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NASA's Image and Video Library: A Visual Archive of Space Exploration

NASA's Image and Video Library is one of the most comprehensive public archives of space imagery in the world, containing over 140,000 images, videos, and audio recordings spanning more than six decades of space exploration. From the earliest Mercury and Gemini missions through the Apollo Moon landings, the Space Shuttle era, and today's cutting-edge observations from the James Webb Space Telescope, this collection documents humanity's journey into the cosmos.

The library includes imagery from diverse sources: telescopes like Hubble and Webb that capture deep-space nebulae, galaxies, and exoplanets; planetary missions like the Mars rovers ( browse Mars photos) and Cassini at Saturn; Earth observation satellites ( see EPIC imagery); astronaut photography from the ISS; and documentation of rocket launches, spacecraft assembly, and ground testing. Most NASA images are in the public domain and free to download at full resolution for educational, editorial, and personal use.

Use the search bar above to find specific subjects — try queries like "Apollo 11," "Hubble Deep Field," "Mars surface," or "astronaut EVA." You can also filter by media type (image, video, or audio). For a daily curated experience, visit the Astronomy Picture of the Day.

Showing results for "THERMAL PROTECTION"

1,837 results found - Page 12 of 77

NASA image: KSC-06pd0577
Image
Apr 5, 2006

KSC-06pd0577

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a worker examines...

KSC
NASA image: Orion EM-1 "The Tiles that Bond"
Image
Jul 8, 2016

Orion EM-1 "The Tiles that Bond"

At Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians bond thermal protection system tiles to Orion's backshell panels on...

JSC
NASA image: KSC-03pd0326
Image
Feb 7, 2003

KSC-03pd0326

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Thermal Protection System Facility, NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe looks at a...

KSC
NASA image: Orion EM-1 "The Tiles that Bond"
Image
Jul 8, 2016

Orion EM-1 "The Tiles that Bond"

At Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians bond thermal protection system tiles to Orion's backshell panels on...

JSC
NASA image: KSC-06pd0578
Image
Apr 6, 2006

KSC-06pd0578

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the reinforced...

KSC
NASA image: KSC-06pd0576
Image
Apr 5, 2006

KSC-06pd0576

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, workers maneuver...

KSC
NASA image: KSC-06pd0580
Image
Apr 6, 2006

KSC-06pd0580

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The reinforced carbon-carbon nose cap has been installed on Endeavour in Orbiter...

KSC
NASA image: KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Martin Wilson, with United Space Alliance, describes an orbiter’s Thermal Protection System for members of the Stafford-Covey Return to Flight Task Group (SCTG). Handling some of the blanket insulation are Dr. Kathryn Clark and Joe Engle. Third from left is Richard Covey, former Space Shuttle commander, who is co-chair of the SCTG, along with Thomas P. Stafford, Apollo commander. Chartered by NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe, the task group will perform an independent assessment of NASA’s implementation of the final recommendations by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board.
Image
Aug 6, 2003

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Martin Wilson, with United Space Alliance, describes an orbiter’s Thermal Protection System for members of the Stafford-Covey Return to Flight Task Group (SCTG). Handling some of the blanket insulation are Dr. Kathryn Clark and Joe Engle. Third from left is Richard Covey, former Space Shuttle commander, who is co-chair of the SCTG, along with Thomas P. Stafford, Apollo commander. Chartered by NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe, the task group will perform an independent assessment of NASA’s implementation of the final recommendations by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Martin Wilson, with United Space Alliance, describes an orbiter’s Thermal Protection...

NASA image: KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the high bay clean room at the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, workers remove the protective cover from NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. 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 - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - 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.
Image
Mar 10, 2004

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the high bay clean room at the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, workers remove the protective cover from NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. 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 - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - 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: KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Charles Camarda (left) watches as Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas manipulates equipment that will be used on the mission. Crew members are at KSC for equipment familiarization. STS-114 is classified as Logistics Flight 1 to the International Space Station, delivering new supplies and replacing one of the orbital outpost’s Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs). STS-114 will also carry a Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module and the External Stowage Platform-2. The crew is slated to conduct at least three spacewalks: They will demonstrate repair techniques of the Shuttle’s Thermal Protection System, replace the failed CMG with one delivered by the Shuttle, and install the External Stowage Platform.
Image
Jan 27, 2004

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Charles Camarda (left) watches as Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas manipulates equipment that will be used on the mission. Crew members are at KSC for equipment familiarization. STS-114 is classified as Logistics Flight 1 to the International Space Station, delivering new supplies and replacing one of the orbital outpost’s Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs). STS-114 will also carry a Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module and the External Stowage Platform-2. The crew is slated to conduct at least three spacewalks: They will demonstrate repair techniques of the Shuttle’s Thermal Protection System, replace the failed CMG with one delivered by the Shuttle, and install the External Stowage Platform.

NASA image: KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On a tour of the Tile Shop, members of the Stafford-Covey Return to Flight Task Group (SCTG) learn about PU-tiles, part of an orbiter’s Thermal Protection System. At left is Martin Wilson, with United Space Alliance. Others (left to right) around the table are James Adamson, Dr. Kathryn Clark, William Wegner, Richard Covey and Joe Engle. Covey, former Space Shuttle commander, is co-chair of the SCTG, along with Thomas P. Stafford, Apollo commander. Chartered by NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe, the task group will perform an independent assessment of NASA’s implementation of the final recommendations by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board.
Image
Aug 6, 2003

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On a tour of the Tile Shop, members of the Stafford-Covey Return to Flight Task Group (SCTG) learn about PU-tiles, part of an orbiter’s Thermal Protection System. At left is Martin Wilson, with United Space Alliance. Others (left to right) around the table are James Adamson, Dr. Kathryn Clark, William Wegner, Richard Covey and Joe Engle. Covey, former Space Shuttle commander, is co-chair of the SCTG, along with Thomas P. Stafford, Apollo commander. Chartered by NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe, the task group will perform an independent assessment of NASA’s implementation of the final recommendations by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On a tour of the Tile Shop, members of the Stafford-Covey Return to Flight Task Group...

NASA image: KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Commander Eileen Collins and Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence look over mission equipment in the Space Station Processing Facility. Crew members are at KSC for equipment familiarization. STS-114 is classified as Logistics Flight 1 to the International Space Station, delivering new supplies and replacing one of the orbital outpost’s Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs). STS-114 will also carry a Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module and the External Stowage Platform-2. The crew is slated to conduct at least three spacewalks: They will demonstrate repair techniques of the Shuttle’s Thermal Protection System, replace the failed CMG with one delivered by the Shuttle, and install the External Stowage Platform.
Image
Jan 27, 2004

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Commander Eileen Collins and Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence look over mission equipment in the Space Station Processing Facility. Crew members are at KSC for equipment familiarization. STS-114 is classified as Logistics Flight 1 to the International Space Station, delivering new supplies and replacing one of the orbital outpost’s Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs). STS-114 will also carry a Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module and the External Stowage Platform-2. The crew is slated to conduct at least three spacewalks: They will demonstrate repair techniques of the Shuttle’s Thermal Protection System, replace the failed CMG with one delivered by the Shuttle, and install the External Stowage Platform.

NASA image: KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi, with the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), handles equipment that will be used on the mission. He and other crew members are at KSC for equipment familiarization. STS-114 is classified as Logistics Flight 1 to the International Space Station, delivering new supplies and replacing one of the orbital outpost’s Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs). STS-114 will also carry a Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module and the External Stowage Platform-2. The crew is slated to conduct at least three spacewalks: They will demonstrate repair techniques of the Shuttle’s Thermal Protection System, replace the failed CMG with one delivered by the Shuttle, and install the External Stowage Platform.
Image
Jan 27, 2004

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi, with the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), handles equipment that will be used on the mission. He and other crew members are at KSC for equipment familiarization. STS-114 is classified as Logistics Flight 1 to the International Space Station, delivering new supplies and replacing one of the orbital outpost’s Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs). STS-114 will also carry a Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module and the External Stowage Platform-2. The crew is slated to conduct at least three spacewalks: They will demonstrate repair techniques of the Shuttle’s Thermal Protection System, replace the failed CMG with one delivered by the Shuttle, and install the External Stowage Platform.

NASA image: KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the high bay clean room at the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, workers remove the protective cover from NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. 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 - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - 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.
Image
Mar 10, 2004

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the high bay clean room at the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near KSC, workers remove the protective cover from NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft. 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 - short for MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry and Ranging - 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: KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the STS-114 crew spend time becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. From left (in their blue suits) are Mission Specialists Soichi Noguchi, Stephen Robinson, Charles Camarda, Andrew Thomas and Wendy Lawrence; Commander Eileen Collins and Pilot James Kelly. Noguchi represents the Japanese Aerospace and Exploration Agency. They are looking at the thermal protection system insulation blankets being installed on an insert for Discovery’s nose cap. The STS-114 mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
Image
Mar 5, 2004

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the STS-114 crew spend time becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. From left (in their blue suits) are Mission Specialists Soichi Noguchi, Stephen Robinson, Charles Camarda, Andrew Thomas and Wendy Lawrence; Commander Eileen Collins and Pilot James Kelly. Noguchi represents the Japanese Aerospace and Exploration Agency. They are looking at the thermal protection system insulation blankets being installed on an insert for Discovery’s nose cap. The STS-114 mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the STS-114 crew spend time becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission...

NASA image: KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From left, United Space Alliance (USA) Deputy Space Shuttle Program Manager of Operations Loren Shriver, USA Associate Program Manager of Ground Operations Andy Allen, NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Space Station and Shuttle Programs Michael Kostelnik, and USA Vice President and Space Shuttle Program Manager Howard DeCastro examine a tile used in the Shuttle's Thermal Protection System (TPS) in KSC's TPS Facility. NASA and USA Space Shuttle program management are participating in a leadership workday. The day is intended to provide management with an in-depth, hands-on look at Shuttle processing activities at KSC.
Image
Dec 19, 2003

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From left, United Space Alliance (USA) Deputy Space Shuttle Program Manager of Operations Loren Shriver, USA Associate Program Manager of Ground Operations Andy Allen, NASA Deputy Associate Administrator for Space Station and Shuttle Programs Michael Kostelnik, and USA Vice President and Space Shuttle Program Manager Howard DeCastro examine a tile used in the Shuttle's Thermal Protection System (TPS) in KSC's TPS Facility. NASA and USA Space Shuttle program management are participating in a leadership workday. The day is intended to provide management with an in-depth, hands-on look at Shuttle processing activities at KSC.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From left, United Space Alliance (USA) Deputy Space Shuttle Program Manager of...

NASA image: KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas works on equipment in the Space Station Processing Facility. He and other crew members are at KSC for equipment familiarization. STS-114 is classified as Logistics Flight 1 to the International Space Station, delivering new supplies and replacing one of the orbital outpost’s Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs). STS-114 will also carry a Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module and the External Stowage Platform-2. The crew is slated to conduct at least three spacewalks: They will demonstrate repair techniques of the Shuttle’s Thermal Protection System, replace the failed CMG with one delivered by the Shuttle, and install the External Stowage Platform.
Image
Jan 27, 2004

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas works on equipment in the Space Station Processing Facility. He and other crew members are at KSC for equipment familiarization. STS-114 is classified as Logistics Flight 1 to the International Space Station, delivering new supplies and replacing one of the orbital outpost’s Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs). STS-114 will also carry a Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module and the External Stowage Platform-2. The crew is slated to conduct at least three spacewalks: They will demonstrate repair techniques of the Shuttle’s Thermal Protection System, replace the failed CMG with one delivered by the Shuttle, and install the External Stowage Platform.

NASA image: KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-114 crew gathers around the work stand holding the insert for Discovery’s nose cap. From left are Mission Specialists Soichi Noguchi, and Charles Camarda; Commander Eileen Collins; Mission Specialists Andrew Thomas and Wendy Lawrence; Pilot James Kelly; and Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson. Noguchi represents the Japanese Aerospace and Exploration Agency. The insert is being fitted with thermal protection system insulation blankets. The crew is spending time becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
Image
Mar 5, 2004

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-114 crew gathers around the work stand holding the insert for Discovery’s nose cap. From left are Mission Specialists Soichi Noguchi, and Charles Camarda; Commander Eileen Collins; Mission Specialists Andrew Thomas and Wendy Lawrence; Pilot James Kelly; and Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson. Noguchi represents the Japanese Aerospace and Exploration Agency. The insert is being fitted with thermal protection system insulation blankets. The crew is spending time becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-114 crew gathers around the work stand holding the insert for Discovery’s nose...

NASA image: KSC-07pd2193
Image
Aug 3, 2007

KSC-07pd2193

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-120 crew is at Kennedy for a crew equipment interface test, or CEIT. Inspecting...

KSC
NASA image: KSC-07pd2610
Image
Sep 28, 2007

KSC-07pd2610

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-122 crew get information about...

KSC
NASA image: KSC-2014-4149
Image
Sep 25, 2014

KSC-2014-4149

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Coupled Florida East Coast Railway, or FEC, locomotives No. 433 and No. 428 make the first...

KSC
NASA image: KSC-05pd2530
Image
Nov 30, 2005

KSC-05pd2530

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2, the nose cap of space shuttle Endeavour is...

KSC
NASA image: KSC-05pd2533
Image
Nov 30, 2005

KSC-05pd2533

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2, United Space Alliance technician Michael Vanwart...

KSC
NASA image: KSC-07pd2192
Image
Aug 3, 2007

KSC-07pd2192

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-120 crew is at Kennedy for a crew equipment interface test, or CEIT. Inspecting...

KSC
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Frequently Asked Questions About NASA Images

Are NASA images free to use?+
Yes, most NASA images are in the public domain and are free to use for educational, informational, and personal purposes. NASA's media usage guidelines state that NASA material is not copyrighted unless otherwise noted. However, the NASA logo and certain insignia are protected. Some images may include identifiable individuals or third-party content that requires additional permissions. Always check the specific image's usage rights and credit NASA as the source.
How many images does NASA have?+
NASA's Image and Video Library contains over 140,000 publicly accessible images, videos, and audio files spanning the agency's entire history, from the Mercury program of the 1960s to the latest James Webb Space Telescope discoveries. The collection grows daily as new missions capture imagery and archival materials are digitized. Individual mission archives, such as Mars rover photos, contain hundreds of thousands of additional images.
Can I download NASA images?+
Yes, you can download NASA images in multiple resolutions directly from this gallery. Each image detail page provides download links for original (full resolution), large (1920px), medium (960px), small (480px), and thumbnail sizes. NASA encourages the public to use these images for education, media, and personal projects. High-resolution originals are ideal for printing and professional use.

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the high bay clean room at the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near...

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Charles Camarda (left) watches as Mission Specialist Andrew...

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Commander Eileen Collins and Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence look over...

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi, with the Japanese Aerospace Exploration...

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the high bay clean room at the Astrotech Space Operations processing facilities near...

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas works on equipment in the Space Station...

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