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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.

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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 "Friction"

245 results found - Page 4 of 11

NASA image: iss065e012265
Image
May 2, 2021

iss065e012265

iss065e012265 (May 2, 2021) --- The SpaceX Crew Dragon Resilience is pictured from the International Space Station...

JSC
NASA image: 1400392
Image
Jun 5, 2014

1400392

DAVID OSBORNE, A MACHINIST ON THE METTS CONTRACT, INSPECTS THE ORTHOGRID TOOL PATH ON AN 8 FOOT CF1 BARREL IN...

MSFC
NASA image: Landing - STS-2 - Edwards AFB (EAFB), CA
Image
Nov 16, 1981

Landing - STS-2 - Edwards AFB (EAFB), CA

S81-39563 (14 Nov. 1981) --- This view of the space shuttle Columbia (STS-2) was made with a hand-held 70mm camera...

JSC
NASA image: Arc Furnace Mercury Capsule
Image
Aug 20, 1959

Arc Furnace Mercury Capsule

A hot jet research facility, used extensively in the design and development of the reentry heat shield on the...

LARC
NASA image: STS-29 Discovery, OV-103, crew on flight deck prepares for reentry
Image
Mar 18, 1989

STS-29 Discovery, OV-103, crew on flight deck prepares for reentry

STS029-24-004 (18 March 1989) --- STS-29 crewmembers, wearing launch and entry suits (LESs) and launch and entry...

JSC
NASA image: KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jim Landy, NDE specialist with United Space Alliance (USA), examines a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel using flash thermography. A relatively new procedure at KSC, thermography uses high intensity light to heat areas of the panels. The panels are then immediately scanned with an infrared camera. As the panels cool, any internal flaws are revealed. The gray carbon composite RCC panels are attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters. They have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry. The panels will be installed on the orbiter Discovery, designated for the first Return to Flight mission, STS-114.
Image
Mar 10, 2004

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jim Landy, NDE specialist with United Space Alliance (USA), examines a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel using flash thermography. A relatively new procedure at KSC, thermography uses high intensity light to heat areas of the panels. The panels are then immediately scanned with an infrared camera. As the panels cool, any internal flaws are revealed. The gray carbon composite RCC panels are attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters. They have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry. The panels will be installed on the orbiter Discovery, designated for the first Return to Flight mission, STS-114.

NASA image: KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jim Landy, NDE specialist with USA, points to an area of a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel just examined using flash thermography. A relatively new procedure at KSC, thermography uses high intensity light to heat areas of the panels. The panels are then immediately scanned with an infrared camera. As the panels cool, any internal flaws are revealed. The gray carbon composite RCC panels are attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters. They have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry. The panels will be installed on the orbiter Discovery, designated for the first Return to Flight mission, STS-114.
Image
Mar 10, 2004

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jim Landy, NDE specialist with USA, points to an area of a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel just examined using flash thermography. A relatively new procedure at KSC, thermography uses high intensity light to heat areas of the panels. The panels are then immediately scanned with an infrared camera. As the panels cool, any internal flaws are revealed. The gray carbon composite RCC panels are attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters. They have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry. The panels will be installed on the orbiter Discovery, designated for the first Return to Flight mission, STS-114.

NASA image: KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dan Phillips (left) and Donald Nielen, with United Space Alliance, watch a monitor as Jim Landy, NDE specialist with USA, prepares to examine a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel (on the table, center) using flash thermography. A relatively new procedure at KSC, thermography uses high intensity light to heat areas of the panels. The panels are then immediately scanned with an infrared camera. As the panels cool, any internal flaws are revealed. The gray carbon composite RCC panels are attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters. They have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry. The panels will be installed on the orbiter Discovery, designated for the first Return to Flight mission, STS-114.
Image
Mar 10, 2004

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dan Phillips (left) and Donald Nielen, with United Space Alliance, watch a monitor as Jim Landy, NDE specialist with USA, prepares to examine a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel (on the table, center) using flash thermography. A relatively new procedure at KSC, thermography uses high intensity light to heat areas of the panels. The panels are then immediately scanned with an infrared camera. As the panels cool, any internal flaws are revealed. The gray carbon composite RCC panels are attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters. They have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry. The panels will be installed on the orbiter Discovery, designated for the first Return to Flight mission, STS-114.

NASA image: KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jim Landy, NDE specialist with United Space Alliance, sets up equipment to examine a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel using flash thermography. A relatively new procedure at KSC, thermography uses high intensity light to heat areas of the panels. The panels are then immediately scanned with an infrared camera. As the panels cool, any internal flaws are revealed. The gray carbon composite RCC panels are attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters. They have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry. The panels will be installed on the orbiter Discovery, designated for the first Return to Flight mission, STS-114.
Image
Mar 10, 2004

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jim Landy, NDE specialist with United Space Alliance, sets up equipment to examine a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel using flash thermography. A relatively new procedure at KSC, thermography uses high intensity light to heat areas of the panels. The panels are then immediately scanned with an infrared camera. As the panels cool, any internal flaws are revealed. The gray carbon composite RCC panels are attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters. They have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry. The panels will be installed on the orbiter Discovery, designated for the first Return to Flight mission, STS-114.

NASA image: KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jim Landy, NDE specialist with United Space Alliance (USA), prepares equipment to examine a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel using flash thermography. A relatively new procedure at KSC, thermography uses high intensity light to heat areas of the panels. The panels are then immediately scanned with an infrared camera. As the panels cool, any internal flaws are revealed. The gray carbon composite RCC panels are attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters. They have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry. The panels will be installed on the orbiter Discovery, designated for the first Return to Flight mission, STS-114.
Image
Mar 10, 2004

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jim Landy, NDE specialist with United Space Alliance (USA), prepares equipment to examine a Reinforced Carbon Carbon panel using flash thermography. A relatively new procedure at KSC, thermography uses high intensity light to heat areas of the panels. The panels are then immediately scanned with an infrared camera. As the panels cool, any internal flaws are revealed. The gray carbon composite RCC panels are attached to the leading edge of the wing of the orbiters. They have sufficient strength to withstand the aerodynamic forces experienced during launch and reentry, which can reach as high as 800 pounds per square foot. The operating range of RCC is from minus 250º F to about 3,000º F, the temperature produced by friction with the atmosphere during reentry. The panels will be installed on the orbiter Discovery, designated for the first Return to Flight mission, STS-114.

NASA image: Orion pressure vessel for Exploration Mission-2
Image
Dec 19, 2017

Orion pressure vessel for Exploration Mission-2

Orion EM2 PV1 Weld

JSC
NASA image: Orion pressure vessel for Exploration Mission-2
Image
Dec 19, 2017

Orion pressure vessel for Exploration Mission-2

Orion EM2 PV1 Weld

JSC
NASA image: Orion pressure vessel for Exploration Mission-2
Image
Dec 19, 2017

Orion pressure vessel for Exploration Mission-2

Orion EM2 PV1 Weld

JSC
NASA image: STS-61 air-bearing floor training in bldg 9N with Astronaut Jeff Hoffman
Image
Jun 7, 1993

STS-61 air-bearing floor training in bldg 9N with Astronaut Jeff Hoffman

S93-35696 (7 June 1993) --- Making use of the air-bearing floor in Johnson Space Center's (JSC) Shuttle Mockup and...

JSC
NASA image: NASA Rocket Hardware Moves to Michoud’s Vertical Assembly Center for Next Phase of Production
Video
Dec 18, 2023

NASA Rocket Hardware Moves to Michoud’s Vertical Assembly Center for Next Phase of Production

This imagery shows how technicians at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility moved the aft dome of the liquid oxygen tank...

MAF
NASA image: NASA Rocket Hardware Moves to Michoud’s Vertical Assembly Center for Next Phase of Production
Video
Dec 18, 2023

NASA Rocket Hardware Moves to Michoud’s Vertical Assembly Center for Next Phase of Production

This imagery shows how technicians at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility moved the aft dome of the liquid oxygen tank...

MAF
NASA image: NASA Rocket Hardware Moves to Michoud’s Vertical Assembly Center for Next Phase of Production
Image
Dec 5, 2023

NASA Rocket Hardware Moves to Michoud’s Vertical Assembly Center for Next Phase of Production

This imagery shows how technicians at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility moved the aft dome of the liquid oxygen tank...

MSFC
NASA image: Artemis IV Forward Skirt Moves to Vertical Assembly Center for Next Phase of Production
Video
Dec 2, 2024

Artemis IV Forward Skirt Moves to Vertical Assembly Center for Next Phase of Production

Teams at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans move the forward skirt, which will be used on the SLS...

MAF
NASA image: Artemis IV Forward Skirt Moves to Vertical Assembly Center for Next Phase of Production
Video
Dec 2, 2024

Artemis IV Forward Skirt Moves to Vertical Assembly Center for Next Phase of Production

Teams at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans move the forward skirt, which will be used on the SLS...

MAF
NASA image: NASA Rocket Hardware Moves to Michoud’s Vertical Assembly Center for Next Phase of Production
Image
Dec 6, 2023

NASA Rocket Hardware Moves to Michoud’s Vertical Assembly Center for Next Phase of Production

This imagery shows how technicians at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility moved the aft dome of the liquid oxygen tank...

MSFC
NASA image: NASA Rocket Hardware Moves to Michoud’s Vertical Assembly Center for Next Phase of Production
Image
Dec 5, 2023

NASA Rocket Hardware Moves to Michoud’s Vertical Assembly Center for Next Phase of Production

This imagery shows how technicians at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility moved the aft dome of the liquid oxygen tank...

MSFC
NASA image: NASA Rocket Hardware Moves to Michoud’s Vertical Assembly Center for Next Phase of Production
Image
Dec 6, 2023

NASA Rocket Hardware Moves to Michoud’s Vertical Assembly Center for Next Phase of Production

This imagery shows how technicians at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility moved the aft dome of the liquid oxygen tank...

MAF
NASA image: NASA Rocket Hardware Moves to Michoud’s Vertical Assembly Center for Next Phase of Production
Image
Dec 5, 2023

NASA Rocket Hardware Moves to Michoud’s Vertical Assembly Center for Next Phase of Production

This imagery shows how technicians at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility moved the aft dome of the liquid oxygen tank...

MSFC
NASA image: NASA Rocket Hardware Moves to Michoud’s Vertical Assembly Center for Next Phase of Production
Image
Dec 6, 2023

NASA Rocket Hardware Moves to Michoud’s Vertical Assembly Center for Next Phase of Production

This imagery shows how technicians at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility moved the aft dome of the liquid oxygen tank...

MSFC
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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.

Explore More NASA Content

Astronomy Picture of the Day

Daily curated space image

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Earth from Space

DSCOVR EPIC daily images

Launch Schedule

Upcoming rocket launches

Space News

Mission updates & discoveries

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jim Landy, NDE specialist with United Space Alliance (USA), examines a Reinforced...

KSC

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jim Landy, NDE specialist with USA, points to an area of a Reinforced Carbon Carbon...

KSC

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dan Phillips (left) and Donald Nielen, with United Space Alliance, watch a monitor as...

KSC

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jim Landy, NDE specialist with United Space Alliance, sets up equipment to examine a...

KSC

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jim Landy, NDE specialist with United Space Alliance (USA), prepares equipment to...

KSC