Looking southwest, this view shows ongoing construction of a multi-purpose hangar, which is part of the $8 million Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Support Complex at Kennedy Space Center. Edging the construction is Sharkey Road, which parallels the landing strip of the Shuttle Landing Facility nearby. The RLV complex will include facilities for related ground support equipment and administrative/ technical support. It will be available to accommodate the Space Shuttle; the X-34 RLV technology demonstrator; the L-1011 carrier aircraft for Pegasus and X-34; and other RLV and X-vehicle programs. The complex is jointly funded by the Spaceport Florida Authority, NASA's Space Shuttle Program and KSC. The facility will be operational in early 2000.

Columbia Reconstruction Project Team members study debris from the Space Shuttle Columbia in the RLV Hangar. The debris is being shipped to KSC from the collection point at Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, La. As part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident that claimed Columbia and her crew of seven, workers will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter inside the hangar.

The layout of the debris from the Space Shuttle Columbia is captured in this wide-angle view of a section of the RLV Hangar floor. The debris is being shipped to KSC from the collection point at Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, La. As part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident that claimed Columbia and her crew of seven, workers will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter inside the hangar.

Columbia Reconstruction Project Team members study debris from the Space Shuttle Columbia in the RLV Hangar. The debris is being shipped to KSC from the collection point at Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, La. As part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident that claimed Columbia and her crew of seven, workers will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter inside the hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Hangar, workers secure stretch sheets of plastic over racks of equipment in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Jeanne, expected to impact Central Florida Sunday. This is the fourth hurricane in 45 days to make landfall somewhere in the state. The Thermal Protection System (TPS) Facility suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Frances, causing the relocation of equipment to the RLV.

This aerial view shows the construction of a multi-purpose hangar, which is part of the $8 million Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Support Complex at Kennedy Space Center. In the background is the Shuttle Landing Facility, with (left) a C-5 air cargo plane, the offloaded canister in front of it containing the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, and (right) the mate/demate tower that is used when an orbiter is transported to and from KSC atop a modified Boeing 747. The RLV complex will also include facilities for related ground support equipment and administrative/ technical support. It will be available to accommodate the Space Shuttle; the X-34 RLV technology demonstrator; the L-1011 carrier aircraft for Pegasus and X-34; and other RLV and X-vehicle programs. The complex is jointly funded by the Spaceport Florida Authority, NASA's Space Shuttle Program and KSC. The facility will be operational in early 2000.

A worker examines a piece of the Columbia debris on the floor of the RLV Hangar. The debris was shipped from Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, La. As part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident, workers will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter inside the RLV.

Members of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board examine pieces of Columbia debris in the RLV Hangar. The debris was shipped from the collection point at Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, La. As part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident that claimed Columbia and her crew of seven, workers will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter inside the RLV.

The reconstruction team checks out the Columbia debris after it was offloaded at the RLV Hangar. The debris was shipped from Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, La. As part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident, workers will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter inside the RLV.

Astronauts Lee Archambault and Joan Higginbotham look at a piece of Columbia debris placed on the grid in the RLV Hangar. The debris was shipped from Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, La. As part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident, workers will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter inside the RLV.

Members of the Columbia Accident Investigation Board examine pieces of Columbia debris in the RLV Hangar. The debris was shipped from the collection point at Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, La. As part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident that claimed Columbia and her crew of seven, workers will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter inside the RLV.

Members of the reconstruction team check out the Columbia debris inside the RLV Hangar. The debris was shipped from Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, La. As part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident, workers will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter inside the RLV.

Shuttle Program Manager Ron Dittemore (leaning over) examines a piece of Columbia debris in the RLV Hangar. The debris was shipped from the collection point at Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, La. As part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident that claimed Columbia and her crew of seven, workers will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter inside the RLV.

Astronauts Lee Archambault and Joan Higginbotham look at a piece of Columbia debris placed on the grid in the RLV Hangar. The debris was shipped from Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, La. As part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident, workers will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter inside the RLV.

Shuttle Program Manager Ron Dittemore (leaning over) examines a piece of Columbia debris in the RLV Hangar. The debris was shipped from the collection point at Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, La. As part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident that claimed Columbia and her crew of seven, workers will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter inside the RLV.

Another shipment of Columbia debris arrives at the KSC RLV Hangar. Inside, the Columbia Reconstruction Project Team is identifying pieces and placing them on a floor grid in a configuration of the orbiter. The team will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter as part of the investigation into the accident that caused the destruction of Columbia and loss of its crew as it returned to Earth on mission STS-107.

Columbia Reconstruction Project Team members study diagrams to aid in the placement of debris from the Space Shuttle Columbia in the RLV Hangar. The debris is being shipped to KSC from the collection point at Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, La. As part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident that claimed Columbia and her crew of seven, workers will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter inside the hangar.

Columbia Reconstruction Project Team members cautiously examine potentially hazardous debris from the Space Shuttle Columbia in the RLV Hangar. The debris is being shipped to KSC from the collection point at Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, La. As part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident that claimed Columbia and her crew of seven, workers will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter inside the hangar.

Columbia Reconstruction Project Team members move a piece of debris from the Space Shuttle Columbia into a specified sector of the RLV Hangar. The debris is being shipped to KSC from the collection point at Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, La. As part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident that claimed Columbia and her crew of seven, workers will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter inside the hangar.

A Columbia Reconstruction Project Team member uses a laptop computer to catalog debris from the Space Shuttle Columbia in the RLV Hangar. The debris is being shipped to KSC from the collection point at Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, La. As part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident that claimed Columbia and her crew of seven, workers will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter inside the hangar.

In the RLV Hangar, a Columbia Reconstruction Project Team member examines a piece of debris from the Space Shuttle Columbia. The debris has begun arriving at KSC from the collection point at Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, La. As part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident that claimed Columbia and her crew of seven, workers will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter inside the hangar.

Columbia Reconstruction Project Team members steady a piece of debris from the Space Shuttle Columbia as they position it in a designated sector of the RLV Hangar. The debris is being shipped to KSC from the collection point at Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, La. As part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident that claimed Columbia and her crew of seven, workers will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter inside the hangar.

Columbia Reconstruction Project Team members move debris from the Space Shuttle Columbia into a designated sector of the RLV Hangar. The debris is being shipped to KSC from the collection point at Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, La. As part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident that claimed Columbia and her crew of seven, workers will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter inside the hangar.

Columbia Reconstruction Project Team members move a piece of debris from the Space Shuttle Columbia into a specified sector of the RLV Hangar. The debris is being shipped to KSC from the collection point at Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, La. As part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident that claimed Columbia and her crew of seven, workers will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter inside the hangar.

Columbia Reconstruction Project Team members examine a piece of debris from the Space Shuttle Columbia in the RLV Hangar. The debris is being shipped to KSC from the collection point at Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, La. As part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident that claimed Columbia and her crew of seven, workers will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter inside the hangar.

In the RLV Hangar, a Columbia Reconstruction Project Team member examines pieces of debris from the Space Shuttle Columbia. The debris has begun arriving at KSC from the collection point at Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, La. As part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident that claimed Columbia and her crew of seven, workers will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter inside the hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The mission patch for STS-107 is displayed, left, on the outside of the RLV Hangar at KSC. The hangar is the site of the Columbia Reconstruction Project, where pieces of debris from Columbia are being collected and identified as part of the mishap investigation.

The truck holding the final shipment of Columbia debris arrives at KSC. The recovery efforts have been concluded in East Texas. Prior to this final shipment, the total number of items at KSC is 82,567, weighing 84,800 pounds or 38 percent of the total dry weight of Columbia. Of those items, 78,760 have been identified, with 753 placed on the left wing grid in the RLV Hangar.

In the RLV Hangar, Congressman Dave Weldon (left) listens to Steve Altemus, Space Shuttle test director. Weldon is visiting the site where pieces of Columbia debris are being examined and stored. Third from left is Center Director Roy Bridges. Workers will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter as part of the ongoing investigation of the accident that destroyed the Columbia and claimed the lives of seven astronauts as they returned to Earth after a 16-day research mission, STS-107.

Congressman Dave Weldon (second from right) looks over the pieces of Columbia debris stored in the RLV Hangar. At right is Steve Altemus, Space Shuttle test director . Accompanying Weldon are (left toright) Greg Katnick, Grant Case, J.B. Kump and Center Director Roy Bridges. Workers will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter as part of the ongoing investigation of the accident that destroyed the Columbia and claimed the lives of seven astronauts as they returned to Earth after a 16-day research mission, STS-107.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Equipment is moved to a secure location in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Jeanne, expected to impact Central Florida Sunday. This is the fourth hurricane in 45 days to make landfall somewhere in the state.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A worker secures tanks in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Jeanne, expected to impact Central Florida Sunday. This is the fourth hurricane in 45 days to make landfall somewhere in the state.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers place plastic sheets over racks of equipment in the Reusable Launch Vehicle Support Complex in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Jeanne, expected to impact Central Florida Sunday. This is the fourth hurricane in 45 days to make landfall somewhere in the state.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers place plastic sheets over racks of equipment in the Reusable Launch Vehicle Support Complex in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Jeanne, expected to impact Central Florida Sunday. This is the fourth hurricane in 45 days to make landfall somewhere in the state.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A worker places sandbags at the bottom of the door into the Reusable Launch Vehicle Support Complex in preparation for the arrival of Hurricane Jeanne, expected to impact Central Florida Sunday. This is the fourth hurricane in 45 days to make landfall somewhere in the state.

This aerial photo focuses on the remote launch vehicle (RLV) hangar, still under construction. It sits at the south end of the Shuttle Landing Facility. Adjacent to the multi-purpose RLV hangar (above it) are facilities for related ground support equipment and administrative/technical support. The top of the photo captures a portion of the parking tarmac near the runway

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - An overview of the floor of the RLV Hangar shows some of the Columbia debris collected and identified. Approximately 4,500 ground searchers have covered approximately 56 percent of the planned 555,000-acre search area. About 28 percent of the Shuttle Columbia, by weight, has been delivered to the RLV Hangar to date.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The floor of the RLV Hangar is full of pieces of Columbia debris delivered from the search and recovery efforts in East Texas. The items shipped to KSC number more than 82,000 and weigh 84,800 pounds or 38 percent of the total dry weight of Columbia. Of those items, 78,760 have been identified, with 753 placed on the left wing grid in the Hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project Team place pieces of debris on a table in the RLV Hangar. The items shipped to KSC number more than 82,000 and weigh 84,800 pounds or 38 percent of the total dry weight of Columbia. Of those items, 78,760 have been identified, with 753 placed on the left wing grid in the Hangar.

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - While talking to the media, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach points to some of the investigative tools in the RLV Hangar, where Columbia debris is being examined. The items shipped to KSC number more than 82,000 and weigh 84,800 pounds or 38 percent of the total dry weight of Columbia. Of those items, 78,760 have been identified, with 753 placed on the left wing grid in the Hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project Team work with pieces of debris in the RLV Hangar. The items shipped to KSC number more than 82,000 and weigh 84,800 pounds or 38 percent of the total dry weight of Columbia. Of those items, 78,760 have been identified, with 753 placed on the left wing grid in the Hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach talks to the media in the RLV Hangar, site of the collection of Columbia debris undergoing examination. The items shipped to KSC number more than 82,000 and weigh 84,800 pounds or 38 percent of the total dry weight of Columbia. Of those items, 78,760 have been identified, with 753 placed on the left wing grid in the Hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach talks to the media in the RLV Hangar, site of the collection of Columbia debris undergoing examination. The items shipped to KSC number more than 82,000 and weigh 84,800 pounds or 38 percent of the total dry weight of Columbia. Of those items, 78,760 have been identified, with 753 placed on the left wing grid in the Hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Large items of Columbia debris fill a long table in the RLV Hangar. The items shipped to KSC number more than 82,000 and weigh 84,800 pounds or 38 percent of the total dry weight of Columbia. Of those items, 78,760 have been identified, with 753 placed on the left wing grid in the Hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project Team work with pieces of debris in the RLV Hangar. The items shipped to KSC number more than 82,000 and weigh 84,800 pounds or 38 percent of the total dry weight of Columbia. Of those items, 78,760 have been identified, with 753 placed on the left wing grid in the Hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RLV hangar, members of the Columbia Reconstruction Team work to identify pieces of Thermal Protection System tile from the left wing of Columbia recovered during the search and recovery efforts in East Texas. The items shipped to KSC number more than 82,000 and weigh 84,800 pounds or 38 percent of the total dry weight of Columbia. Of those items, 78,760 have been identified, with 753 placed on the left wing grid in the Hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project Team work with pieces of debris in the RLV Hangar. The items shipped to KSC number more than 82,000 and weigh 84,800 pounds or 38 percent of the total dry weight of Columbia. Of those items, 78,760 have been identified, with 753 placed on the left wing grid in the Hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project Team examine pieces of debris in the RLV Hangar. The items shipped to KSC number more than 82,000 and weigh 84,800 pounds or 38 percent of the total dry weight of Columbia. Of those items, 78,760 have been identified, with 753 placed on the left wing grid in the Hangar.

Workers place the first roof panels on the multi-purpose hangar at the site of the $8 million Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Support Complex at Kennedy Space Center. The RLV complex, which includes the hangar and a building for related ground support equipment and administrative/technical support, will be available to accommodate the Space Shuttle; the X-34 RLV technology demonstrator; the L-1011 carrier aircraft for Pegasus and X-34; and other RLV and X-vehicle programs. The complex is jointly funded by the Spaceport Florida Authority, NASA's Space Shuttle Program and KSC. The facility will be operational in early 2000

The first roof panels are placed on the multi-purpose hangar at the site of the $8 million Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Support Complex at Kennedy Space Center. The RLV complex, which includes the hangar and a building for related ground support equipment and administrative/technical support, will be available to accommodate the Space Shuttle; the X-34 RLV technology demonstrator; the L-1011 carrier aircraft for Pegasus and X-34; and other RLV and X-vehicle programs. The complex is jointly funded by the Spaceport Florida Authority, NASA's Space Shuttle Program and KSC. The facility will be operational in early 2000

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A wide-angle view of the RLV Hangar at KSC shows a portion of the more than 75,000 pieces of Columbia debris that have been shipped to KSC. More than 2,000 pieces have been placed on the grid on the RLV Hangar floor. To date, about 35 percent of Columbia, by weight, has been delivered to the hangar. Approximately 40 percent is expected to be recovered.

The remote launch vehicle (RLV) hangar, still under construction, is seen here. It sits at the south end of the Shuttle Landing Facility. Adjacent to the multi-purpose RLV hangar (right) are facilities for related ground support equipment and administrative/technical support. Next to the hangar is the tow-way road leading to the runway, which starts on the right of the photo. The top of the photo shows the Indian River, part of the Intracoastal Waterway in Florida

This broad aerial view shows the runway at KSC (top), the parking facility with the mate/demate device (center), and the remote launch vehicle (RLV) hangar, at right, still under construction at the south end of the Shuttle Landing Facility. Next to the multi-purpose RLV hangar are facilities for related ground support equipment and administrative/technical support. The tow-way stretches from the runway past the hangar to lower right in the photo. Stretching toward the horizon are the grounds of the Merritt island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with KSC

This broad aerial view shows the runway at KSC (top), the parking facility with the mate/demate device (center), and the remote launch vehicle (RLV) hangar, at right, still under construction at the south end of the Shuttle Landing Facility. Next to the multi-purpose RLV hangar are facilities for related ground support equipment and administrative/technical support. The tow-way stretches from the runway past the hangar to lower right in the photo. Stretching toward the horizon are the grounds of the Merritt island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with KSC

This closeup photo shows the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Support Complex at Kennedy Space Center. At right is a multi-purpose hangar and to the left is a building for related ground support equipment and administrative/ technical support. The complex is situated at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The RLV complex will be available to accommodate the Space Shuttle; the X-34 RLV technology demonstrator; the L-1011 carrier aircraft for Pegasus and X-34; and other RLV and X-vehicle programs. The complex is jointly funded by the Spaceport Florida Authority, NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and KSC

This closeup photo shows the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Support Complex at Kennedy Space Center. At right is a multi-purpose hangar and to the left is a building for related ground support equipment and administrative/ technical support. The complex is situated at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The RLV complex will be available to accommodate the Space Shuttle; the X-34 RLV technology demonstrator; the L-1011 carrier aircraft for Pegasus and X-34; and other RLV and X-vehicle programs. The complex is jointly funded by the Spaceport Florida Authority, NASA’s Space Shuttle Program and KSC

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the Columbia reconstruction team look at a diagram on the floor of the RLV Hangar. In the background are pieces of the Columbia debris being examined and recorded. As part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident, workers will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter inside the RLV.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the reconstruction team check out the Columbia debris inside the RLV Hangar. The debris was shipped from Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, La. As part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident, workers will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter inside the RLV.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The reconstruction team record and bag some of the Columbia debris inside the RLV Hangar. The debris was shipped from Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, La. As part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident, workers will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter inside the RLV.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- U.S. Senator Bill Nelson and Space Shuttle Test Director Steve Altemus look at Columbia debris in KSC's RLV Hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Large pieces of Columbia debris are stacked along a wall in the RLV Hangar at KSC. The final shipment of debris arrived on this date - recovery efforts have been concluded in East Texas. Prior to this final shipment, the total number of items at KSC is 82,567, weighing 84,800 pounds or 38 percent of the total dry weight of Columbia. Of those items, 78,760 have been identified, with 753 placed on the left wing grid in the RLV Hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project Team look over pieces of Columbia debris on the floor of the RLV Hangar. Approximately 4,500 ground searchers have covered approximately 56 percent of the planned 555,000-acre search area. About 28 percent of the Shuttle Columbia, by weight, has been delivered to the RLV Hangar to date.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -In the RLV Hangar, former astronauts Wally Schirra (right, with microphone) and Jim Lovell (far right) talk to employees and offer encouragement to help get the space program "back on its feet." The two visited several sites around the Center, encouraging workers to help get the space program "back on its feet." The RLV Hangar is where Columbia debris is being collected and examined as part of the investigation into the tragedy that claimed the orbiter and lives of seven astronauts returning from mission STS-107.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the RLV Hangar, members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project Team look at Columbia debris shipped from Barksdale AFB, Shreveport, La. Barksdale continues to be the receiving and shipping point for Columbia materials being sent to KSC for final identification. Inside the RLV Hangar, the Columbia Reconstruction Project Team will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter as part of the investigation into the accident that caused the destruction of Columbia and loss of its crew as it returned to Earth on mission STS-107.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project Team place a piece of debris from Columbia on the grid of the floor of the RLV Hangar. The items at KSC number more than 82,000, weigh 84,800 pounds or 38 percent of the total dry weight of Columbia. Of those items, 78,760 have been identified, with 753 placed on the left wing grid in the RLV Hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Pieces of Columbia debris in the RLV Hangar at KSC crowd the floor. The final shipment of debris arrived on this date - recovery efforts have been concluded in East Texas. Prior to this final shipment, the total number of items at KSC is 82,567, weighing 84,800 pounds or 38 percent of the total dry weight of Columbia. Of those items, 78,760 have been identified, with 753 placed on the left wing grid in the RLV Hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project Team are scattered around the RLV Hangar as they examine various pieces of debris. The final shipment of debris arrived on this date - recovery efforts have been concluded in East Texas. Prior to this final shipment, the total number of items at KSC is 82,567, weighing 84,800 pounds or 38 percent of the total dry weight of Columbia. Of those items, 78,760 have been identified, with 753 placed on the left wing grid in the RLV Hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A member of the Columbia Reconstruction Project Team examines a piece of Columbia debris in the RLV Hangar. Approximately 4,500 ground searchers have covered approximately 56 percent of the planned 555,000-acre search area. About 28 percent of the Shuttle Columbia, by weight, has been delivered to the RLV Hangar to date.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the RLV Hangar, members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project Team examine the latest pieces of Columbia debris shipped from Barksdale AFB, Shreveport, La. Barksdale continues to be the receiving and shipping point for Columbia materials being sent to KSC for final identification. Inside the RLV Hangar, the Columbia Reconstruction Project Team will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter as part of the investigation into the accident that caused the destruction of Columbia and loss of its crew as it returned to Earth on mission STS-107.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Pieces of Columbia debris are beginning to fill one area of the Shuttle painted on the floor of the RLV Hangar. Approximately 4,500 ground searchers have covered approximately 56 percent of the planned 555,000-acre search area. About 28 percent of the Shuttle Columbia, by weight, has been delivered to the RLV Hangar to date.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A member of the Columbia Reconstruction Project Team places a piece of debris from Columbia on the grid of the floor of the RLV Hangar. The items at KSC number more than 82,000, weigh 84,800 pounds or 38 percent of the total dry weight of Columbia. Of those items, 78,760 have been identified, with 753 placed on the left wing grid in the RLV Hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project Team look over various pieces of Columbia debris spread across the floor of the RLV Hangar. Approximately 4,500 ground searchers have covered approximately 56 percent of the planned 555,000-acre search area. About 28 percent of the Shuttle Columbia, by weight, has been delivered to the RLV Hangar to date.

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RLV Hangar, members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project Team look at a piece of Columbia debris shipped from Barksdale AFB, Shreveport, La. Barksdale continues to be the receiving and shipping point for Columbia materials being sent to KSC for final identification. Inside the RLV Hangar, the Columbia Reconstruction Project Team will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter as part of the investigation into the accident that caused the destruction of Columbia and loss of its crew as it returned to Earth on mission STS-107.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the RLV Hangar, Space Shuttle Test Director Steve Altemus (left) shows former astronauts Jim Lovell (center) and Wally Schirra (right) a piece of debris from Columbia. The latter two visited several sites around the Center, encouraging workers to help get the space program "back on its feet." The RLV Hangar is where Columbia debris is being collected and examined as part of the investigation into the tragedy that claimed the orbiter and lives of seven astronauts returning from mission STS-107.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Another shipment of Columbia debris is offloaded at the KSC RLV Hangar after transport from Barksdale AFB, Shreveport, La. Barksdale continues to be the receiving and shipping point for Columbia materials being sent to KSC for final identification. Inside the RLV Hangar, the Columbia Reconstruction Project Team will attempt to reconstruct the orbiter as part of the investigation into the accident that caused the destruction of Columbia and loss of its crew as it returned to Earth on mission STS-107.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Part of the final shipment of Columbia debris is transferred into the RLV Hangar at KSC. The recovery efforts have been concluded in East Texas. Prior to this final shipment, the total number of items at KSC is 82,567, weighing 84,800 pounds or 38 percent of the total dry weight of Columbia. Of those items, 78,760 have been identified, with 753 placed on the left wing grid in the RLV Hangar.

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A member of the Columbia Reconstruction Project Team examines part of the Columbia debris on the floor of the RLV Hangar. The final shipment of debris arrived on this date - recovery efforts have been concluded in East Texas. Prior to this final shipment, the total number of items at KSC is 82,567, weighing 84,800 pounds or 38 percent of the total dry weight of Columbia. Of those items, 78,760 have been identified, with 753 placed on the left wing grid in the RLV Hangar.

Construction is under way for the X-33/X-34 hangar complex near the Shuttle Landing Facility at KSC. The Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) complex will include facilities for related ground support equipment and administrative/ technical support. It will be available to accommodate the Space Shuttle; the X-34 RLV technology demonstrator; the L-1011 carrier aircraft for Pegasus and X-34; and other RLV and X-vehicle programs. The complex is jointly funded by the Spaceport Florida Authority, NASA's Space Shuttle Program and KSC. The facility will be operational in early 2000

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Columbia debris is spread across the grid in the RLV Hangar at KSC. Workers are attempting to reconstruct the orbiter inside the hangar as part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident that claimed Columbia and her crew of seven returning from mission STS-107. .

