Launch of the first Dryden Aerospike rocket. The Dryden Aerospike Rocket Test provided the first known data from a solid-fueled aerospike rocket in flight.
As early as September 1972, the Marshall Space Flight Center arnounced plans for a series of 20 water-entry simulation tests with a solid-fueled rocket casing assembly. The tests would provide valuable data for assessment of solid rocket booster parachute water recovery and aid in preliminary solid rocket motor design.
The 122 foot tall Space Shuttle Orbiter Columbia mated to its external fuel container (ET) and two solid rocket boosters (SRB) lifts off from Launch Pad 39A for the begining of STS-2.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane is used to load the aft skirt for a space shuttle solid rocket booster on a truck. A twin set of space shuttle solid rocket boosters and an external fuel tank are being prepared for transport to separate museums. The solid rocket boosters, or SRBs, will be displayed at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. The external tank soon will be transported for display at the Wings of Dreams Aviation Museum at Keystone Heights Airport between Gainesville and Jacksonville, Fla. The 149-foot SRBs together provided six million pounds of thrust. The external fuel tank contained over 500,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant for the shuttle orbiters' three main engines. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the space shuttle. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a space shuttle solid rocket booster has been loaded on a truck. A twin set of space shuttle solid rocket boosters and an external fuel tank are being prepared for transport to separate museums. The solid rocket boosters, or SRBs, will be displayed at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. The external tank soon will be transported for display at the Wings of Dreams Aviation Museum at Keystone Heights Airport between Gainesville and Jacksonville, Fla. The 149-foot SRBs together provided six million pounds of thrust. The external fuel tank contained over 500,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant for the shuttle orbiters' three main engines. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the space shuttle. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, aft skirts for space shuttle solid rocket boosters are being loaded on a truck. A twin set of space shuttle solid rocket boosters and an external fuel tank are being prepared for transport to separate museums. The solid rocket boosters, or SRBs, will be displayed at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. The external tank soon will be transported for display at the Wings of Dreams Aviation Museum at Keystone Heights Airport between Gainesville and Jacksonville, Fla. The 149-foot SRBs together provided six million pounds of thrust. The external fuel tank contained over 500,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant for the shuttle orbiters' three main engines. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the space shuttle. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, aft skirts for space shuttle solid rocket boosters are being loaded on a truck. A twin set of space shuttle solid rocket boosters and an external fuel tank are being prepared for transport to separate museums. The solid rocket boosters, or SRBs, will be displayed at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. The external tank soon will be transported for display at the Wings of Dreams Aviation Museum at Keystone Heights Airport between Gainesville and Jacksonville, Fla. The 149-foot SRBs together provided six million pounds of thrust. The external fuel tank contained over 500,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant for the shuttle orbiters' three main engines. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the space shuttle. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Dimitri Gerondidakis
S89-40392 (12 July 1989) --- Inside KSC's giant vehicle assembly building, Space Shuttle Columbia is mated to two solid rocket boosters (SRB) and an external fuel tank as preparations continue for an early September launch. The mission is scheduled as a DOD-devoted flight, set for launch early next month.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the space shuttle Atlantis is gently lowered into place next to the external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters in the Vehicle Assembly Building in preparation for its maiden flight, STS-51J. Photo credit: NASA
51G-S-098 (17 June 1985) --- With seven crewmembers and a variety of international payloads onboard, the Space Shuttle Discovery, attached to two solid rocket boosters and an external fuel tank, gets off the launch pad at 7:33:042 a.m. (EDT), June 17, 1985.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the space shuttle Atlantis is gently lowered into place next to the external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters in the Vehicle Assembly Building in preparation for its maiden flight, STS-51J. Photo credit: NASA
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, external fuel tank 130 is raised to a vertical position. The tank will be lifted into high bay 2 for checkout before stacking with the solid rocket boosters and space shuttle Atlantis for the STS-125 mission. The fuel tank was previously designated for the STS-127 mission. The STS-125 Hubble servicing mission is targeted to launch May 12. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, external fuel tank 130 is fitted with a crane to lift it off the transporter. The tank will be raised to vertical and lifted into high bay 2 for checkout before stacking with the solid rocket boosters and space shuttle Endeavour for the STS-125 mission. The fuel tank was previously designated for the STS-127 mission. The STS-125 Hubble servicing mission is targeted to launch May 12. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the vertical external fuel tank 130 is suspended by a crane over the transfer aisle. The tank will be lifted into high bay 2 for checkout before stacking with the solid rocket boosters and space shuttle Atlantis for the STS-125 mission. The fuel tank was previously designated for the STS-127 mission. The STS-125 Hubble servicing mission is targeted to launch May 12. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Suspended by a crane in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, external fuel tank 130 is moved into high bay 2 for checkout before stacking with the solid rocket boosters and space shuttle Atlantis for the STS-125 mission. The fuel tank was previously designated for the STS-127 mission. The STS-125 Hubble servicing mission is targeted to launch May 12. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, external fuel tank 130 is lifted off its transporter. The tank will be raised to vertical and lifted into high bay 2 for checkout before stacking with the solid rocket boosters and space shuttle Atlantis for the STS-125 mission. The fuel tank was previously designated for the STS-127 mission. The STS-125 Hubble servicing mission is targeted to launch May 12. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, external fuel tank 130 is fitted with a crane to lift it off the transporter. The tank will be raised to vertical and lifted into high bay 2 for checkout before stacking with the solid rocket boosters and space shuttle Endeavour for the STS-125 mission. The fuel tank was previously designated for the STS-127 mission. The STS-125 Hubble servicing mission is targeted to launch May 12. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, external fuel tank 130 is in place in high bay 2 where it will undergo checkout before stacking with the solid rocket boosters and space shuttle Atlantis for the STS-125 mission. The fuel tank was previously designated for the STS-127 mission. The STS-125 Hubble servicing mission is targeted to launch May 12. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Suspended by a crane in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, external fuel tank 130 is moved into high bay 2 for checkout before stacking with the solid rocket boosters and space shuttle Atlantis for the STS-125 mission. The fuel tank was previously designated for the STS-127 mission. The STS-125 Hubble servicing mission is targeted to launch May 12. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane is used to load a space shuttle solid rocket booster and an external fuel tank on trucks for transport to separate museums. The solid rocket boosters, or SRBs, will be displayed at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. The external tank soon will be transported for display at the Wings of Dreams Aviation Museum at Keystone Heights Airport between Gainesville and Jacksonville, Fla. The 149-foot SRBs together provided six million pounds of thrust. The external fuel tank contained over 500,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant for the shuttle orbiters' three main engines. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the space shuttle. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, preparations are underway to load a twin set of space shuttle solid rocket boosters and an external fuel tank on trucks for transport to separate museums. The solid rocket boosters, or SRBs, will be displayed at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. The external tank soon will be transported for display at the Wings of Dreams Aviation Museum at Keystone Heights Airport between Gainesville and Jacksonville, Fla. The 149-foot SRBs together provided six million pounds of thrust. The external fuel tank contained over 500,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant for the shuttle orbiters' three main engines. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the space shuttle. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane is used to load a twin set of space shuttle solid rocket boosters and an external fuel tank on trucks for transport to separate museums. The solid rocket boosters, or SRBs, will be displayed at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. The external tank soon will be transported for display at the Wings of Dreams Aviation Museum at Keystone Heights Airport between Gainesville and Jacksonville, Fla. The 149-foot SRBs together provided six million pounds of thrust. The external fuel tank contained over 500,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant for the shuttle orbiters' three main engines. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the space shuttle. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane is used to load a space shuttle solid rocket booster and an external fuel tank on trucks for transport to separate museums. The solid rocket boosters, or SRBs, will be displayed at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. The external tank soon will be transported for display at the Wings of Dreams Aviation Museum at Keystone Heights Airport between Gainesville and Jacksonville, Fla. The 149-foot SRBs together provided six million pounds of thrust. The external fuel tank contained over 500,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant for the shuttle orbiters' three main engines. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the space shuttle. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, preparations are underway to load a twin set of space shuttle solid rocket boosters and an external fuel tank on trucks for transport to separate museums. The solid rocket boosters, or SRBs, will be displayed at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. The external tank soon will be transported for display at the Wings of Dreams Aviation Museum at Keystone Heights Airport between Gainesville and Jacksonville, Fla. The 149-foot SRBs together provided six million pounds of thrust. The external fuel tank contained over 500,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant for the shuttle orbiters' three main engines. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the space shuttle. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane is used to load a space shuttle solid rocket booster and an external fuel tank on trucks for transport to separate museums. The solid rocket boosters, or SRBs, will be displayed at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. The external tank soon will be transported for display at the Wings of Dreams Aviation Museum at Keystone Heights Airport between Gainesville and Jacksonville, Fla. The 149-foot SRBs together provided six million pounds of thrust. The external fuel tank contained over 500,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant for the shuttle orbiters' three main engines. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the space shuttle. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane is used to load a twin set of space shuttle solid rocket boosters and an external fuel tank on trucks for transport to separate museums. The solid rocket boosters, or SRBs, will be displayed at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. The external tank soon will be transported for display at the Wings of Dreams Aviation Museum at Keystone Heights Airport between Gainesville and Jacksonville, Fla. The 149-foot SRBs together provided six million pounds of thrust. The external fuel tank contained over 500,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant for the shuttle orbiters' three main engines. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the space shuttle. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane is used to load a space shuttle solid rocket booster and an external fuel tank on trucks for transport to separate museums. The solid rocket boosters, or SRBs, will be displayed at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. The external tank soon will be transported for display at the Wings of Dreams Aviation Museum at Keystone Heights Airport between Gainesville and Jacksonville, Fla. The 149-foot SRBs together provided six million pounds of thrust. The external fuel tank contained over 500,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant for the shuttle orbiters' three main engines. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the space shuttle. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane is used to load a space shuttle solid rocket booster and an external fuel tank on trucks for transport to separate museums. The solid rocket boosters, or SRBs, will be displayed at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. The external tank soon will be transported for display at the Wings of Dreams Aviation Museum at Keystone Heights Airport between Gainesville and Jacksonville, Fla. The 149-foot SRBs together provided six million pounds of thrust. The external fuel tank contained over 500,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant for the shuttle orbiters' three main engines. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the space shuttle. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a space shuttle solid rocket booster and an external fuel tank are being prepared for transport to separate museums. The solid rocket boosters, or SRBs, will be displayed at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. The external tank soon will be transported for display at the Wings of Dreams Aviation Museum at Keystone Heights Airport between Gainesville and Jacksonville, Fla. The 149-foot SRBs together provided six million pounds of thrust. The external fuel tank contained over 500,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant for the shuttle orbiters' three main engines. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the space shuttle. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane is used to load a space shuttle solid rocket booster and an external fuel tank on trucks for transport to separate museums. The solid rocket boosters, or SRBs, will be displayed at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. The external tank soon will be transported for display at the Wings of Dreams Aviation Museum at Keystone Heights Airport between Gainesville and Jacksonville, Fla. The 149-foot SRBs together provided six million pounds of thrust. The external fuel tank contained over 500,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant for the shuttle orbiters' three main engines. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the space shuttle. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane is used to load a space shuttle solid rocket booster and an external fuel tank on to trucks for transport to separate museums. The solid rocket boosters, or SRBs, will be displayed at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. The external tank soon will be transported for display at the Wings of Dreams Aviation Museum at Keystone Heights Airport between Gainesville and Jacksonville, Fla. The 149-foot SRBs together provided six million pounds of thrust. The external fuel tank contained over 500,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant for the shuttle orbiters' three main engines. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the space shuttle. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a twin set of space shuttle solid rocket boosters and an external fuel tank are being loaded on trucks for transport to separate museums. The solid rocket boosters, or SRBs, will be displayed at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. The external tank soon will be transported for display at the Wings of Dreams Aviation Museum at Keystone Heights Airport between Gainesville and Jacksonville, Fla. The 149-foot SRBs together provided six million pounds of thrust. The external fuel tank contained over 500,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant for the shuttle orbiters' three main engines. The work is part of Transition and Retirement of the space shuttle. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition Photo credit: NASA/ Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Rotation, Processing and Surge Facility, or RSPF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a worker performs the propellant grain inspection of the final solid rocket booster segments, which is a required safety analysis. The booster segments were manufactured at the ATK solid rocket booster plant in Promontory, Utah, and traveled to Kennedy along the Florida East Coast Railway. The booster segments will be stacked and then mated to space shuttle Atlantis and its external fuel tank in the Vehicle Assembly Building. The segments will be used for what currently is planned as the 'launch on need,' or potential rescue mission for the final shuttle flight, Endeavour's STS-134 mission. For information, visit www.nasa.gov_shuttle. Photo credit: NASA_Cory Huston
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Rotation, Processing and Surge Facility, or RSPF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers perform the propellant grain inspection of the final solid rocket booster segments, which is a required safety analysis. The booster segments were manufactured at the ATK solid rocket booster plant in Promontory, Utah, and traveled to Kennedy along the Florida East Coast Railway. The booster segments will be stacked and then mated to space shuttle Atlantis and its external fuel tank in the Vehicle Assembly Building. The segments will be used for what currently is planned as the 'launch on need,' or potential rescue mission for the final shuttle flight, Endeavour's STS-134 mission. For information, visit www.nasa.gov_shuttle. Photo credit: NASA_Cory Huston
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope arrives at Port Canaveral, Fla., towed on the Pegasus barge by a solid rocket booster retrieval ship. The tank will be towed to the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, offloaded and moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building. Once inside the building, the tank will be raised to vertical, lifted and moved into a checkout cell. Stacking of the tank and solid rocket boosters is planned to start Aug. 7. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Rotation, Processing and Surge Facility, or RSPF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers perform the propellant grain inspection of the final solid rocket booster segments, which is a required safety analysis. The booster segments were manufactured at the ATK solid rocket booster plant in Promontory, Utah, and traveled to Kennedy along the Florida East Coast Railway. The booster segments will be stacked and then mated to space shuttle Atlantis and its external fuel tank in the Vehicle Assembly Building. The segments will be used for what currently is planned as the 'launch on need,' or potential rescue mission for the final shuttle flight, Endeavour's STS-134 mission. For information, visit www.nasa.gov_shuttle. Photo credit: NASA_Cory Huston
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Rotation, Processing and Surge Facility, or RSPF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers prepare for the propellant grain inspection of the final solid rocket booster segments, which is a required safety analysis. The booster segments were manufactured at the ATK solid rocket booster plant in Promontory, Utah, and traveled to Kennedy along the Florida East Coast Railway. The booster segments will be stacked and then mated to space shuttle Atlantis and its external fuel tank in the Vehicle Assembly Building. The segments will be used for what currently is planned as the 'launch on need,' or potential rescue mission for the final shuttle flight, Endeavour's STS-134 mission. For information, visit www.nasa.gov_shuttle. Photo credit: NASA_Cory Huston
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Rotation, Processing and Surge Facility, or RSPF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers perform the propellant grain inspection of the final solid rocket booster segments, which is a required safety analysis. The booster segments were manufactured at the ATK solid rocket booster plant in Promontory, Utah, and traveled to Kennedy along the Florida East Coast Railway. The booster segments will be stacked and then mated to space shuttle Atlantis and its external fuel tank in the Vehicle Assembly Building. The segments will be used for what currently is planned as the 'launch on need,' or potential rescue mission for the final shuttle flight, Endeavour's STS-134 mission. For information, visit www.nasa.gov_shuttle. Photo credit: NASA_Cory Huston
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Rotation, Processing and Surge Facility, or RSPF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers prepare for the propellant grain inspection of the final solid rocket booster segments, which is a required safety analysis. The booster segments were manufactured at the ATK solid rocket booster plant in Promontory, Utah, and traveled to Kennedy along the Florida East Coast Railway. The booster segments will be stacked and then mated to space shuttle Atlantis and its external fuel tank in the Vehicle Assembly Building. The segments will be used for what currently is planned as the 'launch on need,' or potential rescue mission for the final shuttle flight, Endeavour's STS-134 mission. For information, visit www.nasa.gov_shuttle. Photo credit: NASA_Cory Huston
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Rotation, Processing and Surge Facility, or RSPF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a worker performs the propellant grain inspection of the final solid rocket booster segments, which is a required safety analysis. The booster segments were manufactured at the ATK solid rocket booster plant in Promontory, Utah, and traveled to Kennedy along the Florida East Coast Railway. The booster segments will be stacked and then mated to space shuttle Atlantis and its external fuel tank in the Vehicle Assembly Building. The segments will be used for what currently is planned as the 'launch on need,' or potential rescue mission for the final shuttle flight, Endeavour's STS-134 mission. For information, visit www.nasa.gov_shuttle. Photo credit: NASA_Cory Huston
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope arrives at Port Canaveral, Fla., towed on the Pegasus barge by a solid rocket booster retrieval ship. The tank will be towed to the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, offloaded and moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building. Once inside the building, the tank will be raised to vertical, lifted and moved into a checkout cell. Stacking of the tank and solid rocket boosters is planned to start Aug. 7. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
The Zero Emissions (ZE) transit bus tours the KSC Visitor Complex for a test ride. In the background are a mock-up orbiter named Explorer (left) and a stack of solid rocket boosters and external tank (right), typically used on Shuttle launches. Provided by dbb fuel cell engines inc. of Vancouver, Canada, the ZE bus was brought to KSC as part of the Center's Alternative Fuel Initiatives Program. The bus uses a Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell in which hydrogen and oxygen, from atmospheric air, react to produce electricity that powers an electric motor drive system. The by-product "exhaust" from the fuel cell is water vapor, thus zero harmful emissions. A typical diesel-powered bus emits more than a ton of harmful pollutants from its exhaust every year. The ZE bus is being used on tour routes at the KSC Visitor Complex for two days to introduce the public to the concept
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission is being lowered into NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 2 for assembly with the solid rocket boosters already stacked on the mobile launch platform. The tip of one rocket is seen at bottom. The STS-129 mission is targeted to launch Nov. 12 on an 11-day supply mission to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An aerial view shows the entire Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. In the foreground at left are a full-size orbiter replica, the "Explorer," which allows guests to picture more clearly what it's like to live and work in space, as well as full-size, genuine solid rocket boosters and an external fuel tank (foreground, left). On the right at center is the rocket garden, which features eight authentic rockets from the past, including a Mercury-Atlas rocket similar to the one used to launch John Glenn into space in 1962 and climb-in Mercury, Gemini and Apollo capsule rep¬licas. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis rolls out of the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for transfer to the Vehicle Assembly Building. In the VAB, Atlantis will be attached to its external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters. After additional preparations are made, the shuttle will be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A to prepare for launch on the STS-125 mission targeted for Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission is being moved from the checkout cell of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to high bay 2 for assembly with the solid rocket boosters already stacked on the mobile launch platform. The STS-129 mission is targeted to launch Nov. 12 on an 11-day supply mission to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission is raised from the checkout cell in order to move it to high bay 3. There it will be lowered onto the mobile launcher platform and attached to the solid rocket boosters already installed. Atlantis' STS-125 mission is the fifth and final shuttle servicing mission to NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. Launch is targeted for May 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission is being lowered into NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 2 for assembly with the solid rocket boosters already stacked on the mobile launch platform. The STS-129 mission is targeted to launch Nov. 12 on an 11-day supply mission to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
41G-90139 (5 October 1984) --- A Florida dawn scene forms the backdrop for the climbing Space Shuttle Challenger, its two solid rocket boosters and external fuel tank. Seven crewmembers, a space record, head for a busy eight-day stay in Earth orbit. The scene was photographed by astronaut Paul J. Weitz, who was piloting the Shuttle training aircraft (STA).
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery rolls out of Orbiter Processing Facility 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to head to the Vehicle Assembly Building (in the background). First motion was at 2:30 p.m. EST. In the VAB, Discovery will be attached to its external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters. After additional preparations are made, the shuttle will be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A for a targeted launch to the International Space Station on Feb. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission is being lowered into NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 2 for assembly with the solid rocket boosters already stacked on the mobile launch platform (seen at either side of the tank). The STS-129 mission is targeted to launch Nov. 12 on an 11-day supply mission to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After rotation in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis is suspended vertically above the transfer aisle. The shuttle will be lifted into High Bay 3 where it will be attached to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. After additional preparations are made, the shuttle will be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A for a targeted launch on May 12 on the STS-125 Hubble servicing mission. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After rolling out of the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Atlantis rolls to the Vehicle Assembly Building. In the VAB, Atlantis will be attached to its external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters. After additional preparations are made, the shuttle will be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A to prepare for launch on the STS-125 mission targeted for Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On its transporter, space shuttle Endeavour turns toward the open door of the Vehicle Assembly Building. In high bay 1 of the VAB, Endeavour will be attached to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters in preparation for its upcoming mission, STS-123, to the International Space Station targeted for March 11. The mission will deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis rolls out of Orbiter Processing Facility 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to roll over to the Vehicle Assembly Building. First motion was at 11:30 a.m. EDT. In the VAB, Atlantis will be lifted into High Bay 3 and mated to the solid rocket booster-external fuel tank already installed on the mobile launcher platform. Atlantis is targeted to launch May 12 for the STS-125 Hubble servicing mission. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On its transporter, space shuttle Endeavour rolls into the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will be lifted into high bay 1. There, Endeavour will be attached to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters in preparation for its upcoming mission, STS-123, to the International Space Station targeted for March 11. The mission will deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour's external fuel tank is lowered onto the mobile launcher platform in high bay 1 between the solid rocket boosters. Endeavour is the launch vehicle for the STS-127 mission. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, to the International Space Station on STS-127. Launch is targeted for mid-June 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission is being moved from the checkout cell of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building to high bay 2 for assembly with the solid rocket boosters already stacked on the mobile launch platform. The STS-129 mission is targeted to launch Nov. 12 on an 11-day supply mission to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission is being lifted from the checkout cell of NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building for transfer into high bay 2 and assembly with the solid rocket boosters already stacked on the mobile launch platform. The STS-129 mission is targeted to launch Nov. 12 on an 11-day supply mission to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission is being prepared for lifting in NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building. The tank will be lifted into high bay 2 for assembly with the solid rocket boosters already stacked on the mobile launch platform. The STS-129 mission is targeted to launch Nov. 12 on an 11-day supply mission to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
S84-33083 (18 April 1984) --- The Space Shuttle Challenger, atop NASA 905, approaches the runway at Kennedy Space Center following a flight from Edwards Air Force Base in southern California. Less than two weeks earlier the Challenger, mated to two solid rocket boosters and an external fuel tank, launched into space from a nearby launch pad for a week-long stay in space.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission is ready for assembly with the solid rocket boosters stacked on the mobile launch platform in NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building. The STS-129 mission is targeted to launch Nov. 12 on an 11-day supply mission to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis is lowered alongside the external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters in High Bay 3. The shuttle will be mated with the external tank and boosters on the mobile launcher platform. After additional preparations are made, the shuttle will be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A for a targeted launch on May 12 on the STS-125 mission to service NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission is lowered between the solid rocket boosters stacked on the mobile launch platform in high bay 2 of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The STS-129 mission is targeted to launch Nov. 12 on an 11-day supply mission to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
51F-S-038 (29 July 1985) ---An air-to-air view of the Space Shuttle orbiter Challenger, its two solid rocket boosters and external fuel tank moments after launch from Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Astronaut John W. Young, veteran of two Shuttle flights and four other NASA missions, took the photograph with a handheld camera while piloting the Shuttle training aircraft. Launch occured at 5:00:00:423 p.m. (EDT), July 29, 1985.
S84-28205 (3 Feb. 1984) --- Reflected in nearby water, NASA's space shuttle Challenger, attached to two solid rocket boosters and an external fuel tank which it will later jettison, blasts off from Pad A at Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39, at 8:00 a.m. (EST), Feb. 3, 1984. The photograph was taken by Otis Imboden. Photo credit: NASA
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On its transporter, space shuttle Endeavour begins the rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building. In high bay 1 of the VAB, Endeavour will be attached to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters in preparation for its upcoming mission, STS-123, to the International Space Station targeted for March 11. The mission will deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A crane lifts space shuttle Atlantis into the upper levels of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The shuttle will be moved into high bay 3 and lowered for stacking with its external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters. After additional preparations are made, the shuttle will be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A to prepare for launch on the STS-125 mission targeted for 1:34 a.m. EDT Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission is lowered into high bay 3. It will be installed on the mobile launcher platform and attached to the solid rocket boosters already there. Atlantis' STS-125 mission is the fifth and final shuttle servicing mission to NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. Launch is targeted for May 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Aboard its transporter, space shuttle Discovery rolls into the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Discovery left Orbiter Processing Facility 3 at 2:30 p.m. EST. In the VAB, Discovery will be attached to its external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters. After additional preparations are made, the shuttle will be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A for a targeted launch to the International Space Station on Feb. 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On its transporter, space shuttle Endeavour rolls into the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will be lifted into high bay 1. There, Endeavour will be attached to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters in preparation for its upcoming mission, STS-123, to the International Space Station targeted for March 11. The mission will deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building transfer aisle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers detach space shuttle Atlantis from its transporter. An overhead crane will lift Atlantis to vertical for transfer to high bay 3 to be stacked with its external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters. After additional preparations are made, the shuttle will be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A to prepare for launch on the STS-125 mission targeted for Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Atlantis is lowered alongside the external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters in high bay 3. Atlantis will be mated to the tank and boosters stacked on the mobile launcher platform. After additional preparations are made, the shuttle will be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A to prepare for launch on the STS-125 mission targeted for 1:34 a.m. EDT Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building, work platforms surround the external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission. The tank has been lowered onto the mobile launch platform for assembly with the solid rocket boosters stacked there. The STS-129 mission is targeted to launch Nov. 12 on an 11-day supply mission to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Atlantis is suspended vertically above the transfer aisle. The view shows the underbelly of the shuttle. Atlantis will be lifted into high bay 3 and stacked with its external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters. After additional preparations are made, the shuttle will be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A to prepare for launch on the STS-125 mission targeted for 1:34 a.m. EDT Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, external fuel tank 129 is lowered into high bay 1 where it will be mated with the solid rocket boosters. The external tank-SRB stack will be mated in two weeks to space shuttle Endeavour for the STS-126 mission. The STS-126 mission will deliver a Multi-Purpose Logistics Module to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for Nov. 10. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Atlantis is lowered toward the external fuel tank in high bay 3. Atlantis will be mated to the tank and twin solid rocket boosters stacked on the mobile launcher platform. After additional preparations are made, the shuttle will be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A to prepare for launch on the STS-125 mission targeted for 1:34 a.m. EDT Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission is lowered between the solid rocket boosters stacked on the mobile launch platform in high bay 2 of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The STS-129 mission is targeted to launch Nov. 12 on an 11-day supply mission to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission is being lowered into NASA Kennedy Space Center's Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 2 for assembly with the solid rocket boosters already stacked on the mobile launch platform (seen at the bottom). The STS-129 mission is targeted to launch Nov. 12 on an 11-day supply mission to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, replica external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters mark the entrance to the new Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit. The new $100 million facility includes interactive exhibits that tell the story of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program and highlight the future of space exploration. Visitors to the exhibit will get an up close look at Atlantis with its payload bay doors open, similar to how it looked in space. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
S84-25872 (6 Jan 1984) --- Progress continues at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) as the Space Shuttle Challenger is moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) for mating to its two Solid Rocket Boosters (SRB) and External Fuel Tank (ET). The flight of STS-41B will carry five astronaut crew members into space for the performance of a variety of duties. Launch is scheduled for February 3, 1984.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope is towed to the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, where it will be offloaded and moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building. Once inside the building, the tank will be raised to vertical, lifted and moved into a checkout cell. Stacking of the tank and solid rocket boosters is planned to start Aug. 7. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is lowered alongside the external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters already stacked on the mobile launcher platform. Discovery will be mated with the stack. After additional preparations are made, the shuttle will be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A for a targeted launch on Feb. 12. Discovery will carry the final starboard truss (S6) in the assembly of the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On its transporter, space shuttle Atlantis rolls toward the Vehicle Assembly Building (in the background) after leaving Orbiter Processing Facility 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. First motion was at 11:30 a.m. EDT. In the VAB, Atlantis will be lifted into High Bay 3 and mated to the solid rocket booster-external fuel tank already installed on the mobile launcher platform. Atlantis is targeted to launch May 12 for the STS-125 Hubble servicing mission. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission is lowered into high bay 3. It will be installed on the mobile launcher platform and attached to the solid rocket boosters already there. Atlantis' STS-125 mission is the fifth and final shuttle servicing mission to NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. Launch is targeted for May 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is lowered into high bay 3 alongside the external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters are already stacked on the mobile launcher platform. Discovery will be mated with the stack. After additional preparations are made, the shuttle will be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A for a targeted launch on Feb. 12. Discovery will carry the final starboard truss (S6) in the assembly of the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, external fuel tank 129 is lowered between the solid rocket boosters for mating on the mobile launcher platform in high bay 1. The external tank-SRB stack will then be mated in two weeks to space shuttle Endeavour for the STS-126 mission. The STS-126 mission will deliver a Multi-Purpose Logistics Module to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for Nov. 10. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the external fuel tank for space shuttle Endeavour is ready to be lifted into high bay 1 for stacking with the solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. Endeavour is the launch vehicle for the STS-127 mission Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, to the International Space Station on STS-127. Launch is targeted for mid-June 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission is lowered into high bay 3. It will be installed on the mobile launcher platform and attached to the solid rocket boosters already there. Atlantis' STS-125 mission is the fifth and final shuttle servicing mission to NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. Launch is targeted for May 12. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis is lifted off its transporter in the transfer aisle. The shuttle will be raised to a vertical position and lifted into High Bay 3 where it will be attached to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. After additional preparations are made, the shuttle will be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A for a targeted launch on May 12 on the STS-125 Hubble servicing mission. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After rolling out of the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Atlantis rolls to the Vehicle Assembly Building. In the VAB, Atlantis will be attached to its external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters. After additional preparations are made, the shuttle will be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A to prepare for launch on the STS-125 mission targeted for Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building transfer aisle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the overhead crane is being attached to space shuttle Atlantis. The crane will lift Atlantis to vertical for transfer to high bay 3 to be stacked with its external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters. After additional preparations are made, the shuttle will be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A to prepare for launch on the STS-125 mission targeted for Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Atlantis is lowered into High Bay 3. In the bay, the shuttle will be mated with its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. After additional preparations are made, the shuttle will be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A for a targeted launch on May 12 on the STS-125 mission to service NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On its transporter, space shuttle Atlantis rolls toward the Vehicle Assembly Building after leaving Orbiter Processing Facility 1 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. First motion was at 11:30 a.m. EDT. In the VAB, Atlantis will be lifted into High Bay 3 and mated to the solid rocket booster-external fuel tank already installed on the mobile launcher platform.Atlantis is targeted to launch May 12 for the STS-125 Hubble servicing mission. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour's external fuel tank is lowered into high bay 1 for stacking with the solid rocket boosters on the mobile launcher platform. Endeavour is the launch vehicle for the STS-127 mission. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, to the International Space Station on STS-127. Launch is targeted for mid-June 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Atlantis rolls into the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. First motion was at 11:30 a.m. EDT. From the transfer aisle, Atlantis will be lifted into High Bay 3 and mated to the solid rocket booster-external fuel tank already installed on the mobile launcher platform. Atlantis is targeted to launch May 12 for the STS-125 Hubble servicing mission. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
51F-S-157 (29 July 1985) --- Just moments following ignition, the Space Shuttle Challenger, mated to its two solid rocket boosters and an external fuel tank, soars toward a week-long mission in Earth orbit. Note the diamond shock effect in the vicinity of the three main engines. Launch occurred at 5:00 p.m. (EDT), July 29, 1985.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building, the suspended space shuttle Endeavour is slowly being raised to a vertical position. It will then be lifted up into high bay 1 to be attached to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters in preparation for launch on the STS-123 mission, targeted for March 11. The mission will deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Vehicle Assembly Building transfer aisle at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers have detached space shuttle Atlantis from its transporter. An overhead crane will lift Atlantis to vertical for transfer to high bay 3 to be stacked with its external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters. After additional preparations are made, the shuttle will be rolled out to Launch Pad 39A to prepare for launch on the STS-125 mission targeted for Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope is towed to the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, where it will be offloaded and moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building. Once inside the building, the tank will be raised to vertical, lifted and moved into a checkout cell. Stacking of the tank and solid rocket boosters is planned to start Aug. 7. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 8. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller