NASA and contractor workers monitor the progress as the crane is being lowered from Level 16 down to the transfer aisle floor.

Inside the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA and contractor workers monitor the progress as the 175-ton crane is being lowered from Level 16 down to the transfer aisle floor. Upgrades to the crane's 45-year-old controls will be performed in order to improve reliability, precision and safety.

The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is overseeing upgrades and modifications to the VAB. The crane will be upgraded so that it can support lifting needs for NASA and other exploration vehicles, including the agency's Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper