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STS-106 Mission Specialist Yuri I. Malenchenko waves for the camera as he arrives at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. Malenchenko is with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. He and the rest of the crew will be making pre-launch preparations for the fourth flight to the International Space Station. STS-106 is scheduled to launch Sept. 8, 2000, at 8:45 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B. On the 11-day mission, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed "Expedition One," is due to arrive at the Station in late fall KSC00pp1233

STS-106 Mission Specialist Yuri I. Malenchenko waves for the camera as he arrives at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. Malenchenko is with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. He and the rest of the crew will More

STS-106 Mission Specialist Edward T. Lu grins upon his arrival at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. He and the rest of the crew will be making pre-launch preparations for the fourth flight to the International Space Station. STS-106 is scheduled to launch Sept. 8, 2000, at 8:45 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B. On the 11-day mission, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed "Expedition One," is due to arrive at the Station in late fall KSC-00pp1234

STS-106 Mission Specialist Edward T. Lu grins upon his arrival at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. He and the rest of the crew will be making pre-launch preparations for the fourth flight to the International More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-107 Commander Rick Husband makes a few comments after the crew's arrival at KSC for pre-launch preparations. Other crew members are Pilot William "Willie" McCool, Payload Commander Michael Anderson, Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon, and Mission Specialists Kalpana Chawla, David Brown and Laurel Clark. Ramon is the first Israeli astronaut to fly on a Shuttle mission. STS-107 is a mission devoted to research and will include more than 80 experiments that will study Earth and space science, advanced technology development, and astronaut health and safety. The payload on Space Shuttle Columbia includes FREESTAR (Fast Reaction Experiments Enabling Science, Technology, Applications and Research) and the SHI Research Double Module (SHI/RDM), known as SPACEHAB. Experiments on the module range from material sciences to life sciences. Launch of Columbia is targeted for Jan. 16 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. KSC-03pd0053

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-107 Commander Rick Husband makes a few comments after the crew's arrival at KSC for pre-launch preparations. Other crew members are Pilot William "Willie" McCool, Payload Co More

PREFLIGHT (MATING) - STS-14/41D - KSC

S84-35097 (May 1984) --- The Space Shuttle Orbiter 103 is about to be hoisted into a tail-toward-ground mode for mating to its two solid rocket boosters (SRB) and an external tank (ET) (awaiting the maneuver hi More

STS-95 Mission Specialist Scott E. Parazynski notes the time on his watch upon his late arrival aboard a T-38 jet at the Shuttle Landing Facility. Parazynski's first plane experienced problems at the stop at Tyndall AFB and he had to wait for another jet and pilot to finish the flight to KSC. He joined other crewmembers Mission Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr., Pilot Steven W. Lindsey, Mission Specialist Stephen K. Robinson, Payload Specialist John H. Glenn Jr., senator from Ohio, Mission Specialist Pedro Duque, with the European Space Agency (ESA), and Payload Specialist Chiaki Mukai, with the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA), for final pre-launch preparations. STS-95 is expected to launch at 2 p.m. EST on Oct. 29, last 8 days, 21 hours and 49 minutes, and land at 11:49 a.m. EST on Nov. 7 KSC-98pc1408

STS-95 Mission Specialist Scott E. Parazynski notes the time on his watch upon his late arrival aboard a T-38 jet at the Shuttle Landing Facility. Parazynski's first plane experienced problems at the stop at Ty More

The T-38 jet aircraft arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility carrying STS-95 Mission Specialist Scott E. Parazynski (second seat). The pilot is astronaut Kent Rominger. Parazynski's first plane experienced problems at the stop at Tyndall AFB and he had to wait for another jet and pilot to finish the flight to KSC. He joined other crewmembers Mission Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr., Pilot Steven W. Lindsey, Mission Specialist Stephen K. Robinson, Payload Specialist John H. Glenn Jr., senator from Ohio, Mission Specialist Pedro Duque, with the European Space Agency (ESA), and Payload Specialist Chiaki Mukai, with the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA), for final pre-launch preparations. STS-95 is expected to launch at 2 p.m. EST on Oct. 29, last 8 days, 21 hours and 49 minutes, and land at 11:49 a.m. EST on Nov. 7 KSC-98pc1407

The T-38 jet aircraft arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility carrying STS-95 Mission Specialist Scott E. Parazynski (second seat). The pilot is astronaut Kent Rominger. Parazynski's first plane experienced pro More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- NASA's "Super Guppy" aircraft arrives in KSC air space escorted by two T-38 aircraft after leaving Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. The whale-like airplane carries the U.S. Laboratory module, considered the centerpiece of the International Space Station. The module will undergo final pre-launch preparations at KSC's Space Station Processing Facility. Scheduled for launch aboard the Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-98, the laboratory comprises three cylindrical sections with two end cones. Each end-cone contains a hatch opening for entering and exiting the lab. The lab will provide a shirtsleeve environment for research in such areas as life science, microgravity science, Earth science and space science. Designated Flight 5A, this mission is targeted for launch in early 2000 KSC-98pc1694

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- NASA's "Super Guppy" aircraft arrives in KSC air space escorted by two T-38 aircraft after leaving Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. The whale-like airplane carries More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The open front end of NASA's "Super Guppy" aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility reveals the U.S. laboratory module, intended for the International Space Station, that was flown from Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, to Kennedy. The lab is being transferred to the Space Station Processing Facility for pre-launch preparations. Scheduled for launch aboard the Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-98, the laboratory comprises three cylindrical sections with two end cones. Each end-cone contains a hatch opening for entering and exiting the lab. The lab will provide a shirtsleeve environment for research in the areas of life science, microgravity science, Earth science and space science. Designated Flight 5A, this mission is targeted for launch in early 2000 KSC-98pc1700

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The open front end of NASA's "Super Guppy" aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility reveals the U.S. laboratory module, intended for the International Space Station, that was flown More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- NASA's "Super Guppy" aircraft rolls to a stop at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility after leaving Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. The gargantuan plane carries the U.S. Laboratory module, considered the centerpiece of the International Space Station. The module will undergo final pre-launch preparations at KSC's Space Station Processing Facility. Scheduled for launch aboard the Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-98, the laboratory comprises three cylindrical sections with two end cones. Each end-cone contains a hatch opening for entering and exiting the lab. The lab will provide a shirtsleeve environment for research in such areas as life science, microgravity science, Earth science and space science. Designated Flight 5A, this mission is targeted for launch in early 2000 KSC-98pc1696

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- NASA's "Super Guppy" aircraft rolls to a stop at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility after leaving Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. The gargantuan plane carries the U. More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A second crane is attached to the canister containing the U.S. laboratory module in order to transfer it to a truck. Intended for the International Space Station, the lab is being moved to the Space Station Processing Facility for pre-launch preparations. Scheduled for launch aboard the Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-98, the laboratory comprises three cylindrical sections with two end cones. Each end-cone contains a hatch opening for entering and exiting the lab. The lab will provide a shirtsleeve environment for research in the areas of life science, microgravity science, Earth science and space science. Designated Flight 5A, this mission is targeted for launch in early 2000 KSC-98pc1704

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A second crane is attached to the canister containing the U.S. laboratory module in order to transfer it to a truck. Intended for the International Space Station, the lab is being More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The canister containing the U.S. laboratory module, intended for the International Space Station, sits on a flatbed trailer after being removed from NASA's "Super Guppy" aircraft that brought it from Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville. The lab is being transferred to the Space Station Processing Facility for pre-launch preparations. Scheduled for launch aboard the Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-98, the laboratory comprises three cylindrical sections with two end cones. Each end-cone contains a hatch opening for entering and exiting the lab. The lab will provide a shirtsleeve environment for research in the areas of life science, microgravity science, Earth science and space science. Designated Flight 5A, this mission is targeted for launch in early 2000 KSC-98pc1702

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The canister containing the U.S. laboratory module, intended for the International Space Station, sits on a flatbed trailer after being removed from NASA's "Super Guppy" aircraft t More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the growing dark of night, cranes maneuver the canister containing the U.S. laboratory module onto the bed of a trailer, waiting with its lights on for the move to the Space Station Processing Facility. Intended for the International Space Station, the lab is scheduled to undergo pre-launch preparations before its launch aboard the Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-98. The laboratory comprises three cylindrical sections with two end cones. Each end-cone contains a hatch opening for entering and exiting the lab. The lab will provide a shirtsleeve environment for research in the areas of life science, microgravity science, Earth science and space science. Designated Flight 5A, this mission is targeted for launch in early 2000 KSC-98pc1706

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the growing dark of night, cranes maneuver the canister containing the U.S. laboratory module onto the bed of a trailer, waiting with its lights on for the move to the Space Sta More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the early evening hours at the Shuttle Landing Facility, cranes maneuver the canister containing the U.S. laboratory module onto the bed of a trailer, waiting with its lights on. Intended for the International Space Station, the lab is being moved to the Space Station Processing Facility for pre-launch preparations. Scheduled for launch aboard the Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-98, the laboratory comprises three cylindrical sections with two end cones. Each end-cone contains a hatch opening for entering and exiting the lab. The lab will provide a shirtsleeve environment for research in the areas of life science, microgravity science, Earth science and space science. Designated Flight 5A, this mission is targeted for launch in early 2000 KSC-98pc1705

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the early evening hours at the Shuttle Landing Facility, cranes maneuver the canister containing the U.S. laboratory module onto the bed of a trailer, waiting with its lights on More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the last light before nightfall, workers watch as others check the fittings on the cranes lowering the container that encases U.S. laboratory module onto the bed of a trailer, waiting with its lights on for the move to the Space Station Processing Facility. Intended for the International Space Station, the lab is scheduled to undergo pre-launch preparations before its launch aboard the Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-98. The laboratory comprises three cylindrical sections with two end cones. Each end-cone contains a hatch opening for entering and exiting the lab. The lab will provide a shirtsleeve environment for research in the areas of life science, microgravity science, Earth science and space science. Designated Flight 5A, this mission is targeted for launch in early 2000 KSC-98pc1707

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the last light before nightfall, workers watch as others check the fittings on the cranes lowering the container that encases U.S. laboratory module onto the bed of a trailer, w More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- NASA's "Super Guppy" aircraft arrives at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility after leaving Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. The gargantuan plane carries the U.S. Laboratory module, considered the centerpiece of the International Space Station. The module will undergo final pre-launch preparations at KSC's Space Station Processing Facility. Scheduled for launch aboard the Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-98, the laboratory comprises three cylindrical sections with two end cones. Each end-cone contains a hatch opening for entering and exiting the lab. The lab will provide a shirtsleeve environment for research in such areas as life science, microgravity science, Earth science and space science. Designated Flight 5A, this mission is targeted for launch in early 2000 KSC-98pc1695

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- NASA's "Super Guppy" aircraft arrives at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility after leaving Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. The gargantuan plane carries the U.S. Labor More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers at the Shuttle Landing Facility watch as the canister carrying the U.S. laboratory module, intended for the International Space Station, is moved out of NASA's "Super Guppy" aircraft that brought it from Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville. The lab is being transferred to the Space Station Processing Facility for pre-launch preparations. Scheduled for launch aboard the Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-98, the laboratory comprises three cylindrical sections with two end cones. Each end-cone contains a hatch opening for entering and exiting the lab. The lab will provide a shirtsleeve environment for research in the areas of life science, microgravity science, Earth science and space science. Designated Flight 5A, this mission is targeted for launch in early 2000 KSC-98pc1701

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers at the Shuttle Landing Facility watch as the canister carrying the U.S. laboratory module, intended for the International Space Station, is moved out of NASA's "Super Guppy More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- NASA's "Super Guppy" aircraft maneuvers into place at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility to offload its cargo. The gargantuan plane carries the U.S. Laboratory module, considered the centerpiece of the International Space Station. The module will undergo final pre-launch preparations at KSC's Space Station Processing Facility. Scheduled for launch aboard the Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-98, the laboratory comprises three cylindrical sections with two end cones. Each end-cone contains a hatch opening for entering and exiting the lab. The lab will provide a shirtsleeve environment for research in such areas as life science, microgravity science, Earth science and space science. Designated Flight 5A, this mission is targeted for launch in early 2000 KSC-98pc1697

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- NASA's "Super Guppy" aircraft maneuvers into place at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility to offload its cargo. The gargantuan plane carries the U.S. Laboratory module, considered the More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After nightfall, a truck carrying the container that holds the U.S. laboratory module begins the trip from the Shuttle Landing Facility to the Space Station Processing Facility. Intended for the International Space Station, the lab is scheduled to undergo pre-launch preparations before its launch aboard the Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-98. The laboratory comprises three cylindrical sections with two end cones. Each end-cone contains a hatch opening for entering and exiting the lab. The lab will provide a shirtsleeve environment for research in the areas of life science, microgravity science, Earth science and space science. Designated Flight 5A, this mission is targeted for launch in early 2000 KSC-98pc1708

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After nightfall, a truck carrying the container that holds the U.S. laboratory module begins the trip from the Shuttle Landing Facility to the Space Station Processing Facility. In More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A crane is attached to the U.S. laboratory module in order to transfer it to a truck. Intended for the International Space Station, the lab is being moved to the Space Station Processing Facility for pre-launch preparations. Scheduled for launch aboard the Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-98, the laboratory comprises three cylindrical sections with two end cones. Each end-cone contains a hatch opening for entering and exiting the lab. The lab will provide a shirtsleeve environment for research in the areas of life science, microgravity science, Earth science and space science. Designated Flight 5A, this mission is targeted for launch in early 2000 KSC-98pc1703

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A crane is attached to the U.S. laboratory module in order to transfer it to a truck. Intended for the International Space Station, the lab is being moved to the Space Station Proc More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An overhead crane in the high bay of the Space Station Processing Facility moves the U.S. laboratory module, an element of the International Space Station, toward the workstand on the right. KSC workers watch its movement. The lab will undergo pre-launch preparations before its launch aboard the Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-98. The laboratory comprises three cylindrical sections with two end cones. Each end-cone contains a hatch opening for entering and exiting the lab. The lab will provide a shirtsleeve environment for research in the areas of life science, microgravity science, Earth science and space science. Designated Flight 5A, this mission is targeted for launch in early 2000 KSC-98pc1711

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An overhead crane in the high bay of the Space Station Processing Facility moves the U.S. laboratory module, an element of the International Space Station, toward the workstand on More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An overhead crane in the high bay of the Space Station Processing Facility lowers the U.S. laboratory module, an element of the International Space Station, onto the workstand as KSC workers watch. The lab will undergo pre-launch preparations before its launch aboard the Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-98. The laboratory comprises three cylindrical sections with two end cones. Each end-cone contains a hatch opening for entering and exiting the lab. The lab will provide a shirtsleeve environment for research in the areas of life science, microgravity science, Earth science and space science. Designated Flight 5A, this mission is targeted for launch in early 2000 KSC-98pc1712

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An overhead crane in the high bay of the Space Station Processing Facility lowers the U.S. laboratory module, an element of the International Space Station, onto the workstand as K More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An overhead crane in the high bay of the Space Station Processing Facility moves the U.S. laboratory module, an element of the International Space Station, toward its workstand. The lab will undergo pre-launch preparations before its launch aboard the Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-98. The laboratory comprises three cylindrical sections with two end cones. Each end-cone contains a hatch opening for entering and exiting the lab. The lab will provide a shirtsleeve environment for research in the areas of life science, microgravity science, Earth science and space science. Designated Flight 5A, this mission is targeted for launch in early 2000 KSC-98pc1710

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An overhead crane in the high bay of the Space Station Processing Facility moves the U.S. laboratory module, an element of the International Space Station, toward its workstand. Th More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The U.S. laboratory module, an element of the International Space Station, is lifted by a crane from its canister in the Space Station Processing Facility. The lab will undergo pre-launch preparations before its launch aboard the Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-98. The laboratory comprises three cylindrical sections with two end cones. Each end-cone contains a hatch opening for entering and exiting the lab. The lab will provide a shirtsleeve environment for research in the areas of life science, microgravity science, Earth science and space science. Designated Flight 5A, this mission is targeted for launch in early 2000 KSC-98pc1709

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The U.S. laboratory module, an element of the International Space Station, is lifted by a crane from its canister in the Space Station Processing Facility. The lab will undergo pre More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- KSC workers watch as an overhead crane in the high bay of the Space Station Processing Facility lowers the U.S. laboratory module, an element of the International Space Station, onto the workstand. The lab will undergo pre-launch preparations before its launch aboard the Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-98. The laboratory comprises three cylindrical sections with two end cones. Each end-cone contains a hatch opening for entering and exiting the lab. The lab will provide a shirtsleeve environment for research in the areas of life science, microgravity science, Earth science and space science. Designated Flight 5A, this mission is targeted for launch in early 2000 KSC-98pc1713

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- KSC workers watch as an overhead crane in the high bay of the Space Station Processing Facility lowers the U.S. laboratory module, an element of the International Space Station, on More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers peer inside after opening an end-cone of the U.S. laboratory module, an element of the International Space Station. The lab is undergoing pre-launch preparations before its launch aboard the Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-98. The laboratory comprises three cylindrical sections with two end cones. Each end-cone contains a hatch opening for entering and exiting the lab. The lab will provide a shirtsleeve environment for research in the areas of life science, microgravity science, Earth science and space science. Designated Flight 5A, this mission is targeted for launch in early 2000 KSC-98pc1717

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers peer inside after opening an end-cone of the U.S. laboratory module, an element of the International Space Station. The lab is undergoing pre-launch preparations before its More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On a workstand in the Space Station Processing Facility, KSC workers take a look at the U.S. laboratory module, an element of the International Space Station, after its protective cover has been removed. The lab will undergo pre-launch preparations before its launch aboard the Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-98. The laboratory comprises three cylindrical sections with two end cones. Each end-cone contains a hatch opening for entering and exiting the lab. The lab will provide a shirtsleeve environment for research in the areas of life science, microgravity science, Earth science and space science. Designated Flight 5A, this mission is targeted for launch in early 2000 KSC-98pc1714

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On a workstand in the Space Station Processing Facility, KSC workers take a look at the U.S. laboratory module, an element of the International Space Station, after its protective More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers peer through the hatch of an end-cone on the U.S. laboratory module, an element of the International Space Station. The lab is undergoing pre-launch preparations before its launch aboard the Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-98. The laboratory comprises three cylindrical sections with two end cones. Each end-cone contains a hatch opening for entering and exiting the lab. The lab will provide a shirtsleeve environment for research in the areas of life science, microgravity science, Earth science and space science. Designated Flight 5A, this mission is targeted for launch in early 2000 KSC-98pc1718

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers peer through the hatch of an end-cone on the U.S. laboratory module, an element of the International Space Station. The lab is undergoing pre-launch preparations before its More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The inside of the U.S. laboratory module is seen after the opening of a hatch on one end. An element of the International Space Station, the lab is undergoing pre-launch preparations before its launch aboard the Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-98. The laboratory comprises three cylindrical sections with two end cones. Each end-cone contains a hatch opening for entering and exiting the lab. The lab will provide a shirtsleeve environment for research in the areas of life science, microgravity science, Earth science and space science. Designated Flight 5A, this mission is targeted for launch in early 2000 KSC-98pc1716

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The inside of the U.S. laboratory module is seen after the opening of a hatch on one end. An element of the International Space Station, the lab is undergoing pre-launch preparatio More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On a workstand in the Space Station Processing Facility, the U.S. laboratory module, an element of the International Space Station, is ready for pre-launch preparations before its launch aboard the Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-98. The laboratory comprises three cylindrical sections with two end cones. Each end-cone contains a hatch opening for entering and exiting the lab. The lab will provide a shirtsleeve environment for research in the areas of life science, microgravity science, Earth science and space science. Designated Flight 5A, this mission is targeted for launch in early 2000 KSC-98pc1715

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On a workstand in the Space Station Processing Facility, the U.S. laboratory module, an element of the International Space Station, is ready for pre-launch preparations before its More

In the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF), workers (lower right) disconnect the transport vehicle from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) after moving it into the building for pre-launch preparations. The primary payload on mission STS-99, the SRTM consists of a specially modified radar system that will fly onboard the Space Shuttle during the 11-day mission targeted for launch in September 1999. This radar system will gather data that will result in the most accurate and complete topographic map of the Earth's surface that has ever been assembled. SRTM is an international project spearheaded by the National Imagery and Mapping Agency and NASA, with participation of the German Aerospace Center DLR. Its objective is to obtain the most complete high-resolution digital topographic database of the Earth KSC-99pp0505

In the Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF), workers (lower right) disconnect the transport vehicle from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) after moving it into the building for pre-launch preparat More

Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr. smiles on his arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. He joins other crew members Pilot Scott J. Kelly and Mission Specialists Steven L. Smith, C. Michael Foale (Ph.D.), John M. Grunsfeld (Ph.D.), Claude Nicollier of Switzerland and Jean-François Clervoy of France, for pre-launch preparations on mission STS-103 aboard Space Shuttle Discovery. Nicollier and Clervoy are with the European Space Agency. The mission, to service the Hubble Space Telescope, is scheduled for launch Dec. 11 at 12:13 a.m. EST from Launch Pad 39B. Discovery is expected to land at KSC Monday, Dec. 20, at 9:21 p.m. EST KSC-99pp1388

Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr. smiles on his arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. He joins other crew members Pilot Scott J. Kelly and Mission Specialists Steven L. Smith, C. Micha More

STS-103 Mission Specialist John M. Grunsfeld (Ph.D.) waves from the rear seat of a T-38 training jet before beginning practice flights. He joins other crew members Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr., Pilot Scott J. Kelly and Mission Specialists Steven L. Smith, C. Michael Foale (Ph.D.), Claude Nicollier of Switzerland and Jean-François Clervoy of France, for pre-launch preparations on mission STS-103 aboard Space Shuttle Discovery. Nicollier and Clervoy are with the European Space Agency. The mission, to service the Hubble Space Telescope, is scheduled for launch Dec. 16 at 9:18 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39B. The mission is expected to last about 9 days and 21 hours. Discovery is expected to land at KSC Sunday, Dec. 26, at 6:56 p.m. EST KSC-99pp1420

STS-103 Mission Specialist John M. Grunsfeld (Ph.D.) waves from the rear seat of a T-38 training jet before beginning practice flights. He joins other crew members Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr., Pilot Scott J. More

STS-103 Pilot Scott J. Kelly settles into the cockpit of a T-38 training jet for practice flights. He joins other crew members Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr. and Mission Specialists Steven L. Smith, C. Michael Foale (Ph.D.), John M. Grunsfeld (Ph.D.), Claude Nicollier of Switzerland and Jean-François Clervoy of France, for pre-launch preparations on mission STS-103 aboard Space Shuttle Discovery. Nicollier and Clervoy are with the European Space Agency. The mission, to service the Hubble Space Telescope, is scheduled for launch Dec. 16 at 9:18 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39B. The mission is expected to last about 9 days and 21 hours. Discovery is expected to land at KSC Sunday, Dec. 26, at 6:56 p.m. EST KSC-99padig042

STS-103 Pilot Scott J. Kelly settles into the cockpit of a T-38 training jet for practice flights. He joins other crew members Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr. and Mission Specialists Steven L. Smith, C. Michael F More

During pre-launch preparations in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-101 Mission Specialist Yury Usachev of Russia waves while waiting for his launch and entry suit to be checked. Mission STS-101 will take the crew to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies, plus prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. The crew will conduct one space walk to perform maintenance on the Space Station as well. This will be the third assembly flight for the Space Station. Launch is targeted for April 24 at about 4:15 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A KSC-00pp0535

During pre-launch preparations in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-101 Mission Specialist Yury Usachev of Russia waves while waiting for his launch and entry suit to be checked. Mission STS-101 will ta More

During pre-launch preparations in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-101 Mission Specialist Mary Ellen Weber has her launch and entry suit checked by a technician. Mission STS-101 will take the crew to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies, plus prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. The crew will conduct one space walk to perform maintenance on the Space Station as well. This will be the third assembly flight for the Space Station. Launch is targeted for April 24 at about 4:15 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A KSC-00pp0531

During pre-launch preparations in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-101 Mission Specialist Mary Ellen Weber has her launch and entry suit checked by a technician. Mission STS-101 will take the crew to t More

During pre-launch preparations in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-101 Mission Specialist Mary Ellen Weber adjusts her glove during suit check. Mission STS-101 will take the crew to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies, plus prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. The crew will conduct one space walk to perform maintenance on the Space Station as well. This will be the third assembly flight for the Space Station. Launch is targeted for April 24 at about 4:15 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A KSC-00pp0532

During pre-launch preparations in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-101 Mission Specialist Mary Ellen Weber adjusts her glove during suit check. Mission STS-101 will take the crew to the International S More

STS-101 Mission Specialist Jeffrey Williams has his launch and entry suit checked during pre-launch preparations in the Operations and Checkout Building. Mission STS-101 will take the crew to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies, plus prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. The crew will conduct one space walk to perform maintenance on the Space Station as well. This will be the third assembly flight for the Space Station. Launch is targeted for April 24 at about 4:15 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A KSC-00pp0536

STS-101 Mission Specialist Jeffrey Williams has his launch and entry suit checked during pre-launch preparations in the Operations and Checkout Building. Mission STS-101 will take the crew to the International More

During pre-launch preparations in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-101 Mission Specialist James Voss has his launch and entry suit checked by a technician. . Mission STS-101 will take the crew to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies, plus prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. The crew will conduct one space walk to perform maintenance on the Space Station as well. This will be the third assembly flight for the Space Station. Launch is targeted for April 24 at about 4:15 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A KSC-00pp0533

During pre-launch preparations in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-101 Mission Specialist James Voss has his launch and entry suit checked by a technician. . Mission STS-101 will take the crew to the I More

During pre-launch preparations in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-101 Mission Specialist Susan Helms waits while her launch and entry suit is checked. Mission STS-101 will take the crew to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies, plus prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. The crew will conduct one space walk to perform maintenance on the Space Station as well. This will be the third assembly flight for the Space Station. Launch is targeted for April 24 at about 4:15 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A KSC-00pp0534

During pre-launch preparations in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-101 Mission Specialist Susan Helms waits while her launch and entry suit is checked. Mission STS-101 will take the crew to the Interna More

STS-106 Mission Specialist Richard A. Mastracchio waves at the camera upon his arrival at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. He and the rest of the crew will be making pre-launch preparations for the fourth flight to the International Space Station. STS-106 is scheduled to launch Sept. 8, 2000, at 8:45 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B. On the 11-day mission, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed “Expedition One,” is due to arrive at the Station in late fall KSC-00pp1235

STS-106 Mission Specialist Richard A. Mastracchio waves at the camera upon his arrival at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. He and the rest of the crew will be making pre-launch preparations for the fourth flig More

STS-106 Pilot Scott D. Altman steps down from the T-38 jet aircraft after landing at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. He and the rest of the crew will be making pre-launch preparations for the fourth flight to the International Space Station. STS-106 is scheduled to launch Sept. 8, 2000, at 8:45 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B. On the 11-day mission, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed “Expedition One,” is due to arrive at the Station in late fall KSC-00pp1238

STS-106 Pilot Scott D. Altman steps down from the T-38 jet aircraft after landing at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. He and the rest of the crew will be making pre-launch preparations for the fourth flight to More

After their arrival at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-106 crew meet the media. Commander Terrence W. Wilcutt, at the microphone, says a few words; the rest of the crew waits behind him. From left, they are Mission Specialists Yuri I. Malenchenko, Daniel C. Burbank, Richard A. Mastracchio, Boris V. Morukov and Edward T. Lu; and Pilot Scott D. Altman. Malenchenko and Morukov are with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. The crew will be making pre-launch preparations for the fourth flight to the International Space Station. STS-106 is scheduled to launch Sept. 8, 2000, at 8:45 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B. On the 11-day mission, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed “Expedition One,” is due to arrive at the Station in late fall KSC-00pp1239

After their arrival at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-106 crew meet the media. Commander Terrence W. Wilcutt, at the microphone, says a few words; the rest of the crew waits behind him. From left, th More

STS-106 Mission Specialist Daniel C. Burbank smiles on his arrival at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. He and the rest of the crew will be making pre-launch preparations for the fourth flight to the International Space Station. STS-106 is scheduled to launch Sept. 8, 2000, at 8:45 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B. On the 11-day mission, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed “Expedition One,” is due to arrive at the Station in late fall KSC00pp1237

STS-106 Mission Specialist Daniel C. Burbank smiles on his arrival at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. He and the rest of the crew will be making pre-launch preparations for the fourth flight to the Internatio More

STS-106 Mission Specialist Boris V. Morukov smiles upon his arrival at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. He and the rest of the crew will be making pre-launch preparations for the fourth flight to the International Space Station. STS-106 is scheduled to launch Sept. 8, 2000, at 8:45 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B. On the 11-day mission, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed “Expedition One,” is due to arrive at the Station in late fall KSC00pp1236

STS-106 Mission Specialist Boris V. Morukov smiles upon his arrival at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. He and the rest of the crew will be making pre-launch preparations for the fourth flight to the Internati More

After their arrival at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-106 crew meet the media. Commander Terrence W. Wilcutt, at the microphone, says a few words; the rest of the crew waits behind him. From left, they are Mission Specialists Yuri I. Malenchenko, Daniel C. Burbank, Richard A. Mastracchio, Boris V. Morukov and Edward T. Lu; and Pilot Scott D. Altman. Malenchenko and Morukov are with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. The crew will be making pre-launch preparations for the fourth flight to the International Space Station. STS-106 is scheduled to launch Sept. 8, 2000, at 8:45 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B. On the 11-day mission, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed “Expedition One,” is due to arrive at the Station in late fall KSC00pp1239

After their arrival at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-106 crew meet the media. Commander Terrence W. Wilcutt, at the microphone, says a few words; the rest of the crew waits behind him. From left, th More

STS-106 Mission Specialist Richard A. Mastracchio waves at the camera upon his arrival at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. He and the rest of the crew will be making pre-launch preparations for the fourth flight to the International Space Station. STS-106 is scheduled to launch Sept. 8, 2000, at 8:45 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B. On the 11-day mission, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed “Expedition One,” is due to arrive at the Station in late fall KSC00pp1235

STS-106 Mission Specialist Richard A. Mastracchio waves at the camera upon his arrival at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. He and the rest of the crew will be making pre-launch preparations for the fourth flig More

STS-106 Mission Specialist Edward T. Lu grins upon his arrival at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. He and the rest of the crew will be making pre-launch preparations for the fourth flight to the International Space Station. STS-106 is scheduled to launch Sept. 8, 2000, at 8:45 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B. On the 11-day mission, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed "Expedition One," is due to arrive at the Station in late fall KSC00pp1234

STS-106 Mission Specialist Edward T. Lu grins upon his arrival at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. He and the rest of the crew will be making pre-launch preparations for the fourth flight to the International More

STS-106 Mission Specialist Yuri I. Malenchenko waves for the camera as he arrives at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. Malenchenko is with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. He and the rest of the crew will be making pre-launch preparations for the fourth flight to the International Space Station. STS-106 is scheduled to launch Sept. 8, 2000, at 8:45 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B. On the 11-day mission, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed "Expedition One," is due to arrive at the Station in late fall KSC-00pp1233

STS-106 Mission Specialist Yuri I. Malenchenko waves for the camera as he arrives at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. Malenchenko is with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. He and the rest of the crew will More

STS-106 Commander Terrence W. Wilcutt waves to onlookers as he arrives at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. He and the rest of the crew will be making pre-launch preparations for the fourth flight to the International Space Station. STS-106 is scheduled to launch Sept. 8, 2000, at 8:45 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B. On the 11-day mission, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed “Expedition One,” is due to arrive at the Station in late fall KSC00pp1232

STS-106 Commander Terrence W. Wilcutt waves to onlookers as he arrives at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. He and the rest of the crew will be making pre-launch preparations for the fourth flight to the Intern More

STS-106 Commander Terrence W. Wilcutt waves to onlookers as he arrives at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. He and the rest of the crew will be making pre-launch preparations for the fourth flight to the International Space Station. STS-106 is scheduled to launch Sept. 8, 2000, at 8:45 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B. On the 11-day mission, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed “Expedition One,” is due to arrive at the Station in late fall KSC-00pp1232

STS-106 Commander Terrence W. Wilcutt waves to onlookers as he arrives at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. He and the rest of the crew will be making pre-launch preparations for the fourth flight to the Intern More

STS-106 Mission Specialist Boris V. Morukov smiles upon his arrival at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. He and the rest of the crew will be making pre-launch preparations for the fourth flight to the International Space Station. STS-106 is scheduled to launch Sept. 8, 2000, at 8:45 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B. On the 11-day mission, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed “Expedition One,” is due to arrive at the Station in late fall KSC-00pp1236

STS-106 Mission Specialist Boris V. Morukov smiles upon his arrival at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. He and the rest of the crew will be making pre-launch preparations for the fourth flight to the Internati More

STS-106 Mission Specialist Daniel C. Burbank smiles on his arrival at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. He and the rest of the crew will be making pre-launch preparations for the fourth flight to the International Space Station. STS-106 is scheduled to launch Sept. 8, 2000, at 8:45 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B. On the 11-day mission, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed “Expedition One,” is due to arrive at the Station in late fall KSC-00pp1237

STS-106 Mission Specialist Daniel C. Burbank smiles on his arrival at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. He and the rest of the crew will be making pre-launch preparations for the fourth flight to the Internatio More

STS-106 Pilot Scott D. Altman steps down from the T-38 jet aircraft after landing at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. He and the rest of the crew will be making pre-launch preparations for the fourth flight to the International Space Station. STS-106 is scheduled to launch Sept. 8, 2000, at 8:45 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B. On the 11-day mission, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed “Expedition One,” is due to arrive at the Station in late fall KSC00pp1238

STS-106 Pilot Scott D. Altman steps down from the T-38 jet aircraft after landing at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. He and the rest of the crew will be making pre-launch preparations for the fourth flight to More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- During pre-launch preparations, Expedition Three Commander Frank Culbertson shows his eagerness for liftoff. On the mission, Discovery will be transporting the Expedition Three crew and several scientific experiments and payloads to the ISS, including the Early Ammonia Servicer (EAS) tank. The EAS, which will support the thermal control subsystems until a permanent system is activated, will be attached to the Station during two spacewalks. The three-member Expedition Two crew will be returning to Earth aboard Discovery after a five-month stay on the Station. Launch is scheduled for 5:38 p.m. EDT Aug. 9 KSC-01pp1437

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- During pre-launch preparations, Expedition Three Commander Frank Culbertson shows his eagerness for liftoff. On the mission, Discovery will be transporting the Expedition Three cre More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Only the tip of the orange external tank on Space Shuttle Atlantis is visible above the Rotating Service Structure surrounding Atlantis on Launch Pad 39B. The Shuttle is undergoing pre-launch preparations for mission STS-112, scheduled to launch Oct. 2, 2002. The sky above the Shuttle is filled with dark clouds sweeping over Florida from Hurricane Isidore. KSC-02pd1373

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Only the tip of the orange external tank on Space Shuttle Atlantis is visible above the Rotating Service Structure surrounding Atlantis on Launch Pad 39B. The Shuttle is undergoing More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis, surrounded by the Rotating Service Structure, sits on Launch Pad 39B as it undergoes pre-launch preparations for mission STS-112, scheduled to launch Oct. 2, 2002. The sky above the Shuttle is filled with dark clouds sweeping over Florida from Hurricane Isidore. KSC-02pd1371

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis, surrounded by the Rotating Service Structure, sits on Launch Pad 39B as it undergoes pre-launch preparations for mission STS-112, scheduled to launch Oct. More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - With the Rotating Service Structure in place on Launch Pad 39B, all that is visible on Space Shuttle Atlantis is the orange external tank flanked by white solid rocket boosters. The Shuttle is undergoing pre-launch preparations for mission STS-112, scheduled to launch Oct. 2, 2002. The sky above the Shuttle is filled with dark clouds sweeping over Florida from Hurricane Isidore. KSC-02pd1372

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - With the Rotating Service Structure in place on Launch Pad 39B, all that is visible on Space Shuttle Atlantis is the orange external tank flanked by white solid rocket boosters. Th More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-107 Commander Rick Husband waves to spectators as he arrives at KSC for pre-launch preparations. STS-107 is a mission devoted to research and will include more than 80 experiments that will study Earth and space science, advanced technology development, and astronaut health and safety. The payload on Space Shuttle Columbia includes FREESTAR (Fast Reaction Experiments Enabling Science, Technology, Applications and Research) and the SHI Research Double Module (SHI/RDM), known as SPACEHAB. Experiments on the module range from material sciences to life sciences. The crew includes Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli astronaut. Other crew members are Pilot William "Willie" McCool, Payload Commander Michael Anderson and Mission Specialists Kalpana Chawla, David Brown and Laurel Clark. Launch of Columbia is targeted for Jan. 16 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. KSC-03pd0046

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-107 Commander Rick Husband waves to spectators as he arrives at KSC for pre-launch preparations. STS-107 is a mission devoted to research and will include more than 80 experimen More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-107 Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla joins other crew members after arrival at KSC for pre-launch preparations. Not seen are Commander Rick Husband, Pilot William "Willie" McCool, Payload Commander Michael Anderson, Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon, and Mission Specialists David Brown and Laurel Clark. STS-107 is a mission devoted to research and will include more than 80 experiments that will study Earth and space science, advanced technology development, and astronaut health and safety. The payload on Space Shuttle Columbia includes FREESTAR (Fast Reaction Experiments Enabling Science, Technology, Applications and Research) and the SHI Research Double Module (SHI/RDM), known as SPACEHAB. Experiments on the module range from material sciences to life sciences. Launch of Columbia is targeted for Jan. 16 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. KSC-03pd0054

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-107 Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla joins other crew members after arrival at KSC for pre-launch preparations. Not seen are Commander Rick Husband, Pilot William "Willie" McCo More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-107 crew pose for a photo after their arrival at KSC for pre-launch preparations. Standing from left to right are Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla, Payload Commander Michael Anderson, Pilot William "Willie" McCool, Commander Rick Husband, Mission Specialists Laurel Clark and David Brown, and Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon, who is the first Israeli astronaut to fly on a Shuttle mission. STS-107 is a mission devoted to research and will include more than 80 experiments that will study Earth and space science, advanced technology development, and astronaut health and safety. The payload on Space Shuttle Columbia includes FREESTAR (Fast Reaction Experiments Enabling Science, Technology, Applications and Research) and the SHI Research Double Module (SHI/RDM), known as SPACEHAB. Experiments on the module range from material sciences to life sciences. Launch of Columbia is targeted for Jan. 16 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. KSC-03pd0058

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-107 crew pose for a photo after their arrival at KSC for pre-launch preparations. Standing from left to right are Mission Specialist Kalpana Chawla, Payload Commander Micha More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-107 Mission Specialist David Brown shows his pleasure at arriving at KSC for pre-launch preparations. STS-107 is a mission devoted to research and will include more than 80 experiments that will study Earth and space science, advanced technology development, and astronaut health and safety. The payload on Space Shuttle Columbia includes FREESTAR (Fast Reaction Experiments Enabling Science, Technology, Applications and Research) and the SHI Research Double Module (SHI/RDM), known as SPACEHAB. Experiments on the module range from material sciences to life sciences. The crew includes Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli astronaut. Other crew members are Commander Rick Husband, Pilot William "Willie" McCool, Payload Commander Michael Anderson and Mission Specialists Kalpana Chawla and Laurel Clark. Launch of Columbia is targeted for Jan. 16 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. KSC-03pd0048

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-107 Mission Specialist David Brown shows his pleasure at arriving at KSC for pre-launch preparations. STS-107 is a mission devoted to research and will include more than 80 exp More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-107 Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon comments on the mission after the crew's arrival at KSC for pre-launch preparations. Ramon is the first Israeli astronaut to fly on a Shuttle mission. Standing behind him are (left to right) Commander Rick Husband, Pilot William "Willie" McCool, Mission Specialists David Brown and Kalpana Chawla, Payload Commander Michael Anderson and Mission Specialist Laurel Clark. STS-107 is a mission devoted to research and will include more than 80 experiments that will study Earth and space science, advanced technology development, and astronaut health and safety. The payload on Space Shuttle Columbia includes FREESTAR (Fast Reaction Experiments Enabling Science, Technology, Applications and Research) and the SHI Research Double Module (SHI/RDM), known as SPACEHAB. Experiments on the module range from material sciences to life sciences. Launch of Columbia is targeted for Jan. 16 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. KSC-03pd0057

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-107 Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon comments on the mission after the crew's arrival at KSC for pre-launch preparations. Ramon is the first Israeli astronaut to fly on a Shuttle More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-107 Pilot William "Willie" McCool smiles at spectators as he arrives at KSC for pre-launch preparations. STS-107 is a mission devoted to research and will include more than 80 experiments that will study Earth and space science, advanced technology development, and astronaut health and safety. The payload on Space Shuttle Columbia includes FREESTAR (Fast Reaction Experiments Enabling Science, Technology, Applications and Research) and the SHI Research Double Module (SHI/RDM), known as SPACEHAB. Experiments on the module range from material sciences to life sciences. The crew includes Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli astronaut. Other crew members are Commander Rick Husband, Payload Commander Michael Anderson and Mission Specialists Kalpana Chawla, David Brown and Laurel Clark. Launch of Columbia is targeted for Jan. 16 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. KSC-03pd0047

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-107 Pilot William "Willie" McCool smiles at spectators as he arrives at KSC for pre-launch preparations. STS-107 is a mission devoted to research and will include more than 80 e More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-107 Mission Specialist Laurel Clark waves to onlookers as she arrives at KSC for pre-launch preparations. STS-107 is a mission devoted to research and will include more than 80 experiments that will study Earth and space science, advanced technology development, and astronaut health and safety. The payload on Space Shuttle Columbia includes FREESTAR (Fast Reaction Experiments Enabling Science, Technology, Applications and Research) and the SHI Research Double Module (SHI/RDM), known as SPACEHAB. Experiments on the module range from material sciences to life sciences. The crew includes Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli astronaut. Other crew members are Commander Rick Husband, Pilot William "Willie" McCool, Payload Commander Michael Anderson and Mission Specialists Kalpana Chawla and David Brown. Launch of Columbia is targeted for Jan. 16 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. KSC-03pd0049

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-107 Mission Specialist Laurel Clark waves to onlookers as she arrives at KSC for pre-launch preparations. STS-107 is a mission devoted to research and will include more than 80 More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -STS-107 Commander Rick Husband (at the microphone) makes a few comments after the crew's arrival at KSC for pre-launch preparations. Standing left to right are Husband, Pilot William "Willie" McCool, Mission Specialists David Brown and Kalpana Chawla, Payload Commander Michael Anderson, Mission Specialist Laurel Clark and Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon, who is the first Israeli astronaut to fly on a Shuttle mission. STS-107 is a mission devoted to research and will include more than 80 experiments that will study Earth and space science, advanced technology development, and astronaut health and safety. The payload on Space Shuttle Columbia includes FREESTAR (Fast Reaction Experiments Enabling Science, Technology, Applications and Research) and the SHI Research Double Module (SHI/RDM), known as SPACEHAB. Experiments on the module range from material sciences to life sciences. Launch of Columbia is targeted for Jan. 16 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. KSC-03pd0055

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -STS-107 Commander Rick Husband (at the microphone) makes a few comments after the crew's arrival at KSC for pre-launch preparations. Standing left to right are Husband, Pilot Willia More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-107 Payload Commander Michael Anderson comments about the mission after the crew's arrival at KSC for pre-launch preparations. STS-107 is a mission devoted to research and will include more than 80 experiments that will study Earth and space science, advanced technology development, and astronaut health and safety. The payload on Space Shuttle Columbia includes FREESTAR (Fast Reaction Experiments Enabling Science, Technology, Applications and Research) and the SHI Research Double Module (SHI/RDM), known as SPACEHAB. Experiments on the module range from material sciences to life sciences. Launch of Columbia is targeted for Jan. 16 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. KSC-03pd0056

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-107 Payload Commander Michael Anderson comments about the mission after the crew's arrival at KSC for pre-launch preparations. STS-107 is a mission devoted to research and will More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition 14 Flight Engineer Sunita Williams is greeted by Kennedy Space Center Director Jim Kennedy at the Shuttle Landing Facility. Williams will be traveling to the International Space Station with the STS-116 crew. The crew has returned to KSC for the terminal countdown demonstration test, which are pre-launch preparations that include a simulated launch countdown. Crew members also include Commander Mark Polansky, Pilot William Oefelein, Mission Specialists Nicholas Patrick, Robert Curbeam, Christer Fuglesang and Joan Higginbotham. The mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2510

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition 14 Flight Engineer Sunita Williams is greeted by Kennedy Space Center Director Jim Kennedy at the Shuttle Landing Facility. Williams will be traveling to the Internation More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Pilot William Oefelein (left) and Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang are greeted by Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (right) at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The STS-116 crew has returned to KSC for the terminal countdown demonstration test, which are pre-launch preparations that include a simulated launch countdown. The crew also includes Commander Mark Polansky, Mission Specialists Nicholas Patrick, Robert Curbeam, Joan Higginbotham and Flight Engineer Sunita Williams, joining Expedition 14 in progress. The mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2509

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Pilot William Oefelein (left) and Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang are greeted by Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (right) at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The ST More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Joan Higginbotham is greeted by Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Bill Parsons at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The STS-116 crew has returned to KSC for the terminal countdown demonstration test, which are pre-launch preparations that include a simulated launch countdown. The crew also includes Commander Mark Polansky, Pilot William Oefelein, Mission Specialists Nicholas Patrick, Robert Curbeam, Christer Fuglesang and Flight Engineer Sunita Williams, joining Expedition 14 in progress. The mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2506

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Joan Higginbotham is greeted by Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Bill Parsons at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The STS-116 crew has returned to KSC f More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Joan Higginbotham (right) is greeted by Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (left) and Kennedy Space Center Director Jim Kennedy at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The STS-116 crew has returned to KSC for the terminal countdown demonstration test, which are pre-launch preparations that include a simulated launch countdown. The crew also includes Commander Mark Polansky, Pilot William Oefelein, Mission Specialists Nicholas Patrick, Robert Curbeam, Christer Fuglesang and Flight Engineer Sunita Williams, joining Expedition 14 in progress. The mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2507

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Joan Higginbotham (right) is greeted by Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (left) and Kennedy Space Center Director Jim Kennedy at the Shuttle Landing More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Commander Rick Sturckow checks the fit of his launch suit and helmet, part of pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett. KSC-07pd0519

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Commander Rick Sturckow checks the fit of his launch suit and helmet, part of pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activitie More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault checks the fit of his launch suit and helmet, part of pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett. KSC-07pd0520

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault checks the fit of his launch suit and helmet, part of pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist Steven Swanson has donned his launch suit for a fit check, part of the pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett. KSC-07pd0513

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist Steven Swanson has donned his launch suit for a fit check, part of the pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCD More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist Danny Olivas has donned his launch suit for a fit check, part of the pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett. KSC-07pd0512

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist Danny Olivas has donned his launch suit for a fit check, part of the pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Commander Rick Sturckow checks the fit of his launch suit and helmet, part of pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett. KSC-07pd0516

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Commander Rick Sturckow checks the fit of his launch suit and helmet, part of pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist Steven Swanson checks the fit of his launch suit and helmet, part of pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett. KSC-07pd0518

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist Steven Swanson checks the fit of his launch suit and helmet, part of pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist Patrick Forrester has donned his launch suit for a fit check, part of the pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett. KSC-07pd0509

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist Patrick Forrester has donned his launch suit for a fit check, part of the pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test ( More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault checks the fit of his launch suit and helmet, part of pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett. KSC-07pd0521

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault checks the fit of his launch suit and helmet, part of pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist Danny Olivas has donned his launch suit for a fit check, part of the pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett. KSC-07pd0511

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist Danny Olivas has donned his launch suit for a fit check, part of the pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist Patrick Forrester has donned his launch suit and helmet for a fit check, part of the pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett. KSC-07pd0515

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist Patrick Forrester has donned his launch suit and helmet for a fit check, part of the pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstra More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Commander Rick Sturckow checks the fit of his launch suit and helmet, part of pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett. KSC-07pd0517

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Commander Rick Sturckow checks the fit of his launch suit and helmet, part of pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activitie More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist James Reilly has donned his launch suit and helmet for a fit check, part of the pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett. KSC-07pd0514

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist James Reilly has donned his launch suit and helmet for a fit check, part of the pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist James Reilly has donned his launch suit for a fit check, part of the pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown.The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett. KSC-07pd0510

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist James Reilly has donned his launch suit for a fit check, part of the pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) More

At the Kremlin Wall in Moscow, Expedition 30 Flight Engineer Anatoly Ivanishin laid flowers October 24, 2011 in a traditional ceremony during the tour of Red Square he and his crewmates conducted prior to their launch to the International Space Station November 14 on the Soyuz TMA-22 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Ivanishin, Expedition Commander Dan Burbank of NASA and Soyuz Commander Anton Shkaplerov will arrive in Baikonur October 31 for final pre-launch preparations. Credit: NASA jsc2011e203165

At the Kremlin Wall in Moscow, Expedition 30 Flight Engineer Anatoly Ivanishin laid flowers October 24, 2011 in a traditional ceremony during the tour of Red Square he and his crewmates conducted prior to their More

At the Kremlin Wall in Moscow, Expedition 30 Commander Dan Burbank of NASA laid flowers October 24, 2011 in a traditional ceremony during the tour of Red Square he and his crewmates conducted prior to their launch to the International Space Station November 14 on the Soyuz TMA-22 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Burbank, Soyuz Commander Anton Shkaplerov and Anatoly Ivanishin will arrive in Baikonur October 31 for final pre-launch preparations. Credit: NASA jsc2011e203164

At the Kremlin Wall in Moscow, Expedition 30 Commander Dan Burbank of NASA laid flowers October 24, 2011 in a traditional ceremony during the tour of Red Square he and his crewmates conducted prior to their lau More

At the Kremlin Wall in Moscow, Expedition 30 Soyuz Commander Anton Shkaplerov laid flowers October 24, 2011 in a traditional ceremony during the tour of Red Square he and his crewmates conducted prior to their launch to the International Space Station November 14 on the Soyuz TMA-22 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Shkaplerov, Expedition Commander Dan Burbank of NASA and Anatoly Ivanishin will arrive in Baikonur October 31 for final pre-launch preparations. Credit: NASA jsc2011e203163

At the Kremlin Wall in Moscow, Expedition 30 Soyuz Commander Anton Shkaplerov laid flowers October 24, 2011 in a traditional ceremony during the tour of Red Square he and his crewmates conducted prior to their More

Expedition 32 Flight Engineer Aki Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (left), Soyuz Commander Yuri Malenchenko (center) and NASA Flight Engineer Sunita Williams (right) arrive at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan July 2, 2012 after a flight from their training base in Star City, Russia for final pre-launch preparations. The trio will be launched July 15 from Baikonur to the International Space Station in their Soyuz TMA-05 spacecraft for a four-month mission. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2012e098307

Expedition 32 Flight Engineer Aki Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (left), Soyuz Commander Yuri Malenchenko (center) and NASA Flight Engineer Sunita Williams (right) arrive at the Baikonur Cosm More

Expedition 38/39 Flight Engineer Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (left), Flight Engineer Rick Mastracchio of NASA (center) and Soyuz Commander Mikhail Tyurin (right) acknowledge the cheers of well-wishers on hand to greet them at the airport in Baikonur, Kazakhstan October 26 after they arrived on a flight from their training base in Star City, Russia for final pre-launch preparations. Mastracchio, Wakata and Tyurin will launch Nov. 7, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-11M spacecraft from Baikonur to begin a six-month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e091186

Expedition 38/39 Flight Engineer Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (left), Flight Engineer Rick Mastracchio of NASA (center) and Soyuz Commander Mikhail Tyurin (right) acknowledge the chee More

Expedition 38/39 Flight Engineer Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (left), Soyuz Commander Mikhail Tyurin (center) and Flight Engineer Rick Mastracchio of NASA (right) greet Russian space officials on the tarmac at Baikonur, Kazakhstan October 26 after they arrived on a flight from their training base in Star City, Russia for final pre-launch preparations. Mastracchio, Wakata and Tyurin will launch Nov. 7, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-11M spacecraft from Baikonur to begin a six-month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e091185

Expedition 38/39 Flight Engineer Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (left), Soyuz Commander Mikhail Tyurin (center) and Flight Engineer Rick Mastracchio of NASA (right) greet Russian space More

Aboard a Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center aircraft, Expedition 38/39 Flight Engineer Rick Mastracchio of NASA (left), Flight Engineer Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (center) and Soyuz Commander Mikhail Tyurin affix a sticker bearing their mission’s insignia to the cabin’s wall October 26 as they flew from their training base in Star City, Russia to their launch site at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for final pre-launch preparations. Mastracchio, Wakata and Tyurin will launch Nov. 7, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-11M spacecraft from Baikonur to begin a six-month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e091184

Aboard a Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center aircraft, Expedition 38/39 Flight Engineer Rick Mastracchio of NASA (left), Flight Engineer Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (center) and Soyuz More

Outside their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, the Expedition 38/39 prime and backup crewmembers participated in the traditional flag-raising ceremony October 27 as they conduct final pre-launch preparations. From left to right, prime Soyuz Commander Mikhail Tyurin and backup Max Suraev raise the Russian flag, prime Flight Engineer Rick Mastracchio of NASA and backup Reid Wiseman of NASA raise the U.S. flag, prime Flight Engineer Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency raises the Japanese flag and backup Flight Engineer Alexander Gerst of the European Space Agency raises the flag of Kazakhstan. Wakata, Tyurin and Mastracchio will launch Nov. 7, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-11M spacecraft from Baikonur to begin a six-month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e091188

Outside their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, the Expedition 38/39 prime and backup crewmembers participated in the traditional flag-raising ceremony October 27 as they conduct final pre- More

Outside their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, the Expedition 38/39 prime and backup crewmembers participated in the traditional flag-raising ceremony October 27 as they conduct final pre-launch preparations. From left to right, prime Soyuz Commander Mikhail Tyurin and backup Max Suraev raise the Russian flag, prime Flight Engineer Rick Mastracchio of NASA and backup Reid Wiseman of NASA raise the U.S. flag, prime Flight Engineer Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency raises the Japanese flag and backup Flight Engineer Alexander Gerst of the European Space Agency raises the flag of Kazakhstan. Wakata, Tyurin and Mastracchio will launch Nov. 7, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-11M spacecraft from Baikonur to begin a six-month mission on the International Space Station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2013e091189

Outside their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, the Expedition 38/39 prime and backup crewmembers participated in the traditional flag-raising ceremony October 27 as they conduct final pre- More

17-11-13-25-2: (17 Sept. 2014) --- At the Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 41/42 Flight Engineer Elena Serova of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), center, brushes up on docking skills on a laptop computer simulator Sept. 17 as pre-launch preparations continue for the crew. Looking on are NASA Flight Engineer Barry Wilmore (left) and Soyuz Commander Alexander Samokutyaev of Roscosmos. The trio will launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Sept. 26, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-14M spacecraft for a 5 ½ month mission on the International Space Station. Serova will become the fourth Russian woman to fly in space and the first Russian woman to live and work on the station. Photo credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e080978

17-11-13-25-2: (17 Sept. 2014) --- At the Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 41/42 Flight Engineer Elena Serova of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), center, brushes More

17-14-18-59-3: (17 Sept. 2014) --- Behind their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 41 Flight Engineer Barry Wilmore of NASA (front row, left), Flight Engineer Elena Serova of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), center; and Soyuz Commander Alexander Samokutyaev of Roscosmos take a stroll down the Walk of Cosmonauts Sept. 17 as they continue their pre-launch preparations. Behind Wilmore is backup crew member Scott Kelly, who will launch in March 2015 with Mikhail Kornienko to spend a full year on the International Space Station. Wilmore, Serova and Samokutyaev are scheduled to launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Sept. 26, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-14M spacecraft for a 5 ½ month mission on the orbital complex. Serova will become the fourth Russian woman to fly in space and the first Russian woman to live and work on the station. Photo credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e080989

17-14-18-59-3: (17 Sept. 2014) --- Behind their Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 41 Flight Engineer Barry Wilmore of NASA (front row, left), Flight Engineer Elena Serova of the More

17-11-13-47-2: (17 Sept. 2014) --- At the Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 41/42 Soyuz Commander Alexander Samokutyaev of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), right, brushes up on docking skills on a laptop computer simulator Sept. 17 as pre-launch preparations continue for the crew. Looking on are NASA Flight Engineer Barry Wilmore (left) and Flight Engineer Elena Serova of Roscosmos. The trio will launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome Sept. 26, Kazakh time, in the Soyuz TMA-14M spacecraft for a 5 ½ month mission on the International Space Station. Serova will become the fourth Russian woman to fly in space and the first Russian woman to live and work on the station. Photo credit: NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e080979

17-11-13-47-2: (17 Sept. 2014) --- At the Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Expedition 41/42 Soyuz Commander Alexander Samokutyaev of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), right, b More

2014-09-18-11-56-47 At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Soyuz TMA-14M spacecraft is rotated from a vertical position for its encapsulation in the upper stage of the Soyuz booster rocket Sept. 18 that will propel it into orbit. The Soyuz will arrive at its launch pad on Sept. 23 for final pre-launch preparations. Expedition 41/42 Flight Engineer Barry Wilmore of NASA, Soyuz Commander Alexander Samokutyaev of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) and Flight Engineer Elena Serova of Roscosmos will launch aboard the Soyuz Sept. 26, Kazakh time, to begin a 5 ½ month mission on the International Space Station. Serova will become the fourth Russian woman to fly in space and the first Russian woman to live and work on the station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e081140

2014-09-18-11-56-47 At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Soyuz TMA-14M spacecraft is rotated from a vertical position for its encapsulation in the upper stage of the Soyuz b More

2014-09-18-13-19-55 At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Soyuz TMA-14M spacecraft is encapsulated in the upper stage of the Soyuz booster rocket Sept. 18 that will propel it into orbit. The Soyuz will arrive at its launch pad on Sept. 23 for final pre-launch preparations. Expedition 41/42 Flight Engineer Barry Wilmore of NASA, Soyuz Commander Alexander Samokutyaev of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) and Flight Engineer Elena Serova of Roscosmos will launch aboard the Soyuz Sept. 26, Kazakh time, to begin a 5 ½ month mission on the International Space Station. Serova will become the fourth Russian woman to fly in space and the first Russian woman to live and work on the station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e081144

2014-09-18-13-19-55 At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Soyuz TMA-14M spacecraft is encapsulated in the upper stage of the Soyuz booster rocket Sept. 18 that will propel it More

2014-09-18-12-06-33 At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Soyuz TMA-14M spacecraft awaits its encapsulation in the upper stage of the Soyuz booster rocket Sept. 18 that will propel it into orbit. The Soyuz will arrive at its launch pad on Sept. 23 for final pre-launch preparations. Expedition 41/42 Flight Engineer Barry Wilmore of NASA, Soyuz Commander Alexander Samokutyaev of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) and Flight Engineer Elena Serova of Roscosmos will launch aboard the Soyuz Sept. 26, Kazakh time, to begin a 5 ½ month mission on the International Space Station. Serova will become the fourth Russian woman to fly in space and the first Russian woman to live and work on the station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e081142

2014-09-18-12-06-33 At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Soyuz TMA-14M spacecraft awaits its encapsulation in the upper stage of the Soyuz booster rocket Sept. 18 that will More

2014-09-18-12-46-56 At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Soyuz TMA-14M spacecraft awaits its encapsulation in the upper stage of the Soyuz booster rocket Sept. 18 that will propel it into orbit. The Soyuz will arrive at its launch pad on Sept. 23 for final pre-launch preparations. Expedition 41/42 Flight Engineer Barry Wilmore of NASA, Soyuz Commander Alexander Samokutyaev of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) and Flight Engineer Elena Serova of Roscosmos will launch aboard the Soyuz Sept. 26, Kazakh time, to begin a 5 ½ month mission on the International Space Station. Serova will become the fourth Russian woman to fly in space and the first Russian woman to live and work on the station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e081143

2014-09-18-12-46-56 At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Soyuz TMA-14M spacecraft awaits its encapsulation in the upper stage of the Soyuz booster rocket Sept. 18 that will More

2014-09-18-11-42-24 At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Soyuz TMA-14M spacecraft stands ready for its encapsulation in the upper stage of the Soyuz booster rocket Sept. 18 that will propel it into orbit. The Soyuz will arrive at its launch pad on Sept. 23 for final pre-launch preparations. Expedition 41/42 Flight Engineer Barry Wilmore of NASA, Soyuz Commander Alexander Samokutyaev of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) and Flight Engineer Elena Serova of Roscosmos will launch aboard the Soyuz Sept. 26, Kazakh time, to begin a 5 ½ month mission on the International Space Station. Serova will become the fourth Russian woman to fly in space and the first Russian woman to live and work on the station. NASA/Victor Zelentsov jsc2014e081137

2014-09-18-11-42-24 At the Integration Facility at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Soyuz TMA-14M spacecraft stands ready for its encapsulation in the upper stage of the Soyuz booster rocket Sept. 18 More