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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-125 crew members talk about using the slidewire baskets for emergency escape from the shuttle and pad. In the foreground are Mission Specialists John Grunsfeld, Mike Massimino and Andrew Feustel. Standing above them are (left to right) Mission Specialists Michael Good and Megan McArthur and Commander Scott Altman. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities before launching on space shuttle Atlantis’ mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and a simulated launch countdown. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 10. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2863

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-125 crew members talk about using the slidewire baskets for emergenc More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-123 Mission Specialist Garrett Reisman works at putting on his gloves while suiting up for the launch dress rehearsal, culmination of the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. Space shuttle Endeavour is targeted to launch March 11 at 2:28 a.m. EDT on the 16-day STS-123 mission to the International Space Station. Endeavour and its crew will deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0539

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-123 Mission Specialist Garrett Reisman works at putting on his gloves while suiting up for the launch dress rehearsal, culmination of the terminal countdown demonstration tes More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-120 crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for the pre-launch terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. Here, during emergency egress training, crew members practice climbing into the slidewire baskets that can carry them safely to a landing site away from the shuttle. In the basket are, from left, Mission Specialists Doug Wheelock and Scott Parazynski and Pilot George Zamka. Watching them are, from left, Commander Pamela Melroy and Mission Specialists Stephanie Wilson and Daniel Tani, with camera. After the mission, Tani will remain aboard the International Space Station and return with the STS-122 crew, targeted to launch Dec. 6. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. The STS-120 mission will deliver the U.S. Node 2 module, named Harmony, aboard space shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station. Launch of Discovery on mission STS-120 is targeted for Oct. 23 at 11:38 a.m. EDT on a 14-day mission. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2738

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-120 crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for the pre-launch terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. Here, during emergency egress training, crew members practice More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-124 Mission Specialist Akihiko Hoshide sits in his seat aboard space shuttle Discovery following the simulated launch countdown, part of the launch dress rehearsal known as the terminal countdown demonstration test. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including a simulated launch countdown, equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. On the STS-124 mission, the crew will deliver and install the Japanese Experiment Module – Pressurized Module and Japanese Remote Manipulator System. Discovery's launch is targeted for May 31. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1256

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-124 Mission Specialist Akihiko Hoshide sits in his seat aboard space shuttle Discovery following the simulated launch countdown, par More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In space shuttle Discovery's payload bay, STS-120 crew members get a close look at the equipment and payloads. Seen here are Mission Specialists Stephanie Wilson and Paolo Nespoli, who represents the European Space Agency. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. The STS-120 mission will deliver the U.S. Node 2 module, named Harmony, aboard space shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station. Launch of Discovery on mission STS-120 is targeted for Oct. 23 at 11:38 a.m. EDT on a 14-day mission. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2756

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In space shuttle Discovery's payload bay, STS-120 crew members get a close look at the equipment and payloads. Seen here are Mission Specialists Stephanie Wilson and Paolo Nespoli More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Back at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-124 Commander Mark Kelly happily crosses the parking area after the successful space shuttle landing practice aboard NASA's Shuttle Training Aircraft, or STA. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate an orbiter's cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the STA duplicates the orbiter's atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. Because the orbiter is unpowered during re-entry and landing, its high-speed glide must be perfectly executed the first time. The crew for space shuttle Discovery's STS-124 mission is at Kennedy for a full launch dress rehearsal, known as the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. Providing astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, TCDT includes equipment familiarization and emergency training. Discovery's launch is targeted for May 31. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1162

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Back at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-124 Commander Mark Kelly happily crosses the parking area after the successful space shuttle landing practice aboard More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - With the help of the Closeout Crew in the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-114 Commander Eileen Collins adjusts her launch suit before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The crew is taking part in a full dress rehearsal for launch, including countdown and culminating in main engine cutoff. The rehearsal is the final part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities that the crew has been involved in for three days. TCDT provides the crew of each mission an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. STS-114 is the first Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station. The launch window extends July 13 through July 31. KSC-05pp0997

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - With the help of the Closeout Crew in the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-114 Commander Eileen Collins adjusts her launch suit before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The crew i More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39, STS-123 Mission Specialist Robert L. Behnken takes time out from driving practice of the M-113 armored personnel carrier to pose for a photo. The crew members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-123 mission will each practice driving the M-113 in turn as part of his training on emergency egress procedures. An M-113 will be available to transport the crew to safety in the event of a contingency on the pad before their launch. The STS-123 crew is at Kennedy for a full launch dress rehearsal, known as the terminal countdown demonstration test or TCDT. Endeavour's seven astronauts arrived at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility in their T-38 training aircraft between 10:45 and 10:58 a.m. EST. The terminal countdown demonstration test provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. Endeavour is targeted to launch March 11 at 2:28 a.m. EDT on a 16-day mission to the International Space Station. On the mission, Endeavour and its crew will deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0470

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39, STS-123 Mission Specialist Robert L. Behnken takes time out from driving practice of the M-113 armored personnel carrier to pose f More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Pilot Gregory C. Johnson is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier. The crew members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission will each practice driving the M-113 in turn as part of their training on emergency egress procedures. An M-113 will be available to transport the crew to safety in the event of a contingency on the pad before their launch. The crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for a dress launch rehearsal called the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. It provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and a simulated launch countdown. The STS-125 mission aboard space shuttle Atlantis to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted to launch Oct. 10. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2816

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Pilot Gregory C. Johnson is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier. The crew members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission will each practice driving More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-110 Mission Specialist Steven Smith relaxes during suit fit, which is part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide flight crews an opportunity to participate in simulated launch countdown activities. Scheduled for launch April 4, the 11-day mission will feature Shuttle Atlantis docking with the International Space Station (ISS) and delivering the S0 truss, the centerpiece-segment of the primary truss structure that will eventually extend over 300 feet KSC-02pd0296

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-110 Mission Specialist Steven Smith relaxes during suit fit, which is part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shut More

JSC2010-E-046777 (5 April 2010) --- Astronaut Rick Sturckow, spacecraft communicator (CAPCOM) for the STS-131 mission, is pictured at his console in the space shuttle flight control room in the Johnson Space Center's Mission Control Center during launch countdown activities a few hundred miles away in Florida, site of space shuttle Discovery's STS-131 launch. jsc2010e046777

JSC2010-E-046777 (5 April 2010) --- Astronaut Rick Sturckow, spacecraft communicator (CAPCOM) for the STS-131 mission, is pictured at his console in the space shuttle flight control room in the Johnson Space Ce More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-125 Mission Specialist Megan McArthur is ready to talk to the media about her role in the mission. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities before launching on space shuttle Atlantis’ mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and a simulated launch countdown. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 10. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2849

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-125 Mission Specialist Megan McArthur is ready to talk to the media about her role in the mission. The crew is at Kenned More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew members listen to instructions for driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier. From left are Mission Specialists John Grunsfeld, Megan McArthur, Michael Good, Mike Massimino and Gregory C. Johnson. The crew members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission will each practice driving the M-113 in turn as part of their training on emergency egress procedures. An M-113 will be available to transport the crew to safety in the event of a contingency on the pad before their launch. The crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for a dress launch rehearsal called the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. It provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and a simulated launch countdown. The STS-125 mission aboard space shuttle Atlantis to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted to launch Oct. 10. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2807

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew members listen to instructions for driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier. From left are Mission Specialists John Grunsfeld, Megan McArthur, Michael Good, Mike Mas More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A, the crew for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-123 mission receives instruction for emergency egress from the pad. In blue flight suits, from left, are Mission Specialist Mike Foreman; Pilot Gregory H. Johnson; Mission Specialists Takao Doi of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Garrett Reisman and Robert L. Behnken; and Commander Dominic Gorie. The crew is at Kennedy for a full launch dress rehearsal, known as the terminal countdown demonstration test or TCDT. The terminal countdown demonstration test provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. Endeavour is targeted to launch March 11 at 2:28 a.m. EDT on a 16-day mission to the International Space Station. On the mission, Endeavour and its crew will deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0506

