STS103-378-013 (19-27 December 1999) ---.Astronaut Scott J. Kelly, STS-103 pilot, goes over a checklist for a procedure on Discovery's forward flight deck.

S99-08359 (26 July 1999) --- Astronaut John M. Grunsfeld, mission specialist, wearing an underwater-adapted training version of the Shuttle extravehicular mobility unit (EMU), signals "all's well" prior to going into the water in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL). Grunsfeld and other astronauts assigned to STS-103 space walk duty are in training for EVA chores they will handle when they make the third servicing visit to the Earth-orbiting Hubble Space Telescope (HST) since its deployment in April 1990.

S99-08358 (26 July 1999) --- Astronaut Steven L. Smith (right), mission specialist, assists fellow MS, astronaut C. Michael Foale, with the gloves on his extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) space suit prior to a rehearsal of some of the STS-103 space walk chores in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL). A mockup of part of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) lies at the bottom of the nearby pool to serve as a prop for the rehearsals of Foale and his crewmates.

S99-08361 (26 July 1999) --- Astronaut Claude Nicollier, mission specialist representing the European Space Agency (ESA), readies gear for an underwater rehearsal of STS-103 exctravehicular activity (EVA). Nicollier and other astronauts assigned to space walk duty are in training for EVA chores they will handle when they make the third servicing visit to the Earth-orbiting Hubble Space Telescope (HST) since its deployment in April 1990.

S99-16060 (28 December 1999) --- George W.S. Abbey, JSC Director, addresses a crowd on hand for the STS-103 crew return event at Ellington Field.

S99-08662 (24 May 1999) --- Prior to a training session on emergency bailout, three STS-103 mission specialists discuss contingencies. From the left, they are astronauts Jean-Francois Clervoy, C. Michael Foale and John M. Grunsfeld. Clervoy is one of two STS-103 crew members who represent the European Space Agency (ESA). This training took place in the Johnson Space Center's Systems Integration Facility.

S99-05679 (24 May 1999) --- Astronauts Claude Nicollier (seated), representing the European Space Agency (ESA), and John M. Grunsfeld use virtual reality hardware to rehearse some of their duties for the upcoming STS-103 mission, NASA's third servicing visit to the Earth-orbiting Hubble Space Telescope (HST). The two mission specialists will be joined by five other astronauts, including a second ESA representative, for the STS-103 mission, scheduled for autumn of this year.

S103-E-5361 (24 December 1999) --- This vertical view from the Space Shuttle Discovery shows two small islands of the Marianas Islands (Saipan and Tinian) in Micronesia in the Pacific Ocean. The STS-103 crew recorded this electronic still image at 28:05:53 GMT, December 24, 1999.

S88-42092 (15 July 1988) --- STS-26 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, rollover at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is closely monitored by engineers and technicians in the late stages of the move from the orbiter processing facility (OPF) to the vehicle assembly building (VAB) as preflight preparations continue. A large crowd of KSC employees and other spectators watches in the background as OV-103, supported by its landing gear, is pulled toward VAB (background). While in the VAB, OV-103 will be mated to two solid rocket boosters (SRBs) and an external fuel tank.

STS-26 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, artwork depicts tracking and data relay satellite C (TDRS-C) deployment. OV-103 orbits above Earth in bottom-to-sun attitude, moments after TDRS-C's release into space. TDRS-C is seen just below open payload bay (PLB). Artwork was done by Pat Rawlings of Eagle Engineering.

S99-16055 (28 December 1999) --- Astronaut C. Michael Foale, mission specialist, signs an autograph during STS-103 crew return event at Ellington Field.

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

STS-26 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, lifts off from mobile launcher platform at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Launch Complex (LC) pad 39B. Riding atop the orange external tank (ET), OV-103 heads for Earth orbit as the exhaust plumes from the two solid rocket boosters (SRBs) cover the mobile launcher platform and the area surrounding the launch pad. SRB firings are reflected in a nearby waterway. In the foreground are trees and several birds in flight. STS-26 marks OV-103's first flight since September 1985 and NASA's first manned mission since the 51L Challenger accident, 01-28-86.

The STS-103 crew portrait includes (from left) C. Michael Foale, mission specialist; Claude Nicollier, mission specialist representing the European Space Agency (ESA) ; Scott J. Kelly, pilot; Curtis L. Brown, commander; and mission specialists Jean-Francois Clervoy (ESA), John M. Grunsfeld, and Steven L. Smith. Launched aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on December 19, 1999 at 6:50 p.m. (CST), the STS-103 mission served as the third Hubble Space Telescope (HST) servicing mission.

S99-06192 (21 June 1999) --- Astronaut C. Michael Foale, mission specialist, wearing an underwater-adapted training version of the Shuttle extravehicular mobility unit (EMU), prepares to go below the water in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL). Foale and other astronauts assigned to STS-103 space walk duty are in training for EVA chores they will handle when they make the third servicing visit to the Earth-orbiting Hubble Space Telescope (HST) since its deployment in April 1990.

S99-06191 (21 June 1999) --- Astronaut John M. Grunsfeld, mission specialist, wearing an underwater-adapted training version of the Shuttle extravehicular mobility unit (EMU), prepares to go below the water in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL). Grunsfeld and other astronauts assigned to STS-103 space walk duty are in training for EVA chores they will handle when they make the third servicing visit to the Earth-orbiting Hubble Space Telescope (HST) since its deployment in April of 1990.

STS103-334-020 (19-27 December 1999) ---.Astronaut Steven L. Smith, STS-103 payload commander, on Discovery's flight deck, leads the team of space walkers on NASA's third servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). Smith also participated in extravehicular activity (EVA) on the second HST servicing mission in 1997.

STS029-24-004 (18 March 1989) --- STS-29 crewmembers, wearing launch and entry suits (LESs) and launch and entry helmets (LEHs), review checklists on Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, flight deck. Commander Michael L. Coats is seated at the forward flight deck commanders station with Mission Specialist (MS) James F. Buchli on aft flight deck strapped in mission specialist seat. OV-103 makes its return after five days in space. Note color in forward windows W1, W2, W3 caused by friction of entry through the Earth's atmosphere. Personal Egress Air Pack (PEAP) is visible on pilots seat back.

Discovery's, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103's, vertical stabilizer and orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pods are backdropped against the contrasted blackness of space illuminated by a colorful Earth / sunrise panorama. View was taken through the aft flight deck viewing windows during STS-26.

STS103-E-5040 (21 December 1999) --- This photo of the Moon over the airglow of Earth's atmosphere was taken by the STS-103 crew members aboard Discovery. Time of the electronic still camera's (ESC) image was 15:15:41 GMT, Dec. 21, 1999.

STS-26 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, rolls out to Kennedy Space Center (KSC) launch complex (LC) pad 39B on top of the crawler transporter. OV-103 nears LC pad 39B after a six-hour journey from the vehicle assembly building (VAB). When locked onto the nearby rotating service structure (RSS), work will continue to ready the vehicle for the STS-26 launch later in the summer.

STS-26 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, rises into a cloudy sky and heads for Earth orbit atop the external tank (ET) as exhaust plumes billow from the two solid rocket boosters (SRBs) during liftoff from Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Launch Complex (LC) pad 39B. STS-26 marks OV-103's first flight since September 1985 and NASA's first manned mission since 51L Challenger accident, 01-28-86.

STS-31 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, rides above the firey glow of the solid rocket boosters (SRBs) and space shuttle main engines (SSMEs) and a long trail of exhaust as it heads toward Earth orbit. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Launch Complex (LC) Pad 39B is covered in an exhaust cloud moments after the liftoff of OV-103 at 8:33:51.0492 am (Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)). The exhaust plume pierces the low-lying clouds as OV-103 soars into the clear skies above. A nearby waterway appears in the foreground.

STS-41 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, lifts off from the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Launch Complex (LC) Pad 39 mobile launcher platform at 7:47 am (Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)). OV-103 riding atop the external tank (ET) and flanked by two solid rocket boosters (SRBs), is captured just moments after liftoff. Not yet clear of the fixed service structure (FSS) tower, OV-103 is highlighted against the cloudless morning sky. Exhaust smoke billows from the SRBs and the space shuttle main engines (SSMEs) creating a cloud over the launch pad area.

S88-41541 (7 July 1988) --- STS-26 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, is suspended by overhead crane and large frame attached to vehicle at four points. A ground-level view shows OV-103 during operations to accomplish its mating to two solid rocket boosters (SRBs) and an external fuel tank (ET) in the vehicle assembly building (VAB) at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). From this step OV-103 will be lifted vertically and hoisted high inside the VAB for mating with the already connected ET and SRBs. In less than two weeks, the combined components will be rolled to Pad 39B atop a mobile launch platform.

S90-27594 (November 1989) --- Manley L. "Sonny" Carter Jr., STS-33 mission specialist, wearing a Launch and Entry Suit (LES), poses in front of the space shuttle Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103 at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Launch Complex Pad 39B, at the 195 feet level elevator entrance at Pad 39B. Visible in the background is the catwalk to OV-103's side hatch and the Atlantic Ocean. Note: Carter died April 5, 1991 at age 43, in a civil aviation accident.

Air-to-air view, taken from the weather-monitoring Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA), shows STS-42 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, as it soars above the Atlantic Ocean after liftoff from a Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Launch Complex (LC) Pad at 9:52:33 am (Eastern Standard Time (EST)). The exhaust plume traces OV-103's flight path.

STS-33 Mission Specialist (MS) Kathryn C. Thornton, wearing launch and entry suit (LES) and holding file folder, poses in front of Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, at the 195 ft level elevator entrance at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Launch Complex (LC) Pad 39B. Visible in the background is the catwalk to OV-103's side hatch and the Atlantic Ocean.

S88-42101 (15 July 1988) --- STS-26 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, awaits further processing at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) launch complex (LC) pad 39B. OV-103 arrived at LC pad 39B after a six-hour journey from the vehicle assembly building (VAB). The rotating service structure is retracted.

STS103-728-022 (19-27 December 1999)--- One of the astronauts aboard the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Discovery used a handheld 70mm camera to photograph the Tifernine dunes (note, the dunes are below the "beak" of sandstone rock). According to NASA scientists studying the STS-103 photo collection, the dunes were created when the dark sandstone rocks trapped sand. Winds, they continued, then piled the sand into dunes up to 457.2 m (1,500 ft). The color of the sandstone is due to a desert varnish, the scientists reported. The varnish is composed of manganese, iron oxides, hydroxides, and clay minerals, they said.

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.

S99-08658 (24 May 1999) ---Astronaut C. Michael Foale, STS-103 mission specialist, adjusts his communication headgear while preparing for a session of emergency bailout training at the Johnson Space Center's Systems Integration Facility. Foale will join six other astronauts for the autumn 1999 visit to the Hubble Space Telescope (HST)--NASA's third servicing mission to the orbiting observatory.

S99-8656 (24 May 1999) --- Astronauts C. Michael Foale, left, and Claude Nicollier, both assigned to EVA duty on the STS-103 crew's upcoming servicing visit to the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), pose for an informal portrait in training versions of the launch and entry space garment. Nicollier is one of two astronauts on this crew who represent the European Space Agency (ESA).

S99-08650 (24 May 1999) --- A suit technician assists astronaut Jean-Francois Clervoy, mission specialist representing the European Space Agency (ESA), in readying for a session of emergency bailout training in the Systems Integration Facility at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). Clervoy, wearing a training version of the partial-pressure launch and entry garment, and his six STS-103 crew mates are currently in training for the third visit to the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) since its 1990 deployment.

S103-E-5053 (21 December 1999) --- Full Moon, as photographed by the STS-103 crew aboard Discovery about three hours before rendezvous with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). HST appears as a tiny dot above and to right of the Moon. The picture was taken with an electronic still camera (ESC) at 15:23:05 GMT, Dec. 21, 1999.

S99-08654 (24 May 1999) --- A suit technician assists astronaut Claude Nicollier, mission specialist representing the European Space Agency (ESA), in readying for a session of emergency bailout training in the Systems Integration Facility at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). Nicollier, wearing a training version of the partial-pressure launch and entry garment, and his six STS-103 crew mates are currently in training for the third visit to the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) since its 1990 deployment.

S99-08674 (24 May 1999) --- Three members of the third HST servicing mission's crew share a light moment while waiting to participate in emergency bailout training in the Johnson Space Center's Systems Integration Facility. From the left are astronauts Scott J. Kelly, C. Michael Foale and Jean-Francois Clervoy. Clervoy is a mission specialist representing the European Space Agency (ESA); Foale is a mission specialist; and Kelly, the STS-103 pilot.

S99-08665 (24 May 1999) --- A suit technician assists astronaut Steven L. Smith with his launch and entry suit prior to an emergency bailout training session at the Johnson Space Center's Systems Integration Facility. The STS-103 mission specialists was joined on this session by the majority of the seven-man crew, in training for the third servicing mission to the Earth-orbiting Hubble Space Telescope (HST).

S99-08655 (24 May 1999) --- From the left, astronauts Steven L. Smith, John M. Grunsfeld, C. Michael Foale and Claude Nicollier, all mission specialists, pose for an informal portrait. The STS-103 crew members are wearing training versions of the shuttle partial-pressure launch and entry space garments. Nicollier is one of two astronauts on this flight who represents the European Space Agency (ESA).

S99-08660 (24 May 1999)--- Astronaut Claude Nicollier, mission specialist representing the European Space Agency (ESA), checks his communications gear prior to a session of emergency bailout training in the Systems Integration Facility at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). Nicollier, wearing a training version of the partial-pressure launch and entry garment, and his six STS-103 crew mates are currently in training for the third servicing visit to the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) since its 1990 deployment.

S103-E-5050 (21 December 1999) --- Full Moon, as photographed by the STS-103 crew aboard Discovery about three hours before rendezvous with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). HST appears as a tiny dot above and to left of the Moon. The picture was taken with an electronic still camera (ESC) at 15:22:41 GMT Dec. 21, 1999.

S91-27781 (5 Nov 1990) --- STS-39 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, Infrared Background Signature Survey (IBSS) Shuttle Pallet Satellite (SPAS) II documented during preflight processing procedures. German Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm (MBB) technicians work on SPAS II cryostat (without insulation) and other elements at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, 11/05/90

S99-08646 (24 May 1999) --- Astronaut Scott J. Kelly, pilot, listens to a briefing by a member of the crew training staff during a session of emergency bailout training in the Systems Integration Facility at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). Kelly, wearing a training version of the partial-pressure launch and entry garment, and his six STS-103 crew mates are currently in training for the third servicing visit to the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) since its 1990 deployment.

S99-08659 (24 May 1999) --- Astronaut John M. Grunsfeld, STS-103 mission specialist, has just donned a training version of the shuttle launch and entry garment prior to an emergency bailout training session at the Johnson Space Cetner (JSC). Grunsfeld will join six other astronauts for the autumn visit to the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) to participate in NASA third servicing mission on the orbiting observatory.

S99-08648 (24 May 1999) --- Suit technicians assist astronaut C. Michael Foale, mission specialist, in readying for a session of emergency bailout training in the Systems Integration Facility at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). Foale, wearing a training version of the partial-pressure launch and entry garment, and his six STS-103 crew mates are currently in training for the third servicing visit to the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) since its 1990 deployment.

S99-08668 --- Four members of the STS-103 crew prepare their launch and entry suits for a training session on emergency bailout procedures in the Johnson Space Center's Systems Integration Facility. Astronaut Steven L. Smith is seated in the foreground. Others pictured are astronauts Jean-Francois Clervoy, John M. Grunsfeld and Claude Nicollier, all mission specialists. Nicollier and Clervoy are with the European Space Agency (ESA). One of two Crew Compartment Trainers (CCT) is in the background.

STS-26 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, mated with the external tank (ET) and solid rocket boosters (SRBs), is framed by Kennedy Space Center's (KSC's) vehicle assembly building (VAB) doorway as it rolled out. This high angle view shows OV-103 atop the mobile launch pad and crawler transporter as it begins its slow exit from VAB en route to launch complex (LC) pad 39B. The move began shortly after midnight on the nation's 212th birthday. Ceremonies marking the event were held later during daylight hours.

S90-27591 (23 Jan 1990) --- STS-33 crewmembers, wearing launch and entry suit (LES), take a break from training activities to pose for group portrait in front of Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, at the 195 ft level elevator entrance at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Launch Complex (LC) Pad 39B. Left to right are Pilot John E. Blaha, Mission Specialist (MS) Kathryn C. Thornton, MS Manley L. Carter, Jr, Commander Frederick D. Gregory, and MS F. Story Musgrave. Visible in the background is the catwalk to OV-103's side hatch.

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

STS-31 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, is hidden in low-lying cloud cover as it rises above Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Launch Complex (LC) Pad 39B just after its liftoff at 8:33:51.0492 am (Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)). The glow of the solid rocket booster (SRB) and the space shuttle main engine (SSME) firings appears just below the cloud cover and is reflected in the nearby waterway (foreground). An exhaust plume trails from OV-103 and its SRBs and covers the launch pad area.

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

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

STS042-25-027 (30 Jan 1992) --- STS-42 International Microgravity Laboratory 1 (IML-1) Spacelab module and Spacelab tunnel (foreground) exteriors are documented in the payload bay (PLB) of Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, and backdropped against the Red Sea and part of the Sinai Peninsula.

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

STS103-501-104 (19-27 December 1999) --- One of the astronauts aboard the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Discovery used a handheld large format camera to photograph this scene which stretches from the Gulf of Mexico into Oklahoma. Parts of Louisiana and Arkansas are also visible in the frame. The Red River snakes its way through the East Texas Piney Woods (center). The river meets with the southern edge of the Ouachita folded mountains of southern Oklahoma. The white, linear feature north of the Red River is most likely a jet stream cloud, according to Earth scientists who studied the STS-103 collection at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). Jet contrails can be seen flying over the clouds. Along the Texas Gulf Coast are Galveston Bay and the greater Houston metropolitan area.

S99-05678 (24 May 1999)--- Astronaut Jean-Francois Clervoy (right), STS-103 mission specialist representing the European Space Agency (ESA), "controls" the shuttle's remote manipulator system (RMS) during a simulation using virtual reality type hardware at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). Looking on is astronaut John M. Grunsfeld, mission specialist. Both astronauts are assigned to separate duties supporting NASA's third Hubble Space Telescope (HST) servicing mission. Clervoy will be controlling Discovery's RMS and Grunsfeld is one of four astronauts that will be paired off for a total of three spacewalks on the mission.

During STS-31, the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), grappled by the remote manipulator system (RMS) end effector, is held against the blackness of space. The two solar array (SA) wings (large gold panels) are fully extended with bistem cassette and secondary deployment mechanism (SDM) handle clearly visible. The two deployed high gain antennae (HGA) masts are parallel to the SA panels. RMS end effector is positioned on the starboard fixture during the predeployment checkout operations above Discovery's, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103's, payload bay (PLB).

In this distant view, STS-31 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, is seen as it heads skyward after liftoff from Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Launch Complex (LC) Pad 39B at 8:33:51.0492 am (Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)). OV-103's silhouette atop the external tank (ET) appears above the glow of the solid rocket booster (SRB) and space shuttle main engine (SSME) firings. An exhaust plume trails behind and covers the launch pad area below the orbiter. A nearby waterway reflects the SRB/SSME glow in the foreground. At the far right and barely discernible is KSC LC Pad 39A and the Sound Supression Water System tower. Columbia, OV-102, is on LC Pad 39A which is separated by a distance of 1.6 miles. This was the first time since January 1986 that there was a shuttle on each pad.

STS-31 Mission Specialist (MS) Kathryn D. Sullivan, wearing extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) & communications carrier assembly (CCA), attaches service and cooling umbilical (SCU) to the EMU connection on the display & control module (DCM) during contingency extravehicular activity (EVA) preparations in the airlock of Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103. The procedure was completed in case an EVA was required to support Hubble Space Telescope (HST) deployment.

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST), grappled by Discovery's, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103's, remote manipulator system (RMS), is held in a pre-deployment position. During STS-31 checkout procedures, the solar array (SA) panels and the high gain antennae (HGA) will be deployed. The starboard SA (center) and the two HGA are stowed along side the Support System Module (SSM) forward shell. The sun highlights HST against the blackness of space.

This array of photographic equipment, displayed on the aft flight deck payload station, represents just a part of the imaging and recording hardware which was carried aboard Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, for STS-31's five day mission. Lenses, film magazines, cassettes, recorders, camera chassis, a pair of binoculars, spot meter, tape recorder, and a bracket-mounted light fixture are included among the array.

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST), grappled by Discovery's, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103's, remote manipulator system (RMS), is oriented in a 90 degree pitch position during STS-31 pre-deployment checkout procedures. The solar array (SA) panel (center) and high gain antennae (HGA) (on either side) are stowed along the Support System Module (SSM) forward shell prior to deployment. The sun highlights HST against the blackness of space.

STS-41 Mission Specialist (MS) William M. Shepherd uses Detailed Test Objective (DTO) Space Station Cursor Control Device Evaluation MACINTOSH portable computer on the middeck of Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103. The computer is velcroed to forward lockers MF71C and MF71E. Surrounding Shepherd are checklists, the field sequential (FS) crew cabin camera, and a lighting fixture.

STS033-17-005A (27 Nov 1989) --- Astronaut Manley L. Carter, Jr., STS-33 mission specialist, smiling, sips drink from a beverage container using a straw on Discovery's, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103's, middeck. Around Carter's neck are a necklace and tape recorder headphones (headset). A net stowage bag free floats next to Carter's head.

JSC officials, laughing, listen to crewmembers' commentary onboard Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, during STS-26. In the Flight Control Room (FCR) of JSC's Mission Control Center (MCC) Bldg 30 and seated at the Mission Operations Directorate (MOD) console, MOD Director Eugene F. Kranz (foreground), wearing red, white and blue vest, smiles along with JSC Director Aaron Cohen and Flight Crew Operations Deputy Director Henry W. Hartsfield, Jr. (far right).

STS-31 Mission Specialist (MS) Bruce McCandless II, wearing liquid cooling and ventilation garment (LCVG), works his way out of the extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) lower torso on the middeck of Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103. McCandless was in a standby mode to perform extravehicular activity (EVA) if needed to support Hubble Space Telescope (HST) deployment and post- deployment tasks. None was needed. His helmet and gloves freefloat in the background.

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is raised above the payload bay (PLB) in low hover position during STS-31 checkout and pre-deployment procedures aboard Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103. Stowed along the HST Support System Module (SSM) are the high gain antenna (HGA) (center) and the two solar arrays (one either side). In the background are the orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pods and the Earth's surface.

During STS-31 checkout, the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is held in a pre-deployment position by Discovery's, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103's, remote manipulator system (RMS). The view, taken from the crew cabin overhead window W7, shows the starboard solar array (SA) panel (center) and two high gain antennae (HGA) (on either side) stowed along side the Support System Module (SSM) forward shell. The sun highlights HST against the blackness of space.

View taken through overhead window W7 aboard Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, shows the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) grappled by the remote manipulator system (RMS) and held in a 90 degree pitch position against the blackness of space. The solar array (SA) panel (center) and the high gain antennae (HGA) (on either side) are visible along the Support System Module (SSM) forward shell prior to deployment during STS-31.

STS042-05-037 (30 Jan 1992) --- Astronaut Ronald J. Grabe, STS-42 commander, exercises using MK1 Rowing Machine on the middeck of Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103. Grabe is using the exercise device as part of Development Test Objective (DTO) 653, Evaluation of MK1 Rowing Machine. The forward lockers appear at Grabe's right and the sleep station behind him.

Held in appendage deploy position by Discovery's, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103's, remote manipulator system (RMS), the Hubble Space Telescope's (HST's) starboard solar array (SA) bistem cassette is released from its stowed position on the Support System Module (SSM) forward shell. The spreader bar & bistem begin to unfurl the SA wing. View was taken by an STS-31 crewmember through an overhead window & is backdropped against the surface of the Earth.

STS-42 Payload Specialist Roberta L. Bondar (light shirt) smiles as she looks out overhead window W7 while Mission Specialist (MS) and Payload Commander (PLC) Norman E. Thagard peers out aft viewing window W9. The two crewmembers are on the aft flight deck of Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103. In the foreground, a camera is ready to capture the Earth below.

Designed by the crew members, the STS-103 emblem depicts the Space Shuttle Discovery approaching the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) prior to its capture and berthing. The purpose of the mission was to remove and replace some of the Telescope's older and out-of-date systems with newer, more reliable and more capable ones, and to make repairs to HST's exterior thermal insulation that had been damaged by more than nine years of exposure to the space environment. The horizontal and vertical lines centered on the Telescope symbolize the ability to reach and maintain a desired attitude in space, essential to the instrument's scientific operation. The preservation of this ability was one of the primary objectives of the mission. After the flight, the Telescope resumed its successful exploration of deep space and will continue to be used to study solar system objects, stars in the making, late phases of stellar evolution, galaxies and the early history of the universe. HST, as represented on this emblem was inspired by views from previous servicing missions, with its solar arrays illuminated by the Sun, providing a striking contrast with the blackness of space and the night side of Earth.

STS-31 Mission Specialist (MS) Kathryn D. Sullivan poses for a picture before beginning extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) donning procedures in the airlock of Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103. Sullivan will remove the lower torso restraint and don EMU which is supported on an airlock adapter plate (AAP). When suited, Sullivan will be ready for contingency extravehicular activity (EVA) in the event that problems arise with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) deployment. Displayed on the front of the EMU are the STS-31 mission insignia and the JSC Weightless Environment Training Facility (WETF) insignia.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-103: Discovery

After a presentation at KSC for employees and VIPs about their mission, STS-103 crew members sign autographs. From left are Mission Specialist Steven Smith, Pilot Scott Kelly, and Mission Specialists Jean-Francois Clervoy and Claude Nicollier. The STS-103 mission, servicing the Hubble Space Telescope, included three space walks. STS-103 launched Dec. 19, 1999, and landed Dec. 27, 1999

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After a presentation at KSC for employees and VIPs about their mission, STS-103 crew members sign autographs. From left are Mission Specialists Claude Nicollier and Jean-Francois Clervoy, Pilot Scott Kelly and Mission Specialist Steven Smith. The STS-103 mission, servicing the Hubble Space Telescope, included three spacewalks. STS-103 launched Dec. 19, 1999, and landed Dec. 27, 1999.

After a presentation at KSC for employees and VIPs about their mission, STS-103 crew members sign autographs. From left are Mission Specialist Steven Smith, Pilot Scott Kelly, and Mission Specialists Jean-Francois Clervoy and Claude Nicollier. The STS-103 mission, servicing the Hubble Space Telescope, included three space walks. STS-103 launched Dec. 19, 1999, and landed Dec. 27, 1999

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After a presentation at KSC for employees and VIPs about their mission, STS-103 crew members sign autographs. From left are Mission Specialists Claude Nicollier and Jean-Francois Clervoy, Pilot Scott Kelly and Mission Specialist Steven Smith. The STS-103 mission, servicing the Hubble Space Telescope, included three spacewalks. STS-103 launched Dec. 19, 1999, and landed Dec. 27, 1999.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Stephanie Stilson, vehicle manager for Space Shuttle Discovery (OV-103), is interviewed by the news media at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF). The interview followed the touchdown of Discovery, atop a modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), on runway 15 at the SLF at about 10:00 a.m. EDT. The cross-country ferry flight became necessary when two days of unfavorable weather conditions at KSC forced Discovery to land on runway 22 at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., on Aug. 9 following mission STS-114. On the return trip, stops were made at Altus Air Force Base, Okla., and Barksdale Air Force Base, La., where Discovery stayed for two nights. The SCA and Discovery will be towed to the Mate_Demate Device at the SLF where a crane will lift Discovery from the SCA and place it on solid ground. Discovery will then be towed to the Orbiter Processing Facility where preparations will begin for its next flight, STS-121.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Mike Leinbach (facing camera left), Shuttle launch director, and Stephanie Stilson (facing camera right), vehicle manager for Space Shuttle Discovery (OV-103), are interviewed by the news media at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF). The interviews followed the touchdown of Discovery, atop a modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), on runway 15 at the SLF at about 10:00 a.m. EDT. The cross-country ferry flight became necessary when two days of unfavorable weather conditions at KSC forced Discovery to land on runway 22 at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., on Aug. 9 following mission STS-114. On the return trip, stops were made at Altus Air Force Base, Okla., and Barksdale Air Force Base, La., where Discovery stayed for two nights. The SCA and Discovery will be towed to the Mate_Demate Device at the SLF where a crane will lift Discovery from the SCA and place it on solid ground. Discovery will then be towed to the Orbiter Processing Facility where preparations will begin for its next flight, STS-121.

During STS-31, the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) grappled by the remote manipulator system (RMS) end effector is held in appendage deploy position above Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103. The solar array (SA) bistem cassette has been released from its latch fittings. The bistem spreader bars begin to unfurl the SA wing. The secondary deployment mechanism (SDM) handle is visible at the SA end. Stowed against either side of the HST System Support Module (SSM) forward shell are the high-gain antennae (HGA). Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic are recognizable at the left of the frame.

During STS-26, inertial upper stage (IUS) with the tracking and data relay satellite C (TDRS-C) drifts above Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, payload bay (PLB) after being positioned in deployment attitude (an angle of 50 degrees) by the airborne support equipment (ASE). IUS vacates the ASE aft frame tilt actuator (AFTA) table in the PLB while the disconnected ASE umbilical boom floats above ASE forward cradle. IUS first stage rocket motor and nozzle and the interstage are visible as the IUS is deployed. In the background are the orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pods and the Earth's limb.

STS103-375-019 (19-27 December 1999) ---.Six members of the STS-103 crew are seen in this "fish-eye" lens scene taken on Discovery's flight deck during the deployment of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). From left are astronauts Jean-Francois Clervoy, C. Michael Foale, Claude Nicollier, Curtis L. Brown, Jr., John M. Grunsfeld and Scott J. Kelly. Brown and Kelly are commander and pilot, respectively. All the others are mission specialists, with international MS Nicollier and Clervoy representing the European Space Agency (ESA). Astronaut Steven L. Smith, payload commander, took the photo.

During STS-31, the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is held in appendage deploy position by Discovery's, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103's, remote manipulator system (RMS) above the payload bay (PLB) and crew compartment cabin. While in this position the solar array (SA) wing bistem cassette (HST center) is deployed from its stowed location along side the Support System Module (SSM) forward shell. A high gain antenna (HGA) remains stowed along the SSM. The Earth's surface and the Earth limb creates a dramatic backdrop.

During STS-26, inertial upper stage (IUS) with tracking and data relay satellite C (TDRS-C) located in the payload bay (PLB) of Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, is positioned into its proper deployment attitude (an angle of 50 degrees) by the airborne support equipment (ASE). In the foreground, the ASE forward cradle is visible. The IUS is mounted in the ASE aft frame tilt actuator (AFTA) table. TDRS-C components in stowed configuration include solar array panels, TDRS single access #1 and #2, TDRS SGL, and S-Band omni antenna. In the background are the orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pods, the Earth's cloud-covered surface, and the Earth's limb.

Hubble Space Telescope (HST), with its solar array (SA) wings and high gain antennae (HGA) fully extended,is released from Discovery's, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103's, remote manipulator system (RMS) end effector and is set free into Earth orbit by the STS-31 crew. HST drifts away from the end effector over the Andes Mountains.Parts of Bolivia, Peru, Chile, and Argentina are visible. The view covers a huge area of the western half of South America stretching from 14 degrees south latitude to 23 degrees, about 1,000 kilometers.

During STS-26, inertial upper stage (IUS) with the tracking and data relay satellite C (TDRS-C) located in the payload bay (PLB) of Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, is raised into deployment attitude (an angle of 50 degrees) by the airborne support equipment (ASE). ASE aft frame tilt actuator (AFTA) table supports the IUS as it is positioned in the PLB and the ASE umbilical boom drifts away from IUS toward ASE forward cradle. TDRS-C solar array panels (in stowed configuration) are visible on top of the IUS. In the background are the orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pods and the Earth's limb.

At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-103 Mission Specialist Claude Nicollier of Switzerland shows his pleasure at being at Kennedy Space Center to make final preparations for his launch. He is accompanied by the other STS-103 crew members: Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr., Pilot Scott J. Kelly and Mission Specialists Steven L. Smith, C. Michael Foale (Ph.D.), John M. Grunsfeld (Ph.D.), and Jean-François Clervoy of France. Nicollier and Clervoy both represent the European Space Agency. The STS-103 mission, to service the Hubble Space Telescope a third time, is scheduled for launch Dec. 11 at 12:13 a.m. EST from Launch Pad 39B

Photographic documentation showing STS-103 crew return at bldg. 990, Ellington Field. Views include: Mission Specialist (MS) John M. Grunsfeld at podium (16048); MS Jean-Francois Clervoy at podium (16049); Grunsfeld signs autographs (16050); woman and child (16051); MS Claude Nicollier meets his Swiss-American fan club (16052); Clervoy holds child (16053); mission commander Curtis L. Brown signs autographs (16054, 16057); MS E. Michael Foale signs autographs (16055); MS and Payload Commander (PLC) Steven L. Smith kneels and holds child (16056); overall view of stage showing Brown at podium with crew seated behind him; from left to right: Nicollier, pilot Scott J. Kelly, Clervoy, Grunsfeld, Mr. George Abbey (JSC director), Foale and Smith (16058); Nicollier at podium (16059); Mr. George Abbey at the podium (16060): Foale ath the podium (16061); Kelly signs autographs (16062).

During STS-56, the Shuttle Pointed Autonomous Research Tool for Astronomy 201 (SPARTAN-201), a freeflying payload, was photographed by Discovery's, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103's, crewmembers as it drifted above the Mediterranean Sea near the island of Crete. On the mission's third day, the remote manipulator system (RMS) arm was used to lift SPARTAN-201 from its support structure in OV-103's payload bay and release it in space. SPARTAN-201 was later recaptured by OV-103's RMS and returned to Earth with the astronaut crew.

STS-41 crewmembers conduct Detailed Supplementary Objective (DSO) 0472 Intraocular Pressure on the middeck of Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103. Mission Specialist (MS) William M. Shepherd rests his head on the stowed treadmill while Pilot Robert D. Cabana, holding Shepherd's eye open, prepares to measure Shepherd's intraocular pressure using a tono pen (in his right hand). Objectives include: establishing a database of changes in intraocular pressures that can be used to evaluate crew health; validating ten degree head down bedrest as a model for cephalad fluid shifts in microgravity; facilitating the interpretation of data by providing a quantative measure of microgravity induced cephalad fluid shifts; and validating the tono pen as an effective tool for diagnostic and scientific data collection.

STS-56 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, riding atop its external tank (ET) and flanked by two solid rocket boosters (SRBs), lifts off from Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Launch Complex (LC) Pad 39B into the early morning darkness at 1:29 am (Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)). In this nocturnal scene, OV-102's nose section is obscured in the shadowy darkness as it clears the fixed service structure (FSS) tower. Exhaust plumes trail from the SRB skirts and cover the launch pad area in a billowy cloud. The SRB / Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) firings illuminate the FSS and the retracted rotating service structure (RSS). Debris is visible on the base of the launch pad.

STS-29 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, solid rocket booster (SRB) right aft segment is being prepared for stacking in the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). Technicians examine and work with SRB seal from scaffolding platform. The twin sets of boosters provide 80 percent of the space shuttle launch thrust. Each SRB is made up of four "loaded" or fueled segments. The SRBs operate in parallel with the space shuttle main engines (SSMEs) for the first two minutes of flight providing additional thrust needed to escape the gravitational pull of the Earth. At an altitude of approximately 24 nautical miles, the SRBs separate, descend on parachutes, and land in the Atlantic Ocean where they are recovered and reused on future flights. View provided by KSC with alternate number KSC-88PC-1323.

STS-103 Mission Specialist Michael Foale autographs mementos for Boeing-KSC employees. Foale and other crew members gave a presentation at the Center for employees and VIPs about their mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope. STS-103 launched Dec. 19, 1999, and landed Dec. 27, 1999, after a successful mission that included three space walks

In the early morning at Launch Complex 39B, Space Shuttle Discovery stands ready for launch on mission STS-103 as rain falls all around it. Uncooperative weather also caused the scrub of a launch attempt Friday evening at about 8:52 p.m. EST. The STS-103 mission, to service the Hubble Space Telescope, is now scheduled for launch on Dec. 18 at 8:21 p.m. EST. Mission objectives include replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing a backup solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation on the telescope

After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure at Launch Pad 39B (left) before dawn, the Space Shuttle Discovery is revealed poised for flight on mission STS-103. The rollback of the structure was complete at 4:46 a.m. EST. STS-103 is scheduled for launch Dec. 16 at 9:18 p.m. EST. The mission is expected to last about 9 days and 21 hours with a landing at KSC Sunday, Dec. 26, at 6:56 p.m. EST

As dawn breaks at Launch Pad 39B on the east coast of Florida, the Space Shuttle Discovery is revealed poised for flight on mission STS-103. The rollback of the Rotating Service Structure (left) was complete at 4:46 a.m. EST. STS-103 is scheduled for launch Dec. 16 at 9:18 p.m. EST. The mission is expected to last about 9 days and 21 hours with a landing at KSC Sunday, Dec. 26, at 6:56 p.m. EST

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Todd Biddle, with United Space Alliance, inspects wiring in the aft compartment of Discovery before launch. Electrical wire inspections and repairs in the orbiter's payload bay, external tank umbilical and engine compartment have been ongoing for more than a month and are near completion. Launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-103 is scheduled for Dec. 11 at 11:42 p.m. from Launch Pad 39B. STS-103 is the third servicing mission for the Hubble Space Telescope

In the early morning at Launch Complex 39B, Space Shuttle Discovery stands ready for launch on mission STS-103 as rain falls all around it. Uncooperative weather also caused the scrub of a launch attempt Friday evening at about 8:52 p.m. EST. The STS-103 mission, to service the Hubble Space Telescope, is now scheduled for launch on Dec. 18 at 8:21 p.m. EST. Mission objectives include replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing a backup solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation on the telescope