The five crew members of the Space Shuttle Atlantis on the STS-98 mission depart NASA Dryden to return to the Johnson Space Center at Houston. They briefly extended greetings to Dryden staff members on the ramp area behind Dryden's Main Building at a crew ceremony on February 21, 2001.

ISS021-E-030174 (19 Nov. 2009) --- The top exterior of Space Shuttle Atlantis? crew cabin is featured in this image photographed by an STS-129 crew member during the mission's first session of extravehicular activity (EVA).

In this close-up of Space Shuttle Atlantis, the STS-74 crew is looking out the rear window. STS-74, launched on November 12, 1995, was the second Space Shuttle/Mir docking mission. Objectives accomplished included the delivery and installation of the Docking Module, making it possible for the Space Shuttle to dock easily with the Russian space station, Mir. The Orbiter Atlantis also delivered water, supplies, and equipment, including two new solar arrays to upgrade Mir, and returned to Earth on November 25, 1995 with experiment samples, equipment for repair and analysis, and products manufactured on the Station.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Jerry Ross, chief of the Vehicle Integration Test Office and former NASA astronaut, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach and James Branson with the Vehicle Integration Test Office await the arrival of the STS-135 crew members at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The STS-135 astronauts arrived at Kennedy about 2:30 p.m. EDT on July 4 for final preparations for space shuttle Atlantis' STS-135 mission to the International Space Station. Atlantis is scheduled to lift off on July 8 to deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

STS076-345-025 (22-31 March 1996) --- Joining her new cosmonaut crew mates, Shannon W. Lucid participates in an inventory of new food supplies in the Base Block Module of Russia's Mir Space Station. Yury I. Onufrienko, Mir-21 mission commander, is in the foreground; with Yury V. Usachev, flight engineer, pictured in the background. When this photo was taken, Mir was still docked with the Space Shuttle Atlantis.

STS030-S-129 (8 May 1989) --- Astronaut crew members who manned the Space Shuttle Atlantis for just over four days pose with NASA officials following the safe landing of their spacecraft (which forms the backdrop for the picture). Left to right are Rear Admiral Richard H. Truly, acting NASA Administrator; astronauts David M. Walker, Mark C. Lee, Mary L. Cleave, Ronald J. Grabe and Norman E. Thagard; and Dale D. Myers, NASA Deputy Administrator.

STS043-40-029 (2-11 Aug 1991) --- The five crewmembers on NASA's STS-43 mission pose for the traditional in-flight crew portrait. The photo should be oriented with Atlantis' middeck hatch on the right. Left to right are astronauts G. David Low, Shannon W. Lucid and James C. Adamson, all mission specialists; John E. Blaha, mission commander; and Michael A. Baker, pilot.

STS038-28-016 (20 Nov 1990) --- STS-38 crewmembers pose on Atlantis', Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104's, middeck for traditional onboard (in-space) portrait. Wearing red, yellow, and orange crew polo shirts are (right to left) Mission Specialist (MS) Robert C. Springer, Pilot Frank L. Culbertson, Commander Richard O. Covey, MS Charles D. Gemar, and MS Carl J. Meade.

STS037-45-012 (10 April 1991) --- Astronauts Linda M. Godwin and Jerome (Jay) Apt sort out the special partial-pressure garments for landing (and ascent) as the end of their mission in space approaches. The suits are stored on the Space Shuttle Atlantis' mid-deck. The scene was photographed with a 35mm camera. This was one of the visuals used by the crew members during their April 19 Post Flight Press Conference (PFPC) at the Johnson Space Center (JSC).

STS030-S-130 (8 May 1989) --- Astronaut crew members who manned the Space Shuttle Atlantis for just over four days pose with NASA officials following the safe landing of their spacecraft (which forms the backdrop for the picture). Left to right are Rear Admiral Richard H. Truly, acting NASA Administrator; astronauts David M. Walker, Mark C. Lee, Mary L. Cleave, Ronald J. Grabe and Norman E. Thagard; and Dale D. Myers, NASA Deputy Administrator.

STS79-E-5202 (21 September 1996) --- From the left, astronaut and cosmonaut guest researcher Shannon W. Lucid, cosmonauts Aleksandr Y. Kaleri and Valeri G. Korzun, the Mir-22 crew members, share a meal on the Space Shuttle Atlantis' mid deck, during Flight Day 6. Lucid will bid farewell to the two cosmonauts when she comes back to Earth next week, onboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis.

S129-E-009441 (25 Nov. 2009) --- Three members of the STS-129/Atlantis crew take some final glances and photographs of the International Space Station during post-undocking activities aboard the shuttle. Seen on the aft flight deck of Atlantis are, from left, astronauts Nicole Stott, mission specialist; Barry E. Wilmore, pilot; and Randy Bresnik, mission specialist. Bresnik and Wilmore spent almost a full week performing chores in and on the orbital outpost, and Stott just wrapped up almost three months’ duty on it.

S125-E-012154 (20 May 2009) --- The crew members for the STS-125 mission pose for the traditional in-flight portrait on the middeck of the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Atlantis. Pictured on the front row are astronauts Scott Altman (center), commander; Gregory C. Johnson, pilot; and Megan McArthur, mission specialist. Pictured on the back row (left to right) are astronauts Michael Good, Mike Massimino, John Grunsfeld and Andrew Feustel, all mission specialists.

STS037-54-004 (5-11 April 1991) --- Four crew members have fun with weightlessness on the Space Shuttle Atlantis' middeck. Astronaut Kenneth D. Cameron, pilot, performs a "quick hands" feat with three tape cassettes -- obviously a feat much more difficult on Earth. Looking on, left to right, are astronauts Linda M. Godwin, mission specialist; Steven R. Nagel, mission commander; and Jerry L. Ross, mission specialist. Ross later used the microgravity environment to have some fun with the bag of malted milk balls in his hands. This 35mm frame was exposed by astronaut Jerome (Jay) Apt, mission specialist. This was one of the visuals used by the crew members during their April 19 Post Flight Press Conference (PFPC) at the Johnson Space Center (JSC).

S129-E-006703 (18 Nov. 2009) --- On Atlantis? middeck, from left, astronauts Charles O. Hobaugh, Nicole Stott, Frank De Winne, Robert Thirsk and Jeff Williams discuss their schedule for flight day three activities. De Winne represents the European Space Agency and Thirsk, the Canadian Space Agency. They, along with Williams, are station crew members, while Hobaugh and Stott are members of the STS-129 crew.

S129-E-006705 (18 Nov. 2009) --- On Atlantis? middeck, from left, astronauts Leland Melvin, Charles Hobaugh, Nicole Stott, Frank De Winne and Jeffrey Williams discuss their roles for flight day three activities. De Winne represents the European Space Agency. DeWinne and Williams are station crew members, while Hobaugh, Melvin and Stott are members of the STS-129 crew.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-114 Commander Eileen Collins examines part of the Atlantis nose cap with Randall Carter, who is with The Boeing Company. The nose cap was recently removed from Atlantis. The STS-114 crew is at KSC to take part in crew equipment and orbiter familiarization.

STS036-03-027 (3 March 1990) --- STS-36 Pilot John H. Casper reaches for the shuttle portable onboard computer (SPOC), a laptop computer, while at the pilots station on the forward flight deck of Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104. Casper, seated in the pilot’s seat, lifts the SPOC from the forward window ledge. Appearing around him are forward crew compartment windows, the head up display (HUD), the flight mirror assembly, and a checklist attached to control panel O3. Casper and four other astronauts spent four days, 10 hours and 19 minutes aboard the spacecraft for a Department of Defense (DOD) devoted mission.

STS037-33-031 (5-11 April 1991) --- Astronauts Kenneth D. Cameron, STS-37 pilot, and Linda M. Godwin, mission specialist, take advantage of a well-lighted crew cabin to pose for an in-space portrait on the Space Shuttle Atlantis' aft flight deck. The two shared duties controlling the Remote Manipulator System (RMS) during operations involving the release of the Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO) and the Extravehicular Activity (EVA) of astronauts Jerry L. Ross and Jerome (Jay) Apt. The overhead window seen here and nearby eye-level windows (out of frame at left) are in a busy location on Shuttle missions, as they are used for payload surveys, Earth observation operations, astronomical studies and other purposes. Note the temporarily stowed large format still photo camera at lower right corner. This photo was made with a 35mm camera. This was one of the visuals used by the crew members during their April 19 Post Flight Press Conference (PFPC) at the Johnson Space Center (JSC).

STS034-06-019 (18-23 Oct. 1989) --- The five astronaut crew members for NASA's STS-34 mission pose for an in-space crew "portrait," using a pre-set 35mm camera. Coincidentally, astronauts Donald E. Williams (left), commander, and Michael J. McCulley (right), pilot, are positioned at their respective stations of operation (except that they are turned 180 degrees) aboard the Earth-orbiting space shuttle Atlantis. They form "bookends" for the crew's three mission specialists -- Ellen S. Baker (second left), Shannon W. Lucid and Franklin R. Chang-Diaz.

S135-E-008715 (16 July 2011) --- The four crew members of the Atlantis STS-135 mission pose for a picture on the spacecraft's flight deck. On the front row are NASA astronauts Doug Hurley (left) and Chris Ferguson, pilot and commander respectively. In the rear are NASA astronauts Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim, both mission specialists. The U.S. flag pictured was flown on the first space shuttle mission, STS-1, and flew on this mission to be presented to the space station crew. It will remain onboard the station until the next crew launched from the U.S. will retrieve it for return to Earth. It will fly from Earth again, with the crew that launches from the U.S. on a journey of exploration beyond Earth orbit. Photo credit: NASA

STS135-S-214 (21 July 2011) --- The final four astronauts of NASA's Space Shuttle Program stand proudly in front of space shuttle Atlantis, the remarkable spacecraft that took them on the STS-135 mission to the International Space Station. From right, are NASA astronauts Chris Ferguson, commander; Doug Hurley, pilot; Sandy Magnus and Rex Walheim, both mission specialists. The crew returned to Earth on the Shuttle Landing Facility's Runway 15 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 5:57 a.m. (EDT) on July 21, 2011. Atlantis' final return from space completed a 13-day, 5.2-million-mile journey to the International Space Station. STS-135 delivered spare parts, equipment and supplies in the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module that will sustain station operations for the next year. STS-135 was the 33rd and final flight for Atlantis, which has spent 307 days in space, orbited Earth 4,848 times and traveled 125,935,769 miles.

STS046-19-037 (8 Aug 1992) --- Having completed eight days in Earth-orbit, the crew members prepare for their brief journey home. Left to right are Andrew M. Allen, pilot; Claude Nicollier, mission specialist representing the European Space Agency (ESA); and Marsha S. Ivins, mission specialist. Just out of frame, at left, is Loren J. Shriver, mission commander, who guided the Space Shuttle Atlantis in for its Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida landing.

STS046-10-003 (8 Aug. 1992) --- Astronaut Andrew M. Allen, STS-46 pilot, positioned in the pilot's station and wearing a partial pressure launch and entry suit, prepares for the final leg of the mission. Allen and six fellow crew members had just shared a busy eight-day stay in Earth-orbit aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis.

STS034-09-007 (23 Oct. 1989) --- Having been in space only a few hours, three of the STS-34 astronaut crew prepare for pre-deployment exercises involving one of the most prominent "passengers" of the flight -- the Galileo payload which was lying in Atlantis', Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104's, payload bay (PLB). Pictured, left to right, are astronauts Ellen S. Baker and Shannon W. Lucid, both mission specialists; along with Donald E. Williams, commander, who guided OV-104's course during the exercise. Baker and Lucid communicated with ground controllers while juggling other Galileo-related chores. Both Baker and Lucid are equipped with SONY Walkmans and are wearing headsets. Lucid wears a pair of sunglasses with brightly colored frames. A tethered inertial upper stage (IUS) deploy checklist (C/L) floats between the two and a spotmeter is Velcroed to an on orbit station control panel.

S89-45735 (Sept 1989) --- Five astronauts take a break from training for NASA's STS-34 mission to pose for a photo in the crew compartment trainer (CCT) in the Shuttle mockup and integration lab at JSC. Left to right are Astronauts Michael J. McCulley, pilot; Shannon W. Lucid, Franklin R. Chang-Diaz and Ellen S. Baker, all mission specialists; and Donald E. Williams, mission commander. They are wearing the orange partial pressure suits for the ascent and entry phase of flight. Their launch aboard the Atlantis is scheduled for Oct. 12. The photograph was made by Bill Bowers, a crew trainer at JSC.

STS030-21-008 (4-8 May 1989) --- A traditional in-space crew portrait for STS-30 aboard the Atlantis. Astronaut Mary L. Cleave is in front. Others pictured, left to right, are astronauts Norman E. Thagard, Ronald J. Grabe, David M. Walker and Mark C. Lee. An automatic, pre-set 35mm camera using color negative film recorded the scene.

STS-34 crewmembers, wearing launch and entry suits (LESs), stand in front of Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104, on Runway 23 dry lake bed at Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB), California. Left to right are Pilot Michael J. McCulley, Commander Donald E. Williams, Mission Specialist (MS) Ellen S. Baker, MS Franklin R. Chang-Diaz, and MS Shannon W. Lucid. Ground crews service OV-104 in the background.

STS036-S-008 (3 March 1990) --- The crewmembers for STS-36 egress the Shuttle Atlantis following touchdown at Edwards Air Force Base in California. NASA officials stand nearby awaiting to greet (from bottom to top of the steps) Astronauts John O. Creighton, John H. Casper, Pierre J. Thuot, David C. Hilmers and Richard M. (Mike) Mullane. At right are Dr. William B. Lenoir (left) acting associate administrator for space flight; and Donald R. Puddy, director of flight crew operations.

STS027-11-012 (2-6 Dec. 1988) --- The crew members for the STS-27 space flight pose on the flight deck of the Earth-orbiting space shuttle Atlantis with a football free-floating in the foreground. Left to right are astronauts Robert L. Gibson, commander; Richard M. (Mike) Mullane, Jerry L. Ross and William M. Shepherd, mission specialists; and Guy S. Gardner, pilot. The football was later presented to the National Football League (NFL) at halftime of the Super Bowl in Miami. Photo credit: NASA

STS046-33-028 (4 Aug. 1992) --- With the possibility of an extravehicular activity (EVA) being added to the agenda, the two EVA-trained crew members begin their "pre-breathe" period on the space shuttle Atlantis' flight deck. Astronauts Jeffrey A. Hoffman (left), payload commander, and Franklin R. Chang-Diaz, mission specialist, reported to this station and began the "pre-breathe" process when problems developed during the extension of the Tethered Satellite System (TSS). When the human body is exposed to a sudden decrease in atmospheric pressure (for instance, from the 10.2 ppsi in the crew cabin to the 4.5 ppsi of the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuit), nitrogen traces in the bloodstream will expand. This expansion can create tiny bubbles and potential for the "bends". In order to lessen the effect, an astronaut must "pre-breathe" pure oxygen (the same pure oxygen that he will breathe in the suit) to help "purge" nitrogen from his/her bloodstream before exerting him/herself in the low-pressure environment of the suit. The "pre-breathe" exercise and the EVA turned out to be not needed as the TSS operations were resumed by remote operations.

STS-36 crewmembers egress Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104, via mobile stairway following touchdown on Runway 23 drylake bed at Edwards Air Force Base (EAFB), California. Commander John O. Creighton, leading crewmembers down the stairway, is followed by Pilot John H. Casper, Mission Specialist (MS) Pierre J. Thuot, MS David C. Hilmers, and MS Richard M. Mullane. On the runway, Acting NASA Associate Administrator for Space Flight Dr. William B. Lenoir, JSC Flight Crew Operations Directorate Director Donald R. Puddy, and JSC Astronaut Office Acting Chief Michael L. Coats wait to greet crewmembers.

Stennis Space Center Director Patrick Scheuermann (r) welcomes members of the STS-135 space shuttle crew Aug. 11, marking a 'wheels stop' celebration of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program. The STS-135 mission was the last for the program. During the Aug. 11 visit, mission astronauts reported on their mission and spent time visiting with center employees.

Stennis Space Center Director Patrick Scheuermann (r) welcomes members of the STS-135 space shuttle crew Aug. 11, marking a 'wheels stop' celebration of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program. The STS-135 mission was the last for the program. During the Aug. 11 visit, mission astronauts reported on their mission and spent time visiting with center employees.

STS044-S-001 (July 1991) --- Designed by the participating crew members, the STS-44 patch shows the space shuttle Atlantis shortly after liftoff as it rolls to ascend into orbit. The orbital path illustrated by the red, white and blue of the stylized American flag represents the American contribution and strength derived from this mission. The black background of space, indicative of the mysteries of the universe, is illuminated by six large stars, which depict the American crew of six and the hopes that travel with them. The smaller stars represent the myriad of unheralded Americans who work in support of this mission. Within the shuttle's payload bay is a Defense Support Program (DSP) Satellite which will help insure peace. The stars of the flag symbolize our leadership in an exciting quest of space and the boundless dreams for mankind's future. In the words of a crew spokesman, "the stars of the flag symbolize our leadership in an exciting quest of space and the boundless dreams for humanity's future." The NASA insignia design for space shuttle flights is reserved for use by the astronauts and for other official use as the NASA Administrator may authorize. Public availability has been approved only in the forms of illustrations by the various news media. When and if there is any change in this policy, which is not anticipated, the change will be publicly announced. Photo credit: NASA

