S86-38627 (9 Oct. 1986) --- The space shuttle Atlantis is rolled out to Launch Pad 39-B in the early morning of Oct. 9, 1986. Atlantis is scheduled to remain at Pad B for seven weeks where it will support checkout of new weather protection structures, a variety of special measurements, launch team proficiency exercises and emergency egress simulations. The 4.2 mile journey from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the launch pad is the first for the shuttle fleet since the space shuttle Challenger accident in January of this year. Photo credit: NASA

S73-34367 (16 Nov. 1973) --- A view at the Kennedy Space Center showing in the near distance the Skylab 4/Saturn 1B space vehicle on Pad B, Launch Complex 39, on the morning of the launch. Photo credit: NASA

S69-33854 (4 May 1969) --- Aerial (high-angle, clasp) view of the Apollo 10 (Spacecraft 106/Lunar Module 4/Saturn 505) space vehicle on Pad B, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center. This photograph of the 363-feet tall Apollo/Saturn V stack was taken during pull back of the mobile service structure. The Apollo 10 crew will be astronauts Thomas P. Stafford, John W. Young, and Eugene A. Cernan.

S69-34320 (17 May 1969) --- Ground level view of the 363-feet tall Apollo 10 (Spacecraft 106/Lunar Module 4/Saturn 505) space vehicle on Pad B, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center. The service structure is in the right foreground. The crew of the Apollo 10 lunar orbit mission will be astronauts Thomas P. Stafford, commander; John W. Young, command module pilot; and Eugene A. Cernan, lunar module pilot.

S69-34327 (13 May 1969) --- Aerial, high-angle, view of the Apollo 10 (Spacecraft 106/Lunar Module 4/Saturn 505) space vehicle at Pad B, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The crew of the Apollo 10 lunar orbit mission will be astronauts Thomas P. Stafford, commander; John W. Young, command module pilot; and Eugene A. Cernan, lunar module pilot.

S69-33855 (4 May 1969) --- Nighttime, ground-level view of the Apollo 10 (Spacecraft 106/Lunar Module 4/Saturn 505) space vehicle on Pad B, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center. This photograph of the 363-feet tall Apollo/Saturn V stack was taken during pull back of the mobile service structure. The Apollo 10 crew will be astronauts Thomas P. Stafford, John W. Young, and Eugene A. Cernan.

S69-34328 (17 May 1969) --- Ground level view of the 363-feet tall Apollo 10 (Spacecraft 106/Lunar Module 4/Saturn 505) space vehicle on Pad B, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center. The Apollo 10 crew will be astronauts Thomas P. Stafford, commander; John W. Young, command module pilot; and Eugene A. Cernan, lunar module pilot.

S69-27916 (11 March 1969) --- Aerial view at Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center, showing the Apollo 10 (Spacecraft 106/Lunar Module-4/Saturn 505) space vehicle on its way to Pad B. The Saturn V stack and its mobile launch tower are atop a huge crawler-transporter. The Apollo 10 flight is scheduled as a lunar orbit mission. The Apollo 10 crew will be astronauts Thomas P. Stafford, commander; John W. Young, command module pilot; and Eugene A. Cernan, lunar module pilot.

S69-27741 (11 March 1969) --- Aerial view at Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center, showing the 363-feet tall Apollo 10 (Spacecraft 106/Lunar Module-4/Saturn 505) space vehicle on its way to Pad B. The Vehicle Assembly Building is in the background. The Saturn V stack and its mobile launch tower are atop a huge crawler-transporter. The Apollo 10 flight is schedule as a lunar orbit mission. The Apollo 10 crew will be astronauts Thomas P. Stafford, commander; John W. Young, command module pilot; and Eugene A. Cernan, lunar module pilot.

S73-32568 (20 July 1973) --- Floodlights illuminate this nighttime view of the Skylab 3/Saturn 1B space vehicle at Pad B, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center, Florida, during prelaunch preparations. The reflection is the water adds to the scene. In addition to the Command/Service Module and its launch escapte system, the Skylab 3 space vehicle consists of the Saturn 1B first (S-1B) stage and the Saturn 1B second (S-IVB) stage. The crew for the scheduled 59-day Skylab 3 mission in Earth orbit will be astronauts Alan L. Bean, Owen K. Garriott and Jack R. Lousma. Skylab 3 was launched on July 28, 1973. Photo credit: NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This aerial view on NASA's Kennedy Space Center shows the Launch Complex 39 Observation Gantry in the foreground, the crawlerways leading to the launch pads, and space shuttle Launch Complex 39 Pad A (left) and Pad B in the background, silhouetted by the Atlantic Ocean. Photo credit: Cory Huston

This aerial view is of a tour stop on the KSC bus tour, the Launch Complex 39 Observation Gantry. This stop allows visitors to view and photograph Pads A and B in Launch Complex 39 from an elevated vantage point. The roadway leading to the tour stop runs next to the crawlerway (foreground) which is used to transport Space Shuttles to the pads

This aerial view is of a tour stop on the KSC bus tour, the Launch Complex 39 Observation Gantry. This stop allows visitors to view and photograph Pads A and B in Launch Complex 39 from an elevated vantage point. The roadway leading to the tour stop runs next to the crawlerway (foreground) which is used to transport Space Shuttles to the pads

STS-31 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, lifts off from Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Launch Complex (LC) 39 Pad B. In the foreground STS-35 Columbia, OV-102, is visible on launch pad 39A. This event marked the first time since January 1986 that there was an orbiter on each pad. LC 39 pads are separated by 1.6 miles. View provided by KSC with alternate number KSC-90PC-610.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This aerial view looking north shows space shuttle Complex 39 Launch Pads A (foreground) and B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. To the right is the Atlantic Ocean. Photo credit: Cory Huston

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Technicians at Pad 39-B carry a new Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) to be installed in the orbiter Discovery. It will replace APU #1 that failed during the STS-31 launch attempt on April 10.

This aerial view is of a tour stop on the KSC bus tour, the Launch Complex 39 Observation Gantry. This stop allows visitors to view and photograph Pads A and B in Launch Complex 39 from an elevated vantage point. The roadway leading to the tour stop runs next to the crawlerway (left) which is used to transport Space Shuttles from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the pads. Pad A can be seen in the background.

This aerial view is of a tour stop on the KSC bus tour, the Launch Complex 39 Observation Gantry. This stop allows visitors to view and photograph Pads A and B in Launch Complex 39 from an elevated vantage point. The roadway leading to the tour stop runs next to the crawlerway (left) which is used to transport Space Shuttles from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the pads. Pad A can be seen in the background.

This aerial view is of a tour stop on the KSC bus tour, the Launch Complex 39 Observation Gantry. This stop allows visitors to view and photograph Pads A and B in Launch Complex 39 from an elevated vantage point. The roadway leading to the tour stop runs next to the crawlerway (right) which is used to transport Space Shuttles from the Vehicle Assembly Building (background) to the pads

This aerial view is of a tour stop on the KSC bus tour, the Launch Complex 39 Observation Gantry. This stop allows visitors to view and photograph Pads A and B in Launch Complex 39 from an elevated vantage point. The roadway leading to the tour stop runs next to the crawlerway (right) which is used to transport Space Shuttles from the Vehicle Assembly Building (background) to the pads

An aerial view of Launch Complex 39 area shows the Vehicle Assembly Building (center), with the Launch Control Center on its right. On the west side (lower end) are (left to right) the Orbiter Processing Facility, Process Control Center and Operations Support Building. Looking east (upper end) are Launch Pads 39-A (right) and 39-B (just above the VAB). The crawlerway stretches between the VAB and the launch pads toward the Atlantic Ocean, seen beyond them. At right is the turn basin where new external tanks are brought via ship, shown at its offloading site.

