Astronaut Suit Preparation

Images of astronauts in orange launch and entry suits receiving assistance before entering the Space Shuttle. The setting is a preparation area filled with equipment and team members.

STS051-S-112 (12 Sept 1993) --- Inside the White Room, astronaut Carl E. Walz talks to suit technicians prior to ingressing the Space Shuttle Discovery. Walz, mission specialist, was joined by astronauts Frank L. Culbertson Jr., mission commander; William F. Readdy, pilot; and James H. Newman and Daniel W. Bursch, mission specialists for the almost ten-day flight. Launch occurred at 7:45 a.m. (EDT), September 12, 1993.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - STS-108 Commander Dominic L. Gorie gets help with his launch and entry suit before entering Endeavour. The main goals of the mission are to carry the Expedition 4 crew to the International Space Station as replacement for Expedition 3; carry the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello filled with water, equipment and supplies; and install thermal blankets over equipment at the base of the ISS solar wings. STS-108 is the final Shuttle mission of 2001 and the 107th Shuttle flight overall. It is the 12th flight to the Space Station. Launch is scheduled for 5 19 p.m. EST (22 19 GMT) Dec. 5, 2001, from Launch Pad 39B

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas 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 durin

STS-132 LAUNCH L-0 WHITEROOM ACTIVITIES

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. --Mission Specialist Stanley Love gets help with his gloves to complete his suitup for launch of space shuttle Atlantis on the STS-122 mission. 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.

STS-84 Pilot Eileen M. Collins prepares to enter the Space Shuttle Atlantis at Launch Pad 39A with help from white room closeout crew members. The fourth Shuttle mission of 1997 will be the sixth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. The commander is Charles J. Precourt. The pilot is Eileen Marie Collins. The five mission specialists are C. Michael Foale, Carlos I. Noriega, Edward Tsang Lu, Jean-Francois Clervoy of the European Space Agency and Elena V. Kondakova of the Russian Space Agency. The planned nine-day mission will include the exchange of Foale for U.S. astronaut and Mir 23 crew member Jerry M. Linenger, who has been on Mir since Jan. 15. Linenger transferred to Mir during the last docking mission, STS-81; he will return to Earth on Atlantis. Foale is slated to remain on Mir for about four months until he is replaced in September by STS-86 Mission Specialist Wendy B. Lawrence. During the five days Atlantis is scheduled to be docked with the Mir, the

STS051-S-112 (12 Sept 1993) --- Inside the White Room, astronaut Carl E. Walz talks to suit technicians prior to ingressing the Space Shuttle Discovery. Walz, mission specialist, was joined by astronauts Frank L. Culbertson Jr., mission commander; William F. Readdy, pilot; and James H. Newman and Daniel W. Bursch, mission specialists for the almost ten-day flight. Launch occurred at 7:45 a.m. (EDT), September 12, 1993.

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 comp

In the White Room, STS-100 Mission Specialist Yuri V. Lonchakov (center) is checked by closeout crew members (from left) Greg Johnson, Danny Wyatt and Rene Arriens before entering Space Shuttle Endeavour. The White Room is an environmental chamber at the end of the Orbiter Access Arm that provides entry into the orbiter on the launch pad. The mission will deliver and integrate the Spacelab Logistics Pallet/Launch Deployment Assembly, which includes the Canadian-built Space Station Remote Manipulator System and the UHF Antenna. Two spacewalks are planned for installation of the SSRMS, which will be performed by Mission Specialists Scott E. Parazynski and Chris A. Hadfield, who is with the Canadian Space Agency. The mission is also the inaugural flight of Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, carrying resupply stowage racks and resupply/return stowage platforms. Liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-100 is scheduled at 2:41 p.m. EDT April 19

In the White Room, STS-97 Mission Specialist Joseph Tanner prepares for entry into Space Shuttle Endeavour with the help of the Closeout Crew, Mike Birkenseher (left), Travis Thompson (right, foreground) and Jack Burritt (right, background). Space Shuttle Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 30 at 10:06 p.m. EST for the six construction flight to the International Space Station. Endeavour is transporting the P6 Integrated Truss Structure that comprises Solar Array Wing-3 and the Integrated Electronic Assembly, to provide power to the Space Station. After the 11-day mission, which includes three spacewalks, it is expected to land at KSC Dec. 11 at 6:19 p.m. EST

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Mission Specialist Rex Walheim is ready to enter space shuttle Atlantis for the liftoff at 2:45 p.m. EST. Walheim is making his second shuttle flight. The launch will be the third attempt for Atlantis since December 2007 to carry the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory to the International Space Station. During the 11-day mission, the crew's prime objective is to attach the laboratory to the Harmony module, adding to the station's size and capabilities.

STS-88 Mission Specialist Jerry L. Ross is assisted with his ascent and re-entry flight suit in the white room at Launch Pad 39A before entering Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch. During the nearly 12-day mission, the six-member crew will mate the first two elements of the International Space Station the already-orbiting Zarya control module with the Unity connecting module carried by Endeavour. He is making his sixth spaceflight and is one of two extravehicular activity crew members on this mission

In the White Room at Launch Pad 39A, STS-98 Commander Ken Cockrell (center) gets help from the closeout crew with his launch and entry suit before entering Atlantis for a simulated launch countdown. The White Room is an environmental chamber at the end of the orbiter access arm that mates with the orbiter to allow personnel to enter the orbiters crew compartment. The STS-98 crew is taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which also include emergency egress training at the pad. 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

STS-96 Pilot Rick D. Husband is checked out by white room closeout crew members before entering the orbiter Discovery. At left is Closeout Chief Travis Thompson; at right is Quality Assurance Specialist James Davis. The white room is an environmental chamber at the end of the orbiter access arm that provides entry to the orbiter crew compartment. STS-96 is a 10-day logistics and resupply mission for the International Space Station, carrying about 4,000 pounds of supplies, to be stored aboard the station for use by future crews, including laptop computers, cameras, tools, spare parts, and clothing. The mission also includes such payloads as a Russian crane, the Strela; a U.S.-built crane; the Spacehab Oceaneering Space System Box (SHOSS), a logistics items carrier; and STARSHINE, a student-involved experiment. It will include a space walk to attach the cranes to the outside of the ISS for use in future construction. Space Shuttle Discovery is due to launch today at 6:49 a.m. EDT. Landin

STS-106 Pilot Scott D. Altman is helped with his launch and entry suit by suit technicians 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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the White Room, STS-104 Mission Specialist James F. Reilly (center) is helped by closeout crew members before entering Space Shuttle Atlantis. The White Room is an environmental chamber at the end of the Orbiter Access Arm that provides entry into the orbiter on the launch pad. Atlantis lifted off from Launch Pad 39B on time at 5:03:59 a.m. EDT. The 10th assembly flight to the International Space Station, the primary payload on the mission is the joint airlock module, which will require two spacewalks to attach it to the Space Station. The airlock will be the primary path for Space Station spacewalk entry and departure for U.S. spacesuits, and will also support the Russian Orlan spacesuit for EVA activity

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-120 Mission Specialist Doug Wheelock is helped by the closeout crew to put on a parachute and get ready to enter space shuttle Discovery for liftoff at 11:38 a.m. EDT. The STS-120 mission will be the 23rd assembly flight to the space station and the 34th flight for Discovery. Payload on the mission is the Italian-built U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. During the 14-day mission, the crew will install Harmony and move the P6 solar arrays to their permanent position and deploy them. Discovery is expected to complete its mission and return home at 4:47 a.m. EST on Nov. 6.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-90 Mission Specialist Richard Linnehan, D.V.M., is assisted by NASA and United Space Alliance closeout crew members immediately preceding launch for the nearly 17-day Neurolab mission. Investigations during the Neurolab mission will focus on the effects of microgravity on the nervous system. Linnehan and six fellow crew members will shortly enter the orbiter at KSC's Launch Pad 39B, where the Space Shuttle Columbia will lift off during a launch window that opens at 2:19 p.m. EDT, April 17

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The Expedition 5 crew - Commander Valeri Korzun (left), Sergei Treschev (center) and Peggy Whitson (right) - are in the slidewire basket and ready to exit the Fixed Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A. They and the STS-111 crew are taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-111 is Utilization Flight 2, carrying equipment and supplies in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo to the International Space Station, plus the Mobile Base System (MBA) and an Orbital Replacement Unit. The MBS will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, enabling Canadarm 2 to 'inchworm' from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. The Expedition 5 crew is traveling on Endeavour to replace the Expedition 4 crew on the Station. Launch of Endeavour is scheduled for May 30, 2002

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jerry Ross jokes with the Closeout Crew in the White Room as he prepares to enter Space Shuttle Atlantis for launch. The White Room provides entry into the cockpit area of the orbiter. The 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station, STS-110 is carrying the S0 Integrated Truss Structure and Mobile Transporter (MT). On the 11-day mission, astronauts, including Ross, will make four spacewalks to attach the S0 truss, which will become the backbone of the Space Station, to the U.S. Lab, "Destiny." The MT, a space "railcar," is attached to the truss segment and will make its debut run during the flight. Ross is making his seventh Shuttle flight, a new record in the history of the Shuttle program, and will complete his ninth spacewalk, also a record. Launch is scheduled for 4:40 p.m. EDT (20:40 GMT)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, STS-118 Mission Specialist Dave Williams is helped with his launch gear by the closeout crew before he enters Space Shuttle Endeavour. Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency. The outer end of the orbiter access arm ends in an environmental chamber (the White Room) that mates with the orbiter and allows personnel to enter the crew compartment. With assistance, each member of the flight crew dons a parachute pack before crawling through the open hatch into the shuttle. The closeout crew also straps the astronauts into the space shuttle's crew module and takes care of any other last-minute needs that arise. Space Shuttle 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, and other payloads such as the SPACEHAB module and the external stowage platform 3. Liftoff of Endeavour i

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room, STS-103 Mission Specialists Steven L. Smith and Jean-Francois Clervoy, in their orange launch and entry suits, are getting ready to enter Space Shuttle Discovery. Assisting them are closeout crew members (from left) United Space Alliance (USA) Mechanical Technician Rene Arriens, NASA Quality Assurance Specialist Danny Wyatt, USA Orbiter Vehicle Closeout Chief Travis Thompson and USA Mechanical Technician Vinny Defranzo. The White Room is an environmental chamber at the end of the orbiter access arm on the fixed service structure. It provides entry to the orbiter crew compartment. The mission, to service the Hubble Space Telescope, is scheduled to lift off at 7:50 p.m. EST Dec. 19 on mission STS-103, servicing the Hubble Space Telescope. Objectives for the nearly eight-day mission include replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing another solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation in the telescope. Discovery is expec

JSC2000-07291 (17 November 2000) --- Astronaut Michael L. Gernhardt, STS-104 mission specialist, participates in a simulation of pre-launch procedures on the flight deck of one of the high fidelity trainers/mockups in the Systems Integration Facility at Johnson Space Center (JSC). Gernhardt will join four other astronauts for a June mission with the International Space Station (ISS).

JSC2004-E-42288 (24 September 2004) --- Astronaut Stephen K. Robinson, STS-114 mission specialist, uses a still camera prior to the start of a mission training session in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at Johnson Space Center (JSC). Astronaut Andrew S. W. Thomas, mission specialist, looks on. Robinson and Thomas are wearing training versions of the shuttle launch and entry suit.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Pilot Eric Boe is helped by suit technicians to put on a harness over his launch and entry suit. In the background is the hatch for entry into space shuttle Endeavour. STS-126 is the 124th space shuttle flight and the 27th flight to the International Space Station. The mission will feature four spacewalks and work that will prepare the space station to house six crew members for long- duration missions. Liftoff is scheduled for 7:55 p.m. EST Nov. 14.

STS-86 Mission Specialists Wendy B. Lawrence, at center facing camera, and Jean-Loup J.M. Chretien of the French Space Agency, CNES, prepare to enter the Space Shuttle Atlantis at Launch Pad 39A, with the assistance of white room closeout crew member Jim Davis, a NASA quality assurance specialist

JSC2009-E-258462 (8 Dec. 2009) --- Astronauts Mike Good (foreground), STS-130 mission specialist; and Tony Antonelli, pilot, participate in a post insertion/de-orbit training session in the crew compartment trainer (CCT-2) in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Antonelli and Good are wearing training versions of their shuttle launch and entry suits.

STS-88 Mission Specialist Sergei Konstantinovich Krikalev, a Russian cosmonaut, is assisted with his ascent and re-entry flight suit in the white room at Launch Pad 39A before entering Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch. During the nearly 12-day mission, the six-member crew will mate the first two elements of the International Space Station the already-orbiting Zarya control module with the Unity connecting module carried by Endeavour. He is making his fourth spaceflight

STS-133 crew training with replacement astronaut Steve Bowen during Post Insertion training in the Fixed Base Simulator. Photo Date: January 27, 2011. Location: Building 5 - Fixed Base Simulator.

STS-87 Pilot Steven Lindsey is inspected before launch in his ascent and re-entry flight suit in the white room at Launch Pad 39B by Travis Thompson, USA orbiter vehicle closeout chief. STS-87 is the fourth flight of the United States Microgravity Payload and Spartan-201. Although this is his first Shuttle flight, Lindsey has logged more than 2,700 hours of flying time in 49 different types of aircraft

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, suit technicians put the finishing touches on the flight and entry suit of space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Commander Steve Frick for his entry into Atlantis' cockpit, through the hatch behind him. The exercise is part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT is a dress rehearsal for launch and also provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest single contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the White Room at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance spacesuit technicians help STS-133 Pilot Eric Boe put on the parachute for his launch-and-entry suit before he enters space shuttle Discovery through the crew hatch in the background. Boe last piloted space shuttle Endeavour during its STS-126 mission back in 2008.Scheduled to lift off Feb. 24 at 4:50 p.m. EST, Discovery and its 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. 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.

JSC2010-E-124289 (8 Sept. 2010) --- European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, STS-134 mission specialist, attired in a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit, participates in a training session in the fixed-base shuttle mission simulator (SMS) in the Jake Garn Simulation and Training Facility at NASAs Johnson Space Center.

Mission Specialist Jerry Linenger prepares to enter the Space Shuttle Atlantis at Launch Pad 39B with help from white room close out members Jim Mangione(left foreground),Danny Wyatt and Jim Martin

In the White Room, STS-100 Mission Specialist Umberto Guidoni is helped with his launch and entry suit by closeout crew members Danny Wyatt (left) and George Schramm (right). Guidoni is with the European Space Agency. The White Room is an environmental chamber at the end of the Orbiter Access Arm that provides entry into the orbiter on the launch pad. The mission will deliver and integrate the Spacelab Logistics Pallet/Launch Deployment Assembly, which includes the Canadian-built Space Station Remote Manipulator System and the UHF Antenna. Two spacewalks are planned for installation of the SSRMS, which will be performed by Mission Specialists Scott E. Parazynski and Chris A. Hadfield, who is with the Canadian Space Agency. The mission is also the inaugural flight of the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, carrying resupply stowage racks and resupply/return stowage platforms. Liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-100 is scheduled at 2:41 p.m. EDT April 19

JSC2008-E-155152 (12 Dec. 2008) --- Astronaut Mark Polansky, STS-127 commander, dons a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit in preparation for a water survival training session in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near NASAs Johnson Space Center. United Space Alliance suit technician Raymond Cuevas assisted Polansky.

JSC2011-E-050066 (24 May 2011) --- NASA astronauts Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim, both STS-135 mission specialists, attired in training versions of the shuttle launch and entry suit, participate in an ingress/egress training session in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-120 Mission Specialist Doug Wheelock tries on his launch and entry suit to prepare for launch. The fitting is part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities the crew is undertaking at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT also includes emergency egress procedures, equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-120, which will carry the Italian-built U.S. Node 2 to the International Space Station, is targeted for launch on Oct. 23.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Expedition Three cosmonaut Mikhail Tyurin climbs into the slidewire basket, joining fellow crew members Commander Frank Culbertson (center) and cosmonaut Vladimir Nikolaevich Dezhurov as part of emergency egress training. The STS-105 and Expedition Three crews are at Kennedy Space Center participating in a Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, a dress rehearsal for launch. The activities also include a simulated launch countdown and familiarization with the payload. Mission STS-105 will be transporting the Expedition Three crew, several payloads and scientific experiments to the International Space Station aboard Space Shuttle Discovery. The Expedition Two crew members currently on the Station will return to Earth on Discovery. The mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than Aug. 9, 2001

STS-89 Mission Specialist Salizhan Sharipov of the Russian Space Agency is assisted with his ascent and re-entry flight suit in the white room at Launch Pad 39A before entering Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch. The STS-89 mission will be the eighth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., will transfer to the space station, succeeding David Wolf, M.D., who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Dr. Thomas will live and work on Mir until June. STS-89 is scheduled for a Jan. 22 liftoff at 9:48 p.m

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the White Room, STS-104 Commander Steven W. Lindsey (center) is helped by closeout crew members before entering Space Shuttle Atlantis. The White Room is an environmental chamber at the end of the Orbiter Access Arm that provides entry into the orbiter on the launch pad. Atlantis lifted off from Launch Pad 39B on time at 5 03 59 a.m. EDT. The 10th assembly flight to the International Space Station, the primary payload on the mission is the joint airlock module, which will require two spacewalks to attach it to the Space Station. The airlock will be the primary path for Space Station spacewalk entry and departure for U.S. spacesuits, and will also support the Russian Orlan spacesuit for EVA activity

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - NASA aerospace engineer Brian Barnett puts on his gloves during suitup before a test flight of the WB-57F aircraft that will take photos of Space Shuttle Discovery during its launch on Return to Flight mission STS-114. Barnett operates the cameras. NASA approved the development and implementation of the aircraft-based imaging system, known as the WB-57 Ascent Video Experiment (WAVE). The WAVE provides both ascent and entry imagery and enables better observation of the Shuttle on days of heavier cloud cover and areas obscured from ground cameras by the launch exhaust plume. WAVE comprises a 32-inch-ball turret system mounted on the nose of two WB-57 aircraft. The turret houses an optical bench, providing installation of both HDTV and infrared cameras. Optics consist of an 11-inch-diameter, 4.2 meter fixed-focal-length lens. The system can be operated in both auto track and manual modes.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - With the Closeout Crew looking on in the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-114 Pilot James Kelly makes adjustments to his launch suit before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The crew is taking part in a full dress rehearsal for launch, including countdown and culminating in main engine cutoff. The rehearsal is the final part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities that the crew has been involved in for three days. TCDT provides the crew of each mission an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. STS-114 is the first Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station. The launch window extends July 13 through July 31.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Following the mock countdown on Launch Pad 39B, STS-114 Mission Specialists Wendy Lawrence (front), Charles Camarda and Andrew Thomas make a speedy exit on the 195-foot level of the Fixed Service Structure. Emergency egress is part of the pre-launch training included in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. TCDT provides the crew of each mission an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. STS-114 is the first Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station. The launch window extends July 13 through July 31.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Following the simulated launch countdown, STS-123 Mission Specialists Mike Foreman (left) and Robert L. Behnken settle in a slidewire basket on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The crew is practicing emergency egress from the pad. The countdown was the culmination of the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. Endeavour is targeted to launch at 2:28 a.m. EDT March 11 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.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-124 Mission Specialist Akihiko Hoshide is helped with the harness over his launch and entry suit. Hoshide represents the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The White Room provides access into the shuttle. Discovery is making its 35th flight. The STS-124 mission is the 26th in the assembly of the space station. It is the second of three flights launching components to complete the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. The shuttle crew will install Kibo's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system, or RMS. The 14-day flight includes three spacewalks.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - -- In the White Room at Launch Pad 39B, STS-112 Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy receives assistance with her spacesuit before boarding Space Shuttle Atlantis. Liftoff is schedued for 3:46 p.m. EDT. Along with a crew of six, Atlantis will carry the S1 Integrated Truss Structure and the Crew and Equipment Translation Aid (CETA) Cart A to the International Space Station (ISS). 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. On the 11-day mission, three spacewalks are planned to attach the S1 truss.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialists Joseph Acaba (left), Koichi Wakata (center) and Steve Swanson (right) talk to the closeout crew as they prepare to go through the open hatch into space shuttle Discovery. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm on the fixed service structure and provides access into the shuttle. 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. Liftoff is scheduled for 7:43 p.m. EDT.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the white room on Launch Pad 39A, STS-120 Mission Specialist Paolo Nespoli dons a parachute pack before entering space shuttle Discovery for a simulated launch countdown. The countdown is the culmination of the prelaunch terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. The TCDT at NASA's Kennedy Space Center provides astronauts and ground crews an opportunity to participate in various launch preparation activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. The STS-120 mission will deliver the U.S. Node 2 module, named Harmony, aboard space shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station. Discovery is targeted to launch on its 14-day mission at 11:38 a.m. EDT on Oct. 23.

S99-07632 (15 July 1999) --- An unidentified STS-97 crew member simulates a bailout from a shuttle-in-trouble during an emergencyegress exercise in the Systems Integration Facility at the Johnson Space Center.

STS-84 Mission Specialist C. Michael Foale prepares to enter the Space Shuttle Atlantis at Launch Pad 39A with help from white room closeout crew members. The fourth Shuttle mission of 1997 will be the sixth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. The commander is Charles J. Precourt. The pilot is Eileen Marie Collins. The five mission specialists are C. Michael Foale, Carlos I. Noriega, Edward Tsang Lu, Jean-Francois Clervoy of the European Space Agency and Elena V. Kondakova of the Russian Space Agency. The planned nine-day mission will include the exchange of Foale for U.S. astronaut and Mir 23 crew member Jerry M. Linenger, who has been on Mir since Jan. 15. Linenger transferred to Mir during the last docking mission, STS-81; he will return to Earth on Atlantis. Foale is slated to remain on Mir for about four months until he is replaced in September by STS-86 Mission Specialist Wendy B. Lawrence. During the five days Atlantis is scheduled to be docked with

STS-31 Mission Specialists Steven A. Hawley (left) and Kathryn D. Sullivan, and Commander Loren J. Shriver prepare to enter the orbiter Discovery from the 195-foot level at Launch Pad 39B during the culmination of the two-day Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT). The TCDT, conducted March 19-20, is a dress rehearsal for launch, simulating final countdown from the T-24 hour mark up to T-5 seconds. Space shuttle mission STS-31 is set to lift off on April 12, carrying a five-member crew and the Hubble Space Telescope.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Seated in a slidewire basket at the 195-foot level of the Fixed Service Structure, Launch Pad 39A, are (left to right) STS-101 Commander James D. Halsell Jr. and Pilot Scott J. "Doc" Horowitz. Halsell is reaching to pull the release lever that will send the basket shooting down the 1,200-foot slidewire to a bunker west of the launch pad. The crew is practicing emergency egress from the orbiter as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration (TCDT) activities that include a simulated launch countdown and familiarization with the payload. 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 to the Space Station. STS-101 is scheduled to launch April 24 at 4

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-135 Pilot Doug Hurley checks the fit of his launch-and-landing suit, part of final preparations for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 mission to the International Space Station.Atlantis and its crew are scheduled to lift off at 11:26 a.m. EDT 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.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, Expedition 6 Commander Ken Bowersox is helped ) with his launch and entry suit before entering Space Shuttle Endeavour. Members of the Closeout Crew helping are (left) Danny Wyatt, NASA Quality Assurance specialist, and (right) Bobby Wright, United Space Alliance mechanical technician. The launch will carry the Expedition 6 crew to the Station and return the Expedition 5 crew to Earth. The major objective of the mission is delivery of the Port 1 (P1) Integrated Truss Assembly, which will be attached to the port side of the S0 truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install and activate the truss and its associated equipment. Launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-113 is scheduled for Nov. 23 at 7:50 p.m. EST.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-124 Mission Specialist Mike Fossum is helped by suit technicians to secure the harness over his launch and entry suit. Behind Fossum is Pilot Ken Ham. The White Room provides access into the shuttle. Discovery is making its 35th flight. The STS-124 mission is the 26th in the assembly of the space station. It is the second of three flights launching components to complete the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. The shuttle crew will install Kibo's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system, or RMS. The 14-day flight includes three spacewalks.

STS-100 Mission Specialist Scott E. Parazynski walks through the White Room after exiting Endeavour. He and the rest of the crew are taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities that include emergency escape training at the pad and the simulated launch countdown. The mission is carrying the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello and the SSRMS, to the International Space Station. Raffaello carries six system racks and two storage racks for the U.S. Lab. The SSRMS is crucial to the continued assembly of the orbiting complex. Launch of mission STS-100 is scheduled for April 19 at 2:41 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A

In the White Room, Mission Specialists Scott E. Parazynski (left) and Umberto Guidoni (right) help Yuri V. Lonchakov exit Endeavour. They and the rest of the crew are taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities that include emergency escape training at the pad and the simulated launch countdown. The mission is carrying the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello and the SSRMS, to the International Space Station. Raffaello carries six system racks and two storage racks for the U.S. Lab. The SSRMS is crucial to the continued assembly of the orbiting complex. Launch of mission STS-100 is scheduled for April 19 at 2:41 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the White Room at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-134 Mission Specialist Roberto Vittori with the European Space Agency prepares to board space shuttle Endeavour through the crew hatch in the background. Members of the Closeout Crew, in white uniforms, are there to assist astronauts with their launch-and-entry suits and the boarding process. Vittori will be making his third trip to the International Space Station. His first mission was in 2002 and second in 2005, both of which were launched aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. STS-134 will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), Express Logistics Carrier-3, a high-pressure gas tank and additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper to the International Space Station. May 16 at 8:56 a.m. will be the second launch attempt for Endeavour. The first attempt on April 29 was scrubbed because of an issue associated with a faulty power distribution box called the aft load

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the White Room, STS-104 Mission Specialist Janet Lynn Kavandi (center) shares a laugh with closeout crew members before entering Space Shuttle Atlantis. The White Room is an environmental chamber at the end of the Orbiter Access Arm that provides entry into the orbiter on the launch pad. Atlantis lifted off from Launch Pad 39B on time at 5 03 59 a.m. EDT. The 10th assembly flight to the International Space Station, the primary payload on the mission is the joint airlock module, which will require two spacewalks to attach it to the Space Station. The airlock will be the primary path for Space Station spacewalk entry and departure for U.S. spacesuits, and will also support the Russian Orlan spacesuit for EVA activity

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the White Room at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United Space Alliance space suit technicians ensure that the launch-and-entry suit of STS-131 Mission Specialist Naoko Yamazaki, of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, fits properly before she enters space shuttle Discovery through the crew hatch in the background. Liftoff of the STS-131 mission is set for 6 21 a.m. EDT on April 5. On STS-131, the seven-member crew will deliver the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo, filled with supplies, a new crew sleeping quarters and science racks that will be transferred to the International Space Station's laboratories. The crew also will switch out a gyroscope on the stations truss, install a spare ammonia storage tank and retrieve a Japanese experiment from the stations exterior. STS-131 is the 33rd shuttle mission to the station and the 131st shuttle mission overall.

In the White Room with the closeout crew, STS-98 Pilot Mark Polansky happily undergoes final suit preparations before he enters Space Shuttle Atlantis for launch. The White Room is an environmentally controlled room at the end of the Orbiter Access Arm. Atlantis is carrying the U.S. Laboratory Destiny, a key module in the growth of the Space Station. Destiny will be attached to the Unity node on the Space Station using the Shuttles robotic arm. Three spacewalks are required to complete the planned construction work during the 11-day mission. This mission marks the seventh Shuttle flight to the Space Station, the 23rd flight of Atlantis and the 102nd flight overall in NASAs Space Shuttle program. The planned landing is at KSC Feb. 18 about 1 p.m

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Expedition Three cosmonaut Mikhail Tyurin (left), Commander Frank Culbertson (center) and cosmonaut Vladimir Nikolaevich Dezhurov (right) pose for a photo inside the slidewire basket that is part of the emergency egress system. They and the STS-105 crew are at Kennedy Space Center participating in a Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, a dress rehearsal for launch. The activities also include a simulated launch countdown and familiarization with the payload. Mission STS-105 will be transporting the Expedition Three crew, several payloads and scientific experiments to the International Space Station aboard Space Shuttle Discovery. The Expedition Two crew members currently on the Station will return to Earth on Discovery. The mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than Aug. 9, 2001

Engineers at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston evaluate how crews inside a mockup of the Orion spacecraft interact with the rotational hand controller and cursor control device while inside their Modified Advanced Crew Escape spacesuits on March 24, 2016. The controllers are used to operate Orions displays and control system, which the crew will use to maneuver and interact with the spacecraft during missions to deep space destinations. The testing aims to provide data that teams need to make sure astronauts who ride to space in Orion can appropriately interact with the control system while in their suits.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-130 Mission Specialists Nicholas Patrick, at bottom, and Robert Behnken, dressed in their launch-and-entry suits, are secured in their seats in space shuttle Endeavour during their launch dress rehearsal, the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. The primary payload on STS-130 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. Endeavour's launch is targeted for Feb. 7.

STS-86 Pilot Michael J. Bloomfield relaxes for a moment while donning his launch and entry suit with the assistance of a suit technician in the Operations and Checkout Building. This will be Bloomfields first spaceflight. He and the six other crew members will depart shortly for Launch Pad 39A, where the Space Shuttle Atlantis awaits liftoff on a 10-day mission slated to be the seventh docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Pilot Doug Hurley has his launch and landing suit checked by suit technician Cathy Cruz. 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 in preparation for the upcoming STS-135 mission.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

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 6:03 p.m. EDT liftoff. Seen here are Mission Specialist Tom Marshburn (left) and Pilot Doug Hurley. Today will be the sixth launch attempt for the STS-127 mission. The launch was scrubbed on June 13 and June 17 when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. The mission was postponed July 11, 12 and 13 due to weather conditions near the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy that violated rules for launching, and lightning issues. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section 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.

Before entering Space Shuttle Atlantis, STS-106 Mission Specialist Yuri I. Malenchenko gets help with his launch and entry suit in the White Room. 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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 crew members take part in a mock countdown as pre-launch training included in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. Seen here in their seats in the mid-deck of Space Shuttle Discovery are (left to right), Mission Specialists Charles Camarda, Wendy Lawrence and Andrew Thomas. TCDT provides the crew of each mission an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. STS-114 is the first Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station. The launch window extends July 13 through July 31.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-124 Pilot Ken Ham secures the parachute required for launch. He and the other crew members are taking part in a simulated launch countdown, part of the launch dress rehearsal known as the terminal countdown demonstration test. The simulation serves as a practice exercise in which both the launch team and flight crew rehearse launch day time lines and procedures. The test culminates in a simulated ignition and automated shutdown of the orbiter's main engines. 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.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the orbiter mockup at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility, volunteer "astronaut" Charlie Plain, with InDyne Inc., gets settled in a seat with the help of United Space Alliance Insertion Tech Mike Thompson before a simulated emergency landing of a shuttle crew. Known as a Mode VI exercise, the operation uses volunteer workers from the Center to pose as astronauts. The purpose of the simulation is to exercise emergency preparedness personnel, equipment and facilities in rescuing astronauts from a downed orbiter and providing immediate medical attention.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -STS-114 Commander Eileen Collins suits up in the Operations and Checkout Building for the trip to Launch Pad 39B for a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cutoff. The dress rehearsal is part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities held prior to each Space Shuttle flight. It provides the crew of each mission an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. STS-114 is the first Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station. The launch window extends July 13 through July 31.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-107 David Brown chats with the Closeout Crew during final preparations of his launch and entry suit in the White Room. The environmentally controlled chamber is mated to Space Shuttle Columbia for entry into the Shuttle. The hatch is seen in the background right. 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. The payload on Space Shuttle Columbia includes FREESTAR (Fast Reaction Experiments Enabling Science, Technology, Applications and Research) and the SHI Research Double Module (SHI/RDM), known as SPACEHAB. Experiments on the module range from material sciences to life sciences. Liftoff is scheduled for 10:39 a.m. EST.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, suit technicians help space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim with his flight and entry suit before his entry onto Atlantis' flight deck, through the hatch behind him. The exercise is part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT is a dress rehearsal for launch and also provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest single contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experiments in the

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Getting ready for a simulated countdown, STS-92 Mission Specialists Leroy Chiao, Peter J.K. Jeff” Wisoff and Michael E. Lopez-Alegria wait in their seats in Discovery. They and other crew members are taking part in a simulated countdown KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 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

STS-99 Pilot Dominic Gorie appears to wave while the closeout crew in the White Room checks his launch and entry suit before he enters orbiter Endeavour. In the foreground is Chris Meinert, closeout chief. 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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-99 Mission Specialist Janice Voss (Ph.D.) settles into her seat inside Space Shuttle Endeavour for a practice launch countdown during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities for the mission. The TCDT includes a simulation of the final launch countdown. STS-99 is the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, which will chart a new course, using two antennae and a 200-foot-long section of the Space Station-derived mast protruding from the payload bay to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Besides contributing to the production of better maps, these measurements could lead to improved water drainage modeling, more realistic flight simulators, better locations for cell phone towers, and enhanced navigation safety. Launch of Endeavour on the 11-day mission is scheduled for Jan. 31 at 12:47 p.m. EST.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of an emergency escape training team perform a simulated evacuation exercise at Launch Pad 39A. For several days, volunteers portraying astronauts, take part in training exercises which allow teams to practice emergency response procedures, including helicopter evacuation to local hospitals. Training normally involves NASA fire rescue personnel, personnel from the Air Force's 920th Rescue Wing, and medical trauma teams from central Florida hospitals, and is required every 18 months to certify Fire Rescue and Closeout Crew personnel.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the White Room at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-135 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim pauses for a photo before boarding space shuttle Atlantis through the crew hatch in the background. The astronauts are at the pad to participate in a launch countdown simulation exercise.As part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), the crew members are strapped into their seats on Atlantis to practice the steps that will be taken on launch day. Shuttle 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 At

PHOTO DATE: 08-24-09LOCATION: SCTF, NBLSUBJECT: STS-130 Preflight Training. Water Survival Training at SCTF, NBL

JSC2010-E-051964 (12 April 2010) --- NASA astronaut Andrew Feustel, STS-134 mission specialist, attired in a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit, participates in a post insertion/de-orbit training session on the middeck of a Full Fuselage Trainer (FFT) mock-up in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center.

jsc2011e002655 (01/11/2011)--- Training was performed at the Johnson Space Center to familiarize crew with emergency evacuation procedures from the shuttle system. Engineers at JSC (including Susana Tapia Harper & Alma Stephane Tapia) donned Advanced Crew Escape Space Suit System (ACES) suits while the astronaut crew practiced mock evacuations. NASA photo by James Blair

STS-91 Mission Specialist and Russian cosmonaut Valery Victorovitch Ryumin is assisted with his flight suit prior to his entry into the Space Shuttle Discovery by Launch Pad 39A white room crew members Chris Meinert (left) and Greg Lohning

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As part of pre-pack and fit check for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities, STS-114 Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson has various elements of his launch suit and helmet checked. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight. It provides the crew of each mission an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The test ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cutoff. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the launch pad. STS-114 is the first Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station. The launch window extends July 13 through July 31.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-120 Mission Specialist Stephanie Wilson waits her turn to enter space shuttle Discovery for liftoff at 11:38 a.m. EDT. The closeout crew helped her to put on a parachute and prepare her launch and entry suit for the launch. The STS-120 mission will be the 23rd assembly flight to the space station and the 34th flight for Discovery. Payload on the mission is the Italian-built U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. During the 14-day mission, the crew will install Harmony and move the P6 solar arrays to their permanent position and deploy them. Discovery is expected to complete its mission and return home at 4:47 a.m. EST on Nov. 6.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the White Room at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-135 Mission Specialists Rex Walheim and Sandy Magnus enjoy a light moment with the Closeout Crew before boarding space shuttle Atlantis through the crew hatch in the background. Members of the Closeout Crew, in white uniforms, are there to assist astronauts with their launch-and-entry suits and the boarding process. Seen in the background is Mission Specialist Sandy Magnus speaking with a Closeout Crew member. The STS-135 crew is at the pad to participate in a launch countdown simulation exercise.As part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), the crew members are strapped into their seats on Atlantis to practice the steps that will be taken on launch day. Shuttle 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 missi

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-120 crew members practice emergency egress from Launch Pad 39A after completing a simulated launch countdown, culmination of the prelaunch terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. Leading the way to the slidewire baskets is Mission Specialist Scott Parazynski, with Mission Specialist Daniel Tani and others behind him. The TCDT at NASA's Kennedy Space Center provides astronauts and ground crews an opportunity to participate in various launch preparation activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. The STS-120 mission will deliver the U.S. Node 2 module, named Harmony, aboard space shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station. Discovery is targeted to launch on its 14-day mission at 11:38 a.m. EDT on Oct. 23.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 Mission Specialists Mike Foreman, top, and Robert L. Satcher Jr., dressed in their launch-and-entry suits, are strapped into their seats aboard space shuttle Atlantis. 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 NASAs 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.

PHOTO DATE: 05-20-09LOCATION: Bldg 5, Fixed Based SimulatorSUBJECT: STS-128 Preflight Training

In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-88 Commander Robert D. Cabana gives a thumbs up during suit check before launch. Mission STS-88 is expected to lift off at 3:56 a.m. EST with the six-member crew aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on Dec. 3. Endeavour carries the Unity connecting module, which the crew will be mating with the Russian-built Zarya control module already in orbit. In addition to Unity, two small replacement electronics boxes are on board for possible repairs to Zarya batteries. The mission is expected to last 11 days, 19 hours and 49 minutes, landing at 10:17 p.m. EST on Dec. 14

Engineers and technicians at NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston are testing the spacesuit astronauts will wear in the agencys Orion spacecraft on trips to deep space. On June 22, 2017, members of the Johnson team participated in a Vacuum Pressure Integrated Suit Test to verify enhancements to the suit will meet test and design standards for the Orion spacecraft. During this test, the suit is connected to life support systems and then air is removed from Johnsons 11-foot thermal vacuum chamber to evaluate the performance of the suits in conditions similar to a spacecraft. The suit will contain all the necessary functions to support life and is being designed to enable spacewalks and sustain the crew in the unlikely event the spacecraft loses pressure. Part of Batch images transfer from Flickr.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - STS-105 Pilot Rick Sturckow is assisted with his launch and entry suit before he enters Space Shuttle Discovery for launch. Helping him are (left) Orbiter Vehicle Closeout Chief Chris Meinert, USA Mechanical Technician Al Schmidt (right) and (back) NASA Quality Assurance Specialist Ken Strite. The payload on the STS-105 mission to the International Space Station includes the third flight of the Italian-built Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, delivering additional scientific racks, equipment and supplies for the Space Station, and the Early Ammonia Servicer (EAS) tank. The EAS, which will be attached to the Station during two spacewalks, contains spare ammonia for the Stations cooling system. Also, the Expedition Three crew is aboard to replace the Expedition Two crew on the International Space Station, who will be returning to Earth aboard Discovery after a five-month stay on the Station

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the White Room on the orbiter access arm of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 Pilot Doug Hurley is helped to secure the harness over his launch-and-entry suit. He will enter space shuttle Endeavour for the simulated launch countdown. The crew is at Kennedy for a launch dress rehearsal called the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, which includes the simulation, emergency exit training and equipment familiarization. Endeavour's STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japanese Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Endeavour's launch is scheduled for June 13 at 7:17 a.m. EDT.

JSC2011-E-023124 (2 March 2011) --- NASA astronaut Chris Ferguson, STS-135 commander, attired in a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit, participates in a training session in the fixed-base shuttle mission simulator (SMS) in the Jake Garn Simulation and Training Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center.

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 Tim Kopra. 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 o

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Joseph Acaba is helped by the closeout crew putting on his harness, which includes a parachute pack, before crawling through the open hatch into space shuttle Discovery. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm on the fixed service structure and provides access into the shuttle. 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. Liftoff is scheduled for 7:43 p.m. EDT.

S96-12819 (10 June 1996) --- Astronaut Gregory J. Harbaugh, STS-82 mission specialist assigned to extravehicular activity (EVA) involved with the servicing of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), dons the gloves for his extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) space suit. He is about to be submerged in a 25-ft. deep pool at the Johnson Space Center's weightless environment training facility (WET-F) to participate in simulations for some of the EVA work. Out of frame, astronaut Joseph Tanner was on the other side of the platform, waiting to join Harbaugh in the spacewalk rehearsal.

STS-91 Mission Commander Charles J. Precourt gets help with his flight gear from white room crew members Jean Alexander and Greg Lohning as he prepares to enter the Space Shuttle Discovery at Launch Pad 39A. White room crew member Dave Law is in the foreground

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-131 Pilot James P. Dutton Jr., at left, prepares to enter space shuttle Discovery from the pad's White Room. The members of space shuttle Discovery's STS-131 crew, dressed in their launch-and-entry suits, are participating in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT, a dress rehearsal for launch. TCDT includes training on the emergency exit systems at the launch pad, driving practice of the M-113 armored personnel carrier and a simulated launch countdown. The crew will deliver the multi-purpose logistics module Leonard, filled with resupply stowage platforms and science racks, to the International Space Station. STS-131, targeted for launch on April 5, will be the 33rd shuttle mission to the station and the 131st shuttle mission overall.

JSC2006-E-32647 (3 Aug. 2006) --- While seated at the commander's station, astronaut Frederick W. (Rick) Sturckow, STS-117 commander, participates in a training session in the crew compartment trainer (CCT-2) in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at Johnson Space Center. Sturckow is wearing a training version of his shuttle launch and landing suit.

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