In June 1989 the Marshall Space Flight Center initiated studies of Space Transfer Vehicle (STV) concepts. A successor to the Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) concept, the STV would be a high-performance space vehicle capable of transferring automated payloads from a Space Station to geosynchronous orbits, the Moon, or planets. Illustrated in this artist's concept are two STV's undergoing aerobraking maneuvers as they approach a Space Station.
Early Program Development
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Columbia Debris Hangar move some of the STS-107 debris into boxes for transfer to storage in the Vehicle Assembly Building. About 83,000 pieces were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Columbia Debris Hangar move some of the STS-107 debris into boxes for transfer to storage in the Vehicle Assembly Building. About 83,000 pieces were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Columbia Debris Hangar record the first items of the STS-107 debris to be transferred to storage in the Vehicle Assembly Building. About 83,000 pieces were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Columbia Debris Hangar record the first items of the STS-107 debris to be transferred to storage in the Vehicle Assembly Building. About 83,000 pieces were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Storage boxes and other containers of Columbia debris wait in the Columbia Debris Hangar for transfer to storage in the Vehicle Assembly Building. About 83,000 pieces were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Storage boxes and other containers of Columbia debris wait in the Columbia Debris Hangar for transfer to storage in the Vehicle Assembly Building. About 83,000 pieces were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Storage boxes filled with Columbia debris (left) await transfer to storage in the Vehicle Assembly Building. Empty boxes at right wait to be filled with more of the approximately 83,000 pieces shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Storage boxes filled with Columbia debris (left) await transfer to storage in the Vehicle Assembly Building. Empty boxes at right wait to be filled with more of the approximately 83,000 pieces shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A worker in the Columbia Debris Hangar sorts bagged items of Columbia debris that will be transferred to storage in the Vehicle Assembly Building. About 83,000 pieces were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A worker in the Columbia Debris Hangar sorts bagged items of Columbia debris that will be transferred to storage in the Vehicle Assembly Building. About 83,000 pieces were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Containers in the Columbia Debris Hangar are lined up after being emptied of the Columbia debris. The debris is being transferred to storage in the Vehicle Assembly Building. About 83,000 pieces were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Containers in the Columbia Debris Hangar are lined up after being emptied of the Columbia debris. The debris is being transferred to storage in the Vehicle Assembly Building. About 83,000 pieces were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Columbia Debris Hangar pull items from storage containers to transfer to storage in the Vehicle Assembly Building. About 83,000 pieces were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in the Columbia Debris Hangar pull items from storage containers to transfer to storage in the Vehicle Assembly Building. About 83,000 pieces were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A flatbed truck carrying pieces of Columbia debris arrives in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The debris is being transferred to the VAB for permanent storage. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A flatbed truck carrying pieces of Columbia debris arrives in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The debris is being transferred to the VAB for permanent storage. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Scott Thurston, NASA vehicle flow manager, speaks to members of the Columbia Reconstruction Team during transfer of debris from the Columbia Debris Hangar to its permanent storage site in the Vehicle Assembly Building. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Scott Thurston, NASA vehicle flow manager, speaks to members of the Columbia Reconstruction Team during transfer of debris from the Columbia Debris Hangar to its permanent storage site in the Vehicle Assembly Building. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jim Comer, United Space Alliance project leader for Columbia reconstruction, speaks to members of the Columbia Reconstruction Team during transfer of debris from the Columbia Debris Hangar to its permanent storage site in the Vehicle Assembly Building. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jim Comer, United Space Alliance project leader for Columbia reconstruction, speaks to members of the Columbia Reconstruction Team during transfer of debris from the Columbia Debris Hangar to its permanent storage site in the Vehicle Assembly Building. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Columbia Debris Hangar, some of the debris of Space Shuttle Columbia is moved onto a flatbed truck for transfer to the Vehicle Assembly Building for permanent storage. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Columbia Debris Hangar, some of the debris of Space Shuttle Columbia is moved onto a flatbed truck for transfer to the Vehicle Assembly Building for permanent storage. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Pieces of debris of Space Shuttle Columbia are offloaded from a flatbed truck in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The debris is being moved from the Columbia Debris Hangar to the VAB for permanent storage. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Pieces of debris of Space Shuttle Columbia are offloaded from a flatbed truck in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The debris is being moved from the Columbia Debris Hangar to the VAB for permanent storage. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Pieces of debris of Space Shuttle Columbia are offloaded from a flatbed truck in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The debris is being moved from the Columbia Debris Hangar to the VAB for permanent storage. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Pieces of debris of Space Shuttle Columbia are offloaded from a flatbed truck in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The debris is being moved from the Columbia Debris Hangar to the VAB for permanent storage. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Columbia Debris Hangar, some of the debris of Space Shuttle Columbia is secured onto a flatbed truck for transfer to the Vehicle Assembly Building for permanent storage. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Columbia Debris Hangar, some of the debris of Space Shuttle Columbia is secured onto a flatbed truck for transfer to the Vehicle Assembly Building for permanent storage. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Flatbed trucks carrying some of the debris of Space Shuttle Columbia approach the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The debris is being transferred from the Columbia Debris Hangar to the VAB for permanent storage. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Flatbed trucks carrying some of the debris of Space Shuttle Columbia approach the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The debris is being transferred from the Columbia Debris Hangar to the VAB for permanent storage. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
iss050e036114 (1/27/2017) --- A view of H2 Transfer Vehicle (HTV) 6 at dawn. HTV-6, is the sixth flight of the H-II Transfer Vehicle, an unmanned cargo spacecraft launched to resupply the International Space Station. It was launched at 13:26:47 UTC on 9 December 2016 aboard H-IIB launch vehicle from Tanegashima Space Center.
HTV-6 at Dawn
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Some of the Columbia debris is loaded onto a flatbed truck outside the Columbia Debris Hangar. The debris is being transferred to the Vehicle Assembly Building for permanent storage. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Some of the Columbia debris is loaded onto a flatbed truck outside the Columbia Debris Hangar. The debris is being transferred to the Vehicle Assembly Building for permanent storage. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers move some of the Columbia debris to its storage site in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The debris is being transferred from the Columbia Debris Hangar to the VAB for permanent storage. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers move some of the Columbia debris to its storage site in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The debris is being transferred from the Columbia Debris Hangar to the VAB for permanent storage. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A 20-foot by 15-foot replica of the STS-107 logo has been installed above the “A” on the A tower in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The debris from the orbiter Columbia, lost in a tragic accident on its return to Earth from the STS-107 mission, is permanently stored in the tower. A dedication ceremony Jan. 29, 2004, unveiled a plaque being installed in the storage area in honor of “Columbia, the crew of STS-107, and their loved ones.”
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A 20-foot by 15-foot replica of the STS-107 logo has been installed above the “A” on the A tower in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The debris from the orbiter Columbia, lost in a tragic accident on its return to Earth from the STS-107 mission, is permanently stored in the tower. A dedication ceremony Jan. 29, 2004, unveiled a plaque being installed in the storage area in honor of “Columbia, the crew of STS-107, and their loved ones.”
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building, after being removed from the solid rocket booster (SRB), the forward assembly is lowered toward a transporter below in the transfer aisle. The destacking is part of time and cycle activities. The SRB was part of the stack on Atlantis originally scheduled for a March 1, 2003, launch on mission STS-114. The SRBs and external tank were demated in February 2003. The mission is now scheduled to occur no earlier than Sept. 12, 2004, on Atlantis.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building, after being removed from the solid rocket booster (SRB), the forward assembly is lowered toward a transporter below in the transfer aisle. The destacking is part of time and cycle activities. The SRB was part of the stack on Atlantis originally scheduled for a March 1, 2003, launch on mission STS-114. The SRBs and external tank were demated in February 2003. The mission is now scheduled to occur no earlier than Sept. 12, 2004, on Atlantis.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Endeavour backs out of the Orbiter Processing Facility for temporary transfer to the Vehicle Assembly Building. The move allows work to be performed in the OPF that can only be accomplished while the bay is empty. Work scheduled in the OPF includes annual validation of the bay’s cranes, work platforms, lifting mechanisms and jack stands. Endeavour will remain in the VAB for approximately 12 days, then return to the OPF.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Endeavour backs out of the Orbiter Processing Facility for temporary transfer to the Vehicle Assembly Building. The move allows work to be performed in the OPF that can only be accomplished while the bay is empty. Work scheduled in the OPF includes annual validation of the bay’s cranes, work platforms, lifting mechanisms and jack stands. Endeavour will remain in the VAB for approximately 12 days, then return to the OPF.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A worker moves some of the Columbia debris to its storage site in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The debris is being transferred from the Columbia Debris Hangar to the VAB for permanent storage. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A worker moves some of the Columbia debris to its storage site in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The debris is being transferred from the Columbia Debris Hangar to the VAB for permanent storage. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Some of the Columbia debris inside the Columbia Debris Hangar is being moved out and placed on a flatbed truck (seen in the background) for transfer to the Vehicle Assembly Building for permanent storage. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Some of the Columbia debris inside the Columbia Debris Hangar is being moved out and placed on a flatbed truck (seen in the background) for transfer to the Vehicle Assembly Building for permanent storage. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A worker moves some of the Columbia debris to its storage site in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The debris is being transferred from the Columbia Debris Hangar to the VAB for permanent storage. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A worker moves some of the Columbia debris to its storage site in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The debris is being transferred from the Columbia Debris Hangar to the VAB for permanent storage. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Atlantis is backed away from the Vehicle Assembly Building for transfer back to the Orbiter Processing Facility. Atlantis spent 10 days in the VAB to allow work to be performed in the OPF that can only be accomplished while the bay is empty. Work included annual validation of the bay's cranes, work platforms, lifting mechanisms and jack stands. Work resumes to prepare Atlantis for launch in September 2004 on the first return-to-flight mission, STS-114.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Atlantis is backed away from the Vehicle Assembly Building for transfer back to the Orbiter Processing Facility. Atlantis spent 10 days in the VAB to allow work to be performed in the OPF that can only be accomplished while the bay is empty. Work included annual validation of the bay's cranes, work platforms, lifting mechanisms and jack stands. Work resumes to prepare Atlantis for launch in September 2004 on the first return-to-flight mission, STS-114.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Astronaut Pam Melroy speaks to members of the Columbia Reconstruction Team during transfer of debris from the Columbia Debris Hangar to its permanent storage site in the Vehicle Assembly Building. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Astronaut Pam Melroy speaks to members of the Columbia Reconstruction Team during transfer of debris from the Columbia Debris Hangar to its permanent storage site in the Vehicle Assembly Building. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Endeavour is ready to be rolled out of the Orbiter Processing Facility for temporary transfer to the Vehicle Assembly Building. The move allows work to be performed in the OPF that can only be accomplished while the bay is empty. Work scheduled in the OPF includes annual validation of the bay’s cranes, work platforms, lifting mechanisms and jack stands. Endeavour will remain in the VAB for approximately 12 days, then return to the OPF.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Endeavour is ready to be rolled out of the Orbiter Processing Facility for temporary transfer to the Vehicle Assembly Building. The move allows work to be performed in the OPF that can only be accomplished while the bay is empty. Work scheduled in the OPF includes annual validation of the bay’s cranes, work platforms, lifting mechanisms and jack stands. Endeavour will remain in the VAB for approximately 12 days, then return to the OPF.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The orbiter Atlantis rolls out of the Vehicle Assembly Building for transfer back to the Orbiter Processing Facility. Atlantis spent 10 days in the VAB to allow work to be performed in the OPF that can only be accomplished while the bay is empty. Work included annual validation of the bay's cranes, work platforms, lifting mechanisms and jack stands. Work resumes to prepare Atlantis for launch in September 2004 on the first return-to-flight mission, STS-114.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The orbiter Atlantis rolls out of the Vehicle Assembly Building for transfer back to the Orbiter Processing Facility. Atlantis spent 10 days in the VAB to allow work to be performed in the OPF that can only be accomplished while the bay is empty. Work included annual validation of the bay's cranes, work platforms, lifting mechanisms and jack stands. Work resumes to prepare Atlantis for launch in September 2004 on the first return-to-flight mission, STS-114.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Pieces of Columbia debris are offloaded from a flatbed truck in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The debris is being moved from the Columbia Debris Hangar to the VAB for permanent storage. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Pieces of Columbia debris are offloaded from a flatbed truck in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The debris is being moved from the Columbia Debris Hangar to the VAB for permanent storage. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The orbiter Atlantis is backed out of the Vehicle Assembly Building for transfer back to the Orbiter Processing Facility. Atlantis spent 10 days in the VAB to allow work to be performed in the OPF that can only be accomplished while the bay is empty. Work included annual validation of the bay's cranes, work platforms, lifting mechanisms and jack stands. Work resumes to prepare Atlantis for launch in September 2004 on the first return-to-flight mission, STS-114.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The orbiter Atlantis is backed out of the Vehicle Assembly Building for transfer back to the Orbiter Processing Facility. Atlantis spent 10 days in the VAB to allow work to be performed in the OPF that can only be accomplished while the bay is empty. Work included annual validation of the bay's cranes, work platforms, lifting mechanisms and jack stands. Work resumes to prepare Atlantis for launch in September 2004 on the first return-to-flight mission, STS-114.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Astronaut Pam Melroy speaks to members of the Columbia Reconstruction Team during transfer of debris from the Columbia Debris Hangar to its permanent storage site in the Vehicle Assembly Building. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Astronaut Pam Melroy speaks to members of the Columbia Reconstruction Team during transfer of debris from the Columbia Debris Hangar to its permanent storage site in the Vehicle Assembly Building. More than 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Atlantis is backed out of the Vehicle Assembly Building for transfer back to the Orbiter Processing Facility. Atlantis spent 10 days in the VAB to allow work to be performed in the OPF that can only be accomplished while the bay is empty. Work included annual validation of the bay's cranes, work platforms, lifting mechanisms and jack stands. Work resumes to prepare Atlantis for launch in September 2004 on the first return-to-flight mission, STS-114.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Atlantis is backed out of the Vehicle Assembly Building for transfer back to the Orbiter Processing Facility. Atlantis spent 10 days in the VAB to allow work to be performed in the OPF that can only be accomplished while the bay is empty. Work included annual validation of the bay's cranes, work platforms, lifting mechanisms and jack stands. Work resumes to prepare Atlantis for launch in September 2004 on the first return-to-flight mission, STS-114.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Jack Nowling transfers bags with debris pieces into a storage box. About 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds. An area of the Vehicle Assembly Building is being prepared to store the debris.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Columbia Debris Hangar, Jack Nowling transfers bags with debris pieces into a storage box. About 83,000 pieces of debris were shipped to KSC during search and recovery efforts in East Texas. That represents about 38 percent of the dry weight of Columbia, equaling almost 85,000 pounds. An area of the Vehicle Assembly Building is being prepared to store the debris.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building, after being removed from the solid rocket booster (SRB), the forward assembly is lowered from high above the transfer aisle. The destacking is part of time and cycle activities. The SRB was part of the stack on Atlantis originally scheduled for a March 1, 2003, launch on mission STS-114. The SRBs and external tank were demated in February 2003. The mission is now scheduled to occur no earlier than Sept. 12, 2004, on Atlantis.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Vehicle Assembly Building, after being removed from the solid rocket booster (SRB), the forward assembly is lowered from high above the transfer aisle. The destacking is part of time and cycle activities. The SRB was part of the stack on Atlantis originally scheduled for a March 1, 2003, launch on mission STS-114. The SRBs and external tank were demated in February 2003. The mission is now scheduled to occur no earlier than Sept. 12, 2004, on Atlantis.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After Endeavour’s rollout from inside the Orbiter Processing Facility, the transporter (foreground) prepares to tow it to the Vehicle Assembly Building for temporary transfer. A protective cover surrounds the nose of Endeavour. The move to the VAB allows work to be performed in the OPF that can only be accomplished while the bay is empty. Work scheduled in the OPF includes annual validation of the bay’s cranes, work platforms, lifting mechanisms and jack stands. Endeavour will remain in the VAB for approximately 12 days, then return to the OPF.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After Endeavour’s rollout from inside the Orbiter Processing Facility, the transporter (foreground) prepares to tow it to the Vehicle Assembly Building for temporary transfer. A protective cover surrounds the nose of Endeavour. The move to the VAB allows work to be performed in the OPF that can only be accomplished while the bay is empty. Work scheduled in the OPF includes annual validation of the bay’s cranes, work platforms, lifting mechanisms and jack stands. Endeavour will remain in the VAB for approximately 12 days, then return to the OPF.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Endeavour begins rolling out of the Orbiter Processing Facility for temporary transfer to the Vehicle Assembly Building. The move allows work to be performed in the OPF that can only be accomplished while the bay is empty. Work scheduled in the OPF includes annual validation of the bay’s cranes, work platforms, lifting mechanisms and jack stands. Endeavour will remain in the VAB for approximately 12 days, then return to the OPF.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Endeavour begins rolling out of the Orbiter Processing Facility for temporary transfer to the Vehicle Assembly Building. The move allows work to be performed in the OPF that can only be accomplished while the bay is empty. Work scheduled in the OPF includes annual validation of the bay’s cranes, work platforms, lifting mechanisms and jack stands. Endeavour will remain in the VAB for approximately 12 days, then return to the OPF.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers install a 20-foot by 15-foot replica of the STS-107 logo above the “A” on the A tower in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The debris from the orbiter Columbia, lost in a tragic accident on its return to Earth from the STS-107 mission, is permanently stored in the tower. A dedication ceremony Jan. 29, 2004, revealed a plaque being installed in the storage area in honor of “Columbia, the crew of STS-107, and their loved ones.”
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers install a 20-foot by 15-foot replica of the STS-107 logo above the “A” on the A tower in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The debris from the orbiter Columbia, lost in a tragic accident on its return to Earth from the STS-107 mission, is permanently stored in the tower. A dedication ceremony Jan. 29, 2004, revealed a plaque being installed in the storage area in honor of “Columbia, the crew of STS-107, and their loved ones.”
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The vertically suspended external tank is lowered toward a transporter in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The tank is being transferred to the Michoud Space Systems Assembly Facility near New Orleans where redesign of the external tank is underway for Return to Flight.
KSC-04pd1262
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The vertically suspended external tank is lowered toward a transporter in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The tank is being transferred to the Michoud Space Systems Assembly Facility near New Orleans where redesign of the external tank is underway for Return to Flight.
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - An external tank is lowered toward a transporter in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The tank is being transferred to the Michoud Space Systems Assembly Facility near New Orleans where redesign of the external tank is underway for Return to Flight.
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - An external tank is lowered into a horizontal position in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building before being placed on a transporter. The tank is being transferred to the Michoud Space Systems Assembly Facility near New Orleans where redesign of the external tank is underway for Return to Flight.
KSC-04pd1264
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - An external tank is lowered toward a transporter in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The tank is being transferred to the Michoud Space Systems Assembly Facility near New Orleans where redesign of the external tank is underway for Return to Flight.
KSC-04pd1266
ISS036-E-009184 (18 June 2013) --- Russian cosmonaut Pavel Vinogradov, Expedition 36 commander, opens the hatch in the Zvezda Service Module transfer tunnel/ATV vestibule of the International Space Station after European Space Agency's Automated Transfer Vehicle-4 (ATV-4) "Albert Einstein" docked with the station.
ATV ops
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - An external tank is lowered into a horizontal position in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building before being placed on a transporter. The tank is being transferred to the Michoud Space Systems Assembly Facility near New Orleans where redesign of the external tank is underway for Return to Flight.
KSC-04pd1263
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Italian-built module, U.S. Node 2, moves past the Vehicle Assembly Building as it is transferred to the Space Station Processing Facility. The second of three connecting modules on the International Space Station, Node 2 attaches to the end of the U.S. Lab and provides attach locations for the Japanese laboratory, European laboratory, the Centrifuge Accommodation Module and, later, Multipurpose Logistics Modules. It will provide the primary docking location for the Shuttle when a pressurized mating adapter is attached to Node 2. Installation of the module will complete the U.S. Core of the ISS. Node 2 is the designated payload for mission STS-120. No orbiter or launch date has been determined yet.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Italian-built module, U.S. Node 2, moves past the Vehicle Assembly Building as it is transferred to the Space Station Processing Facility. The second of three connecting modules on the International Space Station, Node 2 attaches to the end of the U.S. Lab and provides attach locations for the Japanese laboratory, European laboratory, the Centrifuge Accommodation Module and, later, Multipurpose Logistics Modules. It will provide the primary docking location for the Shuttle when a pressurized mating adapter is attached to Node 2. Installation of the module will complete the U.S. Core of the ISS. Node 2 is the designated payload for mission STS-120. No orbiter or launch date has been determined yet.
View of Japanese Kounotori H2 Transfer Vehicle-4 (HTV-4) docked to the International Space Station's Harmony Node 2 module. Sent as Twitter message.
HTV-4
JSC2006-E-43513 (October 2006) --- Computer-generated artist's rendering of the International Space Station after flight HTV1, Japanese H-II Transfer Vehicle.
ISS Assembly Sequence Rev H still images for use on Imagery Online, HSF web
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Atlantis is lowered toward the floor of the transfer aisle in the Vehicle Assembly Building. After demating from its external tank, Atlantis was lifted out of the high bay to the transfer aisle. Atlantis will now be moved to the Orbiter Processing Facility.
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ISS040-E-103985 (21 Aug. 2014) --- NASA astronaut Steve Swanson, Expedition 40 commander, is pictured during cargo transfer operations in the "Georges Lemaitre" Automated Transfer Vehicle-5 (ATV-5) currently docked with the International Space Station.
Cargo Transfer operations
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Atlantis is lowered toward the floor of the transfer aisle in the Vehicle Assembly Building. After demating from its external tank, Atlantis was lifted out of the high bay to the transfer aisle. Atlantis will now be moved to the Orbiter Processing Facility.
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ISS040-E-103991 (21 Aug. 2014) --- NASA astronaut Steve Swanson, Expedition 40 commander, is pictured during cargo transfer operations in the "Georges Lemaitre" Automated Transfer Vehicle-5 (ATV-5) currently docked with the International Space Station.
Cargo Transfer operations
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Atlantis is lowered toward the floor of the transfer aisle in the Vehicle Assembly Building. After demating from its external tank, Atlantis was lifted out of the high bay to the transfer aisle. Atlantis will now be moved to the Orbiter Processing Facility.
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Atlantis is lowered toward the floor of the transfer aisle in the Vehicle Assembly Building. After demating from its external tank, Atlantis was lifted out of the high bay to the transfer aisle. Atlantis will next be moved to the Orbiter Processing Facility.
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Atlantis is lowered toward the floor of the transfer aisle in the Vehicle Assembly Building. After demating from its external tank, Atlantis was lifted out of the high bay to the transfer aisle. Atlantis will next be moved to the Orbiter Processing Facility.
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Atlantis is lowered toward the floor of the transfer aisle in the Vehicle Assembly Building. After demating from its external tank, Atlantis was lifted out of the high bay to the transfer aisle. Atlantis will next be moved to the Orbiter Processing Facility.
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ISS040-E-103988 (21 Aug. 2014) --- NASA astronaut Steve Swanson, Expedition 40 commander, is pictured during cargo transfer operations in the "Georges Lemaitre" Automated Transfer Vehicle-5 (ATV-5) currently docked with the International Space Station.
Cargo Transfer operations
iss060e082595 (Sept. 28, 2019) --- Japan's H-II Transfer Vehicle-8 (HTV-8) slowly approaches the International Space Station, waiting to be grappled by the Canadarm2 robotic arm, which was operated by astronaut Christina Koch, beginning a month of cargo transfer activities.
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JSC2011-E-028503 (March 2011) --- Computer-generated artist?s rendering of the International Space Station as of March 28, 2011. The Japanese Kounotori2 H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV2) undocks from the Harmony node?s zenith port. Progress 41 resupply vehicle is docked to the Pirs Docking Compartment. Soyuz 25 (TMA-20) remains linked to the Rassvet Mini-Research Module 1 (MRM1). The European Space Agency's ?Johannes Kepler? Automated Transfer Vehicle-2 (ATV2) is attached to the Zvezda Service Module?s aft port. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Current Configurations of ISS for use on HSF web
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - With Security escort, the first (left) solid rocket booster aft skirt for mission STS-114 nears the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) on its transfer to the Rotation Processing and Surge Facility (RPSF) for stacking. At the RPSF an aft motor segment and an external tank attach ring will be installed. The stack will then be moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building for further build-up. This is the first transfer of a large piece of hardware from SRB to Ground Operations. It is a significant milestone in the march to Return to Flight.
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JSC2013-E-080240 (September 2013) --- Computer-generated artist?s rendering of the International Space Station as of Sept. 4, 2013. The unpiloted Japanese "Kounotori" H2 Transfer Vehicle-4 (HTV-4) is unberthed from the Harmony node. Progress 52 resupply vehicle is docked to the Pirs Docking Compartment. European Space Agency?s ?Albert Einstein? Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV-4) cargo ship is docked to the Zvezda Service Module?s aft port. Soyuz 35 (TMA-09M) is attached to the Rassvet Mini-Research Module 1 (MRM1). Soyuz 34 (TMA-08M) is linked to the Poisk Mini-Research Module 2 (MRM2). Photo credit: NASA
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JSC2013-E-080239 (August 2013) --- Computer-generated artist?s rendering of the International Space Station as of Aug. 9, 2013. The unpiloted Japanese "Kounotori" H2 Transfer Vehicle-4 (HTV-4) is berthed to the Harmony node. Progress 52 resupply vehicle is docked to the Pirs Docking Compartment. European Space Agency?s ?Albert Einstein? Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV-4) cargo ship is docked to the Zvezda Service Module?s aft port. Soyuz 35 (TMA-09M) is attached to the Rassvet Mini-Research Module 1 (MRM1). Soyuz 34 (TMA-08M) is linked to the Poisk Mini-Research Module 2 (MRM2). Photo credit: NASA
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Members of the media attend a Media Day event and visit the Orion mockup in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility in Building 9 of the Johnson Space Center in Houston on July 1, 2011. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
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ISS030-E-210840 (6 April 2012) --- European Space Agency astronaut Andre Kuipers, Expedition 30 flight engineer, enters the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV-3) currently docked with the International Space Station.
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State congressional delegations visit the Orion mockup in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility in Building 9 of Johnson Space Center in Houston on June 22, 2012. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
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CNN's Rachel Crane at the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston on June 23, 2015. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
Orion Mockup
Members of the media attend a Media Day event and visit the Orion mockup in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility in Building 9 of the Johnson Space Center in Houston on July 1, 2011. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis rolls toward Bay 1 in the Vehicle Assembly Building. There Atlantis will be demated with the external tank and solid rocket boosters in anticipation of its transfer to the Orbiter Processing Facility.
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ISS030-E-210842 (6 April 2012) --- European Space Agency astronaut Andre Kuipers, Expedition 30 flight engineer, floats into the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV-3) currently docked with the International Space Station.
Kuipers floats through the ATV-3
CNN's Rachel Crane talks to Orion program manager, Mark Geyer, at the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston on June 23, 2015. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
Orion Mockup
Members of the media attend a Media Day event and visit the Orion mockup in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility in Building 9 of the Johnson Space Center in Houston on July 1, 2011. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
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Members of the media attend a Media Day event and visit the Orion mockup in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility in Building 9 of the Johnson Space Center in Houston on July 1, 2011. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
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State congressional delegations visit the Orion mockup in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility in Building 9 of Johnson Space Center in Houston on June 22, 2012. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
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State congressional delegations visit the Orion mockup in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility in Building 9 of Johnson Space Center in Houston on June 22, 2012. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis rolls toward Bay 1 in the Vehicle Assembly Building. There Atlantis will be demated with the external tank and solid rocket boosters in anticipation of its transfer to the Orbiter Processing Facility.
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CNN's Rachel Crane at the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston on June 23, 2015. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
Orion Mockup
Members of the media attend a Media Day event and visit the Orion mockup in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility in Building 9 of the Johnson Space Center in Houston on July 1, 2011. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
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Members of the media attend a Media Day event and visit the Orion mockup in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility in Building 9 of the Johnson Space Center in Houston on July 1, 2011. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
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Members of the media attend a Media Day event and visit the Orion mockup in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility in Building 9 of the Johnson Space Center in Houston on July 1, 2011. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
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CNN's Rachel Crane talks to Orion program manager, Mark Geyer, at the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston on June 23, 2015. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
Orion Mockup
CNN's Rachel Crane at the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston on June 23, 2015. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
Orion Mockup
Members of the media attend a Media Day event and visit the Orion mockup in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility in Building 9 of the Johnson Space Center in Houston on July 1, 2011. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
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State congressional delegations visit the Orion mockup in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility in Building 9 of Johnson Space Center in Houston on June 22, 2012. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
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CNN's Rachel Crane talks to Orion program manager, Mark Geyer, at the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston on June 23, 2015. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
Orion Mockup
State congressional delegations visit the Orion mockup in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility in Building 9 of Johnson Space Center in Houston on June 22, 2012. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
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ISS030-E-210896 (6 April 2012) --- European Space Agency astronaut Andre Kuipers, Expedition 30 flight engineer, works in the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV-3) currently docked with the International Space Station.
Kuipers works in the ATV-3
State congressional delegations visit the Orion mockup in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility in Building 9 of Johnson Space Center in Houston on June 22, 2012. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
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State congressional delegations visit the Orion mockup in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility in Building 9 of Johnson Space Center in Houston on June 22, 2012. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
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State congressional delegations visit the Orion mockup in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility in Building 9 of Johnson Space Center in Houston on June 22, 2012. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
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State congressional delegations visit the Orion mockup in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility in Building 9 of Johnson Space Center in Houston on June 22, 2012. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
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iss055e002983 (March 18, 2018) --- NASA astronaut Scott Tingle is inside the International Space Station's window to the world, the seven-windowed cupola, where astronauts operate the Canadarm2 robotic arm to capture visiting vehicles such as the SpaceX Dragon, the Orbital ATK Cygnus and Japan's H-II Transfer Vehicle.
Tingle in Cupola module
ISS026-E-021069 (27 Jan. 2011) --- Russian cosmonaut Oleg Skripochka, Expedition 26 flight engineer, works in the Japanese Kounotori2 H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV2) docked to the Harmony node of the International Space Station.
Skripochka in the Japanese Kounotori HTV-2 Transfer Vehicle
iss061e000047 (Oct. 3, 2019) --- The Kounotori H-II Transfer Vehicle 8 (HTV-8) from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency is pictured attached to the International Space Station's Harmony module (out of frame).
HTV-8 taken by EHDC2
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Atlantis is towed away after being lowered into the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. Not currently in preparation for flight, the orbiter is being moved to the Orbiter Processing Facility.
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JSC2006-E-43501 (October 2006) --- Computer-generated artist's rendering of the International Space Station after flight ATV1. Ariane 5 Rocket delivers a European Automated Transfer Vehicle, which docks to the Zvezda Service Module.
ISS Assembly Sequence Rev H still images for use on Imagery Online, HSF web
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The orbiter Discovery waits in the Vehicle Assembly Building until it can be transferred to the Orbiter Processing Facility. Discovery last flew on mission STS-105 in August 2001
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ISS030-E-210850 (6 April 2012) --- Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko, Expedition 30 flight engineer, floats freely in the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV-3) currently docked with the International Space Station.
Kononenko floats through the ATV-3
ISS020-E-042216 (26 Sept. 2009) --- NASA astronaut Nicole Stott, Expedition 20 flight engineer, works in the Japanese H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) docked to the International Space Station.
HTV Transfer Ops
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Seen from behind, Atlantis is towed away after being lowered into the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. Not currently in preparation for flight, the orbiter is being moved to the Orbiter Processing Facility.
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iss063e022409 (June 1,2020) --- Japan's H-II Transfer Vehicle-9 (HTV-9) is pictured with the elbow of the Canadarm2 robotic arm jutting out in front of it. To the left of the HTV-9 is one of the space station's main solar arrays.
EHDC2