188 Prelaunch Preparations Image: PICRYL - Public Domain Media Search Engine Public Domain Search}

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the white room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Mission Specialist Sunita Williams is helped with her gear before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The mission crew is taking part in a simulated launch countdown, part of the terminal countdown demonstration test that includes prelaunch preparations. The STS-116 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/Amanda Diller KSC-06pd2602

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the white room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Mission Specialist Sunita Williams is helped with her gear before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The mission crew is taking part More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-116 Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick is greeted after his arrival by Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Bill Parsons. The crew has returned to KSC for the terminal countdown demonstration test, which are prelaunch preparations that include a simulated launch countdown. Crew members also include Commander Mark Polansky, Pilot William Oefelein, Mission Specialists Sunita Williams, 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-06pd2511

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-116 Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick is greeted after his arrival by Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Bill Parsons. The crew has returne More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A forklift operator offloads NASA's Radiation Belt Storm Probe B, enclosed in a protective shipping container, from a flatbed truck at the Astrotech payload processing facility near NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida where Applied Physics Laboratory technicians will begin spacecraft testing and prelaunch preparations. The twin RBSP spacecraft arrived at Kennedy’s Shuttle Landing Facility in the cargo bay of a U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft earlier in the day. The RBSP mission will help us understand the sun’s influence on Earth and near-Earth space by studying the Earth’s radiation belts on various scales of space and time. The RBSP instruments will provide the measurements needed to characterize and quantify the plasma processes that produce very energetic ions and relativistic electrons. The mission is part of NASA’s broader Living With a Star Program that was conceived to explore fundamental processes that operate throughout the solar system, and in particular those that generate hazardous space weather effects in the vicinity of Earth and phenomena that could impact solar system exploration. RBSP is scheduled to begin its mission of exploration of Earth's Van Allen Radiation Belts and the extremes of space weather after launch. Launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket is scheduled for August 23. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/rbsp. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2638

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A forklift operator offloads NASA's Radiation Belt Storm Probe B, enclosed in a protective shipping container, from a flatbed truck at the Astrotech payload processing facility near NASA’ More

Photograph of Atlas and Friendship 7 Spacecraft

Original caption: Cape Canaveral, Fla. -- Low angle view of Atlas and Friendship 7 spacecraft between gantry equipment during prelaunch preparations. Committee Papers

LOOK OVER TRAINING PLANS - ASTRONAUT EDWARD H. WHITE II - TRAINING

S65-29655 (7 May 1965) --- Astronauts James A. McDivitt (left) and Edward H. White II, Gemini-4 prime crew, are shown looking over training plans at Cape Kennedy during prelaunch preparations. The NASA Headquar More

GEMINI-TITAN (GT)-10 - ON PAD - ATLAS/AGENA - PRELAUNCH - CAPE

S66-42739 (18 July 1966) --- An Agena Target Docking Vehicle atop its Atlas launch vehicle during prelaunch preparations at Launch Complex 14. The Agena will be a rendezvous and docking vehicle for the Gemini-1 More

PRELAUNCH - APOLLO 17 (ROLLOUT), NASA Apollo program

S72-54813 (November 1972) --- Searchlights illuminate this nighttime scene at Pad A, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center, Florida, showing the Apollo 17 (Spacecraft 114/Lunar Module 12/Saturn 512) space veh More

Skylab (SL)-2 - Astronaut Joseph Kerwin - Suiting-Up - Prelaunch - KSC

S73-25900 (25 May 1973) --- Scientist-astronaut Joseph P. Kerwin, science pilot of the Skylab 2 mission, is suited up in the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building at the Kennedy Space Center during Skylab 2 pre More

Floodlights illuminate view of Skylab 3 vehicle at Pad B, Launch Complex 39

S73-32568 (20 July 1973) --- Floodlights illuminate this nighttime view of the Skylab 3/Saturn 1B space vehicle at Pad B, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center, Florida, during prelaunch preparations. The ref More

SKYLAB (SL)-3 - LAUNCH - KSC. NASA public domain image. Kennedy space center.

S73-31697 (20 July 1973) --- A ground-level view of Pad B, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center, Florida, showing the Skylab 3/Saturn 1B space vehicle during prelaunch preparations. The launch vehicle is ven More

Launch Preparations - Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) - USSR

S75-25615 (April 1975) --- The Soviet Soyuz spacecraft for the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project mission is seen during prelaunch preparations at the Baikonur launch complex near Tyuratam in the Kazakh Soviet Socialist More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA astronaut Megan McArthur, right, takes part in a crew equipment interface test CEIT in order to become familiar with the Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX Dragon capsule prior to its scheduled April 30 liftoff. The interface test inside a processing hangar at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Space Launch Complex-40 was part of prelaunch preparations for the company's next demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services COTS program. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the International Space Station. Jason Tenenbaum, with SpaceX Mission Operations, left, also takes part in the test. CEIT is an activity that dates back to NASA's Space Shuttle Program, providing astronauts on Earth an opportunity to work with the actual hardware they would use in space. This exercise gave astronauts and engineers the opportunity to assess the compatibility of the equipment and systems aboard Dragon with the procedures to be used by the flight crew and flight controllers once the capsule is berthed at the space station. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/spacex_index.html. Image courtesy: SpaceX/Paul Bonness KSC-2012-1929

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA astronaut Megan McArthur, right, takes part in a crew equipment interface test CEIT in order to become familiar with the Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX Dragon capsule p More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA astronaut Megan McArthur takes part in a crew equipment interface test CEIT in order to become familiar with the Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX Dragon capsule prior to its scheduled April 30 liftoff. The interface test inside a processing hangar at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Space Launch Complex-40 was part of prelaunch preparations for the company's next demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services COTS program. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the International Space Station. CEIT is an activity that dates back to NASA's Space Shuttle Program, providing astronauts on Earth an opportunity to work with the actual hardware they would use in space. This exercise gave astronauts and engineers the opportunity to assess the compatibility of the equipment and systems aboard Dragon with the procedures to be used by the flight crew and flight controllers once the capsule is berthed at the space station. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/spacex_index.html. Image courtesy: SpaceX/Paul Bonness KSC-2012-1931

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA astronaut Megan McArthur takes part in a crew equipment interface test CEIT in order to become familiar with the Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX Dragon capsule prior to More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA astronaut Megan McArthur, foreground, takes part in a crew equipment interface test CEIT in order to become familiar with the Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX Dragon capsule prior to its scheduled April 30 liftoff. The interface test inside a processing hangar at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Space Launch Complex-40 was part of prelaunch preparations for the company's next demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services COTS program. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the International Space Station. Jason Tenenbaum, with SpaceX Mission Operations, background, also takes part in the test. CEIT is an activity that dates back to NASA's Space Shuttle Program, providing astronauts on Earth an opportunity to work with the actual hardware they would use in space. This exercise gave astronauts and engineers the opportunity to assess the compatibility of the equipment and systems aboard Dragon with the procedures to be used by the flight crew and flight controllers once the capsule is berthed at the space station. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/spacex_index.html. Image courtesy: SpaceX/Paul Bonness KSC-2012-1930

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA astronaut Megan McArthur, foreground, takes part in a crew equipment interface test CEIT in order to become familiar with the Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX Dragon caps More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA astronaut Megan McArthur, right, takes part in a crew equipment interface test CEIT in order to become familiar with the Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX Dragon capsule prior to its scheduled April 30 liftoff. The interface test inside a processing hangar at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Space Launch Complex-40 was part of prelaunch preparations for the company's next demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services COTS program. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the International Space Station. Jason Tenenbaum, with SpaceX Mission Operations, left, also takes part in the test. CEIT is an activity that dates back to NASA's Space Shuttle Program, providing astronauts on Earth an opportunity to work with the actual hardware they would use in space. This exercise gave astronauts and engineers the opportunity to assess the compatibility of the equipment and systems aboard Dragon with the procedures to be used by the flight crew and flight controllers once the capsule is berthed at the space station. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/spacex_index.html. Image courtesy: SpaceX/Paul Bonness KSC-2012-1932

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA astronaut Megan McArthur, right, takes part in a crew equipment interface test CEIT in order to become familiar with the Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX Dragon capsule p More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA astronaut Megan McArthur, center, takes part in a crew equipment interface test CEIT in order to become familiar with the Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX Dragon capsule prior to its scheduled April 30 liftoff. The interface test inside a processing hangar at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Space Launch Complex-40 was part of prelaunch preparations for the company's next demonstration test flight for NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services COTS program. Under COTS, NASA has partnered with two private companies to launch cargo safely to the International Space Station. United Space Alliance technicians, Dan Nelson, left, and Chris Hardcastle, right, show McArthur two power connectors that are similar to the ones astronauts will use to provide power to Dragon once at the station. CEIT is an activity that dates back to NASA's Space Shuttle Program, providing astronauts on Earth an opportunity to work with the actual hardware they would use in space. This exercise gave astronauts and engineers the opportunity to assess the compatibility of the equipment and systems aboard Dragon with the procedures to be used by the flight crew and flight controllers once the capsule is berthed at the space station. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/spacex_index.html. Image courtesy: SpaceX/Paul Bonness KSC-2012-1933

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA astronaut Megan McArthur, center, takes part in a crew equipment interface test CEIT in order to become familiar with the Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SpaceX Dragon capsule More

The first Titan 34D launch vehicle undergoes prelaunch preparations at Complex 40

The original finding aid described this photograph as: Base: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Camera Operator: Unknown Release Status: Rele More

The orbiter Discovery is unveiled as rollback of the Rotating Service Structure begins during final prelaunch preparations at Launch Pad 39B on April 9. Space shuttle mission STS-31, carrying a crew of five and the Hubble Space Telescope, is set to lift off at 6:47 a.m. EDT, April 10. Photo credit: NASA KSC-90PC-0667

The orbiter Discovery is unveiled as rollback of the Rotating Service Structure begins during final prelaunch preparations at Launch Pad 39B on April 9. Space shuttle mission STS-31, carrying a crew of five an More

The orbiter Discovery is unveiled as rollback of the Rotating Service Structure begins during final prelaunch preparations at Launch Pad 39B on April 9. Space shuttle mission STS-31, carrying a crew of five and the Hubble Space Telescope, is set to lift off at 6:47 a.m. EDT, April 10. Photo credit: NASA KSC-90PC-0666

The orbiter Discovery is unveiled as rollback of the Rotating Service Structure begins during final prelaunch preparations at Launch Pad 39B on April 9. Space shuttle mission STS-31, carrying a crew of five an More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in KSC's Vertical Processing Facility install a solid state recorder into a transport assembly in its protective enclosure as part of the prelaunch preparations for STS-82, the second Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission. The digital solid state recorder will replace one of three engineering/science tape recorders on Hubble. The solid state recorder has no moving parts to wear out. It also is more flexible than a reel-to-reel recorder and can store 10 times as much data. Liftoff aboard Discovery is targeted Feb. 11 with a crew of seven.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in KSC's Vertical Processing Facility install a solid state recorder into a transport assembly in its protective enclosure as part of the prelaunch preparations for STS-82, More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in KSC's Vertical Processing Facility prepare a solid state recorder for installation in a protective enclosure as part of the prelaunch preparations for STS-82, the second Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission. The digital solid state recorder will replace one of three engineering/science tape recorders on Hubble. The solid state recorder has no moving parts to wear out. It also is more flexible than a reel-to-reel recorder and can store 10 times as much data. Liftoff aboard Discovery is targeted Feb. 11 with a crew of seven.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers in KSC's Vertical Processing Facility prepare a solid state recorder for installation in a protective enclosure as part of the prelaunch preparations for STS-82, the second More

STS-84 Commander Charles J. Precourt adjusts the helmet of his launch and entry suit during final prelaunch preparations in the Operations and Checkout Building. This is Precourt’s third space flight, but his first as commander. Precourt and six other crew members will depart shortly for Launch Pad 39A, where the Space Shuttle Atlantis awaits liftoff during an approximate 7-minute launch window which opens at about 4:08 a.m. This will be the sixth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. The exact liftoff time will be determined about 90 minutes prior to launch, based on the most current location of Mir KSC-97PC792

STS-84 Commander Charles J. Precourt adjusts the helmet of his launch and entry suit during final prelaunch preparations in the Operations and Checkout Building. This is Precourt’s third space flight, but his f More

STS-84 Mission Specialist Carlos I. Noriega gets assistance from a suit technician as he dons his launch and entry suit during final prelaunch preparations in the Operations and Checkout Building. This will be Noriega’s first space flight. Noriega and six other crew members will depart shortly for Launch Pad 39A, where the Space Shuttle Atlantis awaits liftoff on a mission to dock with the Russian Space Station Mir KSC-97PC795

STS-84 Mission Specialist Carlos I. Noriega gets assistance from a suit technician as he dons his launch and entry suit during final prelaunch preparations in the Operations and Checkout Building. This will be More

Assisted by suit technicians and others in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-84 Mission Specialist Jean-Francois Clervoy dons his launch and entry suit during final prelaunch preparations. Clervoy is an astronaut with the European Space Agency. This will his second Space Shuttle flight. Clervoy and six other crew members will depart shortly for Launch Pad 39A, where the Space Shuttle Atlantis awaits liftoff on a mission to dock with the Russian Space Station Mir KSC-97PC796

Assisted by suit technicians and others in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-84 Mission Specialist Jean-Francois Clervoy dons his launch and entry suit during final prelaunch preparations. Clervoy is an More

STS-84 Mission Specialist Elena V. Kondakova gives a "thumbs up" as she dons her launch and entry suit during final prelaunch preparations in the Operations and Checkout Building. Kondakova is a cosmonaut with the Russian Space Agency. This is her second trip into space, but her first on the Space Shuttle. She spent 169 days in space as flight engineer of the 17th main mission on the Russian Space Station Mir from Oct. 4, 1994, to March 9, 1995. STS-84 aboard Atlantis will be the sixth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Mir KSC-97PC797

STS-84 Mission Specialist Elena V. Kondakova gives a "thumbs up" as she dons her launch and entry suit during final prelaunch preparations in the Operations and Checkout Building. Kondakova is a cosmonaut with More

STS-84 Mission Specialist Edward Tsang Lu gives a "thumbs up" as he dons his launch and entry suit during final prelaunch preparations in the Operations and Checkout Building. This will be Lu’s first space flight. Lu and six other crew members will depart shortly for Launch Pad 39A, where the Space Shuttle Atlantis awaits liftoff on a mission to dock with the Russian Space Station Mir KSC-97PC794

STS-84 Mission Specialist Edward Tsang Lu gives a "thumbs up" as he dons his launch and entry suit during final prelaunch preparations in the Operations and Checkout Building. This will be Lu’s first space flig More

With the Rotating Service Structure rolled back, at left, the Space Shuttle Atlantis undergoes final prelaunch preparations at Launch Pad 39A for the STS-86 mission. One of the final steps will be to load the external tank with approximately 500,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen for fueling the orbiter’s three main engines. STS-86 is slated to be the seventh docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. Liftoff is targeted for Sept. 25 at 10:34 p.m. EDT during a preferred launch window which lasts six minutes and 45 seconds. Seven crew members will lift off for the scheduled 10-day flight. One of those crew members, David A. Wolf, will transfer to the Mir for an approximate four-month stay. He will replace U.S. astronaut C. Michael Foale, who will return to Earth with the remainder of the STS86 crew. Foale has been on the Russian space station since mid-May KSC-97PC1418

With the Rotating Service Structure rolled back, at left, the Space Shuttle Atlantis undergoes final prelaunch preparations at Launch Pad 39A for the STS-86 mission. One of the final steps will be to load the e More

With the Rotating Service Structure rolled back, at left, the Space Shuttle Atlantis undergoes final prelaunch preparations at Launch Pad 39A for the STS-86 mission. One of the final steps will be to load the external tank with approximately 500,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen for fueling the orbiter’s three main engines. STS-86 is slated to be the seventh docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. Liftoff is targeted for Sept. 25 at 10:34 p.m. EDT during a preferred launch window which lasts six minutes and 45 seconds. Seven crew members will lift off for the scheduled 10-day flight. One of those crew members, David A. Wolf, will transfer to the Mir for an approximate four-month stay. He will replace U.S. astronaut C. Michael Foale, who will return to Earth with the remainder of the STS86 crew. Foale has been on the Russian space station since mid-May KSC-97PC1416

With the Rotating Service Structure rolled back, at left, the Space Shuttle Atlantis undergoes final prelaunch preparations at Launch Pad 39A for the STS-86 mission. One of the final steps will be to load the e More

The access tower around the Athena II rocket for the Lunar Prospector spacecraft, to be launched for NASA by Lockheed Martin, was rolled back today at Launch Complex 46 at Cape Canaveral Air Station for final prelaunch preparations. The small robotic spacecraft is designed to provide the first global maps of the Moon's surface compositional elements and its gravitational and magnetic fields. The launch of Lunar Prospector is currently scheduled for Jan. 5, 1998 at 8:31 p.m KSC-97PC1801

The access tower around the Athena II rocket for the Lunar Prospector spacecraft, to be launched for NASA by Lockheed Martin, was rolled back today at Launch Complex 46 at Cape Canaveral Air Station for final p More

The access tower around the Athena II rocket for the Lunar Prospector spacecraft, to be launched for NASA by Lockheed Martin, was rolled back today at Launch Complex 46 at Cape Canaveral Air Station for final prelaunch preparations. The small robotic spacecraft is designed to provide the first global maps of the Moon's surface compositional elements and its gravitational and magnetic fields. The launch of Lunar Prospector is currently scheduled for Jan. 5, 1998 at 8:31 p.m KSC-97PC1800

The access tower around the Athena II rocket for the Lunar Prospector spacecraft, to be launched for NASA by Lockheed Martin, was rolled back today at Launch Complex 46 at Cape Canaveral Air Station for final p More

A smiling STS-88 Mission Specialist Jerry L. Ross prepares to exit the T-38 jet aircraft that brought him to the Shuttle Landing Facility. He joins the five other crew members, Commander Robert D. Cabana, Pilot Frederick W. "Rick" Sturckow, and Mission Specialists Nancy J. Currie, James H. Newman and Sergei Konstantinovich Krikalev, a Russian cosmonaut, for prelaunch preparations for mission STS-88 aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour. The scheduled time of launch is 3:56 a.m. EST on Dec. 3 from Launch Pad 39A. The mission is the first U.S. launch for the International Space Station. Endeavour carries the Unity connecting module which the crew will be mating with the Russian-built Zarya control module already in orbit. In addition to Unity, Endeavour will carry two small replacement electronics boxes for possible repairs to Zarya batteries. The mission is scheduled to last nearly 12 days KSC-98pc1743

A smiling STS-88 Mission Specialist Jerry L. Ross prepares to exit the T-38 jet aircraft that brought him to the Shuttle Landing Facility. He joins the five other crew members, Commander Robert D. Cabana, Pilot More

STS-88 Pilot Frederick W. "Rick" Sturckow (at left) and Mission Specialist Nancy J. Currie walk across the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility after exiting the T-38 jet aircraft (in background) that brought them to KSC. They join the four other crew members, Commander Robert D. Cabana and Mission Specialists Jerry L. Ross, James H. Newman and Sergei Konstantinovich Krikalev, a Russian cosmonaut, for prelaunch preparations for mission STS-88 aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour. The scheduled time of launch is 3:56 a.m. EST on Dec. 3 from Launch Pad 39A. The mission is the first U.S. launch for the International Space Station. Endeavour carries the Unity connecting module which the crew will be mating with the Russian-built Zarya control module already in orbit. In addition to Unity, Endeavour will carry two small replacement electronics boxes for possible repairs to Zarya batteries. The mission is scheduled to last nearly 12 days KSC-98pc1742

STS-88 Pilot Frederick W. "Rick" Sturckow (at left) and Mission Specialist Nancy J. Currie walk across the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility after exiting the T-38 jet aircraft (in background) that brought More

STS-88 Mission Specialist Sergei Konstantinovich Krikalev, a Russian cosmonaut, smiles at onlookers after his arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. He joins the five other crew members, Commander Robert D. Cabana, Pilot Frederick W. "Rick" Sturckow and Mission Specialists Nancy J. Currie, Jerry L. Ross and James H. Newman, for prelaunch preparations for Mission STS-88 aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour. The scheduled time of launch is 3:56 a.m. EST on Dec. 3 from Launch Pad 39A. The mission is the first U.S. launch for the International Space Station. Endeavour carries the Unity connecting module which the crew will be mating with the Russian-built Zarya control module already in orbit. In addition to Unity, Endeavour will carry two small replacement electronics boxes for possible repairs to Zarya batteries. The mission is scheduled to last nearly 12 days KSC-98pc1741

STS-88 Mission Specialist Sergei Konstantinovich Krikalev, a Russian cosmonaut, smiles at onlookers after his arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. He joins the five other crew mem More

STS-88 Commander Robert D. Cabana smiles at onlookers after his arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. He joins other crew members Pilot Frederick W. "Rick" Sturckow and Mission Specialists Nancy J. Currie, Jerry L. Ross, James H. Newman and Sergei Konstantinovich Krikalev, a Russian cosmonaut, for prelaunch preparations for Mission STS-88 aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour. The scheduled time of launch is 3:56 a.m. EST on Dec. 3 from Launch Pad 39A. The mission is the first U.S. launch for the International Space Station. Endeavour carries the Unity connecting module which the crew will be mating with the Russian-built Zarya control module already in orbit. In addition to Unity, Endeavour will carry two small replacement electronics boxes for possible repairs to Zarya batteries. The mission is scheduled to last nearly 12 days KSC-98pc1740

STS-88 Commander Robert D. Cabana smiles at onlookers after his arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. He joins other crew members Pilot Frederick W. "Rick" Sturckow and Mission Spe More

At Launch Pad 39A, STS-88 Mission Commander Robert D. Cabana gets a close look at the Unity connecting module and its two attached pressurized mating adapters. Unity is in the payload bay of the Space Shuttle Endeavour, awaiting liftoff of Mission STS-88. Cabana and the other five members of the STS-88 crew arrived at KSC in the early morning hours of Nov. 30 for final prelaunch preparations. The other crew members are Pilot Frederick W. "Rick" Sturckow and Mission Specialists Nancy J. Currie, James H. Newman and Sergei Konstantinovich Krikalev, a Russian cosmonaut. The scheduled liftoff is at 3:56 a.m. on Dec. 3. Unity is the primary payload of the mission, which is the first U.S. launch for the International Space Station. The crew will be mating Unity with the Russian-built Zarya control module already in orbit. In addition to Unity, Endeavour will carry two small replacement electronics boxes for possible repairs to Zarya batteries. The mission is scheduled to last nearly 12 days KSC-98pc1745

At Launch Pad 39A, STS-88 Mission Commander Robert D. Cabana gets a close look at the Unity connecting module and its two attached pressurized mating adapters. Unity is in the payload bay of the Space Shuttle E More

At Launch Pad 39A, STS-88 Pilot Frederick W. "Rick" Sturckow (at left) and Commander Robert D. Cabana look over the Unity connecting module and its two attached pressurized mating adapters. Unity is in the payload bay of the Space Shuttle Endeavour, awaiting liftoff of Mission STS-88. Cabana, Sturckow and the other four members of the STS-88 crew arrived at KSC in the early morning hours of Nov. 30 for prelaunch preparations. The other crew members are Mission Specialists Nancy J. Currie, James H. Newman and Sergei Konstantinovich Krikalev, a Russian cosmonaut. The scheduled liftoff is at 3:56 a.m. on Dec. 3. Unity is the primary payload of the mission, which is the first U.S. launch for the International Space Station. The crew will be mating Unity with the Russian-built Zarya control module already in orbit. In addition to Unity, Endeavour will carry two small replacement electronics boxes for possible repairs to Zarya batteries. The mission is scheduled to last nearly 12 days KSC-98pc1746

At Launch Pad 39A, STS-88 Pilot Frederick W. "Rick" Sturckow (at left) and Commander Robert D. Cabana look over the Unity connecting module and its two attached pressurized mating adapters. Unity is in the payl More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The crawler transporter, with its cargo of Space Shuttle Discovery and mobile launcher platform, leaves tracks on the crawlerway as it makes its way up Launch Pad 39B. Behind the Shuttle can be seen part of the rotating service structure and the 82-foot lightning mast (next to the solid rocket booster) on top of the fixed service structure. The two structures are used during prelaunch preparations at the pad. Earlier in the week, the Shuttle was rolled back to the VAB from the pad to repair hail damage on the external tank's foam insulation. Mission STS-96, the 94th launch in the Space Shuttle Program, is scheduled for liftoff May 27 at 6:48 a.m. EDT. STS-96 is a logistics and resupply mission for the International Space Station, carrying such payloads as a Russian crane, the Strela; a U.S.-built crane; the Spacehab Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), a logistics items carrier; and STARSHINE, a student-shared experiment KSC-99pp0566

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The crawler transporter, with its cargo of Space Shuttle Discovery and mobile launcher platform, leaves tracks on the crawlerway as it makes its way up Launch Pad 39B. Behind the S More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Discovery makes the climb to Launch Pad 39B aboard the mobile launcher platform and crawler transporter. The crawler is able to keep its cargo level during the move up the five percent grade, not varying from the vertical more than the diameter of a soccer ball. At right are the rotating and fixed service structures which will be used during prelaunch preparations at the pad. Earlier in the week, the Shuttle was rolled back to the VAB from the pad to repair hail damage on the external tank's foam insulation. Mission STS-96, the 94th launch in the Space Shuttle Program, is scheduled for liftoff May 27 at 6:48 a.m. EDT. STS-96 is a logistics and resupply mission for the International Space Station, carrying such payloads as a Russian crane, the Strela; a U.S.-built crane; the Spacehab Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), a logistics items carrier; and STARSHINE, a student-shared experiment KSC-99pp0565

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Discovery makes the climb to Launch Pad 39B aboard the mobile launcher platform and crawler transporter. The crawler is able to keep its cargo level during the move More

October 13, 2003. Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan. Expedition 8 Commander and NASA Science Officer Mike Foale (center) visits the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan Oct. 13, 2003 during final prelaunch preparations. Foale, Expedition 8 Soyuz Commander Alexander Kaleri and European Space Agency Astronaut Pedro Duque of Spain will be launched from this pad to the International Space Station on Oct. 18. Photo Credit"NASA/Bill Ingalls" 03pd2806

October 13, 2003. Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan. Expedition 8 Commander and NASA Science Officer Mike Foale (center) visits the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan Oct. 13, 2003 during final More

October 15, 2003. Cosmonaut Hotel, Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Expedition 8 Commander and NASA Science Officer Mike Foale talks to a colleague on his cell phone from his Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kazakhstan Oct. 15, 2003 as he continues prelaunch preparations for his launch on Oct. 18 on a Soyuz TMA-3 vehicle to the International Space Station. Foale will ride into orbit with Expedition 8 Soyuz Commander Alexander Kaleri and European Space Agency Astronaut Pedro Duuque of Spain. Photo Credit: "NASA/Bill Ingalls" 03pd2813

October 15, 2003. Cosmonaut Hotel, Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Expedition 8 Commander and NASA Science Officer Mike Foale talks to a colleague on his cell phone from his Cosmonaut Hotel crew quarters in Baikonur, Kaz More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-116 Pilot William Oelefein steps on the stairs to the shuttle training aircraft (STA) to practice landing the orbiter. The mission crew is at KSC for the terminal countdown demonstration test, which are prelaunch preparations that include a simulated launch countdown. STA practice is part of the TCDT. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate an orbiter's cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the STA duplicates the orbiter's atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. Because the orbiter is unpowered during re-entry and landing, its high-speed glide must be perfectly executed the first time. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2520

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-116 Pilot William Oelefein steps on the stairs to the shuttle training aircraft (STA) to practice landing the orbiter. The mission crew is at More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang poses for the media after his arrival at KSC. Fugelsang, who is from Sweden, represents the European Space Agency. The crew has returned to KSC for the terminal countdown demonstration test, which are prelaunch preparations that include a simulated launch countdown. Other crew members are Commander Mark Polansky, Pilot William Oefelein and Mission Specialists Sunita Williams, Joan Higginbotham, Nicholas Patrick and Robert Curbeam. 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-06pd2512

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang poses for the media after his arrival at KSC. Fugelsang, who is from Sweden, represents the European More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-116 Mission Specialist Sunita Williams poses for the media. The crew has returned to KSC for the terminal countdown demonstration test, which are prelaunch preparations that include a simulated launch countdown. Other crew members are Commander Mark Polansky, Pilot William Oefelein and Mission Specialists Joan Higginbotham, Nicholas Patrick, Christer Fuglesang and Robert Curbeam. Fuglesang, who is from Sweden, represents the European Space Agency. Williams will remain on the International Space Station as flight engineer on the Expedition 14 crew. 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-06pd2515

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-116 Mission Specialist Sunita Williams poses for the media. The crew has returned to KSC for the terminal countdown demonstration More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility, the shuttle training aircraft taxis onto the runway. Inside are STS-116 Pilot William Oefelein and Commander Mark Polansky, who are flying the aircraft to practice landing the orbiter. The mission crew is at KSC for the terminal countdown demonstration test, which are prelaunch preparations that include a simulated launch countdown. STA practice is part of the TCDT. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate an orbiter's cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the STA duplicates the orbiter's atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. Because the orbiter is unpowered during re-entry and landing, its high-speed glide must be perfectly executed the first time. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2526

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility, the shuttle training aircraft taxis onto the runway. Inside are STS-116 Pilot William Oefelein and Commander Mark Polansky, who are flying the air More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-116 Commander Mark Polansky is in the pilot's seat of the shuttle training aircraft (STA), getting ready to practice landing the orbiter. The mission crew is at KSC for the terminal countdown demonstration test, which are prelaunch preparations that include a simulated launch countdown. STA practice is part of the TCDT. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate an orbiter's cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the STA duplicates the orbiter's atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. Because the orbiter is unpowered during re-entry and landing, its high-speed glide must be perfectly executed the first time. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2521

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-116 Commander Mark Polansky is in the pilot's seat of the shuttle training aircraft (STA), getting ready to practice landing the orbiter. The More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Seated in the cockpit of the shuttle training aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-116 Pilot William Oefelein (left) and Commander Mark Polansky are getting ready to practice landing the orbiter. The mission crew is at KSC for the terminal countdown demonstration test, which are prelaunch preparations that include a simulated launch countdown. STA practice is part of the TCDT. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate an orbiter's cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the STA duplicates the orbiter's atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. Because the orbiter is unpowered during re-entry and landing, its high-speed glide must be perfectly executed the first time. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2524

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Seated in the cockpit of the shuttle training aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-116 Pilot William Oefelein (left) and Commander Mark Polansky are getting ready to pract More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-116 crew pauses for the media at the Shuttle Landing Facility after their arrival. At the microphone is Mission Commander Mark Polansky. The crew members (from left) are Mission Specialists Sunita Williams, Joan Higginbotham and Nicholas Patrick, Polansky, Pilot William Oefelein, and Mission Specialists Robert Curbeam and Christer Fuglesang. The crew has returned to KSC for the terminal countdown demonstration test, which are prelaunch preparations that include a simulated launch countdown. 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-06pd2505

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-116 crew pauses for the media at the Shuttle Landing Facility after their arrival. At the microphone is Mission Commander Mark Polansky. The crew members (from left) are M More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-116 Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam poses for the media. The crew has returned to KSC for the terminal countdown demonstration test, which are prelaunch preparations that include a simulated launch countdown. Other crew members are Commander Mark Polansky, Pilot William Oefelein and Mission Specialists Joan Higginbotham, Sunita Williams, Nicholas Patrick and Christer Fuglesang, who represents the European Space Agency. 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-06pd2518

