KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Discovery (shown here) has been inactive since its last mission that ended Aug. 22, 2001. The orbiter has spent a year awaiting the start of its Orbiter Major Modification (OMM) period that is scheduled to begin at the Kennedy Space Center late this summer.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 2, United Space Alliance employees Charles Bell, Terri Halverstadt, Loralee Woodbury, and Rob Lewis monitor a display in Space Shuttle Endeavour's cockpit the first time the orbiter is powered up after nearly two years. Endeavour has been in its Orbiter Major Modification (OMM) period since December 2003. Engineers and technicians spent 900,000 hours performing 124 modifications to the vehicle. These included all recommended return to flight safety modifications, bonding more than 1,000 thermal protection system tiles and inspecting more than 150 miles of wiring throughout Endeavour. Eighty five of the modifications are completed, with work on the additional 39 modifications continuing throughout the next few months. Shuttle major modification periods are scheduled at regular intervals to enhance safety and performance, infuse new technology and allow for thorough inspections of the airframe and wiring of the vehicles. This was the second of these modification periods performed entirely at Kennedy Space Center. Endeavour's previous modification was completed in March 1997.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 2, United Space Alliance technician Rob Lewis monitors Space Shuttle Endeavour's electrical system the first time the orbiter is powered up after nearly two years. Endeavour has been in its Orbiter Major Modification (OMM) period since December 2003. Engineers and technicians spent 900,000 hours performing 124 modifications to the vehicle. These included all recommended return to flight safety modifications, bonding more than 1,000 thermal protection system tiles and inspecting more than 150 miles of wiring throughout Endeavour. Eighty five of the modifications are completed, with work on the additional 39 modifications continuing throughout the next few months. Shuttle major modification periods are scheduled at regular intervals to enhance safety and performance, infuse new technology and allow for thorough inspections of the airframe and wiring of the vehicles. This was the second of these modification periods performed entirely at Kennedy Space Center. Endeavour's previous modification was completed in March 1997.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 2, United Space Alliance technician Loralee Woodbury monitors the lighted display in Space Shuttle Endeavour's cockpit after full powerup, the first time the orbiter has been powered up after nearly two years. Endeavour has been in its Orbiter Major Modification (OMM) period since December 2003. Engineers and technicians spent 900,000 hours performing 124 modifications to the vehicle. These included all recommended return to flight safety modifications, bonding more than 1,000 thermal protection system tiles and inspecting more than 150 miles of wiring throughout Endeavour. Eighty five of the modifications are completed, with work on the additional 39 modifications continuing throughout the next few months. Shuttle major modification periods are scheduled at regular intervals to enhance safety and performance, infuse new technology and allow for thorough inspections of the airframe and wiring of the vehicles. This was the second of these modification periods performed entirely at Kennedy Space Center. Endeavour's previous modification was completed in March 1997.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 2, United Space Alliance technician Charles Bell monitors a display in Space Shuttle Endeavour's cockpit the first time the orbiter is powered up after nearly two years. Endeavour has been in its Orbiter Major Modification (OMM) period since December 2003. Engineers and technicians spent 900,000 hours performing 124 modifications to the vehicle. These included all recommended return to flight safety modifications, bonding more than 1,000 thermal protection system tiles and inspecting more than 150 miles of wiring throughout Endeavour. Eighty five of the modifications are completed, with work on the additional 39 modifications continuing throughout the next few months. Shuttle major modification periods are scheduled at regular intervals to enhance safety and performance, infuse new technology and allow for thorough inspections of the airframe and wiring of the vehicles. This was the second of these modification periods performed entirely at Kennedy Space Center. Endeavour's previous modification was completed in March 1997.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 2, United Space Alliance technician Charles Bell examines a display in Space Shuttle Endeavour's cockpit the first time the orbiter is powered up after nearly two years. Endeavour has been in its Orbiter Major Modification (OMM) period since December 2003. Engineers and technicians spent 900,000 hours performing 124 modifications to the vehicle. These included all recommended return to flight safety modifications, bonding more than 1,000 thermal protection system tiles and inspecting more than 150 miles of wiring throughout Endeavour. Eighty five of the modifications are completed, with work on the additional 39 modifications continuing throughout the next few months. Shuttle major modification periods are scheduled at regular intervals to enhance safety and performance, infuse new technology and allow for thorough inspections of the airframe and wiring of the vehicles. This was the second of these modification periods performed entirely at Kennedy Space Center. Endeavour's previous modification was completed in March 1997.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On a tour of the Orbiter Processing Facility, Center Director Jim Kennedy and Deputy Director Woodrow Whitlow Jr. (center, left and right) talk with Kathy Laufenberg, Orbiter Airframe Engineering ground area manager, and Tom Roberts, Airframe Enginering System specialist, both with United Space Alliance. At far right is Bruce Buckingham, assistant to Dr. Whitlow. They are standing in front of the aft base heatshield of Endeavour, which is in its Orbiter Major Modification period that began in December 2003.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, an Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) pod is removed from the orbiter Atlantis during routine maintenance.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On a tour of the Orbiter Processing Facility, Kathy Laufenberg (left) directs the attention of Deputy Director Woodrow Whitlow Jr. to an area on a rudder speed brake panel on Endeavour. The Center Director, Jim Kennedy, and Whitlow are on a tour of the Orbiter Processing Facility. Endeavour is in its Orbiter Major Modification period, which began in December 2003.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, an Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) pod removed from the orbiter Atlantis during routine maintenance.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On a tour of the Orbiter Processing Facility, Center Director Jim Kennedy and Deputy Director Woodrow Whitlow Jr. (both at left) look over some of the work being done on the orbiter Endeavour that Tom Roberts, with United Space Alliance, is pointing out. Endeavour is in its Orbiter Major Modification period, which began in December 2003.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On a tour of the Orbiter Processing Facility, Center Director Jim Kennedy (left) listens to Kathy Laufenberg, Orbiter Airframe Engineering ground area manager, with United Space Alliance, about corrosion work being done on the external tank door of orbiter Endeavour. On either side of Laufenberg are Tom Roberts, Airframe Engineering System specialist, also with USA, and Joy Huff, with KSC Space Shuttle Processing. Endeavour is in its Orbiter Major Modification period, which began in December 2003.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - John Macke (standing, center), with Boeing St. Louis, Alden Pitard (seated, left) and Dan Clark (right), with KSC Boeing, check results after 3D digital scanning of actuators in the Orbiter Processing Facility. There are two actuators per engine on the Shuttle, one for pitch motion and one for yaw motion. The Space Shuttle Main Engine hydraulic servoactuators are used to gimbal the main engine.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On a tour of the Orbiter Processing Facility, Center Director Jim Kennedy (right) and Deputy Director Woodrow Whitlow Jr. (center) talk to Tom Roberts, who is with United Space Alliance, about work being done on the orbiter Endeavour. The vehicle is in its Orbiter Major Modification period, which began in December 2003.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On a tour of the Orbiter Processing Facility, Center Director Jim Kennedy (center) and Deputy Director Woodrow Whitlow Jr. (far left) look at the external tank door corrosion work being done on Endeavour. Next to Whitlow is Bruce Buckingham, assistant to the deputy director. Providing information, at right, are Orbiter Airframe Engineering ground area manager, and Tom Roberts, Airframe Engineering System specialist, both with United Space Alliance; and Joy Huff, with KSC Space Shuttle Processing. Endeavour is in its Orbiter Major Modification period, which began in December 2003.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, technicians prepare to remove an Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) pod from the orbiter Atlantis during routine maintenance.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On a tour of the Orbiter Processing Facility, Center Director Jim Kennedy (center) and Deputy Director Woodrow Whitlow Jr. (far left) look at the external tank door corrosion work being done on Endeavour. Next to Whitlow is Bruce Buckingham, assistant to the deputy director. Providing information, at right, are Kathy Laufenberg, Orbiter Airframe Engineering ground area manager, and Tom Roberts, Airframe Engineering System specialist, both with United Space Alliance; and Joy Huff, with Space Shuttle Processing. Endeavour is in its Orbiter Major Modification period, which began in December 2003.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, an Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) pod is removed from the orbiter Atlantis during routine maintenance.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On a tour of the Orbiter Processing Facility, Center Director Jim Kennedy (left) looks at an external tank door corrosion work being done on Endeavour. At right, Tom Roberts, Airframe Engineering System specialist with United Space Alliance, is describing the work. At right is Kathy Laufenberg, Orbiter Airframe Engineering ground area manager,also with USA. Endeavour is in its Orbiter Major Modification period, which began in December 2003.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On a tour of the Orbiter Processing Facility, Center Director Jim Kennedy and Deputy Director Woodrow Whitlow Jr. (center, left and right) talk with Kathy Laufenberg, Orbiter Airframe Engineering ground rea manager, and Tom Roberts, Airframe Engineering System specialist, both with United Space Alliance. At far right is Bruce Buckingham, assistant to Dr. Whitlow. They are standing in front of the aft base heatshield of Endeavour, which is in its Orbiter Major Modification period that began in December 2003.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - John Macke (standing, left), with Boeing St. Louis, Alden Pitard (seated, left) and Dan Clark (right), with KSC Boeing, look at a monitor after 3D digital scanning of actuators in the Orbiter Processing Facility. There are two actuators per engine on the Shuttle, one for pitch motion and one for yaw motion. The Space Shuttle Main Engine hydraulic servoactuators are used to gimbal the main engine.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On a tour of the Orbiter Processing Facility, Center Director Jim Kennedy (right) and Deputy Director Woodrow Whitlow Jr. (center) look at the rudder speed brake panels on the orbiter Endeavour. In the background is Tom Roberts, who is with United Space Alliance. Endeavour is in its Orbiter Major Modification period, which began in December 2003.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On a tour of the Orbiter Processing Facility, Deputy Director Woodrow Whitlow Jr. points to an area on a rudder speed brake panel on Endeavour that Tom Roberts, who is with United Space Alliance, is showing him. At right is Center Director Jim Kennedy. Endeavour is in its Orbiter Major Modification period, which began in December 2003.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Standing near Endeavour in the Orbiter Processing Facility are (left to right) Joy Huff, with KSC Space Shuttle Processing; Kathy Laufenberg, with United Space Alliance; Center Director Jim Kennedy; and Bruce Buckingham, assistant to Deputy Director Woodrow Whitlow Jr. Kennedy and Whitlow are touring the OPF, viewing the work being done on Endeavour, which is in its Orbiter Major Modification period.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On a tour of the Orbiter Processing Facility, Center Director Jim Kennedy (right) and Deputy Director Woodrow Whitlow Jr. (left) look at rudder speed brake panels on Endeavour In the background is Tom Roberts, who is with United Space Alliance. Endeavour is in its Orbiter Major Modification period, which began in December 2003.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, Boeing worker Alden Pitard looks at a 3D digital scan of an actuator. There are two actuators per engine on the Shuttle, one for pitch motion and one for yaw motion. The Space Shuttle Main Engine hydraulic servoactuators are used to gimbal the main engine.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On a tour of the Orbiter Processing Facility, Center Director Jim Kennedy (right) looks over some of the work being done on the orbiter Endeavour. At left is Tom Roberts, who is with United Space Alliance. Endeavour is in its Orbiter Major Modification period, which began in December 2003.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shuttle Program Manager Bill Parsons praises the Discovery processing team for their successful power-up of the vehicle after Orbiter Major Modifications (OMM). The OMM work ranged from wiring, control panels and black boxes to gaseous and fluid systems tubing and components. These systems were deserviced, disassembled, inspected, modified, reassembled, checked out and reserviced, as were most other systems onboard. The work included the installation of the Multifunction Electronic Display Subsystem (MEDS) - a state-of-the-art “glass cockpit.”

In the Orbiter Processing Facility, Shuttle Program Manager Bill Parsons, center, is briefed on Orbiter Major Modifications (OMM) that were recently completed on Discovery. The OMM work ranged from wiring, control panels and black boxes to gaseous and fluid systems tubing and components. These systems were deserviced, disassembled, inspected, modified, reassembled, checked out and reserviced, as were most other systems onboard. The work included the installation of the Multifunction Electronic Display Subsystem (MEDS) - a state-of-the-art “glass cockpit.”

Shuttle Program Manager Bill Parsons praises the Discovery processing team for their successful power-up of the vehicle after Orbiter Major Modifications (OMM). The OMM work ranged from wiring, control panels and black boxes to gaseous and fluid systems tubing and components. These systems were deserviced, disassembled, inspected, modified, reassembled, checked out and reserviced, as were most other systems onboard. The work included the installation of the Multifunction Electronic Display Subsystem (MEDS) - a state-of-the-art “glass cockpit.”

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), Space Shuttle Discovery is awaiting the start of its Orbiter Major Modification (OMM) period, scheduled to begin at KSC later in the summer.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The orbiter Endeavour rolls out of the Orbiter Processing Facility. It is being moved to Florida Space Authority’s Reusable Launch Vehicle hangar for temporary storage. It left the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) to allow work to be performed in the OPF that can only be accomplished while the bay is empty. Work scheduled in the OPF includes modifications to the bay and platform validation in the bay. Endeavour will remain in the hangar for approximately 30 days, then return to the OPF. Endeavour was pulled out of service in December 2003 for Orbiter Major Modification (OMM). OMMs are scheduled at regular intervals to enhance safety and performance, infuse new technology, and, in this case, perform RTF modifications.

Shuttle Program Manager Bill Parsons, right, is briefed on Orbiter Major Modifications (OMM) that were recently completed on Discovery. From left are a Boeing representative; Bill Pickavance, vice president and deputy program manager, Florida operations, United Space Alliance (USA); and Mark Nappi, deputy associate program manager, ground operations, USA. The OMM work ranged from wiring, control panels and black boxes to gaseous and fluid systems tubing and components. These systems were deserviced, disassembled, inspected, modified, reassembled, checked out and reserviced, as were most other systems onboard. The work included the installation of the Multifunction Electronic Display Subsystem (MEDS) - a state-of-the-art “glass cockpit.”

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers watch as the orbiter Endeavour rolls past the Vehicle Assembly Building on its way to Florida Space Authority’s Reusable Launch Vehicle hangar for temporary storage. Endeavour is being moved from the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) to allow work to be performed in the OPF that can only be accomplished while the bay is empty. Work scheduled in the OPF includes modifications to the bay and platform validation in the bay. Endeavour will remain in the hangar for approximately 30 days, then return to the OPF. Endeavour was pulled out of service in December 2003 for Orbiter Major Modification (OMM). OMMs are scheduled at regular intervals to enhance safety and performance, infuse new technology, and, in this case, perform RTF modifications.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The orbiter Endeavour is towed into Florida Space Authority’s Reusable Launch Vehicle hangar for temporary storage. Endeavour is being moved from the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) to allow work to be performed in the OPF that can only be accomplished while the bay is empty. Work scheduled in the OPF includes modifications to the bay and platform validation in the bay. Endeavour will remain in the hangar for approximately 30 days, then return to the OPF. Endeavour was pulled out of service in December 2003 for Orbiter Major Modification (OMM). OMMs are scheduled at regular intervals to enhance safety and performance, infuse new technology, and, in this case, perform RTF modifications.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - - The orbiter Endeavour is being towed to Florida Space Authority’s Reusable Launch Vehicle hangar for temporary storage. Endeavour is being moved from the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) to allow work to be performed in the OPF that can only be accomplished while the bay is empty. Work scheduled in the OPF includes modifications to the bay and platform validation in the bay. Endeavour will remain in the hangar for approximately 30 days, then return to the OPF. Endeavour was pulled out of service in December 2003 for Orbiter Major Modification (OMM). OMMs are scheduled at regular intervals to enhance safety and performance, infuse new technology, and, in this case, perform RTF modifications.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers accompany the orbiter Endeavour as it rolls past the Vehicle Assembly Building on its way to Florida Space Authority’s Reusable Launch Vehicle hangar for temporary storage. Endeavour is being moved from the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) to allow work to be performed in the OPF that can only be accomplished while the bay is empty. Work scheduled in the OPF includes modifications to the bay and platform validation in the bay. Endeavour will remain in the hangar for approximately 30 days, then return to the OPF. Endeavour was pulled out of service in December 2003 for Orbiter Major Modification (OMM). OMMs are scheduled at regular intervals to enhance safety and performance, infuse new technology, and, in this case, perform RTF modifications.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The orbiter Endeavour arrives inside Florida Space Authority’s Reusable Launch Vehicle hangar where it is being held for temporary storage. Endeavour was moved from the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) to allow work to be performed in the OPF that can only be accomplished while the bay is empty. Work scheduled in the OPF includes modifications to the bay and platform validation in the bay. Endeavour will remain in the hangar for approximately 30 days, then return to the OPF. Endeavour was pulled out of service in December 2003 for Orbiter Major Modification (OMM). OMMs are scheduled at regular intervals to enhance safety and performance, infuse new technology, and, in this case, perform RTF modifications.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The starboard side of orbiter Endeavour is shown as it sits inside the Florida Space Authority’s Reusable Launch Vehicle hangar at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. While in the hangar, Endeavour has undergone testing to see how orbiters respond to a new radar system that will be used during launch to detect debris. Endeavour is returning to the Orbiter Processing Facility today to continue Orbiter Major Modifications (OMM). OMMs are scheduled at regular intervals to enhance safety and performance, infuse new technology, and, in this case, perform Return to Flight modifications.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The starboard side of orbiter Endeavour is shown from the rear as it sits inside the Florida Space Authority’s Reusable Launch Vehicle hangar at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. While in the hangar, Endeavour has undergone testing to see how orbiters respond to a new radar system that will be used during launch to detect debris. Endeavour is returning to the Orbiter Processing Facility today to continue Orbiter Major Modifications (OMM). OMMs are scheduled at regular intervals to enhance safety and performance, infuse new technology, and, in this case, perform Return to Flight modifications.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - An overview of the orbiter Endeavour is shown as it sits inside the Florida Space Authority’s Reusable Launch Vehicle hangar at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. While in the hangar, Endeavour has undergone testing to see how orbiters respond to a new radar system that will be used during launch to detect debris. Endeavour is returning to the Orbiter Processing Facility today to continue Orbiter Major Modifications (OMM). OMMs are scheduled at regular intervals to enhance safety and performance, infuse new technology, and, in this case, perform Return to Flight modifications.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The port side of orbiter Endeavour is shown as it sits inside the Florida Space Authority’s Reusable Launch Vehicle hangar at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. While in the hangar, Endeavour has undergone testing to see how orbiters respond to a new radar system that will be used during launch to detect debris. Endeavour is returning to the Orbiter Processing Facility today to continue Orbiter Major Modifications (OMM). OMMs are scheduled at regular intervals to enhance safety and performance, infuse new technology, and, in this case, perform Return to Flight modifications.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - - With workers accompanying it, the orbiter Endeavour is being towed to Florida Space Authority’s Reusable Launch Vehicle hangar for temporary storage. Endeavour is being moved from the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) to allow work to be performed in the OPF that can only be accomplished while the bay is empty. Work scheduled in the OPF includes modifications to the bay and platform validation in the bay. Endeavour will remain in the hangar for approximately 30 days, then return to the OPF. Endeavour was pulled out of service in December 2003 for Orbiter Major Modification (OMM). OMMs are scheduled at regular intervals to enhance safety and performance, infuse new technology, and, in this case, perform RTF modifications.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Discovery rolls from the Vehicle Assembly Building to begin Orbiter Major Modifications.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Discovery rolls from the Vehicle Assembly Building to begin Orbiter Major Modifications.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Discovery rolls from the Vehicle Assembly Building to begin Orbiter Major Modifications.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Discovery rolls from the Vehicle Assembly Building to begin Orbiter Major Modifications.

Mark McGee (right) shows the bead blasting completed on the rudder speed brake on orbiter Discovery to Shuttle Program Manager Bill Parsons (center). McGee is manager, Orbiter Processing Facility, with United Space Alliance. At left is Mark Nappi, deputy associate program manager, ground operations, USA. The work was part of Orbiter Major Modifications (OMM) that were recently completed on Discovery. The OMM work ranged from wiring, control panels and black boxes to gaseous and fluid systems tubing and components. These systems were deserviced, disassembled, inspected, modified, reassembled, checked out and reserviced, as were most other systems onboard. The work included the installation of the Multifunction Electronic Display Subsystem (MEDS) - a state-of-the-art “glass cockpit.”

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This bird's-eye view of a high bay in the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) shows the open payload bay of Space Shuttle Discovery surrounded by the standard platforms and equipment required to process a Space Shuttle orbiter. The high bay is 197 feet (60 meters) long, 150 feet (46 meters) wide, 95 feet (29 meters) high, and encompasses a 29,000-square-foot (2,694-meter) area. The 30-ton (27-metric-ton) bridge crane (yellow device, right) has a hook height of approximately 66 feet (20 meters). Platforms, a main access bridge, and two rolling bridges with trucks provide access to various parts of the orbiter. In addition to routine servicing and checkout, the inspections and modifications made to enhance Discovery's performance and upgrade its systems were performed in the OPF during its recently completed Orbiter Major Modification (OMM) period.

United Space Alliance workers explain tile installation around Discovery’s nose landing gear to Shuttle Program Manager Bill Parsons (center). Discovery has been undergoing Orbiter Major Modifications. The OMM work ranged from wiring, control panels and black boxes to gaseous and fluid systems tubing and components. These systems were deserviced, disassembled, inspected, modified, reassembled, checked out and reserviced, as were most other systems onboard. The work included the installation of the Multifunction Electronic Display Subsystem (MEDS) - a state-of-the-art “glass cockpit.”