03pd2225

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-07-23

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. – This view shows much of the Launch Complex 39 Area looking north. At center is the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building. Other buildings surrounding it are (counter clockwise from left) the Orbiter Processing Facility, Multi-Function Facility, Operations Support Building and Launch Control Center (next to VAB). The crawlerway leads from the VAB toward the launch pads. In the background are the waters of the Banana Creek.

Launch and Landing Effects Ground Operations (LLEGO) Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2008-01-01

LLEGO is a model for understanding recurring launch and landing operations costs at Kennedy Space Center for human space flight. Launch and landing operations are often referred to as ground processing, or ground operations. Currently, this function is specific to the ground operations for the Space Shuttle Space Transportation System within the Space Shuttle Program. The Constellation system to follow the Space Shuttle consists of the crewed Orion spacecraft atop an Ares I launch vehicle and the uncrewed Ares V cargo launch vehicle. The Constellation flight and ground systems build upon many elements of the existing Shuttle flight and ground hardware, as well as upon existing organizations and processes. In turn, the LLEGO model builds upon past ground operations research, modeling, data, and experience in estimating for future programs. Rather than to simply provide estimates, the LLEGO model s main purpose is to improve expenses by relating complex relationships among functions (ground operations contractor, subcontractors, civil service technical, center management, operations, etc.) to tangible drivers. Drivers include flight system complexity and reliability, as well as operations and supply chain management processes and technology. Together these factors define the operability and potential improvements for any future system, from the most direct to the least direct expenses.

03pd2224

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-07-23

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. – This view shows much of the Launch Complex 39 Area stretching beyond the Turn Basin in the foreground. At center is the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building, with the starting and endpoint of the crawlerway that leads to both launch pads. The low building attached to the VAB is the Launch Control Center. At center left is the Operations and Support Building. At upper right can be seen the Runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility. Surrounding waters are part of Banana Creek.

KSC-03pd2224

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-07-23

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This view shows much of the Launch Complex 39 Area stretching beyond the Turn Basin in the foreground. At center is the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building, with the starting and endpoint of the crawlerway that leads to both launch pads. The low building attached to the VAB is the Launch Control Center. At center left is the Operations and Support Building. At upper right can be seen the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility. Surrounding waters are part of Banana Creek. Photo credit: NASA

69. DETAIL OF OPERATIONS AND CHECKOUT (POWER CONTROL AND MONITOR ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

69. DETAIL OF OPERATIONS AND CHECKOUT (POWER CONTROL AND MONITOR PANEL) AND RANGE SAFETY (DESTRUCT SYSTEM CONTROL MONITOR PANEL) PANELS IN SLC-3E CONTROL ROOM - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

Saturn V Vehicle for the Apollo 4 Mission in the Vehicle Assembly Building

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1967-01-01

This photograph depicts the Saturn V vehicle (SA-501) for the Apollo 4 mission in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). After the completion of the assembly operation, the work platform was retracted and the vehicle was readied to rollout from the VAB to the launch pad. The Apollo 4 mission was the first launch of the Saturn V launch vehicle. Objectives of the unmanned Apollo 4 test flight were to obtain flight information on launch vehicle and spacecraft structural integrity and compatibility, flight loads, stage separation, and subsystems operation including testing of restart of the S-IVB stage, and to evaluate the Apollo command module heat shield. The Apollo 4 was launched on November 9, 1967 from KSC.

STS 51-G crewmembers depart KSC's operations and checkout building

NASA Image and Video Library

1985-05-20

51G-S-117 (17 June 1985) --- 51-G crewmembers depart the Kennedy Space Center's operations and checkout building on their way to the launch pad for the launch of the Discovery. Leading the seven are Daniel C. Brandenstein, commander; and John O. Creighton, pilot. Following are Payload specialist Sultan Salman Abdelazize Al-Saud; John M. Fabian, mission specialist; Patrick Baudry, payload specialist; Shannon Lucid and Steven R. Nagel, mission specialists.

12. DETAIL OF WEST END OF CENTRAL ATLAS CONTROL CONSOLE ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

12. DETAIL OF WEST END OF CENTRAL ATLAS CONTROL CONSOLE IN SLC-3W CONTROL ROOM SHOWING LAUNCH CONDUCTOR AND ASSISTANT LAUNCH CONDUCTOR PANELS - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

KSC-06pd0545

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-03-24

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Bill Parsons explains the significance of the Operations Support Building II (behind him) to guests at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Operations Support Building II is an Agency safety and health initiative project to replace 198,466 square feet of substandard modular housing and trailers in the Launch Complex 39 area at Kennedy Space Center. The five-story building, which sits south of the Vehicle Assembly Building and faces the launch pads, includes 960 office spaces, 16 training rooms, computer and multimedia conference rooms, a Mission Conference Center with an observation deck, technical libraries, an Exchange store, storage, break areas, and parking. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

03pd2227

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-07-23

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. – This view shows much of the Launch Complex 39 Area stretching beyond the Turn Basin in the foreground. The largest building is the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building. In front of it is the Launch Control Center. Behind and to the left of the VAB are the Orbiter Processing Facility bays. At left are the Multi-Function Facility and Operations Support Building. At left of the Turn Basin is the Press Site, which comprises the NASA News Center, grandstand, TV studio and media buildings.

67. DETAIL OF VIDEO CAMERA CONTROL PANEL LOCATED IMMEDIATELY WEST ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

67. DETAIL OF VIDEO CAMERA CONTROL PANEL LOCATED IMMEDIATELY WEST OF ASSISTANT LAUNCH CONDUCTOR PANEL SHOWN IN CA-133-1-A-66 - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

13. DETAIL OF CENTER OF CENTRAL CONTROL CONSOLE IN SLC3W ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

13. DETAIL OF CENTER OF CENTRAL CONTROL CONSOLE IN SLC-3W CONTROL ROOM SHOWING USAF LAUNCH CONTROLLER AND ASSISTANT USAF LAUNCH CONTROLLER PANELS. CONSOLES AND CHAIRS NEAR NORTH WALL IN BACKGROUND. - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

2017 ASCAN Tour of KSC

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-05-02

The 2017 class of astronaut candidates are at United Launch Alliance's Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) in Florida for a familiarization tour. They also toured facilities at Kennedy Space Center, including the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay; the Launch Control Center, Launch Complex 39B, the Vehicle Assembly Building, Boeing's Commercial Crew and Cargo Facility, and SpaceX's Launch Complex 39A. The candidates will spend about two years getting to know the space station systems and learning how to spacewalk, speak Russian, control the International Space Station's robotic arm and fly T-38s, before they're eligible to be assigned to a mission.

Overall view from south to north of remote sprint launch ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

Overall view from south to north of remote sprint launch sprint launch site #3. Remote launch operations building on left, exclusion area sentry station at distant center, and limited area sentry station on right - Stanley R. Mickelsen Safeguard Complex, Remote Sprint Launch Site No. 3, North of State Route 5, approximately 10 miles Southwest of Walhalla, ND, Nekoma, Cavalier County, ND

KSC-06pd0546

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-03-24

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Scott Kerr, director of Engineering Development at Kennedy Space Center, addresses guests at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Operations Support Building II (behind him). He and other key Center personnel and guests attended the significant event. The Operations Support Building II is an Agency safety and health initiative project to replace 198,466 square feet of substandard modular housing and trailers in the Launch Complex 39 area at Kennedy Space Center. The five-story building, which sits south of the Vehicle Assembly Building and faces the launch pads, includes 960 office spaces, 16 training rooms, computer and multimedia conference rooms, a Mission Conference Center with an observation deck, technical libraries, an Exchange store, storage, break areas, and parking. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KSC-06pd0544

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-03-24

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Bill Parsons talks to guests at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Operations Support Building II (behind him). He and other key Center personnel and guests attended the significant event. The Operations Support Building II is an Agency safety and health initiative project to replace 198,466 square feet of substandard modular housing and trailers in the Launch Complex 39 area at Kennedy Space Center. The five-story building, which sits south of the Vehicle Assembly Building and faces the launch pads, includes 960 office spaces, 16 training rooms, computer and multimedia conference rooms, a Mission Conference Center with an observation deck, technical libraries, an Exchange store, storage, break areas, and parking. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

Managing computer-controlled operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Plowden, J. B.

1985-01-01

A detailed discussion of Launch Processing System Ground Software Production is presented to establish the interrelationships of firing room resource utilization, configuration control, system build operations, and Shuttle data bank management. The production of a test configuration identifier is traced from requirement generation to program development. The challenge of the operational era is to implement fully automated utilities to interface with a resident system build requirements document to eliminate all manual intervention in the system build operations. Automatic update/processing of Shuttle data tapes will enhance operations during multi-flow processing.

2. AERIAL VIEW OF SLC3 FROM THE NORTH. SLC3W IN ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

2. AERIAL VIEW OF SLC-3 FROM THE NORTH. SLC-3W IN FOREGROUND; SLC-3E IN BACKGROUND. LAUNCH OPERATIONS BUILDING (LOB; BLDG. 763) AND CABLE TRAYS BETWEEN LOB AND THE PADS VISIBLE IMMEDIATELY EAST (LEFT) OF THE PADS. VEHICLE SUPPORT BUILDING (BLDG. 766) LOCATED EAST OF ROAD IN LEFT FOREGROUND. TECHNICAL SUPPORT BUILDING (BLDG. 762/762A) AND SLC-3 AIR FORCE BUILDING (BLDG. 761) VISIBLE EAST OF LOG IN LEFT BACKGROUND. - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

32. DETAIL OF PRESSURE GAUGE INSTALLED ON BUNKER PERISCOPE IN ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

32. DETAIL OF PRESSURE GAUGE INSTALLED ON BUNKER PERISCOPE IN 1991 - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

Apollo 9 crew leaves Spacecraft Operations Building during countdown

NASA Image and Video Library

1969-03-03

S69-25883 (3 March 1969) --- The Apollo 9 crew leaves the Kennedy Space Center's Manned Spacecraft Operations Building during the Apollo 9 prelaunch countdown. Leading is astronaut James A. McDivitt, commander; followed by astronaut David R. Scott, command module pilot; and Russell L. Schweickart, lunar module pilot. Moments later they entered the special transfer van which transported them to their waiting spacecraft at Pad A, Launch Complex 39. Apollo 9 was launched at 11 a.m. (EST), March 3, 1969, on a 10-day Earth-orbital mission.

10. PAYLOAD CONTROL CONSOLE NEAR SOUTH WALL OF SLC3W CONTROL ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

10. PAYLOAD CONTROL CONSOLE NEAR SOUTH WALL OF SLC-3W CONTROL ROOM. DECALS ON CONSOLE IN FOREGROUND INDICATE PAYLOAD PROGRAMS LAUNCHED FROM SLC-3W. - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

16. DETAIL OF SOUTH END OF ATLAS CONTROL CONSOLE NEAR ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

16. DETAIL OF SOUTH END OF ATLAS CONTROL CONSOLE NEAR WEST WALL OF SLC-3W CONTROL ROOM SHOWING CONTROLS FOR STILL CAMERAS POSITIONED AROUND THE LAUNCH PAD - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

9. PAYLOAD CONTROL CONSOLE NEAR EAST WALL OF SLC3W CONTROL ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

9. PAYLOAD CONTROL CONSOLE NEAR EAST WALL OF SLC-3W CONTROL ROOM. PAYLOAD CONTROLS INSTALLED IN CONSOLE BY THE PAYLOAD SPONSOR PRIOR TO EACH LAUNCH. - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

104. VIEW OF CABLE RACEWAY BENEATH REMOVABLE FLOOR PANEL IN ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

104. VIEW OF CABLE RACEWAY BENEATH REMOVABLE FLOOR PANEL IN LANDLINE INSTRUMENTATION ROOM - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

48. DETAIL OF REAR OF DEMULTIPLEX PANEL 5 SHOWING COMPONENTS ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

48. DETAIL OF REAR OF DEMULTIPLEX PANEL 5 SHOWING COMPONENTS OF VACUUM-TUBE OSCILLOSCOPE - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

92. VIEW OF CHART RECORDERS AND PERSONAL COMPUTER LINING NORTHEAST ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

92. VIEW OF CHART RECORDERS AND PERSONAL COMPUTER LINING NORTHEAST CORNER OF AUTOPILOT ROOM - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

Aircraft operability methods applied to space launch vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Young, Douglas

1997-01-01

The commercial space launch market requirement for low vehicle operations costs necessitates the application of methods and technologies developed and proven for complex aircraft systems. The ``building in'' of reliability and maintainability, which is applied extensively in the aircraft industry, has yet to be applied to the maximum extent possible on launch vehicles. Use of vehicle system and structural health monitoring, automated ground systems and diagnostic design methods derived from aircraft applications support the goal of achieving low cost launch vehicle operations. Transforming these operability techniques to space applications where diagnostic effectiveness has significantly different metrics is critical to the success of future launch systems. These concepts will be discussed with reference to broad launch vehicle applicability. Lessons learned and techniques used in the adaptation of these methods will be outlined drawing from recent aircraft programs and implementation on phase 1 of the X-33/RLV technology development program.

6. VIEW OF SLC3W CONTROL ROOM (ROOM 105) FROM ITS ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

6. VIEW OF SLC-3W CONTROL ROOM (ROOM 105) FROM ITS SOUTHEAST CORNER - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

83. DETAIL OF HONEYWELL AIRCONDITIONING CONTROLS IN SLC3E CONTROL ROOM ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

83. DETAIL OF HONEYWELL AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROLS IN SLC-3E CONTROL ROOM - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

6. Photographic copy of a photograph taken from pasteup negatives ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

6. Photographic copy of a photograph taken from paste-up negatives for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers document GF-500-MCP, entitled "Grand Forks Site RLS Army Operating Drawings, Master Composite Photographs for SAFEGUARD TSE Systems and Equipment," Page 9, dated 1 September 1974 (original document and negatives in possession of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Huntsville, AL). Photographer unknown. View of remote launch operations building, power generation room #124, showing no-break units NB-1002 (A) and NB-1001 (B). This equipment consisted of a 150 horsepower, d.c. operational motor which drove, on each end of the extended shaft, a 70 kw generator and a 30 kw generator unit. It was designed to provide continuous power service for launch equipment. In particular, the photo is an excellent representation of the shock isolation scheme, as evidenced by the supporting air springs and equipment platform - Stanley R. Mickelsen Safeguard Complex, Remote Launch Operations Building, Near Service Road exit from Patrol Road, Nekoma, Cavalier County, ND

2017 ASCAN Tour of KSC

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-05-01

The 2017 class of astronaut candidates tour Boeing's Commercial Crew and Cargo Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on May 1. They are at the center for a familiarization tour of facilities, including the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay; the Launch Control Center, Launch Complex 39B, and the Vehicle Assembly Building. They also toured United Launch Alliance's Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and SpaceX's Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy. The candidates will spend about two years getting to know the space station systems and learning how to spacewalk, speak Russian, control the International Space Station's robotic arm and fly T-38s, before they're eligible to be assigned to a mission.

2017 ASCAN Tour of KSC

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-05-01

The 2017 class of astronaut candidates arrive at Boeing's Commercial Crew and Cargo Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on May 1. They are at the center for a familiarization tour of facilities, including the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay; the Launch Control Center, Launch Complex 39B, and the Vehicle Assembly Building. They also toured United Launch Alliance's Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, and SpaceX's Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy. The candidates will spend about two years getting to know the space station systems and learning how to spacewalk, speak Russian, control the International Space Station's robotic arm and fly T-38s, before they're eligible to be assigned to a mission.

11. CENTRAL ATLAS CONTROL CONSOLE IN SLC3W CONTROL ROOM. COMMUNICATIONS ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

11. CENTRAL ATLAS CONTROL CONSOLE IN SLC-3W CONTROL ROOM. COMMUNICATIONS HEADSETS IN FOREGROUND. - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

KSC-2014-4140

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-09-25

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Coupled Florida East Coast Railway, or FEC, locomotives No. 433 and No. 428 pass the Vehicle Assembly Building in Launch Complex 39 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on their way to NASA's Locomotive Maintenance Facility. Kennedy's Center Planning and Development Directorate has enlisted the locomotives to support a Rail Vibration Test for the Canaveral Port Authority. The purpose of the test is to collect amplitude, frequency and vibration test data utilizing two Florida East Coast locomotives operating on KSC tracks to ensure that future railroad operations will not affect launch vehicle processing at the center. Buildings instrumented for the test include the Rotation Processing Surge Facility, Thermal Protection Systems Facility, Vehicle Assembly Building, Orbiter Processing Facility and Booster Fabrication Facility. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper

KSC facilities status and planned management operations. [for Shuttle launches

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gray, R. H.; Omalley, T. J.

1979-01-01

A status report is presented on facilities and planned operations at the Kennedy Space Center with reference to Space Shuttle launch activities. The facilities are essentially complete, with all new construction and modifications to existing buildings almost finished. Some activity is still in progress at Pad A and on the Mobile Launcher due to changes in requirements but is not expected to affect the launch schedule. The installation and testing of the ground checkout equipment that will be used to test the flight hardware is now in operation. The Launch Processing System is currently supporting the development of the applications software that will perform the testing of this flight hardware.

KSC-06pd0547

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-03-24

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the new Operations Support Building II is officially in business. Participating in the event are (left to right) Aris Garcia, vice president of the architecture firm Wolfgang Alvarez; Mark Nappi, associate program manager of Ground Operations for United Space Alliance; Donald Minderman, NASA project manager; Scott Kerr, director of Engineering Development at Kennedy; Bill Parsons, deputy director of Kennedy Space Center; Miguel Morales, with NASA Engineering Development; Mike Wetmore, director of Shuttle Processing; and Tim Clancy, president of the construction firm Clancy & Theys. The Operations Support Building II is an Agency safety and health initiative project to replace 198,466 square feet of substandard modular housing and trailers in the Launch Complex 39 area at Kennedy Space Center. The five-story building, which sits south of the Vehicle Assembly Building and faces the launch pads, includes 960 office spaces, 16 training rooms, computer and multimedia conference rooms, a Mission Conference Center with an observation deck, technical libraries, an Exchange store, storage, break areas, and parking. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KSC-04PD-1290

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. Towers and girders are the current construction components on the Operations Support Building (OSB) II in the Launch Complex 39 Area. The new building, which replaces modular housing constructed more than 20 years ago, will house NASA and contractor support staff for shuttle operations. The new structure is projected to be ready in April 2005.

KSC-04PD-1288

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. Another phase of construction is shown on the Operations Support Building (OSB) II in the Launch Complex 39 Area. The new building, which replaces modular housing constructed more than 20 years ago, will house NASA and contractor support staff for shuttle operations. The new structure is projected to be ready in April 2005.

KSC-04PD-1291

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. Towers and girders are the current construction components on the Operations Support Building (OSB) II in the Launch Complex 39 Area. The new building, which replaces modular housing constructed more than 20 years ago, will house NASA and contractor support staff for shuttle operations. The new structure is projected to be ready in April 2005.

KSC-04PD-1289

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. Towers and girders are the current construction components on the Operations Support Building (OSB) II in the Launch Complex 39 Area. The new building, which replaces modular housing constructed more than 20 years ago, will house NASA and contractor support staff for shuttle operations. The new structure is projected to be ready in April 2005.

SRB Stack Training

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-01-30

Crane operators and ground support personnel practice lifting and stacking mock-ups of solid rocket booster (SRB) segments in High Bay 4 inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The training will help workers prepare for SRB stacking operations for the agency's Space Launch System SLS) rocket. The SLS will launch the Orion spacecraft on its first integrated flight, Exploration Mission-1.

KSC-2012-1852

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-02-17

Industrial Area Construction: Located 5 miles south of Launch Complex 39, construction of the main buildings -- Operations and Checkout Building, Headquarters Building, and Central Instrumentation Facility – began in 1963. In 1992, the Space Station Processing Facility was designed and constructed for the pre-launch processing of International Space Station hardware that was flown on the space shuttle. Along with other facilities, the industrial area provides spacecraft assembly and checkout, crew training, computer and instrumentation equipment, hardware preflight testing and preparations, as well as administrative offices. Poster designed by Kennedy Space Center Graphics Department/Greg Lee. Credit: NASA

102. VIEW OF GRANETZ 'EVENTRECORDER' COMPUTER AND GENERAL ELECTRIC PRINTERS ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

102. VIEW OF GRANETZ 'EVENT-RECORDER' COMPUTER AND GENERAL ELECTRIC PRINTERS FOR GRANETZ OUTPUT LOCATED NEAR EAST WALL OF LANDLINE INSTRUMENTATION ROOM - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

KSC-2014-4133

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-09-25

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Operations are underway to couple Florida East Coast Railway, or FEC, locomotives No. 433 and No. 428 on the track alongside the Indian River, north of Launch Complex 39 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Kennedy's Center Planning and Development Directorate has enlisted the locomotives to support a Rail Vibration Test for the Canaveral Port Authority. The purpose of the test is to collect amplitude, frequency and vibration test data utilizing two Florida East Coast locomotives operating on KSC tracks to ensure that future railroad operations will not affect launch vehicle processing at the center. Buildings instrumented for the test include the Rotation Processing Surge Facility, Thermal Protection Systems Facility, Vehicle Assembly Building, Orbiter Processing Facility and Booster Fabrication Facility. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper

Overview (northeast to southwest) of remote sprint launch site #4. ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

Overview (northeast to southwest) of remote sprint launch site #4. In center is limited area sentry station, just behind it can be seen the exhaust and intake shafts for the remote launch operations building, and to the far right is the exclusion area sentry station - Stanley R. Mickelsen Safeguard Complex, Remote Sprint Launch Site No. 4, North of State Highway 17, approximately 9 miles Northwest of Adams, ND, Nekoma, Cavalier County, ND

8. VIEW OF SLC3W CONTROL ROOM (ROOM 105) FROM ITS ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

8. VIEW OF SLC-3W CONTROL ROOM (ROOM 105) FROM ITS NORTHEAST CORNER. TELEMETRY ROOM VISIBLE THROUGH WINDOWS IN SOUTH WALL. - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

7. VIEW OF SLC3W CONTROL ROOM (ROOM 105) FROM ITS ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

7. VIEW OF SLC-3W CONTROL ROOM (ROOM 105) FROM ITS SOUTHWEST CORNER. NOTE RAISED FLATFORM IN CENTER OF ROOM. - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

19. DETAIL OF AIR FORCE WEATHER INFORMATION TERMINAL AND CHART ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

19. DETAIL OF AIR FORCE WEATHER INFORMATION TERMINAL AND CHART RECORDER LOCATED IMMEDIATELY NORTH OF CONSOLE IN PHOTOS A-15 THROUGH A-18. - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

86. VIEW OF AUTOPILOT ROOM LOOKING WEST FROM CENTER OF ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

86. VIEW OF AUTOPILOT ROOM LOOKING WEST FROM CENTER OF ROOM. IBM PERSONAL COMPUTER FOR SLC-3W AUTOPILOT FUNCTIONS IN SOUTHWEST CORNER (LEFT). - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

Operational Analysis in the Launch Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

James, George; Kaouk, Mo; Cao, Tim; Fogt, Vince; Rocha, Rodney; Schultz, Ken; Tucker, Jon-Michael; Rayos, Eli; Bell,Jeff; Alldredge, David;

50. DETAIL OF TYPICAL PANELS IN ANALOG RECORD BAY. LEFT ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

50. DETAIL OF TYPICAL PANELS IN ANALOG RECORD BAY. LEFT PANEL CONTAINS OSCILLOGRAPH AND CONTROLS. RIGHT PANEL CONTAINS CATHODE RAY TUBE AND INK-TYPE CHART RECORDER. - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

Operational Considerations and Comparisons of the Saturn, Space Shuttle and Ares Launch Vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cruzen, Craig; Chavers, Greg; Wittenstein, Jerry

2009-01-01

The United States (U.S.) space exploration policy has directed the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to retire the Space Shuttle and to replace it with a new generation of space transportation systems for crew and cargo travel to the International Space Station, the Moon, Mars, and beyond. As part of the Constellation Program, engineers at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama are working to design and build the Ares I, the first of two large launch vehicles to return humans to the Moon. A deliberate effort is being made to ensure a high level of operability in order to significantly increase safety and availability as well as reduce recurring costs of this new launch vehicle. It is the Ares Project's goal to instill operability as part of the requirements development, design and operations of the vehicle. This paper will identify important factors in launch vehicle design that affect the operability and availability of the system. Similarities and differences in operational constraints will also be compared between the Saturn V, Space Shuttle and current Ares I design. Finally, potential improvements in operations and operability for large launch vehicles will be addressed. From the examples presented, the paper will discuss potential improvements for operability for future launch vehicles.

GSDO PDR (Preliminary Design Review) Morning Meeting

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-20

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Mike Bolger, program manager for the Ground Systems Development and Operations, or GSDO, Program speaks to participants during completion of the preliminary design review in the Mission Briefing Room inside the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Representatives from NASA, its contractor partners and experts from across the aerospace industry met in the Mission Briefing Room inside the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to conclude the initial design and technology development phase. Completion of this review has validated that the baseline architecture is sound and aligns with the agency's exploration objectives. NASA is developing the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft to provide an entirely new capability for human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit, with the flexibility to launch spacecraft for crew and cargo missions, including to an asteroid and Mars. Orion’s first unpiloted test flight is scheduled to launch later this year atop a Delta IV rocket. A second uncrewed flight test is scheduled for fiscal year 2018 on the Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

91. VIEW OF OBSOLETE AIRCONDITIONING DUCTS LOCATED IN NORTHWEST CORNER ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

91. VIEW OF OBSOLETE AIR-CONDITIONING DUCTS LOCATED IN NORTHWEST CORNER OF ROOM, ABOVE SLC-3E AUTOPILOT EQUIPMENT. DIGITAL COUNTDOWN AND HOLD CLOCKS ON WALL LEFT OF DUCTS - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

82. VIEW OF AIRCONDITIONING CONTROLS LOCATED IN NORTHEAST CORNER OF ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

82. VIEW OF AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROLS LOCATED IN NORTHEAST CORNER OF SLC-3E CONTROL ROOM. DIAL ON RIGHT (EAST) PERPENDICULAR WALL IS DIMMER FOR ROOM LIGHTING. - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

18. DETAIL OF NORTH END OF ATLAS CONTROL CONSOLE NEAR ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

18. DETAIL OF NORTH END OF ATLAS CONTROL CONSOLE NEAR WEST WALL OF SLC-3W CONTROL ROOM SHOWING PAYLOAD ENVIRONMENT CONTROL AND MONITORING PANELS (LABELED 'PECMP') - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

54. DETAIL OF GENERAL ELECTRIC AIRBORNE BEACON EQUIPMENT TEST SET ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

54. DETAIL OF GENERAL ELECTRIC AIRBORNE BEACON EQUIPMENT TEST SET (LEFT) AND ASSOCIATED GOULD BRUSH CHART RECORDERS (RIGHT). ELAPSED TIME COUNTER SITS ATOP AIRBORNE BEACON EQUIPMENT TEST SET. - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

34. VIEW OF THREE MONITORS LOCATED IMMEDIATELY WEST OF THOSE ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

34. VIEW OF THREE MONITORS LOCATED IMMEDIATELY WEST OF THOSE IN PHOTO A-33. TELEPHONE BELOW THE CENTER MONITOR IS LABLED 'ACCIDENT REPORTING EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM ONLY.' - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

The open prototype for educational NanoSats: Fixing the other side of the small satellite cost equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berk, Josh; Straub, Jeremy; Whalen, David

Government supported nano-satellite launch programs and emerging commercial small satellite launch services are reducing the cost of access to space for educational and other CubeSat projects. The cost and complexity of designing and building these satellites remains a vexing complication for many would be CubeSat aspirants. The Open Prototype for Educational NanoSats (OPEN), a proposed nano-satellite development platform, is described in this paper. OPEN endeavors to reduce the costs and risks associated with educational, government and commercial nano-satellite development. OPEN provides free and publicly available plans for building, testing and operating a versatile, low-cost satellite, based on the standardized CubeSat form-factor. OPEN consists of public-domain educational reference plans, complete with engineering schematics, CAD files, construction and test instructions as well as ancillary reference materials relevant to satellite building and operation. By making the plan, to produce a small but capable spacecraft freely available, OPEN seeks to lower the barriers to access on the other side (non-launch costs) of the satellite cost equation.

Potential Operating Orbits for Fission Electric Propulsion Systems Driven by the SAFE-400

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Houts, Mike; Kos, Larry; Poston, David; Rodgers, Stephen L. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Safety must be ensured during all phases of space fission system design, development, fabrication, launch, operation, and shutdown. One potential space fission system application is fission electric propulsion (FEP), in which fission energy is converted into electricity and used to power high efficiency (Isp greater than 3000s) electric thrusters. For these types of systems it is important to determine which operational scenarios ensure safety while allowing maximum mission performance and flexibility. Space fission systems are essentially nonradioactive at launch, prior to extended operation at high power. Once high power operation begins, system radiological inventory steadily increases as fission products build up. For a given fission product isotope, the maximum radiological inventory is typically achieved once the system has operated for a length of time equivalent to several half-lives. After that time, the isotope decays at the same rate it is produced, and no further inventory builds in. For an FEP mission beginning in Earth orbit, altitude and orbital lifetime increase as the propulsion system operates. Two simultaneous effects of fission propulsion system operation are thus (1) increasing fission product inventory and (2) increasing orbital lifetime. Phrased differently, as fission products build up, more time is required for the fission products to naturally convert back into non-radioactive isotopes. Simultaneously, as fission products build up, orbital lifetime increases, providing more time for the fission products to naturally convert back into non-radioactive isotopes. Operational constraints required to ensure safety can thus be quantified.

Potential operating orbits for fission electric propulsion systems driven by the SAFE-400

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Houts, Mike; Kos, Larry; Poston, David

2002-01-01

Safety must be ensured during all phases of space fission system design, development, fabrication, launch, operation, and shutdown. One potential space fission system application is fission electric propulsion (FEP), in which fission energy is converted into electricity and used to power high efficiency (Isp>3000s) electric thrusters. For these types of systems it is important to determine which operational scenarios ensure safety while allowing maximum mission performance and flexibility. Space fission systems are essentially non-radioactive at launch, prior to extended operation at high power. Once high power operation begins, system radiological inventory steadily increases as fission products build up. For a given fission product isotope, the maximum radiological inventory is typically achieved once the system has operated for a length of time equivalent to several half-lives. After that time, the isotope decays at the same rate it is produced, and no further inventory builds in. For an FEP mission beginning in Earth orbit, altitude and orbital lifetime increase as the propulsion system operates. Two simultaneous effects of fission propulsion system operation are thus (1) increasing fission product inventory and (2) increasing orbital lifetime. Phrased differently, as fission products build up, more time is required for the fission products to naturally convert back into non-radioactive isotopes. Simultaneously, as fission products build up, orbital lifetime increases, providing more time for the fission products to naturally convert back into non-radioactive isotopes. Operational constraints required to ensure safety can thus be quantified. .

Orion Crew Module Structural Test Article Arrival

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-15

NASA’s Super Guppy aircraft, carrying the Orion crew module structural test article (STA), arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The STA will be offloaded and transported to the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay for further testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

20. VIEW OF CONSOLE IN NORTHWEST CORNER OF SLC3W CONTROL ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

20. VIEW OF CONSOLE IN NORTHWEST CORNER OF SLC-3W CONTROL ROOM. PANELS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: OPERATIONS AND CHECKOUT (LABELED POWER CONTROL AND MONITOR PANEL); RANGE SAFETY (LABELED DESTRUCT SYSTEM CONTROL AND MONITOR PANEL); BATTERY CLOCK PANELS. PEDAL FOR FOOT CONTROL OF COMMUNICATIONS HEADSET AND HEADSET IN FOREGROUND. - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

Building and Leading the Next Generation of Exploration Launch Vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cook, Stephen A.; Vanhooser, Teresa

2010-01-01

NASA s Constellation Program is depending on the Ares Projects to deliver the crew and cargo launch capabilities needed to send human explorers to the Moon and beyond. Ares I and V will provide the core space launch capabilities needed to continue providing crew and cargo access to the International Space Station (ISS), and to build upon the U.S. history of human spaceflight to the Moon and beyond. Since 2005, Ares has made substantial progress on designing, developing, and testing the Ares I crew launch vehicle and has continued its in-depth studies of the Ares V cargo launch vehicle. In 2009, the Ares Projects plan to: conduct the first flight test of Ares I, test-fire the Ares I first stage solid rocket motor; build the first integrated Ares I upper stage; continue testing hardware for the J-2X upper stage engine, and continue refining the design of the Ares V cargo launch vehicle. These efforts come with serious challenges for the project leadership team as it continues to foster a culture of ownership and accountability, operate with limited funding, and works to maintain effective internal and external communications under intense external scrutiny.

4. Photographic copy of a photograph taken from pasteup negatives ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

4. Photographic copy of a photograph taken from paste-up negatives for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers document GF-500-MCP, entitled "Grand Forks Site RLS Army Operating Drawings, Master Composite Photographs for SAFEGUARD TSE Systems and Equipment," Page 9, dated 1 September 1974 (original document and negatives in possession of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Huntsville, AL). Photographer unknown. View of remote launch operations building exterior (southwest corner), prior to earth mounding. A,B,C, and D are heat exchangers HX-1102B, HX-1102A, HX-1101B, and HX-1101 A, respectively. The heat exchangers transferred heat from the cooling water to the outside air during the normal operating mode. On the far right is the air exhaust shaft - Stanley R. Mickelsen Safeguard Complex, Remote Launch Operations Building, Near Service Road exit from Patrol Road, Nekoma, Cavalier County, ND

STS-88 Mission Specialist Currie suits up for launch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

STS-88 Mission Specialist Nancy J. Currie dons her orange launch and entry suit in the Operations and Checkout Building. STS-88 will be Currie's third spaceflight. She and the five other STS-88 crew members will depart shortly for Launch Pad 39A where the Space Shuttle Endeavour is poised for liftoff on the first U.S. mission dedicated to the assembly of the International Space Station.

KSC-2011-6818

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-09-08

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, United Launch Alliance (ULA) personnel in the Delta Operations Building prepare for the launch of NASA's Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory mission aboard a ULA Delta II Heavy rocket. Physical control of the rocket is maintained from the building, located about a mile from Space Launch Complex 17B. The room functions as a "soft blockhouse" and is the room from which the computer-generated command to launch the rocket is issued two seconds before liftoff. Launch is scheduled for 8:37:06 a.m. EDT Sept. 8. GRAIL will fly twin spacecraft in tandem around the moon to precisely measure and map variations in the moon's gravitational field. The mission will provide the most accurate global gravity field to date for any planet, including Earth. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/grail. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2011-6817

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-09-08

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, United Launch Alliance (ULA) personnel in the Delta Operations Building prepare for the launch of NASA's Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory mission aboard a ULA Delta II Heavy rocket. Physical control of the rocket is maintained from the building, located about a mile from Space Launch Complex 17B. The room functions as a "soft blockhouse" and is the room from which the computer-generated command to launch the rocket is issued two seconds before liftoff. Launch is scheduled for 8:37:06 a.m. EDT Sept. 8. GRAIL will fly twin spacecraft in tandem around the moon to precisely measure and map variations in the moon's gravitational field. The mission will provide the most accurate global gravity field to date for any planet, including Earth. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/grail. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2011-6816

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-09-08

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, United Launch Alliance (ULA) personnel in the Delta Operations Building prepare for the launch of NASA's Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory mission aboard a ULA Delta II Heavy rocket. Physical control of the rocket is maintained from the building, located about a mile from Space Launch Complex 17B. The room functions as a "soft blockhouse" and is the room from which the computer-generated command to launch the rocket is issued two seconds before liftoff. Launch is scheduled for 8:37:06 a.m. EDT Sept. 8. GRAIL will fly twin spacecraft in tandem around the moon to precisely measure and map variations in the moon's gravitational field. The mission will provide the most accurate global gravity field to date for any planet, including Earth. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/grail. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

The Building Blocks for JWST I and T (Integrations and Test) to Operations - From Simulator to Flight Units

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fatig, Curtis; Ochs, William; Johns, Alan; Seaton, Bonita; Adams, Cynthia; Wasiak, Francis; Jones, Ronald; Jackson, Wallace

2012-01-01

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Project has an extended integration and test (I&T) phase due to long procurement and development times of various components as well as recent launch delays. The JWST Ground Segment and Operations group has developed a roadmap of the various ground and flight elements and their use in the various JWST I&T test programs. The JWST Project s building block approach to the eventual operational systems, while not new, is complex and challenging; a large-scale mission like JWST involves international partners, many vendors across the United States, and competing needs for the same systems. One of the challenges is resource balancing so simulators and flight products for various elements congeal into integrated systems used for I&T and flight operations activities. This building block approach to an incremental buildup provides for early problem identification with simulators and exercises the flight operations systems, products, and interfaces during the JWST I&T test programs. The JWST Project has completed some early I&T with the simulators, engineering models and some components of the operational ground system. The JWST Project is testing the various flight units as they are delivered and will continue to do so for the entire flight and operational system. The JWST Project has already and will continue to reap the value of the building block approach on the road to launch and flight operations.

14. DETAIL OF EAST END OF CENTRAL CONTROL CONSOLE IN ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

14. DETAIL OF EAST END OF CENTRAL CONTROL CONSOLE IN SLC-3W CONTROL ROOM SHOWING BLANK PANEL AND COMPLEX SAFETY OFFICER PANEL. CONSOLES AND CHAIRS NEAR NORTH WALL IN BACKGROUND. - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

51. VIEW OF LORAL ADS 100A COMPUTERS LOCATED CENTRALLY ON ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

51. VIEW OF LORAL ADS 100A COMPUTERS LOCATED CENTRALLY ON NORTH WALL OF TELEMETRY ROOM (ROOM 106). SLC-3W CONTROL ROOM IS VISIBLE IN BACKGROUND THROUGH WINDOW IN NORTH WALL. - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

KSC-2013-3235

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-08-09

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As seen on Google Maps, Firing Room 4 inside the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center was one of the four control rooms used by NASA and contractor launch teams to oversee a space shuttle countdown. This firing room was the most advanced of the control rooms used for shuttle missions and was the primary firing room for the shuttle's final series of launches before retirement. It is furnished in a more contemporary style with wood cabinets and other features, although it retains many of the computer systems the shuttle counted on to operate safely. Specialized operators worked at consoles tailored to keep track of the status of shuttle systems while the spacecraft was processed in the Orbiter Processing Facility, being stacked inside the Vehicle Assembly Building and standing at the launch pad before liftoff. The firing rooms, including 3, were also used during NASA's Apollo Program. Google precisely mapped the space center and some of its historical facilities for the company's map page. The work allows Internet users to see inside buildings at Kennedy as they were used during the space shuttle era. Photo credit: Google/Wendy Wang

KSC-2014-4149

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-09-25

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Coupled Florida East Coast Railway, or FEC, locomotives No. 433 and No. 428 make the first run past the Orbiter Processing Facility and Thermal Protection System Facility in Launch Complex 39 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida during the Rail Vibration Test for the Canaveral Port Authority. Seismic monitors are collecting data as the train passes by. The purpose of the test is to collect amplitude, frequency and vibration test data utilizing two Florida East Coast locomotives operating on KSC tracks to ensure that future railroad operations will not affect launch vehicle processing at the center. Buildings instrumented for the test include the Rotation Processing Surge Facility, Thermal Protection Systems Facility, Vehicle Assembly Building, Orbiter Processing Facility and Booster Fabrication Facility. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper

Approximation Model Building for Reliability & Maintainability Characteristics of Reusable Launch Vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Unal, Resit; Morris, W. Douglas; White, Nancy H.; Lepsch, Roger A.; Brown, Richard W.

2000-01-01

This paper describes the development of parametric models for estimating operational reliability and maintainability (R&M) characteristics for reusable vehicle concepts, based on vehicle size and technology support level. A R&M analysis tool (RMAT) and response surface methods are utilized to build parametric approximation models for rapidly estimating operational R&M characteristics such as mission completion reliability. These models that approximate RMAT, can then be utilized for fast analysis of operational requirements, for lifecycle cost estimating and for multidisciplinary sign optimization.

Adapting to Local Context: Findings from the Youthbuild Evaluation Implementation Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wiegand, Andrew; Manno, Michelle; Leshnick, Sengsouvanh; Treskon, Louisa; Geckeler, Christian; Lewis-Charp, Heather; Sinicrope, Castle; Clark, Mika; Nicholson, Brandon

2015-01-01

YouthBuild is intended to help high school dropouts, ages 16 to 24, who face an array of impediments to their educational and employment success as they progress into adulthood. Stemming from one program launched in the late 1970s, today over 270 YouthBuild programs operate nationwide. YouthBuild is a principles-based model that values a…

NASA Space Technology Draft Roadmap Area 13: Ground and Launch Systems Processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clements, Greg

2011-01-01

This slide presentation reviews the technology development roadmap for the area of ground and launch systems processing. The scope of this technology area includes: (1) Assembly, integration, and processing of the launch vehicle, spacecraft, and payload hardware (2) Supply chain management (3) Transportation of hardware to the launch site (4) Transportation to and operations at the launch pad (5) Launch processing infrastructure and its ability to support future operations (6) Range, personnel, and facility safety capabilities (7) Launch and landing weather (8) Environmental impact mitigations for ground and launch operations (9) Launch control center operations and infrastructure (10) Mission integration and planning (11) Mission training for both ground and flight crew personnel (12) Mission control center operations and infrastructure (13) Telemetry and command processing and archiving (14) Recovery operations for flight crews, flight hardware, and returned samples. This technology roadmap also identifies ground, launch and mission technologies that will: (1) Dramatically transform future space operations, with significant improvement in life-cycle costs (2) Improve the quality of life on earth, while exploring in co-existence with the environment (3) Increase reliability and mission availability using low/zero maintenance materials and systems, comprehensive capabilities to ascertain and forecast system health/configuration, data integration, and the use of advanced/expert software systems (4) Enhance methods to assess safety and mission risk posture, which would allow for timely and better decision making. Several key technologies are identified, with a couple of slides devoted to one of these technologies (i.e., corrosion detection and prevention). Development of these technologies can enhance life on earth and have a major impact on how we can access space, eventually making routine commercial space access and improve building and manufacturing, and weather forecasting for example for the effect of these process improvements on our daily lives.

STS-76 Payload Cmdr Ronald Sega suits up

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

STS-76 Payload Commander Ronald M. Sega is donning his launch/entry suit in the Operations and Checkout Building with assistance from a suit technician. The third docking between the Russian Space Station Mir and the U.S. Space Shuttle marks the second trip into space for Sega, who recently served a five-month assignment in Russia as operations director for NASA activities there. Once suitup activities are completed the six-member STS-76 flight crew will depart for Launch Pad 39B, where the Space Shuttle Atlantis is undergoing final preparations for liftoff during an approximately seven-minute launch window opening around 3:13 a.m. EST, March 22.

STS-26 crewmembers leave KSC O&C Bldg on their way to the launch pad

NASA Image and Video Library

1988-09-29

STS-26 crewmembers, suited in launch and entry suits (LESs), leave the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Operations and Checkout (O&C) Building on their way to the launch complex (LC) pad 39B where they will board Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103. Commander Frederick H. Hauck, waving to spectators, is followed by Pilot Richard O. Covey, Mission Specialist (MS) John M. Lounge, MS David C. Hilmers, and MS George D. Nelson. Others accompanying the crew are JSC Flight Crew Operations Directorate (FCOD) Director Donald R. Puddy, Astronaut Office Chief Daniel C. Brandenstein, and a Crew Training Officer Richard W. Nygren.

STS-28 Columbia, OV-102, crewmembers leave KSC O&C Bldg en route to LC Pad 39

NASA Image and Video Library

1989-08-08

STS028-S-001 (8 Aug 1989) --- The five astronaut crewmembers for STS-28 leave the operations and checkout building to board a transfer van en route to Launch Complex 39 for a date with Columbia. Front to back are Brewster H. Shaw Jr., Richard N. Richards, David C. Leestma, James C. Adamson and Mark N. Brown. At the rear of the line are Astronaut Michael L. Coats, acting chief of the astronaut office; and Donald R. Puddy, director of flight crew operations at JSC. Coats later flew a NASA Shuttle training aircraft for pre-launch and launch monitoring activities.

95. VIEW OF LANDLINE INSTRUMENTATION ROOM FROM NORTHEAST CORNER SHOWING ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

95. VIEW OF LANDLINE INSTRUMENTATION ROOM FROM NORTHEAST CORNER SHOWING PART OF EACH OF TWO ROWS OF CABINETS CONTAINING ESTERLINE ANGUS CHART RECORDERS. West end of back row of cabinets, containing power distribution units, not accessible for photography. - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

KSC-06pd2223

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-09-26

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers mingle around the west door entry to the crew exploration vehicle (CEV) environment in the Operations and Checkout Building. A ribbon-cutting officially reactivated the entry. During the rest of the decade, KSC will transition from launching space shuttles to launching new vehicles in NASA’s Vision For Space Exploration. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-06pd2219

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-09-26

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Following ribbon-cutting ceremony, workers and officials wait outside the west door to the Operations and Checkout Building for its reactivation as the entry into the crew exploration vehicle environment. During the rest of the decade, KSC will transition from launching space shuttles to launching new vehicles in NASA’s Vision For Space Exploration. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Photographic copy of photograph, dated September 1973 (original in possession ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

Photographic copy of photograph, dated September 1973 (original in possession of CSSD-HO, Huntsville, AL). Photographer unknown. Aerial view (northwest to southeast) of remote sprint launch site #4 during construction. In the background are the waste stabilization ponds. In the foreground, left to right, are the remote launch operations building, the exclusion area sentry stations, and the sprint launch cells - Stanley R. Mickelsen Safeguard Complex, Remote Sprint Launch Site No. 4, North of State Highway 17, approximately 9 miles Northwest of Adams, ND, Nekoma, Cavalier County, ND

Orion Crew Module Adapter-Structural Test Article and European S

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-05-09

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, operations are underway to lower the Orion crew module adapter structural test article onto the European Space Agency's service module structural test article. After the hardware is attached, the structure will be packed and shipped to Lockheed Martin's Denver facility to undergo testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop the agency's Space Launch System rocket on Exploration Mission-1 in 2019.

Orion Crew Module Structural Test Article Lift & Uncrating

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-15

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the cover has been removed from the container holding the Orion crew module structural test article (STA). The STA arrived aboard NASA's Super Guppy aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida. The test article was moved inside the facility's high bay for further testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion Crew Module Structural Test Article Offload

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-15

After arriving at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the agency's Super Guppy aircraft has been opened and the container holding the Orion crew module structural test article (STA) is being offloaded. The test article will be transported to the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay for further testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion Crew Module Structural Test Article Offload

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-15

NASA’s Super Guppy aircraft, carrying the Orion crew module structural test article, arrived at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The unique aircraft has been opened to reveal the container holding the STA. The test article will be transported to the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay for further testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion Crew Module Structural Test Article Unbagging

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-15

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Lockheed Martin technicians remove the protective covering from the Orion crew module structural test article (STA). The STA arrived aboard NASA's Super Guppy aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida. The test article was moved inside the facility's high bay for further testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion Crew Module Structural Test Article Unbagging

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-15

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the cover has been removed from the container holding the Orion crew module structural test article (STA). The STA arrived aboard NASA's Super Guppy aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida. The test article was moved inside the facility's high bay for further testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion Crew Module Structural Test Article Offload

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-15

After arriving at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the agency's Super Guppy aircraft has been opened and the container holding the Orion crew module structural test article (STA) is being offloaded. The test article will be transported to the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay for further testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Structural Test Article Move to Birdcage

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-16

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Orion crew module structural test article (STA) is secured on a test tool called the birdcage. The STA arrived aboard NASA's Super Guppy aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida. The test article will undergo further testing in the high bay. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion Crew Module Structural Test Article Offload

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-15

NASA’s Super Guppy aircraft, carrying the Orion crew module structural test article (STA), arrived at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The unique aircraft is being opened to offload the STA. The test article will be transported to the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay for further testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion Crew Module Structural Test Article Offload

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-15

After arriving at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the agency's Super Guppy aircraft was opened and the container holding the Orion crew module structural test article (STA) was offloaded. The test article will be transported to the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay for further testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion Crew Module Structural Test Article Offload

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-15

NASA’s Super Guppy aircraft, carrying the Orion crew module structural test article, arrived at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The unique aircraft has been opened and the container holding the STA is being offloaded. The test article will be transported to the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay for further testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion Crew Module Structural Test Article Offload

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-15

NASA’s Super Guppy aircraft, carrying the Orion crew module structural test article (STA), arrived at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The front of the unique aircraft is being opened to offload the STA. The test article will be transported to the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay for further testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

STS 41-G crew prepares to leave Operations and checkout bldg for launch

NASA Image and Video Library

1984-10-05

41G-90081 / S17-90081 (5 Oct 1984) --- The seven member crew leaves the Operations and Checkout Building (OCB) to take a van ride to the launch pad. Leading the way is Kathryn D. Sullivan followed in file by Robert L. Crippen, Paul D. Scully-Power and Jon A. McBride. On the right side are Sally K. Ride, David C. Leestma and Marc Garneau. Trailing the crew are George W. S. Abbey, Richard Nygren, Paul Bulver, and Paul J. Weitz.

STS-70 Commander Terence 'Tom' Henricks suits up

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1995-01-01

STS-70 Commander Terence 'Tom' Henricks is donning his launch/entry suit in the Operations and Checkout Building with help from a suit technician. Henricks, who is about to make his third trip into space, and four crew members will depart shortly for Launch Pad 39B, where the Space Shuttle Discovery is undergoing final preparations for a liftoff scheduled during a two and a half hour launch window opening at 9:41 a.m. EDT.

STS-70 Mission Specialist Nancy Jane Currie suits up

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1995-01-01

STS-70 Mission Specialist Nancy Jane Currie is donning her launch/entry suit in the Operations and Checkout Building with help from a suit technician. Currie has flown in space once before, on STS-57. Currie and four crew mates will depart shortly for Launch Pad 39B, where the Space Shuttle Discovery is undergoing final preparations for a liftoff scheduled during a two and a half hour launch window opening at 9:41 a.m. EDT.

Vice President Pence Visits NASA's Kennedy Space Center

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-07-06

Vice President Mike Pence got a first-hand look at the public-private partnerships at America’s multi-user spaceport on Thursday, July 6, during a visit to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Speaking in the center’s iconic Vehicle Assembly Building, the Vice President thanked employees for their commitment to America’s continued leadership in the space frontier, before taking a tour showcasing both NASA and commercial work that will soon lead to U.S.-based astronaut launches and eventual missions into deep space. The Vice President started his visit at Shuttle Landing Facility, the former space shuttle landing strip now leased and operated by Space Florida. He also visited the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building, where the Orion spacecraft is being prepped for its first integrated flight with the Space Launch System (SLS) in 2019. A driving tour showcased the mobile launch platform being readied for SLS flights as well as two commercial space facilities: Launch Complex 39A, the historic Apollo and shuttle pad now leased by SpaceX and used for commercial launches, and Boeing’s facility, where engineers are prepping the company’s Starliner capsule for crew flights to the space station in the same facility once used to do the same thing for space shuttles.

KSC-06pd0396

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-03-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Operations Support Building II at NASA's Kennedy Space Center is seen here, newly built and landscaped. The building replaced modular housing and trailers in the Launch Complex 39 area. The five-story, 189,000-square-foot building consists of approximately 860 office spaces, training rooms, computer rooms, multimedia conference rooms, technical libraries, and a 352-person mission conference center with observation deck. Photo credit: Cory Huston

Space X-3 Social Media Tour of KSC Facilities

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-14

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A group of news media and social media tweeters toured the Launch Abort System Facility and viewed the launch abort system for the Orion spacecraft at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Speaking to the group is Scott Wilson, manager of Production Operations for the Orion Program. The group also toured the Launch Control Center and Vehicle Assembly Building, legacy facilities that are being upgraded by the Ground Systems Development and Operations Program at Kennedy to prepare for processing and launch of NASA's Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft. NASA is developing the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft to provide an entirely new capability for human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit, with the flexibility to launch spacecraft for crew and cargo missions, including to an asteroid and Mars. Orion’s first unpiloted test flight is scheduled to launch later this year atop a Delta IV rocket. A second uncrewed flight test is scheduled for fiscal year 2018 on the Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

Orion Crew Module Move

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-11-17

A crane is being prepared for use during move operations of the Orion crew module for Exploration Mission-1 to the thermal chamber in the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew module will undergo a thermal cycle test to assess the workmanship of critical hardware and structural locations. The test also demonstrates crew module subsystem operations in a thermally stressing environment to confirm no damage or anomalous hardware conditions as a result of the test. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA's Space Launch System rocket on its first uncrewed integrated flight.

Orion Crew Module Move

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-11-17

Technicians check a crane that will be used during move operations of the Orion crew module for Exploration Mission-1 to the thermal chamber in the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew module will undergo a thermal cycle test to assess the workmanship of critical hardware and structural locations. The test also demonstrates crew module subsystem operations in a thermally stressing environment to confirm no damage or anomalous hardware conditions as a result of the test. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA's Space Launch System rocket on its first uncrewed integrated flight.

Orion Crew Module Move

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-11-17

Technicians prepare a crane for use during move operations of the Orion crew module for Exploration Mission-1 to the thermal chamber in the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew module will undergo a thermal cycle test to assess the workmanship of critical hardware and structural locations. The test also demonstrates crew module subsystem operations in a thermally stressing environment to confirm no damage or anomalous hardware conditions as a result of the test. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA's Space Launch System rocket on its first uncrewed integrated flight.

KSC-06pd2224

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-09-26

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the Operations and Checkout Building, Center Director Jim Kennedy (second from right) joins workers and officials after the ceremony that reactivated the entry into this crew exploration vehicle (CEV) environment. During the rest of the decade, KSC will transition from launching space shuttles to launching new vehicles in NASA’s Vision For Space Exploration. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

80. FOUR VIDEO MONITORS LOCATED ALONG THE SOUTH WALL OF ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

80. FOUR VIDEO MONITORS LOCATED ALONG THE SOUTH WALL OF SLC-3E CONTROL ROOM. (TWO VIDEOTEK MONITORS ON LEFT (EAST) ARE COLOR; OTHERS ARE BLACK AND WHITE.) DIGITAL COUNTDOWN, HOLD, AND GREENWHICH MEAN TIME CLOCKS LOCATED ABOVE MONITORS 4 AND 5. - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

KSC-2014-3528

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-08-14

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A storm moves in over Launch Complex 39 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At center is the mobile launcher that will support NASA's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket, under development. At left is the Launch Control Center and the Vehicle Assembly Building. Kennedy's Ground Support Development and Operations Program is hard at work transforming the center's facilities into a multi-user spaceport, when the weather permits. For more on Kennedy Space Center, visit http://www.nasa.gov/kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky

STS-77 MS Andrew Thomas suits up

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

STS-77 Mission Specialist Andrew S. W. Thomas finishes donning his launch/entry suit in the Operations and Checkout Building with assistance from a suit technician. A native of South Australia, the rookie astronaut joins a crew of five veterans on the fourth Shuttle flight of 1996. They will depart shortly for Launch Pad 39B, where the Space Shuttle Endeavour is undergoing final preparations for liftoff during a two-and-a-half hour launch window opening at 6:30 a.m. EDT, May 19.

90. VIEW OF OXIDIZER APRON AND SOUTH SIDE OF SKID ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

90. VIEW OF OXIDIZER APRON AND SOUTH SIDE OF SKID 9, SKID 7, AND SKID 9A. COOLING TOWER ON NORTH SIDE OF OXIDIZER APRON. LEFT TO RIGHT IN BACKGROUND: METEOROLOGICAL TOWER, SLC-3W MST, SURPLUS ATLAS E/F LAUNCHER, PYROTECHNIC SHED (BLDG. 757), STORAGE SHED (BLDG. 776), CABLE TRAYS, AND TOP OF LAUNCH OPERATIONS BUILDING (BLDG. 763). - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Pad 3 East, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

Mission Specialist Pedro Duque undergoes equipment check prior to launch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-95 Mission Specialist Pedro Duque of Spain, with the European Space Agency, gets help with his suit from suit technician Tommy McDonald. The STS-95 crew were conducting flight crew equipment fit checks prior to launch on Oct. 29. STS-95 is expected to launch at 2 p.m. EST on Oct. 29, last 8 days, 21 hours and 49 minutes, and land at 11:49 a.m. EST on Nov. 7.

Photographic copy of photograph, dated September 1971, (original print in ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

Photographic copy of photograph, dated September 1971, (original print in possession of CSSD-HO, Huntsville, AL). Photographer unknown. Aerial view looking north of remote sprint launch site #2, during construction. In the foreground is the remote launch operations building (RLOB); sprint silos are being installed in the background - Stanley R. Mickelsen Safeguard Complex, Remote Sprint Launch Site No. 2, West of Mile Marker 220 on State Route 1, 6.0 miles North of Langdon, ND, Nekoma, Cavalier County, ND

Decision Support Systems for Launch and Range Operations Using Jess

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thirumalainambi, Rajkumar

2007-01-01

The virtual test bed for launch and range operations developed at NASA Ames Research Center consists of various independent expert systems advising on weather effects, toxic gas dispersions and human health risk assessment during space-flight operations. An individual dedicated server supports each expert system and the master system gather information from the dedicated servers to support the launch decision-making process. Since the test bed is based on the web system, reducing network traffic and optimizing the knowledge base is critical to its success of real-time or near real-time operations. Jess, a fast rule engine and powerful scripting environment developed at Sandia National Laboratory has been adopted to build the expert systems providing robustness and scalability. Jess also supports XML representation of knowledge base with forward and backward chaining inference mechanism. Facts added - to working memory during run-time operations facilitates analyses of multiple scenarios. Knowledge base can be distributed with one inference engine performing the inference process. This paper discusses details of the knowledge base and inference engine using Jess for a launch and range virtual test bed.

KSC-2011-7851

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-11-21

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media tour several facilities, including the Multi-Payload Processing Facility, during the 21st Century Ground Systems Program Tour at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Other tour stops were the Launch Equipment Test Facility, the Operations & Checkout Building and the Canister Rotation Facility. NASA’s 21st Century Ground Systems Program was initiated at Kennedy Space Center to establish the needed launch and processing infrastructure to support the Space Launch System Program and to work toward transforming the landscape of the launch site for a multi-faceted user community. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-2011-7846

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-11-21

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media tour several facilities, including the Launch Equipment Test Facility in the Industrial Area, during the 21st Century Ground Systems Program Tour at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Other tour stops were the Operations & Checkout Building, the Multi-Payload Processing Facility and the Canister Rotation Facility. NASA’s 21st Century Ground Systems Program was initiated at Kennedy Space Center to establish the needed launch and processing infrastructure to support the Space Launch System Program and to work toward transforming the landscape of the launch site for a multi-faceted user community. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-2011-7847

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-11-21

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the media tour several facilities, including the Launch Equipment Test Facility in the Industrial Area, during the 21st Century Ground Systems Program Tour at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Other tour stops were the Operations & Checkout Building, the Multi-Payload Processing Facility and the Canister Rotation Facility. NASA’s 21st Century Ground Systems Program was initiated at Kennedy Space Center to establish the needed launch and processing infrastructure to support the Space Launch System Program and to work toward transforming the landscape of the launch site for a multi-faceted user community. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-04pd0664

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-03-26

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This aerial photo shows the expanse of the Launch Complex 39 Area, bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and cloud-filled sky. At center right, towering above the surrounding sites, is the Vehicle Assembly Building. To the left, or north, is the Orbiter Processing Facility’s Bay 3. On the western side are OPF Bays 1 and 2. In the lower right corner is the Operations Support Building. The two-lane crawlerway stretches from the VAB toward the coast, site of Launch Pad 39A, closest, and Launch Pad 39B, far left. Between the VAB and the ocean sprawl the Banana Creek and the Banana River. The turn basin, at right, allows delivery of external tanks that are offloaded close to and transported to the VAB. Photo credit: NASA

Orion Crew Module Structural Test Article Offload

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-15

After arriving at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the agency's Super Guppy aircraft was opened and the container holding the Orion crew module structural test article (STA) was offloaded. A crane has lifted the container for placement on a transporter. The test article will be moved to the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay for further testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion Crew Module Structural Test Article Offload

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-15

After arriving at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the agency's Super Guppy aircraft was opened and the container holding the Orion crew module structural test article (STA) was offloaded. A crane was used to lower the container onto a transporter. The test article will be moved to the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay for further testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion Crew Module Structural Test Article Transport from SLF to

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-15

A transporter carrying the Orion crew module structural test article (STA) in its container arrives at the low bay entrance of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The STA arrived aboard NASA's Super Guppy aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida. The test article will be moved inside the facility's high bay for further testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion Crew Module Structural Test Article Unbagging

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-15

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the protective covering was removed from the Orion crew module structural test article (STA). It remains secured on the bottom of its transport container. The STA arrived aboard NASA's Super Guppy aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida. The test article was moved inside the facility's high bay for further testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion Crew Module Structural Test Article Offload

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-15

After arriving at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the agency's Super Guppy aircraft was opened and the container holding the Orion crew module structural test article (STA) was offloaded. A crane is used to lower the container for placement on a transporter. The test article will be moved to the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay for further testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion Crew Module Structural Test Article Lift & Uncrating

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-15

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians with Lockheed Martin assist as a crane lifts the cover away from the container holding the Orion crew module structural test article (STA). The STA arrived aboard NASA's Super Guppy aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida. The test article was moved inside the facility's high bay for further testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion Crew Module Structural Test Article Transport from SLF to

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-15

A transporter carrying the Orion crew module structural test article (STA) in its container arrives inside the low bay of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The STA arrived aboard NASA's Super Guppy aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida. The test article will be moved inside the facility's high bay for further testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion Crew Module Structural Test Article Lift & Uncrating

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-15

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lifts the cover up from the container holding the Orion crew module structural test article (STA). The STA arrived aboard NASA's Super Guppy aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida. The test article was moved inside the facility's high bay for further testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion Crew Module Structural Test Article Unbagging

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-15

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians with Lockheed Martin look over the Orion crew module structural test article (STA) secured on the bottom of its transport container. The STA arrived aboard NASA's Super Guppy aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida. The test article was moved inside the facility's high bay for further testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion Crew Module Move

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-11-17

The Orion crew module for Exploration Mission-1 was moved into the thermal chamber in the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew module will undergo a thermal cycle test to assess the workmanship of critical hardware and structural locations. The test also demonstrates crew module subsystem operations in a thermally stressing environment to confirm no damage or anomalous hardware conditions as a result of the test. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA's Space Launch System rocket on its first uncrewed integrated flight.

