Director of the center's Engineering Directorate Pat Simpkins talks to workers at the Launch Equipment Test Facility LETF.

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Director of the center's Engineering Directorate Pat Simpkins talks to workers at the Launch Equipment Test Facility (LETF), which recently underwent a $35 million comprehensive upgrade that lasted four years.

The LETF was established in the 1970s to support the qualification of the Space Shuttle Program’s umbilical and T-0 mechanisms. Throughout the years, it has supported the development of systems for shuttle and the International Space Station, Delta and Atlas rockets, and various research and development programs. The LETF has unique capabilities to evolve into a versatile test and development area that supports a wide spectrum of programs. For information on NASA's future plans, visit www.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis