KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Hyster lift is slowly backed away from Discovery after placing the third Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) in the orbiter. Discovery is designated as the Return to Flight vehicle for mission STS-114. Recent improvements to the SSME include the introduction of redesigned high-pressure turbopumps into the SSME fleet. The new pumps are designed and built by Pratt and Whitney at West Palm Beach, Fla. SSMEs and the Pratt and Whitney turbopumps are tested at Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. Engines and engine components are delivered to Kennedy Space Center to be prepared for flight.
Most NASA images are in the public domain and free to use. Credit NASA as the source. Check NASA's media usage guidelines for details. Images featuring identifiable individuals may require additional permissions.
NASA ID
04pd2529
Date Created
December 9, 2004
Center
KSC
Media Type
image
Photographer
NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration