
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - This view shows the 32-inch-ball turret system mounted on the nose of a WB-57 aircraft at Patrick Air Force Base in Cocoa Beach, Fla. It houses an optical bench, providing installation of both HDTV and infrared cameras as part of the NASA-approved WB-57 Ascent Video Experiment (WAVE). Flown during launch of a Space Shuttle, the WAVE provides both ascent and entry imagery and enables better observation of the Shuttle on days of heavier cloud cover and areas obscured from ground cameras by the launch exhaust plume. The WB-57 is being prepared for launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on Return to Flight mission STS-114.
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
05pd1543
Date Created
July 12, 2005
Center
KSC
Media Type
image
Photographer
NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Download this image in multiple resolutions. All NASA media are free for public use.
Large
1920px