Astronaut Suit Preparations

Astronauts suiting up for missions at NASA, showing the fitting of suits and helmets. Scenes emphasize the preparations before launch.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-123 Mission Specialist Rick Linnehan adjusts his gloves during suitup for launch 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.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Commander Steve Frick is happy to be suiting up for launch of space shuttle Atlantis on the STS-122 mission. The launch, scheduled for 2:45 p.m. EST, will be the third attempt for Atlantis since December 2007 to carry the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory to the International Space Station. During the 11-day mission, the crew's prime objective is to attach the laboratory to the Harmony module, adding to the station's size and capabilities.

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. Pilot Greg H. Johnson, seen here, last piloted space shuttle Endeavour during its STS-123 mission in 2008. 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.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-115 Commander Brent Jett dons 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 on the orb

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Crew members for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 mission put on their launch and entry suits before heading to Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Commander Chris Ferguson is making his second shuttle flight. STS-126 is the 124th space shuttle flight and the 27th flight to the International Space Station. The mission will feature four spacewalks and work that will prepare the space station to house six crew members for long- duration missions. Liftoff is scheduled for 7:55 p.m. EST Nov. 14.

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. - STS-125 Pilot Gregory C. Johnson tries on his helmet for a fit check. Johnson will be making his first shuttle launch. His name patch reflects his military call sign.” The crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch on space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and a launch countdown. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 14.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-123 Mission Specialist Rick Linnehan adjusts his gloves during suitup for launch 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. - STS-128 Pilot Kevin Ford checks the fit of his launch and entry suit before heading to the NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A for the simulated launch countdown. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test activities to prepare the STS-128 crew for launch on space shuttle Discovery's STS-128 mission. Discovery will deliver 33,000 pounds of equipment to the station, including science and storage racks, a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and the COLBERT treadmill. Launch is targeted for late August.

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

JSC2007-E-09761 (13 Feb. 2007) --- Astronaut Alan G. Poindexter, STS-122 pilot, attired in a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit, awaits the start of a water survival training session in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near Johnson Space Center.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-120 Pilot George Zamka is donning his launch and entry suit to take part in a simulated launch countdown, part of the prelaunch terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. 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, the astronauts 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. Mission Specialist Rick Mastracchio, seen here, checks the fit of his suit's helmet. Liftoff of the STS-131 mission is set for 6 21 a.m. EDT on April 5. On STS-131, the seven-member crew will deliver the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo, filled with supplies, a new crew sleeping quarters and science racks that will be transferred to the International Space Station's laboratories. The crew also will switch out a gyroscope on the stations truss, install a spare ammonia storage tank and retrieve a Japanese experiment from the stations exterior. STS-131 is the 33rd shuttle mission to the station and the 131st shuttle mission overall.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA Kennedy Space Center, STS-114 Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson is fitted with the helmet for his launch and entry suit before heading to the launch pad. Robinson is making his third 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.

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. Commander Ken Ham, seen here checking out his helmet, is making his second spaceflight. The Russian-built Mini Research Module-1 known as Rassvet, or 'dawn,' is inside the shuttle's cargo bay. It will provide additional storage space and a new docking port for Russian Soyuz and Progress spacecraft. The laboratory will be attached to the bottom port of the station's Zarya module. The mission's three spacewalks will focus on storing spare components outside the station, including six batteries, a communications antenna and parts for the Canadian Dextre robotic arm. STS-132 is the 132nd shuttle flight, the 32nd for Atlantis and the 34th shuttle mission dedicated to station assembly and maintenance.

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 Commander Rick Sturckow, who is making his fourth 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.

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 is ready to add his helmet. 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.

JSC2006-E-23021 (15 June 2006) --- Astronaut William A. Oefelein, STS-116 pilot, dons his training version of the shuttle launch and entry suit prior to a training session in the fixed-base shuttle mission simulator (SMS) in the Jake Garn Mission Simulation and Training Facility at Johnson Space Center.

STS-99 Mission Specialist Gerhard Thiele, with the European Space Agency, 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. The crew is taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities that provide the crew with simulated countdown exercises, emergency egress training, and opportunities to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter's payload bay. 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

nhq2017070600108 (July 6, 2017) --- Expedition 52 flight engineer Randy Bresnik of NASA answers questions from the media as he and Paolo Nespoli of ESA, and Sergey Ryazanskiy of Roscosmos start their second to last day of qualification exams, Thursday, July 6, 2017 at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (GCTC) in Star City, Russia.

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 Scott Parazynski, being helped by a suit technician. Parazynski is making his fifth 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 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 Christopher Cassidy, who is eager for his first shuttle flight. At the pad, Cassidy 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,

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Pilot Alan Poindexter is helped with his helmet while donning his launch and entry suit for launch of space shuttle Atlantis on the STS-122 mission. The launch, scheduled for 2:45 p.m. EST, will be the third attempt for Atlantis since December 2007 to carry the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory to the International Space Station. During the 11-day mission, the crew's prime objective is to attach the laboratory to the Harmony module, adding to the station's size and capabilities.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 Mission Specialist Tom Marshburn puts on his launch-and-entry suit. He and other crew members will be heading for Launch Pad 39A for a simulated launch countdown. The crew is at Kennedy for a launch dress rehearsal called the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, which includes emergency exit training and equipment familiarization. Endeavour's STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japanese Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Endeavour's launch is scheduled for June 13 at 7:17 a.m. EDT.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 Mission Specialist Dave Wolf is all smiles as he gets ready to head 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. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-118 Commander Scott Kelly dons his launch and entry suit for launch aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour. This is Kelly's 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. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist Steven Swanson 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.

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a simulated launch countdown, STS-134 Pilot Greg H. Johnson checks the fit of his helmet in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Next, Johnson 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.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-115 Pilot Christopher Ferguson dons 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 on t

STS-130 LAUNCH L-0 SUITING

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA Kennedy Space Center, STS-114 Pilot James Kelly is fitted with the helmet for 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.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Back at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-124 Pilot Ken Ham is happy with the successful space shuttle landing practice aboard NASA's Shuttle Training Aircraft, or STA. Building. Kelly and Ham will be practicing space shuttle landings. 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 crew for space shuttle Discovery's STS-124 mission is at Kennedy for a full launch dress rehearsal, known as the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. Providing astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities,

JSC2000-E-23713 (September 2000) --- Attired in a training version of his full-pressure launch and entry garment, astronaut James D. Wetherbee, mission commander for STS-102, is pictured prior to participating in an emergency bailout training exercise in the Crew Compartment Trainer (CCT-2) of the Systems Integration Facility at the Johnson Space Center (JSC).

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a simulated launch countdown, STS-134 Mission Specialist Greg Chamitoff checks the fit of his bright-orange, launch-and-entry suit 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.

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 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).

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson 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

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Pilot Doug Hurley prepares to perform touch-and-go landings aboard one of two Shuttle Training Aircrafts (STA) on the Shuttle Landing Facility runway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.An STA is a Gulfstream II jet that is modified to mimic the shuttle's handling during the final phase of landing. Ferguson and Hurley will practice landings as part of standard training before space shuttle Atlantis' launch to the International Space Station. Atlantis and its crew are targeted to lift off July 8, to deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station,

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Thomas Reiter is suiting up for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. Reiter represents the European Space Agency. The launch 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 STS-117 Mission Specialist James Reilly has donned his launch suit and helmet 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.

JSC2010-E-124272 (8 Sept. 2010) --- NASA astronauts Mark Kelly (background) and Gregory H. Johnson, STS-134 commander and pilot, respectively, attired in training versions of their shuttle launch and entry suits, prepare for a training session in the fixed-base shuttle mission simulator (SMS) in the Jake Garn Simulation and Training Facility at NASAs Johnson Space Center.

PHOTO DATE: 07-21-09LOCATION: BLDG 9NWSUBJECT: 2160-STS130-07-21-09

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-132 Mission Specialist Steve Bowen suits up for his second practice countdown. 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 series of new pressurized components for Russia and wil

In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-103 Mission Specialist Steven L. Smith signals he is suited up and ready for launch. Other crew members are Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr., Pilot Scott J. Kelly and Mission Specialists C. Michel Foale (Ph.D.), John M. Grunsfeld (Ph.D.), Jean-François Clervoy of France and Claude Nicollier of Switzerland. Clervoy and Nicollier are with the European Space Agency. The STS-103 mission, to service the Hubble Space Telescope, is scheduled for launch Dec. 17 at 8:47 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39B. Mission objectives include replacing gyroscopes and an old computer, installing another solid state recorder, and replacing damaged insulation in the telescope. After the 8-day, 21-hour mission, Discovery is expected to land at KSC Sunday, Dec. 26, at about 6:30 p.m. EST

PHOTO DATE: 04-08-10LOCATION: Bldg 9NW, CCTIISUBJECT: STS-132 crew during ingress/egress training

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Pilot Doug Hurley dons his launch-and-entry suit and helmet 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,

JSC2007-E-29847 (15 June 2007) --- Astronaut Scott J. Kelly, STS-118 commander, dons a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit in preparation for a training session in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at Johnson Space Center.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 Mission Specialist Dave Wolf checks the fit of his helmet 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 station.

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Pilot Tony Antonelli tries on his helmet to complete the 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.

STS-134 payload egress training in building 9NW's FFT mockup. Photo Date: February 3, 2010. Location: Building 9NW - FFT.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-112 Mission Specialist David Wolf suits up for launch, just hours away. 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. .

European Astronaut Tim Peake of ESA during ISS EVA MAINT 3 NBL Training with Astronaut Tim Kopra and instructor Sandy Moore. Photo Date: September 10, 2014. Location: NBL - Pool Topside.

STS-130 TCDT - SUITING

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a simulated launch countdown, STS-134 Mission Specialist Michael Fincke checks the fit of his bright-orange, launch-and-entry suit in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Next, Fincke 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.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-124 Commander Mark Kelly walks away from the shuttle training aircraft after landing practice. 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 aircraft duplicates the orbiter's atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. Space shuttle Discovery is scheduled to lift off on the STS-124 mission at 5:02 p.m. May 31.

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 Pilot James Kelly, who is making his second 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.

STS-130 TCDT - SUITED STA'S WITH COMMANDER AND PILOT

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Dressed in his launch and entry suit, STS-122 Commander Steve Frick is seated in the shuttle training aircraft, or STA, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Frick and Pilot Alan Poindexter are practicing shuttle landings in the STA before the Feb. 7 launch of space shuttle Atlantis. 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.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-128 Pilot Kevin Ford settles in the cockpit of the Shuttle Training Aircraft, or STA, to practice shuttle landings. The practice is in preparation for launch of space shuttle Discovery's STS-128 mission in late August to the International Space Station. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulfstream II jet that was modified to simulate a shuttles cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. The STS-128 crew is at Kennedy for a launch dress rehearsal called the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, which includes emergency exit training and equipment familiarization, as well as a simulated launch countdown. Discovery will deliver 33,000 pounds of equipment to the station, including science and storage racks, a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and the COLBERT treadmill.

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

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

JSC2010-E-183265 (4 Nov. 2010) --- NASA astronaut Doug Hurley, STS-135 pilot, 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. STS-135 is planned to be the final mission of the space shuttle program.

PHOTO DATE: 01-09-14LOCATION: Bldg. 7 - SSATA ChamberSUBJECT: SSATA crew training and certification for Increment 40 astronaut Greg Wiseman with astronaut Barry Wilmore assisting.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 Mission Specialist Christopher Cassidy puts on his launch-and-entry suit. He and other crew members will be heading for Launch Pad 39A for a simulated launch countdown. The crew is at Kennedy for a launch dress rehearsal called the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, which includes emergency exit training and equipment familiarization. Endeavour's STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japanese Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Endeavour's launch is scheduled for June 13 at 7:17 a.m. EDT.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-112 Mission Specialist David Wolf takes a break during emergency egress practice on the 195-foot level of the Fixed Service Structure, Launch Pad 39B. He and the rest of the crew are taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-112 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, to be attached to the central truss segment, S0, and the Crew and Equipment Translation Aid (CETA) Cart A. The CETA is the first of two human-powered carts that will ride along the ISS railway, providing mobile work platforms for future spacewalking astronauts.

JSC2000-07285 (17 November 2000) --- Astronaut Steven W. Lindsey, STS-104 mission commander, attired in a training version of the shuttle launch and entry garment, awaits a training session at the Jake Garn Simulation and Training Facility at Johnson Space Center (JSC). Lindsey will join four other astronauts for a June mission with the International Space Station (ISS).

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During suitup for launch, STS-110 Mission Specialist Jerry L. Ross holds a camera he'll use on the mission. Ross is making a record-breaking seventh flight. 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. Launch is scheduled for 4:40 p.m. EDT (20:40 GMT)

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39, STS-123 Mission Specialist Garrett Reisman takes time out from driving practice of the M-113 armored personnel carrier to pose for a photo. The crew members of space shuttle Endeavour's STS-123 mission will each practice driving the M-113 in turn as part of his training on emergency egress procedures. Reisman will remain on the International Space Station as a flight engineer on the Expedition 16 and 17 crews. An M-113 will be available to transport the crew to safety in the event of a contingency on the pad before their launch. The STS-123 crew is at Kennedy for a full launch dress rehearsal, known as the terminal countdown demonstration test or TCDT. Endeavour's seven astronauts arrived at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility in their T-38 training aircraft between 10:45 and 10:58 a.m. EST. The terminal countdown demonstration test provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participat

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-133 Mission Specialist Michael Barratt 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.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Crew members for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 mission put on their launch and entry suits before heading to Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Pilot Eric Boe, who is making his first shuttle flight, dons his helmet. STS-126 is the 124th space shuttle flight and the 27th flight to the International Space Station. The mission will feature four spacewalks and work that will prepare the space station to house six crew members for long- duration missions. Liftoff is scheduled for 7:55 p.m. EST Nov. 14.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA Kennedy Space Center, STS-115 Pilot Christopher Ferguson dons his launch and re-entry suit before heading to the launch pad. Ferguson is making his first shuttle flight on this mission to the International Space Station aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis. On its second attempt for launch, Atlantis is scheduled to lift off at 11:41 a.m. EDT today from Launch Pad 39B. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the ISS. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - During suitup, STS-109 Mission Specialist James H. Newman gives a thumbs up for launch. Liftoff of Space Shuttle Columbia is 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 Columbi

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Pilot Doug Hurley pauses for a photo after donning his launch and landing suit. The STS-135 crew is at Kennedy to participate in a launch countdown dress rehearsal called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) and related training in preparation for the upcoming STS-135 mission.Atlantis and its crew are targeted to lift off July 8, taking with them the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Progra

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Pilot Eric Boe takes his seat in the cockpit of the Shuttle Training Aircraft, or STA. He will practice shuttle landings in the STA, a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate a shuttles cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the aircraft duplicates the shuttles atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet to landing. The practice is part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit procedures and a simulated launch countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the stations Solar Alpha Rotary Joints.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-134 Commander Mark Kelly gets behind the controls of a Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA) to perform touch-and-go landings on the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. STAs are Gulfstream II business jets that are modified to mimic the shuttle's handling during the final phase of landing. Practice landings are part of standard training before space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 launch to the International Space Station.Endeavour's six crew members are at Kennedy for the launch countdown dress rehearsal called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) and related training. Targeted to launch April 19 at 7:48 p.m. EDT, they will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), a high-pressure gas tank, additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper and micrometeoroid debris shields to the space station. This will be the final spaceflight for Endeavour.

PHOTO DATE: 04-08-10LOCATION: Bldg 9NW, CCTIISUBJECT: STS-132 crew during ingress/egress training

JSC2005-E-13772 (5 April 2005) --- Astronaut Christopher J. Ferguson, STS-115 pilot, attired in a training version of the shuttle launch and entry suit, awaits the start of an emergency egress training session in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at the Johnson Space Center.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 Mission Specialist Randy Bresnik prepares to enter space shuttle Atlantis with the help of the closeout crew in the White Room. The six astronauts for space shuttle Atlantis STS-129 mission are participating in their launch dress rehearsal, the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test.Additional training associated with the test was done last month, but the simulated countdown was postponed because of a scheduling conflict with the launch of 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.

JSC2010-E-024607 (11 Feb. 2010) --- NASA astronaut Gregory H. Johnson, STS-134 pilot, attired in a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit, awaits the start of a training session in the crew compartment trainer (CCT-2) in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center.

STS-97 Mission Specialist Marc Garneau, who is with the Canadian Space Agency, settles into his seat in Space Shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39B. He and the rest of the crew are taking part in a simulated launch countdown, part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities that also include emergency egress training and familiarization with the payload. Mission STS-97 is the sixth construction flight to the International Space Station. Its payload includes the P6 Integrated Truss Structure and a photovoltaic (PV) module, with giant solar arrays that will provide power to the Station. The mission includes two spacewalks to complete the solar array connections. STS-97 is scheduled to launch Nov. 30 at about 10:05 p.m. EST

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A, STS-123 Mission Specialist Mike Foreman is preparing to enter space shuttle Endeavour. He and the other STS-123 crew members are getting ready for the simulated launch countdown, which is the culmination of the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. Endeavour is targeted to launch at 2 28 a.m. EDT March 11 on the 16-day STS-123 mission to the International Space Station. Endeavour and its crew will deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the Shuttle Landing Facility on NASA Kennedy Space Center, STS-114 Pilot James Kelly sits in the cockpit of the Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA) after landing. He and Mission Commander Eileen Collins have been practicing night landings in preparation for the mission. The STA is a modified Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II executive 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. Return to Flight Mission STS-114 is scheduled to launch aboard Space Shuttle Discovery with a crew of seven at 10 39 a.m. EDT on July 26. Landing is expected on Aug. 7.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-134 Commander Mark Kelly has completed touch-and-go landings and disembarks from a Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA) on the Shuttle Landing Facility runway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. An STA is a Gulfstream II jet that is modified to mimic the shuttle's handling during the final phase of landing. Kelly and Johnson will practice landings as part of standard training before space shuttle Endeavour's launch to the International Space Station. Endeavour and its crew will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), a high-pressure gas tank and additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper to the station. This will be the final spaceflight for Endeavour.

JSC2000-07655 (19 December 2000) --- Astronaut Daniel T. Barry, STS-105 mission specialist, dons a training version of the full-pressure launch and entry suit prior to a training session in one of the trainer/mockups (out of frame) in the Jake Garn Simulation and Training Facility at Johnson Space Center (JSC). Barry is assisted by United Space Alliance (USA) suit technician Lloyd Armintor.

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 Christopher Cassidy, who is making his first shuttle flight. At the pad, Cassidy 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, and

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - STS-112 Mission Specialist David Wolf arrives at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. He and the rest of the crew will be taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities in preparation for the mission aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis, which 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.

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, STS-124 Pilot Ken Ham dons his launch-and-entry suit needed for the simulated launch countdown. 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.

JSC2002-01539 (8 August 2002) --- Astronaut Christer Fuglesang, STS-116 mission specialist, dons his training version of the full-pressure launch and entry suit prior to a training session in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). Fuglesang represents the European Space Agency (ESA).

STS-95 Mission Commander Curtis L. Brown suits up in the Operations and Checkout Building prior to his trip to Launch Pad 39-B. Brown and the rest of the STS-95 crew 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 Specialist Chiaki Mukai (M.D., Ph.D.), representing the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA), Pilot Steven W. Lindsey, Mission Specialist Scott E. Parazynski, Mission Specialist Stephen K. Robinson, Mission Specialist Pedro Duque of Spain, representing the European Space Agency (ESA), and Payload Specialist John H. Glenn Jr., senator from Ohio. 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 Ultraviolet Hitchhiker,

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel dons his helmet for launch of space shuttle Atlantis on the STS-122 mission. Schlegel represents the European Space Agency. The launch, scheduled for 2:45 p.m. EST, will be the third attempt for Atlantis since December 2007 to carry the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory to the International Space Station. During the 11-day mission, the crew's prime objective is to attach the laboratory to the Harmony module, adding to the station's size and capabilities.

JSC2011-E-016249 (9 Feb. 2011) --- NASA astronauts Doug Hurley (foreground), STS-135 pilot; and Chris Ferguson, commander, attired in training versions of their shuttle launch and entry suits, are pictured during a water survival training session in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near NASA's Johnson Space Center. STS-135 is planned to be the final mission of the space shuttle program.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a simulated launch countdown, STS-134 Mission Specialist Roberto Vittori, with the European Space Agency, checks the fit of his helmet in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Next, Vittori 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.

JSC2001-00024 (January 2001) --- Astronaut Charles O. Hobaugh, STS-104 pilot, attired in a training version of the shuttle launch and entry garment, awaits the start of a training session at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near Johnson Space Center (JSC). Hobaugh will join four other astronauts for a June mission with the International Space Station (ISS).

In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-101 Mission Specialist Yury Usachev of Russia gives two thumbs up while waiting for final check of his launch and entry suit before heading a third time to Launch Pad 39A and launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis. The previous two launch attempts were scrubbed due to high cross winds at the Shuttle Landing Facility. 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. This is the third assembly flight to the Space Station. After the 10-day mission, Atlantis is expected to land at KSC May 6 at about 12:03 p.m. EDT

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

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