An aerial view of Launch Complex 39 Area shows the Vehicle Assembly Building (center), surrounded by (right) the Launch Control Center, (lower area, left to right) the Orbiter Processing Facility, Process Control Center and Operations Support Building. Looking toward the Atlantic Ocean (top) can be seen Launch Pads 39-A (right) and 39-B. The crawlerway stretches between the VAB and the launch pads. To the right of the crawlerway is the turn basin where new external tanks are brought from Louisiana via ship. The road bordering the buildings is Kennedy Parkway North.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-34 Space Shuttle Atlantis lifts off from pad 39-B at 12:53 p.m. EDT, marking the beginning of a five-day mission in space. Atlantis is carrying a crew of five and the spacecraft Galileo, wich will be making a six-year trip to Jupiter..

ISS018-E-006077 (29 Oct. 2008) --- Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral, Florida are featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 18 crewmember on the International Space Station. Launch complex 39, with pads A and B, is visible at center left. The Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) is visible at lower right.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The bus-size Hubble Space Telescope is carefully being transferred from the surgically clean Payload Changeout Room at Launch Pad 39-B into the cargo bay of the orbiter Discovery. The telescope is to be deployed during Space Shuttle Mission STS-31, currently scheduled for launch in April 1990.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Technicians install a new Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) in the aft compartment of the orbiter Discovery at Pad 39-B. The unit replaces APU #1 that failed during the STS-31 countdown on April 10.

Discovery was rolled out to Launch Pad 39-B on March 15-16 for final launch preparations for its 10th mission into space. Launch of the Hubble Space Telescope on the five-day STS-31 mission is targeted for April 12. Photo credit: NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA's Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) lifts off from Launch Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, on Aug. 25 at 1:35:39 a.m. EDT. SIRTF will obtain images and spectra by detecting the infrared energy, or heat, radiated by objects in space. Consisting of a 0.85-meter telescope and three cryogenically cooled science instruments, SIRTF will be the largest infrared telescope ever launched into space. It is the fourth and final element in NASA’s family of orbiting “Great Observatories.” Its highly sensitive instruments will give a unique view of the Universe and peer into regions of space that are hidden from optical telescopes.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA's Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) lifts off from Launch Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, on Aug. 25 at 1:35:39 a.m. EDT. SIRTF will obtain images and spectra by detecting the infrared energy, or heat, radiated by objects in space. Consisting of a 0.85-meter telescope and three cryogenically cooled science instruments, SIRTF will be the largest infrared telescope ever launched into space. It is the fourth and final element in NASA’s family of orbiting “Great Observatories.” Its highly sensitive instruments will give a unique view of the Universe and peer into regions of space that are hidden from optical telescopes.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA's Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) lifts off from Launch Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, on Aug. 25 at 1:35:39 a.m. EDT. SIRTF will obtain images and spectra by detecting the infrared energy, or heat, radiated by objects in space. Consisting of a 0.85-meter telescope and three cryogenically cooled science instruments, SIRTF will be the largest infrared telescope ever launched into space. It is the fourth and final element in NASA’s family of orbiting “Great Observatories.” Its highly sensitive instruments will give a unique view of the Universe and peer into regions of space that are hidden from optical telescopes.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA's Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) lifts off from Launch Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, on Aug. 25 at 1:35:39 a.m. EDT. SIRTF will obtain images and spectra by detecting the infrared energy, or heat, radiated by objects in space. Consisting of a 0.85-meter telescope and three cryogenically cooled science instruments, SIRTF will be the largest infrared telescope ever launched into space. It is the fourth and final element in NASA’s family of orbiting “Great Observatories.” Its highly sensitive instruments will give a unique view of the Universe and peer into regions of space that are hidden from optical telescopes.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA's Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) lifts off from Launch Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, on Aug. 25 at 1:35:39 a.m. EDT. SIRTF will obtain images and spectra by detecting the infrared energy, or heat, radiated by objects in space. Consisting of a 0.85-meter telescope and three cryogenically cooled science instruments, SIRTF will be the largest infrared telescope ever launched into space. It is the fourth and final element in NASA’s family of orbiting “Great Observatories.” Its highly sensitive instruments will give a unique view of the Universe and peer into regions of space that are hidden from optical telescopes.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA's Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) lifts off from Launch Pad 17-B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, on Aug. 25 at 1:35:39 a.m. EDT. SIRTF will obtain images and spectra by detecting the infrared energy, or heat, radiated by objects in space. Consisting of a 0.85-meter telescope and three cryogenically cooled science instruments, SIRTF will be the largest infrared telescope ever launched into space. It is the fourth and final element in NASA’s family of orbiting “Great Observatories.” Its highly sensitive instruments will give a unique view of the Universe and peer into regions of space that are hidden from optical telescopes.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-106 payload within the SPACEHAB Module is shown after being loaded onto Atlantis on Launch Pad 39-B using the Payload Ground Handling Mechanism (PGHM). The PGHM (pronounced pigem) is located inside the Payload Changeout Room (PCR) of each shuttle launch pad’s Rotating Service Structure. The PGHM removes payloads from a transportation canister and installs them into the orbiter. It is essentially NASA’s largest fork-lift

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Launch Complex 39 Area turn basin at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the crane crawler moves pilings it lifted from the barge. The pilings will be used to help construct new lightning towers on Launch Pad 39B for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. Pad B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including Ares I-X which is scheduled for April 2009. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

A large crawler crane arrives at the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area on NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The crane with its 70-foot boom will be moved to Launch Pad 39B and used to construct a new lightning protection system for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. Pad B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including Ares I-X which is scheduled for April 2009.

A large crawler crane arrives at the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area on NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The crane with its 70-foot boom will be moved to Launch Pad 39B and used to construct a new lightning protection system for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. Pad B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including Ares I-X which is scheduled for April 2009.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During the transfer the STS-106 payload to Atlantis on Launch Pad 39-B, a technician turns a switch to move the Payload Ground Handling Mechanism (PGHM). The mechanism is located inside the Payload Changeout Room (PCR) of each shuttle launch pad’s Rotating Service Structure. The PGHM (pronounced pigem) removes payloads from a transportation canister and installs them into the orbiter. It is essentially NASA’s largest fork-lift

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Technicians facilitate the transfer the STS-106 payload to Atlantis on Launch Pad 39-B using the Payload Ground Handling Mechanism (PGHM). The payload within the SPACEHAB module is shown just after being loaded in the payload bay of Atlantis. The PGHM (pronounced pigem) is located inside the Payload Changeout Room (PCR) of each shuttle launch pad Rotating Service Structure. The PGHM removes payloads from a transportation canister and installs them into the orbiter. It is essentially NASA’s largest fork-lift

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-106 payload within the SPACEHAB Module is shown after being loaded onto Atlantis on Launch Pad 39-B using the Payload Ground Handling Mechanism (PGHM). The PGHM (pronounced pigem) is located inside the Payload Changeout Room (PCR) of each shuttle launch pad’s Rotating Service Structure. The PGHM removes payloads from a transportation canister and installs them into the orbiter. It is essentially NASA’s largest fork-lift

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Technicians facilitate the transfer the STS-106 payload to Atlantis on Launch Pad 39-B using the Payload Ground Handling Mechanism (PGHM). The circular structure shown is the docking adapter. The PGHM (pronounced pigem) is located inside the Payload Changeout Room (PCR) of each shuttle launch pad’s Rotating Service Structure. The PGHM removes payloads from a transportation canister and installs them into the orbiter. It is essentially NASA’s largest fork-lift

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- ASTP asstronauts Donald slayton, Vance Brand and Thomas Stafford leave the transfer van at Complex 39's Pad B and enter the pad elevator during the Countdown Demonstration Test. The test, a step-by-step dress rehearsal for the July 15 launch, simulates the actual countdown but without the propellants in the Saturn IB launch vehicle's fuel tanks. The fueled portion of the test was conducted yesterday.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Launch Complex 39 Area turn basin at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the crane crawler begins lifting pilings from the barge. The pilings will be used to help construct new lightning towers on Launch Pad 39B for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. Pad B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including Ares I-X which is scheduled for April 2009. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

S75-28386 (2 July 1975) --- An early morning view of Pad B, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center, showing the ASTP Apollo/Saturn 1B space vehicle on the pad during Apollo-Soyuz Test Project prelaunch preparations. An ASTP countdown demonstration "wet" test (CDDT) was being conducted at KSC when this photograph was taken. The liftoff was on July 15, 1975.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Launch Complex 39 Area turn basin at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the crane crawler is being used to lift pilings from a barge. The pilings will be used to help construct new lightning towers on Launch Pad 39B for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. Pad B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including Ares I-X which is scheduled for April 2009. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A large crawler crane begins moving away from the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area on NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The crane with its 70-foot boom will be moved to Launch Pad 39B and used to construct a new lightning protection system for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. Pad B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including Ares I-X which is scheduled for April 2009. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

A large crawler crane begins moving away from the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area on NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The crane with its 70-foot boom will be moved to Launch Pad 39B and used to construct a new lightning protection system for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. Pad B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including Ares I-X which is scheduled for April 2009.

S75-28387 (2 July 1975) --- A nighttime view of Pad B, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center, showing the ASTP Apollo/Saturn 1B space vehicle on the pad during Apollo-Soyuz Test Project prelaunch preparations. An ASTP countdown demonstration ?wet? test (CDDT) was being conducted at KSC when this photograph was taken. The liftoff was on July 15, 1975.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Technicians facilitate the transfer the STS-106 payload to Atlantis on Launch Pad 39-B using the Payload Ground Handling Mechanism (PGHM). The payload within the SPACEHAB module is shown just after being loaded in the payload bay of Atlantis. The PGHM (pronounced pigem) is located inside the Payload Changeout Room (PCR) of each shuttle launch pad Rotating Service Structure. The PGHM removes payloads from a transportation canister and installs them into the orbiter. It is essentially NASA’s largest fork-lift

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A large crawler crane arrives at the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area on NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The crane with its 70-foot boom will be moved to Launch Pad 39B and used to construct a new lightning protection system for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. Pad B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including Ares I-X which is scheduled for April 2009. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A large crawler crane begins moving away from the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area on NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The crane with its 70-foot boom will be moved to Launch Pad 39B and used to construct a new lightning protection system for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. Pad B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including Ares I-X which is scheduled for April 2009. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

A large crawler crane begins moving away from the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area on NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The crane with its 70-foot boom will be moved to Launch Pad 39B and used to construct a new lightning protection system for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. Pad B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including Ares I-X which is scheduled for April 2009.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A large crawler crane arrives at the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area on NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The crane with its 70-foot boom will be moved to Launch Pad 39B and used to construct a new lightning protection system for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. Pad B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including Ares I-X which is scheduled for April 2009. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Launch Complex 39 Area turn basin at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the crane crawler is being used to lift pilings from a barge. The pilings will be used to help construct new lightning towers on Launch Pad 39B for the Constellation Program and Ares/Orion launches. Pad B will be the site of the first Ares vehicle launch, including Ares I-X which is scheduled for April 2009. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Technicians facilitate the transfer the STS-106 payload to Atlantis on Launch Pad 39-B using the Payload Ground Handling Mechanism (PGHM). The circular structure shown is the docking adapter. The PGHM (pronounced pigem) is located inside the Payload Changeout Room (PCR) of each shuttle launch pad’s Rotating Service Structure. The PGHM removes payloads from a transportation canister and installs them into the orbiter. It is essentially NASA’s largest fork-lift

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During the transfer the STS-106 payload to Atlantis on Launch Pad 39-B, a technician turns a switch to move the Payload Ground Handling Mechanism (PGHM). The mechanism is located inside the Payload Changeout Room (PCR) of each shuttle launch pad’s Rotating Service Structure. The PGHM (pronounced pigem) removes payloads from a transportation canister and installs them into the orbiter. It is essentially NASA’s largest fork-lift

STS034-S-025 (18 Oct 1989) --- The STS-34 Space Shuttle Atlantis lifts off from Launch Pad 39-B at 2:53:39:983 p.m. (EDT), marking the beginning of a five-day mission in space. Atlantis carries a crew of five and the spacecraft Galileo, along with a number of other scientific experiments. The Jupiter-bound probe will be deployed from Atlantis some six hours after launch. The journey to the giant planet is expected to take over six years. Crewmembers for the mission are astronauts Donald E. Williams, Michael J. McCulley, Shannon W. Lucid, Franklin R. Chang-Diaz and Ellen S. Baker. The scene was recorded with a 70mm camera.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An up close aerial view of the Vehicle Assembly Building and other facilities in the Launch Complex 39 area at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In front of the VAB is the Launch Control Center. To the left are the Operations Support Buildings I and II. Upgrades are underway at Pad B and other facilities in the Launch Complex 39 area. The Ground Systems Development and Operations, or GSDO, Program office at Kennedy is leading the center’s transformation from a historically government-only launch complex to a spaceport that can safely handle a variety of rockets and spacecraft, including NASA’s Space Launch System. For more information about GSDO, visit: http:__go.nasa.gov_groundsystems. Photo credit: NASA_Kim Shiflett

Clouds and the Sun illuminate the sky on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, as NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft stand vertical at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

Clouds and the Sun illuminate the sky on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, as NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft stand vertical at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

The sunrise peeks between NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket with the Orion spacecraft atop and the mobile launcher at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

Clouds and the Sun illuminate the sky on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, as NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft stand vertical at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

Clouds and the Sun illuminate the sky on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, as NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft stand vertical at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

Clouds and the Sun illuminate the sky on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, as NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft stand vertical at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

Clouds and the Sun illuminate the sky on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, as NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft stand vertical at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

Clouds and the Sun illuminate the sky on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, as NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft stand vertical at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

The sunrise peeks between NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket with the Orion spacecraft atop and the mobile launcher at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

The sunrise peeks between NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket with the Orion spacecraft atop and the mobile launcher at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

The Sun rises as NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft stand vertical at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

Clouds and the Sun illuminate the sky on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, as NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft stand vertical at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

The sunrise peeks between NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket with the Orion spacecraft atop and the mobile launcher at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

Clouds and the Sun illuminate the sky on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, as NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft stand vertical at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

Clouds and the Sun illuminate the sky on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, as NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft stand vertical at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

The Sun rises as NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft stand vertical at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

The Sun rises as NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft stand vertical at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

The Sun rises as NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft stand vertical at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

Clouds and the Sun illuminate the sky on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, as NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft stand vertical at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

The Sun rises as NASA’s Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft stand vertical at Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. The Artemis II test flight will take Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch from NASA and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency), around the Moon and back to Earth no later than April 2026.

S69-34385 (13 May 1969) --- These three astronauts are the prime crew of the Apollo 10 lunar orbit mission. Left to right, are Eugene A. Cernan, lunar module pilot; John W. Young, command module pilot; and Thomas P. Stafford, commander. In the background is the Apollo 10 space vehicle on Pad B, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A technician helps astronaut Thomas P. Stafford, Apollo 10 commander, suit up for the Countdown Demonstration Test (CDDT) which ended successfully at 1:01 p.m. today. The CDDT is a dress rehearsal for the launch of Apollo 10 from Pad B at Launch Complex 39 May 18 at 12:49 p.m.

STS028-S-007 (8 Aug 1989) --- Columbia is pictured just prior to clearing the tower at Launch Pad 39-B. The spacecraft renews flight after a period of three and a half years, this time with five crewmembers aboard for STS-28. Onboard the spacecraft are Astronauts Brewster H. Shaw Jr., Richard N. Richards, David C. Leestma, James C. Adamson and Mark N. Brown. The last time Columbia was in space was in January of 1986.

S69-27089 (11 March 1969) --- Overall view of Pad B, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center, showing the Apollo 10 (Spacecraft 106/Lunar Module-4/Saturn 505) space vehicle during a Countdown Demonstration Test. The Apollo 10 flight is scheduled as a lunar orbit mission. The Apollo 10 crew will be astronauts Thomas P. Stafford, commander; John W. Young, command module pilot; and Eugene A. Cernan, lunar module pilot.

S69-34329 (13 May 1969) --- The prime crew of the Apollo 10 lunar orbit mission sits for photograph while at the Kennedy Space Center for preflight training. Left to right are astronauts Eugene A. Cernan, lunar module pilot; John W. Young, command module pilot; and Thomas P. Stafford, commander. In the left background is the Apollo 10 space vehicle on Pad B, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center. The three crewmen had just completed a Countdown Demonstration Test exercise.

S69-33853 (4 May 1969) --- Ground-level view of the Apollo 10 (Spacecraft 106/Lunar Module 4/Saturn 505) space vehicle on Pad B, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center, Florida. This photograph of the 363-feet tall Apollo/Saturn V stack was taken during Countdown Demonstration Test (CDDT) activity. The Apollo 10 crew will be astronauts Thomas P. Stafford, commander; John W. Young, command module pilot; and Eugene A. Cernan, lunar module pilot.

S89-41091 (18 July 1989) --- During the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), STS-28 crew members are assisted with suiting up in the Operations and Checkout Building prior to departing for pad 39-B. STS-28 and the Space Shuttle Columbia are scheduled to be launched in early August on a Department of Defense dedicated mission. The crew for STS-28 are Commander Brewster H. Shaw; Pilot Richard N. Richards; and Mission Specialists Mark N. Brown, James C. Adamson, and David C. Leestma.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Space Shuttle Discovery lifts off from Pad 39-B at 8:33 a.m. EDT carrying a crew of five and the Hubble Space Telescope. STS-31 crew members are Commander Loren Shriver, Pilot Charles Bolden and Mission Specialists Steven Hawley, Bruce McCandless II and Kathryn Sullivan.

S73-37287 (16 Nov. 1973) --- The Skylab 4/Saturn 1B space vehicle is launched from Pad B, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center, Florida, at 9:01:23 a.m., Friday, Nov. 16, 1973. Skylab 4 is the third and last of three scheduled manned Skylab missions. Photo credit: NASA

S73-25901 (25 May 1973) --- Astronaut Charles Conrad Jr., commander of the Skylab 2 mission, is suited up in the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building at the Kennedy Space Center during Skylab 2 prelaunch preparations. Skylab 2, with astronauts Conrad, Joseph P. Kerwin and Paul J. Weitz aboard, was launched from KSC's Pad B, Launch Complex 39, at 9:00 a.m. (EDT), May 25, 1973. Photo credit: NASA

S89-30719 (22 March 1989) --- Space shuttle Atlantis is seen soon in duplicate, thanks to reflection in nearby water, after arriving at Pad 39-B. The spacecraft left the vehicle assembly building (VAB) at 12:01A.M. and arrived to this point at 7 A.M. Atlantis is scheduled for NASA STS-30 mission on which the Magellan will be deployed to orbit planet Venus and map its topographic features. Launch is scheduled for April 28.

S73-36904 (8 Nov. 1973) --- The three members of the Skylab 4 crew are photographed standing near Pad B, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Cneter, Florida, during the preflight activity. They are, left to right, scientist-astronaut Edward G. Gibson, science pilot; astronaut Gerald P. Carr, commander; and astronaut William R. Pogue, pilot. Photo credit: NASA

STS028-S-004 (8 Aug. 1989) --- Framed by Florida vegetation, Space Shuttle Columbia soars toward space for the STS-28 mission from Launch Pad 39-B. The spacecraft renews flight after a period of three and a half years, this time with five crewmembers aboard. Onboard the spacecraft are astronauts Brewster H. Shaw Jr., Richard N. Richards, David C. Leestma, James C. Adamson and Mark N. Brown. The last time Columbia was in space was in January of 1986.

STS027-S-005 (Dec 2, 1988) --- Space Shuttle Atlantis is launched from Kennedy Space Center's (KSC) Pad 39-B at 9:30 a.m. EST, on a Department of Defense (DOD) dedicated mission. This is the third mission for the orbiter Atlantis. Crew members are: Commander Robert L. "Hoot" Gibson; Pilot Guy S. Gardner; and Mission Specialists Jerry L. Ross, William M. Shepherd and Richard M. (Mike) Mullane.

S89-30720 (29 March 1989) --- The spacecraft Magellan is in the payload bay of the orbiter Atlantis at launch pad 39-B. Magellan is scheduled to be released from Atlantis April 28, 1989, on NASA's STS-30 mission. Its mission will be the first U.S. planetary probe in over 10 years and it is the first deployed by the shuttle. The mission calls for the spacecraft to make the approximately 15-month journey to the planet Venus and perform radar mapping operations, transmitting the information back to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California.

STS028-S-006 (8 Aug 1989) --- A low-angle view shows Columbia soaring toward space just after clearing the tower at Launch Pad 39-B for the STS-28 mission. The spacecraft renews flight after a period of three and a half years, this time with five crewmembers aboard. Onboard the spacecraft are Astronauts Brewster H. Shaw Jr., Richard N. Richards, David C. Leestma, James C. Adamson and Mark N. Brown. The last time Columbia was in space was in January of 1986.

The space shuttle Discovery lifts off from Launch Pad 39-B at 8:33 a.m. EDT carrying a crew of five and the Hubble Space Telescope. STS-31 crew members are Commander Loren Shriver, Pilot Charles Bolden and Mission Specialists Steven Hawley, Bruce McCandless II and Kathryn Sullivan. Photo credit: NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-34 Space Shuttle Atlantis lifts off from Launch Pad 39-B at 12:53 p.m. EDT, marking the beginning of a five-day mission in space. Atlantis carries a crew of five and the spacecraft Galileo, to be deployed on a six-year trip to Jupiter. The scene was recorded with a 70mm camera by astronaut Daniel Brandenstein.

(Left) The crawler transporter makes its way across Launch Pad 39-B to the Mobile Launch Platform and Space Shuttle Discovery to await possible orders for a rollback. KSC managers developed a precautionary plan to roll back Discovery to the Vehicle Assembly Building in the event that Hurricane Georges threatens Central Florida. The decision was made to minimize risk and provide protection to the Space Shuttle national asset

S73-25696 (15 May 1973) --- An overall view of Pad B, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center, Florida, showing the Skylab 2/Saturn 1B space vehicle during a Countdown Demonstration Test (CDDT). This is the launch vehicle for the first manned Skylab mission. The vapor being emitted from the vehicle is the venting of cryogenic propellants. Photo credit: NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- As viewed from Firing Room One in the Launch Control Center, the STS-34 space shuttle Atlantis lifts off from Pad 39-B at 12:53 p.m. EDT, marking the beginning of a five-day mission in space. Atlantis is carrying a crew of five and the spacecraft Galileo, which will be deployed on a six-year trip to Jupiter.

S69-35317 (18 May 1969) --- ? Interior view of the White Room at Pad B, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center, showing preparations being made for insertion of the Apollo 10 crew into their spacecraft during the prelaunch countdown. In the background is astronaut Thomas P. Stafford, commander. Astronaut Eugene A. Cernan, lunar module pilot, is in right foreground. Out of view is astronaut John W. Young, command module pilot. Liftoff for the lunar orbit mission was at 12:49 p.m. (EDT), May 18, 1969.