Astronauts in Launch Suits

Close-up images of astronauts dressed in bright orange launch-and-entry suits and helmets, preparing for liftoff with equipment checks in a controlled environment.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Michael Fossum finishes putting on a glove during a fitting on 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 suit-up and enter space shuttle Discovery for the 11:59 p.m. EDT liftoff. Seen here, Commander Rick is ready for launch. The first launch attempt on Aug. 24 was postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions. The second attempt on Aug. 25 also was postponed due to an issue with a valve in space shuttle Discovery's main propulsion system. 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 f

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 Steve Bowen, seen here, is making his third spaceflight. The last time he suited up for flight was in May 2010 for the STS-132 mission. Bowen replaces astronaut Tim Kopra as Mission Specialist 2, because Kopra was injured in a recent bicycle accident that prevented him from lifting off during this launch window.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 ST

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.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-132 Pilot Tony Antonelli verifies that his space suit's helmet is functioning properly. STS-132 is Antonelli's second spaceflight. The six-member STS-132 crew is at Kennedy for their Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT, a dress rehearsal for launch. Following this practice 'suit-up,' the astronauts will ride in the Astrovan to Launch Pad 39A where they will participate in a simulated launch countdown from their seats inside space shuttle Atlantis. Launch is targeted for 2 19 p.m. EDT on May 14. On the STS-132 mission, the crew will deliver an Integrated Cargo Carrier, or ICC, and the Russian-built Mini-Research Module-1, or MRM-1, to the International Space Station. The ICC is an unpressurized flat bed pallet and keel yoke assembly used to support the transfer of exterior cargo from the shuttle to the space station. The MRM-1, known as Rassvet, is the second in a ser

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

STS-130 TCDT - SUITING

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Michael Fossum finishes putting on a glove during a fitting on 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.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A suit technician makes adjustments to space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Mission Specialist Stanley Love's helmet, part of his launch and entry suit, in astronaut crew quarters. The STS-122 crew is preparing for a simulated launch countdown aboard Atlantis, part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT is a dress rehearsal for launch and also provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the Columbus module to the International Space Station. The European Space Agency's largest single contribution to the station, Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The laboratory will expand the research facilities aboard the station, providing crew members and scientists from around the world the ability to conduct a variety of experi

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-123 Mission Specialist Rick Linnehan is fully suited for the launch dress rehearsal, culmination of the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. Space shuttle Endeavour is targeted to launch March 11 at 2:28 a.m. EDT on the 16-day STS-123 mission to the International Space Station. Endeavour and its crew will deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA Kennedy Space Center, STS-115 Mission Specialist Steven MacLean dons his helmet to complete suiting up for another attempt at liftoff. MacLean is with the Canadian Space Agency. 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 l

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-126 Mission Specialist Donald Pettit makes sure his helmet fits securely 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-123 Mission Specialist Mike Foreman tests the communication in his helmet as he suits up before heading to Launch Pad 39A for liftoff on space shuttle Endeavour. The crew will make a record-breaking 16-day mission to the International Space Station. On STS-123, Endeavour and its crew will deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre. Launch is scheduled for 2:28 a.m. EDT March 11.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 crew members put on their launch-and-entry suits before heading to the Astrovan for the 15-minute ride to Launch Pad 39A. Mission Specialist Mike Foreman, seen here, tests the connections with his suit's helmet. Liftoff is set for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16. On STS-129, the crew will deliver two Express Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory. STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight.

ISS035-E-036840 (11 May 2013) --- Expedition 35 Flight Engineer Tom Marshburn is captured in a close-up image in the Quest Airlock of the International Space Station prior to a space walk which he shared with Flight Engineer Chris Cassidy (out of frame). The NASA astronauts completed the space walk at 2:14 p.m. EDT May 11 to inspect and replace a pump controller box on the International Space Stations far port truss (P6) leaking ammonia coolant. The pair began the 5-hour, 30-minute space walk at 8:44 a.m.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 Mission Specialist Tom Marshburn checks the communication apparatus in his helmet 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.

PHOTO DATE: 09-30-09LOCATION: NBL, TopsideSUBJECT: STS-132 Preflight Training - DiveWith Garret Reisman, Mike Goode and Stephen Bowen

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-120 crew don their launch and entry suits before heading to Launch Pad 39A for launch aboard space shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station. Seen here is Mission Specialist Doug Wheelock, getting help with his helmet. Wheelock is making his first shuttle flight. 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. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 Mission Specialist Tim Kopra puts on his launch and entry suit before heading to Launch Pad 39A for launch on space shuttle Endeavour. Liftoff is scheduled for 6:51 p.m. EDT. Today's launch will be the fifth attempt. The mission was scrubbed on June 13 and again June 17 when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. The mission was scrubbed July 12 due to weather conditions near the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy that violated rules for launching. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, in the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. STS-127 is the 29th flight for the assembly of the space stat

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Commander Steve Frick completes suiting up for the 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.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-133 Pilot Eric Boe is suited up in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida during a simulated launch countdown. Checking the fit of their orange launch-and-entry suits and helmets before launch day is part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), which provides each shuttle crew and launch team an opportunity to participate in various simulated activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training at the launch pad.Space shuttle Discovery and its STS-133 crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m.

JSC2000-07447 (6 December 2000) --- Cosmonaut Yury V. Usachev, Expedition Two mission commander, checks out his communications gear during a joint Expedition Two/STS-102 training session in the Systems Integration Facility at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). The Russian Aviation and Space Agency representative, along with two astronauts on his crew and the four STS-102 crew members, later simulated procedures for a nominal countdown in the crew compartment trainer (CCT-2) in the high bay area of this facility.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Steve Swanson dons his launch-and-entry suit before heading to Launch Pad 39A for a simulated launch countdown. The astronauts are at Kennedy to prepare for launch through Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT includes equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. The crew is targeted to launch on the STS-119 mission Feb. 12 on space shuttle Discovery. 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. -- STS-120 Mission Specialist Paolo Nespoli has his helmet fitted 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 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.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 Mission Specialist Randy Bresnik checks the fit of the helmet of his launch-and-entry suit. The six astronauts for space shuttle Atlantis STS-129 mission are at Kennedy for their launch dress rehearsal, the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, on Launch Pad 39A.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.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-115 Pilot Christopher Ferguson 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 addition

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-131 Pilot James P. Dutton Jr. verifies that his helmet is functioning properly. The members of space shuttle Discovery's STS-131 crew put on their launch-and-entry suits before heading to the Astrovan for the ride to Launch Pad 39A. The crew is participating in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT, a dress rehearsal for launch. TCDT includes training on the emergency egress 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.

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. Commander Mark Kelly dons his helmet to check the communications. 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.

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 suit-up and enter space shuttle Discovery for the 11:59 p.m. EDT liftoff. Seen here, Mission Specialist Danny Olivas puts on his helmet. The first launch attempt on Aug. 24 was postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions. The second attempt on Aug. 25 also was postponed due to an issue with a valve in space shuttle Discovery's main propulsion system. 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 Prog

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition 5 crew member Sergei Treschev, with the Russian Space Agency, wears the helmet with his launch and entry suit during suit check, part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities at KSC. The TCDT includes emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown. Expedition 5 will travel to the International Space Station as the replacement crew for Expedition 4, who will return to Earth aboard Endeavour. Known as Utilization Flight -2, the mission includes attaching a Canadian-built mobile base system to the International Space Station that will enable the Canadarm2 robotic arm to move along a railway on the Station's truss to build and maintain the outpost. The crew will also replace a faulty wrist/roll joint on the Canadarm2 as well as unload almost three tons of experiments and supplies from the Italian-built Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo. Launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-111 is scheduled for

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-123 Mission Specialist Mike Foreman tests the communications in his helmet before the launch dress rehearsal, culmination of the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. Space shuttle Endeavour is targeted to launch March 11 at 2:28 a.m. EDT on the 16-day STS-123 mission to the International Space Station. Endeavour and its crew will deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre.

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.

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

STS-86 Mission Specialist Scott E. Parazynski gets assistance from a suit technician in making adjustments to his launch and entry suit in the Operations and Checkout Building. This will be Parazynskis second flight. 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. Parazynski is scheduled to perform a spacewalk during the docking

JSC2009-E-240514 (5 Nov. 2009) --- Astronaut Clayton Anderson, STS-131 mission specialist, participates in an Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuit fit check in the Space Station Airlock Test Article (SSATA) in the Crew Systems Laboratory at NASA's Johnson Space Center.

JSC2009-E-286657 (21 Dec. 2009) --- Astronaut Terry Virts, STS-130 pilot, attired in a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit, occupies the pilots station during a training session in the Mission Simulation Development Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center.

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. A suit technician checks the communications cap inside Mission Specialist Mike Fossum's helmet. Fossum is making his second shuttle flight. 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.

JSC2010-E-195544 (3 Dec. 2010) --- Attired in a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit, NASA astronaut Doug Hurley, STS-135 pilot, participates in a training session in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center. STS-135 is planned to be the final mission of the space shuttle program.

STS-88 Pilot Frederick W. "Rick" Sturckow gives a "thumbs up" after donning his orange launch and entry suit in the Operations and Checkout Building. STS-88 will be Sturckows first 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. -- Space shuttle Atlantis STS-122 Pilot Alan Poindexter prepares to practice shuttle landings. He is getting settled in the cockpit of a shuttle training aircraft, or STA, at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate 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. Because the orbiter is unpowered during re-entry and landing, its high-speed glide must be perfectly executed the first time. The training is part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the In

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the astronauts of space shuttle Atlantis' STS-132 crew put on their launch-and-entry suits before heading to the Astrovan for the ride to Launch Pad 39A. Pilot Tony Antonelli, seen here, is making his second spaceflight. Liftoff of the STS-132 mission is set for 2 20 p.m. EDT on May 14. The six-member STS-132 crew will deliver the Russian-built Mini Research Module-1 to the International Space Station. Named Rassvet, Russian for 'dawn,' the module is the second in a series of new pressurized components for Russia and will be permanently attached to the Earth-facing port of the Zarya control module. Rassvet will be used for cargo storage and will provide an additional docking port to the station. Also aboard Atlantis is an Integrated Cargo Carrier, or ICC, an unpressurized flat bed pallet and keel yoke assembly used to support the transfer of exterior cargo from the shuttle to the s

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialist Shane Kimbrough is strapped into his seat in space shuttle Endeavour signaling he is ready for the simulated launch countdown. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training and the simulated countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the stations Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 Mission Specialist Randy Bresnik dons his launch-and-entry suit. The six astronauts for space shuttle Atlantis STS-129 mission are at Kennedy for their launch dress rehearsal, the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, on Launch Pad 39A.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.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, the crew members of mission STS-117 are suiting up for a launch attempt at 7:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis. Pictured here is Mission Specialist Steven Swanson, who is making his first shuttle flight. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the International Space Station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007.

PHOTO DATE: 10-20-09LOCATION: Bldg 9NW , FFTSUBJECT: STS-132 Preflight Training: Payload egress training

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-entry suit during a simulated launch countdown. As part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), the crew members are taken to Kennedy's Launch Pad 39A and strapped into space shuttle Atlantis to practice the steps that will be taken on launch day. Atlantis and its crew are targeted to lift off July 8, taking with them the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of

Expedition 43 NASA Astronaut Scott Kelly dons his Russian sokol suit during the Soyuz TMA-16M spacecraft fit check with Russian Cosmonauts Gennady Padalka and, Mikhail Kornienko of the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), Sunday, March 15, 2015 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The trio are preparing for launch to the International Space Station in their Soyuz TMA-16M spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan March 28, Kazakh time. As the one-year crew, Kelly and Kornienko will return to Earth on Soyuz TMA-18M in March 2016.

Expedition 25 Flight Engineer Scott Kelly awaits to have his Russian Sokol Suit pressure checked at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Friday, Oct. 8, 2010. (

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 crew members put on their launch-and-entry suits before heading to the Astrovan for the 15-minute ride to Launch Pad 39A. Commander Charles O. Hobaugh, seen here, tests the connections with his suit's helmet. Liftoff is set for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16. On STS-129, the crew will deliver two Express Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory. STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight.

JSC2000-03357 (19 April 2000) --- Cosmonaut Boris V. Morukov, mission specialist representing the Russian Aviation and Space Agency, participates in a launch and entry procedures simulation on the mid deck of one of the crew compartment trainers in the JohnsonSpace Center's Systems IntegrationFacility.

PHOTO DATE: 22 June 2010, LOCATION: Bldg. 7, SSATA Chamber, SUBJECT: STB-SS-1913 - SSATA Crew Training for STS-133 astronaut (Timothy Kopra),

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASAs Kennedy Space Center, Return to Flight STS-114 Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson checks the fit of his launch and entry suit and helmet. This is Robinsons third Shuttle launch. There are two days to the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery scheduled for 3 51 p.m. July 13. This launch is the 114th Space Shuttle flight and is scheduled to last about 12 days with a planned KSC landing at about 11 06 a.m. EDT on July 25.

PHOTO DATE: 01-29-10LOCATION:BLDG 9NWSUBJECT:STS-131 PRL ingress/egress trainingWORK ORDER: 0349-STS131PRL-01-29-10

JSC2009-E-258447 (8 Dec. 2009) --- Astronaut Ken Ham, STS-132 commander, dons a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit in preparation for a training session in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center. United Space Alliance suit technicians Andre Denard assisted Ham.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After donning his launch and entry suit, Paolo Nespoli signals he's ready to head to Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for launch aboard space shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station. Nespoli, who represents the European Space Agency, is making his first shuttle flight. 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-107 Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli astronaut, gets help with his suitup for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include a simulated launch countdown at the pad. STS-107 is a mission devoted to research and will include more than 80 experiments that will study Earth and space science, advanced technology development, and astronaut health and safety. Launch is planned for Jan. 16, 2003, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. EST aboard Space Shuttle Columbia..

JSC2010-E-024599 (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-130 crew during payload egress training at Full Fuselage Trainer (FFT). Photo Date: June 1, 2009. Location: Building 9NW - FFT.

JSC2000-07462 (11 December 2000) --- Astronaut Patrick G. Forrester, STS-105 mission specialist, attired in a training version of the shuttle launch and entry garment, awaits the start of an emergency bailout training session at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near Johnson Space Center (JSC). This summer, Forrester will join four other astronauts and two cosmonauts for a mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the white room on Launch Pad 39A, Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist Patrick Forrester prepares to enter Space Shuttle Atlantis. The STS-117 crew practices for launch with a simulation of activities, from suit-up to countdown in the orbiter during terminal countdown demonstration test activities. 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 (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 Michael Fincke, seen here, last served as a member of the Expedition 18 crew of the International Space Station in 2009. This will be Fincke's first flight aboard a space shuttle. 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 control assembly-2 (ALCA-2). STS-134 will be the final spaceflight for Endeavour.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a simulated launch countdown, STS-134 Mission Specialist Greg Chamitoff checks the fit of his helmet in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Next, Chamitoff and his crewmates will walk out to the waiting Astrovan. As part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), the crew members will ride to the pad in their silver Astrovan and strap into space shuttle Endeavour to practice the steps that will be taken on launch day. Endeavour's six crew members are targeted to launch April 19 at 7:48 p.m. EDT. They will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), a high-pressure gas tank, additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper and micrometeoroid debris shields to the International Space Station. This will be the final spaceflight for Endeavour.

JSC2007-E-08808 (7 Feb. 2007) --- Astronaut George D. Zamka, STS-120 pilot, dons a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit, in preparation for a post insertion/de-orbit training session in one of the full-scale trainers (out of frame) in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at Johnson Space Center.

JSC2008-E-006612 (23 Jan. 2008) --- Attired in a training version of his Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuit, astronaut Ronald J. Garan, STS-124 mission specialist, awaits the start of a training session in the waters of the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near the Johnson Space Center.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-128 crew members put on their launch-and-entry suits before heading to the Astrovan for the 3.4-mile drive to Launch Pad 39A. There, crew members will complete their suitup and enter space shuttle Discovery for the 1:36 a.m. EDT liftoff. Seen here is Mission Specialist Danny Olivas, who is making his second 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-120 Mission Specialist Paolo Nespoli completes suiting up to take part in a simulated launch countdown, part of the prelaunch terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. Nespoli represents the European Space Agency. His name patch reflects the nicknames the crew gave each other for the event. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews an opportunity to participate in various launch preparation activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the simulated countdown. The STS-120 mission will deliver the U.S. Node 2 module, named Harmony, aboard space shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station. Launch of Discovery on mission STS-120 is targeted for Oct. 23 at 11:38 a.m. EDT on a 14-day mission.

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Pilot Eric Boe waits to finish his suit-up. He and other crew members will take part in a simulated launch countdown after entering space shuttle Endeavour. 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-123 Mission Specialist Garrett Reisman dons his launch and entry suit for the launch dress rehearsal, culmination of the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT.The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. Space shuttle Endeavour is targeted to launch March 11 at 2:28 a.m. EDT on the 16-day STS-123 mission to the International Space Station. Endeavour and its crew will deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - STS-112 Mission Specialist Piers Sellers undergoes suit check, part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT also includes emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. The mission aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to launch no earlier than Oct. 2, between 2 and 6 p.m. EDT. STS-112 is the 15th assembly mission to the International Space Station. Atlantis will be carrying the S1 Integrated Truss Structure, the first starboard truss segment. The S1 will be attached to the central truss segment, S0, during the 11-day mission. Sellers will be undertaking three spacewalks during the mission. In addition, he will be in charge of on-board computers and rendezvous tools during Atlantis' approach for docking and the undocking and flyaround. STS-112 is Sellers first Shuttle flight.

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

JSC2002-01527 (8 August 2002) --- Astronaut William A. Oefelein, STS-116 pilot, wearing a training version of the full-pressure launch and entry suit, waits for a training session to begin in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at the Johnson Space Center (JSC).

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 crew members put on their launch-and-entry suits before heading to the Astrovan for the 3.4-mile drive to Launch Pad 39A. Seen here is Mission Specialist Tom Marshburn, who has put on his helmet to check its fit. At the pad, Marshburn and the other crew members will complete their suitup and enter space shuttle Endeavour for the 7:13 p.m. EDT liftoff. 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,

jsc2016e183968 (11/28/2016) --- NASA astronaut Jack Fischer trains in a space suit (EMU) for his upcoming trip to the International Space Station as part of Expedition 51.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 crew members put on their launch-and-entry suits before heading to the Astrovan for the 15-minute ride to Launch Pad 39A. Mission Specialist Randy Bresnik, seen here, is ready for launch. Liftoff is set for 2:28 p.m. EST Nov. 16. On STS-129, the crew will deliver two Express Logistics Carriers to the International Space Station, the largest of the shuttle's cargo carriers, containing 15 spare pieces of equipment including two gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. Atlantis will return to Earth a station crew member, Nicole Stott, who has spent more than two months aboard the orbiting laboratory. STS-129 is slated to be the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, the crew members of mission STS-117 are suiting up for a launch attempt at 7:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis. Pictured here is Pilot Lee Archambault after donning his helmet. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the International Space Station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007.

STS-131 suited payload egress training (FFT PLD EG 91019) at Building 9 - FFT. Photo Date: September 14, 2009. Location: Building 9 - FFT.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-120 Pilot George Zamka has his helmet communications tested after donning his launch and entry suit. He and the rest of the crew will be 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.

JSC2010-E-051956 (12 April 2010) --- NASA astronaut Mark Kelly, STS-134 commander, attired in a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit, prepares for a post insertion/de-orbit training session in a Full Fuselage Trainer (FFT) mock-up in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center. United Space Alliance suit technician Andre Denard assisted Kelly.

During pre-pack and fit check on his launch and entry suit, STS-92 Commander Brian Duffy adjusts his helmet. Duffy and the rest of the crew are at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT provides emergency egress training, simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payload. This mission will be Duffys fourth Shuttle flight. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program

At the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Expedition 27 Flight Engineer Ron Garan of NASA flashes a smile during a leak check of his Russian Sokol launch and entry suit in the midst of a dress rehearsal of launch activities March 22, 2011. Garan, Soyuz Commander Alexander Samokutyaev and Flight Engineer Andrey Borisenko are scheduled to launch April 5 (April 4, U.S. time) in the Soyuz TMA-21 spacecraft that has been dubbed Gagarin” in honor of the 50th anniversary of the launch of Yuri Gagarin as the first human in space from the same launch pad that the Expedition 27 will begin its journey from. NASA/Victor Zelentsov

JSC2007-E-06436 (31 Jan. 2007) --- Astronaut Scott E. Parazynski, STS-120 mission specialist, attired in a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit, works with a pulley during a water survival training session in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near Johnson Space Center.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-115 Commander Brent Jett is dressed in 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 12:29 p.m. Sept. 6. Mission managers cancelled Atlantis' first launch campaign due to a lightning strike at the pad and the passage of Tropical Storm Ernesto along Florida's east coast. The mission will deliver and install the 17-and-a-half-ton P3/P4 truss segment to the port side of the integrated truss system o

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Astronaut Clayton Anderson suits up for launch on mission STS-117 aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis. Anderson will join the Expedition 15 crew aboard the International Space Station, exchanging his seat for the return trip to Flight Engineer Suni Williams. Atlantis' liftoff is scheduled for 7:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the International Space Station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 Mission Specialist Tom Marshburn is undergoing fit-check of his launch-and-entry suit in preparation for space shuttle Endeavour's launch on June 13 to the International Space Station. Marshburn will be making his first shuttle flight. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, on STS-127. The mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the space station.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-113 Mission Specialist John Herrington suits up for launch. Herrington will be making his first Shuttle flight. This is also the first launch of the first tribally enrolled Native American astronaut -- John B. Herrington -- on Space Transportation System. The primary mission for the crew is bringing the Expedition 6 crew to the Station and returning 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 8:15 p.m. EST.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 Pilot Barry E. Wilmore dons his launch-and-entry suit. The six astronauts for space shuttle Atlantis STS-129 mission are at Kennedy for their launch dress rehearsal, the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, on Launch Pad 39A.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.

JSC2011-E-023114 (2 March 2011) --- NASA astronaut Chris Ferguson, STS-135 commander, dons a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit in preparation for 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. Suit technician Andre Denard assisted Ferguson.

JSC2008-E-122389 (9 Oct. 2008) --- Attired in a training version of his Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuit, astronaut Dave Wolf, STS-127 mission specialist, awaits the start of a training session in the waters of the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near NASA's Johnson Space Center.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Pilot Doug Hurley dons his launch-and-entry suit in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Hurley is one of the final four astronauts to launch aboard a space shuttle. He is a colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps with one shuttle mission under his belt -- STS-127 aboard Endeavour. STS-135 is scheduled to lift off aboard space shuttle 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 Atlantis, the 37th shut

JSC2010-E-183247 (4 Nov. 2010) --- NASA astronaut Rex Walheim, STS-135 mission specialist, attired in a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit, awaits the start of a training session in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center. STS-135 is planned to be the final mission of the space shuttle program.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-107 Payload Specialist Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli astronaut, sits happily during suitup for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include a simulated launch countdown at the pad. STS-107 is a mission devoted to research and will include more than 80 experiments that will study Earth and space science, advanced technology development, and astronaut health and safety. Launch is planned for Jan. 16, 2003, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. EST aboard Space Shuttle Columbia..

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, the crew members of mission STS-117 are suiting up for a launch attempt at 7:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis. Pictured here is Pilot Lee Archambault, who is making his first shuttle flight. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the International Space Station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007.

S131-E-007055 (5 April 2010) --- NASA astronaut James P. Dutton Jr., STS-131 pilot, attired in his shuttle launch and entry suit, occupies the pilots station on the flight deck of space shuttle Discovery during postlaunch activities.

JSC2010-E-195554 (3 Dec. 2010) --- NASA astronaut Chris Ferguson, STS-135 commander, attired in a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit, is pictured during a training session the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center. STS-135 is planned to be the final mission of the space shuttle program.

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.

STS-94 Mission Commander James D. Halsell, Jr., puts his left glove on while he is assisted into his launch/entry suit in the Operations and Checkout (O&C) Building. Halsell is on his fourth space flight, having served as commander of STS-83 and pilot of both STS-74 and STS-65. He is a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force and a former SR-71 Blackbird test pilot and holds masters degrees in management and space operations. Halsell will have responsibility for the success of the mission and will operate and maintain Columbia during the Red, or second shift. He will also assist with a materials science experiment and a protein crystal growth payload during the 16-day mission. Halsell and six fellow crew members will shortly depart the O&C and head for Launch Pad 39A, where the Space Shuttle Columbia will lift off during a launch window that opens at 1:50 p.m. EDT, July 1. The launch window was opened 47 minutes early to improve the opportunity to lift off before Florida su

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-118 Mission Specialist Rick Mastracchio is helped with his helmet during suitup before launch aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour. Mastracchio is making his second spaceflight. The 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. The 11-day mission may be extended to as many as 14 depending on the test of the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System that will allow the docked shuttle to draw electrical power from the station and extend its visits to the orbiting lab. NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-118 Commander Scott Kelly disembarks from the shuttle training aircraft, or STA, at the Shuttle Landing Facility, Kennedy Space Center's airstrip. He and STS-118 Pilot Charlie Hobaugh were at the facility to practice landings for their upcoming mission. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate 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. Endeavour's STS-118 mission is the 22nd shuttle flight to the International Space Station. It will continue space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5. Other payloads include the SPACEHAB module, making its last voyage, and the external stowage platform 3 with a control moment gyroscope on it. The flight will include at least three spacewalks. The crew will also debut a ne

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