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project team discuss a piece of debris on the floor of the RLV Hangar. The team is identifying pieces and placing them on a grid approximating the shape of the orbiter. About 25 percent of the orbiter has been delivered to the hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This view inside the RLV Hangar at KSC shows the placement on the floor of some of the debris from Columbia. Workers are attempting to reconstruct the orbiter inside the hangar as part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident that claimed Columbia and her crew of seven returning from mission STS-107.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A new piece of Columbia debris is placed on the floor of the RLV Hangar. The Columbia Reconstruction Project team is identifying pieces and placing them on a grid approximating the shape of the orbiter. About 25 percent of the orbiter has been delivered to the hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the Columbia Reconstruction Program Team record debris from Columbia after its arrival at the KSC RLV Hangar. Workers are attempting to reconstruct the orbiter inside the hangar as part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident that claimed Columbia and her crew of seven returning from mission STS-107.

Construction of the new remote launch vehicle hangar (right) is closer to completion. It is at the south end of the Shuttle Landing Facility at KSC. Next to the multi-purpose RLV hangar are facilities for related ground support equipment and administrative/technical support. Astronaut Road is seen near the top of the photo

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers inside the RLV Hangar at KSC help place grid marks on the floor. The hangar is being readied to receive the parts of Columbia recovered after the tragic accident that also claimed the seven lives of the crew. The grid marks will help with reconstruction of Columbia to the extent possible and final disposition.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project team look at new pieces of debris placed on the floor of the RLV Hangar. The team is identifying pieces and placing them on a grid approximating the shape of the orbiter. About 25 percent of the orbiter has been delivered to the hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The mission patch for STS-107 is displayed, left, on the outside of the RLV Hangar at KSC. The hangar is the site of the Columbia Reconstruction Project, where pieces of debris from Columbia are being collected and identified as part of the mishap investigation.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Columbia debris continues to arrive at the RLV Hangar at KSC. Workers are attempting to reconstruct the orbiter inside the hangar as part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident that claimed Columbia and her crew of seven returning from mission STS-107. .

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers deliver an enlarged replica of the STS-107 crew emblem to the RLV Hangar where it will be installed on an outside wall. Inside the hangar, members of the Columbia Reconstruction Project team are identifying pieces of Columbia debris as they arrive at Kennedy Space Center and placing them on a grid approximating the shape of the orbiter.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Columbia debris continues to arrive at the RLV Hangar at KSC. Workers are attempting to reconstruct the orbiter inside the hangar as part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident that claimed Columbia and her crew of seven returning from mission STS-107. .

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A long view inside the RLV Hangar shows the grid on the floor and placement of some of the debris from Columbia. Workers are attempting to reconstruct the orbiter inside the hangar as part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident that claimed Columbia and her crew of seven returning from mission STS-107.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This view inside the RLV Hangar at KSC shows the grid on the floor and placement of some of the debris from Columbia. Workers are attempting to reconstruct the orbiter inside the hangar as part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident that claimed Columbia and her crew of seven returning from mission STS-107.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers lower their bucket after placing the final piece of the mission patch for STS-107 on the outside of the RLV Hangar at KSC. The hangar is the site of the Columbia Reconstruction Project, where pieces of debris from Columbia are being collected and identified as part of the mishap investigation.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Pieces of debris from Columbia are filling the floor of the RLV Hangar. The items at KSC number more than 82,000, weigh 84,800 pounds or 38 percent of the total dry weight of Columbia. Of those items, 78,760 have been identified, with 753 placed on the left wing grid in the hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Columbia debris continues to arrive at the RLV Hangar at KSC. Workers are attempting to reconstruct the orbiter inside the hangar as part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic accident that claimed Columbia and her crew of seven returning from mission STS-107.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Pieces of Columbia debris lie in a staging area in the RLV Hangar pending engineering assessment. The Columbia Reconstruction Project team is identifying pieces and placing them on a grid approximating the shape of the orbiter. About 25 percent of the orbiter has been delivered to the hangar.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Columbia debris is filling the floor of the KSC RLV Hangar. The Columbia Reconstruction Project team is identifying pieces and placing them on a grid approximating the shape of the orbiter. About 25 percent of the orbiter has been delivered to the hangar.