Astronaut Suit Preparations

Images of astronauts in orange launch suits preparing for missions, capturing the excitement and readiness before space flights at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Mission Specialist Thomas Reiter, happy to be making a third launch attempt on mission STS-121, is suited up before heading to Launch Pad 39B. The July 2 launch attempt was scrubbed due to the presence of showers and thunderstorms within the surrounding area of the launch site. The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Mission Specialist Thomas Reiter, happy to be making a third launch attempt on mission STS-121, is suited up before heading to Launch Pad 39B. The July 2 launch attempt was scrubbed due to the presence of showers and thunderstorms within the surrounding area of the launch site. The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Thomas Reiter checks the fitting of his launch suit in the Operations and Checkout Building. On the 12-day mission, the crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the station. This mission is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the station.

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, Commander Rick Sturckow signals his readiness for launch. 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.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-110 Commander Michael J. Bloomfield finishes suiting up before launch, scheduled for 4:40 p.m. EDT. STS-110 is the 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station, carrying the S0 Integrated Truss Structure and Mobile Transporter (MT). On the 11-day mission, the mission features 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. Bloomfield is making his third Shuttle flight.

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 Pilot Kevin Ford, who is making his first shuttle flight. 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.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-110 Mission Specialist Ellen Ochoa has a final check of her launch and entry suit in preparation for launch April 4. This flight will be her fourth. The STS-110 payload includes the S0 Integrated Truss Structure (ITS), the Canadian Mobile Transporter, power distribution system modules, a heat pipe radiator for cooling, computers and a pair of rate gyroscopes. The 11-day mission is the 13th assembly flight to the ISS and includes four spacewalks to attach the S0 truss to the U.S. Lab Destiny

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-115 crew members are suiting up for their simulated launch countdown. Shown here fixing his glove is Mission Specialist Steven MacLean, who is with the Canadian Space Agency. The mission crew is at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities that are preparation for launch on Space Shuttle Atlantis, scheduled to take place in a window that opens Aug. 27. The TCDT has included emergency egress training as well as the simulation. During their 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the STS-115 crew will continue construction of the station and attach the payload elements, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays.

STS-103 Pilot Scott J. Kelly is suited up and ready for the second launch attempt of Space Shuttle Discovery. The previous launch attempt on Dec. 17 was scrubbed about 8:52 p.m. due to numerous violations of weather launch commit criteria at KSC. Kelly and fellow crew members Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr. and Mission Specialists Steven L. Smith, C. Michael Foale (Ph.D.), John M. Grunsfeld (Ph.D.), Claude Nicollier of Switzerland and Jean-Francois Clervoy of France are 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 expected to land at KSC Monday, Dec. 27, at about 5:24 p.m. EST

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASAs Kennedy Space Center, the Return to Flight STS-114 crew suits up in preparation for launch aboard Space Shuttle Discovery. Seen here is Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, who is pulling on his glove. He is making his fourth Space Shuttle flight. The crew is scheduled to launch on this historic mission at 3 51 p.m. EDT today from Launch Pad 39B. It is the 114th Space Shuttle flight and the 31st for Discovery. The 12-day mission is expected to end with touchdown at the Shuttle Landing Facility at 11 06 a.m. July 25.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA Kennedy Space Center, STS-115 Mission Specialist Daniel Burbank dons his launch and re-entry suit before heading to the launch pad for another attempt at liftoff. The launch attempt on Sept. 8 was scrubbed due to an issue with a fuel cut-off sensor system inside the external fuel tank. This is one of several systems that protect the shuttle's main engines by triggering their shutdown if fuel runs unexpectedly low. 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

STS-90 Mission Commander Richard Searfoss sits in a chair during suitup activities in the Operations and Checkout Building. Searfoss and the rest of his flight crew will shortly depart for Launch Pad 39B, where the Space Shuttle Columbia awaits a second liftoff attempt at 2:19 p.m. EDT. His third trip into space, Searfoss commands this life sciences research flight that will focus on the most complex and least understood part of the human body the nervous system. Neurolab will examine the effects of spaceflight on the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and sensory organs in the human body

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-111 Paul Lockhart waves after getting into his launch and entry suit. The mission crew, plus the Expedition 5 crew, are taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which includes a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-111 is known as Utilization Flight 2, carrying supplies and equipment in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo to the International Space Station. The payload also includes the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Expedition 5 will travel to the Station on Endeavour as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 Mission Specialist Tracy Caldwell tests the fit of her helmet and 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

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

STS-95 Pilot Steven W. Lindsey tests his flight suit in the Operations and Checkout Building. The final fitting takes place prior to the crew walkout and transport to Launch Pad 39B. Targeted for launch at 2 p.m. EST on Oct. 29, the mission is expected to last 8 days, 21 hours and 49 minutes, and return to KSC at 11:49 a.m. EST on Nov. 7. The STS-95 mission includes research payloads such as the Spartan solar-observing deployable spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope Orbital Systems Test Platform, the International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker, as well as the SPACEHAB single module with experiments on space flight and the aging process

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-115 Mission Specialist Steven MacLean has his launch suit checked for fit before the launch 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 on Space Shuttle Atlantis. 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.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-110 Mission Specialist Jerry Ross 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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-123 Mission Specialist Garrett Reisman signals he is ready after suiting up for launch on space shuttle Endeavour. Reisman will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer. 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.

STS-97 Pilot Michael Bloomfield signals thumbs up for launch after donning his launch and entry suit. This is his second Shuttle flight. Mission STS-97 is the sixth construction flight to the International Space Station. It is transporting the P6 Integrated Truss Structure that comprises Solar Array Wing-3 and the Integrated Electronic Assembly, to be installed on the Space Station. The solar arrays are mounted on a blanket” that can be folded like an accordion for delivery. Once in orbit, astronauts will deploy the blankets to their full size. The 11-day mission includes two spacewalks to complete the solar array connections. The Station’s electrical power system will use eight photovoltaic solar arrays, each 112 feet long by 39 feet wide, to convert sunlight to electricity. Gimbals will be used to rotate the arrays so that they will face the Sun to provide maximum power to the Space Station. Launch is scheduled for Nov. 30 at 10:06 p.m. EST

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASAs Kennedy Space Center, Return to Flight STS-114 Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence has finished suiting up in preparation for launch aboard Space Shuttle Discovery. The crew is scheduled to launch on this historic mission at 3 51 p.m. EDT today from Launch Pad 39B. It is the 114th Space Shuttle flight and the 31st for Discovery. The 12-day mission is expected to end with touchdown at the Shuttle Landing Facility at 11 06 a.m. July 25.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, with his helmet on, STS-127 Mission Specialist Tim Kopra checks the fit of his glove before heading to Launch Pad 39A for launch. Liftoff of space shuttle Endeavour is scheduled for 6:03 p.m. EDT. 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.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition 5 astronaut Peggy Whitson undergoes suit check as part of pre-launch activities. Part of Mission STS-111, Expedition 5 will travel to the International Space Station on Space Shuttle Endeavour as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. Known as Utilization Flight 2, Endeavour is carrying supplies and equipment to the Station. The payload includes the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-108 Pilot Mark E. Kelly gets a final suit check prior to heading to Launch Pad 39B and Space Shuttle Endeavour. Top priorities for the 11-day STS-108 (UF-1) mission of Endeavour are rotation of the International Space Station Expedition 3 and Expedition 4 crews; bringing water, equipment and supplies to the station in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello; and the crew's completion of robotics tasks and a spacewalk to install thermal blankets over two pieces of equipment at the bases of the Space Station's solar wings. Launch is scheduled for 5 45 p.m. EST Dec. 4, 2001, from Launch Pad 39B

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA Kennedy Space Center, STS-114 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas has donned his launch and entry suit before heading to the launch pad. Thomas is making his fourth space flight on the historic Return to Flight mission STS-114 to the International Space Station. On its second attempt for launch, Discovery is scheduled to lift off at 10 39 a.m. EDT today from Launch Pad 39B. It is the 114th Space Shuttle flight and the 31st for Discovery. The 12-day mission is expected to end with touchdown at the Shuttle Landing Facility on Aug. 7.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition 5 cosmonaut Sergei Treschev undergoes suit check as part of pre-launch activities. Treschev is with the Russian Space Agency. Part of Mission STS-111, Expedition 5 will travel to the International Space Station on Space Shuttle Endeavour as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard the orbiter. The mission, known as Utilization Flight 2, is carrying supplies and equipment to the Station. The payload includes the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the Mobile Base System, which will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS, and a replacement wrist/roll joint for Canadarm 2. The mechanical arm will then have the capability to "inchworm" from the U.S. Lab Destiny to the MSS and travel along the truss to work sites. Launch is scheduled for May 30, 2002

STS-130 LAUNCH L-0 SUITING

STS-86 Commander James D. Wetherbee gets help from a suit technician while donning the gloves of his launch and entry suit in the Operations and Checkout Building. This will be Wetherbees fourth 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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The crew members of mission STS-116 are suiting up for launch at 9:35 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39B aboard Space Shuttle Discovery. Pictured here is Mission Specialist Sunita Williams, who will be making her first shuttle flight. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2003. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 19 at KSC.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-109 Pilot Duane G. Carey suits up for launch, scheduled for 6:22 a.m. EST March 1. On mission STS-109, the crew will capture the Hubble Space Telescope using the Shuttle's robotic arm and secure it on a workstand in Columbia's payload bay. Four mission specialists will perform five scheduled spacewalks to complete system upgrades to the telescope. More durable solar arrays, a large gyroscopic assembly to help point the telescope properly, a new telescope power control unit, and a cooling system to restore the use of a key infrared camera and spectrometer unit, which has been dormant since 1999, will all be installed. In addition, the telescope's view of the Universe will be improved with the addition of the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS), which replaces the Faint Object Camera, the last of Hubble's original instruments. Mission STS-109 is the 27th flight of the orbiter Columbia and the 108th flight overall in NASA's Space Shuttle program. After the

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-115 Pilot Christopher Ferguson, followed by Commander Brent Jett, head for the slidewire baskets on Launch Pad 39B, practicing emergency egress procedures. The activity follows a simulated launch countdown, part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT is a prelaunch preparation for the mission that is scheduled to lift off in a window opening Aug. 27. During their 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the STS-115 crew will continue construction of the station and attach the payload elements, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays.

PHOTO DATE: 01-27-09LOCATION: Bldg 9NW, FFTSUBJECT: STS-128 crew with Expedition crew member Cady Coleman during payload egress training

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members for space shuttle Discovery's STS-124 mission don their launch and entry suits before heading to Launch Pad 39A. Pilot Ken Ham is fully suited, with helmet and gloves on, and ready for liftoff. The STS-124 mission is the second of three flights launching components to complete the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. The shuttle crew will install Kibo's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system, or RMS. The 14-day flight includes three spacewalks. Launch is scheduled for 5:02 p.m. May 31.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Expedition 4 Commander Yuri Onufrienko gets ready in his launch and entry suit for the second launch attempt of Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-108. The first attempt Dec. 4 was scrubbed due to poor weather conditions at KSC. 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. Launch is scheduled for 5 19 p.m. EST (22 19 GMT) Dec. 5, 2001, from Launch Pad 39B

JSC2008-E-044987 (3 June 2008) --- Astronaut Sandra H. Magnus, Expedition 18 flight engineer, dons a training version of her shuttle launch and entry suit in preparation for a Full Fuselage Trainer (FFT) mockup (out of frame) training session in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-105 Pilot Rick Sturckow waits for his helmet during suit check before heading to Launch Pad 39A. 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 include emergency egress training, 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

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, Mission Specialist Danny Olivas signals he is ready for launch. 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.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-105 Pilot Rick Sturckow checks the fit of the glove to his launch and entry suit. On the mission, Discovery will be transporting the Expedition Three crew and several scientific experiments and payloads to the ISS, including the Early Ammonia Servicer (EAS) tank. The EAS, which will support the thermal control subsystems until a permanent system is activated, will be attached to the Station during two spacewalks. The three-member Expedition Two crew will be returning to Earth aboard Discovery after a five-month stay on the Station. Launch is scheduled for 5:38 p.m. EDT Aug. 9

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, Mission Specialist Jose Fernandez is ready for launch. 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.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Steve Swanson completes putting on the launch-and-entry suit, with the helmet, 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.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 Mission Specialist Dave Williams gets help with his boot during fit testing of his launch and entry suit. He and other crew members are at Kennedy for the 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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members for space shuttle Discovery's STS-124 mission don their launch and entry suits before heading to Launch Pad 39A. Mission Specialist Ron Garan works on his glove. The STS-124 mission is the second of three flights launching components to complete the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. The shuttle crew will install Kibo's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system, or RMS. The 14-day flight includes three spacewalks. Launch is scheduled for 5:02 p.m. May 31.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- During suitup, Expedition 4 crew member Carl E. Walz gives a thumbs up for launch. The Expedition 4 crew will be traveling to the International Space Station on mission STS-108 aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour. Top priorities for the 11-day STS-108 (UF-1) mission are the rotation of the Expedition 3 and 4 crews; bringing water, equipment and supplies to the station in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello; and the crew's completion of robotics tasks and a spacewalk to install thermal blankets over two pieces of equipment at the bases of the Space Station's solar wings. Launch is scheduled for 5:45 p.m. EST Dec. 4, 2001, from Launch Pad 39B

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building (O&C) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the astronauts of space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 crew put on their launch-and-entry suits and check the fit of their helmets and gloves before heading to the Astrovan for the ride to Launch Pad 39A. Mission Specialist Michael Barratt, seen here, is making his first flight aboard a space shuttle. Barratt has called the space station home before, though, after spending 199 days as a crew member of Expeditions 19 and 20 in 2009.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 sta

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA Kennedy Space Center, STS-114 Pilot James Kelly is donning his launch and entry suit before heading to the launch pad. Kelly is making his second space flight on the historic Return to Flight mission STS-114 to the International Space Station. On its second attempt for launch, Discovery is scheduled to lift off at 10 39 a.m. EDT today from Launch Pad 39B. It is the 114th Space Shuttle flight and the 31st for Discovery. The 12-day mission is expected to end with touchdown at the Shuttle Landing Facility on Aug. 7.

STS-85 Payload Specialist Bjarni V. Tryggvason poses in the white room at Launch Pad 39A with his ascent/reentry flight suit as he prepares to enter the Space Shuttle orbiter Discovery at Launch Pad 39A during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities for that mission. The primary payload aboard the Space Shuttle orbiter Discovery is the Cryogenic Infrared Spectrometers and Telescopes for the Atmosphere-2 (CRISTA-SPAS-2). Other payloads on the 11-day mission include the Manipulator Flight Demonstration (MFD), and Technology Applications and Science-1 (TAS-1) and International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker-2 (IEH-2) experiments

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The crew members of mission STS-116 are suiting up for launch at 9:35 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39B aboard Space Shuttle Discovery. Pictured here is Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang, who will be making his first shuttle flight. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2003. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 19 at KSC.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building (O&C) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 astronauts put on their launch-and-entry suits and check the fit of their helmets and gloves before heading to the Astrovan for the ride to Launch Pad 39A. Mission Specialist Roberto Vittori with the European Space Agency, seen here, 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 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 space station. Endeavour was scheduled to launch at 3:47 p.m. on April 29, but that attempt was scrubbed for at least 72 hours while engineers assess an issue associated with the shuttle's Auxiliary Power Unit 1. STS-134 will be the final spaceflight for Endea

In the Operations and Checkout Building, a suit technician adjusts the helmet of STS-100 Mission Specialist John L. Phillips. He and the rest of the crew Commander Kent V. Rominger, Pilot Jeffrey S. Ashby and Mission Specialists Chris A. Hadfield, Scott E. Parazynski, Umberto Guidoni and Yuri V. Lonchakovare taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, from emergency escape training at the pad to a simulated launch countdown. An international crew, Hadfield is with the Canadian Space Agency, Guidoni the European Space Agency and Lonchakov the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. The mission is carrying the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello and the Canadian robotic arm, 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 and has a unique ability to switch ends as it works, inchworming” along the Station’s exterior. Launch of m

In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-98 Commander Ken Cockrell shows a thumbs-up attitude as he dons his launch and entry suit. STS-98 is the seventh construction flight to the International Space Station. 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, by Curbeam and Jones, are required to complete the planned construction work during the 11-day mission. Launch is targeted for 6 11 p.m. EST and the planned landing at KSC Feb. 18 about 1 39 p.m. 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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Steve Swanson is ready to enter space shuttle Discovery, behind him. The White Room provides access into Discovery. Swanson and other crew members will conduct a simulated launch countdown as part of the prelaunch preparation known as Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. The TCDT also includes equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. Discovery is targeted to launch on the STS-119 mission Feb. 12. During the 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.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-115 crew members are suiting up for their simulated launch countdown. Shown here being helped with his glove is Pilot Christopher Ferguson. The mission crew is at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities that are preparation for launch on Space Shuttle Atlantis, scheduled to take place in a window that opens Aug. 27. The TCDT has included emergency egress training as well as the simulation. During their 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the STS-115 crew will continue construction of the station and attach the payload elements, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays.

During pre-launch preparations in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-101 Mission Specialist Yury Usachev of Russia waves while waiting for his launch and entry suit to be checked. Mission STS-101 will take the crew to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies, plus prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. The crew will conduct one space walk to perform maintenance on the Space Station as well. This will be the third assembly flight for the Space Station. Launch is targeted for April 24 at about 4:15 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A

PHOTO DATE: 01-27-09LOCATION: Bldg 9NW, FFTSUBJECT: STS-128 crew with Expedition crew member Cady Coleman during payload egress training

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-120 Commander Pamela Melroy adjusts the gloves on her launch and entry suit before heading to Launch Pad 39A for launch aboard space shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station. Discovery is scheduled for liftoff at 11:38 a.m. EDT. The 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. - STS-126 Mission Specialist Donald Pettit is helped by a suit technician with his boots during suit-up in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Pettit and other crew members are having their launch-and-entry suits fit-checked prior to heading for Launch Pad 39A. The crew will take part in a simulated launch countdown at the pad. 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 stations Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-115 Commander Brent Jett is helped donning his launch suit before flying the Shuttle Training Aircraft to practice landing the shuttle. STA practice is part of launch preparations. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate an orbiters cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the STA duplicates the orbiters atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. Because the orbiter is unpowered during re-entry and landing, its high-speed glide must be perfectly executed the first time. 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 pow

During pre-launch preparations in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-101 Mission Specialist Susan Helms waits while her launch and entry suit is checked. Mission STS-101 will take the crew to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies, plus prepare the Station for the arrival of the Zvezda Service Module, expected to be launched by Russia in July 2000. The crew will conduct one space walk to perform maintenance on the Space Station as well. This will be the third assembly flight for the Space Station. Launch is targeted for April 24 at about 4:15 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A

STS-95 Mission Specialists Pedro Duque of Spain (left), representing the European Space Agency (ESA), and Scott E. Parazynski (behind him) hurry toward the basket at the 195-foot level of Launch Pad 39B during an emergency egress exercise. Duque and Parazynski, along with other crew members, are at KSC to participate in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) which includes mission familiarization activities, emergency egress training, and a simulated main engine cutoff. The other crew members are Payload Specialists John H. Glenn Jr., senator from Ohio, and Chiaki Mukai (M.D., Ph.D.), representing the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA), Pilot Steven W. Lindsey, Mission Specialist Stephen K. Robinson, and Mission Commander Curtis L. Brown. The STS-95 mission, targeted for liftoff on Oct. 29, includes research payloads such as the Spartan solar-observing deployable spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope Orbital Systems Test Platform, the International Extreme Ul

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA Kennedy Space Center, STS-114 Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence is helped putting on the gloves to the launch and entry suit before heading to the launch pad. Lawrence is making her fourth space flight on the historic Return to Flight mission STS-114 to the International Space Station. On its second attempt for launch, Discovery is scheduled to lift off at 10 39 a.m. EDT today from Launch Pad 39B. It is the 114th Space Shuttle flight and the 31st for Discovery. The 12-day mission is expected to end with touchdown at the Shuttle Landing Facility on Aug. 7.

PHOTO DATE: 01-27-09LOCATION: Bldg 9NW, FFTSUBJECT: STS-128 crew with Expedition crew member Cady Coleman during payload egress training

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Expedition 4 Commander Yuri Onufrienko waits for final checkout of his launch and entry suit prior to heading to Launch Pad 39B and Space Shuttle Endeavour. Top priorities for the STS-108 (UF-1) mission of Endeavour are rotation of the International Space Station Expedition 3 and Expedition 4 crews; bringing water, equipment and supplies to the station in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello; and the crew's completion of robotics tasks and a spacewalk to install thermal blankets over two pieces of equipment at the bases of the Space Station's solar wings. Launch is scheduled for 5 45 p.m. EST Dec. 4, 2001, from Launch Pad 39B

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Prior to the third launch attempt on mission STS-121, Commander Steven Lindsey looks thoughtful as he completes suiting up before heading to Launch Pad 39B. The July 2 launch attempt was scrubbed due to the presence of showers and thunderstorms within the surrounding area of the launch site. The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station.

STS-38 crewmembers don launch and entry suit (LES) equipment prior to emergency egress training in JSC's Mockup and Integration Laboratory (MAIL) Bldg 9A. Pilot Frank L. Culbertson, wearing navy blue LES, fastens parachute strap and Mission Specialist (MS) Robert C. Springer, wearing orange LES, dons parachute pack with a technician's assistance in front of a Spacelab module mockup.

STS-92 Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy has her helmet checked during suitup for launch, scheduled for 8:05 p.m. EDT. The mission is the fifth flight for the construction of the ISS. The payload includes the Integrated Truss Structure Z-1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. During the 11-day mission, four extravehicular activities (EVAs), or spacewalks, are planned. The Z-1 truss is the first of 10 that will become the backbone of the International 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 ISS flight and Lab installation on the seventh ISS flight. This launch is the first for Melroy. Landing is expected Oct. 21 at 3:55 p.m. EDT

JSC2002-01927 (21 October 2002) --- Astronaut Daniel C. Burbank, STS-115 mission specialist, attired in a training version of the shuttle launch and entry suit, awaits the start of an emergency training session in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near the Johnson Space Center (JSC).

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, the closeout crew prepares the launch and entry suit on STS-118 Mission Specialist Barbara R. Morgan before she enters Space Shuttle Endeavour. Morgan, the teacher-turned-astronaut, and the rest of the crew are taking part in a simulated launch countdown, the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test activities. The White Room is situated at the end of the orbiter access arm and provides entry into the orbiter. TCDT activities also include M-113 training, payload familiarization and emergency egress training at the pad. 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.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim dons his launch-and-entry suit and helmet in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Walheim is one of the final four astronauts to launch aboard a space shuttle. All three of Walheim's missions -- STS-110, STS-122 and now STS-135 -- will have been aboard space shuttle Atlantis. STS-135 is scheduled to lift off aboard Atlantis at 11:26 a.m. EDT on July 8 for a 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 Atl

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building (O&C) at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the astronauts of space shuttle Discovery's STS-133 crew put on their launch-and-entry suits and check the fit of their helmets and gloves before heading to the Astrovan for the ride to Launch Pad 39A. Mission Specialist Alvin Drew, seen here, last flew aboard space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-118 mission in 2007.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.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 Mission Specialist Barbara R. Morgan is helped with her helmet during suitup for the simulated launch countdown that concludes the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. Teacher-turn-astronaut Morgan is making her first space flight. The STS-118 crew has been at Kennedy for the TCDT activities that also include M-113 training, payload familiarization and emergency egress training at the pad. 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.

After donning his launch and entry suit, STS-103 Mission Specialist Jean-Francois Clervoy of France gives two thumbs up to show he is ready for the second launch attempt of Space Shuttle Discovery. The previous launch attempt on Dec. 17 was scrubbed about 8 52 p.m. due to numerous violations of weather launch commit criteria at KSC. Clervoy and fellow crew members Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr., Pilot Scott J. Kelly and Mission Specialists Steven L. Smith, C. Michael Foale (Ph.D.), John M. Grunsfeld (Ph.D.) and Claude Nicollier of Switzerland are 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 expected to land at KSC Monday, Dec. 27, at about 5 24 p.m. EST

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Seated in the cockpit of the shuttle training aircraft, STS-120 Pilot George Zamka is eager to begin landing practice on NASA's Shuttle Landing Facility runway. A modified Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet, the STA simulates an orbiter's cockpit, motion and visual cues and handling qualities. In flight, the STA duplicates the orbiter's atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. Melroy and other crew members are at Kennedy Space Center to take part in the terminal countdown demonstration test, which also includes a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-120 is targeted for Oct. 23.

Smiling, STS-100 Mission Specialist Scott E. Parazynski gives thumbs up for launch as he suits up in the Operations and Checkout Building. The 11-day mission to the International Space Station will deliver and integrate the Spacelab Logistics Pallet/Launch Deployment Assembly, which includes the Space Station Remote Manipulator system and the UHF Antenna. The mission includes two planned spacewalks for installation of the SSRMS, which will be performed by Parazynski and Mission Specialist Chris A. Hadfield. The mission is also the inaugural flight of Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, carrying resupply stowage racks and resupply/return stowage platforms. Liftoff on mission STS-100 is scheduled at 2:41 p.m. EDT April 19

STS-99 Mission Specialist Gerhard Thiele, who is with the European Space Agency, goes through countdown procedures aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour 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 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

STS-84 Mission Specialist C. Michael Foale laughs during a rare moment of relaxation just a few hours before the scheduled launch. Foale is donning his launch and entry suit in the Operations and Checkout Building. This will be Foales fourth space flight. Foale and six other crew members will depart shortly for Launch Pad 39A, where the Space Shuttle Atlantis awaits liftoff on a mission to dock with the Russian Space Station Mir. Foale will transfer to Mir for an approximate fourmonth stay, replacing U.S. astronaut and Mir 23 crew member Jerry M. Linenger, who has been on the Russian space station since Jan. 15. Linenger will return to Earth on Atlantis

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-120 Commander Pamela Melroy completes her suitup before heading to Launch Pad 39A for launch aboard space shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station. Discovery is scheduled for liftoff at 11:38 a.m. EDT. The 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-108 Pilot Mark E. Kelly is helped with his launch and entry suit in preparation for the second launch attempt of Space Shuttle Endeavour. The first attempt Dec. 4 was scrubbed due to poor weather conditions at KSC. 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. -- Expedition 4 crew member Daniel W. Bursch gets help with his launch and entry suit as he undergoes suit check before launch on mission STS-108 Nov. 29. Top priorities for the STS-108 (UF-1) mission of Endeavour are rotation of the International Space Station Expedition Three and Expedition Four crews; bringing water, equipment and supplies to the station in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello; and completion of robotics tasks and a spacewalk to install thermal blankets over two pieces of equipment at the bases of the Space Station's solar wings. Liftoff is scheduled for 7:41 p.m. EST

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - During suitup for launch, STS-112 Mission Specialist Piers Sellers smiles in anticipation of his first Shuttle flight. STS-112 is the 15th assembly flight to the International Space Station, carrying the S1 Integrated Truss Structure 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. On the 11-day mission, three spacewalks are planned to attach the S1 truss to the Station. Launch is scheduled for 3:46 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B.

JSC2002-00876 (24 April 2002) --- Cosmonaut Fyodor N. Yurchikhin, STS-112 mission specialist, is briefed by United Space Alliance (USA) crew trainer Bob Behrendsen on the usage of the Sky-genie, used to lower oneself from a troubled shuttle. The briefing came during a training session in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). Yurchikhin, who represents Rosaviakosmos, is wearing a training version of the shuttle launch and entry suit.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-115 Mission Specialist Joseph Tanner checks the equipment on the head set in his launch suit. 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.

STS-56 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, Commander Kenneth Cameron, wearing launch and entry suit (LES), poses at the Crew Compartment Trainer (CCT) side hatch before climbing into the mockup. Cameron, along with the other STS-56 crewmembers, is participating in an emergency egress simulation at JSC's Mockup and Integration Laboratory (MAIL) Bldg 9NE.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist Danny Olivas has donned his launch suit for a fit check, part of the pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-124 Mission Specialist Karen Nyberg gets help donning her launch-and-entry suit for the simulated launch countdown the crew is starting. The simulation is the culmination of the launch dress rehearsal called the terminal countdown demonstration test. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. 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. - At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility, emergency rescue personnel begin the simulated emergency rescue of a shuttle crew after landing. 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.

JSC2002-01804 (10 October 2002) --- Astronaut William A. Oefelein, STS-116 pilot, attired in a training version of the shuttle launch and entry suit, waits for the start of a training session in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near the Johnson Space Center (JSC).

Artemis II Day of Launch Demonstration Test ISVV-A1. Inside the Astronaut Crew Quarters at the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Artemis II crew member CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen is shown wearing a test version of the Orion crew survival system spacesuits the crew will wear on launch day as part of an integrated ground systems test on Wednesday, Sept. 20.

STS-88 Commander Robert D. Cabana gets assistance from a suit technician in donning his orange launch and entry suit in the Operations and Checkout Building. STS-88 will be Cabanas fourth spaceflight. He and the five other STS-88 crew members will depart shortly for Launch Pad 39A where the Space Shuttle Endeavour is poised for liftoff on the first U.S. mission dedicated to the assembly of the International Space Station

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-111 Commander Kenneth Cockrell and Pilot Paul Lockhart step down from the Astrovan outside the crew quarters at the Operations and Checkout Building after returning from Space Shuttle Endeavour at Launch Pad 39A. The launch of STS-111 was scrubbed due to poor weather at KSC. STS-111 is the second Utilization Flight to the International Space Station, carrying the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the Mobile Base System (MBS), and a replacement wrist/roll joint for the Canadarm 2. Also on board will be the Expedition Five crew who will replace Expedition Four on the Station. Launch is rescheduled for May 31 at 7:22 p.m. EDT

During suitup in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-101 Mission Specialist Susan J. Helms waits her turn. She and the rest of the crew will be heading to Launch Pad 39A for the fourth attempt at launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis. The mission will take the crew to the International Space Station to deliver logistics and supplies and to prepare 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 and will reboost the space station from 230 statute miles to 250 statute miles. This will be the third assembly flight to the Space Station. Liftoff of Space Shuttle Atlantis for the 10-day mission is scheduled for about 6:11 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A. Landing is targeted for May 29 at 2:19 a.m. EDT

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - STS-108 Mission Specialist Daniel M. Tani waves as he undergoes final suit check before launch on Nov. 29. Top priorities for the STS-108 (UF-1) mission of Endeavour are rotation of the International Space Station Expedition Three and Expedition Four crews; bringing water, equipment and supplies to the station in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello; and completion of robotics tasks and a spacewalk to install thermal blankets over two pieces of equipment at the bases of the Space Station's solar wings. Liftoff is scheduled for 7:41 p.m. EST

STS-106 Mission Specialist Yuri I. Malenchenko, with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency, has his launch and entry suit checked as part of fit check during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities (TCDT). The TCDT also provides emergency egress training, simulated countdown exercises and opportunities for the crew to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiters payload bay. STS-106 is scheduled to launch Sept. 8, 2000, at 8:31 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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-108 Mission Specialist Linda A. Godwin waits for final checkout of her launch and entry suit prior to heading to Launch Pad 39B and Space Shuttle Endeavour. Top priorities for the STS-108 (UF-1) 11-day mission of Endeavour are rotation of the International Space Station Expedition Three and Expedition Four crews; bringing water, equipment and supplies to the station in the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello; and the crew's completion of robotics tasks and a spacewalk to install thermal blankets over two pieces of equipment at the bases of the Space Station's solar wings. Launch is scheduled for 5:45 p.m. EST Dec. 4, 2001, from Launch Pad 39B

JSC2006-E-49642 (21 July 2006) --- Astronaut Nicholas J. M. Patrick, mission specialist

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As part of pre-pack and fit check for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities, STS-114 Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence has her boot 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.

JSC2010-E-024598 (11 Feb. 2010) --- Attired in a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit, European Space Agency astronaut Roberto Vittori, STS-134 mission specialist, participates in a training session on the flight deck of the crew compartment trainer (CCT-2) in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center.

STS-88 Mission Specialist Jerry L. Ross (right) suits up in the Operations and Checkout Building, as part of a flight crew equipment fit check, prior to his trip to Launch Pad 39A. He is helped by suit tech Leonard Groce II. The STS-88 crew is at KSC to participate in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) which includes mission familiarization activities, emergency egress training, and a simulated launch countdown. This is Ross' sixth space flight. Mission STS-88 is targeted for launch on Dec. 3, 1998. It is the first U.S. flight for the assembly of the International Space Station and will carry the Unity connecting module

Crew Commercial Office's PAO activities for Boeing's rollout of their CST-100 capsule - "First Look" Media Event. Photo Date: July 22, 2013. Location: Boeing - Houston Product Support Center.

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

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