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-116 Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam poses for the media. The crew has returned to KSC for the terminal countdown demonstration More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-116 Pilot William Oefelein poses for the media. The crew has returned to KSC for the terminal countdown demonstration test, which are prelaunch preparations that include a simulated launch countdown. Other crew members are Commander Mark Polansky and Mission Specialists Joan Higginbotham, Sunita Williams, Nicholas Patrick, Christer Fuglesang and Robert Curbeam. Fuglesang, who is from Sweden, represents the European Space Agency. 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-06pd2517

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-116 Pilot William Oefelein poses for the media. The crew has returned to KSC for the terminal countdown demonstration test, which More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-116 Commander Mark Polansky is in the pilot's seat of the shuttle training aircraft (STA), getting ready to practice landing the orbiter. The mission crew is at KSC for the terminal countdown demonstration test, which are prelaunch preparations that include a simulated launch countdown. STA practice is part of the TCDT. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate an orbiter's cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the STA duplicates the orbiter's atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. Because the orbiter is unpowered during re-entry and landing, its high-speed glide must be perfectly executed the first time. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2522

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-116 Commander Mark Polansky is in the pilot's seat of the shuttle training aircraft (STA), getting ready to practice landing the orbiter. The More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-116 Commander Mark Polansky climbs the steps to the shuttle training aircraft (STA) to practice landing the orbiter. The mission crew is at KSC for the terminal countdown demonstration test, which are prelaunch preparations that include a simulated launch countdown. STA practice is part of the TCDT. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate an orbiter's cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the STA duplicates the orbiter's atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. Because the orbiter is unpowered during re-entry and landing, its high-speed glide must be perfectly executed the first time. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2519

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-116 Commander Mark Polansky climbs the steps to the shuttle training aircraft (STA) to practice landing the orbiter. The mission crew is at K More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility, the shuttle training aircraft taxis onto the runway. Inside are STS-116 Pilot William Oefelein and Commander Mark Polansky, who are flying the aircraft to practice landing the orbiter. The mission crew is at KSC for the terminal countdown demonstration test, which are prelaunch preparations that include a simulated launch countdown. STA practice is part of the TCDT. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate an orbiter's cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the STA duplicates the orbiter's atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. Because the orbiter is unpowered during re-entry and landing, its high-speed glide must be perfectly executed the first time. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2525

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility, the shuttle training aircraft taxis onto the runway. Inside are STS-116 Pilot William Oefelein and Commander Mark Polansky, who are flying the air More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the shuttle training aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-116 Pilot William Oefelein (left) and Commander Mark Polansky are seated in the cockpit, getting ready to practice landing the orbiter. The mission crew is at KSC for the terminal countdown demonstration test, which are prelaunch preparations that include a simulated launch countdown. STA practice is part of the TCDT. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate an orbiter's cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the STA duplicates the orbiter's atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. Because the orbiter is unpowered during re-entry and landing, its high-speed glide must be perfectly executed the first time. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2523

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the shuttle training aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-116 Pilot William Oefelein (left) and Commander Mark Polansky are seated in the cockpit, getting ready to More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-116 Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick poses for the media. The crew has returned to KSC for the terminal countdown demonstration test, which are prelaunch preparations that include a simulated launch countdown. Other crew members are Commander Mark Polansky, Pilot William Oefelein and Mission Specialists Sunita Williams, Joan Higginbotham, Christer Fuglesang and Robert Curbeam. Fuglesang, who is from Sweden, represents the European Space Agency. 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-06pd2514

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-116 Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick poses for the media. The crew has returned to KSC for the terminal countdown demonstratio More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-116 Commander Mark Polansky talks to the media. He and Mission Specialists Sunita Williams, Joan Higginbotham and Nicholas Patrick, Polansky, Pilot William Oefelein, and Mission Specialists Robert Curbeam and Christer Fuglesang have returned to KSC for the terminal countdown demonstration test, which are prelaunch preparations that include a simulated launch countdown. Fugelsang, who is from Sweden, represents the European Space Agency. 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-06pd2513

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-116 Commander Mark Polansky talks to the media. He and Mission Specialists Sunita Williams, Joan Higginbotham and Nicholas Patri More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-116 Mission Specialist Joan Higginbotham poses for the media. The crew has returned to KSC for the terminal countdown demonstration test, which are prelaunch preparations that include a simulated launch countdown. Other crew members are Commander Mark Polansky, Pilot William Oefelein and Mission Specialists Sunita Williams, Nicholas Patrick, Christer Fuglesang and Robert Curbeam. Fuglesang, who is from Sweden, represents the European Space Agency. 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-06pd2516

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-116 Mission Specialist Joan Higginbotham poses for the media. The crew has returned to KSC for the terminal countdown demonstrati More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Sunita Williams checks the fit of her launch suit, part of the prelaunch 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-116 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-06pd2546

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Sunita Williams checks the fit of her launch suit, part of the prelaunch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. Th More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang checks his helmet during suit fit-check, part of the prelaunch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. Fuglesang represents the European Space Agency. The STS-116 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-06pd2547

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang checks his helmet during suit fit-check, part of the prelaunch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activi More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang checks the fit of his launch suit, part of the prelaunch 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-116 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-06pd2548

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang checks the fit of his launch suit, part of the prelaunch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick has donned his launch suit for a fit-check, part of the prelaunch 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-116 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-06pd2545

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick has donned his launch suit for a fit-check, part of the prelaunch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) acti More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Sunita Williams is enthusiastic about donning her launch suit to check the fit, including the helmet, which is part of the prelaunch 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-116 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-06pd2551

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Sunita Williams is enthusiastic about donning her launch suit to check the fit, including the helmet, which is part of the prelaunch preparations during More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Joan Higginbotham has donned her complete launch suit to check the fit, part of the prelaunch 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-116 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-06pd2550

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Joan Higginbotham has donned her complete launch suit to check the fit, part of the prelaunch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test ( More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick is helped putting on his helmet during suit fit-check, part of the prelaunch 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-116 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-06pd2552

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick is helped putting on his helmet during suit fit-check, part of the prelaunch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test ( More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick checks the fit of his gloves during suit fit-check, part of the prelaunch 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-116 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-06pd2554

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick checks the fit of his gloves during suit fit-check, part of the prelaunch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCD More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam checks the fit of his helmet during suit fit-check, part of the prelaunch 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-116 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-06pd2555

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam checks the fit of his helmet during suit fit-check, part of the prelaunch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang checks the fit of his helmet during suit fit-check, part of the prelaunch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. Fuglesang represents the European Space Agency. The STS-116 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-06pd2553

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang checks the fit of his helmet during suit fit-check, part of the prelaunch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (T More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Joan Higginbotham has donned her complete launch suit to check the fit, part of the prelaunch 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-116 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-06pd2549

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Joan Higginbotham has donned her complete launch suit to check the fit, part of the prelaunch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test ( More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam checks the fit of his helmet during suit fit-check, part of the prelaunch 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-116 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-06pd2556

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam checks the fit of his helmet during suit fit-check, part of the prelaunch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the payload changeout room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 crew members look over the mission payload with payload managers one more time before launch. At left is Pilot William Oefelein. Second from right is Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam. The crew is at KSC to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include emergency egress training, a simulated launch countdown and payload familiarization. The TCDT is part of prelaunch preparations for the mission that is scheduled to lift off in a window opening no earlier than Dec. 7. The STS-116 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. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2575

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the payload changeout room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 crew members look over the mission payload with payload managers one more time before launch. At left is Pilot William Oefe More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the payload changeout room on Launch Pad 39B, Expedition 14 Flight Engineer Sunita Williams looks over the STS-116 mission payload one more time before launch. Williams will be traveling aboard Discovery with the STS-116 crew and staying on the International Space Station. The crew is at KSC to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include emergency egress training, a simulated launch countdown and payload familiarization. The TCDT is part of prelaunch preparations for the mission that is scheduled to lift off in a window opening no earlier than Dec. 7. The STS-116 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. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2580

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the payload changeout room on Launch Pad 39B, Expedition 14 Flight Engineer Sunita Williams looks over the STS-116 mission payload one more time before launch. Williams will be More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the payload changeout room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Commander Mark Polansky looks over the mission payload one more time before launch. The crew is at KSC to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include emergency egress training, a simulated launch countdown and payload familiarization. The TCDT is part of prelaunch preparations for the mission that is scheduled to lift off in a window opening no earlier than Dec. 7. The STS-116 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. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2579

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the payload changeout room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Commander Mark Polansky looks over the mission payload one more time before launch. The crew is at KSC to take part in Term More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the payload changeout room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 crew members look over the mission payload one more time before launch. Mission Specialist Joan Higginbotham is at left. The crew is at KSC to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include emergency egress training, a simulated launch countdown and payload familiarization. The TCDT is part of prelaunch preparations for the mission that is scheduled to lift off in a window opening no earlier than Dec. 7. The STS-116 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. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2578

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the payload changeout room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 crew members look over the mission payload one more time before launch. Mission Specialist Joan Higginbotham is at left. T More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the payload changeout room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 crew members look over the mission payload one more time before launch. Pilot William Oefelein is at left and Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam is at right. The crew is at KSC to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include emergency egress training, a simulated launch countdown and payload familiarization. The TCDT is part of prelaunch preparations for the mission that is scheduled to lift off in a window opening no earlier than Dec. 7. The STS-116 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. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2576

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the payload changeout room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 crew members look over the mission payload one more time before launch. Pilot William Oefelein is at left and Mission Speci More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the payload changeout room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 crew members look over the mission payload with payload managers one more time before launch. Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang is in the center.The crew is at KSC to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include emergency egress training, a simulated launch countdown and payload familiarization. The TCDT is part of prelaunch preparations for the mission that is scheduled to lift off in a window opening no earlier than Dec. 7. The STS-116 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. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2577

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the payload changeout room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 crew members look over the mission payload with payload managers one more time before launch. Mission Specialist Christer F More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the white room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang is helped with his gear before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The mission crew is taking part in a simulated launch countdown, part of the terminal countdown demonstration test that includes prelaunch preparations. The STS-116 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/Amanda Diller KSC-06pd2601

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the white room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang is helped with his gear before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The mission crew is taking pa More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the white room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Mission Specialist Joan Higginbotham is helped with her gear before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The mission crew is taking part in a simulated launch countdown, part of the terminal countdown demonstration test that includes prelaunch preparations. The STS-116 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/Amanda Diller KSC-06pd2604

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the white room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Mission Specialist Joan Higginbotham is helped with her gear before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The mission crew is taking part More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Commander Mark Polansky (right) tests the release lever in the slidewire basket. Behind him in the basket is Pilot William Oefelein. They and other crew members are practicing the emergency egress system to get off the pad, part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal countdown demonstration test. The TCDT includes a simulated launch countdown and payload familiarization. The STS-116 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-06pd2611

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Commander Mark Polansky (right) tests the release lever in the slidewire basket. Behind him in t More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 crew members gather after completing the emergency egress procedure. Seen here are Commander Mark Polansky (left) and Pilot William Oefelein (right). They and other crew members are practicing the emergency egress system to get off the pad, part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal countdown demonstration test. The TCDT includes a simulated launch countdown and payload familiarization. The STS-116 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-06pd2612

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 crew members gather after completing the emergency egress procedure. Seen here are Commander Mark More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the white room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick is helped with his gear before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The mission crew is taking part in a simulated launch countdown, part of the terminal countdown demonstration test that includes prelaunch preparations. The STS-116 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/Amanda Diller KSC-06pd2603

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the white room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick is helped with his gear before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The mission crew is taking part More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the white room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Pilot William Oefelein is helped with his gear before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The mission crew is taking part in a simulated launch countdown, part of the terminal countdown demonstration test that includes prelaunch preparations. The STS-116 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/Amanda Diller KSC-06pd2600

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the white room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Pilot William Oefelein is helped with his gear before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The mission crew is taking part in a simulate More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Pilot William Oefelein (left) and Commander Mark Polansky head for the slidewire baskets, part of the emergency egress system. They and other crew members are practicing the procedure to get off the pad that are part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal countdown demonstration test. The TCDT includes a simulated launch countdown and payload familiarization. The STS-116 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-06pd2610

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Pilot William Oefelein (left) and Commander Mark Polansky head for the slidewire baskets, part of t More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam heads for the slidewire baskets. He and other crew members are practicing the emergency egress procedure to get off the pad, part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal countdown demonstration test. The TCDT includes a simulated launch countdown and payload familiarization. The STS-116 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-06pd2608

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam heads for the slidewire baskets. He and other crew members are pr More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick sit in a slidewire basket, part of the emergency egress system. Behind him in the basket is Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam. He and other crew members are practicing the procedure to get off the pad that are part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal countdown demonstration test. The TCDT includes a simulated launch countdown and payload familiarization. The STS-116 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-06pd2609

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick sit in a slidewire basket, part of the emergency egress syste More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 crew members sit in a slidewire basket, part of the emergency egress system. In the front is Mission Specialist Sunita Williams; behind her are Mission Specialists Joan Higginbotham and Christer Fuglesang. They and other crew members are practicing the emergency egress procedure to get off the pad, part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal countdown demonstration test. The TCDT includes a simulated launch countdown and payload familiarization. The STS-116 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-06pd2607

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 crew members sit in a slidewire basket, part of the emergency egress system. In the front is Mi More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the white room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam is helped with his gear before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The mission crew is taking part in a simulated launch countdown, part of the terminal countdown demonstration test that includes prelaunch preparations. The STS-116 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/Amanda Diller KSC-06pd2605

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the white room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam is helped with his gear before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The mission crew is taking part in More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang heads for the slidewire baskets. He and other crew members are practicing the emergency egress procedure to get off the pad, part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal countdown demonstration test. The TCDT includes a simulated launch countdown and payload familiarization. The STS-116 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-06pd2606

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang heads for the slidewire baskets. He and other crew members a More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialists James Reilly (left) and Danny Olivas sit in the mid-deck of Space Shuttle Atlantis at Launch Pad 39A to participate in a simulated launch countdown that is part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT). The TCDT also includes M-113 armored personnel carrier training and payload familiarization. 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-07pd0530

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialists James Reilly (left) and Danny Olivas sit in the mid-deck of Space Shuttle Atlantis at Launch Pad 39A to participate in a simulated launch count More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Mission Specialists Danny Olivas (front) and James Reilly sit in a slidewire basket, part of the emergency egress system. They and other crew members are practicing the emergency egress procedure to get off the pad, part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT). The TCDT also includes M-113 armored personnel carrier training and payload familiarization. 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-07pd0537

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Mission Specialists Danny Olivas (front) and James Reilly sit in a slidewire basket, part of the More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist Patrick Forrester sits inside Space Shuttle Atlantis at Launch Pad 39A to participate in a simulated launch countdown that is part of the prelaunch preparations known as the terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT).The TCDT also includes M-113 armored personnel carrier training and payload familiarization. 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-07pd0531

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist Patrick Forrester sits inside Space Shuttle Atlantis at Launch Pad 39A to participate in a simulated launch countdown that is part of the prelau More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist James Reilly egresses from Space Shuttle Atlantis at Launch Pad 39A after participating in a simulated launch countdown that is part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal demonstration countdown test (TCDT). The TCDT also includes M-113 armored personnel carrier training and payload familiarization. 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-07pd0535

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist James Reilly egresses from Space Shuttle Atlantis at Launch Pad 39A after participating in a simulated launch countdown that is part of the pre More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault (front) and Commander Rick Sturckow sit in a slidewire basket, part of the emergency egress system. They and other crew members are practicing the emergency egress procedure to get off the pad, part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal countdown demonstration test. The TCDT also includes M-113 armored personnel carrier training and payload familiarization. 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-07pd0541

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault (front) and Commander Rick Sturckow sit in a slidewire basket, part of the More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault (front) and Commander Rick Sturckow head for the slidewire baskets. They and other crew members are practicing the emergency egress procedure to get off the pad, part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT). The TCDT also includes M-113 armored personnel carrier training and payload familiarization. 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-07pd0540

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault (front) and Commander Rick Sturckow head for the slidewire baskets. They an More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist Steven Swanson sits inside Space Shuttle Atlantis at Launch Pad 39A to participate in a simulated launch countdown that is part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal demonstration countdown test (TCDT). The TCDT also includes M-113 armored personnel carrier training and payload familiarization. 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-07pd0534

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist Steven Swanson sits inside Space Shuttle Atlantis at Launch Pad 39A to participate in a simulated launch countdown that is part of the prelaunch More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Commander Rick Sturckow sits in the cockpit of Space Shuttle Atlantis at Launch Pad 39A to participate in a simulated launch countdown that is part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal demonstration countdown test (TCDT). The TCDT also includes M-113 armored personnel carrier training and payload familiarization. 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-07pd0533

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Commander Rick Sturckow sits in the cockpit of Space Shuttle Atlantis at Launch Pad 39A to participate in a simulated launch countdown that is part of the prelaunc More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Mission Specialists Steven Swanson and Patrick Forrester (directly behind him) head for the slidewire baskets. They and other crew members are practicing the emergency egress procedure to get off the pad, part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT). The TCDT also includes M-113 armored personnel carrier training and payload familiarization. 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-07pd0538

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Mission Specialists Steven Swanson and Patrick Forrester (directly behind him) head for the slide More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Mission Specialists James Reilly (front) and Danny Olivas head for the slidewire baskets. They and other crew members are practicing the emergency egress procedure to get off the pad, part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT). The TCDT also includes M-113 armored personnel carrier training and payload familiarization. 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-07pd0536

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Mission Specialists James Reilly (front) and Danny Olivas head for the slidewire baskets. They and More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault sits in the cockpit of Space Shuttle Atlantis at Launch Pad 39A to participate in a simulated launch countdown that is part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT). The TCDT also includes M-113 armored personnel carrier training and payload familiarization. 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-07pd0532

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault sits in the cockpit of Space Shuttle Atlantis at Launch Pad 39A to participate in a simulated launch countdown that is part of the prelaunch More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Commander Rick Sturckow (right) gives a thumbs up after he and Pilot Lee Archambault practice emergency egress procedures in a slidewire basket at the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A. They and other crew members are practicing the emergency egress procedure to get off the pad, part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT). The TCDT also includes M-113 armored personnel carrier training and payload familiarization. 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-07pd0542

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Commander Rick Sturckow (right) gives a thumbs up after he and Pilot Lee Archambault practice emergency egress procedures in a slidewire basket at the 195-foot le More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Commander Rick Sturckow completes emergency egress procedures at the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A during the prelaunch preparations known as terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT). The TCDT also includes M-113 armored personnel carrier training and payload familiarization. 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-07pd0543

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Commander Rick Sturckow completes emergency egress procedures at the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A during the prelaunch preparat More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Mission Specialists Patrick Forrester (front) and Steven Swanson sit in a slidewire basket, part of the emergency egress system. They and other crew members are practicing the emergency egress procedure to get off the pad, part of the prelaunch preparations known as terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT). The TCDT also includes M-113 armored personnel carrier training and payload familiarization. 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-07pd0539

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Mission Specialists Patrick Forrester (front) and Steven Swanson sit in a slidewire basket, part More