Orion Crew Module Move

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-11-17

Technicians assist as the Orion crew module for Exploration Mission-1 is moved toward the thermal chamber in the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew module will undergo a thermal cycle test to assess the workmanship of critical hardware and structural locations. The test also demonstrates crew module subsystem operations in a thermally stressing environment to confirm no damage or anomalous hardware conditions as a result of the test. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA's Space Launch System rocket on its first uncrewed integrated flight.

STS-69 Mission Commander David M. Walker suits up

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1995-01-01

STS-69 Mission Commander David M. Walker signals he's ready to fly as he finishes donning his launch/entry suit in the Operations and Checkout Building. Walker, who is embarking on his fourth trip into space, will depart shortly for Launch Pad 39A along with four fellow crew members. Awaiting the crew and liftoff at 11:09 a.m. EDT is the Space Shuttle Endeavour.

STS-71 Pilot Charles J. Precourt suits up

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1995-01-01

STS-71 Pilot Charles J. Precourt gets a helping hand from a suit technician as he dons his launch/entry suit in the Operations and Checkout Building. About to embark on his second spaceflight, Precourt and six fellow crew members will shortly depart for Launch Pad 39A, where the Space Shuttle Atlantis is poised for a third liftoff attempt at 3:32 p.m. EDT.

STS-34 Commander Williams in KSC O and C Bldg prepares for TCDT activities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1989-01-01

STS-34 Commander Donald E. Williams is assisted by technicians with donning his launch and entry suit (LES) in the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Operations and Checkout (O and C) Building prior to leaving for Launch Complex (LC) Pad 39B during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. Williams also catches a few minutes of relaxation while reclining in his chair.

105. VIEW NORTH FROM SLC3W CABLE TUNNEL INTO CABLE VAULT ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

105. VIEW NORTH FROM SLC-3W CABLE TUNNEL INTO CABLE VAULT AND SLC-3E CABLE TUNNEL. NOTE WOODEN PLANKING ON FLOOR OF TUNNEL AND CABLE TRAYS LINING TUNNEL WALLS. STAIRS ON EAST WALL OF CABLE VAULT LEAD INTO LANDLINE INSTRUMENTATION ROOM. - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

KSC-02PD0336

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-03-19

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Operations and Checkout Building, the Integrated Truss Structure S0 is ready for transport to the launch pad on mission STS-110. Scheduled for launch April 4, the 11-day mission will feature Space Shuttle Atlantis docking with the International Space Station (ISS) and delivering the S0 truss, the centerpiece-segment of the primary truss structure that will eventually extend over 300 feet

25. VIEW OF ATLAS CONTROL CONSOLE NEAR NORTHEAST CORNER OF ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

25. VIEW OF ATLAS CONTROL CONSOLE NEAR NORTHEAST CORNER OF SLC-3W CONTROL ROOM. CONSOLE INCLUDES TELEVISION CONTROL, FACILITIES, AND VEHICLE (MISSILE) POWER PANELS. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT IN BACKGROUND: MILITARY-TIME CLOCK, BASE OF BUNKER PERISCOPE, AND STAIRS TO ESCAPE TUNNEL. - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

STS-75 Mission Commander Andrew M. Allen suits up

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

STS-75 Mission Commander Andrew M. Allen completes suitup activities in the Operations and Checkout Building. STS-75 will be Allen's third trip into space, his first as commander. Allen and an international crew will depart shortly for Launch Pad 39B, where the Space Shuttle Columbia awaits liftoff during a two-and- a-half-hour launch window opening at 3:18 p.m. EST.

Vice President Mike Pence Visits Kennedy Space Center

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-07-06

Vice President Mike Pence got a first-hand look at the public-private partnerships at America's multi-user spaceport on Thursday, July 6, during a visit to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Vice President started his visit at Shuttle Landing Facility, the former space shuttle landing strip now leased and operated by Space Florida. Speaking in the center's iconic Vehicle Assembly Building, Pence thanked employees for their commitment to America's continued leadership in the space frontier. He then embarked on a spaceport tour showcasing both NASA and commercial work that will soon lead to U.S.-based astronaut launches and eventual missions into deep space. The tour included a visit to the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building, where the Orion spacecraft is being prepped for its first integrated flight with the Space Launch System (SLS) in 2019.

OSIRIS-REx NASA Social

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-07

Social media followers were briefed by NASA scientists on asteroids, how they relate to the origins of our solar system and the search for life beyond Earth, during a NASA Social presentation in the Operations Support Building II at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The presentation took place before launch of the agency’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. From the left, are Jarmaine Ollivierre, OSIRIS-REx lead flight designs with NASA’s Launch Services Program; and Gordon McLemore, with United Launch Alliance (ULA). OSIRIS-REx will launch aboard a ULA Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Solar Power Satellite Development: Advances in Modularity and Mechanical Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Belvin, W. Keith; Dorsey, John T.; Watson, Judith J.

2010-01-01

Space solar power satellites require innovative concepts in order to achieve economically and technically feasible designs. The mass and volume constraints of current and planned launch vehicles necessitate highly efficient structural systems be developed. In addition, modularity and in-space deployment will be enabling design attributes. This paper reviews the current challenges of launching and building very large space systems. A building block approach is proposed in order to achieve near-term solar power satellite risk reduction while promoting the necessary long-term technology advances. Promising mechanical systems technologies anticipated in the coming decades including modularity, material systems, structural concepts, and in-space operations are described

STS-67 Payload Specialists Durrance and Parise suit up

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1995-01-01

In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-67 Payload Specialists Samuel T. Durrance (left) and Ronald A. Parise have finished donning their launch/entry suits and chat with astronaut Joe Tanner while waiting for the rest of the crew. The two payload specialists -- who are both making their second trip into space -- and five fellow crew members will soon depart for Launch Pad 39A, where the Space Shuttle Endeavour is being readied for liftoff during a launch window opening at 1:37 a.m. EST, March 2.

KSC-2009-1486

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-01-12

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the United Launch Alliance direct mate adapter, or DMA, is installed on the NOAA-N Prime's payload attach fitting underneath the spacecraft. The DMA is needed to install the payload canister around the spacecraft for the journey to the launch pad. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Launch of NOAA-N Prime is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA/Doug Kolkow, VAFB

KSC-2009-1487

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-01-12

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In Building 1610 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the United Launch Alliance direct mate adapter, or DMA, is installed on the NOAA-N Prime's payload attach fitting underneath the spacecraft. The DMA is needed to install the payload canister around the spacecraft for the journey to the launch pad. NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting operational environmental weather satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Launch of NOAA-N Prime is scheduled for Feb. 4. Photo credit: NASA/Doug Kolkow, VAFB

APOLLO XII - LAUNCH DAY ACTIVITIES - LAUNCH COMPLEX 39A - KSC

NASA Image and Video Library

1969-11-14

S69-58880 (14 Nov. 1969) --- Astronaut Alan L. Bean, Apollo 12 lunar module pilot, suits up in the Kennedy Space Center's (KSC) Manned Spacecraft Operations Building during the Apollo 12 prelaunch countdown. Minutes later astronauts Bean; Charles Conrad Jr., commander; and Richard F. Gordon Jr., command module pilot, rode a special transport van over to Pad A, Launch Complex 39, where their spacecraft awaited. The Apollo 12 liftoff occurred at 11:22 a.m. (EST), Nov. 14, 1969. Apollo 12 is the United States' second lunar landing mission.

STS-121: Discovery L-2 Countdown Status Briefing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2006-01-01

Bruce Buckingham from NASA Public Affairs introduces Pete Nicolenko, NASA Test Director, and Kathy Winters, Shuttle Weather Officer. During this STS-121 two days before launch countdown briefing, Pete Nicolenko says that there are no issues of concern and that they are on schedule for launch. He then presents and discusses an Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) video. The OPF topics of discussion include: 1) Wheel and tire installation; 2) Gap filler installation; 3) Booster build-up; 4) Transport of External Tank (ET) 119; 5) ET to Shuttle Rocket Booster (SRB) Mate operation; 6) Roll-over of Discovery out of OPF to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB); and 7) Roll-out to the pad. Kathy Winters gives her weather forecast for the STS-121 launch. The video ends with a question and answer period from the media.

KSC-08pd3270

NASA Image and Video Library

2008-10-20

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Despite the incline, space shuttle Atlantis remains on a level plane as it rolls off Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. First motion was at 6:48 a.m. EDT. The crawler-transporter underneath the mobile launcher platform maintains the level plane through a leveling system designed to keep the top of the space shuttle vehicle vertical. This system also provides the leveling operations required to negotiate the 5-percent ramp leading to the launch pads. Atlantis is rolling back to the Vehicle Assembly Building to await launch on its STS-125 mission to repair NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Atlantis' targeted launch on Oct. 14 was delayed when a system that transfers science data from the orbiting observatory to Earth malfunctioned on Sept. 27. The new target launch date is under review. The space shuttle is mounted on a Mobile Launcher Platform and will be delivered to the Vehicle Assembly Building atop a crawler transporter. traveling slower than 1 mph during the 3.4-mile journey. The rollback is expected to take approximately six hours. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

STS-135 Launch Day

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-07-07

NASA Chief, Astronaut Office, Johnson Space Center Peggy Whitson deals cards during a traditional game that is played at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Operations and Checkout Building with the shuttle crew prior to them leaving for the launch pad, on Friday, July 8, 2011 in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The point of the game is that the commander must use up all his or her bad luck before launch, so the crew can only leave for the pad after the commander loses. The launch of Atlantis, STS-135, is the final flight of the shuttle program, a 12-day mission to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Jerry Ross)

STS-84 Commander Charles Precourt suits up

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1997-01-01

STS-84 Commander Charles J. Precourt adjusts the helmet of his launch and entry suit during final prelaunch preparations in the Operations and Checkout Building. This is Precourts third space flight, but his first as commander. Precourt and six other crew members will depart shortly for Launch Pad 39A, where the Space Shuttle Atlantis awaits liftoff during an approximate 7-minute launch window which opens at about 4:08 a.m. This will be the sixth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. The exact liftoff time will be determined about 90 minutes prior to launch, based on the most current location of Mir.

KSC-2012-1340

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-02-15

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –– Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane operator lifts part of an Apollo era diesel engine away from crawler-transporter 2 CT-2). New engines will be installed later this month. Work is in progress in high bay 2 to upgrade CT-2 so that it can carry NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket, which is under design, and new Orion spacecraft to the launch pad. The crawler-transporters were used to carry the mobile launcher platform and space shuttle to Launch Complex 39 for space shuttle launches for 30 years. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Dr. Gilruth and Dr. Kraft - Mission Control Center (MCC) - Apollo V Launch - MSC

NASA Image and Video Library

1968-01-22

S68-18733 (22 Jan. 1968) --- Dr. Robert R. Gilruth (right), MSC Director, sits with Dr. Christopher C. Kraft Jr., MSC director of flight operations, at his flight operations director console in the Mission Control Center, Building 30, during the Apollo 5 (LM-1/Saturn 204) unmanned space mission.

Orion Space Hardware In-Production inside the Operations and Che

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-10-03

Thermal protection system panels are in view in the high bay of the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Orion crew module for NASA’s Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1) is being prepared for its first integrated flight atop the Space Launch System rocket.

STS-113 and Expedition 6 crews leave the O&C Building for second launch attempt

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-113 and Expedition 6 crews stride down the ramp from the Operations and Checkout Building, eager to head for Launch Pad 39A and Space Shuttle Endeavour for a second launch attempt. The launch on Nov. 22 was scrubbed due to poor weather conditions at the Transoceanic Abort Landing sites. In front, left to right, are Expedition 6 Commander Ken Bowersox and Mission Commander James Wetherbee; next row, Mission Specialist Michael Lopez-Alegria and Pilot Paul Lockhart; third row, Mission Specialist John Herrington and Expedition 6 flight engineer Nikolai Budarin; and finally, Expedition 6 flight engineer Donald Pettit. The launch will carry the Expedition 6 crew to the Station and return the Expedition 5 crew to Earth. The major objective of the mission is delivery of the Port 1 (P1) Integrated Truss Assembly, which will be attached to the port side of the S0 truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install and activate the truss and its associated equipment. Launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-113 is now scheduled for Nov. 23 at 7:50 p.m. EST. [Photo by Scott Andrews

STS-113 and Expedition 6 crews leave the O&C Building for second launch attempt

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-113 and Expedition 6 crews leave the Operations and Checkout Building, heading for Launch Pad 39A and Space Shuttle Endeavour for a second launch attempt. The launch on Nov. 22 was scrubbed due to poor weather conditions at the Transoceanic Abort Landing sites. In front, left to right, are Expedition 6 Commander Ken Bowersox and Mission Commander James Wetherbee; next row, Mission Specialist Michael Lopez-Alegria and Pilot Paul Lockhart; third row, Mission Specialist John Herrington and Expedition 6 flight engineer Nikolai Budarin; and finally, Expedition 6 flight engineer Donald Pettit. The launch will carry the Expedition 6 crew to the Station and return the Expedition 5 crew to Earth. The major objective of the mission is delivery of the Port 1 (P1) Integrated Truss Assembly, which will be attached to the port side of the S0 truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install and activate the truss and its associated equipment. Launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-113 is now scheduled for Nov. 23 at 7:50 p.m. EST. [Photo by Scott Andrews

KSC-2013-3234

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-08-09

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As seen on Google Maps, Firing Room 3 inside the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center was one of the four control rooms used by NASA and contractor launch teams to oversee a space shuttle countdown. This firing room is furnished in the classic style with the same metal computer cabinets and some of the same monitors in place when the first shuttle mission launched April 12, 1981. Specialized operators worked at consoles tailored to keep track of the status of shuttle systems while the spacecraft was processed in the Orbiter Processing Facility, being stacked inside the Vehicle Assembly Building and standing at the launch pad before liftoff. The firing rooms, including 3, were also used during NASA's Apollo Program. Google precisely mapped the space center and some of its historical facilities for the company's map page. The work allows Internet users to see inside buildings at Kennedy as they were used during the space shuttle era. Photo credit: Google/Wendy Wang

The high pressure gas assembly is moved to the payload canister

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, an overhead crane moves the high pressure gas assembly -- two gaseous oxygen and two gaseous nitrogen storage tanks -- to the payload canister for transfer to orbiter Atlantis'''s payload bay. The tanks are part of the payload on mission STS- 104. They will be attached to the Joint Airlock Module, also part of the payload, during two spacewalks. The storage tanks will support future spacewalk operations from the Station and augment the Service Module gas resupply system. STS-104 is scheduled for launch June 14 from Launch Pad 39B.

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Structural Test Article Move to Birdcage

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-16

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Lockheed Martin technicians attach lines from a crane to the Orion crew module structural test article (STA). The STA arrived aboard NASA's Super Guppy aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida. The test article will be lifted out of its container and moved to a test tool called the birdcage for further testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Structural Test Article Move to Birdcage

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-16

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Lockheed Martin technicians prepare to attach lines from a crane to the Orion crew module structural test article (STA). The STA arrived aboard NASA's Super Guppy aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida. The test article will be lifted out of its container and moved to a test tool called the birdcage for further testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Structural Test Article Move to Birdcage

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-16

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Lockheed Martin technicians monitor the progress as a crane begins to lift the Orion crew module structural test article (STA) up from the base of its transport container. The STA arrived aboard NASA's Super Guppy aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida. The test article will be moved to a test tool called the birdcage for further testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Structural Test Article Move to Birdcage

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-16

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Lockheed Martin technicians monitor the progress as a crane moves the Orion crew module structural test article (STA) along the center aisle of the high bay. The STA arrived aboard NASA's Super Guppy aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida. The test article will be moved to a test tool called the birdcage for further testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Structural Test Article Move to Birdcage

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-16

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Lockheed Martin technicians monitor the progress as a crane lowers the Orion crew module structural test article (STA) toward a test tool called the birdcage. The STA arrived aboard NASA's Super Guppy aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida. The test article will be secured on the birdcage for further testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Structural Test Article Move to Birdcage

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-16

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Lockheed Martin technicians monitor the progress as a crane lowers the Orion crew module structural test article (STA) onto a test tool called the birdcage. The STA arrived aboard NASA's Super Guppy aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida. The test article will be secured on the birdcage for further testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion Crew Module Structural Test Article Transport from SLF to

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-15

After arriving at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the agency's Super Guppy aircraft was opened and the container holding the Orion crew module structural test article (STA) was offloaded. A crane was used to lower the container for placement on a transporter. The Super Guppy has been closed. The test article will be moved to the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay for further testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Structural Test Article Move to Birdcage

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-16

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Lockheed Martin technicians monitor the progress as a crane lifts the Orion crew module structural test article (STA) up from the base of its transport container. The STA arrived aboard NASA's Super Guppy aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida. The test article will be moved to a test tool called the birdcage for further testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Structural Test Article Move to Birdcage

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-16

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Lockheed Martin technicians check the lines attached from a crane to the Orion crew module structural test article (STA). The STA arrived aboard NASA's Super Guppy aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida. The test article will be lifted out of its container and moved to a test tool called the birdcage for further testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Structural Test Article Move to Birdcage

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-16

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Lockheed Martin technicians monitor the progress as a crane lifts the Orion crew module structural test article (STA) away from the base of its transport container. The STA arrived aboard NASA's Super Guppy aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility operated by Space Florida. The test article will be moved to a test tool called the birdcage for further testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

NASA's Next Generation Launch Technology Program - Strategy and Plans

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hueter, Uwe

2003-01-01

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration established a new program office, Next Generation Launch Technology (NGLT) Program Office, last year to pursue technologies for future space launch systems. NGLT will fund research in key technology areas such as propulsion, launch vehicles, operations and system analyses. NGLT is part of NASA s Integrated Space Technology Plan. The NGLT Program is sponsored by NASA s Office of Aerospace Technology and is part of the Space Launch Initiative theme that includes both NGLT and Orbital Space Plane. NGLT will focus on technology development to increase safety and reliability and reduce overall costs associated with building, flying and maintaining the nation s next-generations of space launch vehicles. These investments will be guided by systems engineering and analysis with a focus on the needs of National customers.

KSC-2013-2918

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-27

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the media receive an on activities in NASA’s Ground Systems Development and Operations, or GSDO, Program, Space Launch System and Orion crew module for Exploration Test Flight 1. Speaking to the media is Scott Wilson, manager of Orion Production Operations at Kennedy. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry crews to space beyond low Earth orbit. It will provide emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during the space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. Orion’s first unpiloted test flight is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket. A second uncrewed flight test is scheduled for 2017 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-2013-2923

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-27

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the media receive an on activities in NASA’s Ground Systems Development and Operations, or GSDO, Program, Space Launch System and Orion crew module for Exploration Test Flight 1. Speaking to the media is Jeremy Parsons, chief of the GSDO Operations Integration Office at Kennedy. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry crews to space beyond low Earth orbit. It will provide emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during the space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. Orion’s first unpiloted test flight is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket. A second uncrewed flight test is scheduled for 2017 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-2013-2922

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-27

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the media receive an on activities in NASA’s Ground Systems Development and Operations, or GSDO, Program, Space Launch System and Orion crew module for Exploration Test Flight 1. Speaking to the media is Jeremy Parsons, chief of the GSDO Operations Integration Office at Kennedy. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry crews to space beyond low Earth orbit. It will provide emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during the space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. Orion’s first unpiloted test flight is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket. A second uncrewed flight test is scheduled for 2017 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

STS-32 crewmembers wave as they leave KSC O&C Bldg for launch pad

NASA Image and Video Library

1990-01-09

STS032-S-056 (20 Jan 1990) --- STS-32 Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102, crewmembers depart the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Operations and Checkout (O and C) Building enroute to KSC Launch Complex (LC) Pad 39A. Dubious weather at the return-to-launch site (RTLS) caused postponement of yesterday's planned launch. From left to right are Mission Specialist (MS) G. David Low, MS Marsha S. Ivins, MS Bonnie J. Dunbar, Pilot James D. Wetherbee, and Commander Daniel C. Brandenstein. All crewmembers are wearing launch and entry suits (LESs) and Low, Ivins, and Wetherbee wave to spectators as they head to the transportation van. Following the crew are astronaut Michael L. Coats (left) and NASA/JSC manager Donald R. Puddy.

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Move from Clean Room to Work Station

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-05-11

The Orion crew module for NASA’s Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1) is secured in a work station in the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Orion will undergo additional processing to prepare it for launch in 2019. The spacecraft is being prepared for its first integrated flight atop the Space Launch System rocket on Exploration Mission-1.

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Move from Clean Room to Work Station

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-05-11

The Orion crew module for NASA’s Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1) is being secured in a work station in the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Orion will undergo additional processing to prepare it for launch in 2019. The spacecraft is being prepared for its first integrated flight atop the Space Launch System rocket on Exploration Mission-1.

KSC-04pd0660

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-03-26

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This aerial photo shows the expanse of the Launch Complex 39 Area, bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and cloud-filled sky. At center right, towering above the surrounding sites, is the Vehicle Assembly Building. To the left, or north, is the Orbiter Processing Facility’s Bay 3. On the western side are OPF Bays 1 and 2. South, near the roadway, is the Operations Support Building. The two-lane crawlerway stretches from the VAB toward the coast, site of Launch Pad 39A, closest, and Launch Pad 39B, far left. Between the VAB and the ocean sprawl the Banana Creek and the Banana River. The turn basin, at right, allows delivery of external tanks that are offloaded close to and transported to the VAB. At the western end of the Turn Basin sits the press mound, home of the NASA KSC News Center. Photo credit: NASA

The satellite power system - Assessment of the environmental impact on middle atmosphere composition and on climate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whitten, R. C.; Borucki, W. J.; Park, C.; Pfister, L.; Woodward, H. T.; Turco, R. P.; Capone, L. A.; Riegel, C. A.; Kropp, T.

1982-01-01

Numerical models were developed to calculate the total deposition of watervapor, hydrogen, CO2, CO, SO2, and NO in the middle atmosphere from operation of heavy lift launch vehicles (HLLV) used to build a satellite solar power system (SPS). The effects of the contaminants were examined for their effects on the upper atmosphere. One- and two-dimensional models were formulated for the photochemistry of the upper atmosphere and for rocket plumes and reentry. An SPS scenario of 400 launches per year for 10 yr was considered. The build-up of the contaminants in the atmosphere was projected to have no significant effects, even at the launch latitude. Neither would there by any dangerous ozone depletion. It was found that H, OH, and HO2 species would double in the thermosphere. No measurable changes in climate were foreseen.

Space transportation activities in the United States

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gabris, Edward A.

1994-01-01

The status of the existing space transportation systems in the U.S. and options for increased capability is being examined in the context of mission requirements, options for new vehicles, cost to operate the existing vehicles, cost to develop new vehicles, and the capabilities and plans of other suppliers. This assessment is addressing the need to build and resupply the space station, to maintain necessary military assets in a rapidly changing world, and to continue a competitive commercial space transportation industry. The Department of Defense (DOD) and NASA each conducted an 'access to space' study using a common mission model but with the emphasis on their unique requirements. Both studies considered three options: maintain and improve the existing capability, build a new launch vehicle using contemporary technology, and build a new launch vehicle using advanced technology. While no decisions have been made on a course of action, it will be influenced by the availability of funds in the U.S. budget, the changing need for military space assets, the increasing competition among space launch suppliers, and the emerging opportunity for an advanced technology, low cost system and international partnerships to develop it.

41-D crew leaves operations and checkout building at KSC

NASA Image and Video Library

1984-08-30

41D-3194 (30 Aug 1984)--- The six members of the 41-D Discovery crew leave the operations and checkout building at Kennedy Space to marke their way to Launch Pad 39A and a date with space. Leading the group is Henry W. hartsfield Jr., commander. Michael L. Coats, pilot, is left center. The mission specialists are Steven A. Hawley, second right, Richard M. (Mike) Mullane, right center, and Judith A. Resnik. Charles D. Walker, payload specialist, follows Resnik. Behind the blue-suited crewmembers are George W.S. Abbey, left, director of flight crew operations and John W. Young, chief of the astronaut office.

STS-29 crewmembers leave KSC Operations and Checkout (O&C) Building

NASA Image and Video Library

1989-03-13

STS029-S-024 (13 March 1989) --- The flight crew for NASA's STS-29 mission leave the operations and checkout building en route to the van that will transport them to Launch Pad 39B, where Discovery awaits the astronauts for its second post-Challenge flight. Leading the way is astronaut Michael L. Coats, mission commander. He is followed by astronauts John E. Blaha, pilot; and James F. Buchli, James P. Bagian and Robert C. Springer, all mission specialists. In the background are astronaut Daniel C. Brandenstein, chief of the astronaut office, and Donald R. Puddy, director of flight crew operations.

NASA Planning for Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle Ground Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Letchworth, Gary; Schlierf, Roland

2011-01-01

The NASA Orion Ground Processing Team was originally formed by the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Constellation (Cx) Project Office's Orion Division to define, refine and mature pre-launch and post-landing ground operations for the Orion human spacecraft. The multidisciplined KSC Orion team consisted of KSC civil servant, SAIC, Productivity Apex, Inc. and Boeing-CAPPS engineers, project managers and safety engineers, as well as engineers from Constellation's Orion Project and Lockheed Martin Orion Prime contractor. The team evaluated the Orion design configurations as the spacecraft concept matured between Systems Design Review (SDR), Systems Requirement Review (SRR) and Preliminary Design Review (PDR). The team functionally decomposed prelaunch and post-landing steps at three levels' of detail, or tiers, beginning with functional flow block diagrams (FFBDs). The third tier FFBDs were used to build logic networks and nominal timelines. Orion ground support equipment (GSE) was identified and mapped to each step. This information was subsequently used in developing lower level operations steps in a Ground Operations Planning Document PDR product. Subject matter experts for each spacecraft and GSE subsystem were used to define 5th - 95th percentile processing times for each FFBD step, using the Delphi Method. Discrete event simulations used this information and the logic network to provide processing timeline confidence intervals for launch rate assessments. The team also used the capabilities of the KSC Visualization Lab, the FFBDs and knowledge of the spacecraft, GSE and facilities to build visualizations of Orion pre-launch and postlanding processing at KSC. Visualizations were a powerful tool for communicating planned operations within the KSC community (i.e., Ground Systems design team), and externally to the Orion Project, Lockheed Martin spacecraft designers and other Constellation Program stakeholders during the SRR to PDR timeframe. Other operations planning tools included Kaizen/Lean events, mockups and human factors analysis. The majority of products developed by this team are applicable as KSC prepares 21st Century Ground Systems for the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle and Space Launch System.

STS-106 Mission Specialist Morukov suits up before launch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

STS-106 Mission Specialist Boris V. Morukov gives a thumbs up for launch during suitup in the Operations and Checkout Building before launch. This is Morukov'''s first space flight. Space Shuttle Atlantis is set to lift off 8:45 a.m. EDT on the fourth flight to the International Space Station. During the 11-day mission, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed '''Expedition One,''' is due to arrive at the Station in late fall.

SpaceX Falcon Heavy Demo Flight - Ready for Launch

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-02-06

A SpaceX Falcon Heavy stands at Launch Complex 39A, far right, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida awaiting liftoff on its demonstration flight. In the foreground is the center’s iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. The demonstration flight is a significant milestone for the world's premier multi-user spaceport. In 2014, NASA signed a property agreement with SpaceX for the use and operation of the center's pad 39A, where the company has launched Falcon 9 rockets and is preparing for the first Falcon Heavy. NASA also has Space Act Agreements in place with partners, such as SpaceX, to provide services needed to process and launch rockets and spacecraft.

STS-135 Launch Day

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-07-07

NASA Chief, Astronaut Office, Johnson Space Center Peggy Whitson, center, STS-135 Astronauts, Rex Walheim, left, and Commander Chris Ferguson are seen as the entire crew plays a traditional card game at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Operations and Checkout Building prior to them leaving for the launch pad, on Friday, July 8, 2011 in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The point of the game is that the commander must use up all his or her bad luck before launch, so the crew can only leave for the pad after the commander loses. The launch of Atlantis, STS-135, is the final flight of the shuttle program, a 12-day mission to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Jerry Ross)

Ares I-X: First Flight of a New Era

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, Stephen R.; Askins, Bruce R.

2010-01-01

Since 2005, NASA s Constellation Program has been designing, building, and testing the next generation of launch and space vehicles to carry humans beyond low-Earth orbit (LEO). The Ares Projects at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) are developing the Ares I crew launch vehicle and Ares V cargo launch vehicle. On October 28, 2009, the first development flight test of the Ares I crew launch vehicle, Ares I-X, lifted off from a launch pad at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) on successful suborbital flight. Basing exploration launch vehicle designs on Ares I-X information puts NASA one step closer to full-up "test as you fly," a best practice in vehicle design. Although the final Constellation Program architecture is under review, the Ares I-X data and experience in vehicle design and operations can be applied to any launch vehicle. This paper presents the mission background as well as results and lessons learned from the flight.

KSC-2013-2917

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-27

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the media receive an on activities in NASA’s Ground Systems Development and Operations, or GSDO, Program, Space Launch System and Orion crew module for Exploration Test Flight 1. Speaking to the media, from left are Scott Wilson, manager of Orion Production Operations at Kennedy Larry Price, Lockheed Martin deputy program manager for Orion Tom Erdman, from Marshall Space Flight Center’s Kennedy resident office Jules Schneider, Lockheed Martin manager of Orion Production Operations and Jeremy Parsons, chief of the GSDO Operations Integration Office at Kennedy. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry crews to space beyond low Earth orbit. It will provide emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during the space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. Orion’s first unpiloted test flight is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket. A second uncrewed flight test is scheduled for 2017 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

STS-110 payload S0 Truss is moved to payload canister in O&C

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Integrated Truss Structure S0 arrives at the payload canister in the Operations and Checkout Building for transfer to the launch pad for mission STS-110. Part of the payload on Space Shuttle Atlantis, the S0 truss will be attached to the U.S. Lab, 'Destiny,' on the 11-day mission, becoming the backbone of the orbiting International Space Station (ISS). Launch is scheduled for April 4.

KSC-06pd2220

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-09-26

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A ribbon-cutting at NASA's Kennedy Space Center officially reactivated the Operations and Checkout Building's west door as entry to the crew exploration vehicle (CEV) environment. At the podium is Center Director Jim Kennedy, who is discussing KSC's transition from shuttle to CEV in the rest of the decade. During the rest of the decade, KSC will transition from launching space shuttles to launching new vehicles in NASA’s Vision For Space Exploration. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Move from Clean Room to Work Station

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-05-11

The Orion crew module pressure vessel for NASA’s Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1) is moved from a clean room to a work station inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Orion will undergo additional processing to prepare it for launch in 2019. The spacecraft is being prepared for its first integrated flight atop the Space Launch System rocket on Exploration Mission-1.

KSC-97pc269

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-02-11

STS-82 Mission Specialist Joseph R. "Joe" Tanner dons his launch and entry suit in the Operations and Checkout Building with assistance from a suit technician. This is Tanner’s second space flight. He and the six other crew members will depart shortly for Launch Pad 39A, where the Space Shuttle Discovery awaits liftoff on a 10-day mission to service the orbiting Hubble Space Telescope (HST). This will be the second HST servicing mission. Four back-to-back spacewalks are planned

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Move from Clean Room to Work Station

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-05-11

The Orion crew module pressure vessel for NASA’s Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1) is being moved from a clean room to a work station inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Orion will undergo additional processing to prepare it for launch in 2019. The spacecraft is being prepared for its first integrated flight atop the Space Launch System rocket on Exploration Mission-1.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, workers begin moving NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft into the building MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - is being taken into a high bay clean room where employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will perform an initial state-of-health check. Then processing for launch can begin, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER will be launched May 11 on a six-year mission aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket. Liftoff is targeted for 2:26 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 11.

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-03-10

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, workers begin moving NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft into the building MESSENGER - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - is being taken into a high bay clean room where employees of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, builders of the spacecraft, will perform an initial state-of-health check. Then processing for launch can begin, including checkout of the power systems, communications systems and control systems. The thermal blankets will also be attached for flight. MESSENGER will be launched May 11 on a six-year mission aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket. Liftoff is targeted for 2:26 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 11.

KSC-97pc139

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-01-12

STS-81 Mission Specialist Peter J. K. "Jeff" Wisoff prepares for the fifth ShuttleMir docking as he waits in the Operations and Checkout (O&C) Building for the operation to fit him into his launch/entry suit to be completed. He conducted a spacewalk on his on his first Shuttle mission, STS57 and holds a doctorate degree in applied physics with an emphasis on lasers and semiconductor materials. He and five crew members will shortly depart the O&C and head for Launch Pad 39B, where the Space Shuttle Atlantis will lift off during a 7-minute window that opens at 4:27 a.m. EST, January 12

MSFC/EV44 Natural Environment Capabilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

NeergaardParker, Linda; Willis, Emily M.; Minnow, Joseph I.; Coffey, Vic N.

2014-01-01

The Natural Environments Branch at Marshall Space Flight Center is an integral part of many NASA satellite and launch vehicle programs, providing analyses of the space and terrestrial environments that are used for program development efforts, operational support, and anomaly investigations. These capabilities include model development, instrument build and testing, analysis of space and terrestrial related data, spacecraft charging anomaly investigations, surface and internal charging modeling, space environment definition, and radiation assessments for electronic parts. All aspects of space and terrestrial design are implemented with the goal of devising missions that are successful from launch to operations in the space environment of LEO, polar, GEO, and interplanetary orbits.

KSC-01PP1008

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-05-18

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, workers wait in the payload canister as an overhead crane moves the high pressure gas assembly two gaseous oxygen and two gaseous nitrogen storage tanks toward it. The joint airlock module is already in the canister. The airlock and tanks are part of the payload on mission STS-104 and are being transferred to orbiter Atlantis’s payload bay. The storage tanks will be attached to the airlock during two spacewalks. The storage tanks will support future spacewalk operations from the Station and augment the Service Module gas resupply system. STS-104 is scheduled for launch June 14 from Launch Pad 39B

Orion Washdown & Arrival at LASF

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-12-18

NASA's Orion crew module, enclosed in its crew module transportation fixture and secured on a flatbed truck, leaves the Multi-Operation Support Building and is being transported to the Launch Abort System Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Orion was transported 2,700 miles overland from Naval Base San Diego in California. Orion was recovered from the Pacific Ocean after completing a two-orbit, four-and-a-half hour mission Dec. 5 to test systems critical to crew safety, including the launch abort system, the heat shield and the parachute system. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program led the recovery, offload and transportation efforts.

STS-81 Mission Specialist Peter Wisoff suits up

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1997-01-01

STS-81 Mission Specialist Peter J. K. 'Jeff' Wisoff prepares for the fifth Shuttle- Mir docking as he waits in the Operations and Checkout (O&C) Building for the operation to fit him into his launch/entry suit to be completed. He conducted a spacewalk on his on his first Shuttle mission, STS- 57 and holds a doctorate degree in applied physics with an emphasis on lasers and semiconductor materials. He and five crew members will shortly depart the O&C and head for Launch Pad 39B, where the Space Shuttle Atlantis will lift off during a 7-minute window that opens at 4:27 a.m. EST, January 12.

PRELAUNCH - (SUITING-UP) APOLLO 15 - KSC

NASA Image and Video Library

1971-07-26

S71-41408 (26 July 1971) --- The three Apollo 15 astronauts go through suiting up operations in the Kennedy Space Center's (KSC) Manned Spacecraft Operations Building (MSOB) during the Apollo 15 prelaunch countdown. They are David R. Scott (foreground), commander; Alfred M. Worden (center), command module pilot; and James B. Irwin (background), lunar module pilot. Minutes later the crew rode a special transport van over to Pad A, Launch Complex 39, where their spacecraft awaited them. With the crew was Dr. Donald (Deke) K. Slayton (wearing dark blue sport shirt), director of Flight Crew Operations, Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC). The Apollo 15 space vehicle was launched at 9:34:00:79 a.m. (EDT), July 26, 1971, on a lunar landing mission.

NASA's Ares I and Ares V Launch Vehicles--Effective Space Operations Through Efficient Ground Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singer, Christopher E.; Dumbacher, Daniel L.; Lyles, Gary M.; Onken, Jay F.

2008-01-01

The United States (U.S.) is charting a renewed course for lunar exploration, with the fielding of a new human-rated space transportation system to replace the venerable Space Shuttle, which will be retired after it completes its missions of building the International Space Station (ISS) and servicing the Hubble Space Telescope. Powering the future of space-based scientific exploration will be the Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle, which will transport the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle to orbit where it will rendezvous with the Altair Lunar Lander, which will be delivered by the Ares V Cargo Launch Vehicle (fig. 1). This configuration will empower rekindled investigation of Earth's natural satellite in the not too distant future. This new exploration infrastructure, developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), will allow astronauts to leave low-Earth orbit (LEO) for extended lunar missions and preparation for the first long-distance journeys to Mars. All space-based operations - to LEO and beyond - are controlled from Earth. NASA's philosophy is to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective architecture solutions to sustain this multi-billion-dollar program across several decades. Leveraging SO years of lessons learned, NASA is partnering with private industry and academia, while building on proven hardware experience. This paper outlines a few ways that the Engineering Directorate at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center is working with the Constellation Program and its project offices to streamline ground operations concepts by designing for operability, which reduces lifecycle costs and promotes sustainable space exploration.

Process Time Refinement for Reusable Launch Vehicle Regeneration Modeling

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-03-01

predicted to fail, or have failed. 3) Augmenting existing space systems with redundant or additional capability to enhance space system performance or...Canopies, External Tanks/Pods/Pylon Ejectors , Armament Bay Doors, Missile Launchers, Wing and Fuselage Center Line Racks, Bomb Bay Release...Systems Test 04583 Thrust Maintenance Operation 04584 Silo Door Operation 04650 Initial Build-up-Recovery Vehicle (RV) 147 04610 Nondestructive

Launching a world-class joint venture.

PubMed

Bamford, James; Ernst, David; Fubini, David G

2004-02-01

More than 5,000 joint ventures, and many more contractual alliances, have been launched worldwide in the past five years. Companies are realizing that JVs and alliances can be lucrative vehicles for developing new products, moving into new markets, and increasing revenues. The problem is, the success rate for JVs and alliances is on a par with that for mergers and acquisitions--which is to say not very good. The authors, all McKinsey consultants, argue that JV success remains elusive for most companies because they don't pay enough attention to launch planning and execution. Most companies are highly disciplined about integrating the companies they target through M&A, but they rarely commit sufficient resources to launching similarly sized joint ventures or alliances. As a result, the parent companies experience strategic conflicts, governance gridlock, and missed operational synergies. Often, they walk away from the deal. The launch phase begins with the parent companies' signing of a memorandum of understanding and continues through the first 100 days of the JV or alliance's operation. During this period, it's critical for the parents to convene a team dedicated to exposing inherent tensions early. Specifically, the launch team must tackle four basic challenges. First, build and maintain strategic alignment across the separate corporate entities, each of which has its own goals, market pressures, and shareholders. Second, create a shared governance system for the two parent companies. Third, manage the economic interdependencies between the corporate parents and the JV. And fourth, build a cohesive, high-performing organization (the JV or alliance)--not a simple task, since most managers come from, will want to return to, and may even hold simultaneous positions in the parent companies. Using real-world examples, the authors offer their suggestions for meeting these challenges.

Exploring the Solid Rocket Boosters and Properties of Matter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moffett, Amy

2007-01-01

I worked for the United Space Alliance, LLC (USA) with the Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) Materials and Process engineers (M&P). I was assigned a project in which I needed to research and collect chemical and physical properties information, material safety data sheets (MSDS), and other product information from the vendor's websites and existing "inhouse" files for a select group of materials used in building and refurbishing the SRBs. This information was then compiled in a report that summarized the information collected. My work site was at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). This allowed for many opportunities to visit and tour sites operated by NASA, by USA, and by the Air Force. This included the vehicle assembly building (VAB), orbital processing facilities (OPF), the crawler with the mobile launch pad (MLP), and the SRB assembly and refurbishment facility (ARF), to name a few. In addition, the launch, of STS- 117 took place within the first week of employment allowing a day by day following of that mission including post flight operations for the SRBs. Two Delta II rockets were also launched during these 7 weeks. The sights were incredible and the operations witnessed were amazing. I learned so many things I never knew about the entire program and the shuttle itself. The entire experience, especially my work with the SRB materials, inspired my plan for implementation into the classroom.

19. Launch Area, general view of Missile Assembly Building and ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

19. Launch Area, general view of Missile Assembly Building and Generator Building VIEW SOUTHWEST - NIKE Missile Battery PR-79, Launch Area, East Windsor Road south of State Route 101, Foster, Providence County, RI

KSC-2011-1063

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-01-07

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Workers hang artwork in the second-floor lobby of the Propellants North Administrative and Maintenance Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The artwork was produced by Greg Lee, a graphics specialist with Abacus Technology Corp., and features a silhouette of a shuttle, one of the most recognizable American icons, rolling out to Launch Complex 39. Next to the artwork are recycled firing room windows from Kennedy's Launch Control Center. Launch controllers viewed every shuttle rollout and launch through those windows before they were repurposed. The environmentally friendly facility is slated to be NASA's second Platinum-rated by the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) certification system. It will be the space agency's first net-zero facility, which means it will produce enough energy onsite from renewable sources to offset what it requires to operate. The facility consists of a two-story administrative building to house managers, mechanics and technicians who fuel spacecraft at Kennedy, and a single-story shop to store cryogenic fuel transfer equipment. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

KSC-2013-2342

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-05-13

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers move the Orion ground test vehicle, or GTA, into the Launch Equipment Test Facility, or LETF, from the Operations and Checkout Building. At the LETF, Lockheed Martin will put the GTA through a series of pyrotechnic bolt tests. The ground test vehicle is being used for path finding operations in the O&C, including simulated manufacturing and assembly procedures. Launching atop NASA's heavy-lift Space Launch System SLS, which also is under development, the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle MPCV will serve as the exploration vehicle that will carry astronaut crews beyond low Earth orbit. It also will provide emergency abort capabilities, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: Jim Grossman

KSC-2013-2340

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-05-13

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers prepare to move the Orion ground test vehicle, or GTA, from the Operations and Checkout Building to the Launch Equipment Test Facility, or LETF. At the LETF, Lockheed Martin will put the GTA through a series of pyrotechnic bolt tests. The ground test vehicle is being used for path finding operations in the O&C, including simulated manufacturing and assembly procedures. Launching atop NASA's heavy-lift Space Launch System SLS, which also is under development, the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle MPCV will serve as the exploration vehicle that will carry astronaut crews beyond low Earth orbit. It also will provide emergency abort capabilities, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: Jim Grossman

KSC-2013-2341

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-05-13

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers move the Orion ground test vehicle, or GTA, from the Operations and Checkout Building to the Launch Equipment Test Facility, or LETF. At the LETF, Lockheed Martin will put the GTA through a series of pyrotechnic bolt tests. The ground test vehicle is being used for path finding operations in the O&C, including simulated manufacturing and assembly procedures. Launching atop NASA's heavy-lift Space Launch System SLS, which also is under development, the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle MPCV will serve as the exploration vehicle that will carry astronaut crews beyond low Earth orbit. It also will provide emergency abort capabilities, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: Jim Grossman

KSC-2013-2343

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-05-13

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers move the Orion ground test vehicle, or GTA, into the Launch Equipment Test Facility, or LETF, from the Operations and Checkout Building. At the LETF, Lockheed Martin will put the GTA through a series of pyrotechnic bolt tests. The ground test vehicle is being used for path finding operations in the O&C, including simulated manufacturing and assembly procedures. Launching atop NASA's heavy-lift Space Launch System SLS, which also is under development, the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle MPCV will serve as the exploration vehicle that will carry astronaut crews beyond low Earth orbit. It also will provide emergency abort capabilities, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: Jim Grossman

STS-87 Crew walkout of O&C building

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1997-01-01

The crew of Mission STS-87 depart from the Operations and Checkout Building en route to Launch Pad 39B, where the Space Shuttle Columbia awaits liftoff on the fourth flight of the United States Microgravity Payload and the Spartan-201deployable satellite. Leading the way are, from left to right, front to back: Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla, Ph.D.; Commander Kevin Kregel; Mission Specialist Takao Doi, Ph.D., of the National Space Development Agency of Japan; Mission Specialist Winston Scott; Payload Specialist Leonid Kadenyuk of the National Space Agency of Ukraine; and Pilot Steven Lindsey. The Space Shuttle Columbia and its crew of six members are scheduled to lift off during a two-and-a-half hour launch window, which opens at 2:46 p.m.

Building Operations Efficiencies into NASA's Crew Launch Vehicle Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dumbacher, Daniel L.

2006-01-01

The U.S. Vision for Space Exploration guides NASA's challenging missions of technological innovation and scientific investigation. With the Agency's commitment to complete the International Space Station (ISS) and to retire the Space Shuttle by 2010, the NASA Administrator commissioned the Exploration Systems Architecture Study (ESAS) in mid 2005 to analyze options for a safer, simpler, more cost efficient launch system that could deliver timely human-rated space transportation capabilities. NASA's finite resources yield discoveries with infinite possibilities. As the Agency begins the process of replacing the Shuttle with new launch vehicles destined for missions beyond low-Earth orbit to the Moon and Mars, NASA is designing the follow-on crew and cargo systems for maximum operational efficiencies. This mandate is imperative to reduce the $4.5 billion NASA spends on space transportation each year. This paper gives top-level details of how the follow-on Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV) is being designed for reduced lifecycle costs as a primary catalyst for the expansion of future frontiers.

STS-92 Mission Specialist Chiao has his launch and entry suit adjusted

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-92 Mission Specialist Leroy Chiao has his launch and entry suit adjusted during fit check. Chiao and the rest of the crew are at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT provides emergency egress training, simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payload. This mission will be Chiao's third Shuttle flight. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program.

STS-28 Columbia, OV-102, terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) at KSC

NASA Image and Video Library

1989-07-18

S89-41093 (9 Aug 1989) --- STS-28 Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102, mission specialist David C. Leestma relaxes in chair after donning launch and entry suit (LES) and launch and entry helmet (LEH). Technician in the background monitors LES systems. Leestma, along with fellow crewmembers, is participating in the terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Operations and Checkout (O&C) Building. View provided by KSC with alternate number KSC-89PC-673.

STS-75 Payload Specialist Umberto Guidoni suits up

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

STS-75 Payload Specialist Umberto Guidoni (right) chats with fellow crew member Mission Specialist Claude Nicollier during suitup activities in the Operations and Checkout Building. Guidoni represents the Italian Space Agency and is one of three international crew members assigned to STS-75. He and six fellow crew members will depart shortly for Launch Pad 39B, where the Space Shuttle Columbia awaits liftoff during a two-and-a-half- hour launch window opening at 3:18 p.m. EST.

Orion Heat Shield Move

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-10-23

Lockheed Martin engineers and technicians prepare the Orion heat shield for Exploration Mission-1 for its move to the thermal chamber in the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The heat shield will undergo a thermal cycle test to verify acceptable workmanship and material quality. The test serves to verify the heat shield's thermal protection systems have been manufactured and assembled correctly. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA's Space Launch System rocket on its first uncrewed integrated flight.

Crawler Transporter 2 Trek

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-03-23

NASA’s upgraded crawler-transporter 2 (CT-2) begins its trek from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to Launch Pad 39B to test recently completed upgrades and modifications for NASA’s journey to Mars. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program at Kennedy oversaw upgrades to the crawler in the VAB. The crawler will carry the mobile launcher with Orion atop the Space Launch System rocket to Pad 39B for Exploration Mission-1, scheduled for 2018.

Crawler Transporter 2 Trek

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-03-23

NASA’s upgraded crawler-transporter 2 (CT-2) has exited the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for its trek along the crawlerway to Launch Pad 39B to test recently completed upgrades and modifications for NASA’s journey to Mars. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program at Kennedy oversaw upgrades to the crawler in the VAB. The crawler will carry the mobile launcher with Orion atop the Space Launch System rocket to Pad 39B for Exploration Mission-1, scheduled for 2018.

Crawler Transporter 2 Trek

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-03-23

NASA’s upgraded crawler-transporter 2 (CT-2) travels along the crawlerway from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on its trek to Launch Pad 39B to test recently completed upgrades and modifications for NASA’s journey to Mars. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program at Kennedy oversaw upgrades to the crawler in the VAB. The crawler will carry the mobile launcher with Orion atop the Space Launch System rocket to Pad 39B for Exploration Mission-1, scheduled for 2018.

Crawler Transporter 2 Trek

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-03-23

NASA’s upgraded crawler-transporter 2 (CT-2) travels along the crawlerway during its trek to Launch Pad 39B at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, to test recently completed upgrades and modifications for NASA’s journey to Mars. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program at Kennedy oversaw upgrades to the crawler in the Vehicle Assembly Building. The crawler will carry the mobile launcher with Orion atop the Space Launch System rocket to Pad 39B for Exploration Mission-1, scheduled for 2018.

KSC-06pd2225

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-09-26

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At right, Kent Beringer, manager of facilities with Boeing, briefs Center Director Jim Kennedy (second from left at front) and other officials about use of the area dedicated for the crew exploration vehicle in the Operations and Checkout Building. The briefing followed an official ribbon-cutting that reactivated the entry into the area. During the rest of the decade, KSC will transition from launching space shuttles to launching new vehicles in NASA’s Vision For Space Exploration. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-06pd2226

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-09-26

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At right, Kent Beringer, manager of facilities with Boeing, briefs Center Director Jim Kennedy (second from left at front) and other officials about use of the area dedicated for the crew exploration vehicle in the Operations and Checkout Building. The briefing followed an official ribbon-cutting that reactivated the entry into the area. During the rest of the decade, KSC will transition from launching space shuttles to launching new vehicles in NASA’s Vision For Space Exploration. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-97PC1680

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-11-19

STS-87 Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla, Ph.D., sits in her launch and entry suit in the Operations and Checkout Building before she and the five other crew members of STS-87 depart for Launch Pad 39B. There, the Space Shuttle Columbia awaits liftoff on a 16-day mission to perform microgravity and solar research. Born in Karnal, India, Dr. Chawla received her doctorate of philosophy in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado in 1988. This is Chawla’s first mission for NASA

STS-87 Mission Specialist Takao Doi suits up

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1997-01-01

STS-87 Mission Specialist Takao Doi, Ph.D., of the National Space Development Agency of Japan, gives a thumbs up in his launch and entry suit in the Operations and Checkout Building. He and the five other crew members will depart shortly for Launch Pad 39B, where the Space Shuttle Columbia awaits liftoff on a 16-day mission to perform microgravity and solar research. Dr. Doi is scheduled to perform an extravehicular activity spacewalk with Mission Specialist Winston Scott during STS-87.

29. VIEW OF 1959 KOLLMORGEN BUNKER PERISCOPE LOCATED IN NORTHEAST ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

29. VIEW OF 1959 KOLLMORGEN BUNKER PERISCOPE LOCATED IN NORTHEAST CORNER OF SLC-3W CONTROL ROOM. NOTE SCHRADER VALVE ABOVE HANDLE ON RIGHT SIDE OF PERISCOPE. MONITOR LABELED '1-FLAMEBUCKET' IN BACKGROUND TO LEFT OF PERISCOPE. DIGITAL COUNTDOWN AND HOLD CLOCKS IMMEDIATELY ABOVE MONITOR. ANOTHER DIGITAL COUNTDOWN CLOCK AND THE MILITARY TIME CLOCK ON NORTH WALL BENEATH THE MONITOR. - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

STS-87 Commander Kevin R. Kregel suits up

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1997-01-01

STS-87 Commander Kevin Kregel sits in his launch and entry suit in the Operations and Checkout Building holding a cap of his sons soccer team of which Kregel is the coach. Shortly, he and the five other crew members of STS-87 will depart for Launch Pad 39B, where the Space Shuttle Columbia awaits liftoff on a 16-day mission to perform microgravity and solar research. A veteran of two space flights (STS-70 and -78), Kregel has logged more than 618 hours in space.

KSC-97PC1681

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-11-19

STS-87 Commander Kevin Kregel sits in his launch and entry suit in the Operations and Checkout Building holding a cap of his son’s soccer team of which Kregel is the coach. Shortly, he and the five other crew members of STS-87 will depart for Launch Pad 39B, where the Space Shuttle Columbia awaits liftoff on a 16-day mission to perform microgravity and solar research. A veteran of two space flights (STS-70 and -78), Kregel has logged more than 618 hours in space

Multistage Electromagnetic and Laser Launchers for Affordable, Rapid Access to Space

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-07-01

control procedures. To accommodate this, after each gun build, bore gauges were used to accurately measure the bore dimensions , and the projectile...1. Operating Parameters Projectile Mass 5.4 g Bore Dimensions 17 mm × 17 mm Desired Muzzle Speed ~4.5 km/s (3.2m) ~7 km/s (7 m) Gun Length 3.2 m...for a range of ballistic trajectories of interest to the gun launch. The aeroshell dimensions were chosen as being typical for the launch mass

81. THREE ADDITIONAL BLACK AND WHITE VIDEO MONITORS LOCATED IMMEDIATELY ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

81. THREE ADDITIONAL BLACK AND WHITE VIDEO MONITORS LOCATED IMMEDIATELY WEST OF THOSE IN CA-133-1-A-80. COMPLEX SAFETY WARNING LIGHTS FOR SLC-3E (PAD 2) AND BLDG. 763 (LOB) LOCATED ABOVE MONITOR 3; GREEN LIGHTS ON BOTTOM OF EACH STACK ILLUMINATED. LEFT TO RIGHT BELOW MONITORS: ACCIDENT REPORTING EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM TELEPHONE, ATLAS H FUEL COUNTER, AND DIGITAL COUNTDOWN CLOCK. - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Operations Building, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Move from Clean Room to Work Station

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-05-11

Workers have moved the Orion crew module pressure vessel for NASA’s Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1) out of a clean room inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The crew module will be moved to a work station where it will undergo additional processing to prepare it for launch in 2019. The spacecraft is being prepared for its first integrated flight atop the Space Launch System rocket on Exploration Mission-1.

STS-39 Discovery, OV-103, crew eats preflight breakfast at KSC O&C Bldg

NASA Image and Video Library

1991-04-28

STS039-S-051 (28 April 1991) --- In KSC's Operations and Checkout Building, a very light breakfast is shared by the seven members of the STS-39 flight crew prior to their April 28, 1991 launch. Left to right are astronauts Donald R. McMonagle, Guion S. Bluford Jr., L. Blaine Hammond, Michael L. Coats, Gregory J. Harbaugh, Richard J. Hieb and Charles L. (Lacy) Veach. Launch occurred at 7:33:14 a.m. (EDT), April 28, 1991.

KSC-06pd0395

NASA Image and Video Library

2006-03-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This aerial view shows the Press Site (in the foreground) comprising the NASA TV studio, the NASA News Center behind it, buildings used by local NBC and CBS television stations, and newly erected prefabricated buildings for local newspapers and correspondents for CNN, AP and others. A year-long project removed and replaced hurricane-damaged trailers and grandstands from the site. In the background, at right, is the newly built Operations Support Building II, which replaced modular housing and trailers in the Launch Complex 39 area. Photo credit: Cory Huston

MISSION CONTROL CENTER (MCC) - APOLLO-SOYUZ TEST PROJECT (ASTP)

NASA Image and Video Library

1975-07-15

S75-28519 (15 July 1975) --- An overall view of the Mission Operations Control Room in the Mission Control Center, Building 30, Johnson Space Center, on the first day of the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project docking mission in Earth orbit. This photograph was taken shortly before the American ASTP launch from the Kennedy Space Center. The television monitor in the center background shows the ASTP Apollo-Saturn 1B space vehicle on Pad B at KSC?s Launch Complex 39. The American ASTP liftoff followed the Soviet ASTP launch of the Soyuz space vehicle from Baikonur, Kazakhstan by seven and one-half hours.

KSC-98pc208

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-01-22

STS-89 Mission Specialist Salizhan Sharipov of the Russian Space Agency, at left, waves as he and his flight surgeon, Alexander Kulev, complete the donning of Sharipov’s launch/entry suit in the Operations and Checkout (O&C) Building. In 1994, Sharipov graduated from Moscow State University with a degree in cartography. He and six fellow crew members will soon depart the O&C and head for Launch Pad 39A, where the Space Shuttle Endeavour will lift off during a launch window that opens at 9:43 p.m. EST, Jan. 22. STS-89 is the eighth of nine planned missions to dock the Space Shuttle with Russia's Mir space station

Photographic copy of photograph, dated September 1973 (original in the ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

Photographic copy of photograph, dated September 1973 (original in the possession of CSSD-HO, Huntsville AL). Photographer unknown. Aerial photograph (west to 0 east) of remote sprint launch site #1. In background are waste stabilization pounds. On next row are the sprint cells. In foreground are the remote launch operations building on left and the limited area sentry station on right. The view illustrates the relatively flat topography of the SRMSC area Benjamin Halpern, 5-18 October 1992 - Stanley R. Mickelsen Safeguard Complex, Remote Sprint Launch Site No. 1, Just South of Ramsey-Cavalier County line & 3 miles West of Hampden, ND, Nekoma, Cavalier County, ND

2. LAUNCH CONTROL SUPPORT BUILDING WEST FRONT AND VEHICLE STORAGE ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

2. LAUNCH CONTROL SUPPORT BUILDING WEST FRONT AND VEHICLE STORAGE BUILDING SOUTHWEST FRONT. VIEW TO EAST. - Minuteman III ICBM Launch Control Facility November-1, 1.5 miles North of New Raymer & State Highway 14, New Raymer, Weld County, CO

KSC-2014-3784

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-09-10

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – During a ceremony inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Jules Schneider, Lockheed Martin Orion Production Operations manager, holds the key to symbolically turn over the Orion spacecraft for Exploration Flight Test-1 to Ground Operations. Waiting to accept the key is Blake Hale, Lockheed Martin Ground Operations manager. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida in December to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper

KSC-2014-3785

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-09-10

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – During a ceremony inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Jules Schneider, at right, Lockheed Martin Orion Production Operations manager, presents the key to symbolically turn over the Orion spacecraft for Exploration Flight Test-1 to Ground Operations. Accepting the key is Blake Hale, Lockheed Martin Ground Operations manager. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida in December to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper

KSC-2014-3783

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-09-10

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Jules Schneider, at right, Lockheed Martin Orion Production Operations manager, speaks to NASA and Lockheed Martin workers during a ceremony to turn over the Orion spacecraft for Exploration Flight Test-1 to Ground Operations. At left is Blake Hale, Lockheed Martin Ground Operations manager. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida in December to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper

KSC-2014-3786

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-09-10

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Jules Schneider, at right, Lockheed Martin Orion Production Operations manager, shakes hands with Blake Hale, Lockheed Martin Ground Operations manager, during a ceremony to officially turn over the Orion spacecraft for Exploration Flight Test-1 to Lockheed Martin Ground Operations. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida in December to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper

Ground Systems Development and Operations: Exploration Begins Here

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hanna, Mary; Phillips, Pepper; VanNes, Timothy

2012-01-01

Hunger Hydraulik of Lohr, Germany has been selected as the vendor to build replacement Jacking, Leveling and Equalization cylinders for one Crawler Transporter. A site visit has been scheduled and a overview of how the Crawler Transporter fits into KSC launch operations will be presented as information. The presentation will be presented on July 11, 2012 by Pepper Phillips, the Program Manager for GSDO.

KSC-2011-7545

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-10-26

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Tim Dunn, NASA launch director, Kennedy Space Center, Fla., participates in the prelaunch news conference at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., for NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) spacecraft. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 28 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB

The high pressure gas assembly is moved to the payload canister

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, workers wait in the payload canister as an overhead crane moves the high pressure gas assembly -- two gaseous oxygen and two gaseous nitrogen storage tanks toward it. The joint airlock module is already in the canister. The airlock and tanks are part of the payload on mission STS-104 and are being transferred to orbiter Atlantis'''s payload bay. The storage tanks will be attached to the airlock during two spacewalks. The storage tanks will support future spacewalk operations from the Station and augment the Service Module gas resupply system. STS- 104 is scheduled for launch June 14 from Launch Pad 39B.

Orion Crew Module Move

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-11-17

Technicians in clean-room suits attach a crane to the Orion crew module for Exploration Mission-1 for its move to the thermal chamber in the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Orion will be lifted out of a test stand and lowered onto another stand to for the move. The crew module will undergo a thermal cycle test to assess the workmanship of critical hardware and structural locations. The test also demonstrates crew module subsystem operations in a thermally stressing environment to confirm no damage or anomalous hardware conditions as a result of the test. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA's Space Launch System rocket on its first uncrewed integrated flight.

KSC-2014-4853

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-12-18

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's Orion crew module, enclosed in its crew module transportation fixture and secured on a flatbed truck, leaves the Multi-Operation Support Building and is being transported to the Launch Abort System Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Orion was transported 2,700 miles overland from Naval Base San Diego in California. Orion was recovered from the Pacific Ocean after completing a two-orbit, four-and-a-half hour mission Dec. 5 to test systems critical to crew safety, including the launch abort system, the heat shield and the parachute system. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program led the recovery, offload and transportation efforts. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Surrogate Plant Data Base : Volume 3. Appendix D : Facilities Planning Data ; Operating Manpower, Manufacturing Budgets and Pre-Production Launch ...

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1983-05-01

This four volume report consists of a data base describing "surrogate" automobile and truck manufacturing plants developed as part of a methodology for evaluating capital investment requirements in new manufacturing facilities to build new fleets of ...

STS-112 crew walks out of O&C building before launch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-112 crew wave to spectators as they exit the Operations and Checkout Building for their ride to Launch Pad 39B and the launch scheduled 3:46 p.m. EDT. Leading the way are Pilot Pamela Melroy and Commander Jeffrey Ashby. In the second row are Mission Specialists David Wolf (left) and Sandra Magnus. Behind them are Mission Specialists Fyodor Yurchikhin and Piers Sellers. Sellers, Magnus and Yurchikhin are making their first Shuttle flights. STS-112 is the 15th assembly flight to the International Space Station, carrying the S1 Integrated Truss Structure, the first starboard truss segment, to be attached to the central truss segment, S0, and the Crew and Equipment Translation Aid (CETA) Cart A. The CETA is the first of two human-powered carts that will ride along the ISS railway, providing mobile work platforms for future spacewalking astronauts. On the 11-day mission, three spacewalks are planned to attach the S1 truss to the Station.

STS-112 Crew exit O&C building before launch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-112 crew eagerly exit the Operations and Checkout Building for their ride to Launch Pad 39B and the launch scheduled 3:46 p.m. EDT. Leading the way are Pilot Pamela Melroy and Commander Jeffrey Ashby. In the second row are Mission Specialists David Wolf (left) and Sandra Magnus. Behind them are Mission Specialists Fyodor Yurchikhin and Piers Sellers. Sellers, Magnus and Yurchikhin are making their first Shuttle flights. STS-112 is the 15th assembly flight to the International Space Station, carrying the S1 Integrated Truss Structure, the first starboard truss segment, to be attached to the central truss segment, S0, and the Crew and Equipment Translation Aid (CETA) Cart A. The CETA is the first of two human-powered carts that will ride along the ISS railway, providing mobile work platforms for future spacewalking astronauts. On the 11-day mission, three spacewalks are planned to attach the S1 truss to the Station. [Photo courtesy of Scott Andrews

STS-90 Crew Breakfast in O&C building

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

The STS-90 flight crew enjoy the traditional pre-liftoff breakfast in the crew quarters of the Operations and Checkout Building. They are, from left, Payload Specialist Jay Buckey, M.D., Mission Specialist Dafydd (Dave) Williams, M.D., with the Canadian Space Agency, Pilot Scott Altman, Commander Richard Searfoss, Mission Specialist Kathryn (Kay) Hire, Mission Specialist Richard Linnehan, D.V.M., and Payload Specialist James Pawelczyk, Ph.D. After a weather briefing, the flight crew will be fitted with their launch and entry suits and depart for Launch Pad 39B. Once there, they will take their positions in the crew cabin of the Space Shuttle Columbia to await liftoff during a two-and-a-half-hour window that will open at 2:19 p.m. EDT, Apr. 17. STS-90 is the launch of Neurolab, a nearly 17-day mission to examine the effects of spaceflight on the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and sensory organs in the human body.

STS-95 Crew Breakfast in O&C Building before launch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

The STS-95 crew gathers at their traditional pre-launch breakfast in the Operations and Checkout Building. Seated from left are Payload Specialist Chiaki Mukai, (M.D., Ph.D.), with the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA), Payload Specialist John H. Glenn Jr., senator from Ohio, Pilot Steven W. Lindsey, Mission Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr., Mission Specialist Stephen K. Robinson, Mission Specialist Pedro Duque of Spain, representing the European Space Agency (ESA), and Mission Specialist Scott E. Parazynski. Targeted for launch at 2 p.m. EST on Oct. 29, the mission is expected to last 8 days, 21 hours and 49 minutes, and return to KSC at 11:49 a.m. EST on Nov. 7. The STS-95 mission includes research payloads such as the Spartan solar-observing deployable spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope Orbital Systems Test Platform, the International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker, as well as the SPACEHAB single module with experiments on space flight and the aging process.

STS-113 and Expedition 6 crews leave the O&C building for launch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-113 and Expedition 6 crews leave the Operations and Checkout Building, heading for Launch Pad 39A and Space Shuttle Endeavour. In front, left to right, are Expedition 6 Commander Ken Bowersox and Mission Commander James Wetherbee; next row, Mission Specialist John Herrington and Pilot Paul Lockhart; third row, Mission Specialist Michael Lopez-Alegria and Expedition 6 flight engineer Nikolai Budarin; and finally, Expedition 6 flight engineer Donald Pettit. The primary mission for the crew is bringing the Expedition 6 crew to the Station and returning the Expedition 5 crew to Earth. The major objective of the mission is delivery of the Port 1 (P1) Integrated Truss Assembly, which will be attached to the port side of the S0 truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install and activate the truss and its associated equipment. Launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-113 is scheduled for Nov. 22, 2002, at 8:15 p.m. EST.

KSC-2013-3938

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-11-07

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, all four ogive panels have been installed on the Orion ground test vehicle in Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4. The ogive panels enclose and protect the Orion spacecraft and attach to the Launch Abort System. The test vehicle is being used by the Ground Systems Development and Operations Program for path finding operations, including simulated manufacturing, assembly and stacking procedures. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket and in 2017 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

KSC-2013-3926

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-10-30

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Orion ground test vehicle is being prepared for installation of the ogive panels in Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4. The ogive panels enclose and protect the Orion spacecraft and attach to the Launch Abort System. The test vehicle is being used by the Ground Systems Development and Operations Program for path finding operations, including simulated manufacturing, assembly and stacking procedures. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket and in 2017 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

KSC-2013-3937

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-11-07

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians attach the fourth ogive panel on the Orion ground test vehicle in Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4. The ogive panels enclose and protect the Orion spacecraft and attach to the Launch Abort System. The test vehicle is being used by the Ground Systems Development and Operations Program for path finding operations, including simulated manufacturing, assembly and stacking procedures. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket and in 2017 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

Update of KSC activities for the space transportation system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gray, R. H.

1979-01-01

The paper is a status report on the facilities and planned operations at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) that will support Space Shuttle launches. The conversion of KSC facilities to support efficient and economical checkout and launch operations in the era of the Space Shuttle is nearing completion. The driving force behind the KSC effort has been the necessity of providing adequate and indispensable facilities and support systems at minimum cost. This required the optimum utilization of existing buildings, equipment and systems, both at KSC and at Air Force property on Cape Canaveral, as well as the construction of two major new facilities and several minor ones. The entirely new structures discussed are the Shuttle Landing Facility and Orbiter Processing Facility. KSC stands ready to provide the rapid reliable economical landing-to-launch processing needed to ensure the success of this new space transportation system.

Atlantis returns to VAB after beginning rollout to the pad

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Scattered clouds cast shadows as Space Shuttle Atlantis crawls back inside the Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 1. After earlier starting its trek to Launch Pad 39B, Atlantis was returned to the VAB due to lightning in the area. To the left of the VAB is the Launch Control Center. The four-story building houses the firing rooms that are used to conduct Space Shuttle launches. Leading away from the VAB, in the foreground, is the crawlerway, the 130-foot-wide road specially constructed to transport the Shuttle, mobile launcher platform and crawler-transporter with a combined weight of about 17 million pounds. Space Shuttle Atlantis is targeted for launch no earlier than July 12 on mission STS-104, the 10th flight to the International Space Station. The payload on the 11-day mission is the Joint Airlock Module, which will allow astronauts and cosmonauts in residence on the Station to perform future spacewalks without the presence of a Space Shuttle. The module, which comprises a crew lock and an equipment lock, will be connected to the starboard (right) side of Node 1 Unity. Atlantis will also carry oxygen and nitrogen storage tanks, vital to operation of the Joint Airlock, on a Spacelab Logistics Double Pallet in the payload bay. The tanks, to be installed on the perimeter of the Joint Module during the missions spacewalks, will support future spacewalk operations and experiments plus augment the resupply system for the Stations Service Module.

1. View top of warhead handling building (northwest to southeast) ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

1. View top of warhead handling building (northwest to southeast) of missile launch area. Sprint silos are seen on the left; Spartan silos on the right; and the missile site control building in the distant background and to the right. Launch area antennae and launch chamber covers can be seen - Stanley R. Mickelsen Safeguard Complex, Missile Launch Area, Within Exclusion Area, Nekoma, Cavalier County, ND

Simulating Operations at a Spaceport

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nevins, Michael R.

2007-01-01

SPACESIM is a computer program for detailed simulation of operations at a spaceport. SPACESIM is being developed to greatly improve existing spaceports and to aid in designing, building, and operating future spaceports, given that there is a worldwide trend in spaceport operations from very expensive, research- oriented launches to more frequent commercial launches. From an operational perspective, future spaceports are expected to resemble current airports and seaports, for which it is necessary to resolve issues of safety, security, efficient movement of machinery and people, cost effectiveness, timeliness, and maximizing effectiveness in utilization of resources. Simulations can be performed, for example, to (1) simultaneously analyze launches of reusable and expendable rockets and identify bottlenecks arising from competition for limited resources or (2) perform what-if scenario analyses to identify optimal scenarios prior to making large capital investments. SPACESIM includes an object-oriented discrete-event-simulation engine. (Discrete- event simulation has been used to assess processes at modern seaports.) The simulation engine is built upon the Java programming language for maximum portability. Extensible Markup Language (XML) is used for storage of data to enable industry-standard interchange of data with other software. A graphical user interface facilitates creation of scenarios and analysis of data.

KSC-2013-2925

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-27

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the media receive an on activities in NASA’s Ground Systems Development and Operations, or GSDO, Program, Space Launch System and Orion crew module for Exploration Test Flight 1. Speaking to the media is Larry Price, Lockheed Martin deputy program manager for Orion. In the background, from left are Scott Wilson, manager of Orion Production Operations at Kennedy Jeremy Parsons, chief of the GSDO Operations Integration Office at Kennedy Tom Erdman, from Marshall Space Flight Center’s Kennedy resident office and Jules Schneider, Lockheed Martin manager of Orion Production Operations. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry crews to space beyond low Earth orbit. It will provide emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during the space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. Orion’s first unpiloted test flight is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket. A second uncrewed flight test is scheduled for 2017 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Cabana Multi-User Spaceport Tour of KSC

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-02-17

Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana speaks to members of the news media on the balcony of Operations Support Building II describing the site's transition from a primarily government-only facility to a premier, multi-user spaceport. In the background is the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). Modifications were recently completed in the VAB where new work platforms were installed to support processing of NASA's Space Launch System rocket designed to send the Orion spacecraft on missions beyond low-Earth orbit.

KSC-2012-2599

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-04-27

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, cable trays wind their way along the grating in high bay 3 in the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, during part of a centerwide refurbishment initiative under the Ground Systems Development and Operations GSDO Program. The cable replacement project is under way in high bays 1 and 3 on the east side of the building, facing Launch Complex 39’s pads A and B. Approximately 150 miles of existing Apollo/shuttle era cabling is being removed to make room for installation of state-of-the-art command, communication and control systems that will be needed by future users to perform vehicle testing and verification prior to rollout to the launch pad. For more information, visit http://go.nasa.gov/groundsystems. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-2012-2595

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-04-27

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, old racks are being excessed in high bay 3 in the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, as part of a centerwide refurbishment initiative under the Ground Systems Development and Operations GSDO Program The cable replacement project is under way in high bays 1 and 3 on the east side of the building, facing Launch Complex 39’s pads A and B. Approximately 150 miles of existing Apollo/shuttle era cabling is being removed to make room for installation of state-of-the-art command, communication and control systems that will be needed by future users to perform vehicle testing and verification prior to rollout to the launch pad. For more information, visit http://go.nasa.gov/groundsystems. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-2012-2594

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-04-27

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, old cabling is being pulled from high bay 3 in the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, as part of a centerwide refurbishment initiative under the Ground Systems Development and Operations GSDO Program. The cable replacement project is under way in high bays 1 and 3 on the east side of the building, facing Launch Complex 39’s pads A and B. Approximately 150 miles of existing Apollo/shuttle era cabling is being removed to make room for installation of state-of-the-art command, communication and control systems that will be needed by future users to perform vehicle testing and verification prior to rollout to the launch pad. For more information, visit http://go.nasa.gov/groundsystems. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-2012-2597

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-04-27

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, cable trays run along the walls in high bay 3 in the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, as part of a centerwide refurbishment initiative under the Ground Systems Development and Operations GSDO Program. The cable replacement project is under way in high bays 1 and 3 on the east side of the building, facing Launch Complex 39’s pads A and B. Approximately 150 miles of existing Apollo/shuttle era cabling is being removed to make room for installation of state-of-the-art command, communication and control systems that will be needed by future users to perform vehicle testing and verification prior to rollout to the launch pad. For more information, visit http://go.nasa.gov/groundsystems. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

STS-87 Crew walkout of O&C building

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1997-01-01

The crew of Mission STS-87 depart from the Operations and Checkout Building en route to Launch Pad 39B, where the Space Shuttle Columbia awaits liftoff on the fourth flight of the United States Microgravity Payload and the Spartan-201deployable satellite. They are, from left to right, front to back: Mission Specialist Takao Doi, Ph.D., of the National Space Development Agency of Japan; Mission Specialist Winston Scott (near van); Payload Specialist Leonid Kadenyuk of the National Space Agency of Ukraine; and Pilot Steven Lindsey (near van). Missing from this photo are Commander Kevin Kregel and Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla, Ph.D. The Space Shuttle Columbia and its crew of six members are scheduled to lift off during a two-and-a-half hour launch window, which opens at 2:46 p.m.

KSC-2014-1955

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-04-01

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, ground support technicians install new roller bearings on the C truck of crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2. Work continues in high bay 2 to upgrade CT-2. The modifications are designed to ensure CT-2’s ability to transport launch vehicles currently in development, such as the agency’s Space Launch System, to the launch pad. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/crawler-transporter. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

SpaceX Falcon Heavy Demo Flight - Press Site Activities

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-02-06

Members of the news media begin setting up at the NASA News Center to await liftoff of the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The iconic Vehicle Assembly Building and Launch Control Center are visible in the background. The Falcon Heavy demonstration flight will be a significant milestone for the world's premier multi-user spaceport. In 2014, NASA signed a property agreement with SpaceX for the use and operation of the center's pad 39A, where the company has launched Falcon 9 rockets and is preparing for the first Falcon Heavy. NASA also has Space Act Agreements in place with partners, such as SpaceX, to provide services needed to process and launch rockets and spacecraft.

STS-92 Mission Specialist Wakata has his launch and entry suit adjusted

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

During pre-pack and fit check in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-92 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata of Japan gets an adjustment on his launch and entry suit. This mission is Wakata's second Shuttle flight. He and the rest of the crew are at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT provides emergency egress training, simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payload. STS- 92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program.

STS-101 crew have a snack before getting ready for launch again

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

In the Operations and Checkout Building, the STS-101 crew gathers for a snack before suiting up for launch for the second time. The previous day's launch attempt was scrubbed due to high cross winds at the Shuttle Landing Facility. From left are Mission Specialists Mary Ellen Weber and Yuri Usachev of Russia; Pilot Scott J. Horowitz; Commander James D. Halsell Jr.; and Mission Specialists Jeffrey N. Williams, Susan J. Helms and James S. Voss. The mission will take the crew to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies and prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk. This will be the third assembly flight to the Space Station.

NASA News Center

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-10-31

The NASA News Center, seen here, is the hub of news operations for the media, providing information and contacts about Space Shuttle processing and other activities around KSC. News Center staff also conduct media tours, escorting journalists and photo/videographers to key sites such as the launch pads and Vehicle Assembly Building as needed.

Clifford Charlesworth seated at his console in Mission Control Room

NASA Image and Video Library

1968-12-21

S68-55742 (21 Dec. 1968) --- Clifford E. Charlesworth, Apollo 8 "Green Team" flight director, is seated at his console in the Mission Operations Control Room in the Mission Control Center, Building 30, during the launch of the Apollo 8 (Spacecraft 103/Saturn 503) manned lunar orbit space mission.

Building a QC Database of Meteorological Data from NASA KSC and the United States Air Force's Eastern Range

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brenton, J. C.; Barbre, R. E.; Decker, R. K.; Orcutt, J. M.

2018-01-01

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Natural Environments Branch (EV44) provides atmospheric databases and analysis in support of space vehicle design and day-of-launch operations for NASA and commercial launch vehicle programs launching from the NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC), co-located on the United States Air Force's Eastern Range (ER) at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The ER complex is one of the most heavily instrumented sites in the United States with over 31 towers measuring various atmospheric parameters on a continuous basis. An inherent challenge with large datasets consists of ensuring erroneous data are removed from databases, and thus excluded from launch vehicle design analyses. EV44 has put forth great effort in developing quality control (QC) procedures for individual meteorological instruments, however no standard QC procedures for all databases currently exists resulting in QC databases that have inconsistencies in variables, development methodologies, and periods of record. The goal of this activity is to use the previous efforts to develop a standardized set of QC procedures from which to build meteorological databases from KSC and the ER, while maintaining open communication with end users from the launch community to develop ways to improve, adapt and grow the QC database. Details of the QC procedures will be described. As the rate of launches increases with additional launch vehicle programs, It is becoming more important that weather databases are continually updated and checked for data quality before use in launch vehicle design and certification analyses.

KSC-04pd1842

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-09-18

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe looks at equipment moved from the Thermal Protection System Facility to the RLV Hangar. AT right is Martin Wilson, manager of TPS operations for United Space Alliance. O’Keefe and NASA Associate Administrator of Space Operations Mission Directorate William Readdy are visiting KSC to survey the damage sustained by KSC facilities from Hurricane Frances. The Thermal Protection System Facility (TPSF), which creates the TPS tiles, blankets and all the internal thermal control systems for the Space Shuttles, is almost totally unserviceable at this time after losing approximately 35 percent of its roof in the storm, which blew across Central Florida Sept. 4-5. Undamaged equipment was removed from the TPSF and stored in the hangar. The Labor Day storm also caused significant damage to the Vehicle Assembly Building and Processing Control Center. Additionally, the Operations and Checkout Building, Vertical Processing Facility, Hangar AE, Hangar S and Hangar AF Small Parts Facility each received substantial damage. However, well-protected and unharmed were NASA’s three Space Shuttle orbiters -- Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour - along with the Shuttle launch pads, all of the critical flight hardware for the orbiters and the International Space Station, and NASA’s Swift spacecraft that is awaiting launch in October.

KSC-2011-7504

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-10-04

The Dynamic Ionosphere Cubesat Experiment DICE is prepared for launch aboard the Delta II rocket that will carry NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project NPP spacecraft. DICE is a National Science Foundation Project conducted by Utah State University in conjunction with the Atmospheric and Space Technology Research Associates ASTRA. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System JPSS, to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA's Earth Observing System EOS satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 28 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB

KSC-2011-7549

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-10-26

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Vernon Thorp, program manager, NASA missions, United Launch Alliance, Cape Canaveral, Fla., participates in the prelaunch news conference at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., for NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) spacecraft. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 28 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB

STS-101 crew returns from Launch Pad 39A after launch was scrubbed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

The STS-101 crew returns to the Operations and Checkout Building after the launch was scrubbed due to cross winds at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility gusting above 20 knots. Flight rules require cross winds at the SLF to be no greater than 15 knots in case of a contingency Shuttle landing. Shown at left is Commander James D. Halsell Jr. At right is astronaut James Wetherbee, deputy director of the Johnson Space Center. Weather conditions will be reevaluated for another launch try on April 25. The mission will take the crew to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies and to prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk. This will be the third assembly flight to the Space Station. The mission is expected to last about 10 days.

KSC-2011-7543

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-10-26

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A model of the NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) spacecraft and the United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket are displayed during the prelaunch news conference at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 28 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB

KSC-98pc207

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-01-22

STS-89 Mission Specialist Bonnie Dunbar, Ph.D., smiles as she completes the donning of her launch/entry suit in the Operations and Checkout (O&C) Building. Dr. Dunbar completed her doctorate at the University of Houston in Texas. Her multi-disciplinary dissertation (materials science and physiology) involved evaluating the effects of simulated space flight on bone strength and fracture toughness. She and six fellow crew members will shortly depart the O&C and head for Launch Pad 39A, where the Space Shuttle Endeavour will lift off during a launch window that opens at 9:43 p.m. EST, Jan. 22. STS-89 is the eighth of nine planned missions to dock the Space Shuttle with Russia's Mir space station

STS-90 Mission Commander Richard Searfoss is suited up for launch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

STS-90 Mission Specialist Kathryn (Kay) Hire prepares for launch during suitup activities in the Operations and Checkout Building as Astronaut Support Personnel team member Heidi Piper braids Hire's hair. Hire and the rest of the STS-90 crew will shortly depart for Launch Pad 39B, where the Space Shuttle Columbia awaits a second liftoff attempt at 2:19 p.m. EDT. Her first trip into space, Hire is participating in this life sciences research flight that will focus on the most complex and least understood part of the human body -- the nervous system. Neurolab will examine the effects of spaceflight on the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and sensory organs in the human body.

1. GENERAL VIEW OF SLC3W SHOWING SOUTH FACE AND EAST ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

1. GENERAL VIEW OF SLC-3W SHOWING SOUTH FACE AND EAST SIDE OF A-FRAME MOBILE SERVICE TOWER (MST). MST IN SERVICE POSITION OVER LAUNCHER AND FLAME BUCKET. CABLE TRAYS BETWEEN LAUNCH OPERATIONS BUILDING (BLDG. 763) AND SLC-3W IN FOREGROUND. LIQUID OXYGEN APRON VISIBLE IMMEDIATELY EAST (RIGHT) OF MST; FUEL APRON VISIBLE IMMEDIATELY WEST (LEFT) OF MST. A PORTION OF THE FLAME BUCKET VISIBLE BELOW THE SOUTH FACE OF THE MST. CAMERA TOWERS VISIBLE EAST OF MST BETWEEN ROAD AND CABLE TRAY, AND SOUTH OF MST NEAR LEFT MARGIN OF PHOTOGRAPH. - Vandenberg Air Force Base, Space Launch Complex 3, Launch Pad 3 West, Napa & Alden Roads, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA

KSC-97PC791

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-05-15

STS-84 Mission Specialist C. Michael Foale laughs during a rare moment of relaxation just a few hours before the scheduled launch. Foale is donning his launch and entry suit in the Operations and Checkout Building. This will be Foale’s fourth space flight. Foale and six other crew members will depart shortly for Launch Pad 39A, where the Space Shuttle Atlantis awaits liftoff on a mission to dock with the Russian Space Station Mir. Foale will transfer to Mir for an approximate fourmonth stay, replacing U.S. astronaut and Mir 23 crew member Jerry M. Linenger, who has been on the Russian space station since Jan. 15. Linenger will return to Earth on Atlantis

STS-101 crew members enjoy a snack before getting ready for launch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

In the Operations and Checkout Building, the STS-101 crew gathers for a snack before suiting up for launch. From left are Mission Specialists Mary Ellen Weber and Yuri Usachev of Russia; Pilot Scott J. Horowitz; Commander James D. Halsell Jr.; and Mission Specialists Jeffrey N. Williams, Susan J. Helms and James S. Voss. The mission will take the crew to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies and prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk. This will be the third assembly flight to the Space Station.

Launch - Apollo 9 - KSC

NASA Image and Video Library

1969-03-03

S69-25881 (3 March 1969) --- The Apollo 9 crew leaves the Kennedy Space Center's Manned Spacecraft Operations Building during the Apollo 9 prelaunch countdown. The crewman entered the special transfer van which transported them to their waiting spacecraft at Pad A, Launch Complex 39. Astronaut James A. McDivitt (back to camera) is the commander. McDivitt appears to be inviting astronaut David R. Scott, command module pilot, to step first into van. In background is astronaut Russell L. Schweickart, lunar module pilot. Walking along almost behind Schweickart is astronaut Alan B. Shepard Jr., chief, Astronaut Office, Manned Spacecraft Center. Apollo 9 was launched at 11 a.m. (EST), March 3, 1969, on a 10-day Earth-orbital mission.

STS-88 Mission Specialist Nancy Currie suits up before launch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-88 Mission Specialist Nancy J. Currie gets help with her flight suit from suit technician Drew Billingsley before launch. Mission STS-88 is expected to launch at 3:56 a.m. EST with the six-member crew aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on Dec. 3. Endeavour carries the Unity connecting module, which the crew will be mating with the Russian-built Zarya control module already in orbit. In addition to Unity, two small replacement electronics boxes are on board for possible repairs to Zarya batteries. The mission is expected to last 11 days, 19 hours and 49 minutes, landing at 10:17 p.m. EST on Dec. 14.

Building Operations Efficiencies into NASA's Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dumbacher, Daniel L.; Davis, Stephan R.

2007-01-01

The U.S. Vision for Space Exploration guides the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) challenging missions that expand humanity's boundaries and open new routes to the space frontier. With the Agency's commitment to complete the International Space Station (ISS) and to retire the venerable Space Shuttle by 2010, the NASA Administrator commissioned the Exploration Systems Architecture Study (ESAS) in 2005 to analyze options for safe, simple, cost-efficient launch solutions that could deliver human-rated space transportation capabilities in a timely manner within fixed budget guidelines. The Exploration Launch Projects (ELP) Office, chartered by the Constellation Program in October 2005, has been conducting systems engineering studies and business planning to successively refine the design configurations and better align vehicle concepts with customer and stakeholder requirements, such as significantly reduced life-cycle costs. As the Agency begins the process of replacing the Shuttle with a new generation of spacecraft destined for missions beyond low-Earth orbit to the Moon and Mars, NASA is designing the follow-on crew and cargo launch systems for maximum operational efficiencies. To sustain the long-term exploration of space, it is imperative to reduce the $4 billion NASA typically spends on space transportation each year. This paper gives toplevel information about how the follow-on Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV) is being designed for improved safety and reliability, coupled with reduced operations costs. These methods include carefully developing operational requirements; conducting operability design and analysis; using the latest information technology tools to design and simulate the vehicle; and developing a learning culture across the workforce to ensure a smooth transition between Space Shuttle operations and Ares vehicle development.

An analysis of Space Shuttle countdown activities: Preliminaries to a computational model of the NASA Test Director

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

John, Bonnie E.; Remington, Roger W.; Steier, David M.

1991-01-01

Before all systems are go just prior to the launch of a space shuttle, thousands of operations and tests have been performed to ensure that all shuttle and support subsystems are operational and ready for launch. These steps, which range from activating the orbiter's flight computers to removing the launch pad from the itinerary of the NASA tour buses, are carried out by launch team members at various locations and with highly specialized fields of expertise. The liability for coordinating these diverse activities rests with the NASA Test Director (NTD) at NASA-Kennedy. The behavior is being studied of the NTD with the goal of building a detailed computational model of that behavior; the results of that analysis to date are given. The NTD's performance is described in detail, as a team member who must coordinate a complex task through efficient audio communication, as well as an individual taking notes and consulting manuals. A model of the routine cognitive skill used by the NTD to follow the launch countdown procedure manual was implemented using the Soar cognitive architecture. Several examples are given of how such a model could aid in evaluating proposed computer support systems.

Prelaunch - Apollo X

NASA Image and Video Library

1969-05-18

S69-34482 (18 May 1969) --- Astronaut John W. Young, Apollo 10 command module pilot, jokes with Donald K. Slayton (standing left), director of Flight Crew Operations, Manned Spacecraft Center, during Apollo 10 suiting up operations. On couch in background is astronaut Eugene A. Cernan, lunar module pilot. Astronauts Young; Cernan; and Thomas P. Stafford, commander, rode a transfer van from the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building over to Pad B, Launch Complex 39 where their spacecraft awaited them. Liftoff was at 12:49 p.m. (EDT), May 18, 1969.

STS-110 payload S0 Truss is moved to payload canister in O&C

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers in the Operations and Checkout Building watch as the Integrated Truss Structure S0 is lowered into the payload canister. The S0 truss will soon be on its way to the launch pad for mission STS-110. Part of the payload on Space Shuttle Atlantis, the S0 truss will be attached to the U.S. Lab, 'Destiny,' on the 11-day mission, becoming the backbone of the orbiting International Space Station (ISS). Launch is scheduled for April 4.

STS-75 Payload Commander Franklin R. Chang-Diaz suits up

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

STS-75 Payload Commander Franklin R. Chang-Diaz (center) chats with Johnson Space Center officials Olan Bertrand (left) and David Leestma (right) during suitup activities in the Operations and Checkout Building. Born in Costa Rica, Chang-Diaz joined NASA in 1980. He has already completed four spaceflights and logged more than 656 hours on-orbit. He and six fellow crew members will depart shortly for Launch Pad 39B, where the Space Shuttle Columbia awaits liftoff during a two-and-a-half-hour launch window opening at 3:18 p.m. EST.

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Structural Test Article Prepped for Trans

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-04-24

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians secure the transport container with the Orion Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1) structural test article onto a transport vehicle for the move to the Shuttle Landing Facility. The test article will be loaded in NASA's Super Guppy airplane and transported to Lockheed Martin's Denver facility for testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission.

European Service Module Structural Test Article Load onto Transport Truck

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-06-21

The Orion service module structural test article for Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1), built by the European Space Agency, is prepared for shipment to Lockheed Martin's Denver facility to undergo testing. Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane lifts the module onto a transport truck, where it is secured to be moved to the Shuttle Landing Facility for shipment. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop the agency's Space Launch System rocket on EM-1 in 2019.

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Structural Test Article Prepped for Trans

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-04-24

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Orion Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1) structural test article inside its transport container, is secured onto a transport vehicle for the move to the Shuttle Landing Facility. The test article will be loaded in NASA's Super Guppy airplane and transported to Lockheed Martin's Denver facility for testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission.

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Structural Test Article Prepped for Trans

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-04-24

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians secure the Orion Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1) structural test article in its transport container onto a transport vehicle for the move to the Shuttle Landing Facility. The test article will be loaded in NASA's Super Guppy airplane and transported to Lockheed Martin's Denver facility for testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission.

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Structural Test Article Prepped for Trans

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-04-24

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Orion Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1) structural test article, secured inside its transport container, is lowered onto a transport vehicle for the move to the Shuttle Landing Facility. The test article will be loaded in NASA's Super Guppy airplane and transported to Lockheed Martin's Denver facility for testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission.

KSC-00pp0562

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-04-24

While suiting up in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-101 Mission Specialists (standing) Susan J. Helms, James S. Voss and (sitting) Yuri Usachev of Russia reveal their happiness to be just hours away from launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis. The mission will take the crew to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies and to prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk. This will be the third assembly flight to the Space Station

Orion Heat Shield Move

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-10-23

Technicians move the Orion heat shield for Exploration Mission-1 toward the thermal chamber in the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Protective pads are being attached to the heat shield surface. The heat shield will undergo a thermal cycle test to verify acceptable workmanship and material quality. The test also serves to verify the heat shield's thermal protection systems have been manufactured and assembled correctly. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA's Space Launch System rocket on its first uncrewed integrated flight.

Crawler Transporter 2 Trek

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-03-23

An American flag flutters in the breeze as NASA’s upgraded crawler-transporter 2 (CT-2) travels along the crawlerway during its trek to Launch Pad 39B at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, to test recently completed upgrades and modifications for NASA’s journey to Mars. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program at Kennedy oversaw upgrades to the crawler in the Vehicle Assembly Building. The crawler will carry the mobile launcher with Orion atop the Space Launch System rocket to Pad 39B for Exploration Mission-1, scheduled for 2018.

Crawler Transporter 2 Trek

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-03-23

Technicians walk alongside NASA’s upgraded crawler-transporter 2 (CT-2) as it continues the trek on the crawlerway from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to Launch Pad 39B to test recently completed upgrades and modifications for NASA’s journey to Mars. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program at Kennedy oversaw upgrades to the crawler in the VAB. The crawler will carry the mobile launcher with Orion atop the Space Launch System rocket to Pad 39B for Exploration Mission-1, scheduled for 2018.

Crawler Transporter 2 Trek

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-03-23

Technicians walk alongside NASA’s upgraded crawler-transporter 2 (CT-2) as it continues the trek along the crawlerway from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to Launch Pad 39B to test recently completed upgrades and modifications for NASA’s journey to Mars. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program at Kennedy oversaw upgrades to the crawler in the VAB. The crawler will carry the mobile launcher with Orion atop the Space Launch System rocket to Pad 39B for Exploration Mission-1, scheduled for 2018.

Crawler Transporter 2 Trek

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-03-23

A truck sprays water in front of NASA’s upgraded crawler-transporter 2 (CT-2) to control dust as it begins the trek from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to Launch Pad 39B to test recently completed upgrades and modifications for NASA’s journey to Mars. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program at Kennedy oversaw upgrades to the crawler in the VAB. The crawler will carry the mobile launcher with Orion atop the Space Launch System rocket to Pad 39B for Exploration Mission-1, scheduled for 2018.

STS-82 Mission Specialist Steven L. Smith Suit Up

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1997-01-01

STS-82 Mission Specialist Steven L. Smith gives a ''';thumbs up'''; while donning his launch and entry suit in the Operations and Checkout Building. A suit technician stands ready to assist with final adjustments. This is Smith''';s second space flight. He and the six other crew members will depart shortly for Launch Pad 39A, where the Space Shuttle Discovery awaits liftoff on a 10-day mission to service the orbiting Hubble Space Telescope (HST). This will be the second HST servicing mission. Four back-to-back spacewalks are planned.

European Service Module-Structural Test Article Load onto Transp

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-06-21

The Orion service module structural test article for Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1), built by the European Space Agency, is prepared for shipment to Lockheed Martin's Denver facility to undergo testing. Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers secure the protective covering around the module and a crane lifts the module, secured on stand, for the move to the transport truck. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop the agency's Space Launch System rocket on EM-1 in 2019.

STS-87 Columbia rolls out to LC 39B in preparation for launch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1997-01-01

The orbiter Columbia, mated to its external tank and two solid rocket boosters, is prepared to roll out of Kennedy Space Centers (KSCs) Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to Pad 39-B. Columbia is scheduled to launch on Nov. 19 for STS-87 on a 16-day flight of the United States Microgravity Payload (USMP)-4 mission. This mission also features the deployment and retrieval of the Spartan-201 satellite and a spacewalk to demonstrate assembly and maintenance operations for future use on the International Space Station.

STS-33 crewmembers, wearing LESs, leave KSC O&C Bldg for launch pad

NASA Image and Video Library

1989-11-22

STS033-S-009 (22 Nov 1989) --- Leaving the operations and checkout building for catching a van ride to the launch pad are the five astronaut crewmembers assigned to STS-33, a DOD-devoted mission. Displaying smiles and waves for the crowd on hand are (left to right) Astronauts Manley L. Carter, Kathryn C. Thornton; Frederick D. Gregory, commander; F. Story Musgrave and John E. Blaha. Behind them are (left to right), Olan J. Bertrand, Michael L. Coats (partially obscured) and Donald R. Puddy of the Johnson Space Center (JSC).

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Adapter Move to Clean Room

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-29

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Orion crew module adapter (CMA) for Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1) is being moved to a clean room. The CMA will undergo propellant and environmental control and life support system tube installation and welding. The adapter will connect the Orion crew module to the European Space Agency-provided service module. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Adapter Move to Clean Room

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-29

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Lockheed Martin technicians move the Orion crew module adapter (CMA) for Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1) into a clean room. The CMA will undergo propellant and environmental control and life support system tube installation and welding. The adapter will connect the Orion crew module to the European Space Agency-provided service module. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Adapter Move to Clean Room

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-29

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Lockheed Martin technicians move the Orion crew module adapter (CMA) for Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1) toward a clean room. The CMA will undergo propellant and environmental control and life support system tube installation and welding. The adapter will connect the Orion crew module to the European Space Agency-provided service module. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

NASA Crew Launch Vehicle Approach Builds on Lessons from Past and Present Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dumbacher, Daniel L.

2006-01-01

The United States Vision for Space Exploration, announced in January 2004, outlines the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) strategic goals and objectives, including retiring the Space Shuttle and replacing it with a new human-rated system suitable for missions to the Moon and Mars. The Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) that the new Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV) lofts into space early next decade will initially ferry astronauts to the International Space Station and be capable of carrying crews back to lunar orbit and of supporting missions to Mars orbit. NASA is using its extensive experience gained from past and ongoing launch vehicle programs to maximize the CLV system design approach, with the objective of reducing total lifecycle costs through operational efficiencies. To provide in-depth data for selecting this follow-on launch vehicle, the Exploration Systems Architecture Study was conducted during the summer of 2005, following the confirmation of the new NASA Administrator. A team of aerospace subject matter experts used technical, budget, and schedule objectives to analyze a number of potential launch systems, with a focus on human rating for exploration missions. The results showed that a variant of the Space Shuttle, utilizing the reusable Solid Rocket Booster as the first stage, along with a new upper stage that uses a derivative of the RS-25 Space Shuttle Main Engine to deliver 25 metric tons to low-Earth orbit, was the best choice to reduce the risks associated with fielding a new system in a timely manner. The CLV Project, managed by the Exploration Launch Office located at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, is leading the design, development, testing, and operation of this new human-rated system. The CLV Project works closely with the Space Shuttle Program to transition hardware, infrastructure, and workforce assets to the new launch system . leveraging a wealth of lessons learned from Shuttle operations. The CL V is being designed to reduce costs through a number of methods, ranging from validating requirements to conducting trades studies against the concept design. Innovations such as automated processing will build on lessons learned from the Shuttle, other launch systems, Department of Defense operations experience, and subscale flight tests such as the Delta Clipper-Experimental Advanced (DCXA) vehicle operations that utilized minimal touch labor, automated cryogen ic propellant loading , and an 8-hour turnaround for a cryogenic propulsion system. For the CLV, the results of hazard analyses are contributing to an integrated vehicle health monitoring system that will troubleshoot anomalies and determine which ones can be solved without human intervention. Such advances will help streamline the mission operations process for pilots and ground controllers alike. In fiscal year 2005, NASA invested approximately $4.5 billion of its $16 bill ion budget on the Space Shuttle. The ultimate goal of the CLV Project is to deliver a safe, reliable system designed to minimize lifecycle costs so that NASA's budget can be invested in missions of scientific discovery. Lessons learned from developing the CLV will be applied to the growth path for future systems, including a heavy lift launch vehicle.

Building Operations Efficiencies into NASA's Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dumbacher, Daniel

2006-01-01

The U.S. Vision for Space Exploration guides the National Aeronautics and Space Administration s (NASA's) challenging missions that expand humanity s boundaries and open new routes to the space frontier. With the Agency's commitment to complete the International Space Station (ISS) and to retire the venerable Space Shuttle by 2010, the NASA Administrator commissioned the Exploration Systems Architecture Study (ESAS) in mid 2005 to analyze options for safe, simple, cost-efficient launch solutions that could deliver human-rated space transportation capabilities in a timely manner within fixed budget guidelines. The Exploration Launch Projects Office, chartered in October 2005, has been conducting systems engineering studies and business planning over the past few months to successively refine the design configurations and better align vehicle concepts with customer and stakeholder requirements, such as significantly reduced life-cycle costs. As the Agency begins the process of replacing the Shuttle with a new generation of spacecraft destined for missions beyond low-Earth orbit to the Moon and Mars, NASA is designing the follow-on crew and cargo launch systems for maximum operational efficiencies. To sustain the long-term exploration of space, it is imperative to reduce the $4.5 billion NASA typically spends on space transportation each year. This paper gives top-level information about how the follow-on Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle (CLV) is being designed for improved safety and reliability, coupled with reduced operations costs.

KSC-2013-2880

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-20

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Representatives from the European Space Agency, or ESA, toured the Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From the left, are Nico Dettman, ESA Space Transportation Department director Bernardo Patti, ESA manager of International Space Station Operations Philippe Deloo, ESA European Service Module study manager and Mark Geyer, Orion Production Operations manager. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry crews to space beyond low Earth orbit. It will provide emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during the space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. Orion’s first unpiloted test flight is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket. A second uncrewed flight test is scheduled for 2017 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Cabana Multi-User Spaceport Tour of KSC

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-02-17

Nancy Bray, director of Spaceport Integration and Services at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, speaks to members of the news media on the balcony of Operations Support Building II describing the site's transition from a primarily government-only facility to a premier, multi-user spaceport. In the background is the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). Modifications were recently completed in the VAB where new work platforms were installed to support processing of NASA's Space Launch System rocket designed to send the Orion spacecraft on missions beyond low-Earth orbit.

Cabana Multi-User Spaceport Tour of KSC

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-02-17

Tom Engler, director of Center Planning and Development at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, speaks to members of the news media on the balcony of Operations Support Building II describing the site's transition from a primarily government-only facility to a premier, multi-user spaceport. In the background is the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). Modifications were recently completed in the VAB where new work platforms were installed to support processing of NASA's Space Launch System rocket designed to send the Orion spacecraft on missions beyond low-Earth orbit.

GSDO PDR (Preliminary Design Review) Morning Meeting

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-20

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Ground Systems Development and Operations, or GSDO, Program completed its preliminary design review which allows development of the ground systems to proceed to detailed design. Representatives from NASA, its contractor partners and experts from across the aerospace industry met in the Mission Briefing Room inside the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to conclude the initial design and technology development phase. Completion of this review has validated that the baseline architecture is sound and aligns with the agency's exploration objectives. NASA is developing the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft to provide an entirely new capability for human exploration beyond low-Earth orbit, with the flexibility to launch spacecraft for crew and cargo missions, including to an asteroid and Mars. Orion’s first unpiloted test flight is scheduled to launch later this year atop a Delta IV rocket. A second uncrewed flight test is scheduled for fiscal year 2018 on the Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A new control tower is nearing completion at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. It will replace the old tower in use since 1987. The old tower stands only 20 feet above the runway surface, too low to see the launch pads to the east. During nighttime landing operations, those inside the tower have been hindered by the eight-billion candlepower xenon lights that illuminate the runway. The new control tower is built atop an existing mound, rising nearly 100 feet over the midpoint of the runway. The height gives controllers a spectacular 360-degree view of NASA-KSC and northern Brevard County. The new facility will also replace the SLF Operations Building. The operations building is home to the Military Radar Unit that monitors NASA-KSC airspace 24 hours a day, as well as runway light controls, navigational aids, weather and wind speed instrumentation, and gate controls. In the new tower, the computer displays will be fully modernized to Federal Aviation Administration standards with touch-screen technology. Construction on the new facility began in February 2003 and is nearly ready for occupancy. Only some final inspections and approvals remain. A support building and Public Affairs viewing deck, to be used for observing future landing operations, will be added and are already in work.

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-12-17

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A new control tower is nearing completion at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. It will replace the old tower in use since 1987. The old tower stands only 20 feet above the runway surface, too low to see the launch pads to the east. During nighttime landing operations, those inside the tower have been hindered by the eight-billion candlepower xenon lights that illuminate the runway. The new control tower is built atop an existing mound, rising nearly 100 feet over the midpoint of the runway. The height gives controllers a spectacular 360-degree view of NASA-KSC and northern Brevard County. The new facility will also replace the SLF Operations Building. The operations building is home to the Military Radar Unit that monitors NASA-KSC airspace 24 hours a day, as well as runway light controls, navigational aids, weather and wind speed instrumentation, and gate controls. In the new tower, the computer displays will be fully modernized to Federal Aviation Administration standards with touch-screen technology. Construction on the new facility began in February 2003 and is nearly ready for occupancy. Only some final inspections and approvals remain. A support building and Public Affairs viewing deck, to be used for observing future landing operations, will be added and are already in work.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The existing control tower seen here at the edge of the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility is being replaced. In use since 1987, the old tower stands only 20 feet above the runway surface, too low to see the launch pads to the east. During nighttime landing operations, those inside the tower have been hindered by the eight-billion candlepower xenon lights that illuminate the runway. The new control tower is built atop an existing mound, rising nearly 100 feet over the midpoint of the runway. The height gives controllers a spectacular 360-degree view of NASA-KSC and northern Brevard County. The new facility will also replace the SLF Operations Building. The operations building is home to the Military Radar Unit that monitors NASA-KSC airspace 24 hours a day, as well as runway light controls, navigational aids, weather and wind speed instrumentation, and gate controls. In the new tower, the computer displays will be fully modernized to Federal Aviation Administration standards with touch-screen technology. Construction on the new facility began in February 2003 and is nearly ready for occupancy. Only some final inspections and approvals remain. A support building and Public Affairs viewing deck, to be used for observing future landing operations, will be added and are already in work.

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-12-17

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The existing control tower seen here at the edge of the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility is being replaced. In use since 1987, the old tower stands only 20 feet above the runway surface, too low to see the launch pads to the east. During nighttime landing operations, those inside the tower have been hindered by the eight-billion candlepower xenon lights that illuminate the runway. The new control tower is built atop an existing mound, rising nearly 100 feet over the midpoint of the runway. The height gives controllers a spectacular 360-degree view of NASA-KSC and northern Brevard County. The new facility will also replace the SLF Operations Building. The operations building is home to the Military Radar Unit that monitors NASA-KSC airspace 24 hours a day, as well as runway light controls, navigational aids, weather and wind speed instrumentation, and gate controls. In the new tower, the computer displays will be fully modernized to Federal Aviation Administration standards with touch-screen technology. Construction on the new facility began in February 2003 and is nearly ready for occupancy. Only some final inspections and approvals remain. A support building and Public Affairs viewing deck, to be used for observing future landing operations, will be added and are already in work.

22. Launch Area, Missile Assembly Building VIEW SOUTHWEST, EAST AND ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

22. Launch Area, Missile Assembly Building VIEW SOUTHWEST, EAST AND NORTH ELEVATION - NIKE Missile Battery PR-79, Launch Area, East Windsor Road south of State Route 101, Foster, Providence County, RI

20. Launch Area, Missile Assembly Building VIEW SOUTHEAST, NORTH AND ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

20. Launch Area, Missile Assembly Building VIEW SOUTHEAST, NORTH AND WEST ELEVATION - NIKE Missile Battery PR-79, Launch Area, East Windsor Road south of State Route 101, Foster, Providence County, RI

21. Launch Area, Missile Assembly Building VIEW NORTHWEST, SOUTH AND ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

21. Launch Area, Missile Assembly Building VIEW NORTHWEST, SOUTH AND EAST ELEVATION - NIKE Missile Battery PR-79, Launch Area, East Windsor Road south of State Route 101, Foster, Providence County, RI

KSC-2013-1783

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-03-05

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A telemetry antenna and tracker camera is attached to the roof of the Launch Control Center, or LCC, in Launch Complex 39 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This antenna and camera system is the first of three to be installed on the LCC roof for the Radio Frequency and Telemetry Station RFTS, which will be used to monitor radio frequency communications from a launch vehicle at Launch Pad 39A or B as well as provide radio frequency relay for a launch vehicle in the Vehicle Assembly Building. The RFTS replaces the shuttle-era communications and tracking labs at Kennedy. The modern RFTS checkout station is designed to primarily support NASA's Space Launch System, or SLS, and Orion spacecraft, but can support multi-user radio frequency tests as the space center transitions to support a variety of rockets and spacecraft. For more information on the modernization efforts at Kennedy, visit the Ground Systems Development and Operations, or GSDO, website at http://go.nasa.gov/groundsystems. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

Skylon: An Example of Commercial Launcher System Development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hempsell, M.; Bond, A.

SKYLON is a reusable single stage to orbit spaceplane that can take off from a runway, reach a 300 km altitude low earth orbit with a payload of 15 tonnes and then return to earth for a runway landing. The feature that enables this is the Synergistic AirBreathing Rocket Engine (SABRE) which has both air breathing and pure rocket modes. The project has been conceived as a commercial venture with the objective that the price charged for the launch, covers all operational and acquisition cost with profit. That means access to space becomes a pure economic activity without the need for public subsidy of the development or day to day running costs of the launch activity. A key way to achieve this objective is the separation of the supplier of the SKYLON system and the operator, following the model in the air transport industry where airliner manufacturers build aircraft that are then sold to many different competing airlines. This approach allows commercial development operations without any assumptions about growth in the market for space launches.

International collaboration: The cornerstone of satellite land remote sensing in the 21st century

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bailey, G. Bryan; Lauer, Donald T.; Carneggie, David M.

2001-01-01

Satellite land remotely sensed data are used by scientists and resource managers world-wide to study similar multidisciplinary earth science problems. Most of their information requirements can be met by a small number of satellite sensor types. Moderate-resolution resource satellites and low-resolution environmental satellites are the most prominent of these, and they are the focus of this paper. Building, launching, and operating satellite systems are very expensive endeavors. Consequently, nations should change the current pattern of independently launching and operating similar, largely redundant resource and environmental satellite systems in favor of true and full collaboration in developing, launching, operating, and sharing the data from such systems of the future. The past decade has seen encouraging signs of increasing international collaboration in earth remote sensing, but full collaboration has not yet been attempted. A general strategy to achieve such international collaboration is presented here, including discussion of potential obstacles, ideas for organizing and overseeing the long-term process toward collaboration, and short-term objectives whereby early successes critical to accomplishing long-term goals can be achieved.

KSC-2014-3791

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-09-10

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – During a ceremony inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Orion spacecraft for Exploration Flight Test-1 was officially turned over to Lockheed Martin Ground Operations from Orion Assembly, Integration and Production. Holding the key during the turn over, are Jules Schneider, at left, Lockheed Martin Orion Production Operations manager, and Blake Hale, Lockheed Martin Ground Operations manager. Behind them are members of the Brevard Police and Fire Pipes and Drums. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida in December to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper

KSC-2014-3790

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-09-10

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – During a ceremony inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Orion spacecraft for Exploration Flight Test-1 was officially turned over to Lockheed Martin Ground Operations from Orion Assembly, Integration and Production. Shaking hands during the turn over, are Jules Schneider, at left, Lockheed Martin Orion Production Operations manager, and Blake Hale, Lockheed Martin Ground Operations manager. Behind them are members of the Brevard Police and Fire Pipes and Drums. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida in December to an altitude of 3,600 miles above the Earth's surface. The two-orbit, four-hour flight test will help engineers evaluate the systems critical to crew safety including the heat shield, parachute system and launch abort system. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper

24. Launch Area, Missile Assembly Building, detail of original work ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

24. Launch Area, Missile Assembly Building, detail of original work cabinets VIEW NORTHWEST - NIKE Missile Battery PR-79, Launch Area, East Windsor Road south of State Route 101, Foster, Providence County, RI

5. LAUNCH CONTROL SUPPORT BUILDING SOUTH SIDE. VIEW TO NORTHWEST. ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

5. LAUNCH CONTROL SUPPORT BUILDING SOUTH SIDE. VIEW TO NORTHWEST. - Minuteman III ICBM Launch Control Facility November-1, 1.5 miles North of New Raymer & State Highway 14, New Raymer, Weld County, CO

STS-88 Crew Breakfast in O&C Building

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

The STS-88 crew gather for the traditional pre-launch breakfast in the Operations and Checkout Building. From left to right are Mission Specialists Jerry L. Ross and Nancy J. Currie, Commander Robert D. Cabana, Pilot Frederick W. 'Rick' Sturckow, and Mission Specialists James H. Newman and Sergei Konstantinovich Krikalev, a Russian cosmonaut. Mission STS-88 is expected to launch at 3:56 a.m. EST aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on Dec. 3. Endeavour carries the Unity connecting module, which the crew will be mating with the Russian-built Zarya control module already on orbit. In addition to Unity, two small replacement electronics boxes are on board for possible repairs to Zarya batteries. The mission is expected to last 11 days, 19 hours and 49 minutes, landing at 10:17 p.m. EST on Dec. 14.

KSC-2012-2598

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-04-27

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, cable is being pulled from the cable trays lining the walls of high bay 3 in the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, as part of a centerwide refurbishment initiative under the Ground Systems Development and Operations GSDO Program. The cable replacement project is under way in high bays 1 and 3 on the east side of the building, facing Launch Complex 39’s pads A and B. Approximately 150 miles of existing Apollo/shuttle era cabling is being removed to make room for installation of state-of-the-art command, communication and control systems that will be needed by future users to perform vehicle testing and verification prior to rollout to the launch pad. For more information, visit http://go.nasa.gov/groundsystems. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-2012-2601

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-04-27

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers pull cables between the 26th and 29th floors of high bay 3 in the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, during part of a centerwide refurbishment initiative under the Ground Systems Development and Operations GSDO Program. The cable replacement project is under way in high bays 1 and 3 on the east side of the building, facing Launch Complex 39’s pads A and B. Approximately 150 miles of existing Apollo/shuttle era cabling is being removed to make room for installation of state-of-the-art command, communication and control systems that will be needed by future users to perform vehicle testing and verification prior to rollout to the launch pad. For more information, visit http://go.nasa.gov/groundsystems. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-2012-2596

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-04-27

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, refurbishment of high bay 3 is under way in the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, as part of a centerwide refurbishment initiative under the Ground Systems Development and Operations GSDO Program. It is 525 feet from the bay’s ceiling to the floor. The cable replacement project is under way in high bays 1 and 3 on the east side of the building, facing Launch Complex 39’s pads A and B. Approximately 150 miles of existing Apollo/shuttle era cabling is being removed to make room for installation of state-of-the-art command, communication and control systems that will be needed by future users to perform vehicle testing and verification prior to rollout to the launch pad. For more information, visit http://go.nasa.gov/groundsystems. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-2012-2600

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-04-27

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers remove cables between the 26th and 29th floors of high bay 3 in the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, during part of a centerwide refurbishment initiative under the Ground Systems Development and Operations GSDO Program. The cable replacement project is under way in high bays 1 and 3 on the east side of the building, facing Launch Complex 39’s pads A and B. Approximately 150 miles of existing Apollo/shuttle era cabling is being removed to make room for installation of state-of-the-art command, communication and control systems that will be needed by future users to perform vehicle testing and verification prior to rollout to the launch pad. For more information, visit http://go.nasa.gov/groundsystems. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-04pd1851

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-09-18

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Looking at damage inside the hurricane-ravaged Thermal Protection System Facility are KSC Director of Spaceport Services Scott Kerr (left) and NASA Associate Administrator of Space Operations Mission Directorate William Readdy (right). The TPSF, which creates the TPS tiles, blankets and all the internal thermal control systems for the Space Shuttles, is almost totally unserviceable at this time after losing approximately 35 percent of its roof during Hurricane Frances, which blew across Central Florida Sept. 4-5. Readdy and NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe are visiting KSC to survey the damage sustained by KSC facilities from the hurricane. The Labor Day storm also caused significant damage to the Vehicle Assembly Building and Processing Control Center. Additionally, the Operations and Checkout Building, Vertical Processing Facility, Hangar AE, Hangar S and Hangar AF Small Parts Facility each received substantial damage. However, well-protected and unharmed were NASA’s three Space Shuttle orbiters - Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour - along with the Shuttle launch pads, all of the critical flight hardware for the orbiters and the International Space Station, and NASA’s Swift spacecraft that is awaiting launch in October.

KSC-2011-6567

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-07-28

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Delta II that will carry NASA's National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) satellite is hoisted up at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB, Dan Liberotti

KSC-2011-6570

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-07-28

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians check the position of a solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Delta II that will carry NASA's National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) satellite at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB, Dan Liberotti

KSC-2011-6574

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-07-28

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians use a crane to lift a solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Delta II that will carry NASA's National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) satellite at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB, Dan Liberotti

KSC-2011-6576

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-07-28

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians use a crane to lift a solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Delta II that will carry NASA's National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) satellite at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB, Dan Liberotti

KSC-2011-6575

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-07-28

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians use a crane to lift a solid rocket motor for the United Launch Alliance Delta II that will carry NASA's National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) satellite at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB, Dan Liberotti

KSC-2013-2892

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-06-25

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians position equipment and forklifts as work continues to install new roller shaft bearings in crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2. Work continues in high bay 2 to upgrade CT-2. The modifications are designed to ensure CT-2’s ability to transport launch vehicles currently in development, such as the agency’s Space Launch System, to the launch pad. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/crawler-transporter_bearings.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

STS-92 Mission Specialist McArthur has his launch and entry suit adjusted

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-92 Mission Specialist William S. McArthur Jr. has the gloves on his launch and entry suit adjusted during fit check. McArthur and the rest of the crew are at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT provides emergency egress training, simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payload. This mission will be McArthur's third Shuttle flight. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program.

STS-92 Mission Specialist McArthur has his launch and entry suit adjusted

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

During pre-pack and fit check in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-92 Mission Specialist William S. McArthur Jr. uses a laptop computer while garbed in his full launch and entry suit. McArthur and the rest of the crew are at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT provides emergency egress training, simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payload. This mission will be McArthur's third Shuttle flight. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program.

STS-92 Mission Specialist Lopez-Alegria has his launch and entry suit adjusted

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

During pre-pack and fit check in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-92 Mission Specialist Michael E. Lopez-Alegria tries on the helmet for his launch and entry suit. Lopez-Alegria and the rest of the crew are at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT provides emergency egress training, simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payload. This mission will be Lopez-Alegria's second Shuttle flight. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program.

KSC-2013-3550

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-09-10

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A technician installs a new bearing on crawler-transporter 2 in Vehicle Assembly Building High Bay 2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Modifications underway on the crawler are designed to ensure its ability to transport launch vehicles currently under development, such as the agency’s Space Launch System, to the launch pad. Present modifications represent a redesign and upgrade to the roller bearings and assemblies originally installed on the crawler. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform carrying the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and 39B. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/crawler-transporter_bearings_prt.htm. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2013-3556

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-09-10

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A technician completes the installation of a new bearing on crawler-transporter 2 in Vehicle Assembly Building High Bay 2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Modifications underway on the crawler are designed to ensure its ability to transport launch vehicles currently under development, such as the agency’s Space Launch System, to the launch pad. Present modifications represent a redesign and upgrade to the roller bearings and assemblies originally installed on the crawler. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform carrying the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and 39B. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/crawler-transporter_bearings_prt.htm. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2013-3552

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-09-10

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A technician installs a new bearing on crawler-transporter 2 in Vehicle Assembly Building High Bay 2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Modifications underway on the crawler are designed to ensure its ability to transport launch vehicles currently under development, such as the agency’s Space Launch System, to the launch pad. Present modifications represent a redesign and upgrade to the roller bearings and assemblies originally installed on the crawler. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform carrying the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and 39B. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/crawler-transporter_bearings_prt.htm. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2013-3553

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-09-10

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians install a new bearing on crawler-transporter 2 in the Vehicle Assembly Building High Bay 2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Modifications underway on the crawler are designed to ensure its ability to transport launch vehicles currently under development, such as the agency’s Space Launch System, to the launch pad. Present modifications represent a redesign and upgrade to the roller bearings and assemblies originally installed on the crawler. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform carrying the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and 39B. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/crawler-transporter_bearings_prt.htm. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2013-3555

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-09-10

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The installation of new bearings on crawler-transporter 2 is underway in Vehicle Assembly Building High Bay 2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Modifications underway on the crawler are designed to ensure its ability to transport launch vehicles currently under development, such as the agency’s Space Launch System, to the launch pad. Present modifications represent a redesign and upgrade to the roller bearings and assemblies originally installed on the crawler. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform carrying the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and 39B. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/crawler-transporter_bearings_prt.htm. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2013-3549

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-09-10

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians install a new bearing on crawler-transporter 2 in Vehicle Assembly Building High Bay 2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Modifications underway on the crawler are designed to ensure its ability to transport launch vehicles currently under development, such as the agency’s Space Launch System, to the launch pad. Present modifications represent a redesign and upgrade to the roller bearings and assemblies originally installed on the crawler. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform carrying the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and 39B. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/crawler-transporter_bearings_prt.htm. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2013-3554

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-09-10

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The installation of new bearings on crawler-transporter 2 is underway in Vehicle Assembly Building High Bay 2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Modifications underway on the crawler are designed to ensure its ability to transport launch vehicles currently under development, such as the agency’s Space Launch System, to the launch pad. Present modifications represent a redesign and upgrade to the roller bearings and assemblies originally installed on the crawler. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform carrying the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and 39B. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/crawler-transporter_bearings_prt.htm. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2013-3559

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-09-10

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Steady progress is made on the installation of new bearings on crawler-transporter 2 in Vehicle Assembly Building High Bay 2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Modifications underway on the crawler are designed to ensure its ability to transport launch vehicles currently under development, such as the agency’s Space Launch System, to the launch pad. Present modifications represent a redesign and upgrade to the roller bearings and assemblies originally installed on the crawler. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform carrying the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and 39B. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/crawler-transporter_bearings_prt.htm. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2013-3558

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-09-10

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A technician completes the installation of a new bearing on crawler-transporter 2 in Vehicle Assembly Building High Bay 2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Modifications underway on the crawler are designed to ensure its ability to transport launch vehicles currently under development, such as the agency’s Space Launch System, to the launch pad. Present modifications represent a redesign and upgrade to the roller bearings and assemblies originally installed on the crawler. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform carrying the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and 39B. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/crawler-transporter_bearings_prt.htm. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2013-3557

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-09-10

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians complete the installation of a new bearing on crawler-transporter 2 in Vehicle Assembly Building High Bay 2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Modifications underway on the crawler are designed to ensure its ability to transport launch vehicles currently under development, such as the agency’s Space Launch System, to the launch pad. Present modifications represent a redesign and upgrade to the roller bearings and assemblies originally installed on the crawler. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform carrying the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and 39B. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/crawler-transporter_bearings_prt.htm. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2013-3551

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-09-10

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Technicians install a new bearing on crawler-transporter 2 in Vehicle Assembly Building High Bay 2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Modifications underway on the crawler are designed to ensure its ability to transport launch vehicles currently under development, such as the agency’s Space Launch System, to the launch pad. Present modifications represent a redesign and upgrade to the roller bearings and assemblies originally installed on the crawler. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform carrying the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and 39B. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/crawler-transporter_bearings_prt.htm. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2013-3548

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-09-10

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Preparations are underway to install new bearings on crawler-transporter 2 in the Vehicle Assembly Building High Bay 2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Modifications underway on the crawler are designed to ensure its ability to transport launch vehicles currently under development, such as the agency’s Space Launch System, to the launch pad. Present modifications represent a redesign and upgrade to the roller bearings and assemblies originally installed on the crawler. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform carrying the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and 39B. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/crawler-transporter_bearings_prt.htm. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Mission Specialist Smith is suited and ready for launch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-103 Mission Specialist Steven L. Smith signals he is suited up and ready for launch. Other crew members are Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr., Pilot Scott J. Kelly and Mission Specialists C. Michel Foale (Ph.D.), John M. Grunsfeld (Ph.D.), Jean-Frangois Clervoy of France and Claude Nicollier of Switzerland. Clervoy and Nicollier are with the European Space Agency. The STS-103 mission, to service the Hubble Space Telescope, is scheduled for launch Dec. 17 at 8:47 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39B. Mission objectives include replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing another solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation in the telescope. After the 8-day, 21-hour mission, Discovery is expected to land at KSC Sunday, Dec. 26, at about 6:30 p.m. EST.

KSC-2011-7546

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-10-26

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Andrew Carson, NPP program executive, NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC, participates in the prelaunch news conference at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., for NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) spacecraft. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 28 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB

KSC-2011-7547

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-10-26

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Ken Schwer, NPP project manager, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md., participates in the prelaunch news conference at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., for NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) spacecraft. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 28 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB

KSC-2011-7542

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-10-26

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A model of the NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) spacecraft is displayed during the prelaunch news conference at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 28 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB

3. View from missile site control building (southeast to northwest) ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

3. View from missile site control building (southeast to northwest) of missile launch area showing universal missile building on left and warhead handling building in background. - Stanley R. Mickelsen Safeguard Complex, Missile Launch Area, Within Exclusion Area, Nekoma, Cavalier County, ND

5. GENERAL VIEW OF LAUNCHER BUILDING 28402 SHOWING LAUNCH DECK ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

5. GENERAL VIEW OF LAUNCHER BUILDING 28402 SHOWING LAUNCH DECK AT RIGHT; VIEW TO NORTHEAST. - Cape Canaveral Air Station, Launch Complex 17, Facility 28402, East end of Lighthouse Road, Cape Canaveral, Brevard County, FL

53. Interior of launch support building, brine chiller, view towards ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

53. Interior of launch support building, brine chiller, view towards south - Ellsworth Air Force Base, Delta Flight, Launch Facility, On County Road T512, south of Exit 116 off I-90, Interior, Jackson County, SD

11. LAUNCH CONTROL SUPPORT BUILDING. INTERIOR OF MECHANICAL ROOM. VIEW ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

11. LAUNCH CONTROL SUPPORT BUILDING. INTERIOR OF MECHANICAL ROOM. VIEW TO SOUTHEAST. - Minuteman III ICBM Launch Control Facility November-1, 1.5 miles North of New Raymer & State Highway 14, New Raymer, Weld County, CO

6. LAUNCH CONTROL SUPPORT BUILDING. INTERIOR OF SECURITY OFFICE. VIEW ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

6. LAUNCH CONTROL SUPPORT BUILDING. INTERIOR OF SECURITY OFFICE. VIEW TO WEST. - Minuteman III ICBM Launch Control Facility November-1, 1.5 miles North of New Raymer & State Highway 14, New Raymer, Weld County, CO

9. LAUNCH CONTROL SUPPORT BUILDING. INTERIOR OF KITCHEN. VIEW TO ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

9. LAUNCH CONTROL SUPPORT BUILDING. INTERIOR OF KITCHEN. VIEW TO EAST. - Minuteman III ICBM Launch Control Facility November-1, 1.5 miles North of New Raymer & State Highway 14, New Raymer, Weld County, CO

12. LAUNCH CONTROL SUPPORT BUILDING. INTERIOR OF GENERATOR ROOM. VIEW ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

12. LAUNCH CONTROL SUPPORT BUILDING. INTERIOR OF GENERATOR ROOM. VIEW TO EAST. - Minuteman III ICBM Launch Control Facility November-1, 1.5 miles North of New Raymer & State Highway 14, New Raymer, Weld County, CO

7. LAUNCH CONTROL SUPPORT BUILDING. INTERIOR OF SECURITY OFFICE. VIEW ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

7. LAUNCH CONTROL SUPPORT BUILDING. INTERIOR OF SECURITY OFFICE. VIEW TO NORTH. - Minuteman III ICBM Launch Control Facility November-1, 1.5 miles North of New Raymer & State Highway 14, New Raymer, Weld County, CO

10. LAUNCH CONTROL SUPPORT BUILDING. INTERIOR OF BEDROOM. VIEW TO ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

10. LAUNCH CONTROL SUPPORT BUILDING. INTERIOR OF BEDROOM. VIEW TO SOUTH. - Minuteman III ICBM Launch Control Facility November-1, 1.5 miles North of New Raymer & State Highway 14, New Raymer, Weld County, CO

Building a Quality Controlled Database of Meteorological Data from NASA Kennedy Space Center and the United States Air Force's Eastern Range

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brenton, James C.; Barbre. Robert E., Jr.; Decker, Ryan K.; Orcutt, John M.

2018-01-01

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Natural Environments Branch (EV44) has provided atmospheric databases and analysis in support of space vehicle design and day-of-launch operations for NASA and commercial launch vehicle programs launching from the NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC), co-located on the United States Air Force's Eastern Range (ER) at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The ER complex is one of the most heavily instrumented sites in the United States with over 31 towers measuring various atmospheric parameters on a continuous basis. An inherent challenge with large sets of data consists of ensuring erroneous data is removed from databases, and thus excluded from launch vehicle design analyses. EV44 has put forth great effort in developing quality control (QC) procedures for individual meteorological instruments, however no standard QC procedures for all databases currently exists resulting in QC databases that have inconsistencies in variables, methodologies, and periods of record. The goal of this activity is to use the previous efforts by EV44 to develop a standardized set of QC procedures from which to build meteorological databases from KSC and the ER, while maintaining open communication with end users from the launch community to develop ways to improve, adapt and grow the QC database. Details of the QC procedures will be described. As the rate of launches increases with additional launch vehicle programs, it is becoming more important that weather databases are continually updated and checked for data quality before use in launch vehicle design and certification analyses.

Analysis of a Hypergolic Propellant Explosion During Processing of Launch Vehicles in the VAB

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chrostowski, Jon D.; Gan Wenshui; Campbell, Michael D.

2010-01-01

NASA is developing launch vehicles to support missions to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the moon and deep space. Whether manned or unmanned, the vehicle components will likely be integrated in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and typically include a fueled spacecraft (SC) that sits on top of one or more stages. The processing of a fueled SC involves hazardous operations when it is brought into the VAB Transfer Aisle and lifted a significant height for mating with lower stages. Accidents resulting from these hazardous operations could impact unrelated personnel working in buildings adjacent to the VAB. Safe separation distances based on the DOD Explosives Standards Quantity-Distance (Q-D) approach result in large IBD arcs. This paper presents site-specific air blast and fragmentation hazard analyses for comparison with the Q-D arcs as well as consequence and risk analyses to provide added information for the decision maker. A new physics-based fragmentation model is presented that includes: a) the development of a primary fragment list (which defines the fragment characteristics) associated with a hypergolic propellant explosion, b) a description of a 3D fragment bounce model, c) the results of probabilistic Monte-Carlo simulations (that include uncertainties in the fragment characteristics) to determine: i) the hazardous fragment density distance, ii) the expected number of wall/roof impacts and penetrations to over 40 buildings adjacent to the VAB, and iii) the risk to building occupants.

ASCANS Class of 2013 Tour the O&C with Cabana

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-03

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, astronaut candidate Christina Hammock listens to a briefing on preparations for the launch the Orion spacecraft on Exploration Flight Test EFT-1. Plans call for the Lockheed Martin-built Orion to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

STS-78 Mission Specialist Charles E. Brady suits up

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

STS-78 Mission Specialist Charles E. Brady Jr. is donning his launch/entry suit in the Operations and Checkout Building. A spaceflight rookie, Brady was selected by NASA to join the astronaut corps in March 1992; he is a medical doctor who also is a commander in the U.S. Navy. Along with six fellow crew members, he will depart the O&C in a short while and head for Launch Pad 39B, where the Space Shuttle Columbia awaits liftoff during a two-and-a-half hour launch window opening at 10:49 a.m. EDT, June 20. STS-78 will be an extended duration flight during which extensive research will be conducted in the Life and Microgravity Spacelab (LMS) located in the payload bay.

ASCANS Class of 2013 Tour the O&C with Cabana

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-03

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, agency astronaut candidates are briefed on preparations for the launch the Orion spacecraft on Exploration Flight Test EFT-1. Plans call for the Lockheed Martin-built Orion to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

STS-90 Mission Specialist Kathryn (Kay) Hire is suited up for launch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

STS-90 Mission Specialist Kathryn (Kay) Hire prepares for launch during suitup activities in the Operations and Checkout Building as Astronaut Support Personnel team member Heidi Piper braids Hire's hair. Hire and the rest of the STS-90 crew will shortly depart for Launch Pad 39B, where the Space Shuttle Columbia awaits a second liftoff attempt at 2:19 p.m. EDT. Her first trip into space, Hire is participating in this life sciences research flight that will focus on the most complex and least understood part of the human body -- the nervous system. Neurolab will examine the effects of spaceflight on the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and sensory organs in the human body.

KSC-00pp1337

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-09-13

The “rookie” on the STS-92 mission, Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy has her new launch and entry suit adjusted during pre-pack and fit check in the Operations and Checkout Building. Melroy and the rest of the crew are at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT provides emergency egress training, simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payload. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program

STS-89 M.S. Andrew Thomas suits up

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

STS-89 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., gives a 'thumbs up' as he completes the donning of his launch/entry suit in the Operations and Checkout (O&C) Building. In June 1995, he was named as payload commander for STS-77 and flew his first flight in space on Endeavour in May 1996. He and six fellow crew members will soon depart the O&C and head for Launch Pad 39A, where the Space Shuttle Endeavour will lift off during a launch window that opens at 9:43 p.m. EST, Jan. 22. STS-89 is the eighth of nine planned missions to dock the Space Shuttle with Russia's Mir space station, where Dr. Thomas will succeed David Wolf, M.D.

MMS Spacecraft Uncrated & Moved

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-10-29

Workers prepare a payload dolly for the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, during uncrating operations in the Building 2 south encapsulation bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center. The MMS upper stack, mini-stack number 2, is scheduled to arrive in about two weeks. MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015.

MMS Spacecraft Uncrated & Moved

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-10-29

Two of the observatories, the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, glides toward a payload dolly during uncrating operations in the Building 2 south encapsulation bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center. The MMS upper stack, mini-stack number 2, is scheduled to arrive in about two weeks. MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015.

MMS Spacecraft Uncrated & Moved

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-10-29

A crane is lowered toward the lower stack, mini-stack number 1, two of the observatories for NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale Observatory, or MMS, during uncrating operations in the Building 2 south encapsulation bay at the Astrotech payload processing facility in Titusville, Florida, near Kennedy Space Center. The MMS upper stack, mini-stack number 2, is scheduled to arrive in about two weeks. MMS is a Solar Terrestrial Probes mission comprising four identically instrumented spacecraft that will use Earth’s magnetosphere as a laboratory to study the microphysics of three fundamental plasma processes: magnetic reconnection, energetic particle acceleration and turbulence. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is targeted for March 12, 2015.

8. LAUNCH CONTROL SUPPORT BUILDING. INTERIOR OF DINING/RECREATION ROOM. VIEW ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

8. LAUNCH CONTROL SUPPORT BUILDING. INTERIOR OF DINING/RECREATION ROOM. VIEW TO EAST. - Minuteman III ICBM Launch Control Facility November-1, 1.5 miles North of New Raymer & State Highway 14, New Raymer, Weld County, CO

3. LAUNCH CONTROL SUPPORT BUILDING NORTH SIDE AND WEST FRONT. ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

3. LAUNCH CONTROL SUPPORT BUILDING NORTH SIDE AND WEST FRONT. VIEW TO SOUTHEAST. - Minuteman III ICBM Launch Control Facility November-1, 1.5 miles North of New Raymer & State Highway 14, New Raymer, Weld County, CO

4. LAUNCH CONTROL SUPPORT BUILDING NORTH SIDE AND EAST REAR. ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

4. LAUNCH CONTROL SUPPORT BUILDING NORTH SIDE AND EAST REAR. VIEW TO SOUTHWEST. - Minuteman III ICBM Launch Control Facility November-1, 1.5 miles North of New Raymer & State Highway 14, New Raymer, Weld County, CO

KSC-2012-4208

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-08-03

Cape Canaveral, Fla. -- NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden announces the newest partners of NASA's Commercial Crew Program CCP from Operations Support Building 2 OSB II at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Three integrated systems were selected for CCP's Commercial Crew Integrated Capability CCiCap initiative to propel America's next human space transportation system to low Earth orbit forward. Operating under funded Space Act Agreements SAAs, The Boeing Co. of Houston, Sierra Nevada Corp. SNC Space Systems of Louisville, Colo., and Space Exploration Technologies SpaceX of Hawthorne, Calif., will spend the next 21 months completing their designs, conducting critical risk reduction testing on their spacecraft and launch vehicles, and showcasing how they would operate and manage missions from launch through orbit and landing, setting the stage for future demonstration missions. To learn more about CCP, which is based at Kennedy and supported by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2012-4210

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-08-03

Cape Canaveral, Fla. -- NASA Commercial Crew Program CCP Manager Ed Mango discusses the program's newest partnerships from the Operations Support Building 2 OSB II at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Three integrated systems were selected for CCP's Commercial Crew Integrated Capability CCiCap initiative to propel America's next human space transportation system to low Earth orbit forward. Operating under funded Space Act Agreements SAAs, The Boeing Co. of Houston, Sierra Nevada Corp. SNC Space Systems of Louisville, Colo., and Space Exploration Technologies SpaceX of Hawthorne, Calif., will spend the next 21 months completing their designs, conducting critical risk reduction testing on their spacecraft and launch vehicles, and showcasing how they would operate and manage missions from launch through orbit and landing, setting the stage for future demonstration missions. To learn more about CCP, which is based at Kennedy and supported by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2012-4205

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-08-03

Cape Canaveral, Fla. -- NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana discusses the Commercial Crew Program's CCP newest partnerships from the center's Operations Support Building 2 OSB II. Three integrated systems were selected for CCP's Commercial Crew Integrated Capability CCiCap initiative to propel America's next human space transportation system to low Earth orbit forward. Operating under a funded Space Act Agreements SAAs, The Boeing Co. of Houston, Sierra Nevada Corp. SNC Space Systems of Louisville, Colo., and Space Exploration Technologies SpaceX of Hawthorne, Calif., will spend the next 21 months completing their designs, conducting critical risk reduction testing on their spacecraft and launch vehicles, and showcasing how they would operate and manage missions from launch through orbit and landing, setting the stage for future demonstration missions. To learn more about CCP, which is based at Kennedy and supported by NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, visit www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2013-3934

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-11-07

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians monitor the progress as the fourth ogive panel is lifted by crane so that they can be installed on the Orion ground test vehicle in Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4. Three of the panels have already been installed on the test vehicle. The ogive panels enclose and protect the Orion spacecraft and attach to the Launch Abort System. The test vehicle is being used by the Ground Systems Development and Operations Program for path finding operations, including simulated manufacturing, assembly and stacking procedures. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket and in 2017 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

KSC-2013-3933

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-11-07

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, three ogive panels have been installed on the Orion ground test vehicle in Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4. The fourth ogive panel is being lifted by crane for installation. The ogive panels enclose and protect the Orion spacecraft and attach to the Launch Abort System. The test vehicle is being used by the Ground Systems Development and Operations Program for path finding operations, including simulated manufacturing, assembly and stacking procedures. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket and in 2017 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

KSC-2013-3930

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-10-30

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians assist as a crane is used to move one of four ogive panels closer for installation on the Orion ground test vehicle in Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4. The ogive panels enclose and protect the Orion spacecraft and attach to the Launch Abort System. The test vehicle is being used by the Ground Systems Development and Operations Program for path finding operations, including simulated manufacturing, assembly and stacking procedures. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket and in 2017 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

KSC-2013-3929

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-10-30

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians monitor the progress as a crane is used to move one of four ogive panels closer for installation on the Orion ground test vehicle in Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4. The ogive panels enclose and protect the Orion spacecraft and attach to the Launch Abort System. The test vehicle is being used by the Ground Systems Development and Operations Program for path finding operations, including simulated manufacturing, assembly and stacking procedures. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket and in 2017 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

KSC-2013-3927

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-10-30

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians prepare the four ogive panels for lifting by crane so that they can be installed on the Orion ground test vehicle in Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4. The ogive panels enclose and protect the Orion spacecraft and attach to the Launch Abort System. The test vehicle is being used by the Ground Systems Development and Operations Program for path finding operations, including simulated manufacturing, assembly and stacking procedures. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket and in 2017 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

KSC-2013-3932

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-10-30

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians assist as a crane is used to move one of four ogive panels closer for installation on the Orion ground test vehicle in Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4. The ogive panels enclose and protect the Orion spacecraft and attach to the Launch Abort System. The test vehicle is being used by the Ground Systems Development and Operations Program for path finding operations, including simulated manufacturing, assembly and stacking procedures. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket and in 2017 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

KSC-2013-3936

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-11-07

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians monitor the progress as the fourth ogive panel is lifted by crane so that they can be installed on the Orion ground test vehicle in Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4. Three of the panels have already been installed on the test vehicle. The ogive panels enclose and protect the Orion spacecraft and attach to the Launch Abort System. The test vehicle is being used by the Ground Systems Development and Operations Program for path finding operations, including simulated manufacturing, assembly and stacking procedures. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket and in 2017 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

KSC-2013-3931

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-10-30

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians assist as a crane is used to move one of four ogive panels closer for installation on the Orion ground test vehicle in Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4. The ogive panels enclose and protect the Orion spacecraft and attach to the Launch Abort System. The test vehicle is being used by the Ground Systems Development and Operations Program for path finding operations, including simulated manufacturing, assembly and stacking procedures. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket and in 2017 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

KSC-2013-3935

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-11-07

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians monitor the progress as the fourth ogive panel is lifted by crane so that they can be installed on the Orion ground test vehicle in Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4. Three of the panels have already been installed on the test vehicle. The ogive panels enclose and protect the Orion spacecraft and attach to the Launch Abort System. The test vehicle is being used by the Ground Systems Development and Operations Program for path finding operations, including simulated manufacturing, assembly and stacking procedures. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket and in 2017 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

KSC-2013-3928

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-10-30

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians monitor the progress as a crane is used to move one of four ogive panels closer for installation on the Orion ground test vehicle in Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 4. The ogive panels enclose and protect the Orion spacecraft and attach to the Launch Abort System. The test vehicle is being used by the Ground Systems Development and Operations Program for path finding operations, including simulated manufacturing, assembly and stacking procedures. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will have emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket and in 2017 on NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: Kim Shiflett

KSC-2009-3120

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-11

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the framework known as the "birdcage" lowers the Ares I-X simulator crew module-launch abort system, or CM-LAS, onto the simulator service module-service adapter stack. Ares I-X is the flight test for the Ares I. The I-X flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with Ares I. The launch of the 327-foot-tall, full-scale Ares I-X is targeted for August 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2009-3122

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-11

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the framework known as the "birdcage" lowers the Ares I-X simulator crew module-launch abort system, or CM-LAS, onto the simulator service module-service adapter stack. Ares I-X is the flight test for the Ares I. The I-X flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with Ares I. The launch of the 327-foot-tall, full-scale Ares I-X is targeted for August 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2009-3121

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-11

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the framework known as the "birdcage" lowers the Ares I-X simulator crew module-launch abort system, or CM-LAS, onto the simulator service module-service adapter stack. Ares I-X is the flight test for the Ares I. The I-X flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with Ares I. The launch of the 327-foot-tall, full-scale Ares I-X is targeted for August 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2009-3124

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-11

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a technician checks the mating from the inside of the Ares I-X simulator crew module-launch abort system, or CM-LAS, with the simulator service module-service adapter stack. Ares I-X is the flight test for the Ares I. The I-X flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with Ares I. The launch of the 327-foot-tall, full-scale Ares I-X is targeted for August 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2009-3123

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-11

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In high bay 4 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the framework known as the "birdcage" lowers the Ares I-X simulator crew module-launch abort system, or CM-LAS, onto the simulator service module-service adapter stack. Ares I-X is the flight test for the Ares I. The I-X flight will provide NASA an early opportunity to test and prove hardware, facilities and ground operations associated with Ares I. The launch of the 327-foot-tall, full-scale Ares I-X is targeted for August 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

STS-106 Mission Specialist Burbank suits up before launch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

During suitup in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-106 Mission Specialist Daniel C. Burbank smiles in anticipation of launch. This is Burbank'''s first space flight. Space Shuttle Atlantis is set to lift off 8:45 a.m. EDT on the fourth flight to the International Space Station. During the 11-day mission, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed '''Expedition One,''' is due to arrive at the Station in late fall.

KSC-98pc493

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-04-17

STS-90 Payload Specialist Jay Buckey, M.D., prepares for launch during suit-up activities in KSC's Operations and Checkout Building. Buckey and the rest of the STS-90 crew will shortly depart for Launch Pad 39B, where the Space Shuttle Columbia awaits a second liftoff attempt at 2:19 p.m. EDT. His first trip into space, Buckey is participating in a life sciences research flight that will focus on the most complex and least understood part of the human body the nervous system. Neurolab will examine the effects of spaceflight on the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and sensory organs in the human body

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Structural Test Article Prepped for Trans

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-04-24

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Orion Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1) structural test article is secured inside its transport container. Technicians monitor the progress as a crane is used to move the container toward a transport vehicle for the move to the Shuttle Landing Facility. The test article will be loaded in NASA's Super Guppy airplane and transported to Lockheed Martin's Denver facility for testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission.

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Structural Test Article Prepped for Trans

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-04-24

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Orion Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1) structural test article is secured inside its transport container. A crane is used to move the container toward a transport vehicle for the move to the Shuttle Landing Facility. The test article will be loaded in NASA's Super Guppy airplane and transported to Lockheed Martin's Denver facility for testing. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission.

STS-27 Atlantis, OV-104, terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) at KSC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1988-01-01

STS-27 Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104, crewmembers participate in the terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Commander Robert L. Gibson, waving to spectators and followed by Pilot Guy S. Gardner, Mission Specialist (MS) William M. Shepherd, MS Richard M. Mullane, and MS Jerry L. Ross, leads crew from the Operations and Checkout (O and C) Building to launch complex (LC) pad 39B. In the very back of the group and just exiting through doorway are Donald R. Puddy (left) and astronaut Daniel C. Brandenstein. Crewmembers are wearing launch and entry suits (LESs).

STS-101 crew members Helms, Voss and Usachev during suitup

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

While suiting up in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-101 Mission Specialists (standing) Susan J. Helms, James S. Voss and (sitting) Yuri Usachev of Russia reveal their happiness to be just hours away from launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis. The mission will take the crew to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies and to prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk. This will be the third assembly flight to the Space Station.

STS-97 Mission Specialist Garneau with full launch and entry suit during pre-pack and fit check

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

During pre-pack and fit check in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-97 Commander Brent Jett gets help with his gloves from suit technician Bill Todd. Mission STS-97 is the sixth construction flight to the International Space Station. Its payload includes the P6 Integrated Truss Structure and a photovoltaic (PV) module, with giant solar arrays that will provide power to the Station. The mission includes two spacewalks to complete the solar array connections. STS-97 is scheduled to launch Nov. 30 at about 10:06 p.m. EST.

STS-106 Mission Specialist Lu suits up before launch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

STS-106 Mission Specialist Edward T. Lu smiles as he gets suited up in the Operations and Checkout Building before launch. This is Lu'''s second space flight. Space Shuttle Atlantis is set to lift off 8:45 a.m. EDT on the fourth flight to the International Space Station. During the 11-day mission, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed '''Expedition One,''' is due to arrive at the Station in late fall.

STS-34 crewmembers leave KSC O&C Bldg for LC Pad 39B

NASA Image and Video Library

1989-10-18

STS-34 crewmembers leave the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Operations and Checkout (O&C) Building. Crewmembers will then board a vehicle which will carry them to Launch Complex (LC) Pad 39B. Crewmembers, wearing orange launch and entry suits (LESs), are (left to right) Mission Specialist (MS) Franklin R. Chang-Diaz, MS Shannon W. Lucid, Pilot Michael J. McCulley, Commander Donald E. Williams, and MS Ellen S. Baker. Following the crewmembers are (dark clothing, left to right) Donald R. Puddy, Olan J. Bertrand, and astronaut Michael L. Coats of JSC.

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Adapter Move to Clean Room

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-29

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Lockheed Martin technicians begin to move the Orion crew module adapter (CMA) for Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1) to a clean room. The CMA will undergo propellant and environmental control and life support system tube installation and welding. The adapter will connect the Orion crew module to the European Space Agency-provided service module. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Adapter Move to Clean Room

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-29

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Lockheed Martin technicians secure a protective cover around the Orion crew module adapter (CMA) for Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1) for its move to a clean room. The CMA will undergo propellant and environmental control and life support system tube installation and welding. The adapter will connect the Orion crew module to the European Space Agency-provided service module. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Adapter Move to Clean Room

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-29

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a Lockheed Martin technician secures a protective cover around the Orion crew module adapter (CMA) for Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1) for its move to a clean room The CMA will undergo propellant and environmental control and life support system tube installation and welding. The adapter will connect the Orion crew module to the European Space Agency-provided service module. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Adapter Move to Clean Room

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-29

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Lockheed Martin technicians secure a protective cover around the Orion crew module adapter (CMA) for Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1) for its move to a clean room. The CMA will undergo propellant and environmental control and life support system tube installation and welding. The adapter will connect the Orion crew module to the European Space Agency-provided service module. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Adapter Move to Clean Room

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-29

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a protective cover is installed around the Orion crew module adapter (CMA) for Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1) for its move to a clean room. The CMA will undergo propellant and environmental control and life support system tube installation and welding. The adapter will connect the Orion crew module to the European Space Agency-provided service module. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Adapter Move to Clean Room

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-29

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Lockheed Martin technicians are preparing the Orion crew module adapter (CMA) for Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1) for the move into a clean room. The CMA will undergo propellant and environmental control and life support system tube installation and welding. The adapter will connect the Orion crew module to the European Space Agency-provided service module. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Adapter Move to Clean Room

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-29

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Lockheed Martin technicians secure a protective cover around the Orion crew module adapter (CMA) for Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1) for its move to a clean. The CMA will undergo propellant and environmental control and life support system tube installation and welding. The adapter will connect the Orion crew module to the European Space Agency-provided service module. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

Orion EM-1 Crew Module Adapter Move to Clean Room

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-29

Inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building high bay at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Orion crew module adapter (CMA) for Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1) is in a clean room with protective walls secured around it. The adapter will undergo propellant and environmental control and life support system tube installation and welding. The adapter will connect the Orion crew module to the European Space Agency-provided service module. The Orion spacecraft will launch atop NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on EM-1, its first deep space mission, in late 2018.

KSC-2011-1156

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-01-20

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida hosts a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the space agency's most environmentally friendly facility, the Propellants North Administrative and Maintenance Facility in Kennedy's Launch Complex 39 area. From left, are Mike Benik, director of Kennedy's Center Operations; James Wright, deputy assistant administrator for the Office of Strategic Infrastructure at NASA Headquarters; Bob Cabana, Kennedy's center director; Ward Davis, president of HW Davis Construction Inc.; and Rick Ferreira, chief operating officer of Jones Edmunds and Associates Inc. Propellants North consists of two buildings, one to store cryogenic fuel transfer equipment and one to house personnel who support fueling spacecraft. The recently rebuilt buildings will be NASA's first carbon neutral facility, which means it will produce enough energy on site from renewable sources to offset what it requires to operate. The facility also will reach for the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) Platinum status, which is the highest LEED rating. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

2. View from missile site control building (south to north) ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

2. View from missile site control building (south to north) of missile launch area, showing warhead handling building in background - Stanley R. Mickelsen Safeguard Complex, Missile Launch Area, Within Exclusion Area, Nekoma, Cavalier County, ND

KSC-04pd1849

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-09-18

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Martin Wilson (far left), manager of Thermal Protection System (TPS) operations for United Space Alliance (USA), leads NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe (second from left) on a tour of the hurricane-ravaged Thermal Protection System Facility. The TPSF, which creates the TPS tiles, blankets and all the internal thermal control systems for the Space Shuttles, is almost totally unserviceable at this time after losing approximately 35 percent of its roof in the storm, which blew across Central Florida Sept. 4-5. Undamaged equipment was removed from the TPSF and stored in the RLV hangar. O’Keefe and NASA Associate Administrator of Space Operations Mission Directorate William Readdy are visiting KSC to survey the damage sustained by KSC facilities from the hurricane. The Labor Day storm also caused significant damage to the Vehicle Assembly Building and Processing Control Center. Additionally, the Operations and Checkout Building, Vertical Processing Facility, Hangar AE, Hangar S and Hangar AF Small Parts Facility each received substantial damage. However, well-protected and unharmed were NASA’s three Space Shuttle orbiters - Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour - along with the Shuttle launch pads, all of the critical flight hardware for the orbiters and the International Space Station, and NASA’s Swift spacecraft that is awaiting launch in October.

KSC-04pd1850

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-09-18

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Martin Wilson (left, in foreground), manager of Thermal Protection System (TPS) operations for United Space Alliance (USA), gives a tour of the hurricane-ravaged Thermal Protection System Facility to (from center) NASA Associate Administrator of Space Operations Mission Directorate William Readdy, NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe, Center Director James Kennedy and Director of Shuttle Processing Michael E. Wetmore. The TPSF, which creates the TPS tiles, blankets and all the internal thermal control systems for the Space Shuttles, is almost totally unserviceable at this time after losing approximately 35 percent of its roof during Hurricane Frances, which blew across Central Florida Sept. 4-5. O’Keefe and Readdy are visiting KSC to survey the damage sustained by KSC facilities from the hurricane. The Labor Day storm also caused significant damage to the Vehicle Assembly Building and Processing Control Center. Additionally, the Operations and Checkout Building, Vertical Processing Facility, Hangar AE, Hangar S and Hangar AF Small Parts Facility each received substantial damage. However, well-protected and unharmed were NASA’s three Space Shuttle orbiters - Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour - along with the Shuttle launch pads, all of the critical flight hardware for the orbiters and the International Space Station, and NASA’s Swift spacecraft that is awaiting launch in October.

KSC-04pd1845

NASA Image and Video Library

2004-09-18

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - - United Space Alliance technician Shelly Kipp (right) shows some of the material salvaged from the storm-ravaged Thermal Protection System Facility (TPSF) to NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe (left). Martin Wilson (center), manager of TPS operations for USA, looks on. The TPSF, which creates the TPS tiles, blankets and all the internal thermal control systems for the Space Shuttles, is almost totally unserviceable at this time after losing approximately 35 percent of its roof during Hurricane Frances, which blew across Central Florida Sept. 4-5. O’Keefe and NASA Associate Administrator of Space Operations Mission Directorate William Readdy are visiting KSC to survey the damage sustained by KSC facilities from the hurricane. Undamaged equipment was removed from the TPSF and stored in the RLV hangar. The Labor Day storm also caused significant damage to the Vehicle Assembly Building and Processing Control Center. Additionally, the Operations and Checkout Building, Vertical Processing Facility, Hangar AE, Hangar S and Hangar AF Small Parts Facility each received substantial damage. However, well-protected and unharmed were NASA’s three Space Shuttle orbiters -- Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour - along with the Shuttle launch pads, all of the critical flight hardware for the orbiters and the International Space Station, and NASA’s Swift spacecraft that is awaiting launch in October.

STS-111 crew exits the O&C Building before launch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-111 and Expedition 5 crews eagerly exit from the Operations and Checkout Building for launch aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour. It is the second launch attempt in six days. From front to back are Pilot Paul Lockhart and Commander Kenneth Cockrell; astronaut Peggy Whitson; Expedition 5 Commander Valeri Korzun (RSA) and cosmonaut Sergei Treschev (RSA); and Mission Specialists Philippe Perrin (CNES) and Franklin Chang-Diaz. This mission marks the 14th Shuttle flight to the Space Station and the third Shuttle mission this year. Mission STS-111 is the 18th flight of Endeavour and the 110th flight overall in NASA's Space Shuttle program. On mission STS-111, astronauts will deliver the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module, the Mobile Base System (MBS), and the Expedition Five crew to the Space Station. During the seven days Endeavour will be docked to the Station, three spacewalks will be performed dedicated to installing MBS and the replacement wrist-roll joint on the Station's Canadarm2 robotic arm. Endeavour will also carry the Expedition 5 crew, who will replace Expedition 4 on board the Station. Expedition 4 crew members will return to Earth with the STS-111 crew. Liftoff is scheduled for 5:22 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A.

Zero Launch Mass Three Dimensional Print Head

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mueller, Robert P.; Gelino, Nathan J.; Smith, Jonathan D.; Buckles, Brad C.; Lippitt, Thomas; Schuler, Jason M.; Nick, Andrew J.; Nugent, Matt W.; Townsend, Ivan I.

2018-01-01

NASA's strategic goal is to put humans on Mars in the 2030's. The NASA Human Spaceflight Architecture Team (HAT) and NASA Mars Design Reference Architecture (DRA) 5.0 has determined that in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) is an essential technology to accomplish this mission. Additive construction technology using in-situ materials from planetary surfaces will reduce launch mass, allow structures to be three dimensionally (3D) printed on demand, and will allow building designs to be transmitted digitally from Earth and printed in space. This will ultimately lead to elimination of reliance on structural materials launched from Earth (zero launch mass of construction consumables). The zero launch mass (ZLM) 3D print head project addressed this need by developing a system that 3D prints using a mixture of in-situ regolith and polymer as feedstock, determining the optimum mixture ratio and regolith particle size distribution, developing software to convert g-code into motion instructions for a FANUC robotic arm, printing test samples, performing materials testing, and printing a reduced scale habitable structure concept. This paper will focus on the ZLM 3D Print Head design, materials selection, software development, and lessons learned from operating the system in the NASA KSC Swamp Works Granular Mechanics & Regolith Operations (GMRO) Laboratory.

50 Years of Electronic Check Out and Launch Systems at Kennedy Space Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Starr, Stanley O.

2007-01-01

When NASA was created in 1958 one of the elements incorporated into this new agency was the Army Ballistic Missile Agency (ABMA) in Huntsville, AL and its subordinate Missile Firing Laboratory (MFL) in Cape Canaveral. Under NASA, the MFL became the Launch Operations Directorate of the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, but expanding operations in the build up to Apollo dictated that it be given the status of a full fledged Center in July, 1 962[ 1]. The next year it was renamed the John F. Kennedy Space Center (KS C) after the president whose vision transformed its first decade of operation. The ABMA was under the technical leadership of Dr. Werner Von Braun. The MEL was run by his deputy Dr. Kurt Debus, an electrical engineer whose experience in the field began in the early days of V-2 testing in war time Germany. In 1952 a group led by Debus arrived in Cape Canaveral to begin test launches of the new Redstone missile [2]. During the 50's, The MFL built several launch complexes and tested the Redstone, Jupiter and Jupiter C missiles. This small experienced team of engineers and technicians formed the seed from which has grown the KSC team of today. This article briefly reviews the evolution of the KSC electronic technologies for integration, check-out and launch of space vehicles and payloads during NASA's first 50 years.

VAB Platform K(2) Lift & Install into Highbay 3

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-03-07

Work is underway to secure the second half of the K-level work platforms for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket in High Bay 3 inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The platform is being secured into position on tower E, about 86 feet above the floor. The K work platforms will provide access to NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) core stage and solid rocket boosters during processing and stacking operations on the mobile launcher. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is overseeing upgrades and modifications to High Bay 3 to support processing of the SLS and Orion spacecraft. A total of 10 levels of new platforms, 20 platform halves altogether, will surround the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft.

KSC-2012-6105

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-11-01

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Orion Exploration Flight Test 1 crew module is undergoing proof pressure testing at the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The test incrementally pressurizes the spacecraft with breathing air and is designed to demonstrate weld strength capability and structural performance at maximum flight operating pressures. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry crews to space beyond low Earth orbit. It will provide emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during the space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket and in 2017 on a Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky

KSC-2012-6103

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-11-01

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Orion Exploration Flight Test 1 crew module is undergoing proof pressure testing at the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The test incrementally pressurizes the spacecraft with breathing air and is designed to demonstrate weld strength capability and structural performance at maximum flight operating pressures. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry crews to space beyond low Earth orbit. It will provide emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during the space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket and in 2017 on a Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky

KSC-2012-6104

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-11-01

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Orion Exploration Flight Test 1 crew module is undergoing proof pressure testing at the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The test incrementally pressurizes the spacecraft with breathing air and is designed to demonstrate weld strength capability and structural performance at maximum flight operating pressures. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry crews to space beyond low Earth orbit. It will provide emergency abort capability, sustain the crew during the space travel and provide safe re-entry from deep space return velocities. The first unpiloted test flight of the Orion is scheduled to launch in 2014 atop a Delta IV rocket and in 2017 on a Space Launch System rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/orion Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky

18. LAUNCH CONTROL SUPPORT BUILDING. 'MISSILE ART' MURAL PAINTED ON ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

18. LAUNCH CONTROL SUPPORT BUILDING. 'MISSILE ART' MURAL PAINTED ON INTERIOR WALL OF ELEVATOR SHAFT. VIEW TO EAST. - Minuteman III ICBM Launch Control Facility November-1, 1.5 miles North of New Raymer & State Highway 14, New Raymer, Weld County, CO

Beyond Boundaries: A Promising New Model for Security and Global Development. Carnegie Results

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Theroux, Karen

2013-01-01

In 2007, a team of international security experts and researchers at the Henry L. Stimson Center launched an initiative to build an effective model for sustainable nonproliferation of biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons. The project represented an exciting and innovative way of thinking about security: a dual-use approach that operated at…

Know How? Show How: Experienced Teachers Share Best Practices through Ontario Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Amato, Lindy; Anthony, Paul; Strachan, Jim

2014-01-01

Launched in 2007, the Teacher Learning and Leadership Program, out of Ontario, Canada, operates on the belief that classroom teachers know their learning needs and the needs of their students best. Additionally, the program assumes teachers have the greatest knowledge of how to build and foster multiple learning networks in order to share their…

OSIRIS-REx NASA Social

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-07

Daniel Glavin, OSIRIS-REx co-investigator at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, talks to social media followers during a NASA Social in the Operations Support Building II at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The presentation took place before launch of the agency’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft.

OSIRIS-REx NASA Social

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-07

Tim Linn, chief system engineer with Lockheed Martin, discusses the unique design of the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft during a NASA Social with social media followers in the Operations Support Building II at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The presentation took place before launch of the agency’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, or OSIRIS-REx spacecraft.

STS-101 Mission Specialist Helms suits up for second launch attempt.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-101 Mission Specialist Susan J. Helms (left) and a suit technician grin with anticipation for a successful second attempt at launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-101. The previous day's launch attempt was scrubbed due to high cross winds at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The mission will take the crew to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies and to prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk. This will be the third assembly flight to the Space Station. Liftoff is targeted for 3:52 p.m. EDT. The mission is expected to last about 10 days, with Atlantis landing at KSC Saturday, May 6, about 11:53 a.m. EDT.

KSC-2009-2042

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-03-15

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault puts on his launch-and-entry suit for the launch of space shuttle Discovery. The crew will be heading for Launch Pad 39A and liftoff of Discovery, scheduled for 7:43 p.m. EDT on March 15. An earlier launch attempt March 11 was scrubbed at 2:36 p.m. due to a gaseous hydrogen leak from the external tank at the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate during tanking. A seven-inch quick disconnect and two seals were replaced. The STS-119 mission is the 28th to the International Space Station and the 125th space shuttle flight. Discovery will deliver the final pair of power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment. Installation of S6 will signal the station's readiness to house a six-member crew for conducting increased science. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2009-2041

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-03-15

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Pilot Tony Antonelli puts on his launch-and-entry suit for the launch of space shuttle Discovery. The crew will be heading for Launch Pad 39A and liftoff of Discovery, scheduled for 7:43 p.m. EDT on March 15. An earlier launch attempt March 11 was scrubbed at 2:36 p.m. due to a gaseous hydrogen leak from the external tank at the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate during tanking. A seven-inch quick disconnect and two seals were replaced. The STS-119 mission is the 28th to the International Space Station and the 125th space shuttle flight. Discovery will deliver the final pair of power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment. Installation of S6 will signal the station's readiness to house a six-member crew for conducting increased science. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KSC-2011-6564

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-07-21

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the interstage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II that will carry NASA's National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) satellite into space is lifted up the side of NASA's Space Launch Complex-2. The interstage provides an interface between the launch vehicle's first and second stages. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB, Rudy Bledsoe

KSC-2011-6571

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-07-28

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians monitor the progress as a solid rocket motor is attached to a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket at NASA’s Space Launch Complex-2. The Delta II will carry NASA's National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) satellite. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB, Dan Liberotti

KSC-2011-6563

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-07-21

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the interstage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II that will carry NASA's National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) satellite into space is lifted up the side of NASA's Space Launch Complex-2. The interstage provides an interface between the launch vehicle's first and second stages. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB, Rudy Bledsoe

KSC-2011-6560

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-07-21

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At NASA's Space Launch Complex-2 on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, spacecraft technicians prepare to attach the interstage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II that will carry NASA's National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) satellite into space to a lifting device. The interstage provides an interface between the launch vehicle's first and second stages. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB, Rudy Bledsoe

KSC-2011-6558

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-07-21

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, preparations are under way to lift the interstage of the United Launch Alliance Delta II that will carry NASA's National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) satellite into space at NASA's Space Launch Complex-2. The interstage provides an interface between the launch vehicle's first and second stages. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB, Rudy Bledsoe

STS-99 Mission Specialist Voss dons suit for launch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

In the Operations and Checkout Building, a smiling STS-99 Mission Specialist Janice Voss holds an inflated map globe of the stars after donning her launch and entry suit during final launch preparations. The globe is being signed by the entire crew as a gift for Delores Abraham, with Crew Quarters. STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), is scheduled for liftoff at 12:30 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39A. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour.

KSC-2012-6163

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-11-05

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, crawler-transporter No. 2 has been undergoing modifications inside high bay 2 of the Vehicle Assembly Building in preparation to carry the space agency's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket to the launch pad. NASA's Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is leading the 20-year life-extension project for the crawler. A pair of behemoth machines called crawler-transporters has carried the load of taking rockets and spacecraft to the launch pad for more than 40 years at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Each the size of a baseball infield and powered by locomotive and large electrical power generator engines, the crawler-transporters will stand ready to keep up the work for the next generation of launch vehicles projects to lift astronauts into space. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/index.html Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-2012-6176

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-11-05

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, crawler-transporter No. 2 is parked outside of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The Crawler-transporter has been undergoing modifications to ensure its ability to carry the space agency's Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket to the launch pad. NASA's Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is leading the 20-year life-extension project for the crawler. A pair of behemoth machines called crawler-transporters has carried the load of taking rockets and spacecraft to the launch pad for more than 40 years at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Each the size of a baseball infield and powered by locomotive and large electrical power generator engines, the crawler-transporters will stand ready to keep up the work for the next generation of launch vehicles projects to lift astronauts into space. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/index.html Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KSC-2014-1951

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-04-01

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, preparations are underway to remove the gear boxes on the C truck of crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2. A section of the treads were removed to allow access to the gear boxes. Work continues in high bay 2 to upgrade CT-2. The modifications are designed to ensure CT-2’s ability to transport launch vehicles currently in development, such as the agency’s Space Launch System, to the launch pad. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/crawler-transporter. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

GSDO Crawler Tread Removal

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-28

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a portion of the treads on the C truck of crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, have been removed from the vehicle. The treads are being removed in order to gain access to remove the gear boxes. Work continues in high bay 2 to upgrade CT-2. The modifications are designed to ensure CT-2’s ability to transport launch vehicles currently in development, such as the agency’s Space Launch System, to the launch pad. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/crawler-transporter. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

GSDO Crawler 2 Refurbishment

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-18

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a ground support technician assists with removal of bearings from the B truck tread of crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2. New roller bearing assemblies will be installed. Work continues in high bay 2 to upgrade CT-2. The modifications are designed to ensure CT-2’s ability to transport launch vehicles currently in development, such as the agency’s Space Launch System, to the launch pad. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/crawler-transporter. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

KSC-2014-1801

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-03-18

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an old bearing has been removed from the B truck tread of crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2, and loaded onto a forklift for disposal. New roller bearing assemblies will be installed. Work continues in high bay 2 to upgrade CT-2. The modifications are designed to ensure CT-2’s ability to transport launch vehicles currently in development, such as the agency’s Space Launch System, to the launch pad. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/crawler-transporter. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

KSC-2014-2217

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-04-17

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, ground support technicians prepare for removal of the outboard and inboard sprocket shaft assemblies on the C truck of crawler-transporter 2, or CT-2. A section of the treads on the C truck were removed to allow access to the sprocket assemblies. Work continues in high bay 2 to upgrade CT-2. The modifications are designed to ensure CT-2’s ability to transport launch vehicles currently in development, such as the agency’s Space Launch System, to the launch pad. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy is overseeing the upgrades. For more than 45 years the crawler-transporters were used to transport the mobile launcher platform and the Apollo-Saturn V rockets and, later, space shuttles to Launch Pads 39A and B. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/crawler-transporter. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

STS-92 M.S. Michael Lopez-Alegria suits up for launch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

During suitup in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-92 Mission Specialist Michael E. Lopez-Alegria smiles and clasps his hands in anticipation of a second launch attempt. He and the rest of the crew will be heading out to the Astrovan for the ride to Launch Pad 39A. During the 11-day mission to the International Space Station, four extravehicular activities (EVAs), or spacewalks, are planned for construction. The payload includes the Integrated Truss Structure Z-1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The Z-1 truss is the first of 10 that will become the backbone of the Space Station, eventually stretching the length of a football field. PMA-3 will provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth Station flight and Lab installation on the seventh Station flight. Launch is scheduled for 7:17 p.m. EDT. Landing is expected Oct. 22 at 2:10 p.m. EDT.

KSC-2011-7015

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-08-30

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians remove the lifting crane and harnesses from the container holding NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP). NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/30th Communications Squadron, VAFB

KSC-2011-7025

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-09-08

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In a clean room inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Ball Aerospace technicians rotate NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) into the vertical position during a solar array frangible bolt pre-load verification test. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/30th Communications Squadron, VAFB

KSC-2011-7014

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-08-30

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians monitor the progress as a crane begins to lift the container holding NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP). NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors dev eloped for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/30th Communications Squadron, VAFB

KSC-2011-7017

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-09-01

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) is positioned on a test platform in a clean room inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/30th Communications Squadron, VAFB

KSC-2011-7011

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-08-30

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians attach a crane to the container holding NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP). NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/30th Communications Squadron, VAFB

KSC-2011-7027

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-09-08

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In a clean room inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Ball Aerospace technicians rotate NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) into the vertical position during a solar array frangible bolt pre-load verification test. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/30th Communications Squadron, VAFB

KSC-2011-7022

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-09-08

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In a clean room inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Ball Aerospace technicians position NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) for a solar array frangible bolt pre-load verification test. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/30th Communications Squadron, VAFB

KSC-2011-7023

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-09-08

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) is positioned on a test platform in a clean room inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, awaiting a solar array frangible bolt pre-load verification test. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/30th Communications Squadron, VAFB

KSC-2011-7026

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-09-08

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In a clean room inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Ball Aerospace technicians rotate NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) into the vertical position during a solar array frangible bolt pre-load verification test. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/30th Communications Squadron, VAFB

KSC-2011-7018

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-09-01

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In a clean room inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians position NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) for test and checkout. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/30th Communications Squadron, VAFB

KSC-2011-7016

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-09-01

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In a clean room inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians position NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) for test and checkout. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/30th Communications Squadron, VAFB

KSC-2011-6630

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-08-30

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The environmentally controlled transportation container holding NASA's National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) satellite arrives outside the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: USAF 30th Space Communications Squadron/Doug Gruben, VAFB

KSC-2011-7010

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-08-30

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians prepare to attach a crane to the container holding NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP). NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/30th Communications Squadron, VAFB

KSC-2011-7013

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-08-30

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians monitor the progress as a crane begins to lift the container holding NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP). NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/30th Communications Squadron, VAFB

KSC-2011-7024

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-09-08

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In a clean room inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, Ball Aerospace technicians position NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) for a solar array frangible bolt pre-load verification test. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/30th Communications Squadron, VAFB

STS-103 Discovery reaches to Launch Pad 39B

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

At Launch Pad 39B, Space Shuttle Discovery towers against the hazy blue sky after a seven-hour trek from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The orbiter, external tank and solid rocket boosters will undergo final preparations for the STS-103 launch. The mission is a 'call-up' due to the need to replace and repair portions of the Hubble Space Telescope. Although Hubble is operating normally and conducting its scientific observations, only three of its six gyroscopes are working properly. Four EVA's are planned to make the necessary repairs and replacements on the telescope. The STS-103 crew members are Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr., Pilot Scott J. Kelly, Steven L. Smith, C. Michael Foale (Ph.D.), John M. Grunsfeld (Ph.D.), and Claude Nicollier of Switzerland and Jean-Frangois Clervoy of France, both with the European Space Agency. The mission is targeted for launch Dec. 6 at 2:37 a.m. EST.

KSC-2011-6633

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-08-30

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The environmentally controlled transportation container holding NASA's National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) satellite comes to rest on the floor of the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/Jerry Nagy, VAFB

KSC-2011-7008

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-08-30

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Transported by truck, the environmentally controlled transportation container holding NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) arrives at the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/30th Communications Squadron, VAFB

KSC-2011-7007

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-08-30

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Transported by truck, the environmentally controlled transportation container holding NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) arrives at the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/30th Communications Squadron, VAFB

KSC-2011-6631

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-08-30

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The environmentally controlled transportation container holding NASA's National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) satellite is delivered into the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: USAF 30th Space Communications Squadron/Doug Gruben, VAFB

KSC-2011-6632

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-08-30

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The environmentally controlled transportation container holding NASA's National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) satellite is lifted from its delivery truck at the Astrotech payload processing facility on Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/Jerry Nagy, VAFB

KSC-2011-7005

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-08-30

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California awaits delivery of the environmentally controlled transportation container holding NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP). NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/30th Communications Squadron, VAFB

KSC-2011-7006

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-08-30

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Transported by truck, the environmentally controlled transportation container holding NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) arrives at the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/30th Communications Squadron, VAFB

KSC-2011-7550

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-10-26

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Participants in the prelaunch news conference at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., for NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) spacecraft prepare to address members of the news media gathered at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 28 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/VAFB

KSC-2011-7009

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-08-30

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Transported by truck, the environmentally controlled transportation container holding NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP) arrives at the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/30th Communications Squadron, VAFB

KSC-2011-7012

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-08-30

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians monitor the progress as a crane begins to lift the container holding NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP). NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/30th Communications Squadron, VAFB

DART Support for Hurricane Matthew

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-10-26

Following Hurricane Matthew, repairs have been made to the roof of the Operations Support Building (OSB) II in the Launch Complex 39 area at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Assessments and repairs continue on various structures and facilities across the spaceport, part of the ongoing recovery from the storm, which passed to the east of Kennedy on Oct. 6 and 7, 2016. The center received some isolated roof damage, damaged support buildings, a few downed power lines, and limited water intrusion. Beach erosion also occurred, although the storm surge was less than expected.

KSC-2014-2890

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-06-11

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Modifications continue on the Mobile Launcher, or ML, at the Mobile Launcher Park Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In view from the top of the ML is the Vehicle Assembly Building, the Launch Control Center at left and various other facilities in the Launch Complex 39 area. The ML is being modified and strengthened to accommodate the weight, size and thrust at launch of NASA's Space Launch System, or SLS, and Orion spacecraft. In 2013, the agency awarded a contract to J.P. Donovan Construction Inc. of Rockledge, Fla., to modify the ML, which is one of the key elements of ground support equipment that is being upgraded by the Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy. The existing 24-foot exhaust hole is being enlarged and strengthened for the larger, heavier SLS rocket. The ML will carry the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft to Launch Pad 39B for its first mission, Exploration Mission-1, in 2017. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper

KSC-2014-2889

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-06-11

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Modifications continue on the Mobile Launcher, or ML, at the Mobile Launcher Park Site at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In view from the top of the ML is the Vehicle Assembly Building, the Launch Control Center at left and various other facilities in the Launch Complex 39 area. The ML is being modified and strengthened to accommodate the weight, size and thrust at launch of NASA's Space Launch System, or SLS, and Orion spacecraft. In 2013, the agency awarded a contract to J.P. Donovan Construction Inc. of Rockledge, Fla., to modify the ML, which is one of the key elements of ground support equipment that is being upgraded by the Ground Systems Development and Operations Program office at Kennedy. The existing 24-foot exhaust hole is being enlarged and strengthened for the larger, heavier SLS rocket. The ML will carry the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft to Launch Pad 39B for its first mission, Exploration Mission-1, in 2017. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper

KSC-2011-7020

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-09-06

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In a clean room inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a technician performs a torque bolt stress test on NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP). Technicians will perform many tests and checkouts on the satellite system to prepare it for launch. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/30th Communications Squadron, VAFB

KSC-2011-7019

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-09-01

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In a clean room inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a large sign is placed on the test stand holding NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP). The satellite system is awaiting test and checkout procedures to prepare it for launch. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/30th Communications Squadron, VAFB

KSC-2011-7021

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-09-06

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – In a clean room inside the Astrotech Payload Processing Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, technicians perform a torque bolt stress test on NASA’s National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System Preparatory Project (NPP). Technicians will perform many tests and checkouts on the satellite system to prepare it for launch. NPP represents a critical first step in building the next-generation of Earth-observing satellites. NPP will carry the first of the new sensors developed for this satellite fleet, now known as the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), to be launched in 2016. NPP is the bridge between NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites and the forthcoming series of JPSS satellites. The mission will test key technologies and instruments for the JPSS missions. NPP is targeted to launch Oct. 25 from Space Launch Complex-2 aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/NPP. Photo credit: NASA/30th Communications Squadron, VAFB

STS-101 crew returns from Launch Pad 39A after launch was scrubbed

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2000-01-01

The STS-101 crew returns to the Operations and Checkout Building after the launch was scrubbed due to cross winds at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility gusting above 20 knots. Flight rules require cross winds at the SLF to be no greater than 15 knots in case of a contingency Shuttle landing. Shown leaving the Astrovan are (left to right) Mission Specialists James S. Voss and Yuri Usachev of Russia; Pilot Scott J. Horowitz; and Commander James D. Halsell Jr. in the doorway. Weather conditions will be reevaluated for another launch try on April 25. The mission will take the crew to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies and to prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk. This will be the third assembly flight to the Space Station. The mission is expected to last about 10 days.

KSC-2011-1057

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-01-07

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Finishing touches adorn the second-floor lobby of the Propellants North Administrative and Maintenance Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. At right, are recycled firing room windows that are set at the same angle and orientation as they were in Kennedy's Launch Control Center, looking out toward Launch Pads 39A and B. The environmentally friendly facility is slated to be NASA's second Platinum-rated by the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) certification system. It will be the space agency's first net-zero facility, which means it will produce enough energy onsite from renewable sources to offset what it requires to operate. The facility consists of a two-story administrative building to house managers, mechanics and technicians who fuel spacecraft at Kennedy, and a single-story shop to store cryogenic fuel transfer equipment. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

PEGASUS - A Flexible Launch Solution for Small Satellites with Unique Requirements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richards, B. R.; Ferguson, M.; Fenn, P. D.

The financial advantages inherent in building small satellites are negligible if an equally low cost launch service is not available to deliver them to the orbit they require. The weight range of small satellites puts them within the capability of virtually all launch vehicles. Initially, this would appear to help drive down costs through competition since, by one estimate, there are roughly 75 active space launch vehicles around the world that either have an established flight record or are planning to make an inaugural launch within the year. When reliability, budget constraints, and other issues such as inclination access are factored in, this list of available launch vehicles is often times reduced to a very limited few, if any at all. This is especially true for small satellites with unusual or low inclination launch requirements where the cost of launching on the heavy-lift launchers that have the capacity to execute the necessary plane changes or meet the mission requirements can be prohibitive. For any small satellite, reducing launch costs by flying as a secondary or even tertiary payload is only advantageous in the event that a primary payload can be found that either requires or is passing through the same final orbit and has a launch date that is compatible. If the satellite is able to find a ride on a larger vehicle that is only passing through the correct orbit, the budget and technical capability must exist to incorporate a propulsive system on the satellite to modify the orbit to that required for the mission. For these customers a launch vehicle such as Pegasus provides a viable alternative due to its proven flight record, relatively low cost, self- contained launch infrastructure, and mobility. Pegasus supplements the existing world-wide launch capability by providing additional services to a targeted niche of payloads that benefit greatly from Pegasus' mobility and flexibility. Pegasus can provide standard services to satellites that do not require the benefits inherent in a mobile platform. In this regard Pegasus is no different from a ground- launched vehicle in that it repeatedly launches from a fixed location at each range, albeit a location that is not on land. However, Pegasus can also offer services that avoid many of the restrictions inherent in being constrained to a particular launch site, few of which are trivial. They include inclination restrictions, large plane changes required to achieve low inclination orbits from high latitude launch sites, politically inopportune launch locations, and low frequency launch opportunities for missions that require phasing. Pegasus has repeatedly demonstrated this flexibility through the course of 31 flights, including 17 consecutive successes dating back to 1996, originating from seven different locations around the world including two outside the United States. Recently, Pegasus launched NASA's HETE-2 satellite in an operation that included satellite integration and vehicle mate in California, pre-launch staging operations from Kwajalein Island in the South Pacific, and launch operations controlled from over 7000 miles away in Florida. Pegasus has also used the Canary Islands as a launch point with the associated control room in Spain, and Florida as a launch point for a mission controlled from Virginia. This paper discusses the operational uniqueness of the Pegasus launch vehicle and the activities associated with establishing low-cost, flexible-inclination, low-risk launch operations that utilize Pegasus' greatest asset: its mobility.

First stage of Saturn launch vehicle in KSC Vehicle Assembly Building

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1968-01-01

The first (S-1C) stage of the Saturn 505 launch vehicle being prepared for erection in the high bay area of the Kennedy Space Center's (KSC) Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). Saturn 505 is the launch vehicle for the Apollo 10 mission.

UPSS and G2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dito, Scott J.

2014-01-01

The Universal Propellant Servicing System (UPSS) is a dedicated mobile launcher propellant delivery method that will minimize danger and complexity in order to allow vehicles to be serviced and ultimately launched from a variety of locations previously not seen fit for space launch. The UPPS/G2 project is the development of a model, simulation, and ultimately a working application that will control and monitor the cryogenic fluid delivery to the rocket for testing purposes. To accomplish this, the project is using the programming language/environment Gensym G2. The environment is an all-inclusive application that allows development, testing, modeling, and finally operation of the unique application through graphical and programmatic methods. We have learned G2 through classes and trial-and-error, and are now in the process of building the application that will soon be able to be tested on apparatuses here at Kennedy Space Center, and eventually on the actual unit. The UPSS will bring near-autonomous control of launches to those that need it, as well it will be a great addition to NASA and KSC's operational viability and the opportunity to bring space launches to parts of the world, and in time constraints, once not thought possible.

STS-74 leaves O&C Building for TCDT

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1995-01-01

The STS-74 flight crew walks out of the Operations and Checkout Building on their way to conduct Terminal Countdown Demostration Test (TCDT) exercises while aboard the Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis at Launch Pad 39A. They are (from right): Mission Commander Kenneth Cameron; Pilot James Halsell; and Mission Specialists William McArthur Jr., Chris Hadfield, and Jerry Ross (back). Hadfield is an international mission specialist representing the Canadian Space Agency. This flight will feature the second docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Mir space station. Docking operations will be conducted with the Russian-built Docking Module attached to the end of the Orbiter Docking System (ODS) located in Atlantis payload bay. The DM will be left attached to the Mir when Atlantis undocks. This module will serve as a means to improve future Shuttle-Mir docking operations.

KSC-2009-1346

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-01-26

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Representatives from NASA, Lockheed Martin, Space Florida and the state of Florida participate in a ceremony at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to mark the completion of renovations on the historic Operations and Checkout Building high bay for use by the Constellation Program. At right, Richard Harris, with Lockheed Martin, describes activities that will take place in the building. Originally built to process space vehicles in the Apollo era, the building will serve as the final assembly facility for the Orion crew exploration vehicle. Orion, America's future human spaceflight vehicle, will be capable of transporting four crew members to the moon and later will support crew transfers to Mars. The Orion spacecraft also will be used to transport crew members to the International Space Station after space shuttles are retired in 2010. The first operational launch of Orion atop an Ares I rocket is planned for 2015. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis