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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After greeting the media on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 crew stands in front of space shuttle Atlantis for a final group photo. From left are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim and Stanley Love, Pilot Alan Poindexter and Commander Steve Frick. Schlegel represents the European Space Agency. After a round trip of nearly 5.3 million miles, space shuttle Atlantis and crew returned to Earth with a landing at 9:07 a.m. EST. The shuttle landed on orbit 202 to complete the 13-day STS-122 mission. Main gear touchdown was 9:07:10 a.m. Nose gear touchdown was 9:07:20 a.m. Wheel stop was at 9:08:08 a.m. Mission elapsed time was 12 days, 18 hours, 21 minutes and 44 seconds. During the mission, Atlantis' crew installed the new Columbus laboratory, leaving a larger space station and one with increased science capabilities. The Columbus Research Module adds nearly 1,000 cubic feet of habitable volume and affords room for 10 experiment racks, each an independent science lab. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-08pd0407

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After greeting the media on the Shuttle...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After greeting the media on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 crew stands in front of space shuttle Atlantis for a final group photo. From ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members inspect the Columbus European Laboratory, part of the payload on their mission. Seen here is Commander Steve Frick. The crew is participating in a crew equipment interface test that provides opportunities for hands-on experience with payloads and equipment. The other crew members are Pilot Alan Poindexter and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim, Stan Love, Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency. The 24th mission to the International Space Station, STS-122 will also include the Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure - Non-Deployable (MPESS-ND). Launch of STS-122 on Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled no earlier than October. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0058

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facilit...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members inspect the Columbus European Laboratory, part of the payload on their mission. Seen here is Commander Steve Frick.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, members of the STS-122 crew arrive for launch. From left are Mission Specialists Leopold Eyharts, Stanley Love, Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim and Leland Melvin. They were greeted by Doug Lyons (left, yellow shirt), launch director for the mission, and Pete Nickolenko (right, green shirt), lead shuttle test director. Eyharts and Schlegel represent the European Space Agency. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission, at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7. This will be the third launch attempt for the mission. Some of the tank's ECO sensors gave failed readings during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, subsequently scrubbing further attempts until the cause could be found and repairs made. Atlantis will carry the Columbus module, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to the Harmony module of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0125

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, members...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, members of the STS-122 crew arrive for launch. From left are Mission Specialists Leopold Eyharts, Stanley Love, Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim and Lel... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 crew talk to the media. From left are Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Mission Specialists Mike Foreman and Leland Melvin; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore, at microphone; and Mission Specialists Robert L. Satcher Jr. and Randy Bresnik. The crew members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 mission are at Kennedy for training related to their launch dress rehearsal, the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. Launch of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is targeted for Nov. 16. For information on the STS-129 mission objectives and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-5578

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-129 crew talk to the media. From left are Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Mission Special... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the rotating service structure has been retracted from space shuttle Atlantis as the countdown progresses toward launch on Nov. 16 at 2:28 p.m. EST of the STS-129 mission. The movable structure, which provides weather protection and access for technicians to work on the shuttle, began being retracted at 5:20 p.m. EST and was in the park position by 5:56 p.m. STS-129 crew members are Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr. On the STS-129 mission to the International Space Station, the crew will deliver two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory. STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-6299

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the rotating service structure has been retracted from space shuttle Atlantis as the countdown progresses toward launch on Nov... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Twitter followers and media representatives at the NASA Press Site have front-row seats as space shuttle Atlantis launches through the clouds from Launch Pad 39A on a balmy Florida afternoon at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16. Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr. On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory. STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Gianni Woods KSC-2009-6337

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Twitter followers and media representatives at ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Twitter followers and media representatives at the NASA Press Site have front-row seats as space shuttle Atlantis launches through the clouds from Launch Pad 39A on a balmy Florida aftern... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Changeout Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the STS-129 crew, dressed in clean-room attire known as "bunny suits," pause a moment during their payload familiarization training for a photo. From left are Mission Specialists Robert L. Satcher Jr. and Leland Melvin. The training affords the crew an opportunity to observe the placement of the Express Logistics Carriers 1 and 2 in space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay before launch. The six astronauts for space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-129 mission came to Kennedy to participate in their launch dress rehearsal, the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. Additional training associated with the test was done last month, but the simulated countdown was postponed because of a scheduling conflict with the launch of NASA’s Ares I-X test rocket. Launch of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is set for Nov. 16. On STS-129, the crew will deliver to the station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. For information on the STS-129 crew and mission objectives, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-6105

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Changeout Room on Launch Pad 39A...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Payload Changeout Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the STS-129 crew, dressed in clean-room attire known as "bunny suits," pause a moment... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space shuttle Atlantis emerges from the exhaust cloud building on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16. Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr. On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory. STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tom Farrar and Tony Gray KSC-2009-6361

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Like a phoenix rising from the flames, space shuttle Atlantis emerges from the exhaust cloud building on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-12... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - As the sun sets behind Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the rotating service structure has been moved away from space shuttle Atlantis during the T-11 hour hold in the launch countdown. Liftoff of the STS-129 mission is set for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16. The movable structure, which provides weather protection and access for technicians to work on the shuttle, began being retracted at 5:20 p.m. EST and was in the park position by 5:56 p.m. STS-129 crew members are Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr. On the STS-129 mission to the International Space Station, the crew will deliver two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory. STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-2009-6300

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - As the sun sets behind Launch Pad 39A at NASA's...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - As the sun sets behind Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the rotating service structure has been moved away from space shuttle Atlantis during the T-11 hour hold i... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members inspect the Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure - Non-Deployable (MPESS-ND), part of the payload on their mission. Here, Mission Specialist Stan Love (left) and Commander Steve Frick get a close look. The crew is participating in a crew equipment interface test that provides opportunities for hands-on experience with payloads and equipment. The other crew members are Pilot Alan Poindexter and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim, Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency. The 24th mission to the International Space Station, STS-122 will also include the Columbus European Laboratory. Launch of STS-122 on Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled no earlier than October. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0061

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facilit...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members inspect the Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure - Non-Deployable (MPESS-ND), part of the payload on their mis... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Press Site bull pen at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, The LEGO Group's Daire McCabe and NASA's Associate Administrator for Education Leland Melvin talk about the LEGO sets going up to the International Space Station aboard space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission. NASA and The LEGO Group will send 23 LEGO sets to the station and some of those sets include a space shuttle, an ISS model, a Global Positioning Satellite and NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. The sets will be used for NASA's Teaching From Space Project, which is part of a three-year Space Act Agreement with the toy maker to spark the interest of children in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Liftoff is scheduled for April 29 at 3:47 p.m. EDT. 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/Frankie Martin KSC-2011-3140

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Press Site bull pen at NASA's Kennedy S...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Press Site bull pen at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, The LEGO Group's Daire McCabe and NASA's Associate Administrator for Education Leland Melvin talk about the LEGO set... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated with the aid of twin solid rocket boosters, space shuttle Atlantis roars into the blue skies over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16. Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr. On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory. STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Rusty Backer and Tom Farrar KSC-2009-6387

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generate...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated with the aid of twin solid rocket boosters, space shuttle Atlantis roars into the blue skies over Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space C... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the slidewire basket landing on Launch Pad 39A, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew responds to questions from the media. From left are Commander Steve Frick (with the microphone); Pilot Alan Poindexter; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim, Hans Schlegel, Stanley Love and Leopold Eyharts. Schlegel and Eyharts are with the European Space Agency. Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16 following the STS-122 mission. The STS-122 crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3372

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the slidewire basket landing on Laun...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the slidewire basket landing on Launch Pad 39A, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew responds to questions from the media. From left are Commander Steve Frick (with the mic... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated by twin solid rocket boosters and three main engines, space shuttle Atlantis clears the tower on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16. Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr. On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory. STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tom Farrar and Tony Gray KSC-2009-6392

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generate...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated by twin solid rocket boosters and three main engines, space shuttle Atlantis clears the tower on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Ce... More

STS122-S-064 (7 Feb. 2008) --- The Space Shuttle Atlantis and its seven-member STS-122 crew head toward Earth-orbit and a scheduled link-up with the International Space Station (ISS). Liftoff from Kennedy Space Center's launch pad 39A occurred at 2:45 p.m. (EST). The launch is the third attempt for Atlantis since December 2007 to carry the European Space Agency's (ESA) Columbus laboratory to the station. During the mission, the crew's prime objective is to attach the laboratory to the Harmony module, adding to the station's size and capabilities. Onboard are astronauts Steve Frick, commander; Alan Poindexter, pilot; Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim, ESA's Hans Schlegel, Stanley Love and ESA's Leopold Eyharts, all mission specialists. Eyharts will join Expedition 16 in progress to serve as a flight engineer aboard the ISS. 08pp0297

STS122-S-064 (7 Feb. 2008) --- The Space Shuttle Atlantis and its seve...

STS122-S-064 (7 Feb. 2008) --- The Space Shuttle Atlantis and its seven-member STS-122 crew head toward Earth-orbit and a scheduled link-up with the International Space Station (ISS). Liftoff from Kennedy Space... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin talks to the media at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility following his arrival to participate in three days of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest single contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3328

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Mission ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin talks to the media at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility following his arrival to participate in three... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin tries on his launch and entry suit, preparing for launch. The fitting is part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities the crew is undertaking at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest single contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3358

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Mission ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin tries on his launch and entry suit, preparing for launch. The fitting is part of terminal countdown demonstration t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 mission crew members stride out of the Operations and Checkout Building, eager to ride to the launch pad and take their seats in space shuttle Atlantis for the planned launch today at 2:45 p.m. EST. Seen on the right, front to back, are Commander Steve Frick and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim and Hans Schlegel. On the left, front to back, are Pilot Alan Poindexter, followed by Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Stanley Love and Leopold Eyharts. Schlegel and Eyharts represent the European Space Agency. The launch will be the third attempt for Atlantis since December 2007 to carry the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory to the International Space Station. During the 11-day mission, the crew's prime objective is to attach the laboratory to the Harmony module, adding to the station's size and capabilities. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0199

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 mission crew members stride out of the Operations and Checkout Building, eager to ride to the launch pad and take their seats in space ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle workers await landing of shuttle Atlantis on Runway 33 at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. After 11 days in space, Atlantis completed the 4.5-million mile STS-129 mission on orbit 171. Main gear touchdown was at 9:44:23 a.m. EST. Nose gear touchdown was at 9:44:36 a.m., and wheels stop was at 9:45:05 a.m. Aboard Atlantis are Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.; and Expedition 20 and 21 Flight Engineer Nicole Stott who spent 87 days aboard the International Space Station. STS-129 is the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight on the manifest. On STS-129, the crew delivered 14 tons of cargo to the orbiting laboratory, including two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers containing spare parts to sustain station operations after the shuttles are retired next year. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2009-6583

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle workers await landing of shuttle ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle workers await landing of shuttle Atlantis on Runway 33 at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. After 11 days in space, Atlantis completed... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin tries on the gloves of his launch and entry suit, preparing for launch. The fitting is part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities the crew is undertaking at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest single contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3359

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Mission ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin tries on the gloves of his launch and entry suit, preparing for launch. The fitting is part of terminal countdown d... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Launch of space shuttle Atlantis from Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is reflected in the marsh near the pad. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16. Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr. On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory. STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Tom Farrar and Tony Gray KSC-2009-6374

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Launch of space shuttle Atlantis from Pad 39A a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Launch of space shuttle Atlantis from Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida is reflected in the marsh near the pad. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST No... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-129 Commander Charles O. Hobaugh waves from the cockpit of space shuttle Atlantis following a picture-perfect landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. After 11 days in space, Atlantis completed the 4.5-million mile STS-129 mission on orbit 171. Main gear touchdown was at 9:44:23 a.m. EST. Nose gear touchdown was at 9:44:36 a.m., and wheels stop was at 9:45:05 a.m. Other crew members aboard Atlantis are Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.; and Expedition 20 and 21 Flight Engineer Nicole Stott who spent 87 days aboard the International Space Station. STS-129 is the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight on the manifest. On STS-129, the crew delivered 14 tons of cargo to the orbiting laboratory, including two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers containing spare parts to sustain station operations after the shuttles are retired next year. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jeff Wolfe KSC-2009-6594

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-129 Commander Charles O. Hobaugh waves from...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-129 Commander Charles O. Hobaugh waves from the cockpit of space shuttle Atlantis following a picture-perfect landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated with the aid of twin solid rocket boosters, space shuttle Atlantis clears the tower on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Liftoff on its STS-129 mission came at 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16. Aboard are crew members Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr. On STS-129, the crew will deliver two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory. STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Rusty Backer and Tom Farrar KSC-2009-6386

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generate...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - With nearly 7 million pounds of thrust generated with the aid of twin solid rocket boosters, space shuttle Atlantis clears the tower on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Fl... More

From Space to the Super Bowl Members of the STS-129 shuttle mission present a specially minted silver medallion to National Football League officials on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010, at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. The coin, which was flown in space during the November flight of Atlantis, will be used for the official coin toss prior to the kickoff of Super Bowl XLIV on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010. One member of Atlantis' crew, Leland Melvin, was drafted by the NFL's Detroit Lions in 1986. The crew also flew other NFL-related memorabilia, including jerseys and a football inscribed with the name of every member of the Hall of Fame. From left: Astronauts Bobby Satcher, Randy Bresnik, and Charlie Hobaugh; Joe Horrigan, Vice President of Communications/Exhibits for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Steve Perry, President/Executive Director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame; astronauts Berry Wilmore, Michael Foreman and Leland Melvin. Photo Credit: NASA/Marv Smith GRC-2010-C-00452

From Space to the Super Bowl Members of the STS-129 shuttle mission ...

From Space to the Super Bowl Members of the STS-129 shuttle mission present a specially minted silver medallion to National Football League officials on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010, at the Pro Football Hall of F... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members inspect the Columbus European Laboratory, part of the payload on their mission. Seen here is Commander Steve Frick. The crew is participating in a crew equipment interface test that provides opportunities for hands-on experience with payloads and equipment. The other crew members are Pilot Alan Poindexter and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim, Stan Love, Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency. The 24th mission to the International Space Station, STS-122 will also include the Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure - Non-Deployable (MPESS-ND). Launch of STS-122 on Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled no earlier than October. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0057

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facilit...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members inspect the Columbus European Laboratory, part of the payload on their mission. Seen here is Commander Steve Frick.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members inspect the Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure - Non-Deployable (MPESS-ND), part of the payload on their mission. In the foreground are Mission Specialists Rex Walheim (left) and Stan Love. The crew is participating in a crew equipment interface test that provides opportunities for hands-on experience with payloads and equipment. The other crew members are Commander Steve Frick, Pilot Alan Poindexter and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency. The 24th mission to the International Space Station, STS-122 will also include the Columbus European Laboratory. Launch of STS-122 on Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled no earlier than October. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0062

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members inspect the Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure - Non-Deployable (MPESS-ND), part of the payload on their miss... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members inspect the Columbus European Laboratory, part of the payload on their mission. Here, Mission Specialist Rex Walheim closely examines a component of the laboratory. The crew is participating in a crew equipment interface test that provides opportunities for hands-on experience with payloads and equipment. The other crew members are Commander Steve Frick, Pilot Alan Poindexter and Mission Specialists Stan Love, Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency. The 24th mission to the International Space Station, STS-122 will also include the Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure - Non-Deployable (MPESS-ND). Launch of STS-122 on Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled no earlier than October. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0059

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facili...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members inspect the Columbus European Laboratory, part of the payload on their mission. Here, Mission Specialist Rex Walhe... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members get a close look at the Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure - Non-Deployable (MPESS-ND), part of the payload on their mission. Seen here in the foreground are Mission Specialists Stan Love (left) and Rex Walheim. The crew is participating in a crew equipment interface test that provides opportunities for hands-on experience with payloads and equipment. The other crew members are Commander Steve Frick, Pilot Alan Poindexter and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency. The 24th mission to the International Space Station, STS-122 will also include the Columbus European Laboratory. Launch of STS-122 on Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled no earlier than October. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0064

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facilit...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members get a close look at the Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure - Non-Deployable (MPESS-ND), part of the payload ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members manipulate the cover on the Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure - Non-Deployable (MPESS-ND), part of the payload on their mission. Seen here are Mission Specialist Rex Walheim (left) and Commander Steve Frick (right). The crew is participating in a crew equipment interface test that provides opportunities for hands-on experience with payloads and equipment. The other crew members are Pilot Alan Poindexter and Mission Specialists Stan Love, Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency. The 24th mission to the International Space Station, STS-122 will also include the Columbus European Laboratory. Launch of STS-122 on Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled no earlier than October. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0063

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facilit...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members manipulate the cover on the Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure - Non-Deployable (MPESS-ND), part of the payl... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members manipulate the cover on the Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure - Non-Deployable (MPESS-ND), part of the payload on their mission. Seen here is (left) Mission Specialist Stan Love.. The crew is participating in a crew equipment interface test that provides opportunities for hands-on experience with payloads and equipment. Other crew members are Commander Steve Frick, Pilot Alan Poindexter and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim, Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency. The 24th mission to the International Space Station, STS-122 will also include the Columbus European Laboratory. Launch of STS-122 on Space Shuttle Discovery is scheduled no earlier than October. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0065

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facili...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members manipulate the cover on the Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure - Non-Deployable (MPESS-ND), part of the pay... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS122-S-002 -- These seven astronauts take a break from training to pose for the STS-122 crew portrait. From the left (front row) are astronauts Stephen N. Frick, commander; the European Space Agency's, or ESA's, Leopold Eyharts; and Alan G. Poindexter, pilot. From the left (back row) are astronauts Leland D. Melvin, Rex J. Walheim, Stanley G. Love and ESA's Hans Schlegel, all mission specialists. Eyharts will join Expedition 16 in progress to serve as a flight engineer aboard the International Space Station. The crewmembers are attired in training versions of their shuttle launch and entry suits. KSC-07pd3279

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS122-S-002 -- These seven astronauts ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS122-S-002 -- These seven astronauts take a break from training to pose for the STS-122 crew portrait. From the left (front row) are astronauts Stephen N. Frick, commander; the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim points at part of the Columbus Research Laboratory in the Space Station Processing Facility. He and other crew members are at Kennedy to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. The crew comprises Commander Stephen Frick, Pilot Alan Poindexter, and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim, Stanley Love, Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency. The Columbus Lab is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd2603

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim points at part of the Columbus Research Laboratory in the Space Station Processing Facility. He and other crew members are at Kennedy to ta... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin gets a close look at the Columbus Research Laboratory in the Space Station Processing Facility. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. The crew comprises Commander Stephen Frick, Pilot Alan Poindexter, and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim, Stanley Love, Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency. The Columbus Lab is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd2602

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin gets a close look at the Columbus Research Laboratory in the Space Station Processing Facility. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in a c... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the STS-122 crew look over the Columbus Research Laboratory in the Space Station Processing Facility. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. The crew comprises Commander Stephen Frick, Pilot Alan Poindexter, and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim, Stanley Love, Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency. The Columbus Lab is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd2600

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the STS-122 crew look over th...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the STS-122 crew look over the Columbus Research Laboratory in the Space Station Processing Facility. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in a crew equipment interface t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Stanley Love looks at the experiment racks inside the Columbus Research Laboratory in the Space Station Processing Facility. He and other crew members are at Kennedy to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. The crew comprises Commander Stephen Frick, Pilot Alan Poindexter, and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim, Stanley Love, Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency. The Columbus Lab is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd2604

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Stanley Love...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Stanley Love looks at the experiment racks inside the Columbus Research Laboratory in the Space Station Processing Facility. He and other crew members ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-122 crew practice handling cameras that will be used during the mission. With the camera is Mission Specialist Leland Melvin. At left is Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency. The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2641

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, mem...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-122 crew practice handling cameras that will be used during the mission. With the camera is Mission Specialist Leland Melvi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members practice working with equipment for the mission. From left are Commander Stephen Frick and Mission Specialists Hans Schlegel, Leland Melvin (behind), Rex Walheim and Stanley Love. Schlegel represents the European Space Agency. The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which includes equipment familiarization. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2651

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members practice working with equipment for the mission. From left are Commander Stephen Frick and Mission Specialists Hans Schleg... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members take a ride inside space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay to examine components installed there. Seen here are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin (center) and Rex Walheim (right). The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which includes equipment familiarization. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2656

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members take a ride insid...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members take a ride inside space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay to examine components installed there. Seen here are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin (center) and R... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-122 crew get information about the thermal protection system on space shuttle Atlantis (overhead). From left are Pilot Alan Poindexter, Mission Specialists Rex Walheim, Commander Stephen Frick, and Mission Specialists Hans Schlegel, Leland Melvin and Stanley Love. Schlegel represents the European Space Agency. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in a crew equipment interface test, or CEIT, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2610

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, memb...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-122 crew get information about the thermal protection system on space shuttle Atlantis (overhead). From left are Pilot Alan ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From a lower level in the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-122 crew check out the landing gear on space shuttle Atlantis, overhead. Dressed in their blue suits are Mission Specialist Leland Melvin, Commander Stephen Frick, European Space Agency astronaut Leopold Eyharts and Pilot Alan Poindexter. Eyharts will be traveling to the International Space Station to join the Expedition 16 crew as a flight engineer. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in a crew equipment interface test, or CEIT, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2611

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From a lower level in the Orbiter Proces...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- From a lower level in the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-122 crew check out the landing gear on space shuttle Atlantis, overhead. Dressed in their blue suits are ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-122 crew practice handling cameras that will be used during the mission. Holding the camera at left is Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel. Next to him, from left, are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim and Stanley Love. The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2642

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, memb...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-122 crew practice handling cameras that will be used during the mission. Holding the camera at left is Mission Specialist Ha... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members get a close look at shuttle equipment from inside the payload bay of space shuttle Atlantis. The crew comprises six astronauts: Commander Stephen Frick, Pilot Alan Poindexter and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim, Stanley Love, Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency. A seventh astronaut is Leopold Eyharts, also with the ESA, who will join the Expedition 16 crew as flight engineer on the International Space Station. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2659

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members get a close look ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members get a close look at shuttle equipment from inside the payload bay of space shuttle Atlantis. The crew comprises six astronauts: Commander Stephen Frick, Pil... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-122 crew practice handling cameras that will be used during the mission. In the foreground is Mission Specialist Stanley Love. Behind him at left is Mission Specialist Leland Melvin; at right is Pilot Alan Poindexter. The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2639

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, mem...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-122 crew practice handling cameras that will be used during the mission. In the foreground is Mission Specialist Stanley Lo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members take a ride inside space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay to examine components installed there. Seen here are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin (center) and Rex Walheim (right). The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which includes equipment familiarization. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2655

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members take a ride insid...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members take a ride inside space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay to examine components installed there. Seen here are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin (center) and R... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members take a ride inside space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay to examine components installed there. Seen here are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin (center) and Rex Walheim (right). The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which includes equipment familiarization. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2654

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members take a ride insid...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members take a ride inside space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay to examine components installed there. Seen here are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin (center) and R... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-122 crew get a close look at the landing gear on space shuttle Atlantis. From left are Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel, Pilot Alan Poindexter, Mission Specialists Rex Walheim and Leland Melvin and Commander Stephen Frick. Schlegel represents the European Space Agency. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in a crew equipment interface test, or CEIT, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2608

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, memb...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-122 crew get a close look at the landing gear on space shuttle Atlantis. From left are Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel, Pil... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members get a close look at some of the equipment for the mission. From left, in the foreground, are Mission Specialists Stanley Love and Rex Walheim and Pilot Alan Poindexter. In the background at left is Mission Specialist Leland Melvin; at right is European Space Agency astronaut Leopold Eyharts, who will be on the mission and joining the Expedition 16 crew as flight engineer on the International Space Station. The crew is at Kennedy Space Center to take part in a crew equipment interface test, which includes equipment familiarization. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2653

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-1...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members get a close look at some of the equipment for the mission. From left, in the foreground, are Mission Specialists Stanley Lo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members stand next to the space shuttle Atlantis, which is being processed for launch on STS-122. From left are European Space Agency astronaut Leopold Eyharts and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, who also represents ESA. Eyharts will be traveling to the International Space Station to join the Expedition 16 crew as a flight engineer. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in a crew equipment interface test, or CEIT, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2614

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members stand next to the space shuttle Atlantis, which is being processed for launch on STS-122. From left are European Space Age... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members get a close look at shuttle equipment from inside the payload bay of space shuttle Atlantis. The crew comprises six astronauts: Commander Stephen Frick, Pilot Alan Poindexter and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim, Stanley Love, Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency. A seventh astronaut is Leopold Eyharts, also with the ESA, who will join the Expedition 16 crew as flight engineer on the International Space Station. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2660

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members get a close look ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members get a close look at shuttle equipment from inside the payload bay of space shuttle Atlantis. The crew comprises six astronauts: Commander Stephen Frick, Pil... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the STS-122 crew take part in harness training in the Orbiter Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Seen from left are Mission Specialists Stanley Love and Leland Melvin and Pilot Alan Poindexter. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in a crew equipment interface test, or CEIT, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2605

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the STS-122 crew take part i...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the STS-122 crew take part in harness training in the Orbiter Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Seen from left are Mission Specialists Stanley Love a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members get a close look at shuttle equipment from inside the payload bay of space shuttle Atlantis. The crew comprises six astronauts: Commander Stephen Frick, Pilot Alan Poindexter and Mission Specialists Rex Walheim, Stanley Love, Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency. A seventh astronaut is Leopold Eyharts, also with the ESA, who will join the Expedition 16 crew as flight engineer on the International Space Station. The mission will carry and install the Columbus Lab, a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. It is Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station and will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2658

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members get a close look ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 crew members get a close look at shuttle equipment from inside the payload bay of space shuttle Atlantis. The crew comprises six astronauts: Commander Stephen Frick, Pil... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members are introduced to part of the LESS. From left are Mission Specialists Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim and European Space Agency astronaut Leopold Eyharts, Commander Stephen Frick, Mission Specialist Leland Melvin and Pilot Alan Poindexter. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in a crew equipment interface test, or CEIT, which helps familiarize them with equipment and payloads for the mission. Among the activities standard to a CEIT are harness training, inspection of the thermal protection system and camera operation for planned extravehicular activities, or EVAs. STS-122 is targeted for launch in December. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2616

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-122 crew members are introduced to part of the LESS. From left are Mission Specialists Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim and European Space Agency... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The astronauts assigned to the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew arrive at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility aboard a Gulfstream shuttle training aircraft to participate in three days of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities. From left are Mission Specialist Leopold Eyharts, a European Space Agency astronaut who will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16; Mission Specialists Stanley Love, Hans Schlegel of the European Space Agency, Rex Walheim and Leland Melvin; Pilot Alan Poindexter; and Commander Steve Frick. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest single contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3333

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The astronauts assigned to the space sh...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The astronauts assigned to the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew arrive at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility aboard a Gulfstream shuttle training aircraft to parti... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The astronauts assigned to the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew arrive at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility aboard a Gulfstream shuttle training aircraft to participate in three days of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities. STS-122 Launch Director Doug Lyons greets Mission Specialist Leland Melvin as Commander Steve Frick and Pilot Alan Poindexter look on. Disembarking are Mission Specialists Hans Schlegel of the European Space Agency, Stanley Love and Leopold Eyharts, a European Space Agency astronaut who will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest single contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3325

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The astronauts assigned to the space sh...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The astronauts assigned to the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew arrive at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility aboard a Gulfstream shuttle training aircraft to parti... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Commander Steve Frick, at the microphone, addresses the media at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility following his arrival to participate in three days of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities. Other STS-122 crew members are, from left, Mission Specialist Leopold Eyharts, a European Space Agency astronaut who will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16; Mission Specialists Stanley Love, Hans Schlegel of the European Space Agency, Rex Walheim and Leland Melvin; and Pilot Alan Poindexter. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest single contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3326

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Commande...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Commander Steve Frick, at the microphone, addresses the media at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility following his arrival to participat... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The astronauts assigned to the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew arrive at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility aboard a Gulfstream shuttle training aircraft to participate in three days of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities. STS-122 Launch Director Doug Lyons greets Pilot Alan Poindexter as Commander Steve Frick looks on. Disembarking are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim, Hans Schlegel of the European Space Agency and Stanley Love. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest single contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3324

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The astronauts assigned to the space sh...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The astronauts assigned to the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew arrive at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility aboard a Gulfstream shuttle training aircraft to parti... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew poses for a group portrait near Launch Pad 39B during a training session on the operation of the M-113 armored personnel carrier. An M-113 will be available to transport the crew to safety in the event of an emergency on the pad before their launch. From left are Mission Specialists Rex Walheim, Leopold Eyharts and Hans Schlegel of the European Space Agency, Stanley Love; Commander Steve Frick; Pilot Alan Poindexter; and Mission Specialist Leland Melvin. The crew is participating in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3334

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew poses for a group port...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew poses for a group portrait near Launch Pad 39B during a training session on the operation of the M-113 armored personnel carrier. An M-113 will be available to t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, members of the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew pose for a photo in front of the Columbus module during terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities. Columbus was installed in the orbiter's payload bay on Nov. 11. From left, in clean room attire, are Commander Steve Frick; Mission Specialist Leland Melvin; former astronaut Jerry Ross, kneeling, chief of the Vehicle Integration Test Office at NASA Johnson Space Center; Pilot Alan Poindexter; and Mission Specialist Stanley Love. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest single contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The module is approximately 23 feet long and 15 feet wide, allowing it to hold 10 large racks of experiments. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3355

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, members of the space...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Pad 39A, members of the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew pose for a photo in front of the Columbus module during terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew poses for a group portrait near Launch Pad 39B following a training session on the operation of the M-113 armored personnel carrier. An M-113 will be available to transport the crew to safety in the event of an emergency on the pad before their launch. From left are Mission Specialists Rex Walheim and Stanley Love; Commander Steve Frick; Pilot Alan Poindexter; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Leopold Eyharts and Hans Schlegel. Eyharts and Schlegel are with the European Space Agency. Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16 following the STS-122 mission. The crew is participating in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3351

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew poses for a group port...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew poses for a group portrait near Launch Pad 39B following a training session on the operation of the M-113 armored personnel carrier. An M-113 will be available t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin, at right, practices driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier as the instructor beside him monitors his performance. STS-122 Pilot Alan Poindexter, at left, rides in back. The practice near Launch Pad 39B is part of training on emergency egress procedures. An M-113 will be available to transport the crew to safety in the event of a contingency on the pad before their launch. The crew is participating in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3341

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin, at right, practices driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier as the instructor beside him monitors his performance. STS-122 Pilot Alan... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin takes time out from driving practice of the M-113 armored personnel carrier to pose for a photo. The practice near Launch Pad 39B is part of training on emergency egress procedures. An M-113 will be available to transport the crew to safety in the event of a contingency on the pad before their launch. The crew is participating in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3340

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin takes time out from driving practice of the M-113 armored personnel carrier to pose for a photo. The practice near Launch Pad 39B is part... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the STS-122 crew receive a briefing inside an M-113 armored personnel carrier near Launch Pad 39B. An M-113 will be available to transport the crew to safety in the event of an emergency on the pad before their launch. Seated on the bench at left is European Space Agency astronaut Frank De Winne, the backup for STS-122 Mission Specialist Leopold Eyharts. Seated on the bench at right, from back to front are Commander Steve Frick; Mission Specialists Rex Walheim, Hans Schlegel of the European Space Agency, and Leland Melvin; and Pilot Alan Poindexter. The crew is participating in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3335

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the STS-122 crew receive a b...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the STS-122 crew receive a briefing inside an M-113 armored personnel carrier near Launch Pad 39B. An M-113 will be available to transport the crew to safety in the ev... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leopold Eyharts of the European Space Agency, in front, practices driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier as the instructor, in the helmet beside him, monitors his performance. Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16 following the STS-122 mission. In back from left, former astronaut Jerry Ross, chief of the Vehicle Integration Test Office at NASA Johnson Space Center, and STS-122 Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Stanley Love (standing) and Hans Schlegel of the European Space Agency, are along for the ride. The practice near Launch Pad 39B is part of training on emergency egress procedures. An M-113 will be available to transport the crew to safety in the event of a contingency on the pad before their launch. The crew is participating in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3350

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leopold Eyha...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leopold Eyharts of the European Space Agency, in front, practices driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier as the instructor, in the helmet beside him... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew receives instruction on slidewire basket operation, part of the emergency exit system on the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A. Standing, from left, are Mission Specialists Stanley Love; Leopold Eyharts' backup, Frank De Winne; and Pilot Alan Poindexter. Standing in the basket, from left, are Mission Specialists Hans Schlegel, Leland Melvin and Rex Walheim. Schlegel, Eyharts and De Winne are with the European Space Agency. Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16 following the STS-122 mission. Seven slidewire baskets are available to carry the crew from the level of the pad's Orbiter Access Arm to a safe landing site below, if needed. Each basket can hold up to three people. A braking system catch net and drag chain slow, and then halt, the baskets as they travel down the wire at approximately 55 miles per hour. The journey takes about half a minute. A bunker is located in the landing zone 1,200 feet west of the pad, with an M-113 armored personnel carrier stationed nearby. The STS-122 crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown before launch. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3387

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew receives instruction on slidewire basket operation, part of the emergency exit system on the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A. St... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew receives instruction on slidewire basket operation, part of the emergency exit system on the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A. Seen here near the catch nets in the landing zone are, from left, Mission Specialists Leopold Eyharts, Hans Schlegel and Rex Walheim; Commander Steve Frick; Mission Specialists Stanley Love and Leland Melvin; and Pilot Alan Poindexter. Seven slidewire baskets are available to carry the crew from the level of the pad's Orbiter Access Arm to this landing site, if needed. Each basket can hold up to three people. A braking system catch net and drag chain slow, and then halt, the baskets as they travel down the wire at approximately 55 miles per hour. The journey takes about half a minute. A bunker is located in the landing zone 1,200 feet west of the pad, with an M-113 armored personnel carrier stationed nearby. The STS-122 crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown before launch. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3392

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew receives instruction on slidewire basket operation, part of the emergency exit system on the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A. Se... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Gathered in the white room on Launch Pad 39A, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew pauses for a photo. Standing, from left, are Pilot Alan Poindexter, Commander Steve Frick and Mission Specialist Leland Melvin. Kneeling, center, is Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel. In the bottom row, from left, are Stanley Love, Rex Walheim and Leopold Eyharts. Schlegel and Eyharts are with the European Space Agency. Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16 following the STS-122 mission. The STS-122 crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown before launch. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3381

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Gathered in the white room on Launch Pa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Gathered in the white room on Launch Pad 39A, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew pauses for a photo. Standing, from left, are Pilot Alan Poindexter, Commander Steve Frick and... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the slidewire basket landing on Launch Pad 39A, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew poses for a group photo following a press conference. From left are Commander Steve Frick; Pilot Alan Poindexter; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim, Hans Schlegel, Stanley Love and Leopold Eyharts. Schlegel and Eyharts are with the European Space Agency. Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16 following the STS-122 mission. The STS-122 crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3380

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the slidewire basket landing on Laun...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the slidewire basket landing on Launch Pad 39A, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew poses for a group photo following a press conference. From left are Commander Steve Fri... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew receives instruction on emergency exit from the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A. Clockwise, from left, are Mission Specialists Leopold Eyharts and Stanley Love, Eyharts' backup Frank De Winne, Mission Specialists Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel, Pilot Alan Poindexter, Commander Steve Frick and Mission Specialist Rex Walheim with his back to the camera. Schlegel, Eyharts and De Winne are with the European Space Agency. Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16 following the STS-122 mission. The STS-122 crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown before launch. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3385

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew receives instruction on emergency exit from the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A. Clockwise, from left, are Mission Specialists L... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew poses for a group portrait at Launch Pad 39A as Atlantis undergoes final preparations for launch behind them. From left are Mission Specialists Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim and Leland Melvin; Pilot Alan Poindexter; Commander Steve Frick; and Mission Specialists Stanley Love and Leopold Eyharts. Schlegel and Eyharts are with the European Space Agency. Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16 following the STS-122 mission. The STS-122 crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3371

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew poses for a group portrait at Launch Pad 39A as Atlantis undergoes final preparations for launch behind them. From left are Mission Specia... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew receives instruction on the emergency exit system on Launch Pad 39A. Inside the bunker at the foot of the pad, from left, Mission Specialist Leland Melvin; astronaut Frank De Winne of the European Space Agency, backup for Expedition 16 Flight Engineer Leopold Eyharts; Mission Specialist Stanley Love; and Commander Steve Frick listen intently to their trainer. Seven slidewire baskets are available to carry the crew from the level of the pad's Orbiter Access Arm to a safe landing site below, if needed. Each basket can hold up to three people. A braking system catch net and drag chain slow, and then halt, the baskets as they travel down the wire at approximately 55 miles per hour. The journey takes about half a minute. A bunker is located in the landing zone 1,200 feet west of the pad, with an M-113 armored personnel carrier stationed nearby. The STS-122 crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown before launch. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3398

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew receives instruction on the emergency exit system on Launch Pad 39A. Inside the bunker at the foot of the pad, from left, Mission Speciali... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew receives instruction on slidewire basket operation, part of the emergency exit system on the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A. From left, Mission Specialists Rex Walheim, Leopold Eyharts and Leland Melvin gain first-hand experience inside one of the baskets. Seven slidewire baskets are available to carry the crew from the level of the pad's Orbiter Access Arm to this landing site, if needed. Each basket can hold up to three people. A braking system catch net and drag chain slow, and then halt, the baskets as they travel down the wire at approximately 55 miles per hour. The journey takes about half a minute. A bunker is located in the landing zone 1,200 feet west of the pad, with an M-113 armored personnel carrier stationed nearby. The STS-122 crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown before launch. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3394

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew receives instruction on slidewire basket operation, part of the emergency exit system on the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A. Fr... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the slidewire basket landing on Launch Pad 39A, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew responds to questions from the media. From left are Commander Steve Frick; Pilot Alan Poindexter; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim (with the microphone), Hans Schlegel, Stanley Love and Leopold Eyharts. Schlegel and Eyharts are with the European Space Agency. Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16 following the STS-122 mission. The STS-122 crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3378

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the slidewire basket landing on Laun...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the slidewire basket landing on Launch Pad 39A, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew responds to questions from the media. From left are Commander Steve Frick; Pilot Alan P... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin takes part in a press conference at the slidewire basket landing on Launch Pad 39A. The STS-122 crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3375

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Mission ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin takes part in a press conference at the slidewire basket landing on Launch Pad 39A. The STS-122 crew is at NASA's ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the slidewire basket landing on Launch Pad 39A, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew responds to questions from the media. From left are Commander Steve Frick; Pilot Alan Poindexter; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim, Hans Schlegel (with the microphone), Stanley Love and Leopold Eyharts. Schlegel and Eyharts are with the European Space Agency. Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16 following the STS-122 mission. The STS-122 crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3379

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the slidewire basket landing on Laun...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the slidewire basket landing on Launch Pad 39A, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew responds to questions from the media. From left are Commander Steve Frick; Pilot Alan P... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew receives instruction on slidewire basket operation, part of the emergency exit system on the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A. Standing in the basket, from left, are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Hans Schlegel and Rex Walheim. Schlegel is with the European Space Agency. Seven slidewire baskets are available to carry the crew from the level of the pad's Orbiter Access Arm to a safe landing site below, if needed. Each basket can hold up to three people. A braking system catch net and drag chain slow, and then halt, the baskets as they travel down the wire at approximately 55 miles per hour. The journey takes about half a minute. A bunker is located in the landing zone 1,200 feet west of the pad, with an M-113 armored personnel carrier stationed nearby. The STS-122 crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown before launch. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3388

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew receives instruction on slidewire basket operation, part of the emergency exit system on the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A. St... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew receives instruction on slidewire basket operation, part of the emergency exit system on the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A. Here, Mission Specialist Rex Walheim practices getting out of one of the baskets as Mission Specialists Leopold Eyharts and Leland Melvin steady it. Seven slidewire baskets are available to carry the crew from the level of the pad's Orbiter Access Arm to this landing site, if needed. Each basket can hold up to three people. A braking system catch net and drag chain slow, and then halt, the baskets as they travel down the wire at approximately 55 miles per hour. The journey takes about half a minute. A bunker is located in the landing zone 1,200 feet west of the pad, with an M-113 armored personnel carrier stationed nearby. The STS-122 crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown before launch. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3395

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew receives instruction on slidewire basket operation, part of the emergency exit system on the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A. He... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew receives instruction on slidewire basket operation, part of the emergency exit system on the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A. From left are Mission Specialists Stanley Love; Leopold Eyharts' backup, Frank De Winne; Leland Melvin and Hans Schlegel; Pilot Alan Poindexter; and Commander Steve Frick, with his back to the camera. Schlegel, Eyharts and De Winne are with the European Space Agency. Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16 following the STS-122 mission. Seven slidewire baskets are available to carry the crew from the level of the pad's Orbiter Access Arm to a safe landing site below, if needed. Each basket can hold up to three people. A braking system catch net and drag chain slow, and then halt, the baskets as they travel down the wire at approximately 55 miles per hour. The journey takes about half a minute. A bunker is located in the landing zone 1,200 feet west of the pad, with an M-113 armored personnel carrier stationed nearby. The STS-122 crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown before launch. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3386

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew receives instruction on slidewire basket operation, part of the emergency exit system on the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A. Fr... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During a training session on emergency exit from the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A, space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Commander Steve Frick, left, and Mission Specialist Leland Melvin watch a slidewire basket descend to the landing zone. Seven slidewire baskets are available to carry the crew from the level of the pad's Orbiter Access Arm to a safe landing site below, if needed. Each basket can hold up to three people. A braking system catch net and drag chain slow, and then halt, the baskets as they travel down the wire at approximately 55 miles per hour. The journey takes about half a minute. A bunker is located in the landing zone 1,200 feet west of the pad, with an M-113 armored personnel carrier stationed nearby. The STS-122 crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown before launch. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3391

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During a training session on emergency ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During a training session on emergency exit from the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A, space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Commander Steve Frick, left, and Mission Specialist ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Gathered in the white room on Launch Pad 39A, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew members listen to an instructor explain space shuttle emergency exit procedures. From left are Mission Specialists Stanley Love, Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim, Leland Melvin and Leopold Eyharts. Pilot Alan Poindexter and Commander Steve Frick are standing behind them. The STS-122 crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown before launch. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3382

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Gathered in the white room on Launch Pa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Gathered in the white room on Launch Pad 39A, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew members listen to an instructor explain space shuttle emergency exit procedures. From left a... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Dressed in their launch and entry suits, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew leaves the Operations and Checkout Building for their trip to Launch Pad 39A aboard the astronaut van. From left are Mission Specialists Stanley Love, Leopold Eyharts, Leland Melvin, Hans Schlegel, and Rex Walheim; Pilot Alan Poindexter; and Commander Steve Frick. Eyharts and Schlegel are with the European Space Agency. Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16 following the STS-122 mission. The STS-122 crew is preparing for a simulated launch countdown aboard Atlantis, part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT is a dress rehearsal for launch and also provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest single contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3418

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Dressed in their launch and entry suits...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Dressed in their launch and entry suits, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew leaves the Operations and Checkout Building for their trip to Launch Pad 39A aboard the astronaut ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin puts on his gloves, part of his launch and entry suit, in astronaut crew quarters. The STS-122 crew is preparing for a simulated launch countdown aboard Atlantis, part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT is a dress rehearsal for launch and also provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest single contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3404

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Mission ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin puts on his gloves, part of his launch and entry suit, in astronaut crew quarters. The STS-122 crew is preparing f... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Mission Specialists Stanley Love and Leland Melvin take time out for a photo during their preparations for entry onto Atlantis' flight deck. The exercise is part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT is a dress rehearsal for launch and also provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest single contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences. Atlantis' launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3436

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Mission Specialists Stanley Love and Leland Melvin take time out for a photo during their preparations for entr... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin arrives at Launch Pad 39A, dressed in his launch and entry suit, to participate in a simulated launch countdown aboard Atlantis. The exercise is part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT is a dress rehearsal for launch and also provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest single contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences. Atlantis' launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3420

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Mission ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin arrives at Launch Pad 39A, dressed in his launch and entry suit, to participate in a simulated launch countdown abo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin, strapped in his seat on Atlantis' fight deck, signals that he is ready to proceed with the simulated launch countdown. The exercise is part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT is a dress rehearsal for launch and also provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest single contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences. Atlantis' launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3440

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Mission ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin, strapped in his seat on Atlantis' fight deck, signals that he is ready to proceed with the simulated launch countd... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Dressed in their launch and entry suits, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew greet the media and employees on hand to cheer them on as the leave the Operations and Checkout Building for Launch Pad 39A. Clockwise, from left front, are Pilot Alan Poindexter; Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Stanley Love, Leopold Eyharts, Hans Schlegel, and Rex Walheim; and Commander Steve Frick. Eyharts and Schlegel are with the European Space Agency. Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16 following the STS-122 mission. The STS-122 crew is preparing for a simulated launch countdown aboard Atlantis, part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT is a dress rehearsal for launch and also provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest single contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3416

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Dressed in their launch and entry suits...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Dressed in their launch and entry suits, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew greet the media and employees on hand to cheer them on as the leave the Operations and Checkout Bu... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Dressed in their launch and entry suits, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew exits the Operations and Checkout Building for their ride to Launch Pad 39A. Clockwise, from left front, are Pilot Alan Poindexter; Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Stanley Love, Leopold Eyharts, Hans Schlegel, and Rex Walheim; and Commander Steve Frick. Eyharts and Schlegel are with the European Space Agency. Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16 following the STS-122 mission. The STS-122 crew is preparing for a simulated launch countdown aboard Atlantis, part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT is a dress rehearsal for launch and also provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest single contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3417

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Dressed in their launch and entry suits...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Dressed in their launch and entry suits, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew exits the Operations and Checkout Building for their ride to Launch Pad 39A. Clockwise, from left... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A suit technician helps space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin put on his boots, part of his launch and entry suit, in astronaut crew quarters. The STS-122 crew is preparing for a simulated launch countdown aboard Atlantis, part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT is a dress rehearsal for launch and also provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest single contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3400

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A suit technician helps space shuttle A...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A suit technician helps space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin put on his boots, part of his launch and entry suit, in astronaut crew quarters. The STS-1... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Dressed in their launch and entry suits, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew poses for a group portrait in front of the astronaut van as they leave the Operations and Checkout Building for Launch Pad 39A. From left are Mission Specialists Leopold Eyharts, Stanley Love, Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim, and Leland Melvin; Pilot Alan Poindexter; and Commander Steve Frick. Eyharts and Schlegel are with the European Space Agency. Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16 following the STS-122 mission. The STS-122 crew is preparing for a simulated launch countdown aboard Atlantis, part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT is a dress rehearsal for launch and also provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest single contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3419

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Dressed in their launch and entry suits...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Dressed in their launch and entry suits, the space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew poses for a group portrait in front of the astronaut van as they leave the Operations and Checkout... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 crew pose for a group portrait with the tip of Atlantis' external tank in the background following a simulated launch countdown at Launch Pad 39A. From left are Mission Specialists Rex Walheim and Leland Melvin; Commander Steve Frick; Pilot Alan Poindexter; and Mission Specialists Leopold Eyharts, Stanley Love and Hans Schlegel. Schlegel and Eyharts are with the European Space Agency. Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16 following the STS-122 mission. The exercise is part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT is a dress rehearsal for launch and also provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest single contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences. Atlantis' launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3451

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 crew pose for a group portrait with the tip of Atlantis' external tank in the background following a simulated launch countdown at Launc... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew arrives at Launch Pad 39A, dressed in launch and entry suits, to participate in a simulated launch countdown aboard Atlantis. From left are Mission Specialists Stanley Love, Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim, Leopold Eyharts and Leland Melvin; Pilot Alan Poindexter; and Commander Steve Frick. Schlegel and Eyharts are with the European Space Agency. Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16 following the STS-122 mission. The exercise is part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT is a dress rehearsal for launch and also provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest single contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences. Atlantis' launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd3422

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 crew arrives at Launch Pad 39A, dressed in launch and entry suits, to participate in a simulated launch countdown aboard Atlantis. From left ar... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 crew pose for a group portrait in front of Atlantis' external tank following a simulated launch countdown at Launch Pad 39A. From left are Mission Specialists Rex Walheim and Leland Melvin; Commander Steve Frick; Pilot Alan Poindexter; and Mission Specialists Leopold Eyharts, Stanley Love and Hans Schlegel. Schlegel and Eyharts are with the European Space Agency. Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer for Expedition 16 following the STS-122 mission. The exercise is part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT is a dress rehearsal for launch and also provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest single contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the physical, materials and life sciences. Atlantis' launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3452

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 crew pose for a group portrait in front of Atlantis' external tank following a simulated launch countdown at Launch Pad 39A. From left ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin dons his launch and entry suit for a final fitting before space shuttle Atlantis' launch scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Melvin will make his first shuttle flight. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Lab, Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3535

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin dons his launch and entry suit for a final fitting before space shuttle Atlantis' launch scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Melvin wi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 mission crew greet the media on the Shuttle Landing Facility. At the microphone is Commander Steve Frick. Behind him, left to right, are Mission Specialists Leopold Eyharts, Stanley Love, Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim and Leland Melvin, and Pilot Alan Poindexter. Eyhars and Schlegel represent the European Space Agency. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-122. The launch countdown begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 3. Launch is scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Lab, Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3512

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space C...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 mission crew greet the media on the Shuttle Landing Facility. At the microphone is Commander Steve Frick. Behind him, l... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Center Director Bill Parsons welcomes STS-122 Pilot Alan Poindexter after the mission crew's arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. At right is Commander Steve Frick. Seen behind Poindexter is Mission Specialist Leland Melvin. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-122. The launch countdown begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 3. Launch is scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Lab, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3510

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Center Director Bill Parsons welcomes...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Center Director Bill Parsons welcomes STS-122 Pilot Alan Poindexter after the mission crew's arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. At right is Commander Steve Frick. Seen be... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin tests his gloves for a final fitting before space shuttle Atlantis' launch scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Melvin will make his first shuttle flight. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Lab, Europe’s largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3537

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin tests his gloves for a final fitting before space shuttle Atlantis' launch scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Melvin will make his fi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew pose on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after their arrival for launch. From left are Mission Specialists Leopold Eyharts, Stanley Love, Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim and Leland Melvin, and Pilot Alan Poindexter and Commander Steve Frick. Eyharts and Schlegel represent the European Space Agency. Eyharts will remain on the International Space Station while Atlantis returns flight engineer Daniel Tani. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-122. The launch countdown begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 3. Launch is scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Lab, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3520

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew pose on the Shuttle La...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-122 crew pose on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center after their arrival for launch. From left are Mission Specialists Leopold Eyharts, Stanley Lo... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After the mission STS-122 crew's arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Mission Specialist Leland Melvin is introduced during a media opportunity on the Shuttle Landing Facility. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-122. The launch countdown begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 3. Launch is scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Lab, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3517

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After the mission STS-122 crew's arriva...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After the mission STS-122 crew's arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Mission Specialist Leland Melvin is introduced during a media opportunity on the Shuttle Landing Facility.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin heads for the plane for the return trip to Houston. The crew is flying back to Houston after launch of space shuttle Atlantis was delayed when a failure occurred in a fuel sensor system while the vehicle's external fuel tank was being filled. One of the four engine cutoff, or ECO, sensors inside the liquid hydrogen section of the tank gave a false reading and NASA's current Launch Commit Criteria require that all four sensors function properly. The sensor system is one of several that protect the shuttle's main engines by triggering their shut down if fuel runs unexpectedly low. Space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission now is targeted to launch no earlier than Jan. 2. The liftoff date depends on the resolution of the problem in the fuel sensor system. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3606

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the Shuttle Landing Facility at N...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin heads for the plane for the return trip to Houston. The crew is flying... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After his arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin talks to the media about looking forward to a great flight. The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission, at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7. This will be the third launch attempt for the mission. Some of the tank's ECO sensors gave failed readings during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, subsequently scrubbing further attempts until the cause could be found and repairs made. Atlantis will carry the Columbus module, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to the Harmony module of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0133A

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After his arrival at NASA's Kennedy Sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After his arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin talks to the media about looking forward to a great flight. The crew's arrival signals... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After their arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 crew gathers on the Shuttle Landing Facility to talk to the media. At the microphone is Commander Steve Frick. Behind him are Mission Specialists Leopold Eyharts, Stanley Love, Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim and Leland Melvin, and Pilot Alan Poindexter. Eyharts and Schlegel represent the European Space Agency.The crew's arrival signals the imminent launch of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-122 mission, at 2:45 p.m. Feb. 7. This will be the third launch attempt for the mission. Some of the tank's ECO sensors gave failed readings during propellant tanking for launch attempts on Dec. 6 and Dec. 9, subsequently scrubbing further attempts until the cause could be found and repairs made. Atlantis will carry the Columbus module, Europe's largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to the Harmony module of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0128

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After their arrival at NASA's Kennedy S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After their arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-122 crew gathers on the Shuttle Landing Facility to talk to the media. At the microphone is Commander Steve Frick. Be... More

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