Lots to share with you, but here are the highlights:

Sunday, May 13, my guest on Space Talk will be Garrett Skrobot from the Kennedy Space Center. He's in charge of launch operations for the agency's NuSTAR science probe, which will be launched in June on a Pegasus rocket from the Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific. So how does the KSC team launch a rocket from the Pacific? We'll find out. Plus George Diller from KSC Public Affairs will be with us as well, and we'll talk about the busy week ahead in space, plus look back at Shuttle Endeavour's last week powered up.

Saturday, May 19 the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is to launch from the Cape at 4:55 a.m. EDT. Tune in to Space Talk this Sunday the 13th to learn more about why this mission is so critical to the nation's space program.

Sunday, May 20 my guest on Space Talk will be long-time fellow space cadet Robert Pearlman, one of the few people on planet Earth who can out-trivia me when it comes to the space program. Robert is the expert behind the collectSPACE web site and a true steely-eyed missile man in his own right.

Sunday, May 27 my guest on Space Talk will be legend -- wait for it -- ary Apollo 15 command module pilot, former astronaut Al Worden. A great guy, a true space hero, and author of his own book "Falling to Earth."

All that and more on WMMB in the coming weeks!

Jim Banke

Shuttle Discovery departed the Kennedy Space Center on April 17, 2012 bound for the Smithsonian in the nation's capital. Riding on top of a NASA Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, the world's largest bi-plane took off from the Kennedy Space Center, flew over the area beaches, and then headed north toward Dulles International Airport. Discovery was officially turned over to National Air and Space Museum on April 19, 2012.

Here are some images of the activity, with thanks to our friend Mark Usiak for providing us with exclusive photos of events in Washington, D.C. Click on any image to open a new window with the image size doubled. All images © 2012, MILA Solutions.

NASA's Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft taxis to other end of the Shuttle Landing Facility runway getting ready for takeoff.

The world's biggest bi-plane makes it final pass over the Kennedy Space Center before heading nortth toward Washington, D.C.

Discovery's final commander, Steve Lindsey, autographs the spacesuit of a future astronaut commander at the Shuttle Landing Facility.

Discovery makes its approach over the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

The carrier aircraft with Discovery on top and a T-38 chase plane and the Washington Monument.

And over the capitol building.

Discovery is towed down the ramp from the runway to the Udvar-Hazy facility where it will be put on display.

The prototype Shuttle Enterprise is moved out of the Udvar-Hazy facility to make room for Discovery.

Not quite passing ships in the night, Enterprise and Discovery go nose to nose. Makes you wonder what they might say to each other.

As the ceremony begins to transfer Discovery to the Smithsonian, a sea of blue-suited astronauts that flew Discovery accompany her along the way.

A view of the ceremony as NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden addresses the crowd.

On today's Space Talk we will be joined by Stephanie Stilson from the Kennedy Space Center. She is NASA's manager in charge of preparing the Space Shuttle orbiters for their retirement and move to museums around the nation.

Also, on today's show is a mention of a Space Coast Living Health story about my stay last year at Kindred Hospital. Here's the link to that story online:

http://www.spacecoastlivinghealth.com/a-patient%E2%80%99s-path-to-recovery/

NASA Kennedy Space Center's manager in charge of preparing the Space Shuttle orbiters for retirement, Stephanie Stilson, will be my guest on the April 15th edition of Space Talk right here on WMMB.

Discovery is the first to be readied for its next duty at the National Air and Space Museum's annex near Washington, D.C.

Flying atop NASA's 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, Discovery is to take off from the Shuttle Landing Facility at 7 a.m. ET on Tuesday, April 17th and make a low pass along Space Coast beaches near the cities of Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral.

We'll provide updates on when you can go outside for a chance to see the incredible site during the Bill Mick Live Show next Tuesday.

And don't forget that if you have a question or comment for Stephanie, you can send them in advance of the show to spacetalking@aol.com.

Jim Banke

United Launch Alliance successfully sent an Atlas 5 rocket into space on Friday, carrying a Navy communications satellite into Earth orbit. Liftoff into a mostly clear sky from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's complex 41 was at 5:15 p.m. EST. Here's one of the official launch pictures from ULA.