STS046-14-013 (4 Aug. 1992) --- Five of the seven crew members squeezed into this busy scene on the Space Shuttle Atlantis' flight deck during operations with the Tethered Satellite System (TSS). Pictured are, left to right, Franklin R. Chang-Diaz, Loren J. Shriver, Claude Nicollier, Franco Malerba and Andrew M. Allen. Not pictured are astronauts Jeffrey A. Hoffman and Marsha S. Ivins. Mission specialist Ivins used a 35mm camera with a 16mm lens to take this picture.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-114 Mission Specialists Charles Camarda and Andy Thomas, who were recently added to the crew, look at the nose cap recently removed from Atlantis. The STS-114 crew is at KSC to take part in crew equipment and orbiter familiarization.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-114 crew members look at the reinforced carbon-carbon panels on the wing of Atlantis. From top to bottom are Commander Eileen Collins and Mission Specialists Charles Camarda and Andrew Thomas. The STS-114 crew is at KSC to take part in crew equipment and orbiter familiarization.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-114 Mission Specialist Andy Thomas takes a close look at the some of the tiles underneath Atlantis. Thomas is a new addition to the mission crew. The STS-114 crew is at KSC to take part in crew equipment and orbiter familiarization.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-114 Mission Specialist Andy Thomas takes a close look at the some of the tiles underneath Atlantis. Thomas is a new addition to the mission crew. The STS-114 crew is at KSC to take part in crew equipment and orbiter familiarization.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-114 Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence takes a close look at the some of the tiles underneath Atlantis. Lawrence is a new addition to the mission crew. The STS-114 crew is at KSC to take part in crew equipment and orbiter familiarization.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-114 crew members look at the reinforced carbon-carbon panels on the wing of Atlantis. From left are Mission Specialists Charles Camarda and Andrew Thomas and Commander Eileen Collins. The STS-114 crew is at KSC to take part in crew equipment and orbiter familiarization.

STS037-18-032 (7 April 1991) --- Astronaut Jerry L. Ross, mission specialist, peers into Space Shuttle Atlantis' cabin and is photographed by a fellow crew member using a 35mm camera. Ross was in the space shuttle's cargo bay to join astronaut Jerome (Jay) Apt in accomplishing a repair task on the Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO), seen in left frame. The two had been called upon to manually extend the high-gain antenna on GRO.

STS046-S-001 (May 1992) --- Designed by the crew members assigned to the flight, the crew patch depicts the space shuttle Atlantis in orbit around Earth, accompanied by major payloads: the European Retrievable Carrier (EURECA) and the Tethered Satellite System (TSS-1). In the depiction, EURECA has been activated and released, its antennae and solar arrays deployed, and it is about to start its ten-month scientific mission. The tethered satellite is linked to the orbiter by a 20-kilometer tether. The purple beam emanating from an electron generator in the payload bay spirals around Earth's magnetic field. The TSS mission will study the dynamics and electrodynamics of tethered systems in space and the physics of Earth's ionosphere. Visible on Earth's surface are the United States of America and the thirteen-member countries of the European Space Agency (ESA), in particular, Italy - partner with the United States in the TSS program. The American and Italian flags, as well as the ESA logo, further serve to illustrate the international character of STS-46. The NASA insignia design for space shuttle flights is reserved for use by the astronauts and for other official use as the NASA Administrator may authorize. Public availability has been approved only in the forms of illustrations by the various news media. When and if there is any change in this policy, which is not anticipated, the change will be publicly announced. Photo credit: NASA

STS076-S-001 (November 1995) --- The STS-76 crew patch depicts the space shuttle Atlantis and Russia's Mir Space Station as the space ships prepare for a rendezvous and docking. The "Spirit of 76," an era of new beginnings, is represented by the space shuttle rising through the circle of 13 stars in the Betsy Ross flag. STS-76 begins a new period of international cooperation in space exploration with the first shuttle transport of a United States astronaut, Shannon W. Lucid, to the Mir Space Station for extended joint space research. Frontiers for future exploration are represented by stars and the planets. The three gold trails and the ring of stars in union form the astronaut logo. Two suited extravehicular activity (EVA) crew members in the outer ring represent the first EVA during Shuttle-Mir docked operations. The EVA objectives are to install science experiments on the Mir exterior and to develop procedures for future EVA's on the International Space Station. The surnames of the crew members encircle the patch: Kevin P. Chilton, mission commander; Richard A. Searfoss, pilot; Ronald M. Sega, Michael R. ( Rich) Clifford, Linda M. Godwin and Lucid, all mission specialists. This patch was designed by Brandon Clifford, age 12, and the crew members of STS-76. The NASA insignia design for space shuttle flights is reserved for use by the astronauts and for other official use as the NASA Administrator may authorize. Public availability has been approved only in the forms of illustrations by the various news media. When and if there is any change in this policy, which is not anticipated, the change will be publicly announced. Photo credit: NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-114 Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson takes a close look at the some of the tiles underneath Atlantis. The STS-114 crew is at KSC to take part in crew equipment and orbiter familiarization.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-114 Mission Commander Eileen Collins looks closely at a reinforced carbon-carbon panel on the wing of Atlantis. She and other crew members are at KSC to take part in crew equipment and orbiter familiarization.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-114 Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence looks at an reinforced carbon-carbon panel ready to be installed on Atlantis. Lawrence is a new addition to the mission crew, who are at KSC to take part in crew equipment and orbiter familiarization.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-114 Mission Specialists Soichi Noguchi and Stephen Robinson take a close look at the some of the tiles underneath Atlantis. Noguchi is with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA. The STS-114 crew is at KSC to take part in crew equipment and orbiter familiarization.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-114 Pilot James Kelly (center) and Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence, who was recently added to the mission crew, look at the nose cap recently removed from Atlantis. The STS-114 crew is at KSC to take part in equipment familiarization.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Astronaut Stephen Frick takes a close look at a reinforced carbon-carbon panel to be installed on orbiter Atlantis. Frick is a tile specialist, who joined the STS-114 crew during crew equipment and orbiter familiarization in the Orbiter Processing Facility.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-114 Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson looks closely at the tiles underneath the orbiter Atlantis. The STS-114 crew is at KSC to take part in crew equipment and orbiter familiarization.

The crew of STS-98 poses for a group photo shortly before leaving NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center after a successful landing of the Space Shuttle Atlantis the day before. L to R: Mission Specialists Robert L. Curbeam, Thomas D. Jones, and Marsha S. Ivins, Commander Kenneth D. Cockrell, and Pilot Mark L. Polansky.

Commander Brent Jett (center) talks with employees and visitors at NASA Stennis Space Center. The astronauts of NASA's STS-115 space shuttle mission visited SSC in south Mississippi to share highlights of their 12-day mission and to thank SSC employees for the reliability of the space shuttle's main engines, which helped propel Space Shuttle Atlantis into orbit. STS-115's other crewmembers are (from left) Mission Specialists Joe Tanner, Dan Burbank, Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve MacLean of the Canadian Space Agency. The mission launched Sept. 9, 2006, resuming construction of the International Space Station.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-114 crew members look at the nose cap recently removed from Atlantis. From left are Mission Specialists Charles Camarda, Soichi Noguchi, and Andy Thomas. Camarda and Thomas are new additions to the crew. Noguchi is with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA. The STS-114 crew is at KSC to take part in crew equipment and orbiter familiarization.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-114 crew members look at the nose cap recently removed from Atlantis. From left are Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence, Commander Eileen Collins and Pilot James Kelly (behind Collins). Lawrence is a new addition to the mission crew. The STS-114 crew is at KSC to take part in crew equipment and orbiter familiarization.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-114 crew members look at the tiles underneath Atlantis. From left are Mission Specialists Stephen Robinson, Soichi Noguchi and Charles Camarada, who is a new addition to the crew. Noguchi is with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA. The STS-114 crew is at KSC to take part in crew equipment and orbiter familiarization.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-114 crew members look at the tiles on the wing of Atlantis. In the foreground is Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence, who is a new addition to the mission crew. Behind her is Mission Specialist Charles Camarda, also a new addition. The STS-114 crew is at KSC to take part in crew equipment and orbiter familiarization.

DFRC Center Director Kevin Petersen greets STS-117 Commander Frederick Sturckow and the crew of the Space Shuttle Atlantis at Edwards, AFB, Calif., on June 22, 2007. Left to right: DFRC Center Director Kevin Petersen, Commander Frederick Sturckow, Pilot Lee Archambault, and mission specialists Patrick Forrester, Steven Swanson and John D. Olivas.

The crew of Space Shuttle mission STS-117 gathered in front of the shuttle Atlantis following landing at Edwards Air Force Base, California, June 22, 2007. From left to right: mission specialists Patrick Forrester and Steven Swanson, Commander Frederick Sturckow, Pilot Lee Archambault, and mission specialists John D. Olivas and James Reilly II.

STS046-12-009 (31 July-8 Aug. 1992) --- The seven crew members for the STS-46 mission pose for the traditional in-flight portrait onboard the Earth-orbiting space shuttle Atlantis. In the rear are, left to right, astronauts Loren J. Shriver, commander; Andrew M. Allen, pilot; and Franklin R. Chang-Diaz, mission specialist. In front are, left to right, Swiss scientist Claude Nicollier, mission specialist representing the European Space Agency (ESA); astronaut Jeffrey A. Hoffman, payload commander; astronaut Marsha S. Ivins, mission specialist; and Franco Malerba, payload specialist representing the Italian Space Agency (ASI).

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-114 crew members look at the tiles underneath Atlantis. From left (in flight suits) are Mission Specialists Stephen Robinson and Andy Thomas, Commander Eileen Collins and, at right, Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi, who is with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA. Accompanying them is Glenda Laws, EVA Task Leader, with United Space Alliance at Johnson Space Center. The STS-114 crew is at KSC to take part in crew equipment and orbiter familiarization.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-114 crew look up at the payload bay of orbiter Atlantis. From left (in flight suits) are Mission Specialists Andrew Thomas, Stephen Robinson and Charles Camarda, and Mission Commander Eileen Collins. The STS-114 crew is at KSC to take part in crew equipment and orbiter familiarization.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-114 crew members look at the tiles underneath Atlantis. From center, left to right (in uniform), are Pilot James Kelly, Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi, Mission Specialists Wendy Lawrence and Stephen Robinson. Accompanying them at left Glenda Laws, EVA Task Leader, with United Space Alliance at Johnson Space Center. Noguchi is with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA. The STS-114 crew is at KSC to take part in crew equipment and orbiter familiarization.

STS043-04-032 (11 Aug 1991) --- STS-43 Pilot Michael A. Baker, wearing sunglasses, reviews a checklist on the aft flight deck of Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104. He is monitoring data associated with the Space Station Heat Pipe Advanced Radiator Element II (SHARE-II) located in OV-104's payload bay (PLB) from his position in front of the aft flight deck viewing windows. Behind Baker are the closed circuit television (CCTV) monitors and above his head is overhead window W8.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-81 Mission Specialist Jeff Wisoff prepares to enter the Space Shuttle Atlantis at Launch Pad 39B with help from White Room closeout crew members Danny Wyatt (center) and Al Rochford.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-81 Mission Commander Michael Baker prepares to enter the Space Shuttle Atlantis at Launch Pad 39B with help from White Room closeout crew members Chris Meinert (left) and Danny Wyatt.

STS-132 CREW CEIT - ATLANTIS

STS-132 CREW CEIT - ATLANTIS

STS-132 CREW CEIT - ATLANTIS

STS-132 CREW CEIT - ATLANTIS

STS-132 CREW CEIT - ATLANTIS

STS-132 CREW CEIT - ATLANTIS

STS-132 CREW CEIT - ATLANTIS

STS-132 CREW CEIT - ATLANTIS

STS-132 CREW CEIT - ATLANTIS

STS-132 CREW CEIT - ATLANTIS

STS-132 CREW CEIT - ATLANTIS

STS-132 CREW CEIT - ATLANTIS

STS-132 CREW CEIT - ATLANTIS

STS-132 CREW CEIT - ATLANTIS

STS-132 CREW CEIT - ATLANTIS

STS-132 CREW CEIT - ATLANTIS

STS-132 CREW CEIT - ATLANTIS

STS104-337-004 (12-24 July 2001) --- The STS-104 astronauts took a moment from a busy agenda to pose for their traditional in-flight crew portrait. In front are astronauts Steven W. Lindsey (left) and Charles O. Hobaugh, commander and pilot, respectively. From left in back are astronauts Michael L. Gernhardt, Janet L. Kavandi and James F. Reilly, all mission specialists.

S125-E-006596 (12 May 2009) --- Astronauts Michael Good (left), Megan McArthur and Andrew Feustel, all STS-125 mission specialists, pose for a photo on the middeck of Space Shuttle Atlantis during flight day two activities.

S125-E-012204 (20 May 2009) --- The crewmembers for the STS-125 mission pose for a photo following a news conference from the flight deck of the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Atlantis. Pictured on the front row are astronauts Scott Altman (center), commander; Gregory C. Johnson, pilot; and Megan McArthur, mission specialist. Pictured on the back row (left to right) are astronauts Michael Good, Mike Massimino, John Grunsfeld and Andrew Feustel, all mission specialists.

STS076-345-028 (22 - 31 March 1996) --- Onboard the Base Block Module of Russia's Mir Space Station the visiting STS-76 crew members enjoy Russian food. At right is astronaut Kevin P. Chilton, mission commander, who along with his crew mates docked with Mir on March 23, 1996, and remained linked until March 28, 1996. Left to right are astronauts Shannon W. Lucid, Linda M. Godwin and Michael R. (Rich) Clifford, all mission specialists, along with Richard A. Searfoss, pilot. The right hand of payload commander Ronald M. Sega is at right edge. Lucid was in the process of transferring from STS-76 to the Mir-21 crew, which thereby grew from two to three members. Lucid will remain aboard Mir for approximately 140 days, as a cosmonaut guest researcher.

S125-E-006592 (12 May 2009) --- Astronauts Megan McArthur, Mike Massimino (center) and Andrew Feustel, all STS-125 mission specialists, prepare to eat a meal on the middeck of the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Atlantis.

STS036-21-032 (3 March 1990) --- The five astronaut crewmembers for STS-36 pose for an inflight group portrait on the forward flight deck of Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104. They are (left to right) Commander John O. Creighton, Mission Specialist (MS) David C. Hilmers, MS Richard M. Mullane, MS Pierre J. Thuot, and Pilot John H. Casper. Creighton is positioned in the commanders seat and Casper in the pilot?s seat. Overhead control panels appear above the astronauts. The astronauts spent four days, 10 hours and 19 minutes aboard OV-104 for the Department of Defense (DOD) dedicated mission.

STS037-29-002 (5-11 April 1991) --- Astronauts Linda M. Godwin and Jerry L. Ross perform a balancing act on Atlantis' middeck. With little effort Godwin is able to hold Ross up near the ceiling with her index finger. Although the area the two occupy is very small, a number of articles are seen, including two sleep restraints, the escape pole and Bioserve ITA Materials Dispersion Apparatus bioprocessing test bed (attached to stowage lockers at left). This was one of the visuals used by the STS-37 crewmembers during their April 19 post-flight press conference at the Johnson Space Center (JSC).

STS038-S-040 (20 Nov 1990) --- STS-38 crewmembers, wearing red, yellow, and orange polo shirts, pose in front of Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104, parked on runway 33 at Kennedy Space Center's (KSC) Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) during post flight activities. Left to right are Commander Richard O. Covey, Mission Specialist (MS) Robert C. Springer, MS Charles D. Gemar, Pilot Frank L. Culbertson, and MS Carl J. Meade.

STS081-E-05535 (17 Jan. 1997) --- Seven NASA astronauts and two Russian cosmonauts take a break from busy supply-transfer duties on the space shuttle Atlantis' middeck halfway through the ten-day mission. Left to right at bottom of the frame are mission specialists Peter J. K. (Jeff) Wisoff, John E. Blaha, Marsha S. Ivins and cosmonaut Aleksandr Y. Kaleri, Mir-22 flight engineer. In the top half of the scene are, from the top left, Brent W. Jett, Jr., pilot; John M. Grunsfeld, mission specialist; Jerry M. Linenger, cosmonaut guest researcher; Michael A. Baker, commander; and cosmonaut Valeri G. Korzun, Mir-22 commander. The picture was recorded with a pre-set 35mm Electronic Still Camera (ESC).

ISS021-E-30646 (21 Nov. 2009) --- This is a high-angle view of the crew cabin of the space shuttle Atlantis during the second space walk of Atlantis' visit to the International Space Station.

The crew of the Space Shuttle Atlantis gives the "all's well" thumb's-up sign after leaving the 100-ton orbiter following their landing at 6:55 a.m. (PDT), 11 April 1991, at NASA's Ames Dryden Flight Research Facility (later redesignated Dryden Flight Research Center), Edwards, California, to conclude mission STS-37. They are, from left, Kenneth D. Cameron, pilot; Steven R. Nagel, mission commander; and mission specialists Linda M. Godwin, Jerry L. Ross, and Jay Apt. During the mission,which began with launch April 5 at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, the crew deployed the Gamma Ray Observatory. Ross and Jay also carried out two spacewalks, one to deploy an antenna on the Gamma Ray Observatory and the other to test equipment and mobility techniques for the construction of the future Space Station. The planned five-day mission was extended one day because of high winds at Edwards.

STS034-06-025 (18-23 Oct. 1989) --- Astronaut Donald E. Williams spent a portion of the five-day STS-34 flight at Atlantis' commander's station and, as evidenced by his countenance in this posed photo, appeared to enjoy his second spaceflight, his first as a mission commander. Astronaut Michael J. McCulley, pilot, leans over the pilot's station at right. This 35mm scene was in the first 12 photos released by NASA on Oct. 24, 1989.

STS036-01-014 (28 Feb-3 Mar 1990) --- Astronaut John O. Creighton, STS-36 mission commander, aims a 70mm Hasselblad camera through Atlantis' aft windows. The Hasselblad is primarily used for out the window shots, mostly those that feature subjects on Earth. Creighton and four other astronauts spent four and a half days in space for the DOD-devoted mission.

STS036-03-013 (28 Feb–3 March 1990) --- Astronaut Richard M. (Mike) Mullane, on the aft flight deck of the Earth-orbiting Atlantis, uses the 70mm Hasselblad camera to record Earth imagery. Mullane and four other NASA astronauts spent four days, 10 hours and 19 minutes aboard the spacecraft for the DOD-devoted mission.

STS036-03-014 (28 Feb-3 March 1990) --- Astronaut David C. Hilmers, on the aft flight deck of the Earth-orbiting Atlantis, prepares to use the large-format Aero Linhof camera used for recording of Earth imagery. Hilmers and four other NASA astronauts spent four days, 10 hours and 19 minutes aboard the spacecraft for the DOD-devoted mission.

STS-36 Mission Specialist (MS) David C. Hilmers points the large-format AEROLINHOF camera out overhead window W7 on the aft flight deck of Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104. Hilmers records Earth imagery using the camera. Hilmers and four other astronauts spent four days, 10 hours and 19 minutes aboard OV-104 for the Department of Defense (DOD) devoted mission.