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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a simulated launch countdown, the STS-134 crew pause for a photo opportunity before climbing onboard the Astrovan at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. As part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), the crew members ride to Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A in the silver vehicle and strap into space shuttle Endeavour to practice the steps that will be taken on launch day. From right to left are, Commander Mark Kelly, Pilot Greg H. Johnson , Mission Specialist Mike Fincke, Roberto Vittori, European Space Agency astronaut, and Mission Specialists Andrew Feustel and Greg Chamitoff. Endeavour's six crew members are targeted to launch April 19 at 7:48 p.m. EDT. They will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), a high-pressure gas tank, additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper and micrometeoroid debris shields to the International Space Station. This will be the final spaceflight for Endeavour. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-2665

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a simulated launch countdown, the STS-1...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a simulated launch countdown, the STS-134 crew pause for a photo opportunity before climbing onboard the Astrovan at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. As part of the Termina... More

Proudly wearing red KSC Fire/Rescue hats, members of the STS-84 crew pause for a moment for a group photograph while participating in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. From left, are Mission Specialists C. Michael Foale, Carlos I. Noriega, Jean-Francois Clervoy of the European Space Agency and Elena V. Kondakova of the Russian Space Agency; and Pilot Eileen Marie Collins, Mission Specialist Edward Tsang Lu and Commander Charles J. Precourt. STS-84 aboard Atlantis will be the sixth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Foale will transfer to the space station and become a member of the Mir 23 crew, replacing U.S. astronaut Jerry M. Linenger, who will return to Earth aboard Atlantis. Foale will live and work on Mir until mid-September when his replacement is expected to arrive on the STS-86 mission. STS-84 is targeted for a May 15 liftoff KSC-97pc756

Proudly wearing red KSC Fire/Rescue hats, members of the STS-84 crew p...

Proudly wearing red KSC Fire/Rescue hats, members of the STS-84 crew pause for a moment for a group photograph while participating in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. From left, are Miss... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the STS-84 crew pause at Patrick Air force Base just prior to their departure for Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. They are (from left) Mission Specialist Jean-Francois Clervoy; returning astronaut and Mir 23 crew member Jerry M. Linenger; Mission Commander Charles J. Precourt; Mission Specialist Edward Tsang Lu; and Mission Specialist Elena V. Kondakova. The seven-member crew returned aboard the Space Shuttle Orbiter Atlantis May 24 on KSC's Runway 33 after the completion of a successful nine-day mission. STS-84 was the sixth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station MIr. Atlantis was docked with the Mir for five days. STS-84 Mission Specialist C. Michael Foale replaced Linenger, who had been on the Russian space station since Jan. 15. Besides the docking and crew exchange, STS-84 included the transfer of more than 7,300 pounds of water, logistics and science experiments and hardware to and from the Mir. Scientific experiments conducted during the STS-84 mission, and scheduled for Foale's stay on the Mir, are in the fields of advanced technology, Earth sciences, fundamental biology, human life sciences, International Space Station risk mitigation, microgravity sciences and space sciences. KSC-97PC863

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the STS-84 crew pause at Patri...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the STS-84 crew pause at Patrick Air force Base just prior to their departure for Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. They are (from left) Mission Specialist Jean-Fr... More

After arriving at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-99 crew pause to greet the media and Commander Kevin Kregel (right) introduces his crew: (from left) Mission Specialists Gerhard Thiele (Ph.D.) and Mamoru Mohri (Ph.D.); Pilot Dominic Gorie; and Mission Specialists Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.) and Janice Voss (Ph.D.). Thiele is with the European Space Agency and Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan. 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-00pp0112

After arriving at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-99 crew paus...

After arriving at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-99 crew pause to greet the media and Commander Kevin Kregel (right) introduces his crew: (from left) Mission Specialists Gerhard Thiele (Ph.D.) and Mamo... More

After arriving at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-99 crew pause to greet the media and Commander Kevin Kregel (right) introduces his crew: (from left) Mission Specialists Gerhard Thiele (Ph.D.) and Mamoru Mohri (Ph.D.); Pilot Dominic Gorie; and Mission Specialists Janet Lynn Kavandi (Ph.D.) and Janice Voss (Ph.D.). Thiele is with the European Space Agency and Mohri is with the National Space Development Agency (NASDA) of Japan. 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 KSC00pp0112

After arriving at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-99 crew paus...

After arriving at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-99 crew pause to greet the media and Commander Kevin Kregel (right) introduces his crew: (from left) Mission Specialists Gerhard Thiele (Ph.D.) and Mamo... More

During Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities, the STS-97 crew pause in the White Room at Launch Pad 39B for a photo. At left is Commander Brent Jett and crouching in front is Pilot Mike Bloomfield. Standing behind him are Mission Specialists Joe Tanner, Marc Garneau and Carlos Noriega. . Garneau is with the Canadian Space Agency. The TCDT includes emergency egress training, familiarization with the payload, and a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-97is the sixth construction flight to the International Space Station. Its payload includes the P6 Integrated Truss Structure and a photovoltaic (PV) module, with giant solar arrays that will provide power to the Station. The mission includes two spacewalks to complete the solar array connections. STS-97 is scheduled to launch Nov. 30 at 10:05 p.m. EST KSC-00pp1652

During Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities, the ST...

During Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities, the STS-97 crew pause in the White Room at Launch Pad 39B for a photo. At left is Commander Brent Jett and crouching in front is Pilot Mike Bloomf... More

Gathered at Launch Pad 39B, the STS-97 crew pause for a photo. Standing left to right are Mission Specialist Carlos Noriega, Pilot Michael Bloomfield, Commander Brent Jett and Mission Specialists Joseph Tanner and Marc Garneau, who is with the Canadian Space Agency. The mission to the International Space Station carries the P6 Integrated Truss Segment containing solar arrays and batteries that will be temporarily installed to the Unity connecting module by the Z1 truss, recently delivered to and installed on the Station on mission STS-92. The two solar arrays are each more than 100 feet long. They will capture energy from the sun and convert it to power for the Station. Two spacewalks will be required to install the solar array connections. STS-97 is scheduled to launch Nov. 30 at about 10:06 p.m. EST KSC-00padig110

Gathered at Launch Pad 39B, the STS-97 crew pause for a photo. Standin...

Gathered at Launch Pad 39B, the STS-97 crew pause for a photo. Standing left to right are Mission Specialist Carlos Noriega, Pilot Michael Bloomfield, Commander Brent Jett and Mission Specialists Joseph Tanner ... More

Gathered at Launch Pad 39B, the STS-97 crew pause for a photo. Standing left to right are Mission Specialist Carlos Noriega, Pilot Michael Bloomfield, Commander Brent Jett and Mission Specialists Joseph Tanner and Marc Garneau, who is with the Canadian Space Agency. Behind them can be seen the top of the external tank and solid rocket boosters. The mission to the International Space Station carries the P6 Integrated Truss Segment containing solar arrays and batteries that will be temporarily installed to the Unity connecting module by the Z1 truss, recently delivered to and installed on the Station on mission STS-92. The two solar arrays are each more than 100 feet long. They will capture energy from the sun and convert it to power for the Station. Two spacewalks will be required to install the solar array connections. STS-97 is scheduled to launch Nov. 30 at about 10:06 p.m. EST KSC-00pp1773

Gathered at Launch Pad 39B, the STS-97 crew pause for a photo. Standin...

Gathered at Launch Pad 39B, the STS-97 crew pause for a photo. Standing left to right are Mission Specialist Carlos Noriega, Pilot Michael Bloomfield, Commander Brent Jett and Mission Specialists Joseph Tanner ... More

Members of the STS-98 crew pause for a photo after their arrival at KSC. From left, they are Commander Ken Cockrell, Mission Specialists Robert Curbeam and Thomas Jones, and Pilot Mark Polansky. Missing is Mission Specialist Marsha Ivins who was planning to arrive later. The crew is at KSC to take part in Terminal Countdown Test Demonstration activities in preparation for launch. They will be training in emergency procedures from the pad, checking the payload and taking part in a simulated countdown. The payload for the mission is the U.S. Lab Destiny, a key element in the construction of the International Space Station. The lab has five system racks already installed inside the module. After delivery of electronics in the lab, electrically powered attitude control for Control Moment Gyroscopes will be activated. STS-98 is the seventh construction flight to the ISS KSC01pp0024

Members of the STS-98 crew pause for a photo after their arrival at KS...

Members of the STS-98 crew pause for a photo after their arrival at KSC. From left, they are Commander Ken Cockrell, Mission Specialists Robert Curbeam and Thomas Jones, and Pilot Mark Polansky. Missing is Miss... More

A happy and relaxed STS-98 crew pause for a photo at Launch Pad 39A one day before launch. From left, they are Pilot Mark Polansky, Commander Ken Cockrell and Mission Specialists Marsha Ivins, Robert Curbeam and Thomas Jones. Behind them is Space Shuttle Atlantis, poised for launch.This mission marks the seventh Shuttle flight to the International Space Station and the first Shuttle mission of the year. On the mission, the crew will deliver the U.S. Laboratory Destiny to the growing Space Station. Destiny will be attached to the Unity node using the Shuttle’s robotic arm. Three spacewalks are required to complete the planned construction work. The 11-day STS-98 mission is scheduled to launch Feb. 7 at 6:11 p.m. EST, with a planned KSC landing about 1:39 p.m. on Feb. 18 KSC01padig052

A happy and relaxed STS-98 crew pause for a photo at Launch Pad 39A on...

A happy and relaxed STS-98 crew pause for a photo at Launch Pad 39A one day before launch. From left, they are Pilot Mark Polansky, Commander Ken Cockrell and Mission Specialists Marsha Ivins, Robert Curbeam an... More

After landing at KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-102 crew pause to brief the media. At the microphone is Commander James Wetherbee. Standing behind him (left to right) are Missions Specialists Susan Helms, Yury Usachev and James Voss, who are also the Expedition Two crew due to replace Expedition One on the International Space Station; Mission Specialists Paul Richards and Andrew Thomas; and Pilot James Kelly. STS-102 will be carrying the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the primary delivery system used to resupply and return Station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. Leonardo will deliver up to 10 tons of laboratory racks filled with equipment, experiments and supplies for outfitting the newly installed U.S. Laboratory Destiny. STS-102 is scheduled to launch March 8 at 6:42 a.m. EST KSC01padig114

After landing at KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-102 crew paus...

After landing at KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-102 crew pause to brief the media. At the microphone is Commander James Wetherbee. Standing behind him (left to right) are Missions Specialists Susan Hel... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- During payload walkdown at Launch Pad 39B, the STS-104 crew pause for a photo. At left are Commander Steven W. Lindsey (front), Mission Specialist Janet Lynn Kavandi (center) and Mission Specialist James F. Reilly (back). At right are Mission Specialist Michael L. Gernhardt and Pilot Charles O. Hobaugh. The crew is taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include emergency exit training from the orbiter, opportunities to inspect their mission payloads in the orbiter’s payload bay and simulated countdown exercises. The launch of Atlantis on mission STS-104 is scheduled July 12 from Launch Pad 39B. The mission is the 10th flight to the International Space Station and carries the Joint Airlock Module KSC-01pp1232

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- During payload walkdown at Launch Pad 39...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- During payload walkdown at Launch Pad 39B, the STS-104 crew pause for a photo. At left are Commander Steven W. Lindsey (front), Mission Specialist Janet Lynn Kavandi (center) and M... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-111 crew pause before departing KSC for Houston. The crew spent time in the Space Station Processing Facility for training on the payload they will be transporting: The Mobile Base System (MBS). Standing left to right are Pilot Paul Lockhart, Commander Ken Cockrell and Mission Specialists Phillippe Perrin, with the French space agency CNES, and Franklin Chang-Diaz. During the mission, the MBS will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the Truss to work sites. The Expedition Five crew will be replacing Expedition Four. Launch of Endeavour on mission STS-111 is scheduled for April 18, 2002 KSC-01pp1511

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-111 crew pause before departing...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-111 crew pause before departing KSC for Houston. The crew spent time in the Space Station Processing Facility for training on the payload they will be transporting: The M... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39B, the STS-108 crew pause for a photo during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include emergency exit from the launch pad and a simulated launch countdown. From left are Commander Dominic L. Gorie, Pilot Mark E. Kelly, and Mission Specialists Daniel M. Tani and Linda A. Godwin. STS-108 is a Utilization Flight that will carry the replacement Expedition 4 crew to the International Space Station, as well as the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, filled with supplies and equipment. The l1-day mission is scheduled for launch Nov. 29 on Space Shuttle Endeavour KSC-01PP1665

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39B, the STS-108 crew pau...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39B, the STS-108 crew pause for a photo during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include emergency exit from the launch pad and a simulated lau... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On the launch pad, the STS-108 crew and Expedition 4 crew pause for a photo during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include emergency exit from the launch pad and a simulated launch countdown. From left are STS-108 Commander Dominic L. Gorie, Pilot Mark E. Kelly, and Mission Specialists Daniel M. Tani and Linda A. Godwin; and Expedition 4 crew Daniel W. Bursch, Commander Yuri Onufrienko and Carl E. Walz. STS-108 is a Utilization Flight that will carry the replacement Expedition 4 crew to the International Space Station, as well as the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, filled with supplies and equipment. The l1-day mission is scheduled for launch Nov. 29 on Space Shuttle Endeavour KSC-01PP1666

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On the launch pad, the STS-108 crew and ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On the launch pad, the STS-108 crew and Expedition 4 crew pause for a photo during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include emergency exit from the launch pa... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During training on an M-113 armored personnel carrier, members of the STS-109 crew pause for this photo. From left are pictured Mission Specialist Michael Massimino, Pilot Duane Carey and Commander Scott Altman. The M-113 is part of emergency egress training at the launch pad. Crew members are taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which also include a simulated launch countdown. STS-109 is a Hubble Space Telescope Servicing Mission, with goals to replace Solar Array 2 with Solar Array 3, replace the Power Control Unit, remove the Faint Object Camera and install the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS), install the Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) Cooling System, and install New Outer Blanket Layer insulation. The 11-day mission will require grasping the satellite with a robotic arm in order for the crew to perform the tasks during five spacewalks. Launch of STS-109 aboard Space Shuttle Columbia is scheduled for Feb. 28, 2002 KSC-02pd0068

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During training on an M-113 armored per...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During training on an M-113 armored personnel carrier, members of the STS-109 crew pause for this photo. From left are pictured Mission Specialist Michael Massimino, Pilot Duane ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A, members of the STS-109 crew pause during their final inspection of the Hubble payload they will deploy on orbit during five spacewalks. Seen here (left to right) are Mission Specialists Michael Massimino, Nancy Currie and James Newman. The crew also comprises Commander Scott Altman, Pilot Duane Carey, Payload Commander John Grunsfeld, and Mission Specialist Richard Linnehan. The goal of the mission is to replace Solar Array 2 with Solar Array 3, replace the Power Control Unit, remove the Faint Object Camera and install the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS), install the Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) Cooling System, and install New Outer Blanket Layer insulation. Launch of Shuttle Columbia on mission STS-109 is scheduled for Feb. 28 at 6:48 a.m. EST KSC-02pd0161

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A, members of the STS-109...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A, members of the STS-109 crew pause during their final inspection of the Hubble payload they will deploy on orbit during five spacewalks. Seen here (left to right... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-113 crew pause for a photo after test drives in the M-113 armored personnel carrier behind them. From left are Mission Specialist Michael Lopez-Alegria, Pilot Paul Lockhart, Commander James Wetherbee and Mission Specialist John Herrington. Driving the M-113 is part of emergency egress training at the pad, one of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities in preparation for launch. The TCDT also includes a simulated launch countdown. The primary payloads on mission STS-113 are the first port truss segment, P1, and the Crew and Equipment Translation Aid (CETA) Cart B. Once delivered, the P1 truss will remain stowed until flight 12A.1 in 2003 when it will be attached to the central truss segment, S0, on the Space Station. Also onboard Space Shuttle Endeavour will be the Expedition 6 crew who will replace Expedition 5, returning to Earth after 4 months. KSC-02pd1554

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-113 crew pause for a photo afte...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-113 crew pause for a photo after test drives in the M-113 armored personnel carrier behind them. From left are Mission Specialist Michael Lopez-Alegria, Pilot Paul Lockha... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-113 crew pause after a meal for a group photo. From left are Mission Specialists Michael Lopez-Alegria and John Herrington, Pilot Paul Lockhart and Commander James Wetherbee; plus the Expedition 6 crew, Nikolai Budarin, Commander Ken Bowersox and Donald Pettit. On mission STS-113, the astronauts will deliver the Port 1 (P1) Integrated Truss Structure to the International Space Station. During the seven days Endeavour will be docked to the Station, three spacewalks will be performed dedicated to connecting the P1 truss to the port side of the S0 truss, already in place on the Station. This mission marks the 16th Shuttle flight to the International Space Station and the fifth Shuttle mission this year. Mission STS-113 is the 19th flight of the orbiter Endeavour and the 112th flight overall in NASA's Space Shuttle program. KSC-02pd1782

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-113 crew pause after a meal for ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-113 crew pause after a meal for a group photo. From left are Mission Specialists Michael Lopez-Alegria and John Herrington, Pilot Paul Lockhart and Commander James Wetherb... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-121 crew pause in their prelaunch activities to talk to the media. They are standing in the landing area of the slidewire baskets. With the microphone is Pilot Mark Kelly. The crew members are (from left) Mission Specialists Michael Fossum and Lisa Nowak, Kelly, Commander Steven Lindsey, and Mission Specialists Stephanie Wilson, Piers Sellers and Thomas Reiter of Germany, who represents the European Space Agency. The crew is at Kennedy for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. Over several days, the crew will practice emergency egress from the pad and suit up in their orange flight suits for the simulated countdown to launch. Space Shuttle Discovery is designated to launch July 1 on mission STS-121. It will carry supplies to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1053

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-121 crew pause in their prelaunch...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-121 crew pause in their prelaunch activities to talk to the media. They are standing in the landing area of the slidewire baskets. With the microphone is Pilot Mark Kelly. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-121 crew pause in their prelaunch activities to talk to the media, gathered at left. They are standing in the landing area of the slidewire baskets. The crew members facing them are (from left) Mission Specialists Thomas Reiter of Germany, who represents the European Space Agency, Piers Sellers, Stephanie Wilson, Commander Steven Lindsey, Pilot Mark Kelly, and Mission Specialists Lisa Nowak and Michael Fossum. The crew is at Kennedy for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. Over several days, the crew will practice emergency egress from the pad and suit up in their orange flight suits for the simulated countdown to launch. Space Shuttle Discovery is designated to launch July 1 on mission STS-121. It will carry supplies to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1055

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-121 crew pause in their prelaunch...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-121 crew pause in their prelaunch activities to talk to the media, gathered at left. They are standing in the landing area of the slidewire baskets. The crew members facing... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-121 crew pause in their prelaunch activities to talk to the media. They are standing in the landing area of the slidewire baskets. At the microphone is Commander Steven Lindsey. Behind him are (from left) Mission Specialists Michael Fossum and Lisa Nowak, Pilot Mark Kelly and Mission Specialists Stephanie Wilson, Piers Sellers and Thomas Reiter of Germany, who represents the European Space Agency. The crew is at Kennedy for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. Over several days, the crew will practice emergency egress from the pad and suit up in their orange flight suits for the simulated countdown to launch. Space Shuttle Discovery is designated to launch July 1 on mission STS-121. It will carry supplies to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1049

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-121 crew pause in their prelaunch...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-121 crew pause in their prelaunch activities to talk to the media. They are standing in the landing area of the slidewire baskets. At the microphone is Commander Steven Li... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-121 crew pause in their prelaunch activities to talk to the media. They are standing in the landing area of the slidewire baskets. With the microphone is Mission Specialist Piers Sellers. The crew members are (from left) Mission Specialists Michael Fossum and Lisa Nowak, Pilot Mark Kelly, Commander Steven Lindsey, and Mission Specialists Stephanie Wilson, Sellers, and Thomas Reiter of Germany, who represents the European Space Agency. The crew is at Kennedy for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. Over several days, the crew will practice emergency egress from the pad and suit up in their orange flight suits for the simulated countdown to launch. Space Shuttle Discovery is designated to launch July 1 on mission STS-121. It will carry supplies to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1054

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-121 crew pause in their prelaunch...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-121 crew pause in their prelaunch activities to talk to the media. They are standing in the landing area of the slidewire baskets. With the microphone is Mission Specialist... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-121 crew pause in their prelaunch activities to talk to the media, gathered at left. They are standing in the landing area of the slidewire baskets. The crew members facing them are (from left) Mission Specialists Thomas Reiter of Germany, who represents the European Space Agency, Piers Sellers, Stephanie Wilson, Commander Steven Lindsey, Pilot Mark Kelly, and Mission Specialists Lisa Nowak and Michael Fossum. The crew is at Kennedy for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. Over several days, the crew will practice emergency egress from the pad and suit up in their orange flight suits for the simulated countdown to launch. Space Shuttle Discovery is designated to launch July 1 on mission STS-121. It will carry supplies to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1056

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-121 crew pause in their prelaunc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-121 crew pause in their prelaunch activities to talk to the media, gathered at left. They are standing in the landing area of the slidewire baskets. The crew members facin... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-116 crew pause in their prelaunch activities to talk to the media at Launch Pad 39B. Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang has the microphone to answer a question. The other crew members are, from left, Commander Mark Polansky, Mission Specialists Joan Higginbotham, Robert Curbeam, Nicholas Patrick, (Fuglesang) and Sunita Williams, and Pilot William Oefelein. Fuglesang represents the European Space Agency. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-116 mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2564

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-116 crew pause in their prelaunc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-116 crew pause in their prelaunch activities to talk to the media at Launch Pad 39B. Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang has the microphone to answer a question. The othe... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-116 crew pause in their prelaunch activities to talk to the media (foreground) at Launch Pad 39B. Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick has the microphone to answer a question. From left, the crew members are Commander Mark Polansky, Mission Specialists Joan Higginbotham, Robert Curbeam, Patrick, Christer Fuglesang and Sunita Williams, and Pilot William Oefelein. Fuglesang represents the European Space Agency. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-116 mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2562

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-116 crew pause in their prelaunc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-116 crew pause in their prelaunch activities to talk to the media (foreground) at Launch Pad 39B. Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick has the microphone to answer a questi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-116 crew pause in their prelaunch activities to talk to the media at Launch Pad 39B. With the microphone, at left, is Commander Mark Polansky. The other crew members are, from left, Mission Specialists Joan Higginbotham, Robert Curbeam, Nicholas Patrick, Christer Fuglesang and Sunita Williams, and Pilot William Oefelein. Fuglesang represents the European Space Agency. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-116 mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2559

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-116 crew pause in their prelaunc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-116 crew pause in their prelaunch activities to talk to the media at Launch Pad 39B. With the microphone, at left, is Commander Mark Polansky. The other crew members are, ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Members of the space shuttle Discovery's STS-124 crew pause for a photo while inspecting cables on Launch Pad 39A. From left are Mission Specialists Karen Nyberg, Akihiko Hoshide, Mike Fossum and Ron Garan. Hoshide represents the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The crew is getting ready for launch at 5:02 p.m. on May 31. The STS-124 mission is the second of three flights launching components to complete the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. The shuttle crew will install Kibo's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system, or RMS. The 14-day flight includes three spacewalks. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1497

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Members of the space shuttle Discovery's STS-...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Members of the space shuttle Discovery's STS-124 crew pause for a photo while inspecting cables on Launch Pad 39A. From left are Mission Specialists Karen Nyberg, Akihiko Hoshide, Mike ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The STS-135 crew pause for a photo during their M113 armored personnel carrier training at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Seen here are Commander Chris Ferguson (front), Mission Specialists Sandy Magnus, Rex Walheim and Pilot Doug Hurley (red cap). An M113 is kept at the foot of the launch pad in case an emergency exit from the launch pad is needed and every shuttle crew is trained on driving the vehicle before launch. The STS-135 crew is at Kennedy to participate in a launch countdown dress rehearsal called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) and related training. Atlantis and its crew are targeted to lift off July 8, taking with them the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-4687

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The STS-135 crew pause for a photo during thei...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The STS-135 crew pause for a photo during their M113 armored personnel carrier training at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Seen here are Commander Chris Ferguson (front), Mission... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The STS-135 crew pause for a photo at the conclusion of their M113 armored personnel carrier training at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Seen here are Mission Specialist Rex Walheim (left), Pilot Doug Hurley, Mission Specialist Sandy Magnus and Commander Chris Ferguson. An M113 is kept at the foot of the launch pad in case an emergency exit from the launch pad is needed and every shuttle crew is trained on driving the vehicle before launch. The STS-135 crew is at Kennedy to participate in a launch countdown dress rehearsal called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) and related training. Atlantis and its crew are targeted to lift off July 8, taking with them the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-4691

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The STS-135 crew pause for a photo at the conc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The STS-135 crew pause for a photo at the conclusion of their M113 armored personnel carrier training at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Seen here are Mission Specialist Rex Walh... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The STS-135 crew pause for a photo at the conclusion of their M113 armored personnel carrier training at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Seen here are Mission Specialist Rex Walheim (left), Pilot Doug Hurley, Mission Specialist Sandy Magnus and Commander Chris Ferguson. An M113 is kept at the foot of the launch pad in case an emergency exit from the launch pad is needed and every shuttle crew is trained on driving the vehicle before launch. The STS-135 crew is at Kennedy to participate in a launch countdown dress rehearsal called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) and related training. Atlantis and its crew are targeted to lift off July 8, taking with them the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-4692

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The STS-135 crew pause for a photo at the conc...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The STS-135 crew pause for a photo at the conclusion of their M113 armored personnel carrier training at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Seen here are Mission Specialist Rex Walh... More