The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Crew Flight Test dual engine, at left, and the Orbital Flight test dual engine, at right, for the Centaur stage of the Atlas V rocket are in production on June 11, 2018, at ULA's factory in Decatur, Alabama. Boeing's CST-100 Starliner will launch on its first uncrewed flight test on the ULA Atlas V rocket. The Starliner is being developed and manufactured in partnership with NASA's Commercial Crew Program to return human spaceflight capabilities to the U.S.
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Orbital Flight Test dual engine Centaur stage of the Atlas V rocket is in the final stage of production and checkout on May 22, 2018, at ULA's factory in Decatur, Alabama. Boeing's CST-100 Starliner will launch on its first uncrewed flight test on the ULA Atlas V rocket. The Starliner is being developed and manufactured in partnership with NASA's Commercial Crew Program to return human spaceflight capabilities to the U.S.
The sun sets on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Launch Complex 41 in Florida during a Boeing/United Launch Alliance (ULA) emergency egress system demonstration on June 19, 2018. The emergency egress system features folding seats attached to slide wires. In the unlikely event of an emergency on launch day prior to liftoff, each person on the Crew Access Tower would get his or her own seat and slide more than 1,300 feet to a safe area. The Boeing CST-100 Starliner will launch on a ULA Atlas V rocket, carrying astronauts to the International Space Station
Boeing and United Launch Alliance (ULA) conducted an emergency egress system demonstration at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Launch Complex 41 in Florida on June 19, 2018. The emergency egress system will allow for a safe evacuation in the unlikely event of an emergency on the launch pad on launch day. The Boeing CST-100 Starliner will launch on a ULA Atlas V rocket, carrying astronauts to the International Space Station.
Commercial Crew astronauts test out the Boeing/United Launch Alliance (ULA) emergency egress system on June 19, 2018, at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Launch Complex 41 in Florida. The emergency egress system provides an escape route in the unlikely event of an emergency prior to liftoff on launch day. It will be in place when Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner, launched aboard a ULA Atlas V rocket, carries astronauts to the International Space Station.
Boeing and United Launch Alliance (ULA) conducted an emergency egress system demonstration with Commercial Crew astronauts at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Launch Complex 41 in Florida on June 19, 2018. The Boeing CST-100 Starliner will launch on a ULA Atlas V rocket, carrying astronauts to the International Space Station. The emergency egress system will allow for a safe evacuation in the unlikely event of an emergency on the launch pad.
Astronauts participate in a Boeing/United Launch Alliance (ULA) emergency egress system demonstration at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Launch Complex 41 in Florida on June 19, 2018. The system is designed to safely evacuate astronauts and ground crews in the unlikely event of an emergency on the launch pad on launch day. The Boeing CST-100 Starliner will launch on a ULA Atlas V rocket, carrying astronauts to the International Space Station.
Commercial Crew astronauts participate in a Boeing/United Launch Alliance (ULA) emergency egress system demonstration at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Launch Complex 41 in Florida on June 19, 2018. The emergency egress system will allow for a safe evacuation in the unlikely event of an emergency on the launch pad on launch day. It can carry up to 20 people more than 1,300 feet away from the crew access tower and the launch vehicle. The Boeing CST-100 Starliner will launch on a ULA Atlas V rocket, carrying astronauts to the International Space Station.
Commercial Crew astronauts toured the United Launch Alliance factory in Decatur, Alabama, on July 17, 2018. They viewed hardware to be used for upcoming commercial crew missions. At far left is Suni Williams, second from right is Eric Boe. Behind them, at right, is Josh Cassada.
Commercial Crew astronauts toured the United Launch Alliance factory in Decatur, Alabama, on July 17, 2018. Viewing hardware to be used for upcoming commercial crew missions are, second from left, Josh Cassada, Suni Williams and Eric Boe.
A pathfinder test article of United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Vulcan Centaur rocket is seen at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Aug. 26, 2021. The pathfinder booster is undergoing a series of fueling tests to validate the infrastructure in place at the launch pad and allow the launch team to rehearse countdown operations before the Vulcan’s first flight.
A pathfinder test article of United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Vulcan Centaur rocket is seen at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Aug. 26, 2021. The pathfinder booster is undergoing a series of fueling tests to validate the infrastructure in place at the launch pad and allow the launch team to rehearse countdown operations before the Vulcan’s first flight.
A pathfinder test article of United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Vulcan Centaur rocket is seen at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Aug. 26, 2021. The pathfinder booster is undergoing a series of fueling tests to validate the infrastructure in place at the launch pad and allow the launch team to rehearse countdown operations before the Vulcan’s first flight.
Workers assemble a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V dual engine Centaur upper stage in ULA’s factory in Decatur, Alabama on March 29, 2019. The dual engine upper stage is being prepared for the first crew rotation mission of Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner to the International Space Station. Starliner and the Atlas V rockets that will launch the spacecraft, are key elements of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program to restore the capability to send astronauts to the space station from U.S. soil.
Workers assemble a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V dual engine Centaur upper stage in ULA’s factory in Decatur, Alabama on March 29, 2019. The dual engine upper stage is being prepared for the first crew rotation mission of Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner to the International Space Station. Starliner and the Atlas V rockets that will launch the spacecraft, are key elements of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program to restore the capability to send astronauts to the space station from U.S. soil.
Photos of the Emergency Evacuation Water Test at the CCP Crew Access Arm in Oak Hill, for Boeing/ULA.
The upper stage for NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket that will power the agency’s Artemis III mission and send astronauts on to the Moon for a lunar landing arrived at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Poseidon Wharf in Florida on Aug. 9, 2023. Known as the SLS ICPS (interim cryogenic propulsion stage), it will undergo final checkouts by contractors Boeing and ULA (United Launch Alliance) at ULA’s facilities before it is delivered to NASA’s nearby Kennedy Space Center.
The first stage of the rocket that will launch Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station on the company's uncrewed Orbital Flight Test arrives at the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center (ASOC) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Dec. 7, 2018. The ULA Atlas V first stage booster was shipped aboard the company's Mariner cargo vessel from the company's manufacturing plant in Decatur, Alabama. It is the final piece of hardware that ULA needs to launch the first Boeing Starliner. Inside the ASOC, the booster will be inspected and checked out.
The first stage of the rocket that will launch Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station on the company's uncrewed Orbital Flight Test arrived at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Dec. 7, 2018. The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V first stage booster was shipped aboard ULA's Mariner cargo vessel from the company's manufacturing plant in Decatur, Alabama. It is the final piece of hardware that ULA needs to launch the first Boeing Starliner. The booster will be transported to the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center for receiving inspections and checkout.
The first stage of the rocket that will launch Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station on the company's uncrewed Orbital Flight Test is on its way to the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center (ASOC) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Dec. 7, 2018. The ULA Atlas V first stage booster was shipped aboard the company's Mariner cargo vessel from the company's manufacturing plant in Decatur, Alabama. It is the final piece of hardware that ULA needs to launch the first Boeing Starliner. Inside the ASOC, the booster will be inspected and checked out.
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Mariner cargo vessel arrives at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Dec. 7, 2018, carrying the first stage of the rocket that will launch Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station on the company's uncrewed Orbital Flight Test. The ULA Atlas V first stage booster was shipped from the company's manufacturing plant in Decatur, Alabama. It is the final piece of hardware that ULA needs to launch the first Boeing Starliner. The booster will be transported to the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center for receiving inspections and checkout.
The first stage of the rocket that will launch Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station on the company's uncrewed Orbital Flight Test arrives at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Dec. 7, 2018. The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V first stage booster was shipped aboard ULA's Mariner cargo vessel from the company's manufacturing plant in Decatur, Alabama. It is the final piece of hardware that ULA needs to launch the first Boeing Starliner. The booster will be transported to the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center for receiving inspections and checkout.
The first stage of the rocket that will launch Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station on the company's uncrewed Orbital Flight Test is on its way to the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center (ASOC) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Dec. 7, 2018. The ULA Atlas V first stage booster was shipped aboard the company's Mariner cargo vessel from the company's manufacturing plant in Decatur, Alabama. It is the final piece of hardware that ULA needs to launch the first Boeing Starliner. Inside the ASOC, the booster will be inspected and checked out.
The first stage of the rocket that will launch Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station on the company's uncrewed Orbital Flight Test arrives at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Dec. 7, 2018. The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V first stage booster was shipped aboard ULA's Mariner cargo vessel from the company's manufacturing plant in Decatur, Alabama. It is the final piece of hardware that ULA needs to launch the first Boeing Starliner. The booster will be transported to the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center for receiving inspections and checkout.
The first stage of the rocket that will launch Boeing's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station on the company's uncrewed Orbital Flight Test is on its way to the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center (ASOC) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Dec. 7, 2018. The ULA Atlas V first stage booster was shipped aboard the company's Mariner cargo vessel from the company's manufacturing plant in Decatur, Alabama. It is the final piece of hardware that ULA needs to launch the first Boeing Starliner. Inside the ASOC, the booster will be inspected and checked out.
Astronaut Suni Williams poses with a poster of herself as she tours ULA facility in Decatur, Al
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket that will launch NASA’s Lucy spacecraft on its 12-year mission to study the Trojan asteroids is shown inside the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 (SLC-41) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Oct. 8, 2021. Three dedication laminates were added to the rocket. The first is in memory of Craig M. Whittaker, a colleague and friend of NASA’s Launch Services Program (LSP) and ULA teams. The second is in memory of two colleagues: William “Billy” Joiner II – a former Lockheed Martin and ULA technician – and Mark “Kaz” Kaszubowski – an accomplished engineer and mentor. The third plaque is dedicated to NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center Lucy Mission Team for its dedication shown throughout the pandemic. Lucy is targeted to lift off from SLC-41 at 5:34 a.m. EDT Saturday, Oct. 16. LSP, based at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, is managing the launch.
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket that will launch NASA’s Lucy spacecraft on its 12-year mission to study the Trojan asteroids is shown inside the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 (SLC-41) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Oct. 8, 2021. Three dedication laminates were added to the rocket. The first is in memory of Craig M. Whittaker, a colleague and friend of NASA’s Launch Services Program (LSP) and ULA teams. The second is in memory of two colleagues: William “Billy” Joiner II – a former Lockheed Martin and ULA technician – and Mark “Kaz” Kaszubowski – an accomplished engineer and mentor. The third plaque is dedicated to NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center Lucy Mission Team for its dedication shown throughout the pandemic. Lucy is targeted to lift off from SLC-41 at 5:34 a.m. EDT Saturday, Oct. 16. LSP, based at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, is managing the launch.
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket that will launch NASA’s Lucy spacecraft on its 12-year mission to study the Trojan asteroids is shown inside the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 (SLC-41) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Oct. 8, 2021. Three dedication laminates were added to the rocket. The first is in memory of Craig M. Whittaker, a colleague and friend of NASA’s Launch Services Program (LSP) and ULA teams. The second is in memory of two colleagues: William “Billy” Joiner II – a former Lockheed Martin and ULA technician – and Mark “Kaz” Kaszubowski – an accomplished engineer and mentor. The third plaque is dedicated to NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center Lucy Mission Team for its dedication shown throughout the pandemic. Lucy is targeted to lift off from SLC-41 at 5:34 a.m. EDT Saturday, Oct. 16. LSP, based at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, is managing the launch.
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket that will launch NASA’s Lucy spacecraft on its 12-year mission to study the Trojan asteroids is shown inside the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 (SLC-41) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Oct. 8, 2021. Three dedication laminates were added to the rocket. The first is in memory of Craig M. Whittaker, a colleague and friend of NASA’s Launch Services Program (LSP) and ULA teams. The second is in memory of two colleagues: William “Billy” Joiner II – a former Lockheed Martin and ULA technician – and Mark “Kaz” Kaszubowski – an accomplished engineer and mentor. The third plaque is dedicated to NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center Lucy Mission Team for its dedication shown throughout the pandemic. Lucy is targeted to lift off from SLC-41 at 5:34 a.m. EDT Saturday, Oct. 16. LSP, based at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, is managing the launch.
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket that will launch NASA’s Lucy spacecraft on its 12-year mission to study the Trojan asteroids is shown inside the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 (SLC-41) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Oct. 8, 2021. Three dedication laminates were added to the rocket. The first is in memory of Craig M. Whittaker, a colleague and friend of NASA’s Launch Services Program (LSP) and ULA teams. The second is in memory of two colleagues: William “Billy” Joiner II – a former Lockheed Martin and ULA technician – and Mark “Kaz” Kaszubowski – an accomplished engineer and mentor. The third plaque is dedicated to NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center Lucy Mission Team for its dedication shown throughout the pandemic. Lucy is targeted to lift off from SLC-41 at 5:34 a.m. EDT Saturday, Oct. 16. LSP, based at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, is managing the launch.
A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V dual engine Centaur upper stage is in ULA’s factory in Decatur, Alabama on March 29, 2019. The dual engine upper stage is being prepared for Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner Crew Flight Test. Soon the upper stage will be assembled with the first stage booster and shipped aboard the company’s Mariner cargo ship to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Starliner and the Atlas V rockets that will launch the spacecraft, are key elements of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program to restore the capability to send astronauts to the International Space Station from U.S. soil.
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V first stage booster for the Crew Flight Test of Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner is in production in ULA's factory in Decatur, Alabama on March 1, 2019. Soon the booster will be assembled with the dual engine Centaur upper stage. They will be shipped aboard the company’s Mariner cargo ship to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Starliner and the Atlas V rockets that will launch the spacecraft, are key to restoring the nation’s capability to send astronauts to the space station from U.S. soil with NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. NASA astronauts Mike Fincke and Nicole Mann, and Boeing astronaut Chris Ferguson will launch to the space station aboard the Starliner for the Crew Flight Test.
An engineer works with a model of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with a Boeing CST-100 Starliner capsule inside a wind tunnel at NASA's Ames Research Center in California. The Starliner/Atlas V system is under development by Boeing and ULA in partnership with NASA's Commercial Crew Program to launch astronauts to the International Space Station.
An engineer works with a model of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with a Boeing CST-100 Starliner capsule inside a wind tunnel at NASA's Ames Research Center in California. The Starliner/Atlas V system is under development by Boeing and ULA in partnership with NASA's Commercial Crew Program to launch astronauts to the International Space Station.
Commercial Crew astronauts participate in a Boeing/United Launch Alliance (ULA) emergency egress system demonstration at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Launch Complex 41 in Florida on June 19, 2018. The emergency egress system features folding seats attached to slide wires. In the unlikely event of an emergency prior to liftoff on launch day, each person on the Crew Access Tower would get his or her own seat and slide more than 1,300 feet to a safe area.
NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Suni Williams get suited up for a Boeing/United Launch Alliance emergency egress system demonstration at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Launch Complex 41 in Florida on June 19, 2018. Behnken and other astronauts tested the system, which is designed to evacuate them safely in the unlikely event of an emergency on the launch pad on launch day. The Boeing CST-100 Starliner will launch on a ULA Atlas V rocket, carrying astronauts to the International Space Station.
A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V booster for Boeing's CST-100 Starliner Crew Flight Test (CFT) is loaded onto a rocket-delivery ship at ULA’s manufacturing factory in Decatur, Alabama, on June 11, 2021, to begin its journey to Cape Canaveral, Florida. Starliner’s first flight with astronauts aboard, CFT will launch from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The flight test will demonstrate the ability of the Atlas V and Starliner to safely carry astronauts to and from the International Space Station for the agency’s Commercial Crew Program.
The cables that make up the Emergency Egress System at Space Launch Complex 41 are in place as United Launch Alliance and Boeing continue modifications to the pad in order to host missions by the Boeing CST-100 Starliner carrying astronauts and crew. The system recently completed its final test. In the unlikely event of an emergency prior to liftoff, each person on the Crew Access Tower would get into their own seat attached to the wire and slide more than 1,340 feet to a safe area. The wires are situated 172 feet above the pad deck on level 12 of the tower. The Starliner will launch on a ULA Atlas V on mission to low-Earth orbit including those flying astronauts to the International Space Station during missions by NASA's Commercial Crew Program.
Two engineers evaluate the Emergency Egress System as they ride in folding seats attached to slide wires at Space Launch Complex 41. United Launch Alliance and Boeing continue modifications to the pad in order to host missions by the Boeing CST-100 Starliner carrying astronauts and crew. The system recently completed its final test. In the unlikely event of an emergency prior to liftoff, each person on the Crew Access Tower would get into their own seat attached to the wire and slide more than 1,340 feet to a safe area. The wires are situated 172 feet above the pad deck on level 12 of the tower. The Starliner will launch on a ULA Atlas V on mission to low-Earth orbit including those flying astronauts to the International Space Station during missions by NASA's Commercial Crew Program.
Three engineers prepare to evaluate the Emergency Egress System as they ride in folding seats attached to slide wires at Space Launch Complex 41. United Launch Alliance and Boeing continue modifications to the pad in order to host missions by the Boeing CST-100 Starliner carrying astronauts and crew. The system recently completed its final test. In the unlikely event of an emergency prior to liftoff, each person on the Crew Access Tower would get into their own seat attached to the wire and slide more than 1,340 feet to a safe area. The wires are situated 172 feet above the pad deck on level 12 of the tower. The Starliner will launch on a ULA Atlas V on mission to low-Earth orbit including those flying astronauts to the International Space Station during missions by NASA's Commercial Crew Program.
Two engineers evaluate the Emergency Egress System as they ride in folding seats attached to slide wires at Space Launch Complex 41. United Launch Alliance and Boeing continue modifications to the pad in order to host missions by the Boeing CST-100 Starliner carrying astronauts and crew. The system recently completed its final test. In the unlikely event of an emergency prior to liftoff, each person on the Crew Access Tower would get into their own seat attached to the wire and slide more than 1,340 feet to a safe area. The wires are situated 172 feet above the pad deck on level 12 of the tower. The Starliner will launch on a ULA Atlas V on mission to low-Earth orbit including those flying astronauts to the International Space Station during missions by NASA's Commercial Crew Program.
The folding seats that make up the Emergency Egress System are seen attached to slide wires at Space Launch Complex 41 where United Launch Alliance and Boeing continue modifications to the pad in order to host missions by the Boeing CST-100 Starliner carrying astronauts and crew. The system recently completed its final test. In the unlikely event of an emergency prior to liftoff, each person on the Crew Access Tower would get into their own seat attached to the wire and slide more than 1,340 feet to a safe area. The wires are situated 172 feet above the pad deck on level 12 of the tower. The Starliner will launch on a ULA Atlas V on mission to low-Earth orbit including those flying astronauts to the International Space Station during missions by NASA's Commercial Crew Program.
Two engineers evaluate the Emergency Egress System as they ride in folding seats attached to slide wires at Space Launch Complex 41. United Launch Alliance and Boeing continue modifications to the pad in order to host missions by the Boeing CST-100 Starliner carrying astronauts and crew. The system recently completed its final test. In the unlikely event of an emergency prior to liftoff, each person on the Crew Access Tower would get into their own seat attached to the wire and slide more than 1,340 feet to a safe area. The wires are situated 172 feet above the pad deck on level 12 of the tower. The Starliner will launch on a ULA Atlas V on mission to low-Earth orbit including those flying astronauts to the International Space Station during missions by NASA's Commercial Crew Program.
The cables that make up the Emergency Egress System at Space Launch Complex 41 are in place as United Launch Alliance and Boeing continue modifications to the pad in order to host missions by the Boeing CST-100 Starliner carrying astronauts and crew. The system recently completed its final test. In the unlikely event of an emergency prior to liftoff, each person on the Crew Access Tower would get into their own seat attached to the wire and slide more than 1,340 feet to a safe area. The wires are situated 172 feet above the pad deck on level 12 of the tower. The Starliner will launch on a ULA Atlas V on mission to low-Earth orbit including those flying astronauts to the International Space Station during missions by NASA's Commercial Crew Program.
The cables that make up the Emergency Egress System at Space Launch Complex 41 are in place as United Launch Alliance and Boeing continue modifications to the pad in order to host missions by the Boeing CST-100 Starliner carrying astronauts and crew. The system recently completed its final test. In the unlikely event of an emergency prior to liftoff, each person on the Crew Access Tower would get into their own seat attached to the wire and slide more than 1,340 feet to a safe area. The wires are situated 172 feet above the pad deck on level 12 of the tower. The Starliner will launch on a ULA Atlas V on mission to low-Earth orbit including those flying astronauts to the International Space Station during missions by NASA's Commercial Crew Program.
Two engineers prepare to evaluate the Emergency Egress System as they ride in folding seats attached to slide wires at Space Launch Complex 41. United Launch Alliance and Boeing continue modifications to the pad in order to host missions by the Boeing CST-100 Starliner carrying astronauts and crew. The system recently completed its final test. In the unlikely event of an emergency prior to liftoff, each person on the Crew Access Tower would get into their own seat attached to the wire and slide more than 1,340 feet to a safe area. The wires are situated 172 feet above the pad deck on level 12 of the tower. The Starliner will launch on a ULA Atlas V on mission to low-Earth orbit including those flying astronauts to the International Space Station during missions by NASA's Commercial Crew Program.
Two United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V dual engine Centaur upper stages are in production in ULA's factory in Decatur, Alabama on March 1, 2019. One is for Boeing’s Crew Flight Test on the CST-100 Starliner, and the other will be used for the first crew rotation mission on the Starliner. One of the Centaur upper stages will be assembled to the first stage booster. They will be shipped aboard the company’s Mariner cargo ship to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Starliner and the Atlas V rockets that will launch the spacecraft, are key to restoring the nation’s capability to send astronauts to the space station from U.S. soil with NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. NASA astronauts Mike Fincke and Nicole Mann, and Boeing astronaut Chris Ferguson will launch to the space station aboard the Starliner for the Crew Flight Test.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Launch Services Program, or LSP, Program Manager Amanda Mitskevich, at far left, was presented with a framed commemorative collage of five United Launch Alliance, or ULA, mission photos in 2011 from Jim Sponnick, second from left, vice president of Mission Operations at ULA. Also at the presentation, were ULA Program Manager for NASA Missions Vern Thorp and LSP Deputy Program Manager Chuck Dovale. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Engineers evaluate the Emergency Egress System as they ride in folding seats attached to slide wires at Space Launch Complex 41. United Launch Alliance and Boeing continue modifications to the pad in order to host missions by the Boeing CST-100 Starliner carrying astronauts and crew. The system recently completed its final test. In the unlikely event of an emergency prior to liftoff, each person on the Crew Access Tower would get into their own seat attached to the wire and slide more than 1,340 feet to a safe area. The wires are situated 172 feet above the pad deck on level 12 of the tower. The Starliner will launch on a ULA Atlas V on mission to low-Earth orbit including those flying astronauts to the International Space Station during missions by NASA's Commercial Crew Program.
Engineers prepare to evaluate the Emergency Egress System as they ride in folding seats attached to slide wires at Space Launch Complex 41. United Launch Alliance and Boeing continue modifications to the pad in order to host missions by the Boeing CST-100 Starliner carrying astronauts and crew. The system recently completed its final test. In the unlikely event of an emergency prior to liftoff, each person on the Crew Access Tower would get into their own seat attached to the wire and slide more than 1,340 feet to a safe area. The wires are situated 172 feet above the pad deck on level 12 of the tower. The Starliner will launch on a ULA Atlas V on mission to low-Earth orbit including those flying astronauts to the International Space Station during missions by NASA's Commercial Crew Program.
Engineers evaluate the Emergency Egress System as they ride in folding seats attached to slide wires at Space Launch Complex 41. United Launch Alliance and Boeing continue modifications to the pad in order to host missions by the Boeing CST-100 Starliner carrying astronauts and crew. The system recently completed its final test. In the unlikely event of an emergency prior to liftoff, each person on the Crew Access Tower would get into their own seat attached to the wire and slide more than 1,340 feet to a safe area. The wires are situated 172 feet above the pad deck on level 12 of the tower. The Starliner will launch on a ULA Atlas V on mission to low-Earth orbit including those flying astronauts to the International Space Station during missions by NASA's Commercial Crew Program.
A transport truck with a United Launch Alliance (ULA) two-engine Centaur upper stage arrives at the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for preliminary checkouts. Mounted atop a ULA Atlas V rocket, the Centaur will help launch a Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft on an uncrewed Orbital Flight Test from Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape. NASA’s Commercial Crew Program will return human spaceflight launches to U.S. soil, providing safe, reliable and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit on systems that meet our safety and mission requirements.
A transport truck moves a United Launch Alliance (ULA) two-engine Centaur upper stage from the company’s Mariner ship that just arrived at Port Canaveral in Florida. The Centaur will be transported to the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for preliminary checkouts. Mounted atop a ULA Atlas V rocket, the Centaur will help launch a Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft on an uncrewed Orbital Flight Test from Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape. NASA’s Commercial Crew Program will return human spaceflight launches to U.S. soil, providing safe, reliable and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit on systems that meet our safety and mission requirements.
A truck transports a United Launch Alliance (ULA) two-engine Centaur upper stage from Port Canaveral in Florida to the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for preliminary checkouts. Mounted atop a ULA Atlas V rocket, the Centaur will help launch a Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft on an uncrewed Orbital Flight Test from Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape. NASA’s Commercial Crew Program will return human spaceflight launches to U.S. soil, providing safe, reliable and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit on systems that meet our safety and mission requirements.
A transport truck with a United Launch Alliance (ULA) two-engine Centaur upper stage arrives at the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for preliminary checkouts. Mounted atop a ULA Atlas V rocket, the Centaur will help launch a Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft on an uncrewed Orbital Flight Test from Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape. NASA’s Commercial Crew Program will return human spaceflight launches to U.S. soil, providing safe, reliable and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit on systems that meet our safety and mission requirements.
A transport truck moves a United Launch Alliance (ULA) two-engine Centaur upper stage from the company’s Mariner ship that just arrived at Port Canaveral in Florida. The Centaur will be transported to the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for preliminary checkouts. Mounted atop a ULA Atlas V rocket, the Centaur will help launch a Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft on an uncrewed Orbital Flight Test from Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape. NASA’s Commercial Crew Program will return human spaceflight launches to U.S. soil, providing safe, reliable and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit on systems that meet our safety and mission requirements.
A transport truck moves a United Launch Alliance (ULA) two-engine Centaur upper stage from the company’s Mariner ship that just arrived at Port Canaveral in Florida. The Centaur will be transported to the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for preliminary checkouts. Mounted atop a ULA Atlas V rocket, the Centaur will help launch a Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft on an uncrewed Orbital Flight Test from Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape. NASA’s Commercial Crew Program will return human spaceflight launches to U.S. soil, providing safe, reliable and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit on systems that meet our safety and mission requirements.
A transport truck with a United Launch Alliance (ULA) two-engine Centaur upper stage arrives at the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for preliminary checkouts. Mounted atop a ULA Atlas V rocket, the Centaur will help launch a Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft on an uncrewed Orbital Flight Test from Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape. NASA’s Commercial Crew Program will return human spaceflight launches to U.S. soil, providing safe, reliable and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit on systems that meet our safety and mission requirements.
A transport truck with a United Launch Alliance (ULA) two-engine Centaur upper stage arrives at the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for preliminary checkouts. Mounted atop a ULA Atlas V rocket, the Centaur will help launch a Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft on an uncrewed Orbital Flight Test from Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape. NASA’s Commercial Crew Program will return human spaceflight launches to U.S. soil, providing safe, reliable and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit on systems that meet our safety and mission requirements.
The boosters for the ULA Delta IV Heavy used to launch Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1 (EFT-1) undergo work at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 20, 2014. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
The boosters for the ULA Delta IV Heavy used to launch Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1 (EFT-1) undergo work at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 20, 2014. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
The boosters for the ULA Delta IV Heavy used to launch Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1 (EFT-1) undergo work at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 20, 2014. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
The boosters for the ULA Delta IV Heavy used to launch Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1 (EFT-1) undergo work at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 20, 2014. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
The boosters for the ULA Delta IV Heavy used to launch Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1 (EFT-1) undergo work at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 20, 2014. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
The boosters for the ULA Delta IV Heavy used to launch Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1 (EFT-1) undergo work at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 20, 2014. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
NASA astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore, left, Mike Fincke, right, welcome the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket that will transport them and NASA astronaut Nicole Mann to the International Space Station on Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft for the company’s Crew Flight Test (CFT). The Atlas V rocket arrived at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS), Florida on June 21, 2021, after its journey on a rocket-delivery ship from ULA’s manufacturing factory in Decatur, Alabama. Starliner’s first flight with astronauts aboard, CFT will launch from Space Launch Complex-41 at CCSFS. The flight test will demonstrate the ability of the Atlas V and Starliner to safely carry astronauts to and from the space station for the agency’s Commercial Crew Program.
The launch pad for the ULA Delta IV Heavy used to launch Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1 (EFT-1) at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 20, 2014. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
The launch pad for the ULA Delta IV Heavy used to launch Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1 (EFT-1) at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 20, 2014. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
The launch pad for the ULA Delta IV Heavy used to launch Orion on Exploration Flight Test-1 (EFT-1) at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 20, 2014. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Mariner docks at Port Canaveral in Florida carrying two of the three Delta IV Heavy Common Booster Cores for NASA's upcoming Parker Solar Probe mission. The mission will perform the closest-ever observations of a star when it travels through the Sun's atmosphere, called the corona. The probe will rely on measurements and imaging to revolutionize our understanding of the corona and the Sun-Earth connection. Liftoff atop the Delta IV rocket is scheduled to take place from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 37 in summer 2018.
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Mariner docks at Port Canaveral in Florida carrying two of the three Delta IV Heavy Common Booster Cores for NASA's upcoming Parker Solar Probe mission. The mission will perform the closest-ever observations of a star when it travels through the Sun's atmosphere, called the corona. The probe will rely on measurements and imaging to revolutionize our understanding of the corona and the Sun-Earth connection. Liftoff atop the Delta IV rocket is scheduled to take place from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 37 in summer 2018.
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Mariner arrives at Port Canaveral in Florida carrying two of the three Delta IV Heavy Common Booster Cores for NASA's upcoming Parker Solar Probe mission. The mission will perform the closest-ever observations of a star when it travels through the Sun's atmosphere, called the corona. The probe will rely on measurements and imaging to revolutionize our understanding of the corona and the Sun-Earth connection. Liftoff atop the Delta IV rocket is scheduled to take place from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 37 in summer 2018.
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Mariner ship arrives at Port Canaveral in Florida carrying a two-engine Centaur upper stage for the upcoming uncrewed Orbital Flight Test of a Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft. As part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP), the Starliner is part of the next generation of American spacecraft that will launch astronauts to the International Space Station. Starliner will launch early next year atop a ULA Atlas V rocket with the Centaur upper stage from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Statin. NASA’s Commercial Crew Program will return human spaceflight launches to U.S. soil, providing safe, reliable and cost-effective access to low-Earth orbit on systems that meet our safety and mission requirements.
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V booster arrives for the Orbital ATK CRS-7 commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station. A transport truck is taking the Atlas V from the Mariner cargo ship in the background, to the hangar at the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center (ASOC), located south of Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Scheduled to launch March 19, 2017, the Orbital ATK CRS-7 mission will lift off atop the ULA Atlas V rocket to deliver thousands of pounds of supplies, equipment and scientific research materials that improve life on Earth and drive progress toward future space exploration.
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V booster arrives for the Orbital ATK CRS-7 commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station. A transport truck is taking the Atlas V from the Mariner cargo ship in the background, to the hangar at the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center (ASOC), located south of Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Scheduled to launch March 19, 2017, a Cygnus spacecraft on the Orbital ATK CRS-7 mission will lift off atop the ULA Atlas V rocket to deliver thousands of pounds of supplies, equipment and scientific research materials that improve life on Earth and drive progress toward future space exploration.
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V booster arrives for the Orbital ATK CRS-7 commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station. A transport truck is taking the Atlas V from the Mariner cargo ship in the background, to the hangar at the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center (ASOC), located south of Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Scheduled to launch March 19, 2017, the Orbital ATK CRS-7 mission will lift off atop the ULA Atlas V rocket to deliver thousands of pounds of supplies, equipment and scientific research materials that improve life on Earth and drive progress toward future space exploration.
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Centaur upper stage arrived for the Orbital ATK CRS-7 commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station. A transport truck is taking the Centaur from the Mariner cargo ship in the background, to the hangar at the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center (ASOC), located south of Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Scheduled to launch March 19, 2017, the Orbital ATK CRS-7 mission will lift off atop the ULA Atlas V rocket to deliver thousands of pounds of supplies, equipment and scientific research materials that improve life on Earth and drive progress toward future space exploration.
This artist concept shows a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with a Boeing CST-100 Starliner capsule at Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Starliner/Atlas V system is under development by Boeing and ULA in partnership with NASA's Commercial Crew Program to launch astronauts to the International Space Station.
Team members with United Launch Alliance (ULA) inspect the first half of the fairing for the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) inside the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida near NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. GOES-R will be the first satellite in a series of next-generation NOAA GOES Satellites. The spacecraft is to launch aboard a ULA Atlas V rocket in November.
Team members with United Launch Alliance (ULA) inspect the first half of the fairing for the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) inside the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida near NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. GOES-R will be the first satellite in a series of next-generation NOAA GOES Satellites. The spacecraft is to launch aboard a ULA Atlas V rocket in November.
Team members with United Launch Alliance (ULA) inspect an clean the first half of the fairing for the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) inside the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida near NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. GOES-R will be the first satellite in a series of next-generation NOAA GOES Satellites. The spacecraft is to launch aboard a ULA Atlas V rocket in November.
Both halves of the fairing for the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) are being inspected and cleaned by United Launch Alliance (ULA) team members inside the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida near NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. GOES-R will be the first satellite in a series of next-generation NOAA GOES Satellites. The spacecraft is to launch aboard a ULA Atlas V rocket in November.
A view from above shows the payload fairing containing NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-S (GOES-S) lifted and moved into the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The fairing will be lowered and secured on the ULA Atlas V rocket. GOES-S is the second in a series of four advanced geostationary weather satellites. The satellite is slated to launch aboard the ULA Atlas V on March 1.
The payload fairing containing NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-S (GOES-S) is lowered by crane onto the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket in the ULA Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The fairing will be secured to the rocket in preparation for launch. GOES-S is the second in a series of four advanced geostationary weather satellites. The satellite is slated to launch aboard the ULA Atlas V on March 1.
The payload fairing containing NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-S (GOES-S) is lifted up by crane at the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The fairing will be mated to the ULA Atlas V rocket. GOES-S is the second in a series of four advanced geostationary weather satellites. The satellite is slated to launch aboard the ULA Atlas V on March 1.
A crane has been attached to the payload fairing containing NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-S (GOES-S) at the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The fairing will be lifted and mated to the ULA Atlas V rocket. GOES-S is the second in a series of four advanced geostationary weather satellites. The satellite is slated to launch aboard the ULA Atlas V on March 1.
The payload fairing containing NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-S (GOES-S) is lifted up by crane at the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The fairing will be mated to the ULA Atlas V rocket. GOES-S is the second in a series of four advanced geostationary weather satellites. The satellite is slated to launch aboard the ULA Atlas V on March 1.
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vertical Integration Facility (VIF) is reflected in the water at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, as a crane begins to lift the payload fairing containing NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-S (GOES-S). The fairing will be lifted and mated to the ULA Atlas V rocket. GOES-S is the second in a series of four advanced geostationary weather satellites. The satellite is slated to launch aboard the ULA Atlas V on March 1.
The payload fairing containing NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-S (GOES-S) was lifted up by crane and moved into the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The fairing will be mated to the ULA Atlas V rocket. GOES-S is the second in a series of four advanced geostationary weather satellites. The satellite is slated to launch aboard the ULA Atlas V on March 1.
Preparations are underway to lift the payload fairing containing NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-S (GOES-S) up and into the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The fairing will be mated to the ULA Atlas V rocket. GOES-S is the second in a series of four advanced geostationary weather satellites. The satellite is slated to launch aboard the ULA Atlas V on March 1.
A crane is attached to the payload fairing containing NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-S (GOES-S) and preparations are underway to lift it up and into the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Horizontal Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The fairing will be mated to the ULA Atlas V rocket. GOES-S is the second in a series of four advanced geostationary weather satellites. The satellite is slated to launch aboard the ULA Atlas V on March 1.
Team members with United Launch Alliance (ULA) monitor the progress as the two halves of the payload fairing begin to close around the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) inside the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida near NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. GOES-R will be the first satellite in a series of next-generation NOAA GOES Satellites. The spacecraft is to launch aboard a ULA Atlas V rocket in November.
Team members with United Launch Alliance (ULA) monitor the progress as the two halves of the payload fairing close around the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) inside the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida near NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. GOES-R will be the first satellite in a series of next-generation NOAA GOES Satellites. The spacecraft is to launch aboard a ULA Atlas V rocket in November.
Team members with United Launch Alliance (ULA) prepare the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) for encapsulation in the payload fairing inside the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida near NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. GOES-R will be the first satellite in a series of next-generation NOAA GOES Satellites. The spacecraft is to launch aboard a ULA Atlas V rocket in November.
The Launch Vehicle Adapter (LVA) that will attach Boeing’s first Starliner spacecraft to the Atlas V launch vehicle is unloaded from the Mariner cargo vessel at Cape Canaveral in Florida on November 12, 2018, following transport from United Launch Alliance's manufacturing factory in Decatur, Alabama. Technicians transported the LVA to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to begin integrated operations with the Centaur upper stage.The LVA is the specially-designed structure that will be fitted to the top of Centaur. It will soon be attached to the Centaur during pre-launch stacking operations and eventually support the Starliner spacecraft during launch of the Orbital Flight Test next year. Also part of the LVA is the aeroskirt, which ULA designed in collaboration with Boeing and NASA for added aerodynamic stability during the flight. This metallic orthogrid structure will smooth the air flow over the Starliner-Atlas V vehicle, and will be nominally jettisoned after the first stage of flight. The aeroskirt also has provisions for venting in the event the Starliner abort engines are fired.
The payload fairing containing NASA’s Lucy spacecraft is hoisted up at the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Oct. 7, 2021. It will be lowered onto the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V Centaur second stage. Lucy is scheduled to launch no earlier than Saturday, Oct. 16, on the ULA Atlas V 401 rocket from Launch Pad 41. NASA’s Launch Services Program, based at Kennedy Space Center, America’s premier multi-user spaceport, is managing the launch. Over its 12-year primary mission, Lucy will explore a record-breaking number of asteroids, flying by one asteroid in the solar system’s main belt and seven Trojan asteroids. Additionally, Lucy’s path will circle back to Earth three times for gravity assists, making it the first spacecraft ever to return to the vicinity of Earth from the outer solar system.
The payload fairing containing NASA’s Lucy spacecraft is hoisted up at the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Oct. 7, 2021. It will be lowered onto the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V Centaur second stage. Lucy is scheduled to launch no earlier than Saturday, Oct. 16, on the ULA Atlas V 401 rocket from Launch Pad 41. NASA’s Launch Services Program, based at Kennedy Space Center, America’s premier multi-user spaceport, is managing the launch. Over its 12-year primary mission, Lucy will explore a record-breaking number of asteroids, flying by one asteroid in the solar system’s main belt and seven Trojan asteroids. Additionally, Lucy’s path will circle back to Earth three times for gravity assists, making it the first spacecraft ever to return to the vicinity of Earth from the outer solar system.
The payload fairing containing NASA’s Lucy spacecraft arrives at the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Oct. 7, 2021. It will be hoisted up, and then lowered onto the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V Centaur second stage. Lucy is scheduled to launch no earlier than Saturday, Oct. 16, on the ULA Atlas V 401 rocket from Launch Pad 41. NASA’s Launch Services Program, based at Kennedy Space Center, America’s premier multi-user spaceport, is managing the launch. Over its 12-year primary mission, Lucy will explore a record-breaking number of asteroids, flying by one asteroid in the solar system’s main belt and seven Trojan asteroids. Additionally, Lucy’s path will circle back to Earth three times for gravity assists, making it the first spacecraft ever to return to the vicinity of Earth from the outer solar system.
The payload fairing containing NASA’s Lucy spacecraft is hoisted up at the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Oct. 7, 2021. It will be lowered onto the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V Centaur second stage. Lucy is scheduled to launch no earlier than Saturday, Oct. 16, on the ULA Atlas V 401 rocket from Launch Pad 41. NASA’s Launch Services Program, based at Kennedy Space Center, America’s premier multi-user spaceport, is managing the launch. Over its 12-year primary mission, Lucy will explore a record-breaking number of asteroids, flying by one asteroid in the solar system’s main belt and seven Trojan asteroids. Additionally, Lucy’s path will circle back to Earth three times for gravity assists, making it the first spacecraft ever to return to the vicinity of Earth from the outer solar system.