The crew of the NASA tugboat Clermont II navigates a barge of super-cool liquid oxygen through the 7 -mile canal system at SSC prior to a Space Shuttle Main Engine test.
The tugboat Shelby helps tow the space shuttle Enterprise on a barge up the Hudson River to the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum where it will be permanently displayed, Wednesday, June 6, 2012 in New York City. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
The tugboat Shelby tows the space shuttle Enterprise on a barge on the Hudson River to the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum where it will be permanently displayed, Wednesday, June 6, 2012 in New York City. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA tugboat Clermont II arrives at the B-2 Test Stand the day after a hot fire test of the core stage for the first flight of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. During the test the four RS-25 engines fired for a little more than one minute and generated 1.6 million pounds of thrust. The hot fire is the final test of the Green Run test series, a comprehensive assessment of the Space Launch System’s core stage prior to launching the Artemis I mission to the Moon. Photo Credit: (NASA/Robert Markowitz)
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Launch Complex 39 Area turn basin, the lead tugboat helps move the Pegasus barge closer to the dock so its cargo can be offloaded. The barge carries external tank No. 120, to be used for launching Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-120 in October. The barge has carried the tank from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans, making the journey around the Florida peninsula in tow by the JA Bisso II tugboat, to Port Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center. After the tank is offloaded, it will be towed to the Vehicle Assembly Building for lifting into a checkout cell. NASA/Amanda Diller
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Tugboats tow the Pegasus barge to the landing dock in the Launch Complex 39 Area. The barge carries external tank No. 120, to be used for launching Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-120 in October. The barge has carried the tank from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans, making the journey around the Florida peninsula in tow by the JA Bisso II tugboat, to Port Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center. After the tank is offloaded, it will be towed to the Vehicle Assembly Building for lifting into a checkout cell. NASA/Amanda Diller
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Launch Complex 39 Area turn basin, the lead tugboat moves out of the way of the Pegasus barge so the barge can dock and offload its cargo. The barge carries external tank No. 120, to be used for launching Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-120 in October. The barge has carried the tank from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans, making the journey around the Florida peninsula in tow by the JA Bisso II tugboat, to Port Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center. After the tank is offloaded, it will be towed to the Vehicle Assembly Building for lifting into a checkout cell. NASA/Amanda Diller
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Tugboats maneuver the Pegasus barge closer to the dock in the Launch Complex 39 Area. The barge's cargo is the external tank prepared for mission STS-118 by the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. The tank will later be offloaded and moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building. Photo credit: Jack Pfaller
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Aboard a transporter, external tank No. 120 moves past the NASA News Center parking lot entrance in the Launch Complex 39 Area to the Vehicle Assembly Building, seen behind it. There it will be lifted into a checkout cell. The tank arrived from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans, making the journey around the Florida peninsula in tow by the JA Bisso II tugboat. ET-120 will be used for launching Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-120 in October. NASA/Amanda Diller
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Tugboats tow the Pegasus barge, with its cargo of external tank No. 125, on the Banana River. Seen in the background are the Atlas V (left) and Titan IV launch complexes. After it is offloaded, the tank will be moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building. The external tank will be used on space shuttle Atlantis for mission STS-122 targeted for launch on Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- A tugboat tows the Pegasus barge through the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The barge is carrying external tank No. 128 for space shuttle Discovery's STS-124 mission. After offloading, the tank will be transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building. On the STS-124 mission, Discovery will transport the Kibo Japanese Experiment Module - Pressurized Module and the Japanese Remote Manipulator System to the International Space Station. Discovery is targeted for launch on May 25. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Aboard a transporter, external tank No. 120 moves past the NASA News Center parking lot in the Launch Complex 39 Area to the Vehicle Assembly Building, at right. There it will be lifted into a checkout cell. The tank arrived from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans, making the journey around the Florida peninsula in tow by the JA Bisso II tugboat. ET-120 will be used for launching Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-120 in October. NASA/Amanda Diller
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Aboard a transporter, external tank No. 120 makes the turn from near the NASA News Center parking lot in the Launch Complex 39 Area to the Vehicle Assembly Building. There it will be lifted into a checkout cell. The tank arrived from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans, making the journey around the Florida peninsula in tow by the JA Bisso II tugboat. ET-120 will be used for launching Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-120 in October. NASA/Amanda Diller
The space shuttle Enterprise hangs from a sling after being demated from the NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in Jamica, New York, Sunday, May 13, 2012. The shuttle will be placed on a barge that will move by tugboat up the Hudson River to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in June. The shuttle will be lifted by crane and placed on the flight deck of the Intrepid, where it will be on exhibit to the public starting this summer in a temporary climate-controlled pavilion. Photo Credit: (NASA/Kim Shiflet)
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Towed by a tugboat, the Pegasus barge passes through the open bridge in the Banana River on its way to the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The barge is carrying the external tank for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-123 mission. After offloading, the tank will be transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building. Endeavour is targeted for launch to the International Space Station on Feb. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Tugboats tow the Pegasus barge through the bridge at the haulover canal on the Banana River. The barge is carrying external tank No. 125. After it is offloaded, the tank will be moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building. The external tank will be used on space shuttle Atlantis for mission STS-122 targeted for launch on Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Tugboats tow the Pegasus barge toward the dock in the turn basin of the Launch Complex 39 Area. At left is the Vehicle Assembly Building. The barge is carrying external tank No. 125. After it is offloaded, the tank will be moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building. The external tank will be used on space shuttle Atlantis for mission STS-122 targeted for launch on Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Tugboats tow the Pegasus barge, with its cargo of external tank No. 125, on the Banana River. The barge is being towed to the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area where the external tank will be offloaded and moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building. The external tank will be used on space shuttle Atlantis for mission STS-122 targeted for launch on Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Tugboats guide the Pegasus barge containing the external fuel tank for space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 mission through the Banana River to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. On the STS-133 mission, Discovery will deliver NASA's Permanent Multi-purpose Module, or PMM, the Express Logistics Carrier 4, and critical spare parts to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for fall 2010. Photo credit: NASA_Jack Pfaller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Tugboats maneuver the Pegasus barge toward the dock in the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The barge holds the external fuel tank, ET- 132, designated for space shuttle Discovery on the STS-128 mission. The tank will be offloaded and transported to a high bay in the Vehicle Assembly Building for checkout. On the STS-128 mission, Discovery will carry science and storage racks to the International Space Station. Launch of Discovery is targeted for Aug. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, tugboats maneuver the Pegasus barge toward the dock. Pegasus holds the external fuel tank ET-131. The tank will be taken off and moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building. ET-131 will be used on space shuttle Endeavour's STS-127 mission. The Japanese Experiment Module's Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, is part of the payload on the STS-127 mission, targeted for launch in June. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Towed by a tugboat, the Pegasus barge passes through the open bridge in the Banana River on its way to the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The barge is carrying the external tank for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-123 mission. After offloading, the tank will be transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building. Endeavour is targeted for launch to the International Space Station on Feb. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Tugboats guide the Pegasus barge carrying external tank No. 125 in the Banana River after the barge's long journey around the Florida Peninsula from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. The barge is being towed to the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area where the external tank will be offloaded and moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building. The external tank will be used on space shuttle Atlantis for mission STS-122 targeted for launch on Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Pegasus barge, towed by a tugboat, enters the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The barge holds the external fuel tank, ET- 132, designated for space shuttle Discovery on the STS-128 mission. The tank will be offloaded and transported to a high bay in the Vehicle Assembly Building for checkout. On the STS-128 mission, Discovery will carry science and storage racks to the International Space Station. Launch of Discovery is targeted for Aug. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At sunrise, tugboats in the Turn Basin in the Launch Complex 39 area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida are towing the Pegasus Barge from the dock to a more secure mooring area. The barge is 266 ft long and 50 ft wide and has been used by the Space Shuttle Program to transport external fuel tanks over 900 miles of inland and open ocean waterways from the Michoud Assembly Facility in Louisiana to Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
A set of cranes and wind restraints constructed to remove space shuttle Enterprise from atop NASA's 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft are being put into place at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York, Saturday, May 12, 2012. Enterprise will be placed on a barge that will move by tugboat up the Hudson River to Intrepid in June. The shuttle will be lifted by crane and placed on the flight deck of the Intrepid, where it will be on exhibit to the public starting this summer in a temporary climate-controlled pavilion. Photo Credit: (NASA/Kim Shiflet)
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A tugboat pulls the Pegasus barge carrying External Tank-136 through Port Canaveral on its way from NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans to the turn basin at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. ET-136 will be used to launch space shuttle Atlantis on the STS-132 mission to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for May 14. For more information on the components of the space shuttle and the STS-132 mission, visit http:__www.nasa.gov_mission_pages_shuttle_shuttlemissions_sts132_index.html. Photo credit: NASA_Cory Huston
