specialist, nasa

6,307 media by topicpage 1 of 64
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  In the SRB Assembly and Refurbishment Facility,  STS-114 Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence looks at a test design of the bolt catcher insulation.  The STS-114 crew is at KSC for familiarization with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment, plus the external stowage platform, to the International Space Station. KSC-04pd0515

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the SRB Assembly and Refurbishment Fa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the SRB Assembly and Refurbishment Facility, STS-114 Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence looks at a test design of the bolt catcher insulation. The STS-114 crew is at KSC for fa... More

JSC2011-E-040267 (23 March 2011) --- NASA astronauts Chris Ferguson, STS-135 commander; Sandy Magnus, mission specialist; and Doug Hurley, pilot, are interviewed by a crowd of media in the Systems Engineering Simulator at NASA?s Johnson Space Center on March 23, 2011. Photo credit: NASA Photo/Houston Chronicle, Smiley N. Pool STS_135_Media

JSC2011-E-040267 (23 March 2011) --- NASA astronauts Chris Ferguson, S...

JSC2011-E-040267 (23 March 2011) --- NASA astronauts Chris Ferguson, STS-135 commander; Sandy Magnus, mission specialist; and Doug Hurley, pilot, are interviewed by a crowd of media in the Systems Engineering S... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 Mission Specialist Michael Good puts on his launch-and-entry suit before heading for Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  This launch will be Good's first space shuttle flight.  Liftoff is scheduled for 2:01 p.m. May 11 EDT.  Atlantis' 11-day flight will include five spacewalks to refurbish and upgrade NASA's Hubble Space Telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments that will expand Hubble's capabilities and extend its operational lifespan through at least 2014.  The payload includes a Wide Field Camera 3, fine guidance sensor and the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-3043

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 Mission Specialist Michael Good puts on...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-125 Mission Specialist Michael Good puts on his launch-and-entry suit before heading for Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This launch will be Good's first sp... More

Pilot Greg Johnson and Mission Specialist Mike Fincke of Space Shuttle Endeavour's final mission STS-134 come to Ames Research Center to share their experiences, answer questions and sign autographs during a afternoon with the staff. Astronauts Johnson and Fincke present photo to Ames Associate Director Steve Zornetzer. ARC-2011-ACD11-0143-020

Pilot Greg Johnson and Mission Specialist Mike Fincke of Space Shuttle...

Pilot Greg Johnson and Mission Specialist Mike Fincke of Space Shuttle Endeavour's final mission STS-134 come to Ames Research Center to share their experiences, answer questions and sign autographs during a af... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi is helped by the Closeout Crew with his launch and entry suit before entering Space Shuttle Discovery.  This is Noguchi’s first Shuttle flight.  He represents the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station carries the External Stowage Platform-2, equipped with spare part assemblies, and a replacement Control Moment Gyroscope contained in the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure and Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, housing 15 tons of hardware and supplies that will be transferred to the Station after the Shuttle docks to the complex .  On this mission, the crew will perform inspections on-orbit for the first time of all of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) panels on the leading edge of the wings and the Thermal Protection System tiles using the new Canadian-built Orbiter Boom Sensor System and the data from 176 impact and temperature sensors. Mission Specialists will also practice repair techniques on RCC and tile samples during a spacewalk in the payload bay. KSC-05pp1797

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguch...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi is helped by the Closeout Crew with his launch and entry suit before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. This is Noguchi’s first Shuttle fl... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Space Shuttle Discovery’s payload bay, STS-92 Mission Specialist William S. McArthur Jr. explains something about the Pressurized Mating Adapter in front of him to other Mission Specialists Michael E. Lopez-Alegria and Peter J.K. Wisoff. The STS-92 crew has been inspecting the payload in preparation for launch Oct. 5, 2000. The mission is the fifth flight for the construction of the International Space Station. The payload also includes the Integrated Truss Structure Z-1. During the 11-day mission, four extravehicular activities (EVAs), or space walks, are planned KSC00pp1479

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Space Shuttle Discovery’s payload bay...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In Space Shuttle Discovery’s payload bay, STS-92 Mission Specialist William S. McArthur Jr. explains something about the Pressurized Mating Adapter in front of him to other Mission... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-110 Mission Specialist Steven Smith relaxes during suit fit, which is part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide flight crews an opportunity to participate in simulated launch countdown activities. Scheduled for launch April 4, the 11-day mission will feature Shuttle Atlantis docking with the International Space Station (ISS) and delivering the S0 truss, the centerpiece-segment of the primary truss structure that will eventually extend over 300 feet KSC-02pd0296

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-110 Mission Specialist Steven Smith ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-110 Mission Specialist Steven Smith relaxes during suit fit, which is part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shut... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  STS-107 Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli astronaut, participates in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, a standard part of Shuttle launch preparations. STS-107 is a mission devoted to research and will include more than 80 experiments that will study Earth and space science, advanced technology development, and astronaut health and safety.  Launch is planned for Jan. 16, 2003, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. EST aboard Space Shuttle Columbia. KSC-02pd1926

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-107 Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon, ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-107 Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli astronaut, participates in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, a standard part of Shuttle launch preparation... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 Mission Specialist Randy Bresnik prepares to enter space shuttle Atlantis with the help of the closeout crew in the White Room.  The six astronauts for space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-129 mission are participating 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/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-6065

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 Mission Specialist Randy Bresnik prepares to enter space shuttle Atlantis with the help of the closeout crew in the Wh... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 crew put on their launch-and-entry suits before heading to the Astrovan for the ride to Launch Pad 39A. The crew is participating in a dress rehearsal for their upcoming launch, known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test.  Making his second spaceflight on STS-130 is Mission Specialist Robert Behnken, seen here.    The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Tranquility node, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top.  The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency.  Launch of STS-130 is targeted for Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-1354

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 crew put on their launch-and-entry suits before heading to ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla.  --  STS-118 Mission Specialist Dave Williams, who represents the Canadian Space Agency, gets ready to practice driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of emergency exit training.  Behind him is Mission Specialist Barbara R. Morgan.  They and other crew members are at Kennedy for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), a dress rehearsal for launch. TCDT activities include the M-113 training, payload familiarization, emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown.  The STS-118 payload aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour includes the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and is targeted for launch on Aug.7.  NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1895

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 Mission Specialist Dave Willia...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 Mission Specialist Dave Williams, who represents the Canadian Space Agency, gets ready to practice driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of emergency exit tr... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   In the white room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-116 Mission Specialist Sunita Williams is helped with her gear before entering Space Shuttle Discovery.  The mission crew is taking part in a simulated launch countdown, part of the terminal countdown demonstration test that includes prelaunch preparations. The STS-116 mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1.  The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-06pd2602

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the white room on Launch Pad 39B, S...

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - STS-112 Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus gets help donning her boots during suit check,  part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities.   The TCDT also includes emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown.  The mission aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis  is scheduled to launch no earlier than Oct. 2, between 2 and 6 p.m. EDT.  STS-112 is the 15th assembly mission to the International Space Station.  Atlantis will be carrying the S1 Integrated Truss Structure, the first starboard truss segment.  The S1 will be attached to the central truss segment, S0, during the 11-day mission.  Magnus will serve as one of two operators of the Canadarm2 robotic arm for S1 truss installation and during three scheduled spacewalks.  STS-112 is her first Shuttle flight. KSC-02pd1320

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - STS-112 Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - STS-112 Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus gets help donning her boots during suit check, part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT also includes emergency... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-118 Commander Scott Kelly (left) and Mission Specialist Barbara Morgan (center) are briefed on equipment during Crew Equipment Interface Test activities.  The mission to the International Space Station will be delivering the third starboard truss segment, the ITS S5, which will be attached to the station, and a SPACEHAB Single Cargo Module with supplies and equipment.  Launch aboard Space Shuttle Columbia is scheduled for Nov. 13, 2003. KSC-03pd0042

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-118 Commander Scott Kelly (left) and Mission Specialist Barbara Morgan (center) are briefed on equipment during Crew Equipment Interfac... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  At the SRB Assembly and Refurbishment Facility, STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi looks at a mockup of a booster separation motor (BSM) igniter.  Noguchi is with the Japanese Aerospace and Exploration Agency.  The crew is at KSC for familiarization with Shuttle and mission equipment. The STS-114 mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment, plus the external stowage platform, to the International Space Station. KSC-04pd0387

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the SRB Assembly and Refurbishment Fa...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the SRB Assembly and Refurbishment Facility, STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi looks at a mockup of a booster separation motor (BSM) igniter. Noguchi is with the Japane... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  STS-123 Mission Specialist Mike Foreman dons his launch and entry suit before heading to Launch Pad 39A for liftoff on space shuttle Endeavour. The crew will make a record-breaking 16-day mission to the International Space Station.  On STS-123, Endeavour and its crew will deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre.  Launch is scheduled for 2:28 a.m. EDT March 11.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0685

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-123 Mission Specialist Mike Foreman...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-123 Mission Specialist Mike Foreman dons his launch and entry suit before heading to Launch Pad 39A for liftoff on space shuttle Endeavour. The crew will make a record-breakin... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-122 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim reaches toward the wing of space shuttle Atlantis.  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-07pd2612

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-122 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim reaches toward the wing of space shuttle Atlantis. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in a crew equipme... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-120 crew is at Kennedy for a crew equipment interface test, or CEIT.  Giving a close inspection to space shuttle Discovery in Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 are Mission Specialist Stephanie D. Wilson and Commander Pamela A. Melroy.  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 STS-120 mission will deliver the Harmony module, christened after a school contest, which will provide attachment points for European and Japanese laboratory modules on the International Space Station. Known in technical circles as Node 2, it is similar to the six-sided Unity module that links the U.S. and Russian sections of the station. Built in Italy for the United States, Harmony will be the first new U.S. pressurized component to be added.  The STS-120 mission is targeted to launch on Oct. 20.  Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd2196

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-120 crew is at Kennedy for a crew...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-120 crew is at Kennedy for a crew equipment interface test, or CEIT. Giving a close inspection to space shuttle Discovery in Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 are Mission S... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, the Titusville Naval Junior ROTC from Titusville High School in Florida, presents the colors to open the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction ceremony. Space shuttle astronauts and space explorers Shannon Lucid and Jerry Ross were inducted into the Hall of Fame Class of 2014.    The 2014 inductees are selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians and journalists. The process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. To be eligible, an astronaut must have made his or her first flight at least 17 years before the induction. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen and a NASA-trained commander, pilot or mission specialist who has orbited the earth at least once. Including Lucid and Ross, 87 astronauts have been inducted into the AHOF.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2385

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, the Titusville Naval Junior ROTC from Titusville High School in Florida, presents t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Dressed in bunny suits, STS-107 Payload Commander Michael Anderson (left) and 107 Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon (right), who is with the Israeli Space Agency, review data in Columbia's payload bay for the Fast Reaction Experiments Enabling Science, Technology, Applications and Research (FREESTAR) experiments for the mission. FREESTAR comprises Mediterranean Israeli Dust, Solar Constant, Shuttle Ozone Limb Sounding, Critical Viscosity of Xenon,  Low Power, and Space Experimental Module experiments.  Another payload is the SHI Research Double Module (SHI/RDM), also known as SPACEHAB. The experiments range from material sciences to life sciences.  STS-107 is scheduled to launch July 11, 2002 KSC-02pd0757

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Dressed in bunny suits, STS-107 Payload ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Dressed in bunny suits, STS-107 Payload Commander Michael Anderson (left) and 107 Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon (right), who is with the Israeli Space Agency, review data in Columb... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  STS-115 Mission Specialist Joseph Tanner adjusts his helmet.  Tanner is making his fourth flight on a shuttle. He and other crew members are checking their launch suits and apparatus before the launch on Space Shuttle Atlantis on Aug. 27.  Mission STS-115 is scheduled to lift off about 4:30 p.m. Aug. 27.  The crew will deliver and install the P3/P4 segment to the port side of the integrated truss system on the International Space Station.  The truss includes a new set of photovoltaic solar arrays.  When unfurled to their full length of 240 feet, the arrays will provide additional power for the station in preparation for the delivery of international science modules over the next two years.  The mission is expected to last 11 days and includes three scheduled spacewalks.   Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1933

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-115 Mission Specialist Joseph Tanner...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-115 Mission Specialist Joseph Tanner adjusts his helmet. Tanner is making his fourth flight on a shuttle. He and other crew members are checking their launch suits and apparat... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla.  --  STS-118 Mission Specialist Rick Mastracchio gets help with the fit of his launch and entry suit during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities, a dress rehearsal for launch. TCDT activities include the M-113 training, payload familiarization, emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown.  The STS-118 payload aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour includes the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and is targeted for launch on Aug. 7.  NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1917

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 Mission Specialist Rick Mastra...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 Mission Specialist Rick Mastracchio gets help with the fit of his launch and entry suit during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities, a dress rehearsal ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -   In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-115 Mission Specialist Joseph Tanner (foreground) examines tiles on the orbiter Atlantis,  the designated launch vehicle for the mission.  The crew is at the center for Crew Equipment Interface Test activities, which involves equipment familiarization,  a routine part of astronaut training and launch preparations.  The mission will deliver the second port truss segment, the P3/P4 Truss, to attach to the first port truss segment, the P1 Truss, as well as deploy solar array set 2A and 4A.  Launch on Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled for late August.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1188

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-115 Mission Specialist Joseph Tanner (foreground) examines tiles on the orbiter Atlantis, the designated launch vehicle for the mission. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-101 Mission Specialist Susan J. Helms adjusts her helmet after climbing into her seat inside Space Shuttle Atlantis for a simulated launch countdown. The countdown is part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities that also include emergency egress training and familiarization with the payload. Other crew members taking part are Commander James D. Halsell Jr., Pilot Scott J. "Doc" Horowitz and Mission Specialists Mary Ellen Weber, James Voss, Jeffrey N. Williams, and Yury Usachev of Russia. During their mission to the International Space Station, the STS-101 crew will be delivering logistics and supplies, plus preparing the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. Also, the crew will conduct one space walk to perform maintenance on the Space Station. This will be the third assembly flight for the Space Station. STS-101 is scheduled to launch April 24 at 4:15 p.m. from Launch Pad 39A KSC00pp0473

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-101 Mission Specialist Susan J. Helm...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-101 Mission Specialist Susan J. Helms adjusts her helmet after climbing into her seat inside Space Shuttle Atlantis for a simulated launch countdown. The countdown is part of T... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Chickasaw Dance Troupe performs an Honor Dance during the Native American Ceremony at the Rocket Garden in the KSC Visitor Complex. The ceremony was part of several days' activities commemorating John B. Herrington as the first tribally enrolled Native American astronaut to fly on a Shuttle mission. Herrington is a Mission Specialist on STS-113. KSC-02pp1750

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Chickasaw Dance Troupe performs an H...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The Chickasaw Dance Troupe performs an Honor Dance during the Native American Ceremony at the Rocket Garden in the KSC Visitor Complex. The ceremony was part of several days' activ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist John Phillips answers a question from the media during a news conference following landing of the space shuttle Discovery STS-119 mission to the International Space Station.  Main gear touchdown was at 3:13:17 p.m. EDT.  Nose gear touchdown was at 3:13:40 p.m. and wheels stop was at 3:14:45 p.m.  Discovery delivered the final pair of large power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment. The mission was the 28th flight to the station, the 36th flight of Discovery and the 125th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 70th landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2412

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist John Phillips answers a question from the media during a news conference following landing of the space shuttle Disco... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility 2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 crew participate in a crew equipment interface test, or CEIT.  Shown here is Mission Specialist Shane Kimbrough.  The CEIT provides hands-on experience with hardware and equipment slated to fly on their mission.  Endeavour will deliver a multi-purpose logistics module to the International Space Station on the STS-126 mission. Launch is targeted for Nov. 10.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2230

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility 2 at NASA's Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In Orbiter Processing Facility 2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 crew participate in a crew equipment interface test, or CEIT. Shown here is ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-134 Mission Specialist Greg Chamitoff signs the space shuttle wall tribute in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Kennedy employees who have supported the Space Shuttle Program throughout the last 30 years have been signing the wall as a tribute to the program.     Endeavour's six crew members are at Kennedy for the launch countdown dress rehearsal called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) and related training. Endeavour is targeted to launch April 19 at 7:48 p.m. EDT on its final spaceflight mission. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-2621

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-134 Mission Specialist Greg Chamitoff sign...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-134 Mission Specialist Greg Chamitoff signs the space shuttle wall tribute in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Kennedy employees who have supp... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Sharing a humorous moment on Launch Pad 39A during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities are (left) Commander Rick Husband and (right) Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon (the first Israeli astronaut). The TCDT also includes a simulated launch countdown.  STS-107 is a mission devoted to research and will include more than 80 experiments that will study Earth and space science, advanced technology development, and astronaut health and safety. Launch is planned for Jan. 16, 2003, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. EST aboard Space Shuttle Columbia.    . KSC-02pd1979

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Sharing a humorous moment on Launch Pad ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Sharing a humorous moment on Launch Pad 39A during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities are (left) Commander Rick Husband and (right) Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon (the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-117 crew members arrive at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility aboard T-38 jet aircraft to prepare for launch on Space Shuttle Atlantis on June 8.  Mission Specialist Steven Swanson is greeted by Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach.  Behind Swanson, at left, is Commander Frederick Sturckow; Mission Specialist Patrick Forrester is at center; Janet Petro, deputy director of Kennedy, is at right.  During the 11-day mission and three spacewalks, the crew will work with flight controllers at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston to install a 17-ton segment on the station's girder-like truss and deploy a set of solar arrays, S3/S4. The mission will increase the space station's power capability in preparation for the arrival of new science modules from the European and Japanese space agencies.    Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd1348

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-117 crew members arrive at the K...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-117 crew members arrive at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility aboard T-38 jet aircraft to prepare for launch on Space Shuttle Atlantis on June 8. Mission Specialist Steven S... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dressed in their bright-orange launch-and-entry suits, the final four astronauts to launch aboard a space shuttle exit the Astronaut Crew Quarters in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the left row, STS-135 Pilot Doug Hurley is followed by Mission Specialist Sandy Magnus. In the right row, Commander Chris Ferguson is followed by Mission Specialist Rex Walheim. The astronauts, who will head to Launch Pad 39A aboard the silver Astrovan, are scheduled to lift off aboard space shuttle Atlantis at 11:26 a.m. EDT on July 8 for their mission to the International Space Station.    STS-135 will deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts for the orbiting outpost. Atlantis also will fly the Robotic Refueling Mission experiment that will investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites in orbit. In addition, Atlantis will return with a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-5202

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dressed in their bright-orange launch-and-entr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Dressed in their bright-orange launch-and-entry suits, the final four astronauts to launch aboard a space shuttle exit the Astronaut Crew Quarters in the Operations and Checkout Building... More

At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-97 Mission Specialist Joseph Tanner (left) is greeted by Center Director Roy Bridges on his arrival at KSC from Johnson Space Center. Tanner and the rest of the crew have returned to KSC for the launch, scheduled for Nov. 30 at about 10:06 p.m. EST. Mission STS-97is the sixth construction flight to the International Space Station. Its payload includes the P6 Integrated Truss Structure and a photovoltaic (PV) module, with giant solar arrays that will provide power to the Station. The mission includes two spacewalks to complete the solar array connections. STS-97 is scheduled to launch Nov. 30 at about 10:06 p.m. EST KSC-00pp1756

At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-97 Mission Specialist Joseph Tann...

At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-97 Mission Specialist Joseph Tanner (left) is greeted by Center Director Roy Bridges on his arrival at KSC from Johnson Space Center. Tanner and the rest of the crew have re... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  During suitup in  the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA Kennedy Space Center, STS-115 Mission Specialist Daniel Burbank tests the communication system in his helmet.  Burbank is making his second shuttle flight on this mission to the International Space Station aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis.  On its second attempt for launch, Atlantis is scheduled to lift off at 11:41 a.m. EDT today from Launch Pad 39B.  During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the ISS. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2086

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During suitup in the Operations and Che...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During suitup in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA Kennedy Space Center, STS-115 Mission Specialist Daniel Burbank tests the communication system in his helmet. Burban... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-123 Mission Specialist Takao Doi of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency is helped with the final flight suit fit check in the White Room before entering space shuttle Endeavour for launch.  In the background is Mission Specialist Robert L. Behnken.  The White Room provides access into the shuttle.  Liftoff was on time at 2:28 a.m. EDT.  The crew will make a record-breaking 16-day mission to the International Space Station and deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre.  Photo credit: NASA/Scott Haun, Richard Prickett KSC-08pd0721

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-123 Mission Specialist Takao Doi of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency is helped with the final flight suit fit check in... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata puts on his helmet as part of the final fitting of his launch and entry suit.  Wakata is making his third shuttle flight.  He will remain on the station, replacing Expedition 18 Flight Engineer Sandra Magnus, who returns to Earth with the STS-119 crew. The 14-day mission is the 28th to the International Space Station and the 125th space shuttle flight.  Discovery will deliver the final pair of power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment.  Installation of S6 will signal the station's readiness to house a six-member crew for conducting increased science.  Liftoff of Discovery is scheduled for 9:20 p.m. EDT on March 11.   Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2015

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata puts on his helmet as part of the final fitting of his launch a... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --  At SPACEHAB in Titusville, Fla., STS-127 Mission Specialist Christopher Cassidy gets a close look at the Pump Module Assembly, part of the payload for the mission. The crew members are at Kennedy for a crew equipment interface test, or CEIT, which provides experience handling tools, equipment and hardware they will use on the mission.  The payload will be launched to the International Space Station aboard space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission, targeted for launch on May 15, 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitrios Gerondidakis KSC-08pd4039

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At SPACEHAB in Titusville, Fla., STS-127 Miss...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At SPACEHAB in Titusville, Fla., STS-127 Mission Specialist Christopher Cassidy gets a close look at the Pump Module Assembly, part of the payload for the mission. The crew members are ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the STS-133 crew receive instruction by the catch nets for the slidewire baskets at the base of the pad as part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) emergency exit training. From left are Mission Specialist Tim Kopra, Pilot Eric Boe, Commander Steve Lindsey, and Mission Specialists Alvin Drew, Nicole Stott and Michael Barratt.    TCDT provides each shuttle crew and launch team an opportunity to participate in various simulated activities, including equipment familiarization and a launch countdown. Space shuttle Discovery and its STS-133 crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. For more information on the STS-133 mission, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-5166

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the STS-133 crew receive instruction by the catch nets for the slidewire baskets at the base of the pad as part of... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialist Shane Kimbrough gets help with his suit before entering space shuttle Endeavour. He and other crew members will take part in a simulated launch countdown.  The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training and the simulated countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3433

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialist Shane Kimbrough gets help with his suit before entering space shuttle Endeavour.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-128 crew members put on their launch-and-entry suits before heading to the Astrovan for the 3.4-mile drive to Launch Pad 39A.  There, crew members will complete their suitup and enter space shuttle Discovery for the 1:36 a.m. EDT liftoff. Seen here is Mission Specialist Nicole Stott, checking communications in her helmet. The 13-day mission will deliver more than 7 tons of supplies, science racks and equipment, as well as additional environmental hardware to sustain six crew members on the International Space Station. The equipment includes a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and the COLBERT treadmill.  The mission is the 128th in the Space Shuttle Program, the 37th flight of Discovery and the 30th station assembly flight.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-4824

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-128 crew members put on their launch-and-entry suits before heading to the Astrovan for the 3.4-mile... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 crew prepares to depart NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in T-38 training jets. Mission Specialist Michael Barratt, left, Pilot Eric Boe and Mission Specialist Nicole Stott and their three crewmates will wait until at least Nov. 30 to launch to the International Space Station because a leak was detected at the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate (GUCP) while Discovery's external fuel tank was being loaded for launch on Nov. 5. The GUCP is an attachment point between the external tank and a pipe that carries gaseous hydrogen safely away from the shuttle to the flare stack, where it is burned off. Engineers and managers also will evaluate a crack in the foam on the external tank.            During the 11-day mission, STS-133 will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, to the orbiting laboratory. Discovery, which will fly its 39th mission, is scheduled to be retired following STS-133. This will be the 133rd Space Shuttle Program mission and the 35th shuttle voyage to the space station. For more information on STS-133, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-5505

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 crew prepare...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 crew prepares to depart NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in T-38 training jets. Mission Specialist Michael Barratt, left, Pilot Eric Boe and Missi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the closeout crew in the White Room help STS-127 crew members complete their suitup before entering space shuttle Endeavour for the 7:13 p.m. EDT liftoff.  Seen here is Mission Specialist Tom Marshburn.  This is the fourth launch attempt for the STS-127 mission. The first two launch attempts on June 13 and June 17 were scrubbed when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. Mission managers also decided to delay tanking on July 11 for a launch attempt later in the day to allow engineers and safety personnel time to analyze data captured during lightning strikes near the pad on July 10. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, in the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station.  STS-127 is the 29th flight for the assembly of the space.   Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph & Kevin O'Connell KSC-2009-3980

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the closeout crew in the White Room help STS-127 crew members complete their suitup before entering space shuttle Endeavour fo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Steve Swanson adjusts his helmet as he puts on the launch-and-entry suit for the launch of space shuttle Discovery.  The crew will be heading for Launch Pad 39A and liftoff of Discovery, scheduled for 7:43 p.m. EDT on March 15. An earlier launch attempt March 11 was scrubbed at 2:36 p.m. due to a gaseous hydrogen leak from the external tank at the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate during tanking. A seven-inch quick disconnect and two seals were replaced. The STS-119 mission is the 28th to the International Space Station and the 125th space shuttle flight.  Discovery will deliver the final pair of power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment.  Installation of S6 will signal the station's readiness to house a six-member crew for conducting increased science.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2044

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Steve Swanson adjusts his helmet as he puts on the launch-and-entry suit for ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-129 Mission Specialist Robert L. Satcher Jr. addresses the media and others on hand to welcome his crew to Florida.    The six astronauts for space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-129 mission arrived at Kennedy aboard a NASA Shuttle Training Aircraft, a modified Gulfstream II jet, to make final preparations for their launch.  On STS-129, the crew will deliver to the International Space 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.  Launch is set 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-2009-6201

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-129 Mission Specialist Robert L. Satcher Jr. addresses the media and others on hand to welcome his crew to Florida. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson and Mission Specialist Sandy Magnus have touched down in a T-38 jet on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.        The STS-135 astronauts arrived at Kennedy about 2:30 p.m. EDT on July 4 for final preparations for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 mission to the International Space Station. Atlantis is scheduled to lift off on July 8 to deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-5009

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson and Mission S...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson and Mission Specialist Sandy Magnus have touched down in a T-38 jet on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-117 crew arrives at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), a preparation for the launch March 15 to the International Space Station. NASA Launch Director Mike Leinbach greets Mission Specialist Steven Swanson at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The TCDT includes emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. The mission payload aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, along with a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd0457

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-117 crew arrives at NASA's Kenne...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-117 crew arrives at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), a preparation for the launch March 15 to the International... More

Before entering the orbiter Endeavour, STS-99 Mission Specialist Gerhard Thiele of Germany is helped with final suit preparations by Travis Thompson, mechanical technician and a member of the White Room closeout crew. The White Room is an environmental chamber at the end of the orbiter access arm, on the fixed service structure, that provides entry to the orbiter crew compartment. STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Scheduled for liftoff at 12:30 p.m. EST, the mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC-00pp0235

Before entering the orbiter Endeavour, STS-99 Mission Specialist Gerha...

Before entering the orbiter Endeavour, STS-99 Mission Specialist Gerhard Thiele of Germany is helped with final suit preparations by Travis Thompson, mechanical technician and a member of the White Room closeou... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers at SPACEHAB gather to watch STS-102 Mission Specialist Andrew S.W. Thomas work on the Early Ammonia Servicer. Thomas and other crew members are at SPACEHAB to get acquainted with tools and equipment they will be using on their mission to the International Space Station. The second spacewalk of the mission will require the crew to transfer the Early Ammonia Servicer to the P6 truss. STS-102 is the 8th construction flight to the International Space Station and will carry the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo. On that flight, Leonardo will be filled with equipment and supplies to outfit the U.S. laboratory module Destiny. The mission will also be carrying the Expedition Two crew to the Space Station, replacing the Expedition One crew who will return on Shuttle Discovery. STS-102 is scheduled for launch March 8, 2001 KSC01pp0199

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers at SPACEHAB gather to watch STS-...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Workers at SPACEHAB gather to watch STS-102 Mission Specialist Andrew S.W. Thomas work on the Early Ammonia Servicer. Thomas and other crew members are at SPACEHAB to get acquainte... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 crew participate in a crew equipment interface test, or CEIT.  Here, Commander Chris Ferguson, second from right, and Mission Specialist Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, right, are dressed in clean room attire for a walkthrough of the multi-purpose logistics module. The CEIT provides hands-on experience with hardware and equipment slated to fly on their mission.  Endeavour will deliver a multi-purpose logistics module to the International Space Station on the STS-126 mission. Launch is targeted for Nov. 10.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2214

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 crew participate in a crew equipment interface test, or CEIT. Here, ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-107 crew share a humorous moment on Launch Pad 39A during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities.  From left are Commander Rick Husband, Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon (the first Israeli astronaut), Pilot William "Willie" McCool, Mission Specialists Lauarel Clark and David Brown; in the foreground (back to camera) is Payload Commander Michael Anderson. The TCDT also includes a simulated launch countdown.  STS-107 is a mission devoted to research and will include more than 80 experiments that will study Earth and space science, advanced technology development, and astronaut health and safety. Launch is planned for Jan. 16, 2003, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. EST aboard Space Shuttle Columbia.    . KSC-02pd1975

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-107 crew share a humorous moment ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-107 crew share a humorous moment on Launch Pad 39A during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. From left are Commander Rick Husband, Payload Specialist Ilan Ra... More

JSC2011-E-040290 (27 March 2011) --- Moscow stretches out in all directions as seen from a commercial flight carrying NASA astronauts Doug Hurley, STS-135 pilot, and Rex Walheim, mission specialist, to Moscow, Russia on March 27, 2011. The crew of the final shuttle mission traveled to Moscow to be fitted for Russian Sokol spacesuits which would be required in the event of an emergency. If the shuttle is unable to return to Earth, the crew will remain on the International Space Station and return on a staggered basis in the course of a year on scheduled Soyuz flights to the station. Photo credit: NASA Photo/Houston Chronicle, Smiley N. Pool STS_135_Russia

JSC2011-E-040290 (27 March 2011) --- Moscow stretches out in all direc...

JSC2011-E-040290 (27 March 2011) --- Moscow stretches out in all directions as seen from a commercial flight carrying NASA astronauts Doug Hurley, STS-135 pilot, and Rex Walheim, mission specialist, to Moscow, ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-134 Mission Specialist Greg Chamitoff, left, and Commander Mark Kelly take a break from training on the M113 armored personnel carrier at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. An M113 is kept at the foot of the launch pad in case an emergency exit from the pad is needed and every shuttle crew is trained on driving the vehicle before launch.        Endeavour's six crew members are at Kennedy for the launch countdown dress rehearsal called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) and related training. Targeted to launch April 19 at 7:48 p.m. EDT, they will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), a high-pressure gas tank, additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper and micrometeoroid debris shields to the space station. This will be the final spaceflight for Endeavour. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-2552

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-134 Mission Specialist Greg Chamitoff, left, and Commander Mark Kelly take a break from training on the M113 armored personnel carrier at NA... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-98 crew poses for a group photo on the 215-foot level of the Fixed Service Structure at Launch Pad 39A. Dressed in their orange launch and entry suits are (left to right) Commander Ken Cockrell, Mission Specialist Marsha Ivins, Pilot Mark Polansky and Mission Specialists Robert Curbeam and Thomas Jones. Behind them can be seen the white nose cone of a solid rocket booster and the orange external tank on Space Shuttle Atlantis. The crew is taking part in emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. STS-98 is the seventh construction flight to the International Space Station, carrying as payload the U.S. Lab Destiny, a key element in the construction of the ISS. Launch of STS-98 is scheduled for Jan. 19 at 2:11 a.m. EST KSC01pp0058

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-98 crew poses for a group photo ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-98 crew poses for a group photo on the 215-foot level of the Fixed Service Structure at Launch Pad 39A. Dressed in their orange launch and entry suits are (left to right) C... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 crew put on their launch-and-entry suits before heading to the Astrovan for the ride to Launch Pad 39A. The crew is participating in a dress rehearsal for their upcoming launch, known as the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test.  Making his second spaceflight on STS-130 is Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick, seen here in his helmet.    The primary payload for the STS-130 mission is the International Space Station's Tranquility node, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top.  The cupola resembles a circular bay window and will provide a vastly improved view of the station's exterior. The multi-directional view will allow the crew to monitor spacewalks and docking operations, as well as provide a spectacular view of Earth and other celestial objects. The module was built in Turin, Italy, by Thales Alenia Space for the European Space Agency.  Launch of STS-130 is targeted for Feb. 7. For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-1358

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 crew put on their launch-and-entry suits before heading to ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim speaks to media during a question-and-answer session at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A in Florida. Space shuttle Atlantis' astronauts are at Kennedy to participate in a launch countdown dress rehearsal called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) and related training.            Atlantis and its crew are targeted to lift off July 8, taking with them the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-4710

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim speaks ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim speaks to media during a question-and-answer session at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A in Florida. Space shuttle Atlantis' astronauts a... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-135 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim checks the fit of his launch-and-entry suit before during a simulated launch countdown.          As part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), the crew members are taken to Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A and strapped into space shuttle Atlantis to practice the steps that will be taken on launch day. Atlantis and its crew are targeted to lift off July 8, taking with them the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-4788

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building at NAS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-135 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim checks the fit of his launch-and-entry suit before during a simu... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-127 Mission Specialist Tim Kopra is happy to have successfully driven the M-113 armored personnel carrier, which is part of the training on emergency egress procedures. The crew members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-127 mission are taking turns driving the M-113.  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 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for a launch dress rehearsal called the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, which includes the emergency egress training and equipment familiarization.  The STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japanese Kibo laboratory complex.  Endeavour's launch is targeted for June 13.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-3379

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-127 Mission Specialist Tim Kopra is happy t...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-127 Mission Specialist Tim Kopra is happy to have successfully driven the M-113 armored personnel carrier, which is part of the training on emergency egress procedures. The crew membe... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Battalion Chief David Seymour provides supervision while space shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 crew members participate in M113 armored personnel carrier training at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Driving the M113 is Pilot Doug Hurley; seated are  Mission Specialist Sandy Magnus (background right) and Commander Chris Ferguson.  An M113 is kept at the foot of the launch pad in case an emergency exit from the launch pad is needed and every shuttle crew is trained on driving the vehicle before launch. The STS-135 crew is at Kennedy to participate in a launch countdown dress rehearsal called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) and related training.       Atlantis and its crew are targeted to lift off July 8, taking with them the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-4666

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Battalion Chief David Seymour provides supervi...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Battalion Chief David Seymour provides supervision while space shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 crew members participate in M113 armored personnel carrier training at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  In the Orbiter Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-125 Mission Specialist Michael Good checks out part of the equipment in space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay.  Equipment familiarization is part of the crew equipment interface test, which provides hands-on experience with hardware and equipment for the mission.  Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 8 on the STS-125 mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope. The mission crew will perform history-making, on-orbit “surgery” on two important science instruments aboard the telescope.  After capturing the telescope, two teams of spacewalking astronauts will perform the repairs during five planned spacewalks.    Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1957

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Orbiter Processing Facility at NASA's K...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Orbiter Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-125 Mission Specialist Michael Good checks out part of the equipment in space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay. Equip... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, former NASA astronaut and Hall of Famer John Blaha walks the red carpet at the 2014 U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction ceremony. Space shuttle astronauts and space explorers Shannon Lucid and Jerry Ross were inducted into the Hall of Fame Class of 2014.    The 2014 inductees are selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians and journalists. The process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. To be eligible, an astronaut must have made his or her first flight at least 17 years before the induction. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen and a NASA-trained commander, pilot or mission specialist who has orbited the earth at least once. Including Lucid and Ross, 87 astronauts have been inducted into the AHOF.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2455

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, former NASA astronaut and Hall of Famer John Blaha walks the red carpet at the 201... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla.  --  On the slidewire basket bunker area of Launch Pad 39A, STS-118 educator astronaut and Mission Specialist Barbara R. Morgan responds to a question from the media before the crew's morning training activities in the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT.  Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. TCDT activities include M-113 training, payload familiarization, the emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown.  The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and Space Shuttle Endeavour will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7.  NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1935

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On the slidewire basket bunker area of...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On the slidewire basket bunker area of Launch Pad 39A, STS-118 educator astronaut and Mission Specialist Barbara R. Morgan responds to a question from the media before the crew's... More

STS-98 Commander Kenneth D. Cockrell (left) and Mission Specialist Thomas D. Jones (Ph.D.) check out equipment in the U.S. Lab Destiny during a Multi-Equipment Interface Test. During the mission, Jones will help install the Lab on the International Space Station in a series of three space walks. The STS-98 mission will provide the station with science research facilities and expand its power, life support and control capabilities. The U.S. Laboratory Module continues a long tradition of microgravity materials research, first conducted by Skylab and later Shuttle and Spacelab missions. Destiny is expected to be a major feature in future research, providing facilities for biotechnology, fluid physics, combustion, and life sciences research. Others in the five-member crew on STS-98 are Pilot Mark L. Polansky, and Mission Specialists Robert L. Curbeam Jr. and Marsha S. Ivins. The Lab is planned for launch aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis on the sixth ISS flight, currently targeted no earlier than Aug. 19, 2000 KSC-00pp0176

STS-98 Commander Kenneth D. Cockrell (left) and Mission Specialist Tho...

STS-98 Commander Kenneth D. Cockrell (left) and Mission Specialist Thomas D. Jones (Ph.D.) check out equipment in the U.S. Lab Destiny during a Multi-Equipment Interface Test. During the mission, Jones will hel... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -   On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-125 Mission Specialist Megan McArthur is ready to talk to the media about her role in the mission. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities before launching on space shuttle Atlantis’ mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and a simulated launch countdown. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 10. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd2849

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-125 Mission Specialist Megan McArthur is ready to talk to the media about her role in the mission. The crew is at Kenned... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery's STS-128 mission crew members arrive in T-38 training jets at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility.   Mission Specialist Nicole Stott is seen here. Stott will join the Expedition 20 crew on the International Space Station as a flight engineer.  The astronauts will be taking part in terminal countdown demonstration test activities that include equipment familiarization and emergency egress training, and will culminate in a simulated launch countdown aboard Discovery.  The mission will deliver 33,000 pounds of equipment to the International Space Station. The equipment includes science and storage racks, a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and the COLBERT treadmill.  Launch of Discovery is targeted for late August. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-4460

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery's STS-128 mission crew ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery's STS-128 mission crew members arrive in T-38 training jets at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility. Mission Specialist Nicole Stott is seen here... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-123 Mission Specialist Mike Foreman is helped with the final flight suit fit check in the White Room before entering space shuttle Endeavour for launch. The White Room provides access into the shuttle.  Liftoff was on time at 2:28 a.m. EDT.  The crew will make a record-breaking 16-day mission to the International Space Station and deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre.  Photo credit: NASA/Scott Haun, Richard Prickett KSC-08pd0722

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-123 Mission Specialist Mike Foreman is helped with the final flight suit fit check in the White Room before entering space s... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-116 Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick is greeted after his arrival by Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Bill Parsons. The crew has returned to KSC for the terminal countdown demonstration test, which are prelaunch preparations that include a simulated launch countdown. Crew members also include Commander Mark Polansky, Pilot William Oefelein, Mission Specialists Sunita Williams, Robert Curbeam, Christer Fuglesang and Joan Higginbotham. The mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1.  The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd2511

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-116...

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room at Launch Pad 39B, STS-112  Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus, Ph.D., receives assistance with her spacesuit during a simulated launch countdown, part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, a dress rehearsal for launch.  Launch of STS-112 aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled for Oct. 2, between 2 and 6 p.m. EDT.  STS-112 is the 15th assembly mission to the International Space Station.  Atlantis will be carrying the S1 Integrated Truss Structure, the first starboard truss segment, which will be attached to the central truss segment, S0, and the Crew and Equipment Translation Aid (CETA) Cart A.  The CETA is the first of two human-powered carts that will ride along the ISS railway, providing mobile work platforms for future spacewalking astronauts. KSC-02pd1352

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room at Launch Pad 39B, STS...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room at Launch Pad 39B, STS-112 Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus, Ph.D., receives assistance with her spacesuit during a simulated launch countdown, part of Terminal ... More

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

STS-106 Mission Specialist Edward T. Lu grins upon his arrival at the ...

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  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 Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist John Phillips  is eager for launch as he puts on his launch-and-entry suit.  The crew will be heading for Launch Pad 39A and liftoff of space shuttle Discovery, scheduled for 7:43 p.m. EDT on March 15.  An earlier launch attempt March 11 was scrubbed at 2:36 p.m. due to a gaseous hydrogen leak from the external tank at the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate during tanking. A seven-inch quick disconnect and two seals were replaced. The STS-119 mission is the 28th to the International Space Station and the 125th space shuttle flight.  Discovery will deliver the final pair of power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment.  Installation of S6 will signal the station's readiness to house a six-member crew for conducting increased science.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-2033

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist John Phillips is eager for launch as he puts on his launch-and-entry suit. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, STS-134 Mission Specialist Andrew Feustel disembarks from his T-38 jet. The STS-134 crew members landed at 12:52 p.m. EDT to get ready for shuttle Endeavour's launch to the International Space Station scheduled for Friday, April 29 at 3:47 p.m. Endeavour and its crew will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), a high-pressure gas tank and additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper to the station. This will be the final spaceflight for Endeavour. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-3058

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, STS-134 Mission Specialist Andrew Feustel disembarks from his T-38 jet. The STS-134 crew members landed at 12:52 p.m. ... More

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

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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. –  At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier used for emergency escape, if needed, from the launch pad.  Wakata represents the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The crew members are at Kennedy for prelaunch preparation known as terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. The training provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown.  The crew of space shuttle Discovery is targeted to launch on the STS-119 mission Feb. 12. During Discovery's 14-day mission, the crew will install the S6 truss segment and solar arrays to the starboard side of the International Space Station, completing the station's truss, or backbone. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-1204

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier used for emergency escape, if needed,... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-134 Mission Specialist Michael Finke practices using a camera he'll be snapping photos with in space. The six STS-134 astronauts are at Kennedy participating in the Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT), which gives them an opportunity for hands-on training and familiarization of the payload they'll be delivering to the International Space Station.      Space shuttle Endeavour is targeted to launch on the STS-134 mission Feb. 27, 2011. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston KSC-2010-5549

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-134 Mission Specialist Michael Finke practices using a camera he'll be snapping photos with in space. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   The STS-118 crew arrives at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility to prepare for launch on Aug. 8 aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour. Seen here is Mission Specialist Dave Williams, with the Canadian Space Agency. Endeavour's STS-118 mission is the 22nd shuttle flight to the International Space Station. It will continue space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5.  Other payloads include the SPACEHAB module, making its last voyage, and the external stowage platform 3 with a control moment gyroscope on it. The flight will include at least three spacewalks. The crew will also debut a new system that enables docked shuttles to draw electrical power from the station to extend visits to the outpost. Photo credit:  NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd2160

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-118 crew arrives at Kennedy Sp...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-118 crew arrives at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility to prepare for launch on Aug. 8 aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour. Seen here is Mission Specialist Dave W... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At SPACEHAB, in Cape Canaveral, the STS-101 crew inspect equipment and payload for their mission. From left to right are Mission Specialist Edward Tsang Lu, Mary Ellen Weber (Ph.D.), Commander James D. Halsell Jr. and Pilot Scott J. "Doc" Horowitz (Ph.D). are taking part in a Crew Equipment Interface Test, which gives them an opportunity to look over equipment and payloads that will fly on the mission. Space Shuttle Atlantis will be carrying the SPACEHAB Double Module, which carries internal logistics and resupply cargo for station outfitting. Launch of Atlantis on mission STS-101 is scheduled no earlier than April 13, 2000 KSC-00pp0024

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At SPACEHAB, in Cape Canaveral, the STS-...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At SPACEHAB, in Cape Canaveral, the STS-101 crew inspect equipment and payload for their mission. From left to right are Mission Specialist Edward Tsang Lu, Mary Ellen Weber (Ph.D.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After visiting with employees at Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility-2, STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson holds the door of the Astrovan for Pilot Doug Hurley and Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus. The astronauts were at the center for the traditional post-flight crew return presentation.    STS-135 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim was unable to attend the Kennedy event. In July 2011, Atlantis and its crew delivered to the International Space Station the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with more than 9,400 pounds of spare parts, equipment and supplies that will sustain station operations for the next year. STS-135 was the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis and the final mission of the Space Shuttle Program. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-7063

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After visiting with employees at Kennedy Space ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – After visiting with employees at Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility-2, STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson holds the door of the Astrovan for Pilot Doug Hurley and Mission Sp... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-134 Mission Specialist Michael Fincke, left, and Pilot Gregory H. Johnson pose in front of space shuttle Endeavour's landing gear inside NASA Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing Facility-1 following a crew return event.      Commander Mark Kelly, Johnson and Mission Specialists Fincke, Greg Chamitoff, Andrew Feustel and European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori lifted off May 16, 2011 aboard space shuttle Endeavour. During the nearly 16-day STS-134 mission, Endeavour delivered to the International Space Station the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) and spare parts, including two S-band communications antennas, a high-pressure gas tank and additional spare parts for Dextre. This was the 36th shuttle mission to the station and Endeavour's 25th and final flight. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/main/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-5563

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-134 Mission Specialist Michael Fincke, left...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-134 Mission Specialist Michael Fincke, left, and Pilot Gregory H. Johnson pose in front of space shuttle Endeavour's landing gear inside NASA Kennedy Space Center's Orbiter Processing... More

Members of the STS-102 crew check out Discovery’s payload bay in the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1. Dressed in green, they are Mission Specialist Paul W. Richards (left) and Pilot James W. Kelly. The crew is at KSC for Crew Equipment Interface Test activities. Above their heads on the left side are two of the experiments being carried on the flight. STS-102 is the 8th construction flight to the International Space Station and will carry the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo. STS-102 is scheduled for launch March 1, 2001. On that flight, Leonardo will be filled with equipment and supplies to outfit the U.S. laboratory module Destiny. The mission will also be carrying the Expedition Two crew to the Space Station, replacing the Expedition One crew who will return on Shuttle Discovery KSC01pp0173

Members of the STS-102 crew check out Discovery’s payload bay in the O...

Members of the STS-102 crew check out Discovery’s payload bay in the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1. Dressed in green, they are Mission Specialist Paul W. Richards (left) and Pilot James W. Kelly. The crew i... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-113 Mission Specialist John Herrington is at the wheel of an M-113 armored personnel carrier during emergency egress training at the pad. He is accompanied by (left) Mission Specialist Michael Lopez-Alegria and Commander James Wetherbee.  The crew is preparing for the mission aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour, which is scheduled to launch Nov. 10, by taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities.   The TCDT includes a simulated launch countdown..  The primary payloads on mission STS-113 are the first port truss segment, P1, and the Crew and Equipment Translation Aid (CETA) Cart B.   Once delivered, the P1 truss will remain stowed until flight 12A.1 in 2003 when it will be attached to the central truss segment, S0, on the Space Station.  Also onboard Space Shuttle Endeavour will be the Expedition 6 crew who will replace Expedition 5, returning to Earth after 4 months. KSC-02pd1551

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-113 Mission Specialist John Herringt...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-113 Mission Specialist John Herrington is at the wheel of an M-113 armored personnel carrier during emergency egress training at the pad. He is accompanied by (left) Mission Sp... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Standing under space shuttle Atlantis at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 NASA Test Director Steve Payne, left, discusses the newly completed mission with STS-129 Mission Specialist Mike Foreman, center, and NASA pilot Dick Clark.  Atlantis touched down on Runway 33, completing 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.  On STS-129, the six-member 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/Kim Shiflett KSC-2009-6620

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Standing under space shuttle Atlantis at the Sh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Standing under space shuttle Atlantis at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 NASA Test Director Steve Payne, left, discusses the newly complete... More

During pre-pack and fit check in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-92 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata of Japan gets an adjustment on his launch and entry suit. This mission is Wakata’s second Shuttle flight. He and the rest of the crew are at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT provides emergency egress training, simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payload. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program KSC-00pp1341

During pre-pack and fit check in the Operations and Checkout Building,...

During pre-pack and fit check in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-92 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata of Japan gets an adjustment on his launch and entry suit. This mission is Wakata’s second Shuttle f... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --   STS-123 Mission Specialist Garrett Reisman works at putting on his gloves while suiting up for the launch dress rehearsal, culmination of the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT.  The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. Space shuttle Endeavour is targeted to launch March 11 at 2:28 a.m. EDT on the 16-day STS-123 mission to the International Space Station.  Endeavour and its crew will deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre.   Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0539

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-123 Mission Specialist Garrett Rei...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-123 Mission Specialist Garrett Reisman works at putting on his gloves while suiting up for the launch dress rehearsal, culmination of the terminal countdown demonstration tes... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla.  --  STS-118 Mission Specialist Tracy Caldwell practices driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of emergency exit training.  Seen in the back are Mission Specialist Alvin Drew, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh and educator astronaut and Mission Specialist Barbara R. Morgan.  They and other crew members are at Kennedy for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), a dress rehearsal for launch.  TCDT activities include the M-113 training, payload familiarization, emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown.  The STS-118 payload aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour includes the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and is targeted for launch on Aug.7.  NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd1894

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 Mission Specialist Tracy Caldw...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 Mission Specialist Tracy Caldwell practices driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of emergency exit training. Seen in the back are Mission Specialist Alvin ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  During suit check, STS-115 Mission Specialist Steven MacLean signals confidence about the launch on Space Shuttle Atlantis on Aug. 27.  MacLean, who represents the Canadian Space Agency, will be making his second flight on a shuttle.   Mission STS-115 is scheduled to lift off about 4:30 p.m. Aug. 27.  The crew will deliver and install the P3/P4 segment to the port side of the integrated truss system on the International Space Station.  The truss includes a new set of photovoltaic solar arrays.  When unfurled to their full length of 240 feet, the arrays will provide additional power for the station in preparation for the delivery of international science modules over the next two years.  The mission is expected to last 11 days and includes three scheduled spacewalks.   Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-06pd1924

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During suit check, STS-115 Mission Speci...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During suit check, STS-115 Mission Specialist Steven MacLean signals confidence about the launch on Space Shuttle Atlantis on Aug. 27. MacLean, who represents the Canadian Space A... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --  In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-123 Mission Specialist Richard Linnehan inspects the thermal protection system tiles on the underside of space shuttle Endeavour. He and other crew members are at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for a crew equipment interface test, a process of familiarization with payloads, hardware and the space shuttle.  The STS-123 mission is targeted for launch on space shuttle Endeavour on Feb. 14.  It will be the 25th assembly flight of the station.   Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-07pd3561

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-123 Mission Specialist Richard Linnehan inspects the thermal protection system tiles on the underside of space shuttle Endeavour. He and ot... More

During suitup in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-92 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata of Japan signals thumbs up for a second launch attempt. During the 11-day mission to the International Space Station, four extravehicular activities (EVAs), or spacewalks, are planned for construction. The payload includes the Integrated Truss Structure Z-1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The Z-1 truss is the first of 10 that will become the backbone of the Space Station, eventually stretching the length of a football field. PMA-3 will provide a Shuttle docking port for solar array installation on the sixth Station flight and Lab installation on the seventh Station flight.; Launch is scheduled for 7:17 p.m. EDT. Landing is expected Oct. 22 at 2:10 p.m. EDT KSC-00pp1539

During suitup in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-92 Mission ...

During suitup in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-92 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata of Japan signals thumbs up for a second launch attempt. During the 11-day mission to the International Space Statio... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --   The crew of space shuttle Discovery's STS-124 mission arrive at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT. Here, Commander Mark Kelly is greeted by Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. Behind Leinbach is Mission Specialist Greg Chamitoff.  TCDT is a rehearsal for launch that includes practicing emergency procedures, handling on-orbit equipment, and simulating a launch countdown. On the STS-124 mission, the crew will deliver and install the Japanese Experiment Module – Pressurized Module and Japanese Remote Manipulator System.  Discovery's launch is targeted for May 31.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd1149

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The crew of space shuttle Discovery's STS-12...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The crew of space shuttle Discovery's STS-124 mission arrive at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -   On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus (with microphone) answers a question from the media.  The other crew members with her are (from left) Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Eric Boe and Mission Specialists Steve Bowen, Shane Kimbrough, Donald Pettit and Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit procedures and a simulated launch countdown.  On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd3400

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus (with microphone) answers a question from the media. The other crew members with h... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-107 Mission Specialist Ilan Ramon, with the Israeli Space Agency, looks at an experiment in the SHI Research Double Module (SHI/RDM), part of the payload on the mission.  The crew is taking part in Crew Equipment Interface Test activities, which include equipment and payload familiarization.  A research mission, STS-107 also will carry the Fast Reaction Experiments Enabling Science, Technology, Applications and Research (FREESTAR) that incorporates eight high priority secondary attached shuttle experiments.  STS-107 is scheduled to launch July 19, 2002 KSC-02pd0945

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-107 Mission Specialist Ilan Ramon, wi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-107 Mission Specialist Ilan Ramon, with the Israeli Space Agency, looks at an experiment in the SHI Research Double Module (SHI/RDM), part of the payload on the mission. The cr... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -  STS-114 Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson is helped by the Closeout Crew with his launch and entry suit before entering Space Shuttle Discovery.  The Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station carries the External Stowage Platform-2, equipped with spare part assemblies, and a replacement Control Moment Gyroscope contained in the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure and Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, housing 15 tons of hardware and supplies that will be transferred to the Station after the Shuttle docks to the complex .  On this mission, the crew will perform inspections on-orbit for the first time of all of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) panels on the leading edge of the wings and the Thermal Protection System tiles using the new Canadian-built Orbiter Boom Sensor System and the data from 176 impact and temperature sensors. Mission Specialists will also practice repair techniques on RCC and tile samples during a spacewalk in the payload bay. KSC-05pp1799

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Stephen Robin...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson is helped by the Closeout Crew with his launch and entry suit before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The Return to Flight mission to ... More

STS-106 Mission Specialist Richard A. Mastracchio is helped with his launch and entry suit in the White Room before entering Space Shuttle Atlantis. The perfect on-time liftoff of Atlantis on mission STS-106 occurred at 8:45:47 a.m. EDT. On the 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed “Expedition One,” is due to arrive at the Station in late fall. Landing of Atlantis is targeted for 4:45 a.m. EDT on Sept. 19 KSC-00pp1283

STS-106 Mission Specialist Richard A. Mastracchio is helped with his l...

STS-106 Mission Specialist Richard A. Mastracchio is helped with his launch and entry suit in the White Room before entering Space Shuttle Atlantis. The perfect on-time liftoff of Atlantis on mission STS-106 oc... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- STS-123 Commander Dominic Gorie, in front, and Mission Specialist Mike Foreman exit the crew transport vehicle at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility.  The vehicle provides a "white room" in which a physician performs a brief preliminary medical examination of the crew members before they leave the shuttle.  Space shuttle Endeavour landed on Runway 15 to end the STS-123 mission, a 16-day flight to the International Space Station.  This was the 16th night landing at Kennedy.  The main landing gear touched down at 8:39:08 p.m. EDT.  The nose landing gear touched down at 8:39:17 p.m. and wheel stop was at 8:40:41 p.m.  The mission completed nearly 6.6 million miles.  The landing was on the second opportunity after the first was waved off due to unstable weather in the Kennedy Space Center area.   The STS-123 mission delivered the first segment of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, known as Dextre.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0820

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- STS-123 Commander Dominic Gorie, in front, an...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --- STS-123 Commander Dominic Gorie, in front, and Mission Specialist Mike Foreman exit the crew transport vehicle at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility. The vehicle prov... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-130 Mission Specialist Kathryn Hire takes her crew and instructor for a ride in an M113 armored personnel carrier during driving practice. Left of Hire is the instructor, Battalion Chief David Seymour.    An M113 is kept at the foot of the launch pad in case an emergency egress from the vicinity of the pad is needed.  The crew members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-130 mission are at Kennedy for training related to their launch dress rehearsal, the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test.  The primary payload on STS-130 is the International Space Station's Node 3, Tranquility, a pressurized module that will provide room for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to one end of Tranquility is a cupola, a unique work area with six windows on its sides and one on top.  Endeavour's launch is targeted for Feb. 7.  For information on the STS-130 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts130/index.html.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2010-1298

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-130 Mission Specialist Kathryn Hire takes her crew and instructor for a ride in an M113 armored personnel carrier during driving practice. L... More

At the Russian Mission Control Center in Korolev, Russia, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden (left) and cosmonaut Sergei Krikalev, now a manager in the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), pose for pictures Nov. 20 following the docking of the Soyuz MS-03 spacecraft to the International Space Station. Aboard the Soyuz were Expedition 50-51 crewmembers Peggy Whitson of NASA, Oleg Novitskiy of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) and Thomas Pesquet of the European Space Agency. Bolden served as commander of the space shuttle Discovery on the STS-60 mission in February 1994 in which Krikalev served as a mission specialist.     NASA/Stephanie Stoll jsc2016e183855

At the Russian Mission Control Center in Korolev, Russia, NASA Adminis...

At the Russian Mission Control Center in Korolev, Russia, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden (left) and cosmonaut Sergei Krikalev, now a manager in the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), pose for pictures... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-135 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim pauses for a photo. The space shuttle Atlantis crew members arrived at Kennedy at about 5:30 p.m. EDT to participate in a launch countdown dress rehearsal called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) and related training in preparation for the upcoming STS-135 mission. Atlantis and its crew is targeted to lift off July 8, taking with them the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies, logistics and spare parts to the International Space Station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-4607

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kenn...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-135 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim pauses for a photo. The space shuttle Atlantis crew members arrived at K... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. --  STS-108 Mission Specialist Daniel M. Tani is ready to practice driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier.  He and other crew members are taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include emergency exit from the launch pad and a simulated launch countdown.   STS-108 is a Utilization Flight that will carry the replacement Expedition 4 crew to the International Space Station, as well as the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, filled with supplies and equipment.  The l1-day mission is scheduled for launch Nov. 29 on Space Shuttle Endeavour KSC-01PP1653

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-108 Mission Specialist Daniel M. Ta...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-108 Mission Specialist Daniel M. Tani is ready to practice driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier. He and other crew members are taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonst... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission Specialist Leopold Eyharts dons his launch and entry suit for launch of space shuttle Atlantis on the STS-122 mission.  Eyharts represents the European Space Agency. The launch, scheduled for 2:45 p.m. EST, 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-08pd0187

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission Specialist Leopold Eyharts dons ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission Specialist Leopold Eyharts dons his launch and entry suit for launch of space shuttle Atlantis on the STS-122 mission. Eyharts represents the European Space Agency. The la... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, former NASA astronaut and Hall of Famer Kathy Thornton walks the red carpet at the 2014 U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction ceremony. Space shuttle astronauts and space explorers Shannon Lucid and Jerry Ross were inducted into the Hall of Fame Class of 2014.    The 2014 inductees are selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians and journalists. The process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. To be eligible, an astronaut must have made his or her first flight at least 17 years before the induction. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen and a NASA-trained commander, pilot or mission specialist who has orbited the earth at least once. Including Lucid and Ross, 87 astronauts have been inducted into the AHOF.  Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2456

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction a...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, former NASA astronaut and Hall of Famer Kathy Thornton walks the red carpet at the... More

With Capt. George Hoggard, trainer with the KSC Fire Department, riding on top, Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata of Japan practices driving the M-113, part of emergency egress training during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. Riding in the back (on the left) are other crew members, waiting their turn to drive. The tracked vehicle could be used by the crew in the event of an emergency at the pad during which the crew must make a quick exit from the area. The TCDT also provides simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter’s payload bay. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:30 p.m. EDT on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program KSC-00pp1320

With Capt. George Hoggard, trainer with the KSC Fire Department, ridin...

With Capt. George Hoggard, trainer with the KSC Fire Department, riding on top, Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata of Japan practices driving the M-113, part of emergency egress training during Terminal Countdown... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As afternoon storm clouds sweep across a dune near Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Endeavour is seen from the back side.  In front of it is the 290-foot-tall water tower that provides the deluge over the mobile launcher platform for sound suppression during liftoff.  The shuttle arrived at the pad in the early morning after an 8:30 p.m. rollout on July 10.  Endeavour is scheduled to launch on mission STS-118 on Aug. 7.  During the mission, Endeavour will carry into orbit the S5 truss, SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and will mark the first flight of Mission Specialist Barbara Morgan, the teacher-turned-astronaut whose association with NASA began more than 20 years ago.  STS-118 will be the first flight since 2002 for Endeavour, which has undergone extensive modifications, including the addition of safety upgrades already added to orbiters Discovery and Atlantis.  Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley KSC-07pd1848

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As afternoon storm clouds sweep across a ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As afternoon storm clouds sweep across a dune near Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Endeavour is seen from the back side. In front of it is the 290-foot-tall water tower that provides... More

Previous

of 64

Next