Photovoltaic panels, which convert laser light into electrical energy similar to solar panels, are seen on the bottom of the LaserMotive entry in the $2 million Space Elevator Games at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. , Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009. In a the test of the concept, robotic machines powered by laser beams will try to climb a cable suspended from a helicopter, on a course 900 meters (2,953 feet) high. AP Photo logo AP Photo 2 weeks ago

Photovoltaic panels, which convert laser light into electrical energy similar to solar panels, are seen on the bottom of the LaserMotive entry in the $2 million Space Elevator Games at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. , Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009. In a the test of the concept, robotic machines powered by laser beams will try to climb a cable suspended from a helicopter, on a course 900 meters (2,953 feet) high.

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  1. The top exterior of Space Shuttle Atlantis' crew cabin is seen in this image taken by a STS-129 spacewalker while Space Shuttle Atlantis remains docked with the station in this photo released by NASA and taken November 19, 2009. Picture taken November 19, 2009.
  2. Astronaut Robert L. Satcher Jr. works outside the International Space Station as he participates in Space Shuttle Atlantis' first spacewalk of mission STS-129 as construction and maintenance continue on the International Space Station in this photo released by NASA and taken November 19, 2009. Picture taken November 19, 2009.
  3. Astronaut Robert L. Satcher Jr. works outside the International Space Station as he participates in Space Shuttle Atlantis' first spacewalk of mission STS-129 as construction and maintenance continue on the International Space Station in this photo released by NASA and taken November 19, 2009. Picture taken November 19, 2009.
  4. Astronaut Robert L. Satcher Jr. works outside the International Space Station as he participates in Space Shuttle Atlantis' first spacewalk of mission STS-129 as construction and maintenance continue on the International Space Station in this photo released by NASA and taken November 19, 2009. Picture taken November 19, 2009.
  5. The top exterior of Space Shuttle Atlantis' station mating adapter in the payload bay as well as the top of the crew cabin is seen in this image taken by a STS-129 spacewalker while Space Shuttle Atlantis remains docked with the station in this photo released by NASA and taken November 19, 2009. Picture taken taken November 19, 2009.
  6. Astronaut Mike Foreman works outside the International Space Station as he participates in Space Shuttle Atlantis' first spacewalk of mission STS-129 as construction and maintenance continue on the International Space Station in this photo released by NASA and taken November 19, 2009. Picture taken November 19, 2009.
  7. Astronaut Robert L. Satcher Jr. works outside the International Space Station as he participates in Space Shuttle Atlantis' first spacewalk of mission STS-129 as construction and maintenance continue on the International Space Station in this photo released by NASA and taken November 19, 2009. Picture taken taken November 19, 2009.
  8. Astronaut Robert L. Satcher Jr. works outside the International Space Station as he participates in Space Shuttle Atlantis' first spacewalk of mission STS-129 as construction and maintenance continue on the International Space Station in this photo released by NASA and taken November 19, 2009. Picture taken November 19, 2009.
  9. The top exterior of Space Shuttle Atlantis' crew cabin is seen in this image taken by an STS-129 spacewalker while Space Shuttle Atlantis remains docked with the station in this photo released by NASA and taken November 19, 2009. Picture taken November 19, 2009.
  10. Astronaut Robert L. Satcher Jr. works outside the International Space Station as he participates in Space Shuttle Atlantis' first spacewalk of mission STS-129 as construction and maintenance continue on the International Space Station in this photo released by NASA and taken November 19, 2009. Picture taken November 19, 2009.
  11. Astronaut Robert L. Satcher Jr. works outside the International Space Station as he participates in Space Shuttle Atlantis' first spacewalk of mission STS-129 as construction and maintenance continue on the International Space Station in this photo released by NASA and taken November 19, 2009. Picture taken November 19, 2009.
  12. Astronaut Robert L. Satcher Jr. works outside the International Space Station as he participates in Space Shuttle Atlantis' first spacewalk of mission STS-129 as construction and maintenance continue on the International Space Station in this photo released by NASA and taken November 19, 2009. Picture taken November 19, 2009.
  13. The International Space Station's Columbus laboratory module is seen with the earth in the background in this image taken by an STS-129 crew member while Space Shuttle Atlantis remains docked with the station in this photo released by NASA and taken November 19, 2009. Picture taken November 19, 2009.
  14. The Japanese Kibo complex of the International Space Station is seen with the earth in the background in this image taken by an STS-129 crew member while Space Shuttle Atlantis remains docked with the station in this photo released by NASA and taken November 19, 2009.
  15. Astronaut Mike Foreman works outside the International Space Station during Space Shuttle Atlantis' first spacewalk of mission STS-129 as construction and maintenance continue on the International Space Station in this photo released by NASA and taken November 19, 2009. Picture taken November 19.
  16. Astronaut Robert L. Satcher Jr. uses a digital still camera to take a picture of the reflection in his helmet visor as he works outside the International Space Station during Space Shuttle Atlantis' first spacewalk of mission STS-129 as construction and maintenance continue on the International Space Station in this photo released by NASA and taken November 19, 2009. Picture taken November 19.

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