KSC-99pp0925
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, a crane lowers the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) toward the opening of the payload bay canister below. The canister will then be moved to the Orbiter Processing Facility and placed in the bay of the orbiter Endeavour. The SRTM consists of a specially modified radar system that will gather data for the most accurate and complete topographic map of the Earth's surface that has ever been assembled. SRTM will make use of radar interferometry, wherein two radar images are taken from slightly different locations. Differences between these images allow for the calculation of surface elevation, or change. The SRTM hardware will consist of one radar antenna in the shuttle payload bay and a second radar antenna attached to the end of a mast extended 60 meters (195 feet) out from the shuttle. STS-99 is scheduled to launch Sept. 16 at 8:47 a.m. from Launch Pad 39A
Usage Rights
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.
Details
NASA ID
KSC-99pp0925
Date Created
July 21, 1999
Center
KSC
Media Type
image
Location
Kennedy Space Center, FL
Downloads
Download this image in multiple resolutions. All NASA media are free for public use.