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Tugboats maneuver the Pegasus barge toward the dock in the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The barge is carrying the external tank for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-123 mission. After offloading, the tank will be transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building. Endeavour is targeted for launch to the International Space Station on Feb. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tugboats safely deliver NASA's Pegasus barge, carrying External Tank-138 to the turn basin at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. ET-138, the last newly manufactured tank, was originally designated to fly on Endeavour's STS-134 mission to the International Space Station, but later reassigned to fly on space shuttle Atlantis' final mission, STS-135. For information, visit www.nasa.gov_shuttle. Photo credit: NASA_Jack Pfaller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tugboats in the Turn Basin in the Launch Complex 39 area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida have towed the Pegasus Barge from the dock to a more secure mooring area. The barge is 266 ft long and 50 ft wide and has been used by the Space Shuttle Program to transport external fuel tanks over 900 miles of inland and open ocean waterways from the Michoud Assembly Facility in Louisiana to Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- As the sun rises over the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, tugboats tow the Pegasus Barge from the dock in the Turn Basin to a more secure mooring area. The barge is 266 ft long and 50 ft wide and has been used by the Space Shuttle Program to transport external fuel tanks over 900 miles of inland and open ocean waterways from the Michoud Assembly Facility in Louisiana to Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A tugboat maneuvers the Pegasus barge into the dock in the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The barge is carrying the external tank for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-123 mission. After offloading, the tank will be transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building. Endeavour is targeted for launch to the International Space Station on Feb. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Tugboats maneuver the Pegasus barge toward the dock in the turn basin of the Launch Complex 39 Area. The barge is carrying external tank No. 125. After it is offloaded, the tank will be moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building. The external tank will be used on space shuttle Atlantis for mission STS-122 targeted for launch on Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder
Workers prepare to attach a sling to the space shuttle Enterprise in order to lift it off of a barge and onto the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum where it will be permanently displayed, Wednesday, June 6, 2012 in New York. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
The space shuttle Enterprise is towed by barge next to the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum where it will lifted onto the flight deck to be placed on permanent display, Wednesday, June 6, 2012 in New York. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
The space shuttle Enterprise is towed by barge next to the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum where it will lifted onto the flight deck to be placed on permanent display, Wednesday, June 6, 2012 in New York. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A tugboat pulls the Pegasus Barge through the Banana River after leaving NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The 266-foot-long and 50-foot-wide barge will be towed by NASA's Freedom Star ship to deliver space shuttle main engine (SSME) ground support equipment to Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Miss. Since being delivered to NASA in 1999, Pegasus sailed 41 times and transported 31 shuttle external fuel tanks from Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans to Kennedy. To the right of the tugboat in the background is the Vehicle Assembly Building. The barge is leaving Kennedy, perhaps for the final time. Both the barge and shuttle equipment will remain in storage until their specific future uses are determined. The SSMEs themselves will be transported to Stennis separately for use with the agency's new heavy-lift rocket, the Space Launch System. The work is part of the Space Shuttle Program’s transition and retirement processing. For more information about Shuttle Transition and Retirement, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/transition/home/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
A yellow sling is lowered onto space shuttle Enterprise, which sits atop NASA's 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) prior to it being demated a few hours later at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York, Saturday, May 12, 2012. The shuttle will be placed on a barge that will move by tugboat up the Hudson River to Intrepid in June. The shuttle will be lifted by crane and placed on the flight deck of the Intrepid, where it will be on exhibit to the public starting this summer in a temporary climate-controlled pavilion. Photo Credit: (NASA/Kim Shiflet)
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- External tank No. 120 is ready to be offloaded from the Pegasus barge, which is docked at the Launch Complex 39 Area turn basin. The tank will be moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell. The barge carried the tank from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans, making the journey around the Florida peninsula in tow by the JA Bisso II tugboat, to Port Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center. After the tank is offloaded, it will be towed to the Vehicle Assembly Building for lifting into a checkout cell. ET-120 will be used for launching Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-120 in October. NASA/Amanda Diller
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A tugboat slides into place next to the Pegasus barge in the Turn Basin to move it into the channel on its way to Port Canaveral. The Pegasus is leaving NASA Kennedy Space Center for the Michoud Assembly Plant in Mississippi to get the external tank for the next shuttle mission, STS-121. To make the round trip from the port, the barge is towed by one of the solid rocket booster retrieval ships. The tank has been undergoing inspection and maintenance at the assembly plant. Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled to launch in May. Photo credit: NASA/Debbie Kiger
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A tugboat slides into place next to the Pegasus barge in the Turn Basin, located near the Vehicle Assembly Building (at left) to move it into the channel on its way to Port Canaveral. The Pegasus is leaving NASA Kennedy Space Center for the Michoud Assembly Plant in Mississippi to get the external tank for the next shuttle mission, STS-121. To make the round trip from the port, the barge is towed by one of the solid rocket booster retrieval ships. The tank has been undergoing inspection and maintenance at the assembly plant. Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled to launch in May. Photo credit: NASA/Debbie Kiger
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tugboats maneuver the Pegasus barge into place at the dock in the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Pegasus, carrying the external tank 130, arrived in Florida after an ocean voyage towed by a solid rocket booster retrieval ship from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. The fuel tank will be offloaded and transported to the VAB. External tank 130 is the one designated for space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission targeted for launch on May 15. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tugboats maneuver the Pegasus barge close to the dock in the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Pegasus, carrying the external tank 130, arrived in Florida after an ocean voyage towed by a solid rocket booster retrieval ship from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. The fuel tank will be offloaded and transported to the VAB. External tank 130 is the one designated for space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission targeted for launch on May 15. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder
NASA and United Space Alliance workers lower a yellow sling onto space shuttle Enterprise, which sits atop NASA's 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) prior to it being demated a few hours later at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York, Saturday, May 12, 2012. Once the sling was firmly attached early Sunday morning, Enterprise was lifted from the SCA. The shuttle will be placed on a barge that will move by tugboat up the Hudson River to Intrepid in June. The shuttle will be lifted by crane and placed on the flight deck of the Intrepid, where it will be on exhibit to the public starting this summer in a temporary climate-controlled pavilion. Photo Credit: (NASA/Kim Shiflet)
Space shuttle Enterprise, mounted atop a NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), is seen as it flies over the Manhattan Skyline with Freedom Tower in the background, Friday, April 27, 2012, in New York. Enterprise was the first shuttle orbiter built for NASA performing test flights in the atmosphere and was incapable of spaceflight. Originally housed at the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Enterprise will be demated from the SCA and placed on a barge that will eventually be moved by tugboat up the Hudson River to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in June. Photo Credit: (NASA/Robert Markowitz)
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Tugboats in front and behind maneuver the Pegasus barge in the Turn Basin toward the Banana River and Port Canaveral. The Pegasus is leaving NASA Kennedy Space Center for the Michoud Assembly Plant in Mississippi to get the external tank for the next shuttle mission, STS-121. To make the round trip from the port, the barge is towed by one of the solid rocket booster retrieval ships. The tank has been undergoing inspection and maintenance at the assembly plant. Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled to launch in May. Photo credit: NASA/Debbie Kiger
Space shuttle Enterprise is held aloft by a yellow sling and a set of cranes after it was removed from the top of NASA's 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft early Sunday morning at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York, Sunday, May 13, 2012 .The 747 was towed backwards so that Enterprise could be lowered. The shuttle will be placed on a barge that will move by tugboat up the Hudson River to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in June. The shuttle will be lifted by crane and placed on the flight deck of the Intrepid, where it will be on exhibit to the public starting this summer in a temporary climate-controlled pavilion. Photo Credit: (NASA/Kim Shiflet)
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Just after dawn, an alligator (in the foreground) watches as a tugboat pushes the Pegasus barge away from the dock at the Turn Basin in the Launch Complex 39 area. The barge is carrying external tank 119 (ET-119) and will be towed by the solid rocket booster retrieval ship Freedom Star to NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. Delivered to Kennedy in June, ET-119 is the third newly redesigned tank and is the only tank that contains the liquid oxygen heater. The tank is being returned to Michoud for testing and further modifications. ET-119 will be the tank used on return to flight mission STS-121.
The space shuttle Enterprise, mounted on transport vehicle, is backed into a temporary hangar after being demated from the NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in Jamica, New York, Sunday, May 13, 2012. Enterprise will be placed on a barge that will move by tugboat up the Hudson River to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in June. The shuttle will be lifted by crane and placed on the flight deck of the Intrepid, where it will be on exhibit to the public starting this summer in a temporary climate-controlled pavilion. Photo Credit: (NASA/Kim Shiflet)
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Tugboats maneuver the Pegasus barge toward the dock in the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area in NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Onboard the barge is the external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. After docking, the tank 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
Space shuttle Enterprise, mounted atop a NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), is seen as it flies near the Empire State Building, Friday, April 27, 2012, in New York. Enterprise was the first shuttle orbiter built for NASA performing test flights in the atmosphere and was incapable of spaceflight. Originally housed at the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Enterprise will be demated from the SCA and placed on a barge that will eventually be moved by tugboat up the Hudson River to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in June. Photo Credit: (NASA/Robert Markowitz)
Space shuttle Enterprise, mounted atop a NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), is seen as it flies near the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline, Friday, April 27, 2012, in New York. Enterprise was the first shuttle orbiter built for NASA performing test flights in the atmosphere and was incapable of spaceflight. Originally housed at the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Enterprise will be demated from the SCA and placed on a barge that will eventually be moved by tugboat up the Hudson River to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in June. Photo Credit: (NASA/Robert Markowitz)
NASA's 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), with space shuttle Enterprise latched on its back, is towed from the hangar at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York late in the night on Saturday, May 12, 2012. Early Sunday morning, Enterprise was removed from the SCA. The shuttle will be placed on a barge that will move by tugboat up the Hudson River to Intrepid in June. The shuttle will be lifted by crane and placed on the flight deck of the Intrepid, where it will be on exhibit to the public starting this summer in a temporary climate-controlled pavilion. Photo Credit: (NASA/Kim Shiflet)
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Tugboats in front and behind maneuver the Pegasus barge in the Turn Basin on its way to Port Canaveral. The Pegasus is leaving NASA Kennedy Space Center for the Michoud Assembly Plant in Mississippi to get the external tank for the next shuttle mission, STS-121. To make the round trip from the port, the barge is towed by one of the solid rocket booster retrieval ships. The tank has been undergoing inspection and maintenance at the assembly plant. Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled to launch in May. Photo credit: NASA/Debbie Kiger
Space shuttle Enterprise, mounted atop a NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), is seen as it takes off for New York from Washington Dulles International Airport, Friday, April 27, 2012, in Sterling, VA. Enterprise was the first shuttle orbiter built for NASA performing test flights in the atmosphere and was incapable of spaceflight. Originally housed at the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Enterprise will be demated from the SCA and placed on a barge that will eventually be moved by tugboat up the Hudson River to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in June. Photo Credit: (NASA/Scott Andrews)
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Calm waters in the Launch Complex 39 Area turn basin provide smooth transit for the Pegasus barge, carrying external tank No. 120. The tank will be used for launching Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-120 in October. The barge has carried the tank from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans, making the journey around the Florida peninsula in tow by the JA Bisso II tugboat, to Port Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center. After the tank is offloaded, it will be towed to the Vehicle Assembly Building for lifting into a checkout cell. NASA/Amanda Diller
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- External tank No. 120 is offloaded from the Pegasus barge, which is docked at the Launch Complex 39 Area turn basin. The tank will be moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell. The barge carried the tank from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans, making the journey around the Florida peninsula in tow by the JA Bisso II tugboat, to Port Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center. ET-120 will be used for launching Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-120 in October. NASA/Amanda Diller
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Liberty Star (left) tows the Pegasus barge through Port Canaveral, the last leg of its journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to Kennedy Space Center. The barge carries the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115. A tugboat will continue the journey upriver to the Turn Basin where, after off-loading, the tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-118, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
Space shuttle Enterprise, mounted atop a NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), is seen as it flies over John F. Kennedy Airport, Friday, April 27, 2012, in New York. Enterprise was the first shuttle orbiter built for NASA performing test flights in the atmosphere and was incapable of spaceflight. Originally housed at the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Enterprise will be demated from the SCA and placed on a barge that will eventually be moved by tugboat up the Hudson River to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in June. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Tugboats maneuver NASA's Pegasus barge into to the Turn Basin dock at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The barge contains the external fuel tank, designated ET-133, that will be used for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission. The tank will be offloaded and moved into a high bay in the Vehicle Assembly Building for checkout. The tank was shipped aboard the Pegasus from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. Pegasus was towed to Port Canaveral by the Freedom Star Retrieval Ship. Launch of Atlantis is targeted for November. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs
Space shuttle Enterprise, mounted atop a NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), is seen off in the distance behind the Statue of Liberty, Friday, April 27, 2012, in New York. Enterprise was the first shuttle orbiter built for NASA performing test flights in the atmosphere and was incapable of spaceflight. Originally housed at the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Enterprise will be demated from the SCA and placed on a barge that will eventually be moved by tugboat up the Hudson River to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in June. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Space shuttle Enterprise, mounted atop a NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), is seen as it flies over the Verrazano Bridge, Friday, April 27, 2012, in New York. Enterprise was the first shuttle orbiter built for NASA performing test flights in the atmosphere and was incapable of spaceflight. Originally housed at the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Enterprise will be demated from the SCA and placed on a barge that will eventually be moved by tugboat up the Hudson River to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in June. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- Two tugboats maneuver the Pegasus barge toward the dock in the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The barge is carrying external tank No. 128 for space shuttle Discovery's STS-124 mission. After offloading, the tank will be transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building, at left. On the STS-124 mission, Discovery will transport the Kibo Japanese Experiment Module - Pressurized Module and the Japanese Remote Manipulator System to the International Space Station. Discovery is targeted for launch on May 25. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- Two tugboats maneuver the Pegasus barge toward the dock in the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The barge is carrying external tank No. 128 for space shuttle Discovery's STS-124 mission. After offloading, the tank will be transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building. On the STS-124 mission, Discovery will transport the Kibo Japanese Experiment Module - Pressurized Module and the Japanese Remote Manipulator System to the International Space Station. Discovery is targeted for launch on May 25. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis
Space shuttle Enterprise, mounted atop a NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), is seen prior to taking off for New York from Washington Dulles International Airport, Friday, April 27, 2012, in Sterling, VA. Enterprise was the first shuttle orbiter built for NASA performing test flights in the atmosphere and was incapable of spaceflight. Originally housed at the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Enterprise will be demated from the SCA and placed on a barge that will eventually be moved by tugboat up the Hudson River to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in June. Photo Credit: (NASA/Scott Andrews)
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Pegasus barge containing the external fuel tank for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station is towed by a tugboat from Port Canaveral, Fla., for its trip on the Banana River to the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The tank will be offloaded at the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building and transported to the VAB. There it will be lifted and lowered into a checkout cell. 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/Kim Shiflett
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- External tank No. 120 is offloaded from the Pegasus barge, which is docked at the Launch Complex 39 Area turn basin. The tank will be moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell. The barge carried the tank from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans, making the journey around the Florida peninsula in tow by the JA Bisso II tugboat, to Port Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center. ET-120 will be used for launching Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-120 in October. NASA/Amanda Diller
Space shuttle Enterprise, mounted atop a NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), is seen as it flies over the Hudson River, Friday, April 27, 2012, in New York. Enterprise was the first shuttle orbiter built for NASA performing test flights in the atmosphere and was incapable of spaceflight. Originally housed at the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Enterprise will be demated from the SCA and placed on a barge that will eventually be moved by tugboat up the Hudson River to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in June. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Tugboats maneuver NASA's Pegasus barge next to the Turn Basin dock at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The barge contains the external fuel tank, designated ET-133, that will be used for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission. The tank will be offloaded and moved into a high bay in the Vehicle Assembly Building for checkout. The tank will be offloaded and moved into a high bay in the Vehicle Assembly Building for checkout. The tank was shipped aboard the Pegasus from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. Pegasus was towed to Port Canaveral by the Freedom Star Retrieval Ship. Launch of Atlantis is targeted for November. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Liberty Star tows the Pegasus barge to Port Canaveral, the last leg of its journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to Kennedy Space Center. The barge carries the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115. A tugboat will continue the journey upriver to the Turn Basin where, after off-loading, the tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-118, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Towed by tugboats, the Pegasus barge with its cargo of external tank 130 nears the dock in the turn basis near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Pegasus arrived in Florida after an ocean voyage towed by a solid rocket booster retrieval ship from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. After the Pegasus docks, the fuel tank will be offloaded and transported to the VAB. External tank 130 is the one designated for space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission targeted for launch on May 15. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder
The space shuttle Enterprise is lowered onto a transport vehicle after being demated from the NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in Jamica, New York, Sunday, May 13, 2012. The shuttle will be placed on a barge that will move by tugboat up the Hudson River to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in June. The shuttle will be lifted by crane and placed on the flight deck of the Intrepid, where it will be on exhibit to the public starting this summer in a temporary climate-controlled pavilion. Photo Credit: (NASA/Kim Shiflet)
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pegasus barge is towed into the Launch Complex 39 Area turn basin. The cargo onboard is external tank No. 120, to be used for launching Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-120 in October. The barge has carried the tank from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans, making the journey around the Florida peninsula in tow by the JA Bisso II tugboat to Port Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center. After the tank is offloaded, it will be towed to the Vehicle Assembly Building for lifting into a checkout cell. NASA/Amanda Diller
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pegasus barge is secure at the dock in the Launch Complex 39 Area turn basin after the last leg of its journey from Port Canaveral. Inside Pegasus can be seen its cargo: external tank No. 120, to be used for launching Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-120 in October. The barge has carried the tank from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans, making the journey around the Florida peninsula in tow by the JA Bisso II tugboat, to Port Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center. After the tank is offloaded, it will be towed to the Vehicle Assembly Building for lifting into a checkout cell. NASA/Amanda Diller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Towed by tugboats, the Pegasus barge with its cargo of external tank 130 nears the dock in the turn basis near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Pegasus arrived in Florida after an ocean voyage towed by a solid rocket booster retrieval ship from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. After the Pegasus docks, the fuel tank will be offloaded and transported to the VAB. External tank 130 is the one designated for space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission targeted for launch on May 15. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder
Space shuttle Enterprise, mounted atop a NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), is seen prior to taking off for New York from Washington Dulles International Airport, Friday, April 27, 2012, in Sterling, VA. Enterprise was the first shuttle orbiter built for NASA performing test flights in the atmosphere and was incapable of spaceflight. Originally housed at the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Enterprise will be demated from the SCA and placed on a barge that will eventually be moved by tugboat up the Hudson River to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in June. Photo Credit: (NASA/Scott Andrews)
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Liberty Star (left) tows the Pegasus barge through Port Canaveral, the last leg of its journey from the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans to Kennedy Space Center. The barge carries the redesigned external fuel tank that will launch Space Shuttle Atlantis on the next shuttle mission, STS-115. A tugboat will continue the journey upriver to the Turn Basin where, after off-loading, the tank will be moved into the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into a checkout cell for further work. The tank, designated ET-118, will fly with many major safety changes, including the removal of the protuberance air load ramps. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
Space shuttle Enterprise, mounted atop a NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), is seen as it takes off for New York from Washington Dulles International Airport, Friday, April 27, 2012, in Sterling, VA. Enterprise was the first shuttle orbiter built for NASA performing test flights in the atmosphere and was incapable of spaceflight. Originally housed at the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Enterprise will be demated from the SCA and placed on a barge that will eventually be moved by tugboat up the Hudson River to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in June. Photo Credit: (NASA/Smithsonian Institution/Mark Avino)
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Pegasus barge containing the external fuel tank for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station is towed by a tugboat from Port Canaveral, Fla., for its trip on the Banana River to the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The tank will be offloaded at the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building and transported to the VAB. There it will be lifted and lowered into a checkout cell. 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/Kim Shiflett
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tugboats move the Pegasus barge carrying external tank 130 through the Banana River toward the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Pegasus arrived in Florida after an ocean voyage towed by a solid rocket booster retrieval ship from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. After the Pegasus docks, the fuel tank will be offloaded and transported to the VAB. External tank 130 is the one designated for space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission targeted for launch on May 15. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder
Space shuttle Enterprise, mounted atop a NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), is seen as it flies over the Hudson River, Friday, April 27, 2012, in New York. Enterprise was the first shuttle orbiter built for NASA performing test flights in the atmosphere and was incapable of spaceflight. Originally housed at the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Enterprise will be demated from the SCA and placed on a barge that will eventually be moved by tugboat up the Hudson River to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in June. Photo Credit: (NASA/Matt Hedges)
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Towed by a tugboat, the Pegasus barge containing the external fuel tank for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station arrives in the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The tank will be offloaded at the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building and transported to the VAB. There it will be lifted and lowered into a checkout cell. 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/Kim Shiflett
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Two tugboats maneuver the Pegasus barge toward the dock in the turn basin at the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The barge contains the external fuel tank for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 mission to the International Space Station. The tank will be offloaded at the turn basin near the Vehicle Assembly Building and transported to the VAB. There it will be lifted and lowered into a checkout cell. 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/Kim Shiflett
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- A tugboat tows the Pegasus barge through the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The flag at right signifies that space shuttle Endeavour is still on orbit on the STS-123 mission. The barge is carrying external tank No. 128 for space shuttle Discovery's STS-124 mission. After offloading, the tank will be transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building. On the STS-124 mission, Discovery will transport the Kibo Japanese Experiment Module - Pressurized Module and the Japanese Remote Manipulator System to the International Space Station. Discovery is targeted for launch on May 25. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A transporter moves external tank No. 120 away from the Pegasus barge, which is docked at the Launch Complex 39 Area turn basin. The tank is being moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building and will be lifted into a checkout cell. The barge carried the tank from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans, making the journey around the Florida peninsula in tow by the JA Bisso II tugboat, to Port Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center. ET-120 will be used for launching Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-120 in October. NASA/Amanda Diller
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Tugboats maneuver NASA's Pegasus barge next to the Turn Basin dock at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The barge contains the external fuel tank, designated ET-133, that will be used for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission. The tank will be offloaded and moved into a high bay in the Vehicle Assembly Building for checkout. The tank was shipped aboard the Pegasus from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans. Pegasus was towed to Port Canaveral by the Freedom Star Retrieval Ship. Launch of Atlantis is targeted for November. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs
NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver speaks Friday, April 27, 2012, during the transfer ceremony for space shuttle Enterprise at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York. Enterprise was the first shuttle orbiter built for NASA performing test flights in the atmosphere and was incapable of spaceflight. Originally housed at the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Enterprise will be demated from the SCA and placed on a barge that will eventually be moved by tugboat up the Hudson River to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in June. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Tugboats maneuver NASA's Pegasus barge next to the Turn Basin dock at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The barge contains the external fuel tank, designated ET-133, that will be used for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission. The tank will be offloaded and moved into a high bay in the Vehicle Assembly Building, at left, for checkout. The tank was shipped aboard the Pegasus from NASA's Michould Assembly Facility near New Orleans. Pegasus was towed to Port Canaveral by the Freedom Star Retrieval Ship. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Tugboats maneuver the Pegasus barge toward the dock in the turn basin in the Launch Complex 39 Area in NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Onboard the barge is the external fuel tank for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. After docking, the tank 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
CAPTION: ---------------------------- Space shuttle Enterprise, mounted atop a NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), is seen as it flies near the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, Friday, April 27, 2012, in New York. Enterprise was the first shuttle orbiter built for NASA performing test flights in the atmosphere and was incapable of spaceflight. Originally housed at the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Enterprise will be demated from the SCA and placed on a barge that will eventually be moved by tugboat up the Hudson River to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in June. Photo Credit: (NASA/Robert Markowitz)
Space shuttle Enterprise, mounted atop a NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), is seen as it flies over the Hudson River, Friday, April 27, 2012, in New York. Enterprise was the first shuttle orbiter built for NASA performing test flights in the atmosphere and was incapable of spaceflight. Originally housed at the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Enterprise will be demated from the SCA and placed on a barge that will eventually be moved by tugboat up the Hudson River to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in June. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Tugboats maneuver NASA's Pegasus barge toward the Turn Basin dock at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The barge contains the external fuel tank, designated ET-133, that will be used for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission. After Pegasus is docked, the tank will be offloaded and moved into a high bay in the Vehicle Assembly Building for checkout. The tank was shipped aboard the Pegasus from NASA's Michould Assembly Facility near New Orleans. Pegasus was towed to Port Canaveral by the Freedom Star Retrieval Ship. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Tugboats in front and behind maneuver the Pegasus barge out of the Turn Basin into the Banana River on its way to Port Canaveral. The Pegasus is leaving NASA Kennedy Space Center for the Michoud Assembly Plant in Mississippi to get the external tank for the next shuttle mission, STS-121. To make the round trip from the port, the barge is towed by one of the solid rocket booster retrieval ships. The tank has been undergoing inspection and maintenance at the assembly plant. Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled to launch in May. Photo credit: NASA/Debbie Kiger
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pegasus barge, at right, is towed toward the landing dock in the Launch Complex 39 Area. The barge carries external tank No. 120, to be used for launching Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-120 in October. At left is the Vehicle Assembly Building. The barge has carried the tank from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans, making the journey around the Florida peninsula in tow by the JA Bisso II tugboat, to Port Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center. After the tank is offloaded, it will be towed to the Vehicle Assembly Building for lifting into a checkout cell. NASA/Amanda Diller
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Pegasus barge is towed into the Launch Complex 39 Area turn basin. The cargo onboard is external tank No. 120, to be used for launching Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-120 in October. The barge has carried the tank from the Michoud Assembly Facility near New Orleans, making the journey around the Florida peninsula in tow by the JA Bisso II tugboat to Port Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center. After the tank is offloaded, it will be towed to the Vehicle Assembly Building for lifting into a checkout cell. NASA/Amanda Diller
Space shuttle Enterprise, mounted atop a NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), is seen as it flies near the Statue of Liberty, Friday, April 27, 2012, in New York. Enterprise was the first shuttle orbiter built for NASA performing test flights in the atmosphere and was incapable of spaceflight. Originally housed at the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Enterprise will be demated from the SCA and placed on a barge that will eventually be moved by tugboat up the Hudson River to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in June. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Space shuttle Enterprise, mounted atop a NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), is seen as it taxis at John F. Kennedy Airport, Friday, April 27, 2012, in New York. Enterprise was the first shuttle orbiter built for NASA performing test flights in the atmosphere and was incapable of spaceflight. Originally housed at the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Enterprise will be demated from the SCA and placed on a barge that will eventually be moved by tugboat up the Hudson River to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in June. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)
The space shuttle Enterprise, mounted on transport vehicle, is backed into a temporary hangar after being demated from the NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in Jamica, New York, Sunday, May 13, 2012. Enterprise will be placed on a barge that will move by tugboat up the Hudson River to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in June. The shuttle will be lifted by crane and placed on the flight deck of the Intrepid, where it will be on exhibit to the public starting this summer in a temporary climate-controlled pavilion. Photo Credit: (NASA/Kim Shiflet)
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Tugboats maneuver NASA's Pegasus barge toward the Turn Basin dock at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The barge contains the external fuel tank, designated ET-133, that will be used for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission. After Pegasus is docked, the tank will be offloaded and moved into a high bay in the Vehicle Assembly Building, at left, for checkout. The tank was shipped aboard the Pegasus from NASA's Michould Assembly Facility near New Orleans. Pegasus was towed to Port Canaveral by the Freedom Star Retrieval Ship. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A tugboat pulls the Pegasus Barge carrying the Space Shuttle Program's last external fuel tank, ET-122, toward NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The tank traveled 900 miles by sea from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. After reaching the Turn Basin at Kennedy, the tank will be offloaded and moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building where it eventually will be attached to space shuttle Endeavour for the STS-134 mission to the International Space Station. STS-134, targeted to launch in Feb. 2011, currently is scheduled to be the last mission in the Space Shuttle Program. The tank, which is the largest element of the space shuttle stack, was damaged during Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 and restored to flight configuration by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company employees. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann