
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronaut candidates enter the blockhouse at Complex 14 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, adjacent to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Complex 14 served as the launch pad for Mercury astronaut John Glenn when he lifted off in 1962 to orbit the Earth, becoming the first American to do so. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronaut candidates survey Launch Complex 34 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, adjacent to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Complex 34 was the sight of NASA's first astronaut fatalities when the crew of Apollo 1, Gus Grissom, Ed White and Roger Chaffee, died in a fire inside their Apollo capsule during testing at the pad. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Thermal Protection System Facility NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, agency astronaut candidates are briefed on tiles being manufactured for the agency's Orion spacecraft. TPSF manager, Martin Wilson of Jacobs Technology, has just placed a tile sample in an oven to demonstrate its ability to protect a spacecraft during the heat of reentry. Plans call for the Lockheed Martin-built Orion to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Exploration Flight Test EFT-1 later this year. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronaut candidate Tyler "Nick" Hague surveys the flame trench at Launch Complex 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center during a daylong set of briefings and tours of different facilities at NASA's primary launch center. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Thermal Protection System Facility NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, agency astronaut candidates are briefed on tiles being manufactured for the agency's Orion spacecraft. Nicole Mann holds a tile sample as Christina Hammock, left, and Tyler "Nick" Hague look on. Plans call for the Lockheed Martin-built Orion to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Exploration Flight Test EFT-1 later this year. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronautcandidates Jessica Meir, Andrew Morgan and Victor Glover review markers at the entrance to Complex 14 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, adjacent to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Complex 14 served as the launch pad for Mercury astronaut John Glenn when he lifted off in 1962 to orbit the Earth, becoming the first American to do so. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronaut candidate Nicole Mann uses a periscope inside the blockhouse at Complex 14 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, adjacent to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Complex 14 served as the launch pad for Mercury astronaut John Glenn when he lifted off in 1962 to orbit the Earth, becoming the first American to do so. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronaut candidates Victor Glover and Andrew Morgan discuss markers at the entrance to Complex 14 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, adjacent to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Complex 14 served as the launch pad for Mercury astronaut John Glenn when he lifted off in 1962 to orbit the Earth, becoming the first American to do so. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronaut candidate Tyler "Nick" Hague looks over photos inside the blockhouse at Complex 14 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, adjacent to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Complex 14 served as the launch pad for Mercury astronaut John Glenn when he lifted off in 1962 to orbit the Earth, becoming the first American to do so. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronaut candidates Tyler "Nick" Hague, left, and Victor Glover visit Complex 5/6 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, adjacent to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The launch pad is the place where Mercury astronaut Alan Shepard lifted off in 196 to become America's first man in space. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronaut candidate Victor Glover reviews a sign at the entrance to Complex 14 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, adjacent to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Complex 14 served as the launch pad for Mercury astronaut John Glenn when he lifted off in 1962 to orbit the Earth, becoming the first American to do so. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronaut candidate Tyler "Nick" Hague looks over photos inside the blockhouse at Complex 14 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, adjacent to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Complex 14 served as the launch pad for Mercury astronaut John Glenn when he lifted off in 1962 to orbit the Earth, becoming the first American to do so. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA astronaut candidates Andrew Morgan, from left Josh Cassada, Tyler "Nick" Hague, Christina Hammock and Victor Glover tour one of the high bays of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center during a daylong set of briefings and tours of different facilities at NASA's primary launch center. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA astronaut candidates Anne McClain, from left, Christina Hammock, Tyler "Nick" Hague and Jessica Meir walk through the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center during a daylong set of briefings and tours of different facilities at NASA's primary launch center. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Thermal Protection System Facility NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, agency astronaut candidates are briefed on tiles being manufactured for the agency's Orion spacecraft. Christina Hammock holds a tool used to mill tiles designed for use on the agency's Orion spacecraft. Also looking on are Jessica Meir, on the left, and Andrew Morgan and Tyler "Nick" Hague on the right. Plans call for the Lockheed Martin-built Orion to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Exploration Flight Test EFT-1 later this year. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Thermal Protection System Facility NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, agency astronaut candidates are briefed on tiles being manufactured for the agency's Orion spacecraft. Jessica Meir, right, holds a heated tile sample demonstrating its ability to protect a spacecraft during the heat of reentry. Looking on, are Christina Hammock, left, and Anne McClain. Plans call for the Lockheed Martin-built Orion to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Exploration Flight Test EFT-1 later this year. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Thermal Protection System Facility NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, agency astronaut candidates are briefed on tiles being manufactured for the agency's Orion spacecraft by Tim Wright of Jacobs Technology. Plans call for the Lockheed Martin-built Orion to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Exploration Flight Test EFT-1 later this year. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Thermal Protection System Facility NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, agency astronaut candidates are briefed on tiles being manufactured for the agency's Orion spacecraft. Josh Cassada holds a tile sample as Anne McClain, left, and Victor Glover look on. Plans call for the Lockheed Martin-built Orion to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Exploration Flight Test EFT-1 later this year. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Thermal Protection System Facility NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, agency astronaut candidates are briefed on tiles being manufactured for the agency's Orion spacecraft. Participating in the briefing, from the left, are Andrew Morgan, Victor Glover, Anne McClain, Christina Hammock and Tyler "Nick" Hague. Plans call for the Lockheed Martin-built Orion to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Exploration Flight Test EFT-1 later this year. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronaut candidates Jessica Meir, Christina Hammock, Anne McClain and Josh Cassada listen to details about Launch Complex 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center during a daylong set of briefings and tours of different facilities at NASA's primary launch center. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Thermal Protection System Facility NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, agency astronaut candidates are briefed on tiles being manufactured for the agency's Orion spacecraft. TPSF manager, Martin Wilson of Jacobs Technology, holds a heated tile sample demonstrating its ability to protect a spacecraft during the heat of reentry. Looking on, from the left, are Christina Hammock, Victor Glover and Nicole Mann. Plans call for the Lockheed Martin-built Orion to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Exploration Flight Test EFT-1 later this year. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Thermal Protection System Facility NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, agency astronaut candidates are briefed on thermal blankets being manufactured for agency spacecraft by TPSF manager, Martin Wilson of Jacobs Technology, far left. Participating in the briefing, from the left, are Christina Hammock, Tyler ‘Nick’ Hague, Victor Glover, John Cassada, Jessica Meir, Andrew Morgan and Anne McClain. Plans call for the Lockheed Martin-built Orion to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Exploration Flight Test EFT-1 later this year. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Thermal Protection System Facility NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, agency astronaut candidates are briefed on thermal blankets being manufactured for agency spacecraft. Looking at sample thermal blankets are, from the left, Nicole Mann, Andrew Morgan, Christina Hammock, Josh Cassada, Jessica Meir, Tyler ‘Nick’ Hague, and Anne McClain. Plans call for the Lockheed Martin-built Orion to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Exploration Flight Test EFT-1 later this year. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Mary Hanna, crawler-transporter integration manager, discusses the crawler-transporter with astronaut candidates Nicole Mann, Anne McClain, Christina Hammock, Jessica Meir, Andrew Morgan, Josh Cassada, Tyler "Nick" Hague and Victor Glover in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center during a daylong set of briefings and tours of different facilities at NASA's primary launch center. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronaut candidates Nicole Mann, Victor Glover, Tyler "Nick" Hague, Andrew Morgan, Christina Hammock, Jessica Meir, Josh Cassada and Anne McClain listen to details about Launch Complex 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center during a daylong set of briefings and tours of different facilities at NASA's primary launch center. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA astronaut candidates Tyler "Nick" Hague, from left, Andrew Morgan, Jessica Meir, Christina Hammock, Mary Hanna, crawler-transporter integration manager, astronaut candidates Nicole Mann, Anne McClain, Josh Cassada and Victor Glover pose in front of a crawler-transporter inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center during a daylong set of briefings and tours of different facilities at NASA's primary launch center. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronaut candidates Tyler "Nick" Hague, from left, Josh Cassada, Anne McClain, Nicole Mann, Christina Hammock, Jessica Meir, Andrew Morgan and Victor Glover visit Launch Complex 5 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, adjacent to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The launch pad is the place where Mercury astronaut Alan Shepard lifted off on May 5, 1961 to become America's first man in space. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronaut candidates Anne McClain, from left, Jessica Meir, Victor Glover, Andrew Morgan, Tyler "Nick" Hague, Josh Cassada, Christina Hammock and Nicole Mann visit the Mercury 7 memorial at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, adjacent to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA astronaut candidate Andrew Morgan looks over the beach while standing at the Beach House at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The Beach House is a traditional gathering place for astronauts before they fly into space. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's latest astronaut class meets with a member of the 45th Space Wing in the Cape Commander's Building at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, adjacent to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The astronaut candidates are, from left, Josh Cassada, Andrew Morgan, Jessica Meir, Anne McClain, Nicole Mann, Christina Hammock, Tylor "Nick" Hague and Victor Glover. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronaut candidates Anne McClain, from left counterclockwise, Victor Glover, Jessica Meir, Andrew Morgan, Christina Hammock, Josh Cassada and Nicole Mann visit the Mercury 7 memorial at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, adjacent to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA astronaut candidates, from left, Anne McClain, Christina Hammock and Jessica Meir stand on the beach overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at the Beach House at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The Beach House is a traditional gathering place for astronauts before they fly into space. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, agency astronaut candidates are briefed on preparations for the launch the Orion spacecraft on Exploration Flight Test EFT-1. Plans call for the Lockheed Martin-built Orion to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, astronaut candidates Jessica Meir, left, Andrew Morgan, center, and Anne McClain listen to a briefing on preparations for the launch the Orion spacecraft on Exploration Flight Test EFT-1. Plans call for the Lockheed Martin-built Orion to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, astronaut candidates Tyler Nick Hague, left, Christina Hammock, center, and Victor Glover listen to a briefing on preparations for the launch the Orion spacecraft on Exploration Flight Test EFT-1. Plans call for the Lockheed Martin-built Orion to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, associate center director Kelvin Manning, left, briefs astronaut candidates Nicole Mann, center, and Tyler Nick Hague on preparations for the launch the Orion spacecraft on Exploration Flight Test EFT-1. Plans call for the Lockheed Martin-built Orion to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, astronaut candidates pose in front of a work stand where the agency's Orion spacecraft is being prepared for Exploration Flight Test EFT-1. Plans call for the Lockheed Martin-built Orion to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. From the left are Tyler Nick Hague, Andrew Morgan, Jessica Meir, Christina Hammock, Nicole Mann, Anne McClain, Josh Cassada and Victor Glover. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, astronaut candidate Andrew Morgan looks over work platforms to gain a look at the Orion spacecraft being prepared for Exploration Flight Test EFT-1. Plans call for the Lockheed Martin-built Orion to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett Selected image has been cropped

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, astronaut candidate Josh Cassada looks over work platforms to gain a look at the Orion spacecraft being prepared for Exploration Flight Test EFT-1. Plans call for the Lockheed Martin-built Orion to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, astronaut candidate Christina Hammock listens to a briefing on preparations for the launch the Orion spacecraft on Exploration Flight Test EFT-1. Plans call for the Lockheed Martin-built Orion to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, astronaut candidate Victor Glover looks over work platforms to gain a look at the Orion spacecraft being prepared for Exploration Flight Test EFT-1. Plans call for the Lockheed Martin-built Orion to launch atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The astronaut class of 2013 was selected by NASA after an extensive year-and-a-half search. The new group will help the agency push the boundaries of exploration and travel to new destinations in the solar system. To learn more about the astronaut class of 2013, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/2013astroclass.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett