:56:48 a.m. EDT, landing on orbit 185 of the mission. Nose gear touchdown was at 3:56:57 a.m. EDT and wheel stop at 3:58:01 a.m. EDT.; Atlantis and crew traveled 4.9 million miles on the 11-day, 19-hour, 11-minute mission STS-106. During the mission to the International Space Station, the crew transferred nearly 5,000 pounds of equipment and supplies for use by the first resident crew expected to arrive in November. STS-106 was the 99th flight in the Shuttle program and the 22nd for Atlantis. STS-106 also marked the 15th nighttime landing in Shuttle history and the 23rd consecutive landing at KSC

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After a safe landing aboard Atlantis on Runway 33 of the Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-115 crew greets the media. At the microphone is Commander Brent Jett. Behind him, left to right, are Mission Specialist Daniel Burbank, Pilot Christopher Ferguson and Mission Specialists Steven MacLean, Joseph Tanner and Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper. During the mission, astronauts completed three spacewalks to attach the P3/P4 integrated truss structure to the International Space Station. Main gear touchdown was at 6:21:30 a.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 6:21:36 a.m. and wheel stop was at 6:22:16 a.m. Atlantis traveled 4.9 million miles, landing on orbit 187. Mission elapsed time was 11 days, 19 hours, six minutes. This is the 15th night landing at KSC and the 23rd night landing overall. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Atlantis is silhouetted by the brilliant runway lights as it lands on Runway 15 of the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. Main gear touchdown was at 3:56:48 a.m. EDT, landing on orbit 185 of the mission. Nose gear touchdown was at 3:56:57 a.m. EDT and wheel stop at 3:58:01 a.m. EDT.; Atlantis and crew traveled 4.9 million miles on the 11-day, 19-hour, 11-minute mission STS-106. During the mission to the International Space Station, the crew transferred nearly 5,000 pounds of equipment and supplies for use by the first resident crew expected to arrive in November. STS-106 was the 99th flight in the Shuttle program and the 22nd for Atlantis. STS-106 also marked the 15th nighttime landing in Shuttle history and the 23rd consecutive landing at KSC

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- NASA's space shuttle Endeavour touches down on Runway 15 at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility in darkness to end the STS-123 mission, a 16-day flight to the International Space Station. This was the 16th night landing at Kennedy. The main landing gear touched down at 8:39:08 p.m. EDT. The nose landing gear touched down at 8:39:17 p.m. and wheel stop was at 8:40:41 p.m. The mission completed nearly 6.6 million miles. The landing was on the second opportunity after the first was waved off due to unstable weather in the Kennedy Space Center area. 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/Mike Kerley

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- As night falls on NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Endeavour touches down on Runway 15 at the Shuttle Landing Facility to end the STS-123 mission, a 16-day flight to the International Space Station. This was the 16th night landing at Kennedy. The main landing gear touched down at 8:39:08 p.m. EDT. The nose landing gear touched down at 8:39:17 p.m. and wheel stop was at 8:40:41 p.m. The mission completed nearly 6.6 million miles. The landing was on the second opportunity after the first was waved off due to unstable weather in the Kennedy Space Center area. 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/Kevin O'Connell

The Space Shuttle Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102, its drag chute fully deployed, completes a record duration mission as it lands on Runway 33 at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF). A helicopter flying overhead observes as OV-102's nose landing gear (NLG) and main landing gear (MLG) roll along the runway. Landing occurred at 6:38 am (Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)). STS-65 mission duration was 14 days 17 hours and 56 minutes. Onboard were six NASA astronauts and a Japanese payload specialist who conducted experiments in support of the International Microgravity Laboratory 2 (IML-2) during the mission.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- As night falls on NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Endeavour nears touchdown on Runway 15 at the Shuttle Landing Facility to end the STS-123 mission, a 16-day flight to the International Space Station. This was the 16th night landing at Kennedy. The main landing gear touched down at 8:39:08 p.m. EDT. The nose landing gear touched down at 8:39:17 p.m. and wheel stop was at 8:40:41 p.m. The mission completed nearly 6.6 million miles. The landing was on the second opportunity after the first was waved off due to unstable weather in the Kennedy Space Center area. 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/Mike Kerley

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Release of the drag chute helps slow space shuttle Discovery's landing as it touches down on Runway 15 to end the STS-124 mission, a 14-day flight to the International Space Station. This landing was the 69th at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. At right is the air traffic control tower next to the Shuttle Landing Facility. The main landing gear touched down at 11:15:19 a.m. EDT. The nose landing gear touched down at 11:15:30 a.m. and wheel stop was at 11:16:19 a.m. The mission completed 5.7 million miles. The STS-124 mission delivered the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system to the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Tom Joseph

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After landing with the STS-124 mission crew, astronaut Garrett Reisman joins in the traditional walk-around under the shuttle after landing. Reisman spent 95 days on the International Space Station as part of the Expedition 17 crew. The STS-124 mission ended with space shuttle Discovery's landing on Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, ending a 14-day mission to the International Space Station. Discovery's main landing gear touched down at 11:15:19 a.m. EDT on Runway 15. The nose landing gear touched down at 11:15:30 a.m. and wheel stop was at 11:16:19 a.m. The mission completed 5.7 million miles. The STS-124 mission delivered the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system to the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- As night settles in on NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Endeavour touches down on Runway 15 at the Shuttle Landing Facility to end the STS-123 mission, a 16-day flight to the International Space Station. This was the 16th night landing at Kennedy. The main landing gear touched down at 8:39:08 p.m. EDT. The nose landing gear touched down at 8:39:17 p.m. and wheel stop was at 8:40:41 p.m. The mission completed nearly 6.6 million miles. The landing was on the second opportunity after the first was waved off due to unstable weather in the Kennedy Space Center area. 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/Tom Joseph

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- As night falls on NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Endeavour touches down on Runway 15 at the Shuttle Landing Facility to end the STS-123 mission, a 16-day flight to the International Space Station. This was the 16th night landing at Kennedy. The main landing gear touched down at 8:39:08 p.m. EDT. The nose landing gear touched down at 8:39:17 p.m. and wheel stop was at 8:40:41 p.m. The mission completed nearly 6.6 million miles. The landing was on the second opportunity after the first was waved off due to unstable weather in the Kennedy Space Center area. 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/Mike Kerley

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The main landing gear of space shuttle Discovery nears contact with the pavement of Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, to complete the 13-day, 5.3-million mile journey on the STS-119 mission to the International Space Station. Main gear touchdown was at 3:13:17 p.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 3:13:40 p.m. and wheels stop was at 3:14:45 p.m. Discovery delivered the final pair of large power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment. The mission was the 28th flight to the station, the 36th flight of Discovery and the 125th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 70th landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray, Tom Farrar

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-127 Commander Mark Polansky kneels next to the landing gear on space shuttle Endeavour. He and other crew members returned to Earth on Endeavour to complete the 16-day, 6.5-million mile journey on the STS-127 mission to the International Space Station. Main gear touchdown was at 10:48:08 a.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 10:48:21 a.m. and wheels stop was at 10:49:13 a.m. Endeavour delivered the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section to the International Space Station. The mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 127th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery’s main landing gear are extended for touchdown on Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, completing the 13-day, 5.3-million mile journey on the STS-119 mission to the International Space Station. Main gear touchdown was at 3:13:17 p.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 3:13:40 p.m. and wheels stop was at 3:14:45 p.m. Discovery delivered the final pair of large power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment. The mission was the 28th flight to the station, the 36th flight of Discovery and the 125th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 70th landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kenny Allen