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A, the crew for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-123 mission receives instruction for emergency egress from the pad. In blue flight suits, More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist Megan McArthur is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier. The crew members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission will each practice driving the M-113 in turn as part of their training on emergency egress procedures. An M-113 will be available to transport the crew to safety in the event of a contingency on the pad before their launch. The crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for a dress launch rehearsal called the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. It provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and a simulated launch countdown. The STS-125 mission aboard space shuttle Atlantis to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted to launch Oct. 10. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2811

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist Megan McArthur is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier. The crew members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-125 mission will each practice More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-125 Mission Specialist John Grunsfeld discusses his role in the mission for the media. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities before launching on space shuttle Atlantis’ mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and a simulated launch countdown. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 10. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2852

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-125 Mission Specialist John Grunsfeld discusses his role in the mission for the media. The crew is at Kennedy to take pa More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Steve Swanson is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier used for emergency escape, if needed, from the launch pad. The crew members are at Kennedy for prelaunch preparation known as terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. The training provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. The crew of space shuttle Discovery is targeted to launch on the STS-119 mission Feb. 12. During Discovery's 14-day mission, the crew will install the S6 truss segment and solar arrays to the starboard side of the International Space Station, completing the station's truss, or backbone. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1207

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Steve Swanson is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier used for emergency escape, if needed, More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier used for emergency escape, if needed, from the launch pad. Wakata represents the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The crew members are at Kennedy for prelaunch preparation known as terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. The training provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. The crew of space shuttle Discovery is targeted to launch on the STS-119 mission Feb. 12. During Discovery's 14-day mission, the crew will install the S6 truss segment and solar arrays to the starboard side of the International Space Station, completing the station's truss, or backbone. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1204

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier used for emergency escape, if needed, More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39, STS-123 crew members are instructed on the use of the M-113 armored personnel carrier from Capt. George Hoggard, astronaut rescue team leader. The crew members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-123 mission will each practice driving the M-113 in turn as part of his training on emergency egress procedures. An M-113 will be available to transport the crew to safety in the event of a contingency on the pad before their launch. The STS-123 crew is at Kennedy for a full launch dress rehearsal, known as the terminal countdown demonstration test or TCDT. Endeavour's seven astronauts arrived at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility in their T-38 training aircraft between 10:45 and 10:58 a.m. EST. The terminal countdown demonstration test provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. Endeavour is targeted to launch March 11 at 2:28 a.m. EDT on a 16-day mission to the International Space Station. On the mission, Endeavour and its crew will deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0466

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39, STS-123 crew members are instructed on the use of the M-113 armored personnel carrier from Capt. George Hoggard, astronaut rescue More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Following the simulated launch countdown, STS-123 crew members begin exiting space shuttle Endeavour into the White Room on Launch Pad 39 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. To leave the pad, the STS-123 crew will practice emergency egress using the slidewire baskets. The countdown was the culmination of the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. Endeavour is targeted to launch at 2:28 a.m. EDT March 11 on the 16-day STS-123 mission to the International Space Station. Endeavour and its crew will deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0583

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Following the simulated launch countdown, STS-123 crew members begin exiting space shuttle Endeavour into the White Room on Launch Pad 39 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. To leave More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-126 crew members listen to instructions about the M-113 armored personnel carrier they are sitting in used for emergency escape from Launch Pad 39A. From left are Mission Specialist Steve Bowen and Pilot Eric Boe; astronaut rescue team leader Capt. George Hoggard; and Mission Specialists Shane Kimbrough, Sandra Magnus and Donald Pettit. The crew is at Kennedy for pre-launch preparation known as Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT. The training provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3371

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-126 crew members listen to instructions about the M-113 armored personnel carrier they are sitting in used for emergency escape from L More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew heads for the Astrovan after suiting up in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From left are Mission Specialists Michael Good, John Grunsfeld, Mike Massimino, Andrew Feustel and Megan McArthur, Pilot Gregory C. Johnson and Commander Scott Altman. The crew is heading for Launch Pad 39A where they will take part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the countdown. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2884

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The STS-125 crew heads for the Astrovan after suiting up in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From left are Mission Specialists Michael Go More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Mission Specialist Michael Fossum enjoys a portable cooling unit keeping him cool while waiting to enter Space Shuttle Discovery. The crew is taking part in a full dress rehearsal for launch, including countdown and culminating in main engine cutoff. The rehearsal is the final part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities that the crew has been involved in for two days. TCDT provides the crew of each mission an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. Mission STS-121 is scheduled to be launched July 1. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-06pd1089

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Mission Specialist Michael Fossum enjoys a portable cooling unit keeping him cool while waiting to enter Space Shuttle Discovery. The c More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The crew members of mission STS-120 arrive at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility aboard T-38 jet aircraft to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test activities. Shuttle Launch Director Michael Leinbach shakes hands with Mission Specialist Stephanie Wilson, who will be making her second shuttle flight, as Commander Pam Melroy, at left, looks on. The terminal countdown demonstration test provides astronauts and ground crews an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. The STS-120 mission will deliver the U.S. Node 2 module, named Harmony, aboard space shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station. Launch of Discovery on mission STS-120 is targeted for Oct. 23 at 11:38 a.m. EDT on a 14-day mission to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2669

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The crew members of mission STS-120 arrive at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility aboard T-38 jet aircraft to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test a More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A, a mission specialist on space shuttle Endeavour's STS-123 mission, Takao Doi of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, prepares to take questions from the media during a break from emergency egress training. The crew is at Kennedy for a full launch dress rehearsal, known as the terminal countdown demonstration test or TCDT. The terminal countdown demonstration test provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. Endeavour is targeted to launch March 11 at 2:28 a.m. EDT on a 16-day mission to the International Space Station. On the mission, Endeavour and its crew will deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0495

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A, a mission specialist on space shuttle Endeavour's STS-123 mission, Takao Doi of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, prepares to t More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Pilot Tony Antonelli is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier used for emergency escape, if needed, from Launch Pad 39A. The crew members are at Kennedy for prelaunch preparation known as terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. The training provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. The crew of space shuttle Discovery is targeted to launch on the STS-119 mission Feb. 12. During Discovery's 14-day mission, the crew will install the S6 truss segment and solar arrays to the starboard side of the International Space Station, completing the station's truss, or backbone. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1202

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Pilot Tony Antonelli is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier used for emergency escape, if needed, from Launc More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A, STS-123 Mission Specialists Garrett Reisman (left) and Robert L. Behnken look over the payload in space shuttle Endeavour's payload bay. They and other STS-123 crew members are at Kennedy for a full launch dress rehearsal, known as the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. Endeavour is targeted to launch March 11 at 2:28 a.m. EDT on the 16-day STS-123 mission to the International Space Station. Endeavour and its crew will deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0520

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A, STS-123 Mission Specialists Garrett Reisman (left) and Robert L. Behnken look over the payload in space shuttle Endeavour's payload More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-123 Commander Dominic Gorie , left, and Pilot Gregory H. Johnson head for crew quarters following a practice session of space shuttle landings aboard NASA's Shuttle Training Aircraft, or STAs. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate an orbiter's cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the STA duplicates the orbiter's atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. Because the orbiter is unpowered during re-entry and landing, its high-speed glide must be perfectly executed the first time. The crew for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-123 mission is at Kennedy for a full launch dress rehearsal, known as the terminal countdown demonstration test or TCDT. The terminal countdown demonstration test provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. Endeavour is targeted to launch March 11 at 2:28 a.m. EDT on a 16-day mission to the International Space Station. On the mission, Endeavour and its crew will deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0491

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-123 Commander Dominic Gorie , left, and Pilot Gregory H. Johnson head for crew quarters following a practice session of More

Steven Lindsey, the pilot of the STS-87 crew, participates in a news briefing at Launch Pad 39B during the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). A major in the U.S. Air Force, Lindsey became an astronaut in May 1996. This is his first flight on the Space Shuttle, but he previously has logged more than 2,700 hours of flying time in 49 different types of aircraft. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight providing the crew of each mission opportunities to participate in simulated countdown activities. The TCDT ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cut-off. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the pad and has an opportunity to view and inspect the payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. STS-87 is scheduled for launch Nov. 19 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia from pad 39B at KSC KSC-97PC1604

Steven Lindsey, the pilot of the STS-87 crew, participates in a news briefing at Launch Pad 39B during the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). A major in the U.S. Air For More

The crew of the STS-87 mission, scheduled for launch Nov. 19 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia from Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), participates in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) at KSC. Getting a close look at one of the Space Shuttle’s main engines are, from right, Commander Kevin Kregel, Payload Specialist Leonid Kadenyuk of the National Space Agency of Ukraine (NSAU), and Kadenyuk’s back-up, Yaroslav Pustovyi, Ph.D., also of NSAU. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight, providing the crew of each mission opportunities to participate in simulated countdown activities. The TCDT ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cut-off. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the pad and has an opportunity to view and inspect the payloads in the orbiter's payload bay KSC-97PC1596

The crew of the STS-87 mission, scheduled for launch Nov. 19 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia from Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), participates in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) at KSC More

The crew of the STS-87 mission, scheduled for launch Nov. 19 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia from pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), participates in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) at KSC. Testing a slidewire basket that is part of the pad’s emergency egress system are, from left, Mission Specialist Takao Doi, Ph.D., of the National Space Development Agency of Japan; Payload Specialist Leonid Kadenyuk of the National Space Agency of Ukraine (NSAU); and Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla, Ph.D. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight providing the crew of each mission opportunities to participate in simulated countdown activities. The TCDT ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cut-off. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the pad and has an opportunity to view and inspect the payloads in the orbiter's payload bay KSC-97PC1598

The crew of the STS-87 mission, scheduled for launch Nov. 19 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia from pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), participates in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) at KSC More

Kevin Kregel, commander of the STS-87 crew, participates in a news briefing at Launch Pad 39B during the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Selected by NASA in 1992, Kregel is a veteran of two space flights (STS-70 and 78) and has logged over 618 hours in space. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight providing the crew of each mission opportunities to participate in simulated countdown activities. The TCDT ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cut-off. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the pad and has an opportunity to view and inspect the payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. STS-87 is scheduled for launch Nov. 19 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia from pad 39B at KSC KSC-97PC1602

Kevin Kregel, commander of the STS-87 crew, participates in a news briefing at Launch Pad 39B during the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Selected by NASA in 1992, Kre More

The crew of the STS-87 mission, scheduled for launch Nov. 19 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia from Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), poses at the pad during a break in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) at KSC. Standing in front of the Shuttle Columbia are, from left, Commander Kevin Kregel; Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla, Ph.D.; Pilot Steven Lindsey; Mission Specialist Takao Doi, Ph.D., of the National Space Development Agency of Japan; backup Payload Specialist Yaroslav Pustovyi, Ph.D., of the National Space Agency of Ukraine (NSAU); Payload Specialist Leonid Kadenyuk of NSAU; and Mission Specialist Winston Scott. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight providing the crew of each mission opportunities to participate in simulated countdown activities. The TCDT ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cutoff. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the pad and has an opportunity to view and inspect the payloads in the orbiter's payload bay KSC-97PC1605

The crew of the STS-87 mission, scheduled for launch Nov. 19 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia from Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), poses at the pad during a break in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration More

The crew of the STS-87 mission, scheduled for launch Nov. 19 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia from Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), participate in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) at KSC. Posing for a group shot by Pad 39B are, from left to right, Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla, Ph.D.; Mission Specialist Winston Scott; Mission Specialist Takao Doi, Ph.D., of the National Space Development Agency of Japan; Commander Kevin Kregel; Payload Specialist Leonid Kadenyuk of the National Space Agency of Ukraine (NSAU); Pilot Steven Lindsey; and Kadenyuk’s back-up, Yaroslav Pustovyi, Ph.D., also of NSAU. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight, providing the crew of each mission opportunities to participate in simulated countdown activities. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the pad and has an opportunity to view and inspect the payloads in the orbiter's payload bay KSC-97PC1620

The crew of the STS-87 mission, scheduled for launch Nov. 19 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia from Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), participate in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) at KSC. More

Kalpana Chawla, Ph.D., a mission specialist of the STS-87 crew, participates in a news briefing at Launch Pad 39B during the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). First-time Shuttle flier Dr. Chawla reported for training as an astronaut at Johnson Space Center in 1995. She has a doctorate in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight providing the crew of each mission opportunities to participate in simulated countdown activities. The TCDT ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cut-off. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the pad and has an opportunity to view and inspect the payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. STS-87 is scheduled for launch Nov. 19 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia from pad 39B at KSC KSC-97PC1603

Kalpana Chawla, Ph.D., a mission specialist of the STS-87 crew, participates in a news briefing at Launch Pad 39B during the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). First-tim More

The crew of the STS-87 mission, scheduled for launch Nov. 19 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia from pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), participates in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) at KSC. Standing, from left, are Mission Specialist Winston Scott; backup Payload Specialist Yaroslav Pustovyi, Ph.D., of the National Space Agency of Ukraine (NSAU); Payload Specialist Leonid Kadenyuk of NSAU; Pilot Steven Lindsey; Commander Kevin Kregel; Mission Specialist Takao Doi, Ph.D., of the National Space Development Agency of Japan; and Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla, Ph.D. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight providing the crew of each mission opportunities to participate in simulated countdown activities. The TCDT ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cut-off. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the pad and has an opportunity to view and inspect the payloads in the orbiter's payload bay KSC-97PC1606

The crew of the STS-87 mission, scheduled for launch Nov. 19 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia from pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), participates in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) at KSC More

The crew of the STS-87 mission, scheduled for launch Nov. 19 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia from Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), participates in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) at KSC. Getting a look at the Space Shuttle Columbia are, from left, Commander Kevin Kregel; Pilot Steven Lindsey; Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla, Ph.D.; Payload Specialist Leonid Kadenyuk of the National Space Agency of Ukraine (NSAU); Mission Specialist Takao Doi, Ph.D., of the National Space Development Agency of Japan; Kadenyuk’s back-up, Yaroslav Pustovyi, Ph.D., also of NSAU; and Mission Specialist Winston Scott. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight providing the crew of each mission opportunities to participate in simulated countdown activities. The TCDT ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cut-off. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the pad and has an opportunity to view and inspect the payloads in the orbiter's payload bay KSC-97PC1597

The crew of the STS-87 mission, scheduled for launch Nov. 19 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia from Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), participates in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) at KSC More

STS-87 Mission Specialist Winston Scott poses in his orange launch and entry spacesuit with NASA suit technicians at Launch Pad 39B during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The crew of the STS-87 mission is scheduled for launch Nov. 19 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. Scott will be performing an extravehicular activity (EVA) spacewalk during the mission. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight providing the crew of each mission opportunities to participate in simulated countdown activities. The TCDT ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cut-off. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the pad and has an opportunity to view and inspect the payloads in the orbiter's payload bay KSC-97PC1624

STS-87 Mission Specialist Winston Scott poses in his orange launch and entry spacesuit with NASA suit technicians at Launch Pad 39B during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The crew of th More

STS-87 Payload Specialist Leonid Kadenyuk, at right, of the National Space Agency of Ukraine (NSAU) is assisted into his orange launch and entry spacesuit ensemble by NASA Suit Technician Al Rochford, at left, before participating in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The crew of the STS-87 mission is scheduled for launch Nov. 19 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight providing the crew of each mission opportunities to participate in simulated countdown activities. The TCDT ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cut-off. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the pad and has an opportunity to view and inspect the payloads in the orbiter's payload bay KSC-97PC1613

STS-87 Payload Specialist Leonid Kadenyuk, at right, of the National Space Agency of Ukraine (NSAU) is assisted into his orange launch and entry spacesuit ensemble by NASA Suit Technician Al Rochford, at left, More

STS-87 Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla, Ph.D., is assisted with her orange launch and entry spacesuit by NASA suit technicians at Launch Pad 39B during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The crew of the STS-87 mission is scheduled for launch Nov. 19 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight providing the crew of each mission opportunities to participate in simulated countdown activities. The TCDT ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cut-off. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the pad and has an opportunity to view and inspect the payloads in the orbiter's payload bay KSC-97PC1622

STS-87 Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla, Ph.D., is assisted with her orange launch and entry spacesuit by NASA suit technicians at Launch Pad 39B during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. More

STS-87 Commander Kevin Kregel holds the crew patch in front of Columbia’s entry hatch at Launch Pad 39B during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The crew of the STS-87 mission is scheduled for launch Nov. 19 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight providing the crew of each mission opportunities to participate in simulated countdown activities. The TCDT ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cut-off. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the pad and has an opportunity to view and inspect the payloads in the orbiter's payload bay KSC-97PC1623

STS-87 Commander Kevin Kregel holds the crew patch in front of Columbia’s entry hatch at Launch Pad 39B during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The crew of the STS-87 mission is schedule More

STS-87 Payload Specialist Leonid Kadenyuk of the National Space Agency of Ukraine (NSAU) is assisted with his orange launch and entry spacesuit by NASA suit technicians at Launch Pad 39B during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The crew of the STS-87 mission is scheduled for launch Nov. 19 aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight providing the crew of each mission opportunities to participate in simulated countdown activities. The TCDT ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cut-off. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the pad and has an opportunity to view and inspect the payloads in the orbiter's payload bay KSC-97PC1621

STS-87 Payload Specialist Leonid Kadenyuk of the National Space Agency of Ukraine (NSAU) is assisted with his orange launch and entry spacesuit by NASA suit technicians at Launch Pad 39B during Terminal Countdo More

STS-89 Commander Terrence Wilcutt poses in front of his T-38 jet trainer after landing with other members of the flight crew at KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility from NASA’s Johnson Space Center to begin Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. Endeavour is targeted for launch of STS-89 on Jan. 22 at 9:48 p.m. EST, which will be the first mission of 1998 and the eighth to dock with Russia’s Mir Space Station. The STS-89 mission is scheduled to last nine days KSC-98pc113

STS-89 Commander Terrence Wilcutt poses in front of his T-38 jet trainer after landing with other members of the flight crew at KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility from NASA’s Johnson Space Center to begin Terminal More

The STS-89 crew pose at Kennedy Space Center’s (KSC’s) Shuttle Landing Facility after flying in from NASA’s Johnson Space Center to begin Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. Endeavour is targeted for launch of STS-89 on Jan. 22 at 9:48 p.m. EST. From left to right are Mission Specialists Salizhan Sharipov, of the Russian Space Agency, Bonnie Dunbar, Ph.D., and James Reilly, Ph.D.; Commander Terrence Wilcutt; Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D.; Pilot Joe Edwards Jr.; and Mission Specialist Michael Anderson. Mission STS-89 will be the first mission of 1998 and the eighth to dock with Russia’s Mir Space Station, where Thomas will succeed David Wolf, M.D., who has been on Mir since September 28. The STS-89 mission is scheduled to last nine days KSC-98pc114

The STS-89 crew pose at Kennedy Space Center’s (KSC’s) Shuttle Landing Facility after flying in from NASA’s Johnson Space Center to begin Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is hel More

STS-89 Pilot Joe Edwards Jr., poses in his T-38 jet trainer after landing with other members of the flight crew at KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility from NASA’s Johnson Space Center to begin Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. Endeavour is targeted for launch of STS-89 on Jan. 22 at 9:48 p.m. EST, which will be the first mission of 1998 and the eighth to dock with Russia’s Mir Space Station. The mission is scheduled to last nine days KSC-98pc111

STS-89 Pilot Joe Edwards Jr., poses in his T-38 jet trainer after landing with other members of the flight crew at KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility from NASA’s Johnson Space Center to begin Terminal Countdown Dem More

STS-89 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., poses in his T-38 jet trainer after landing with other members of the flight crew at KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility from NASA’s Johnson Space Center to begin Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. Endeavour is targeted for launch of STS-89 on Jan. 22 at 9:48 p.m. EST., which will be the first mission of 1998 and the eighth to dock with Russia’s Mir Space Station, where Thomas will succeed David Wolf, M.D., who has been on Mir since September 28. The STS-89 mission is scheduled to last nine days KSC-98pc112

STS-89 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., poses in his T-38 jet trainer after landing with other members of the flight crew at KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility from NASA’s Johnson Space Center to begin Term More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --The STS-89 crew pose in front of an M-113 armored personnel carrier while participating in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test TCDT activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. Posing, from left to right, are Mission Specialists Michael Anderson and Bonnie Dunbar, Ph.D. Commander Terrence Wilcutt Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D. Pilot Joe Edwards, Jr. and Mission Specialists Salizhan Sharipov of the Russian Space Agency and James Reilly, Ph.D. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Dr. Thomas will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a January 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m. Photo credit: NASA KSC-98PC-0122

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --The STS-89 crew pose in front of an M-113 armored personnel carrier while participating in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test TCDT activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Sp More

STS-89 Commander Terrence Wilcutt gets ready to train in an M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. Standing inside the M-113 vehicle is Wilcutt while George Hoggard, a training officer with KSC Fire Services, sits atop the armored personnel carrier. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, STS-89 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc116

STS-89 Commander Terrence Wilcutt gets ready to train in an M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttl More

STS-89 Mission Specialist Salizhan Sharipov of the Russian Space Agency drives the M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities while George Hoggard, a training officer with KSC Fire Services, gets a free ride. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, STS-89 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc118

STS-89 Mission Specialist Salizhan Sharipov of the Russian Space Agency drives the M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities while George Hoggard, a trai More

STS-89 Pilot Joe Edwards Jr., prepares to drive an M-113 armored personnel carrier as George Hoggard, a training officer with KSC Fire Services, looks on during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Dr. Thomas will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc120

STS-89 Pilot Joe Edwards Jr., prepares to drive an M-113 armored personnel carrier as George Hoggard, a training officer with KSC Fire Services, looks on during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) acti More

STS-89 Mission Specialist Salizhan Sharipov of the Russian Space Agency gets ready to drive the M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities while George Hoggard, a training officer with KSC Fire Services, sits atop the vehicle. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, STS-89 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc117

STS-89 Mission Specialist Salizhan Sharipov of the Russian Space Agency gets ready to drive the M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities while George Ho More

STS-89 Mission Specialist Bonnie Dunbar, Ph.D., prepares to drive an M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc121

STS-89 Mission Specialist Bonnie Dunbar, Ph.D., prepares to drive an M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Spa More

STS-89 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D. gets ready to drive an M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. Standing inside the M-113 is Dr. Thomas while George Hoggard, a training officer with KSC Fire Services, sits atop the vehicle. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Dr. Thomas will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc119

STS-89 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D. gets ready to drive an M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Sp More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-89 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., participates in a question and answer session for the media as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Dr. Thomas will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc126

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-89 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., participates in a question and answer session for the media as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The More

The STS-89 crew pose in the white room at the entrance to the Space Shuttle Endeavour at KSC’s Launch Pad 39A during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The crew include, from left to right, Mission Specialist James Reilly, Ph.D.; Pilot Joe Edwards Jr.; Commander Terrence Wilcutt; Mission Specialists Bonnie Dunbar, Ph.D., and Salizhan Sharipov of the Russian Space Agency. In back are, from left to right, Mission Specialists Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., and Michael Anderson. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc128

The STS-89 crew pose in the white room at the entrance to the Space Shuttle Endeavour at KSC’s Launch Pad 39A during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The crew include, from left to right More

The STS-89 crew pose in front of an M-113 armored personnel carrier while participating in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. Posing, from left to right, are Mission Specialists Michael Anderson and Bonnie Dunbar, Ph.D.; Commander Terrence Wilcutt; Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D.; Pilot Joe Edwards Jr.; and Mission Specialists Salizhan Sharipov of the Russian Space Agency and James Reilly, Ph.D. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Dr. Thomas will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc122

The STS-89 crew pose in front of an M-113 armored personnel carrier while participating in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to More

Sitting at the entrance to the orbiter is STS-89 Mission Specialist Bonnie Dunbar, Ph.D., as she prepares to enter the Space Shuttle Endeavour at Launch Pad 39A with help from white room closeout crew members as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc139

Sitting at the entrance to the orbiter is STS-89 Mission Specialist Bonnie Dunbar, Ph.D., as she prepares to enter the Space Shuttle Endeavour at Launch Pad 39A with help from white room closeout crew members a More

The crew of the STS-89 mission, scheduled for launch Jan. 22 aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour from pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), participated in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) at KSC. Simulating the walk-out from the Operations and Checkout Building before entering a van to take them to the launch pad are (front to back, left to right) Pilot Joe Edwards Jr.; Commander Terrence Wilcutt; and Mission Specialists Bonnie Dunbar, Ph.D., Michael Anderson, Salizhan Sharipov of the Russian Space Agency, Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., and James Reilly, Ph.D. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide the crew of each mission with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The TCDT ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cut-off. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the pad and has an opportunity to view and inspect the payloads in the orbiter's payload bay KSC-98pc132

The crew of the STS-89 mission, scheduled for launch Jan. 22 aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour from pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), participated in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) at KS More

Smiling at the entrance to the orbiter is STS-89 Mission Specialist James Reilly, Ph.D., as he prepares to enter the Space Shuttle Endeavour at Launch Pad 39A with help from white room closeout crew members as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc141

Smiling at the entrance to the orbiter is STS-89 Mission Specialist James Reilly, Ph.D., as he prepares to enter the Space Shuttle Endeavour at Launch Pad 39A with help from white room closeout crew members as More

The crew of the STS-89 mission, scheduled for launch Jan. 22 aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour from pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), participated in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) at KSC. Simulating the walk-out from the Operations and Checkout Building before entering a van to take them to the launch pad are (front to back, left to right) Pilot Joe Edwards Jr.; Commander Terrence Wilcutt; and Mission Specialists Bonnie Dunbar, Ph.D., Michael Anderson, Salizhan Sharipov of the Russian Space Agency, Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., and James Reilly, Ph.D. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide the crew of each mission with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The TCDT ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cut-off. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the pad and has an opportunity to view and inspect the payloads in the orbiter's payload bay KSC-98pc131

The crew of the STS-89 mission, scheduled for launch Jan. 22 aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour from pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), participated in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) at KS More

Assisted with flight gear by white room closeout crew members is STS-89 Mission Specialist Salizhan Sharipov of the Russian Space Agency as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc140

Assisted with flight gear by white room closeout crew members is STS-89 Mission Specialist Salizhan Sharipov of the Russian Space Agency as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The T More

STS-89 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., prepares to enter the Space Shuttle Endeavour at Launch Pad 39A with help from white room closeout crew members as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Dr. Thomas will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m KSC-98pc138

STS-89 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., prepares to enter the Space Shuttle Endeavour at Launch Pad 39A with help from white room closeout crew members as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test ( More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The crew of the STS-89 mission, scheduled for launch Jan. 22 aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour from pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), participated in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) at KSC. Posing at the pad in front of the Shuttle Endeavour with its large orange external tank looming overhead are, from left to right, Mission Specialists Michael Anderson, Salizhan Sharipov of the Russian Space Agency, Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., James Reilly, Ph.D., Bonnie Dunbar, Ph.D.; Commander Terrence Wilcutt; and Pilot Joe Edwards Jr. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide the crew of each mission with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The TCDT ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cut-off. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the pad and has an opportunity to view and inspect the payloads in the orbiter's payload bay KSC-98pc133

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The crew of the STS-89 mission, scheduled for launch Jan. 22 aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour from pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), participated in the Terminal Countdown More

Members of the STS-90 crew pose together shortly after arriving at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility from NASA’s Johnson Space Center to begin Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. These five members of the seven-member crew are, left to right, Pilot Scott Altman, Commander Richard Searfoss, Payload Specialist Jay Buckey, M.D., Mission Specialist Daffyd (Dave) Williams with the Canadian Space Agency, and Payload Specialist James Pawelczyk, Ph.D. Columbia is targeted for launch of STS-90 on April 16 at 2:19 p.m. EDT and will be the second mission of 1998. The mission is scheduled to last nearly 17 days KSC-98pc433

Members of the STS-90 crew pose together shortly after arriving at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility from NASA’s Johnson Space Center to begin Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is More

STS-90 Pilot Scott Altman poses in the cockpit of his T-38 jet trainer aircraft after arriving at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility along with other members of the crew from NASA’s Johnson Space Center to begin Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. Columbia is targeted for launch of STS-90 on April 16 at 2:19 p.m. EDT and will be the second mission of 1998. The mission is scheduled to last nearly 17 days KSC-98pc430

STS-90 Pilot Scott Altman poses in the cockpit of his T-38 jet trainer aircraft after arriving at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility along with other members of the crew from NASA’s Johnson Space Center to begin More

STS-90 Mission Commander Richard Searfoss poses in the cockpit of his T-38 jet trainer aircraft after arriving at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility along with other members of the crew from NASA’s Johnson Space Center to begin Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. Columbia is targeted for launch of STS-90 on April 16 at 2:19 p.m. EDT and will be the second mission of 1998. The mission is scheduled to last nearly 17 days KSC-98pc432

STS-90 Mission Commander Richard Searfoss poses in the cockpit of his T-38 jet trainer aircraft after arriving at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility along with other members of the crew from NASA’s Johnson Space More

STS-90 Mission Specialist Dafydd (Dave) Williams with the Canadian Space Agency poses in the cockpit of his T-38 jet trainer aircraft after arriving at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility along with other members of the crew from NASA’s Johnson Space Center to begin Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. Columbia is targeted for launch of STS-90 on April 16 at 2:19 p.m. EDT and will be the second mission of 1998. The mission is scheduled to last nearly 17 days KSC-98pc431

STS-90 Mission Specialist Dafydd (Dave) Williams with the Canadian Space Agency poses in the cockpit of his T-38 jet trainer aircraft after arriving at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility along with other members More

The crew of STS-90 participate in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities at KSC's Launch Pad 39B. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The crew include, left to right, Commander Richard Searfoss, Payload Specialist James Pawelczyk, Ph.D., Mission Specialist Dafydd (Dave) Williams, M.D., with the Canadian Space Agency, Mission Specialist Richard Linnehan, D.V.M., Pilot Scott Altman, Mission Specialist Kathryn (Kay) Hire, and Payload Specialist Jay Buckey, M.D. Columbia is targeted for launch of STS-90 on April 16 at 2:19 p.m. EDT and will be the second mission of 1998. The mission is scheduled to last nearly 17 days KSC-98pc437

The crew of STS-90 participate in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities at KSC's Launch Pad 39B. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunit More

STS-90 Commander Richard Searfoss addresses the media at KSC's Launch Pad 39B, where the crew are participating in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. Columbia is targeted for launch of STS-90 on April 16 at 2:19 p.m. EDT and will be the second mission of 1998. The mission is scheduled to last nearly 17 days KSC-98pc434

STS-90 Commander Richard Searfoss addresses the media at KSC's Launch Pad 39B, where the crew are participating in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each More

The crew of STS-90 participate in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities at KSC's Launch Pad 39B. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The STS-90 crew, left to right, are Pilot Scott Altman, Payload Specialist James Pawelczyk, Ph.D., Mission Specialist Richard Linnehan, D.V.M., Commander Richard Searfoss, Mission Specialists Kathryn (Kay) Hire and Dafydd (Dave) Williams with the Canadian Space Agency, and Payload Specialist Jay Buckey, M.D. Columbia is targeted for launch of STS-90 on April 16 at 2:19 p.m. EST and will be the second mission of 1998. The mission is scheduled to last nearly 17 days KSC-98pc440

The crew of STS-90 participate in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities at KSC's Launch Pad 39B. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunit More

STS-90 Mission Specialist Kathryn (Kay) Hire participates in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities at KSC's Launch Pad 39B. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. Columbia is targeted for launch of STS-90 on April 16 at 2:19 p.m. EDT and will be the second mission of 1998. The mission is scheduled to last nearly 17 days KSC-98pc436

STS-90 Mission Specialist Kathryn (Kay) Hire participates in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities at KSC's Launch Pad 39B. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provid More

STS-90 Mission Specialist Dafydd (Dave) Williams, M.D., with the Canadian Space Agency, Pilot Scott Altman, and Payload Specialist Jay Buckey, M.D., train in an emergency egress system slidewire basket at Launch Pad 39B during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. Columbia is targeted for launch of STS-90 on April 16 at 2:19 p.m. EDT and will be the second mission of 1998. The mission is scheduled to last nearly 17 days KSC-98pc439

STS-90 Mission Specialist Dafydd (Dave) Williams, M.D., with the Canadian Space Agency, Pilot Scott Altman, and Payload Specialist Jay Buckey, M.D., train in an emergency egress system slidewire basket at Launc More

The crew of STS-90 pose in the white room at KSC's Launch Pad 39B, where they are participating in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The crew include, left to right, Commander Richard Searfoss, Pilot Scott Altman, Mission Specialist Kathryn (Kay) Hire, Richard Linnehan, D.V.M., Payload Specialists James Pawelczyk, Ph.D., and Jay Buckey, M.D., and Mission Specialist Dafydd (Dave) Williams, M.D., with the Canadian Space Agency. Columbia is targeted for launch of STS-90 on April 16 at 2:19 p.m. EDT and will be the second mission of 1998. The mission is scheduled to last nearly 17 days KSC-98pc435

The crew of STS-90 pose in the white room at KSC's Launch Pad 39B, where they are participating in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle fl More

Members of the STS-90 flight crew train in the braking pit area for the emergency egress system slidewire baskets for Launch Pad 39B during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities for that mission. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. From left to right are Commander Richard Searfoss, Mission Specialist Kathryn (Kay) Hire, Pilot Scott Altman, Payload Specialist Jay Buckey, M.D. (behind), Mission Specialist Dafydd (Dave) Williams, M.D., with the Canadian Space Agency, Payload Specialist James Pawelczyk, Ph.D., and Mission Specialist Richard Linnehan, D.V.M. Backup Payload Specialists Alexander Dunlap (holding camera), D.V.M., M.D., and Chiaki Mukai, M.D., Ph.D., with the National Space Development Agency of Japan are also listening to USA technical trainer Bob Parks' instruction. Columbia is targeted for launch of STS-90 on April 16 at 2:19 p.m. EDT and will be the second mission of 1998. The mission is scheduled to last nearly 17 days KSC-98pc438

Members of the STS-90 flight crew train in the braking pit area for the emergency egress system slidewire baskets for Launch Pad 39B during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities for that missi More

Members of the STS-90 crew participate in mock emergency egress activities during the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) at KSC's Launch Pad 39B. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The STS-90 crew members shown here are, front to back, Payload Specialists James Pawelczyk, Ph.D., and Jay Buckey, M.D., and Mission Specialist Richard Linnehan, D.V.M. Columbia is targeted for launch of STS-90 on April 16 at 2:19 p.m. EDT and will be the second mission of 1998. The mission is scheduled to last nearly 17 days KSC-98pc452

Members of the STS-90 crew participate in mock emergency egress activities during the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) at KSC's Launch Pad 39B. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle fl More

Members of the STS-90 crew participate in mock emergency egress activities during the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) at KSC's Launch Pad 39B. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The STS-90 crew members shown here are Commander Richard Searfoss (front) and Pilot Scott Altman. Columbia is targeted for launch of STS-90 on April 16 at 2:19 p.m. EDT and will be the second mission of 1998. The mission is scheduled to last nearly 17 days KSC-98pc453

Members of the STS-90 crew participate in mock emergency egress activities during the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) at KSC's Launch Pad 39B. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle fl More

The crew of STS-90 participate in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities at KSC's Launch Pad 39B. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. Here, Payload Specialist Jay Buckey, M.D., is assisted with his orange launch and re-entry suit by a USA technician. Columbia is targeted for launch of STS-90 on April 16 at 2:19 p.m. EDT and will be the second mission of 1998. The mission is scheduled to last nearly 17 days KSC-98pc445

The crew of STS-90 participate in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities at KSC's Launch Pad 39B. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunit More

STS-90 Mission Specialists Dafydd (Dave) Williams with the Canadian Space Agency and Kathryn (Kay) Hire participate in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities at KSC's Launch Pad 39B. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The Space Shuttle Columbia is targeted for launch of STS-90 on April 16 at 2:19 p.m. EDT and will be the second mission of 1998. The mission is scheduled to last nearly 17 days KSC-98pc451

STS-90 Mission Specialists Dafydd (Dave) Williams with the Canadian Space Agency and Kathryn (Kay) Hire participate in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities at KSC's Launch Pad 39B. The TCDT i More

The crew of STS-90 leave the Operations and Checkout Building for Launch Pad 39B during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The STS-90 crew members are, front to back and left to right, Commander Richard Searfoss, Pilot Scott Altman, Mission Specialist Kathryn (Kay) Hire, Mission Specialist Richard Linnehan, D.V.M., Payload Specialist James Pawelczyk, Ph.D., Mission Specialist Dafydd (Dave) Williams with the Canadian Space Agency, and Payload Specialist Jay Buckey, M.D. Columbia is targeted for launch of STS-90 on April 16 at 2:19 p.m. EDT and will be the second mission of 1998. The mission is scheduled to last nearly 17 days KSC-98pc441

The crew of STS-90 leave the Operations and Checkout Building for Launch Pad 39B during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to pro More

Members of the STS-90 crew participate in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities at KSC's Launch Pad 39B. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. Here, STS-90 Payload Specialist Dafydd (Dave) Williams with the Canadian Space Agency is assisted into his orange launch and re-entry suit. Columbia is targeted for launch of STS-90 on April 16 at 2:19 p.m. EDT and will be the second mission of 1998. The mission is scheduled to last nearly 17 days KSC-98pc449

Members of the STS-90 crew participate in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities at KSC's Launch Pad 39B. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the op More

The crew of STS-90 participate in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities at KSC's Launch Pad 39B. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. Here, Mission Specialist Kathryn (Kay) Hire gives a "thumbs-up" to the mission after being suited up in her orange launch and re-entry suit. Columbia is targeted for launch of STS-90 on April 16 at 2:19 p.m. EDT and will be the second mission of 1998. The mission is scheduled to last nearly 17 days KSC-98pc446

The crew of STS-90 participate in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities at KSC's Launch Pad 39B. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunit More

Members of the STS-90 crew participate in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities at KSC's Launch Pad 39B. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The STS-90 crew members are, from left to right, Payload Specialist Jay Buckey, M.D., Pilot Scott Altman, Mission Specialist Kathryn (Kay) Hire, Commander Richard Searfoss, Payload Specialist James Pawelczyk, Ph.D., Mission Specialist Dafydd (Dave) Williams with the Canadian Space Agency, and Mission Specialist Richard Linnehan, D.V.M. Columbia is targeted for launch of STS-90 on April 16 at 2:19 p.m. EDT and will be the second mission of 1998. The mission is scheduled to last nearly 17 days KSC-98pc450

Members of the STS-90 crew participate in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities at KSC's Launch Pad 39B. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the op More

The crew of STS-90 participate in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities at KSC's Launch Pad 39B. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. Here, STS-90 Pilot Scott Altman gives a "thumbs-up" after being suited up in his orange launch and re-entry suit. Columbia is targeted for launch of STS-90 on April 16 at 2:19 p.m. EDT and will be the second mission of 1998. The mission is scheduled to last nearly 17 days KSC-98pc448

The crew of STS-90 participate in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities at KSC's Launch Pad 39B. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunit More

The crew of STS-90 participate in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities at KSC's Launch Pad 39B. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. Here, STS-90 Commander Richard Searfoss and Mission Specialist Kathryn (Kay) Hire hold the mission patch with orbiter information. Columbia is targeted for launch of STS-90 on April 16 at 2:19 p.m. EDT and will be the second mission of 1998. The mission is scheduled to last nearly 17 days KSC-98pc447

The crew of STS-90 participate in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities at KSC's Launch Pad 39B. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with the opportunit More

STS-91 Mission Specialist Franklin Chang-Diaz, Ph.D., is learning how to operate an M-113 armored personnel carrier during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) training activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. STS-91 is scheduled to be launched on June 2 with a launch window opening around 6:10 p.m. EDT. The mission will feature the ninth Shuttle docking with the Russian Space Station Mir, the first Mir docking for Discovery, the conclusion of Phase I of the joint U.S.-Russian International Space Station Program, and the first flight of the new Space Shuttle super lightweight external tank. The STS-91 flight crew also includes Commander Charles Precourt; Pilot Dominic Gorie; and Mission Specialists Wendy B. Lawrence; Janet Kavandi, Ph.D.; and Valery Ryumin, with the Russian Space Agency. Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will be returning to Earth with the crew after living more than four months aboard Mir KSC-98pc602

STS-91 Mission Specialist Franklin Chang-Diaz, Ph.D., is learning how to operate an M-113 armored personnel carrier during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) training activities. The TCDT is held at K More

STS-91 Mission Specialist Wendy B. Lawrence is learning how to operate an M-113 armored personnel carrier during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) training activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. STS-91 is scheduled to be launched on June 2 with a launch window opening around 6:10 p.m. EDT. The mission will feature the ninth Shuttle docking with the Russian Space Station Mir, the first Mir docking for Discovery, the conclusion of Phase I of the joint U.S.-Russian International Space Station Program, and the first flight of the new Space Shuttle super lightweight external tank. The STS-91 flight crew also includes Commander Charles Precourt; Pilot Dominic Gorie; and Mission Specialists Franklin Chang-Diaz, Ph.D.; Janet Kavandi, Ph.D.; and Valery Ryumin, with the Russian Space Agency. Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will be returning to Earth with the crew after living more than four months aboard Mir KSC-98pc601

STS-91 Mission Specialist Wendy B. Lawrence is learning how to operate an M-113 armored personnel carrier during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) training activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior t More

STS-91 Mission Specialist Janet Kavandi, Ph.D., is learning how to operate an M-113 armored personnel carrier during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) training activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. STS-91 is scheduled to be launched on June 2 with a launch window opening around 6:10 p.m. EDT. The mission will feature the ninth Shuttle docking with the Russian Space Station Mir, the first Mir docking for Discovery, the conclusion of Phase I of the joint U.S.-Russian International Space Station Program, and the first flight of the new Space Shuttle super lightweight external tank. The STS-91 flight crew also includes Commander Charles Precourt; Pilot Dominic Gorie; and Mission Specialists Wendy B. Lawrence; Franklin Chang-Diaz, Ph.D.; and Valery Ryumin, with the Russian Space Agency. Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will be returning to Earth with the crew after living more than four months aboard Mir KSC-98pc598

STS-91 Mission Specialist Janet Kavandi, Ph.D., is learning how to operate an M-113 armored personnel carrier during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) training activities. The TCDT is held at KSC pri More

The STS-91 flight crew poses for a group portrait in the white room on the Orbiter Access Arm at Launch Complex 39A during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. From left to right, they are (back row) Pilot Dominic Gorie; Mission Specialist Wendy B. Lawrence and Mission Commander Charles Precourt; and (front row) Mission Specialists Franklin Chang-Diaz, Ph.D.; Valery Ryumin, with the Russian Space Agency; and Janet Kavandi, Ph.D. STS-91 is scheduled to be launched on June 2 with a launch window opening around 6:10 p.m. EDT. The mission will feature the ninth Shuttle docking with the Russian Space Station Mir, the first Mir docking for Discovery, the conclusion of Phase I of the joint U.S.-Russian International Space Station Program, and the first flight of the new Space Shuttle super lightweight external tank. Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will be returning to Earth with the crew after living more than four months aboard Mir KSC-98pc593

The STS-91 flight crew poses for a group portrait in the white room on the Orbiter Access Arm at Launch Complex 39A during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior More

STS-91 Mission Commander Charles Precourt is learning how to operate an M-113 armored personnel carrier during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) training activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. STS-91 is scheduled to be launched on June 2 with a launch window opening around 6:10 p.m. EDT. The mission will feature the ninth Shuttle docking with the Russian Space Station Mir, the first Mir docking for Discovery, the conclusion of Phase I of the joint U.S.-Russian International Space Station Program, and the first flight of the new Space Shuttle super lightweight external tank. The STS-91 flight crew also includes Pilot Dominic Gorie and Mission Specialists Wendy B. Lawrence; Franklin Chang-Diaz, Ph.D.; Janet Kavandi, Ph.D.; and Valery Ryumin, with the Russian Space Agency. Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will be returning to Earth with the crew after living more than four months aboard Mir KSC-98pc597

STS-91 Mission Commander Charles Precourt is learning how to operate an M-113 armored personnel carrier during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) training activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to More

STS-91 Pilot Dominic Gorie is learning how to operate an M-113 armored personnel carrier during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) training activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. STS-91 is scheduled to be launched on June 2 with a launch window opening around 6:10 p.m. EDT. The mission will feature the ninth Shuttle docking with the Russian Space Station Mir, the first Mir docking for Discovery, the conclusion of Phase I of the joint U.S.-Russian International Space Station Program, and the first flight of the new Space Shuttle super lightweight external tank. The STS-91 flight crew also includes Commander Charles Precourt and Mission Specialists Wendy B. Lawrence; Franklin Chang-Diaz, Ph.D.; Janet Kavandi, Ph.D.; and Valery Ryumin, with the Russian Space Agency. Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will be returning to Earth with the crew after living more than four months aboard Mir KSC-98pc600

STS-91 Pilot Dominic Gorie is learning how to operate an M-113 armored personnel carrier during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) training activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shut More

STS-91 Mission Specialist Valery Ryumin, with the Russian Space Agency, is learning how to operate an M-113 armored personnel carrier during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) training activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. STS-91 is scheduled to be launched on June 2 with a launch window opening around 6:10 p.m. EDT. The mission will feature the ninth Shuttle docking with the Russian Space Station Mir, the first Mir docking for Discovery, the conclusion of Phase I of the joint U.S.-Russian International Space Station Program, and the first flight of the new Space Shuttle super lightweight external tank. The STS-91 flight crew includes Commander Charles Precourt; Pilot Dominic Gorie; and Mission Specialists Wendy B. Lawrence; Franklin Chang-Diaz, Ph.D.; and Janet Kavandi, Ph.D. Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will be returning to Earth with the crew after living more than four months aboard Mir KSC-98pc599

STS-91 Mission Specialist Valery Ryumin, with the Russian Space Agency, is learning how to operate an M-113 armored personnel carrier during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) training activities. The More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-91 flight crew poses for a group portrait in front of Space Shuttle Discovery at Launch Complex 39A during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. From left to right, they are Pilot Dominic Gorie; Mission Specialists Franklin Chang-Diaz, Ph.D.; Wendy B. Lawrence and Janet Kavandi, Ph.D.; Mission Commander Charles Precourt; and Mission Specialist Valery Ryumin, with the Russian Space Agency. STS-91 is scheduled to be launched on June 2 with a launch window opening around 6:10 p.m. EDT. The mission will feature the ninth Shuttle docking with the Russian Space Station Mir, the first Mir docking for Discovery, the conclusion of Phase I of the joint U.S.-Russian International Space Station Program, and the first flight of the new Space Shuttle super lightweight external tank. Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will be returning to Earth with the crew after living more than four months aboard Mir KSC-98pc588

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-91 flight crew poses for a group portrait in front of Space Shuttle Discovery at Launch Complex 39A during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. The TCD More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-91 Mission Specialist Franklin Chang-Diaz, Ph.D., pauses on the 217-foot level of Launch Complex 39A after the completion of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. Behind him, the Space Shuttle Discovery is being prepared for flight. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. STS-91 is scheduled to be launched on June 2 with a launch window opening around 6:10 p.m. EDT. The mission will feature the ninth Shuttle docking with the Russian Space Station Mir, the first Mir docking for Discovery, the conclusion of Phase I of the joint U.S.-Russian International Space Station Program, and the first flight of the new Space Shuttle super lightweight external tank. The STS-91 flight crew also includes Commander Charles Precourt; Pilot Dominic Gorie; and Mission Specialists Wendy B. Lawrence; Janet Kavandi, Ph.D.; and Valery Ryumin, with the Russian Space Agency. Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will be returning to Earth with the crew after living more than four months aboard Mir KSC-98pc605

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-91 Mission Specialist Franklin Chang-Diaz, Ph.D., pauses on the 217-foot level of Launch Complex 39A after the completion of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activ More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-91 flight crew poses for a group portrait on the 217-foot level of Launch Complex 39A after the completion of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. From left to right, they are (front row) Pilot Dominic Gorie; Mission Commander Charles Precourt; and Mission Specialist Wendy B. Lawrence; and (back row) Mission Specialists Franklin Chang-Diaz, Ph.D.; Janet Kavandi, Ph.D.; and Valery Ryumin, with the Russian Space Agency. Behind them, the Space Shuttle Discovery is being prepared for flight. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. STS-91 is scheduled to be launched on June 2 with a launch window opening around 6:10 p.m. EDT. The mission will feature the ninth Shuttle docking with the Russian Space Station Mir, the first Mir docking for Discovery, the conclusion of Phase I of the joint U.S.-Russian International Space Station Program, and the first flight of the new Space Shuttle super lightweight external tank. Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will be returning to Earth with the crew after living more than four months aboard Mir KSC-98pc609

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-91 flight crew poses for a group portrait on the 217-foot level of Launch Complex 39A after the completion of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. From More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-91 Mission Specialist Janet Kavandi, Ph.D., pauses on the 217-foot level of Launch Complex 39A after the completion of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. Behind her, the Space Shuttle Discovery is being prepared for flight. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. STS-91 is scheduled to be launched on June 2 with a launch window opening around 6:10 p.m. EDT. The mission will feature the ninth Shuttle docking with the Russian Space Station Mir, the first Mir docking for Discovery, the conclusion of Phase I of the joint U.S.-Russian International Space Station Program, and the first flight of the new Space Shuttle super lightweight external tank. The STS-91 flight crew also includes Commander Charles Precourt; Pilot Dominic Gorie; and Mission Specialists Wendy B. Lawrence; Franklin Chang-Diaz, Ph.D.; and Valery Ryumin, with the Russian Space Agency. Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will be returning to Earth with the crew after living more than four months aboard Mir KSC-98pc612

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-91 Mission Specialist Janet Kavandi, Ph.D., pauses on the 217-foot level of Launch Complex 39A after the completion of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. More

STS-91 Pilot Dominic Gorie pauses on the 217-foot level of Launch Complex 39A after the completion of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. Behind him, the Space Shuttle Discovery is being prepared for flight. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. STS-91 is scheduled to be launched on June 2 with a launch window opening around 6:10 p.m. EDT. The mission will feature the ninth Shuttle docking with the Russian Space Station Mir, the first Mir docking for Discovery, the conclusion of Phase I of the joint U.S.-Russian International Space Station Program, and the first flight of the new Space Shuttle super lightweight external tank. The STS-91 flight crew also includes Commander Charles Precourt and Mission Specialists Wendy B. Lawrence; Franklin Chang-Diaz, Ph.D.; Janet Kavandi, Ph.D.; and Valery Ryumin, with the Russian Space Agency. Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will be returning to Earth with the crew after living more than four months aboard Mir KSC-98pc613

STS-91 Pilot Dominic Gorie pauses on the 217-foot level of Launch Complex 39A after the completion of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. Behind him, the Space Shuttle Discovery is being pr More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-91 Mission Commander Charles Precourt pauses on the 217-foot level of Launch Complex 39A after the completion of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. Behind him, the Space Shuttle Discovery is being prepared for flight. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. STS-91 is scheduled to be launched on June 2 with a launch window opening around 6:10 p.m. EDT. The mission will feature the ninth Shuttle docking with the Russian Space Station Mir, the first Mir docking for Discovery, the conclusion of Phase I of the joint U.S.-Russian International Space Station Program, and the first flight of the new Space Shuttle super lightweight external tank. The STS-91 flight crew also includes Pilot Dominic Gorie and Mission Specialists Wendy B. Lawrence; Franklin Chang-Diaz, Ph.D.; Janet Kavandi, Ph.D.; and Valery Ryumin, with the Russian Space Agency. Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will be returning to Earth with the crew after living more than four months aboard Mir KSC-98pc611

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-91 Mission Commander Charles Precourt pauses on the 217-foot level of Launch Complex 39A after the completion of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. Behin More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-91 Mission Specialist Valery Ryumin, with the Russian Space Agency, pauses on the 217-foot level of Launch Complex 39A after the completion of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. Behind him, the Space Shuttle Discovery is being prepared for flight. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide crews with an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. STS-91 is scheduled to be launched on June 2 with a launch window opening around 6:10 p.m. EDT. The mission will feature the ninth Shuttle docking with the Russian Space Station Mir, the first Mir docking for Discovery, the conclusion of Phase I of the joint U.S.-Russian International Space Station Program, and the first flight of the new Space Shuttle super lightweight external tank. The STS-91 flight crew also includes Commander Charles Precourt; Pilot Dominic Gorie; and Mission Specialists Wendy B. Lawrence; Franklin Chang-Diaz, Ph.D.; and Janet Kavandi, Ph.D. Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will be returning to Earth with the crew after living more than four months aboard Mir KSC-98pc610

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-91 Mission Specialist Valery Ryumin, with the Russian Space Agency, pauses on the 217-foot level of Launch Complex 39A after the completion of Terminal Countdown Demonstration More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-110 Mission Specialist Jerry Ross relaxes during suit fit, which is part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide flight crews an opportunity to participate in simulated launch countdown activities. Scheduled for launch April 4, the 11-day mission will feature Shuttle Atlantis docking with the International Space Station (ISS) and delivering the S0 truss, the centerpiece-segment of the primary truss structure that will eventually extend over 300 feet KSC-02pd0295

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-110 Mission Specialist Jerry Ross relaxes during suit fit, which is part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttl More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-110 Mission Specialist Ellen Ochoa relaxes during suit fit, part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide flight crews an opportunity to participate in simulated launch countdown activities. Scheduled for launch April 4, the 11-day mission will feature Shuttle Atlantis docking with the International Space Station (ISS) and delivering the S0 truss, the centerpiece-segment of the primary truss structure that will eventually extend over 300 feet. KSC-02pd0294

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-110 Mission Specialist Ellen Ochoa relaxes during suit fit, part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight More