The orbiter Columbia, aboard its orbiter transporter system, rolls toward the opening in the Vehicle Assembly Building where it was mated with the external tank mating in preparation for mission STS-93. The primary mission objective was the deployment of the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility, renamed the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. Mission STS-93 was the first commanded by a woman, Colonel Eileen M. Collins. The mission launched on July 23, 1999. Image #: 99PP-0616 Date: June 2, 1999

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Size: 1509px × 2211px
Photo credit: © ART Collection / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: assembly, building, columbia, rollover, shuttle, sts-93, vab, vehicle