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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour prepares to land on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 6:22:23 p.m. EST Feb. 22 , landing on orbit 181 of the mission. Nose gear touchdown was at 6:22:35 p.m.. EST, and wheel stop at 6:23:25 p.m. EST. At the controls are Commander Kevin Kregel and Pilot Dominic Gorie. Also onboard the orbiter are Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, Mamoru Mohri of Japan and Gerhard Thiele of Germany. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. The crew are returning from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, after mapping more than 47 million square miles of the Earth. This was the 97th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 14th for Endeavour, also marking the 50th landing at KSC, the 21st consecutive landing at KSC, and the 28th in the last 29 Shuttle flights KSC00pp0250

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour prepares to land...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour prepares to land on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 6:22:... More

In the Operations and Checkout Building's suitup room, Carlos Gillis (left) and Leonard Groce (right)help STS-99 Pilot Dominic Gorie with his suit check. Gillis and Groce are with United Space Alliance. Gorie and other crew members Commander Kevin Kregel, and Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, Gerhard Thiele of Germany and Mamoru Mohri of Japan are preparing for launch of their mission on Feb. 11 at 12:30 p.m. EST aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Landing is expected at KSC on Feb. 22 at 4:36 p.m. EST KSC00pp0202

In the Operations and Checkout Building's suitup room, Carlos Gillis (...

In the Operations and Checkout Building's suitup room, Carlos Gillis (left) and Leonard Groce (right)help STS-99 Pilot Dominic Gorie with his suit check. Gillis and Groce are with United Space Alliance. Gorie a... More

STS-55 German payload specialists (and backups) in LESs during JSC training

STS-55 German payload specialists (and backups) in LESs during JSC tra...

S92-48735 (18 Sept 1992) --- These four Germans have been assigned as payload specialists to support the STS-55\Spacelab D-2 mission. Left to right are Renate Brummer, Gerhard Thiele, Ulrich Walter and Hans Sc... More

STS-55 Spacelab D-2 (SL D-2) Crew Members at KSC and at JSC Training

STS-55 Spacelab D-2 (SL D-2) Crew Members at KSC and at JSC Training

S92-49373 (8 Dec 1992) --- The seven prime flight crewmembers and two alternates assigned to support the STS-55\Spacelab D-2 mission pose with their science module. Left to right (front) are Steven R. Nagel, T... More

The STS-99 crew poses in front of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) in the Space Station Processing Facility. The crew has been checking out the SRTM, which is the payload for their mission. From left are Mission Specialists Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.), Mamoru Mohri of Japan, and Gerhard Thiele of Germany; Pilot Dominic L. Pudwill Gorie; Mission Specialist Janice Voss (Ph.D.); and Commander Kevin R. Kregel. Mohri represents the National Space Development Agency of Japan and Thiele represents the European Space Agency. An international project spearheaded by the National Imagery and Mapping Agency and NASA, with participation of the German Aerospace Center DLR, the SRTM consists of a specially modified radar system that will gather data for the most accurate and complete topographic map of the Earth's surface that has ever been assembled. SRTM will make use of radar interferometry, wherein two radar images are taken from slightly different locations. Differences between these images allow for the calculation of surface elevation, or change. The SRTM hardware will consist of one radar antenna in the shuttle payload bay and a second radar antenna attached to the end of a mast extended 60 meters (195 feet) out from the shuttle. STS-99 is scheduled to launch Sept. 16 at 8:47 a.m. from Launch Pad 39A KSC-99pp0778

The STS-99 crew poses in front of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission...

The STS-99 crew poses in front of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) in the Space Station Processing Facility. The crew has been checking out the SRTM, which is the payload for their mission. From left... More

In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-99 crew members take part in a simulated flight check of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), above and behind them. The SRTM is the payload for their mission. The crew members are Commander Kevin R. Kregel, Pilot Dominic L. Pudwill Gorie, and Mission Specialists Janet Lynn kavandi (Ph.D.), Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Mamoru Mohri of Japan and Gerhard Thiele of Germany. Mohri represents the National Space Development Agency of Japan and Thiele represents the European Space Agency. An international project spearheaded by the National Imagery and Mapping Agency and NASA, with participation of the German Aerospace Center DLR, the SRTM consists of a specially modified radar system that will gather data for the most accurate and complete topographic map of the Earth's surface that has ever been assembled. SRTM will make use of radar interferometry, wherein two radar images are taken from slightly different locations. Differences between these images allow for the calculation of surface elevation, or change. The SRTM hardware will consist of one radar antenna in the shuttle payload bay and a second radar antenna attached to the end of a mast extended 60 meters (195 feet) out from the shuttle. STS-99 is scheduled to launch Sept. 16 at 8:47 a.m. from Launch Pad 39A KSC-99pp0775

In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-99 crew members take par...

In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-99 crew members take part in a simulated flight check of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), above and behind them. The SRTM is the payload for their missi... More

STS-99 Commander Kevin Kregel arrives at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility aboard a T-38 training jet to take part in a Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT). The TCDT provides the crew with simulated countdown exercises, emergency egress training, and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. Other crew members taking part are Pilot Dominic Gorie, and Mission Specialists Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.), Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Mamoru Mohri, who is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, and Gerhard Thiele, who is with the European Space Agency. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will chart a new course, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. Launch of Endeavour on the 11-day mission is scheduled for Jan. 31 at 12:47 p.m. EST KSC00pp0002

STS-99 Commander Kevin Kregel arrives at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facilit...

STS-99 Commander Kevin Kregel arrives at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility aboard a T-38 training jet to take part in a Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT). The TCDT provides the crew with simulated count... More

After their arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility aboard T-38 training jet aircraft (background), the STS-99 crew talk to the media. From left are Mission Specialists Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.), Mamoru Mohri, who is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, and Gerhard Thiele, with the European Space Agency, Commander Kevin Kregel (at microphone) and Pilot Dominic Gorie. The crew are here to take part in a Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), which provides simulated countdown exercises, emergency egress training, and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will chart a new course, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. Launch of Endeavour on the 11-day mission is scheduled for Jan. 31 at 12:47 p.m. EST KSC-00pp0006

After their arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility aboard T-38 traini...

After their arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility aboard T-38 training jet aircraft (background), the STS-99 crew talk to the media. From left are Mission Specialists Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Janet Lynn Kavandi (... More

STS-99 Mission Specialist Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.) smiles on her arrival at KSC aboard a T-38 training jet aircraft to take part in a Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT). The TCDT provides the crew with simulated countdown exercises, emergency egress training, and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. Other crew members taking part are Commander Kevin Kregel, Pilot Dominic Gorie, and Mission Specialists Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Mamoru Mohri, who is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, and Gerhard Thiele, with the European Space Agency. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will chart a new course, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. Launch of Endeavour on the 11-day mission is scheduled for Jan. 31 at 12:47 p.m. EST KSC-00pp0005

STS-99 Mission Specialist Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.) smiles on her arr...

STS-99 Mission Specialist Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.) smiles on her arrival at KSC aboard a T-38 training jet aircraft to take part in a Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT). The TCDT provides the crew w... More

STS-99 Mission Specialist Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.) smiles on her arrival at KSC aboard a T-38 training jet aircraft to take part in a Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT). The TCDT provides the crew with simulated countdown exercises, emergency egress training, and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. Other crew members taking part are Commander Kevin Kregel, Pilot Dominic Gorie, and Mission Specialists Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Mamoru Mohri, who is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, and Gerhard Thiele, with the European Space Agency. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will chart a new course, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. Launch of Endeavour on the 11-day mission is scheduled for Jan. 31 at 12:47 p.m. EST KSC00pp0005

STS-99 Mission Specialist Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.) smiles on her arr...

STS-99 Mission Specialist Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.) smiles on her arrival at KSC aboard a T-38 training jet aircraft to take part in a Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT). The TCDT provides the crew w... More

After their arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-99 crew talk to the media. At the microphone is Mission Specialist Mamoru Mohri, who is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan. The crew are here to take part in a Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), which provides simulated countdown exercises, emergency egress training, and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. Others taking part in the TCDT are Commander Kevin Kregel, Pilot Dominic Gorie and Mission Specialists Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.), and Gerhard Thiele, with the European Space Agency. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will chart a new course, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. Launch of Endeavour on the 11-day mission is scheduled for Jan. 31 at 12:47 p.m. EST KSC-00pp0008

After their arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-99 crew t...

After their arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-99 crew talk to the media. At the microphone is Mission Specialist Mamoru Mohri, who is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan. ... More

Inside the White Room attached to the Fixed Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A, the STS-99 crew pose at the entrance to the orbiter Endeavour. From left are Mission Specialists Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.), Gerhard Thiele, Janice Voss (Ph.D.) and Mamoru Mohri, Commander Kevin Kregel (standing) and Pilot Dominic Gorie (kneeling in front). Thiele is with the European Space Agency and Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan. The crew are taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which provide them with simulated countdown exercises, emergency egress training, and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will chart a new course, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. Launch of Endeavour on the 11-day mission is scheduled for Jan. 31 at 12:47 p.m. EST KSC-00pp0045

Inside the White Room attached to the Fixed Service Structure on Launc...

Inside the White Room attached to the Fixed Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A, the STS-99 crew pose at the entrance to the orbiter Endeavour. From left are Mission Specialists Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.), Gerh... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- At the 167-foot level of the Fixed Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A, the STS-99 crew pose for a photograph during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. Standing left to right are Mission Specialist Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.), Commander Kevin Kregel, Mission Specialists Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Gerhard Thiele and Mamoru Mohri, and Pilot Dominic Gorie. Thiele is with the European Space Agency and Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan. Behind them (left) are visible the top of a solid rocket booster (white) and external tank (orange). The TCDT provides the crew with simulated countdown exercises, emergency egress training, and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will chart a new course, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. Launch of Endeavour on the 11-day mission is scheduled for Jan. 31 at 12:47 p.m. EST KSC00pp0044

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- At the 167-foot level of the Fixed Serv...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- At the 167-foot level of the Fixed Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A, the STS-99 crew pose for a photograph during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. Stand... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Near the bunker at Launch Pad 39A, STS-99 Mission Specialists Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Gerhard Thiele and Mamoru Mohri check out the slidewire basket used for emergency egress. The crew are taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which provide them with simulated countdown exercises, emergency egress training, and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. Thiele is with the European Space Agency and Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will chart a new course, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. Launch of Endeavour on the 11-day mission is scheduled for Jan. 31 at 12:47 p.m. EST KSC-00pp0048

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Near the bunker at Launch Pad 39A, STS-...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Near the bunker at Launch Pad 39A, STS-99 Mission Specialists Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Gerhard Thiele and Mamoru Mohri check out the slidewire basket used for emergency egress. The cr... More

At Launch Pad 39A, members of the STS-99 crew and others look over part of the safety equipment. Standing left to right (in uniform) are Commander Kevin Kregel, Pilot Dominic Gorie, and Mission Specialists Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.), Gerhard Thiele and Mamoru Mohri. Thiele is with the European Space Agency and Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan. The crew are taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which provide them with simulated countdown exercises, emergency egress training, and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will chart a new course, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. Launch of Endeavour on the 11-day mission is scheduled for Jan. 31 at 12:47 p.m. EST KSC-00pp0047

At Launch Pad 39A, members of the STS-99 crew and others look over par...

At Launch Pad 39A, members of the STS-99 crew and others look over part of the safety equipment. Standing left to right (in uniform) are Commander Kevin Kregel, Pilot Dominic Gorie, and Mission Specialists Jani... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- At the 167-foot level of the Fixed Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A, the STS-99 crew pose for a photograph during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. Standing left to right are Mission Specialist Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.), Commander Kevin Kregel, Mission Specialists Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Gerhard Thiele and Mamoru Mohri, and Pilot Dominic Gorie. Thiele is with the European Space Agency and Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan. Behind them are visible the top of a solid rocket booster (white) and external tank (orange). The TCDT provides the crew with simulated countdown exercises, emergency egress training, and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will chart a new course, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. Launch of Endeavour on the 11-day mission is scheduled for Jan. 31 at 12:47 p.m. EST KSC-00pp0043

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- At the 167-foot level of the Fixed Serv...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- At the 167-foot level of the Fixed Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A, the STS-99 crew pose for a photograph during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. Stand... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the bunker at Launch Pad 39A, the STS-99 crew try on oxygen masks. From left are Pilot Dominic Gorie, Mission Specialist Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Commander Kevin Kregel, and Mission Specialists Mamoru Mohri, Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.) and Gerhard Thiele. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. The crew are taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which provide them with simulated countdown exercises, emergency egress training, and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will chart a new course, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. Launch of Endeavour on the 11-day mission is scheduled for Jan. 31 at 12:47 p.m. EST KSC00pp0051

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the bunker at Launch Pad 39A, the ST...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the bunker at Launch Pad 39A, the STS-99 crew try on oxygen masks. From left are Pilot Dominic Gorie, Mission Specialist Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Commander Kevin Kregel, and Missio... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the bunker at Launch Pad 39A, the STS-99 crew try on oxygen masks. From left are Pilot Dominic Gorie, Mission Specialist Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Commander Kevin Kregel, and Mission Specialists Mamoru Mohri, Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.) and Gerhard Thiele. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. The crew are taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which provide them with simulated countdown exercises, emergency egress training, and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will chart a new course, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. Launch of Endeavour on the 11-day mission is scheduled for Jan. 31 at 12:47 p.m. EST KSC-00pp0051

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the bunker at Launch Pad 39A, the ST...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the bunker at Launch Pad 39A, the STS-99 crew try on oxygen masks. From left are Pilot Dominic Gorie, Mission Specialist Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Commander Kevin Kregel, and Missio... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Near the bunker at Launch Pad 39A, STS-99 Mission Specialists Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Gerhard Thiele and Mamoru Mohri check out the slidewire basket used for emergency egress. The crew are taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which provide them with simulated countdown exercises, emergency egress training, and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. Thiele is with the European Space Agency and Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will chart a new course, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. Launch of Endeavour on the 11-day mission is scheduled for Jan. 31 at 12:47 p.m. EST KSC00pp0048

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Near the bunker at Launch Pad 39A, STS-...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Near the bunker at Launch Pad 39A, STS-99 Mission Specialists Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Gerhard Thiele and Mamoru Mohri check out the slidewire basket used for emergency egress. The cr... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- At the 167-foot level of the Fixed Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A, the STS-99 crew pose for a photograph during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. Standing left to right are Mission Specialist Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.), Commander Kevin Kregel, Mission Specialists Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Gerhard Thiele and Mamoru Mohri, and Pilot Dominic Gorie. Thiele is with the European Space Agency and Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan. Behind them are visible the top of a solid rocket booster (white) and external tank (orange). The TCDT provides the crew with simulated countdown exercises, emergency egress training, and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will chart a new course, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. Launch of Endeavour on the 11-day mission is scheduled for Jan. 31 at 12:47 p.m. EST KSC00pp0043

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- At the 167-foot level of the Fixed Serv...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- At the 167-foot level of the Fixed Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A, the STS-99 crew pose for a photograph during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. Stand... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On the Fixed Service Structure at Launch Pad 39A, STS-99 Mission Specialists Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.) and Gerhard Thiele, who is with the European Space Agency, look over the emergency egress equipment. The crew are taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which provide them with simulated countdown exercises, emergency egress training, and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will chart a new course, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. Launch of Endeavour on the 11-day mission is scheduled for Jan. 31 at 12:47 p.m. EST KSC00pp0049

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On the Fixed Service Structure at Launc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On the Fixed Service Structure at Launch Pad 39A, STS-99 Mission Specialists Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.) and Gerhard Thiele, who is with the European Space Agency, look over the em... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-99 crew take time out during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities to talk to the media. From left to right are Commander Kevin Kregel, Mission Specialists Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.), Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Gerhard Thiele and Mamoru Mohri, and Pilot Dominic Gorie. Thiele is with the European Space Agency and Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan. The TCDT provides the crew with simulated countdown exercises, emergency egress training, and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will chart a new course, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. Launch of Endeavour on the 11-day mission is scheduled for Jan. 31 at 12:47 p.m. ES KSC00pp0042

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-99 crew take time out during Te...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-99 crew take time out during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities to talk to the media. From left to right are Commander Kevin Kregel, Mission Specialis... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On the Fixed Service Structure at Launch Pad 39A, STS-99 Mission Specialists Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.) and Gerhard Thiele, who is with the European Space Agency, look over the emergency egress equipment. The crew are taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which provide them with simulated countdown exercises, emergency egress training, and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will chart a new course, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. Launch of Endeavour on the 11-day mission is scheduled for Jan. 31 at 12:47 p.m. EST KSC-00pp0049

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On the Fixed Service Structure at Launc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On the Fixed Service Structure at Launch Pad 39A, STS-99 Mission Specialists Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.) and Gerhard Thiele, who is with the European Space Agency, look over the em... More

Inside the White Room attached to the Fixed Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-99 Commander Kevin Kregel gets ready to place a sign identifying the mission at the entrance to the orbiter Endeavour. Other crew members gathered around are (left to right) Mission Specialists Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Gerhard Thiele, Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.) and Mamoru Mohri (behind Kregel), and Pilot Dominic Gorie (at right). Thiele is with the European Space Agency and Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan. The crew are taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which provide them with simulated countdown exercises, emergency egress training, and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will chart a new course, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. Launch of Endeavour on the 11-day mission is scheduled for Jan. 31 at 12:47 p.m. EST KSC-00pp0046

Inside the White Room attached to the Fixed Service Structure on Launc...

Inside the White Room attached to the Fixed Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A, STS-99 Commander Kevin Kregel gets ready to place a sign identifying the mission at the entrance to the orbiter Endeavour. Other ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- At the 195-foot level on the Fixed Service Structure, Launch Pad 39A, the STS-99 crew receive instructions about emergency egress. From left (in uniform) are Mission Specialists Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.), Gerhard Thiele and Mamoru Mohri, Pilot Dominic Gorie and Commander Kevin Kregel. In the background can be seen the Vehicle Assembly Building at left and the waters of Banana Creek in between. The crew are taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which provide them with simulated countdown exercises, emergency egress training, and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will chart a new course, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. Launch of Endeavour on the 11-day mission is scheduled for Jan. 31 at 12:47 p.m. EST KSC-00pp0050

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- At the 195-foot level on the Fixed Serv...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- At the 195-foot level on the Fixed Service Structure, Launch Pad 39A, the STS-99 crew receive instructions about emergency egress. From left (in uniform) are Mission Specialists J... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- At the 167-foot level of the Fixed Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A, the STS-99 crew pose for a photograph during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. Standing left to right are Mission Specialist Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.), Commander Kevin Kregel, Mission Specialists Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Gerhard Thiele and Mamoru Mohri, and Pilot Dominic Gorie. Thiele is with the European Space Agency and Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan. Behind them (left) are visible the top of a solid rocket booster (white) and external tank (orange). The TCDT provides the crew with simulated countdown exercises, emergency egress training, and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will chart a new course, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. Launch of Endeavour on the 11-day mission is scheduled for Jan. 31 at 12:47 p.m. EST KSC-00pp0044

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- At the 167-foot level of the Fixed Serv...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- At the 167-foot level of the Fixed Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A, the STS-99 crew pose for a photograph during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. Stand... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-99 crew take time out during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities to talk to the media. From left to right are Commander Kevin Kregel, Mission Specialists Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.), Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Gerhard Thiele and Mamoru Mohri, and Pilot Dominic Gorie. Thiele is with the European Space Agency and Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan. The TCDT provides the crew with simulated countdown exercises, emergency egress training, and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will chart a new course, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. Launch of Endeavour on the 11-day mission is scheduled for Jan. 31 at 12:47 p.m. ES KSC-00pp0042

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-99 crew take time out during Te...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-99 crew take time out during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities to talk to the media. From left to right are Commander Kevin Kregel, Mission Specialis... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- At the 195-foot level on the Fixed Service Structure, Launch Pad 39A, the STS-99 crew receive instructions about emergency egress. From left (in uniform) are Mission Specialists Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.), Gerhard Thiele and Mamoru Mohri, Pilot Dominic Gorie and Commander Kevin Kregel. In the background can be seen the Vehicle Assembly Building at left and the waters of Banana Creek in between. The crew are taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which provide them with simulated countdown exercises, emergency egress training, and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will chart a new course, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. Launch of Endeavour on the 11-day mission is scheduled for Jan. 31 at 12:47 p.m. EST KSC00pp0050

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- At the 195-foot level on the Fixed Serv...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- At the 195-foot level on the Fixed Service Structure, Launch Pad 39A, the STS-99 crew receive instructions about emergency egress. From left (in uniform) are Mission Specialists J... More

The STS-99 crew leave the Operations and Checkout Building on their way to Launch Pad 39A and a simulated countdown exercise. In the front row are Pilot Dominic Gorie and Commander Kevin Kregel; in the middle row are mission Specialists Janice Voss (Ph.D.) and Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.); in the back row are Mission Specialists Mamoru Mohri, who is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, and Gerhard Thiele, who is with the European Space Agency. The crew are taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which provide them with simulated countdown exercises, emergency egress training, and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will chart a new course, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. Launch of Endeavour on the 11-day mission is scheduled for Jan. 31 at 12:47 p.m. EST KSC-00pp0052

The STS-99 crew leave the Operations and Checkout Building on their wa...

The STS-99 crew leave the Operations and Checkout Building on their way to Launch Pad 39A and a simulated countdown exercise. In the front row are Pilot Dominic Gorie and Commander Kevin Kregel; in the middle r... More

In their orange flight suits, the STS-99 crew head toward the "astrovan" that will take them to Launch Pad 39A for a simulated countdown exercise. From left to right are Mission Specialists Mamoru Mohri (waving), Gerhard Thiele, Janice Voss (Ph.D.) and Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.), Pilot Dominic Gorie and Commander Kevin Kregel. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. The crew are taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which provide them with simulated countdown exercises, emergency egress training, and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will chart a new course, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. Launch of Endeavour on the 11-day mission is scheduled for Jan. 31 at 12:47 p.m. EST KSC-00pp0053

In their orange flight suits, the STS-99 crew head toward the "astrova...

In their orange flight suits, the STS-99 crew head toward the "astrovan" that will take them to Launch Pad 39A for a simulated countdown exercise. From left to right are Mission Specialists Mamoru Mohri (waving... More

The STS-99 crew pose for a photograph after their arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility to prepare for launch. From left are Pilot Dominic Gorie, Mission Specialist Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Commander Kevin Kregel, and Mission Specialists Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.), Gerhard Thiele (Ph.D.) and Mamoru Mohri (Ph.D.). Thiele is with the European Space Agency and Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan. Behind them are the T-38 jets in which they arrived, and the mate/demate device. Over the next few days, the crew will review mission procedures, conduct test flights in the Shuttle Training Aircraft and undergo routine preflight medical exams. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will chart a new course, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. Launch of Endeavour is scheduled for Jan. 31 at 12:47 p.m. EST KSC-00pp0114

The STS-99 crew pose for a photograph after their arrival at the Shutt...

The STS-99 crew pose for a photograph after their arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility to prepare for launch. From left are Pilot Dominic Gorie, Mission Specialist Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Commander Kevin Kregel... More

The STS-99 crew wave to onlookers as they walk to the astrovan which will take them to Launch Pad 39A and liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour, targeted for 12:47 p.m. EST. In their orange launch and entry suits, they are (foreground) Pilot Dominic Gorie and Commander Kevin Kregel. Behind them (left to right) are Mission Specialists Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Mamoru Mohri (Ph.D.), Gerhard Thiele and Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.). Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. The mission is expected to last about 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Friday, Feb. 11, at 4:55 p.m. EST KSC-00pp0124

The STS-99 crew wave to onlookers as they walk to the astrovan which w...

The STS-99 crew wave to onlookers as they walk to the astrovan which will take them to Launch Pad 39A and liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour, targeted for 12:47 p.m. EST. In their orange launch and entry suits,... More

The STS-99 crew wave to onlookers as they walk to the astrovan which will take them to Launch Pad 39A and liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour, targeted for 12:47 p.m. EST. In their orange launch and entry suits, they are (foreground) Pilot Dominic Gorie and Commander Kevin Kregel. Behind them (left to right) are Mission Specialists Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Mamoru Mohri (Ph.D.), Gerhard Thiele and Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.). Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. The mission is expected to last about 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Friday, Feb. 11, at 4:55 p.m. EST KSC00pp0124

The STS-99 crew wave to onlookers as they walk to the astrovan which w...

The STS-99 crew wave to onlookers as they walk to the astrovan which will take them to Launch Pad 39A and liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour, targeted for 12:47 p.m. EST. In their orange launch and entry suits,... More

The STS-99 crew wave to onlookers as they leave the Operations and Checkout Building enroute to Launch Pad 39A and liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour, targeted for 12:47 p.m. EST. In their orange launch and entry suits, they are (foreground) Pilot Dominic Gorie and Commander Kevin Kregel. Behind them (left to right) are Mission Specialists Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Mamoru Mohri (Ph.D.), Gerhard Thiele and Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.). Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. The mission is expected to last about 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Friday, Feb. 11, at 4:55 p.m. EST KSC-00pp0123

The STS-99 crew wave to onlookers as they leave the Operations and Che...

The STS-99 crew wave to onlookers as they leave the Operations and Checkout Building enroute to Launch Pad 39A and liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour, targeted for 12:47 p.m. EST. In their orange launch and ent... More

In the Operations and Checkout Building, the STS-99 crew gathers for breakfast before suiting up for launch. From left are Mission Specialists Mamoru Mohri (Ph.D.) and Janice Voss (Ph.D.); Pilot Dominic Gorie; Commander Kevin Kregel; and Mission Specialists Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.) and Gerhard Thiele. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. Known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, liftoff is scheduled for 12:47 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39A. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. The mission is expected to last about 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Friday, Feb. 11, at 4:55 p.m. EST KSC00pp0116

In the Operations and Checkout Building, the STS-99 crew gathers for b...

In the Operations and Checkout Building, the STS-99 crew gathers for breakfast before suiting up for launch. From left are Mission Specialists Mamoru Mohri (Ph.D.) and Janice Voss (Ph.D.); Pilot Dominic Gorie; ... More

The STS-99 crew wave to onlookers as they leave the Operations and Checkout Building enroute to Launch Pad 39A and liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour, targeted for 12:47 p.m. EST. In their orange launch and entry suits, they are (foreground) Pilot Dominic Gorie and Commander Kevin Kregel. Behind them (left to right) are Mission Specialists Janice Voss (Ph.D.), Mamoru Mohri (Ph.D.), Gerhard Thiele and Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.). Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. The mission is expected to last about 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Friday, Feb. 11, at 4:55 p.m. EST KSC00pp0123

The STS-99 crew wave to onlookers as they leave the Operations and Che...

The STS-99 crew wave to onlookers as they leave the Operations and Checkout Building enroute to Launch Pad 39A and liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour, targeted for 12:47 p.m. EST. In their orange launch and ent... More

In the Operations and Checkout Building, the STS-99 crew gathers for breakfast before suiting up for launch. From left are Mission Specialists Mamoru Mohri (Ph.D.) and Janice Voss (Ph.D.); Pilot Dominic Gorie; Commander Kevin Kregel; and Mission Specialists Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.) and Gerhard Thiele. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. Known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, liftoff is scheduled for 12:47 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39A. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of space station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. The mission is expected to last about 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Friday, Feb. 11, at 4:55 p.m. EST KSC-00pp0116

In the Operations and Checkout Building, the STS-99 crew gathers for b...

In the Operations and Checkout Building, the STS-99 crew gathers for breakfast before suiting up for launch. From left are Mission Specialists Mamoru Mohri (Ph.D.) and Janice Voss (Ph.D.); Pilot Dominic Gorie; ... More

After landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility aboard T-38 jet aircraft, STS-99 Mission Specialists (from left) Gerhard Thiele of Germany and Mamoru Mohri of Japan are greeted by Dave King, director of Shuttle Operations. Behind Mohri can be seen Commander Kevin Kregel and Mission Specialist Janice Voss. The crew, which includes Pilot Dom gorie and Mission Specialist Janet Kavandi, are ready to prepare for the second launch attempt of Endeavour Feb. 11 at 12:30 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39A. The earlier launch scheduled for Jan. 31 was scrubbed due to poor weather and a faulty Enhanced Master Events Controller in the orbiter's aft compartment. Over the next few days, the crew will review mission procedures, conduct test flights in the Shuttle Training Aircraft and undergo routine preflight medical exams. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Landing is expected at KSC on Feb. 22 at 4:36 p.m. EST KSC-00pp0171

After landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility aboard T-38 jet aircraft...

After landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility aboard T-38 jet aircraft, STS-99 Mission Specialists (from left) Gerhard Thiele of Germany and Mamoru Mohri of Japan are greeted by Dave King, director of Shuttle O... More

After landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility aboard T-38 jet aircraft, STS-99 Mission Specialists (from left) Gerhard Thiele of Germany and Mamoru Mohri of Japan are greeted by Dave King, director of Shuttle Operations. Behind Mohri can be seen Commander Kevin Kregel and Mission Specialist Janice Voss. The crew, which includes Pilot Dom gorie and Mission Specialist Janet Kavandi, are ready to prepare for the second launch attempt of Endeavour Feb. 11 at 12:30 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39A. The earlier launch scheduled for Jan. 31 was scrubbed due to poor weather and a faulty Enhanced Master Events Controller in the orbiter's aft compartment. Over the next few days, the crew will review mission procedures, conduct test flights in the Shuttle Training Aircraft and undergo routine preflight medical exams. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Landing is expected at KSC on Feb. 22 at 4:36 p.m. EST KSC00pp0171

After landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility aboard T-38 jet aircraft...

After landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility aboard T-38 jet aircraft, STS-99 Mission Specialists (from left) Gerhard Thiele of Germany and Mamoru Mohri of Japan are greeted by Dave King, director of Shuttle O... More

In the Operations and Checkout Building's suitup room, STS-99 Mission Specialist Janice Voss is helped with pre-pack and fit check by Santos Medina, with United Space Alliance. Voss and other crew members Commander Kevin Kregel, Pilot Dominic Gorie and Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Gerhard Thiele of Germany and Mamoru Mohri of Japan are preparing for launch of their mission on Feb. 11 at 12:30 p.m. EST aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Landing is expected at KSC on Feb. 22 at 4:36 p.m. EST KSC00pp0201

In the Operations and Checkout Building's suitup room, STS-99 Mission ...

In the Operations and Checkout Building's suitup room, STS-99 Mission Specialist Janice Voss is helped with pre-pack and fit check by Santos Medina, with United Space Alliance. Voss and other crew members Comma... More

In the Operations and Checkout Building's suitup room, Carlos Gillis (left) and Leonard Groce (right)help STS-99 Pilot Dominic Gorie with his suit check. Gillis and Groce are with United Space Alliance. Gorie and other crew members Commander Kevin Kregel, and Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, Gerhard Thiele of Germany and Mamoru Mohri of Japan are preparing for launch of their mission on Feb. 11 at 12:30 p.m. EST aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Landing is expected at KSC on Feb. 22 at 4:36 p.m. EST KSC-00pp0202

In the Operations and Checkout Building's suitup room, Carlos Gillis (...

In the Operations and Checkout Building's suitup room, Carlos Gillis (left) and Leonard Groce (right)help STS-99 Pilot Dominic Gorie with his suit check. Gillis and Groce are with United Space Alliance. Gorie a... More

In the Operations and Checkout Building's suitup room, Carlous Gillis, with United Space Alliance, helps STS-99 Pilot Dominic Gorie with pre-pack and fit check. Gorie and other crew members Commander Kevin Kregel, and Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, Gerhard Thiele of Germany and Mamoru Mohri of Japan are preparing for launch of their mission on Feb. 11 at 12:30 p.m. EST aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Landing is expected at KSC on Feb. 22 at 4:36 p.m. EST KSC-00pp0200

In the Operations and Checkout Building's suitup room, Carlous Gillis,...

In the Operations and Checkout Building's suitup room, Carlous Gillis, with United Space Alliance, helps STS-99 Pilot Dominic Gorie with pre-pack and fit check. Gorie and other crew members Commander Kevin Kreg... More

In the Operations and Checkout Building's suitup room, STS-99 Mission Specialist Janice Voss is helped with pre-pack and fit check by Santos Medina, with United Space Alliance. Voss and other crew members Commander Kevin Kregel, Pilot Dominic Gorie and Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Gerhard Thiele of Germany and Mamoru Mohri of Japan are preparing for launch of their mission on Feb. 11 at 12:30 p.m. EST aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Landing is expected at KSC on Feb. 22 at 4:36 p.m. EST KSC-00pp0201

In the Operations and Checkout Building's suitup room, STS-99 Mission ...

In the Operations and Checkout Building's suitup room, STS-99 Mission Specialist Janice Voss is helped with pre-pack and fit check by Santos Medina, with United Space Alliance. Voss and other crew members Comma... More

In the Operations and Checkout Building's suitup room, Carlous Gillis, with United Space Alliance, helps STS-99 Pilot Dominic Gorie with pre-pack and fit check. Gorie and other crew members Commander Kevin Kregel, and Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, Gerhard Thiele of Germany and Mamoru Mohri of Japan are preparing for launch of their mission on Feb. 11 at 12:30 p.m. EST aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Landing is expected at KSC on Feb. 22 at 4:36 p.m. EST KSC00pp0200

In the Operations and Checkout Building's suitup room, Carlous Gillis,...

In the Operations and Checkout Building's suitup room, Carlous Gillis, with United Space Alliance, helps STS-99 Pilot Dominic Gorie with pre-pack and fit check. Gorie and other crew members Commander Kevin Kreg... More

In the Operations and Checkout Building, an eager and smiling STS-99 crew gathers for breakfast before suiting up for launch. From left are Mission Specialists Mamoru Mohri and Janice Voss, Pilot Dominic Gorie, Commander Kevin Kregel, and Mission Specialists Janet Lynn Kavandi and Gerhard Thiele. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. Known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), STS-99 is scheduled for liftoff at 12:30 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39A. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last about 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC-00pp0203

In the Operations and Checkout Building, an eager and smiling STS-99 c...

In the Operations and Checkout Building, an eager and smiling STS-99 crew gathers for breakfast before suiting up for launch. From left are Mission Specialists Mamoru Mohri and Janice Voss, Pilot Dominic Gorie,... More

The STS-99 crew wave to onlookers as they step eagerly from the Operations and Checkout Building enroute to Launch Pad 39A for liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour. In their orange launch and entry suits, they are (foreground) Pilot Dominic Gorie and Commander Kevin Kregel. Behind them (left to right) are Mission Specialists Janice Voss, Mamoru Mohri of Japan, Gerhard Thiele of Germany and Janet Lynn Kavandi. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. Known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), STS-99 is scheduled for liftoff at 12:30 p.m. EST. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC-00padig003

The STS-99 crew wave to onlookers as they step eagerly from the Operat...

The STS-99 crew wave to onlookers as they step eagerly from the Operations and Checkout Building enroute to Launch Pad 39A for liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour. In their orange launch and entry suits, they ar... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The water below Launch Pad 39A reflects the perfect launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-99, while nearby billows of cloud and smoke are tinged with shadows. Launch of Endeavour occurred at 12:43:40 p.m. EST with a crew of five aboard: Commander Kevin Kregel, Pilot Dominic Gorie, and Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, Mamoru Mohri of Japan and Gerhard Thiele of Germany. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. Known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), STS-99 will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the SRTM could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC-00pp0224

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The water below Launch Pad 39A reflect...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The water below Launch Pad 39A reflects the perfect launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-99, while nearby billows of cloud and smoke are tinged with shadows. Launch o... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A clear blue sky is the perfect setting behind Space Shuttle Endeavour as it hurtles into space. Launch of mission STS-99 occurred at 12:43:40 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39A with a crew of five aboard: Commander Kevin Kregel, Pilot Dominic Gorie, and Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, Mamoru Mohri of Japan and Gerhard Thiele of Germany. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. Known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), STS-99 will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the SRTM could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC-00pp0223

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A clear blue sky is the perfect setting ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A clear blue sky is the perfect setting behind Space Shuttle Endeavour as it hurtles into space. Launch of mission STS-99 occurred at 12:43:40 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39A with a c... More

The STS-99 crew wave to onlookers as they step eagerly from the Operations and Checkout Building enroute to Launch Pad 39A for liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour. In their orange launch and entry suits, they are (foreground) Pilot Dominic Gorie and Commander Kevin Kregel. Behind them (left to right) are Mission Specialists Janice Voss, Mamoru Mohri of Japan, Gerhard Thiele of Germany and Janet Lynn Kavandi. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. Known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), STS-99 is scheduled for liftoff at 12:30 p.m. EST. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC00padig003

The STS-99 crew wave to onlookers as they step eagerly from the Operat...

The STS-99 crew wave to onlookers as they step eagerly from the Operations and Checkout Building enroute to Launch Pad 39A for liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour. In their orange launch and entry suits, they ar... More

In the Operations and Checkout Building, an eager and smiling STS-99 crew gathers for breakfast before suiting up for launch. From left are Mission Specialists Mamoru Mohri and Janice Voss, Pilot Dominic Gorie, Commander Kevin Kregel, and Mission Specialists Janet Lynn Kavandi and Gerhard Thiele. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. Known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), STS-99 is scheduled for liftoff at 12:30 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39A. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last about 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC00pp0203

In the Operations and Checkout Building, an eager and smiling STS-99 c...

In the Operations and Checkout Building, an eager and smiling STS-99 crew gathers for breakfast before suiting up for launch. From left are Mission Specialists Mamoru Mohri and Janice Voss, Pilot Dominic Gorie,... More

The STS-99 crew wave to onlookers as they step eagerly from the Operations and Checkout Building enroute to Launch Pad 39A for liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour. In their orange launch and entry suits, they are (foreground) Pilot Dominic Gorie and Commander Kevin Kregel. Behind them (left to right) are Mission Specialists Janice Voss, Mamoru Mohri of Japan, Gerhard Thiele of Germany and Janet Lynn Kavandi. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. Known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), STS-99 is scheduled for liftoff at 12:30 p.m. EST. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC-00pp0210

The STS-99 crew wave to onlookers as they step eagerly from the Operat...

The STS-99 crew wave to onlookers as they step eagerly from the Operations and Checkout Building enroute to Launch Pad 39A for liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour. In their orange launch and entry suits, they ar... More

The STS-99 crew step eagerly to the "Astrovan," the bus that will take them to Launch Pad 39A for liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour. In their orange launch and entry suits, they are (left to right) Mission Specialists Mamoru Mohri of Japan, Janice Voss, Gerhard Thiele of Germany and Janet Lynn Kavandi, Pilot Dominic Gorie and Commander Kevin Kregel. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. Known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), STS-99 is scheduled for liftoff at 12:30 p.m. EST. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC-00pp0211

The STS-99 crew step eagerly to the "Astrovan," the bus that will take...

The STS-99 crew step eagerly to the "Astrovan," the bus that will take them to Launch Pad 39A for liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour. In their orange launch and entry suits, they are (left to right) Mission Spe... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The water below Launch Pad 39A reflects the perfect launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-99, while nearby billows of cloud and smoke are tinged with shadows. Launch of Endeavour occurred at 12:43:40 p.m. EST with a crew of five aboard: Commander Kevin Kregel, Pilot Dominic Gorie, and Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, Mamoru Mohri of Japan and Gerhard Thiele of Germany. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. Known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), STS-99 will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the SRTM could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC00pp0224

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The water below Launch Pad 39A reflect...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The water below Launch Pad 39A reflects the perfect launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-99, while nearby billows of cloud and smoke are tinged with shadows. Launch o... More

The STS-99 crew step eagerly to the "Astrovan," the bus that will take them to Launch Pad 39A for liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour. In their orange launch and entry suits, they are (left to right) Mission Specialists Mamoru Mohri of Japan, Janice Voss, Gerhard Thiele of Germany and Janet Lynn Kavandi, Pilot Dominic Gorie and Commander Kevin Kregel. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. Known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), STS-99 is scheduled for liftoff at 12:30 p.m. EST. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC00pp0211

The STS-99 crew step eagerly to the "Astrovan," the bus that will take...

The STS-99 crew step eagerly to the "Astrovan," the bus that will take them to Launch Pad 39A for liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour. In their orange launch and entry suits, they are (left to right) Mission Spe... More

The STS-99 crew wave to onlookers as they step eagerly from the Operations and Checkout Building enroute to Launch Pad 39A for liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour. In their orange launch and entry suits, they are (foreground) Pilot Dominic Gorie and Commander Kevin Kregel. Behind them (left to right) are Mission Specialists Janice Voss, Mamoru Mohri of Japan, Gerhard Thiele of Germany and Janet Lynn Kavandi. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. Known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), STS-99 is scheduled for liftoff at 12:30 p.m. EST. The SRTM will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC00pp0210

The STS-99 crew wave to onlookers as they step eagerly from the Operat...

The STS-99 crew wave to onlookers as they step eagerly from the Operations and Checkout Building enroute to Launch Pad 39A for liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour. In their orange launch and entry suits, they ar... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A clear blue sky is the perfect setting behind Space Shuttle Endeavour as it hurtles into space. Launch of mission STS-99 occurred at 12:43:40 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39A with a crew of five aboard: Commander Kevin Kregel, Pilot Dominic Gorie, and Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, Mamoru Mohri of Japan and Gerhard Thiele of Germany. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan, and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. Known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), STS-99 will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the SRTM could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. The mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC00pp0223

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A clear blue sky is the perfect setting ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A clear blue sky is the perfect setting behind Space Shuttle Endeavour as it hurtles into space. Launch of mission STS-99 occurred at 12:43:40 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39A with a c... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the waning light after sundown, Space Shuttle Endeavour touches down on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. At the controls are Commander Kevin Kregel and Pilot Dominic Gorie. Also onboard the orbiter are Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, Mamoru Mohri of Japan and Gerhard Thiele of Germany. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. The crew are returning from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission after mapping more than 47 million square miles of the Earth's surface. Main gear touchdown was at 6:22:23 p.m. EST Feb. 22 , landing on orbit 181 of the mission. Nose gear touchdown was at 6:22:35 p.m.. EST, and wheel stop at 6:23:25 p.m. EST. This was the 97th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 14th for Endeavour, also marking the 50th landing at KSC, the 21st consecutive landing at KSC, and the 28th in the last 29 Shuttle flight KSC-00pp0263

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the waning light after sundown, Space...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the waning light after sundown, Space Shuttle Endeavour touches down on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. A... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The nearby water reflects Space Shuttle Endeavour as it touches down on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 6:22:23 p.m. EST Feb. 22 , landing on orbit 181 of the mission. Nose gear touchdown was at 6:22:35 p.m.. EST, and wheel stop at 6:23:25 p.m. EST. At the controls are Commander Kevin Kregel and Pilot Dominic Gorie. Also onboard the orbiter are Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, Mamoru Mohri of Japan and Gerhard Thiele of Germany. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. The crew are returning from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, after mapping more than 47 million square miles of the Earth. This was the 97th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 14th for Endeavour, also marking the 50th landing at KSC, the 21st consecutive landing at KSC, and the 28th in the last 29 Shuttle flights KSC-00pp0249

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The nearby water reflects Space Shuttle ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The nearby water reflects Space Shuttle Endeavour as it touches down on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. Main... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the waning light after sundown, Space Shuttle Endeavour nears touchdown on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. In the background is the Vehicle Assembly Building. At the controls are Commander Kevin Kregel and Pilot Dominic Gorie. Also onboard the orbiter are Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, Mamoru Mohri of Japan and Gerhard Thiele of Germany. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. The crew is returning from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, after mapping more than 47 million square miles of the Earth's surface. Main gear touchdown was at 6:22:23 p.m. EST Feb. 22 , landing on orbit 181 of the mission. Nose gear touchdown was at 6:22:35 p.m.. EST, and wheel stop at 6:23:25 p.m. EST. This was the 97th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 14th for Endeavour, also marking the 50th landing at KSC, the 21st consecutive landing at KSC, and the 28th in the last 29 Shuttle flights KSC00pp0255

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the waning light after sundown, Space...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the waning light after sundown, Space Shuttle Endeavour nears touchdown on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-99 crew members check the underside of Space Shuttle Endeavour after completing the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long mission. From left are Mission Specialists Mamoru Mohri of Japan and Gerhard Thiele of Germany, with Commander Kevin Kregel. Main gear touchdown was at 6:22:23 p.m. EST Feb. 22 , landing on orbit 181 of the mission. Nose gear touchdown was at 6:22:35 p.m.. EST, and wheel stop at 6:23:25 p.m. EST. The other crew members are Pilot Dominic Gorie and Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi and Janice Voss. The crew are returning from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, after mapping more than 47 million square miles of the Earth's surface. This was the 97th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 14th for Endeavour, also marking the 50th landing at KSC, the 21st consecutive landing at KSC, and the 28th in the last 29 Shuttle flights KSC00pp0251

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-9...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-99 crew members check the underside of Space Shuttle Endeavour after completing the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long mission. From left are Mis... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-99 Mission Specialist Mamoru Mohri of Japan has only smiles after Space Shuttle Endeavour's landing on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility completing the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 6:22:23 p.m. EST Feb. 22 , landing on orbit 181 of the mission. Nose gear touchdown was at 6:22:35 p.m.. EST, and wheel stop at 6:23:25 p.m. EST. At the controls were Commander Kevin Kregel and Pilot Dominic Gorie. Also onboard the orbiter were Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, and Gerhard Thiele of Germany. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. The crew returned from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission after mapping more than 47 million square miles of the Earth's surface. This was the 97th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 14th for Endeavour, also marking the 50th landing at KSC, the 21st consecutive landing at KSC, and the 28th in the last 29 Shuttle flights KSC00pp0252

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-99 Mission Specialist Mamoru Mohri o...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-99 Mission Specialist Mamoru Mohri of Japan has only smiles after Space Shuttle Endeavour's landing on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility completing the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-l... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour prepares to land on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 6:22:23 p.m. EST Feb. 22 , landing on orbit 181 of the mission. Nose gear touchdown was at 6:22:35 p.m.. EST, and wheel stop at 6:23:25 p.m. EST. At the controls are Commander Kevin Kregel and Pilot Dominic Gorie. Also onboard the orbiter are Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, Mamoru Mohri of Japan and Gerhard Thiele of Germany. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. The crew are returning from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, after mapping more than 47 million square miles of the Earth. This was the 97th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 14th for Endeavour, also marking the 50th landing at KSC, the 21st consecutive landing at KSC, and the 28th in the last 29 Shuttle flights KSC00pp0254

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour prepares to land...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour prepares to land on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 6:22:... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour stirs up dust as its wheels touch down on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. At the controls are Commander Kevin Kregel and Pilot Dominic Gorie. Also onboard the orbiter are Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, Mamoru Mohri of Japan and Gerhard Thiele of Germany. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. The crew is returning from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission after mapping more than 47 million square miles of the Earth's surface. Main gear touchdown was at 6:22:23 p.m. EST Feb. 22 , landing on orbit 181 of the mission. Nose gear touchdown was at 6:22:35 p.m.. EST, and wheel stop at 6:23:25 p.m. EST. This was the 97th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 14th for Endeavour, also marking the 50th landing at KSC, the 21st consecutive landing at KSC, and the 28th in the last 29 Shuttle flights KSC00pp0257

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour stirs up dust as...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour stirs up dust as its wheels touch down on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. At the con... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-99 Mission Specialist Mamoru Mohri of Japan has only smiles after Space Shuttle Endeavour's landing on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility completing the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 6:22:23 p.m. EST Feb. 22 , landing on orbit 181 of the mission. Nose gear touchdown was at 6:22:35 p.m.. EST, and wheel stop at 6:23:25 p.m. EST. At the controls were Commander Kevin Kregel and Pilot Dominic Gorie. Also onboard the orbiter were Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, and Gerhard Thiele of Germany. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. The crew returned from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission after mapping more than 47 million square miles of the Earth's surface. This was the 97th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 14th for Endeavour, also marking the 50th landing at KSC, the 21st consecutive landing at KSC, and the 28th in the last 29 Shuttle flights KSC-00pp0252

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-99 Mission Specialist Mamoru Mohri o...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-99 Mission Specialist Mamoru Mohri of Japan has only smiles after Space Shuttle Endeavour's landing on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility completing the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-l... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour prepares to land on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 6:22:23 p.m. EST Feb. 22 , landing on orbit 181 of the mission. Nose gear touchdown was at 6:22:35 p.m.. EST, and wheel stop at 6:23:25 p.m. EST. At the controls are Commander Kevin Kregel and Pilot Dominic Gorie. Also onboard the orbiter are Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, Mamoru Mohri of Japan and Gerhard Thiele of Germany. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. The crew are returning from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, after mapping more than 47 million square miles of the Earth. This was the 97th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 14th for Endeavour, also marking the 50th landing at KSC, the 21st consecutive landing at KSC, and the 28th in the last 29 Shuttle flights KSC-00pp0254

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour prepares to land...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour prepares to land on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 6:22:... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour stirs up dust as its wheels touch down on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. At the controls are Commander Kevin Kregel and Pilot Dominic Gorie. Also onboard the orbiter are Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, Mamoru Mohri of Japan and Gerhard Thiele of Germany. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. The crew is returning from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission after mapping more than 47 million square miles of the Earth's surface. Main gear touchdown was at 6:22:23 p.m. EST Feb. 22 , landing on orbit 181 of the mission. Nose gear touchdown was at 6:22:35 p.m.. EST, and wheel stop at 6:23:25 p.m. EST. This was the 97th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 14th for Endeavour, also marking the 50th landing at KSC, the 21st consecutive landing at KSC, and the 28th in the last 29 Shuttle flights KSC-00pp0257

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour stirs up dust as...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour stirs up dust as its wheels touch down on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. At the con... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Just after sundown, Space Shuttle Endeavour approaches touchdown on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 6:22:23 p.m. EST Feb. 22 , landing on orbit 181 of the mission. Nose gear touchdown was at 6:22:35 p.m.. EST, and wheel stop at 6:23:25 p.m. EST. At the controls are Commander Kevin Kregel and Pilot Dominic Gorie. Also onboard the orbiter are Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, Mamoru Mohri of Japan and Gerhard Thiele of Germany. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. The crew are returning from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, after mapping more than 47 million square miles of the Earth. This was the 97th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 14th for Endeavour, also marking the 50th landing at KSC, the 21st consecutive landing at KSC, and the 28th in the last 29 Shuttle flights KSC00pp0247

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Just after sundown, Space Shuttle Endeav...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Just after sundown, Space Shuttle Endeavour approaches touchdown on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. Main gea... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the waning light after sundown, Space Shuttle Endeavour touches down on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. At the controls are Commander Kevin Kregel and Pilot Dominic Gorie. Also onboard the orbiter are Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, Mamoru Mohri of Japan and Gerhard Thiele of Germany. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. The crew are returning from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission after mapping more than 47 million square miles of the Earth's surface. Main gear touchdown was at 6:22:23 p.m. EST Feb. 22 , landing on orbit 181 of the mission. Nose gear touchdown was at 6:22:35 p.m.. EST, and wheel stop at 6:23:25 p.m. EST. This was the 97th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 14th for Endeavour, also marking the 50th landing at KSC, the 21st consecutive landing at KSC, and the 28th in the last 29 Shuttle flight KSC00pp0263

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the waning light after sundown, Space...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the waning light after sundown, Space Shuttle Endeavour touches down on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. A... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the waning light after sundown, Space Shuttle Endeavour touches down on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. At the controls are Commander Kevin Kregel and Pilot Dominic Gorie. Also onboard the orbiter are Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, Mamoru Mohri of Japan and Gerhard Thiele of Germany. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. The crew is returning from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission after mapping more than 47 million square miles of the Earth's surface. Main gear touchdown was at 6:22:23 p.m. EST Feb. 22 , landing on orbit 181 of the mission. Nose gear touchdown was at 6:22:35 p.m.. EST, and wheel stop at 6:23:25 p.m. EST. This was the 97th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 14th for Endeavour, also marking the 50th landing at KSC, the 21st consecutive landing at KSC, and the 28th in the last 29 Shuttle flights KSC-00pp0256

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the waning light after sundown, Space...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the waning light after sundown, Space Shuttle Endeavour touches down on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. A... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Just after sundown, Space Shuttle Endeavour approaches touchdown on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 6:22:23 p.m. EST Feb. 22 , landing on orbit 181 of the mission. Nose gear touchdown was at 6:22:35 p.m.. EST, and wheel stop at 6:23:25 p.m. EST. At the controls are Commander Kevin Kregel and Pilot Dominic Gorie. Also onboard the orbiter are Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, Mamoru Mohri of Japan and Gerhard Thiele of Germany. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. The crew are returning from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, after mapping more than 47 million square miles of the Earth. This was the 97th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 14th for Endeavour, also marking the 50th landing at KSC, the 21st consecutive landing at KSC, and the 28th in the last 29 Shuttle flights KSC-00pp0248

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Just after sundown, Space Shuttle Endeav...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Just after sundown, Space Shuttle Endeavour approaches touchdown on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. Main gea... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the waning light after sundown, Space Shuttle Endeavour nears touchdown on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. In the background is the Vehicle Assembly Building. At the controls are Commander Kevin Kregel and Pilot Dominic Gorie. Also onboard the orbiter are Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, Mamoru Mohri of Japan and Gerhard Thiele of Germany. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. The crew is returning from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, after mapping more than 47 million square miles of the Earth's surface. Main gear touchdown was at 6:22:23 p.m. EST Feb. 22 , landing on orbit 181 of the mission. Nose gear touchdown was at 6:22:35 p.m.. EST, and wheel stop at 6:23:25 p.m. EST. This was the 97th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 14th for Endeavour, also marking the 50th landing at KSC, the 21st consecutive landing at KSC, and the 28th in the last 29 Shuttle flights KSC-00pp0255

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the waning light after sundown, Space...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the waning light after sundown, Space Shuttle Endeavour nears touchdown on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-99 crew members check the underside of Space Shuttle Endeavour after completing the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long mission. From left are Mission Specialists Mamoru Mohri of Japan and Gerhard Thiele of Germany, with Commander Kevin Kregel. Main gear touchdown was at 6:22:23 p.m. EST Feb. 22 , landing on orbit 181 of the mission. Nose gear touchdown was at 6:22:35 p.m.. EST, and wheel stop at 6:23:25 p.m. EST. The other crew members are Pilot Dominic Gorie and Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi and Janice Voss. The crew are returning from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, after mapping more than 47 million square miles of the Earth's surface. This was the 97th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 14th for Endeavour, also marking the 50th landing at KSC, the 21st consecutive landing at KSC, and the 28th in the last 29 Shuttle flights KSC-00pp0251

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-9...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-99 crew members check the underside of Space Shuttle Endeavour after completing the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long mission. From left are Mis... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Just after sundown, Space Shuttle Endeavour approaches touchdown on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 6:22:23 p.m. EST Feb. 22 , landing on orbit 181 of the mission. Nose gear touchdown was at 6:22:35 p.m.. EST, and wheel stop at 6:23:25 p.m. EST. At the controls are Commander Kevin Kregel and Pilot Dominic Gorie. Also onboard the orbiter are Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, Mamoru Mohri of Japan and Gerhard Thiele of Germany. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. The crew are returning from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, after mapping more than 47 million square miles of the Earth. This was the 97th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 14th for Endeavour, also marking the 50th landing at KSC, the 21st consecutive landing at KSC, and the 28th in the last 29 Shuttle flights KSC-00pp0247

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Just after sundown, Space Shuttle Endeav...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Just after sundown, Space Shuttle Endeavour approaches touchdown on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. Main gea... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour prepares to land on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 6:22:23 p.m. EST Feb. 22 , landing on orbit 181 of the mission. Nose gear touchdown was at 6:22:35 p.m.. EST, and wheel stop at 6:23:25 p.m. EST. At the controls are Commander Kevin Kregel and Pilot Dominic Gorie. Also onboard the orbiter are Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, Mamoru Mohri of Japan and Gerhard Thiele of Germany. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. The crew are returning from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, after mapping more than 47 million square miles of the Earth. This was the 97th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 14th for Endeavour, also marking the 50th landing at KSC, the 21st consecutive landing at KSC, and the 28th in the last 29 Shuttle flights KSC-00pp0250

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour prepares to land...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Space Shuttle Endeavour prepares to land on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 6:22:... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Just after sundown, Space Shuttle Endeavour approaches touchdown on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 6:22:23 p.m. EST Feb. 22 , landing on orbit 181 of the mission. Nose gear touchdown was at 6:22:35 p.m.. EST, and wheel stop at 6:23:25 p.m. EST. At the controls are Commander Kevin Kregel and Pilot Dominic Gorie. Also onboard the orbiter are Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, Mamoru Mohri of Japan and Gerhard Thiele of Germany. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. The crew are returning from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, after mapping more than 47 million square miles of the Earth. This was the 97th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 14th for Endeavour, also marking the 50th landing at KSC, the 21st consecutive landing at KSC, and the 28th in the last 29 Shuttle flights KSC00pp0248

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Just after sundown, Space Shuttle Endeav...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Just after sundown, Space Shuttle Endeavour approaches touchdown on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. Main gea... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the waning light after sundown, Space Shuttle Endeavour touches down on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. At the controls are Commander Kevin Kregel and Pilot Dominic Gorie. Also onboard the orbiter are Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, Mamoru Mohri of Japan and Gerhard Thiele of Germany. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. The crew is returning from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission after mapping more than 47 million square miles of the Earth's surface. Main gear touchdown was at 6:22:23 p.m. EST Feb. 22 , landing on orbit 181 of the mission. Nose gear touchdown was at 6:22:35 p.m.. EST, and wheel stop at 6:23:25 p.m. EST. This was the 97th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 14th for Endeavour, also marking the 50th landing at KSC, the 21st consecutive landing at KSC, and the 28th in the last 29 Shuttle flights KSC00pp0256

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the waning light after sundown, Space...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the waning light after sundown, Space Shuttle Endeavour touches down on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. A... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The nearby water reflects Space Shuttle Endeavour as it touches down on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. Main gear touchdown was at 6:22:23 p.m. EST Feb. 22 , landing on orbit 181 of the mission. Nose gear touchdown was at 6:22:35 p.m.. EST, and wheel stop at 6:23:25 p.m. EST. At the controls are Commander Kevin Kregel and Pilot Dominic Gorie. Also onboard the orbiter are Mission Specialists Janet Kavandi, Janice Voss, Mamoru Mohri of Japan and Gerhard Thiele of Germany. Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) and Thiele is with the European Space Agency. The crew are returning from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, after mapping more than 47 million square miles of the Earth. This was the 97th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 14th for Endeavour, also marking the 50th landing at KSC, the 21st consecutive landing at KSC, and the 28th in the last 29 Shuttle flights KSC00pp0249

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The nearby water reflects Space Shuttle ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The nearby water reflects Space Shuttle Endeavour as it touches down on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 33 to complete the 11-day, 5-hour, 38-minute-long STS-99 mission. Main... More

The STS-99 crew get ready to leave KSC with their families for a return trip to Houston. From left are Mission Specialist Janice Voss, Pilot Dominic Gorie, Commander Kevin Kregel, and Mission Specialists Mamoru Mohri of Japan, Gerhard Thiele of Germany, and Janet Kavandi, holding her daughter. The STS-99 crew completed a successful 11-day Shuttle Radar Topography Mission mapping 47 million square miles of the Earth's surface before landing at KSC Feb. 22 KSC-00pp0262

The STS-99 crew get ready to leave KSC with their families for a retur...

The STS-99 crew get ready to leave KSC with their families for a return trip to Houston. From left are Mission Specialist Janice Voss, Pilot Dominic Gorie, Commander Kevin Kregel, and Mission Specialists Mamoru... More

The STS-99 crew get ready to leave KSC with their families for a return trip to Houston. From left are Mission Specialist Janice Voss, Pilot Dominic Gorie, Commander Kevin Kregel, and Mission Specialists Mamoru Mohri of Japan, Gerhard Thiele of Germany, and Janet Kavandi, holding her daughter. The STS-99 crew completed a successful 11-day Shuttle Radar Topography Mission mapping 47 million square miles of the Earth's surface before landing at KSC Feb. 22 KSC00pp0262

The STS-99 crew get ready to leave KSC with their families for a retur...

The STS-99 crew get ready to leave KSC with their families for a return trip to Houston. From left are Mission Specialist Janice Voss, Pilot Dominic Gorie, Commander Kevin Kregel, and Mission Specialists Mamoru... More

Expedition 9 Arrival. NASA public domain image colelction.

Expedition 9 Arrival. NASA public domain image colelction.

Backup Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov, front, NASA Expedition 9 backup commander Leroy Chiao, center and backup European Space Agency astronaut Gerhard Thiele, of Germany arrive at Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Tues... More

Expedition 9 Preflight Activities

Expedition 9 Preflight Activities

NASA Expedition 9 backup Commander Leroy Chiao, left and backup European Space Agency astronaut Gerhard Thiele of Germany sign books, envelops and mementoes in the space museum located at the Baikonur Cosmodrom... More

Expedition 9 Preflight Activities

Expedition 9 Preflight Activities

Expedition 9 backup Commander Leroy Chiao, left, backup Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov, center and backup European Space Agency astronaut Gerhard Thiele of Germany walk out to the Soyuz capsule at building 2... More

Expedition 9 Preflight Activities

Expedition 9 Preflight Activities

Expedition 9 Science Officer and Flight Engineer Mike Fincke, left, Expedition 9 Commander Gennady Padalka, center and the backup crew, left of center, receive some final instructions from engineers, technician... More

Expedition 9 Preflight Activities

Expedition 9 Preflight Activities

Backup Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov, left, Expedition 9 backup Commander Leroy Chiao, center and backup European Space Agency astronaut Gerhard Thiele of Germany walk out to the Soyuz capsule at building 2... More

Expedition 9 Preflight Activities

Expedition 9 Preflight Activities

Backup Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov, left, Expedition 9 backup Commander Leroy Chiao, center and backup European Space Agency astronaut Gerhard Thiele of Germany talk with Valery Korzun, right, Chief of Co... More

Expedition 9 Preflight Activities

Expedition 9 Preflight Activities

Left to Right: European Space Agency astronaut Andre Kuipers of the Netherlands, Expedition 9 Commander Gennady Padalka, Flight Engineer and NASA Science Officer Mike Fincke, Backup Flight Engineer Salizhan Sha... More

Expedition 9 Preflight Activities

Expedition 9 Preflight Activities

The prime and backup crews for Expedition 9 pose for a group photo after the flag raising ceremony at the Cosmonaut Hotel, Thursday, April 15, 2004, in Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Expedition 9 Preflight Activities

Expedition 9 Preflight Activities

Left to Right: European Space Agency astronaut Andre Kuipers of the Netherlands, Expedition 9 Flight Engineer and NASA Science Officer Mike Fincke, Expedition 9 Commander Gennady Padalka, Backup Flight Enginee... More

Expedition 9 Preflight Press Conference

Expedition 9 Preflight Press Conference

Starting from left, Flight Engineer and NASA Science Officer Mike Fincke, Expedition 9 Commander Gennady Padalka, European Space Agency astronaut Andre Kuipers of the Netherlands, NASA Expedition 9 backup Comma... More

Expedition 9 Preflight. NASA public domain image colelction.

Expedition 9 Preflight. NASA public domain image colelction.

Seated from left to right, NASA Expedition 9 backup Commander Leroy Chiao, backup Flight Engineer Salizhan Sharipov, backup European Space Agency astronaut Gerhard Thiele of Germany, Flight Engineer and NASA Sc... More

Космонавты в ЮНЕСКО (21 04 2011)

Космонавты в ЮНЕСКО (21 04 2011)

Group of astronauts of several nationalities at UNESCO for the 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s journey into outer space (12 April 1961), the first ever performed by a human. From left to right: Mrs. Valenti... More

Group portrait of 1996 astronaut candidates

Group portrait of 1996 astronaut candidates

S96-12956 Following their selection from among 2,400 applicants, the 44 astronaut candidates begin a lengthy period of training and evaluation at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) as they gather for their fir... More