S92-48766 (23 Oct. 1992) --- Astronaut Guion S. Bluford Jr.

S78-35290 (31 Jan. 1978) --- Astronaut Guion S. Bluford, mission specialist.

S79-28602 (2 March 1979) --- Astronaut candidate Guion S. Bluford and Aviation Safety Officer Charles F. Hayes got a unique perspective of their environment during a zero gravity flight. They are aboard a KC-135 aircraft, which flies a special pattern repeatedly to afford a series of 30-seconds-of-weightlessness sessions. Bluford and Hayes are being assisted by C. P. Stanley of the photography branch of the photographic technology division at Johnson Space Center (JSC). Some medical studies and a motion sickness experiment were conducted on this particular flight. Bluford is one of 20 scientist-astronaut candidates who began training at JSC in July of 1978. Photo credit: NASA

STS008-04-104 (13 Sept 1983) --- Richard H. Truly, crew commander; and Guion S. Bluford, mission specialist, merely fold their arms and stretch out for rest session.

White House My Brother's Keeper Program with Administrator Bolden, Center Director Scolese having lunch with Bluford Drew Jemison STEM Academy

White House My Brother's Keeper Program with Administrator Bolden, Center Director Scolese having lunch with Bluford Drew Jemison STEM Academy

The STS-53 crew portrait included astronauts (front left to right): Guion S. Bluford, and James S. Voss, mission specialists. On the back row, left to right, are David M. Walker, commander; Robert D. Cabana, Pilot; and Michael R. (Rick) Clifford, mission specialist. The crew launched aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on December 2, 1992 at 8:24:00 am (EST). This mission marked the final classified shuttle flight for the Department of Defense (DOD).

STS008-13-0361 (30 Aug.-5 Sept. 1983) --- Astronaut Guion S. Bluford, STS-8 mission specialist, assists Dr. William E. Thornton (out of frame) with a medical test that requires use of the treadmill exercising device designed for spaceflight by the STS-8 medical doctor. This frame was shot with a 35mm camera. Photo credit: NASA

S90-54755 (13 Dec 1990) --- Astronaut Guion S. Bluford, Jr., STS-39 Mission Specialist wearing launch and entry suit (LES) and launch and entry helmet (LEH), is suspended above JSC's Weightless Environment Training Facility (WETF) Bldg 29 pool via his parachute harness. Bluford will be dropped from the harness into the WETF's 25 ft deep pool to simulate an emergency egress bailout from the Space Shuttle into the ocean.

S90-44106 (August 1990) --- Astronaut Guion S. Bluford, mission specialist for STS-39, wearing part of an extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) spacesuit, prepares to participate in a training session for the scheduled March 1991 spaceflight. Soon after this picture was taken, Bluford was lowered into water by a hoist device for the underwater rehearsal of a contingency EVA. The scene is in the Johnson Space Center's weightless environment training facility (WET-F) which houses a 25-ft. deep pool (visible in right background).

S92-49644 (1994) --- STS-53 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, Mission Specialist (MS) Guion S. Bluford (left) and MS James S. Voss, wearing launch and entry suits (LESs), listen to instructions prior to launch emergency egress bailout training. Bluford and Voss, along with the other STS-53 crewmembers, will practice bailout procedures in JSC's crew compartment trainer (CCT) located in the Mockup and Integration Laboratory (MAIL) Bldg 9NE

The crew assigned to the STS-61A mission included (front row left to right) Reinhard Furrer, German payload specialist; Bonnie J. Dunbar, mission specialist; and Henry W. Hartsfield, Jr. commander. On the back row, left to right, are Steven R. Nagel, pilot; Guion S. Bluford, mission specialist; Ernst Messerscmid, German payload specialist; and Wubbo J. Ockels, Dutch payload specialist. Launched aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger on October 30, 1985 at 12:00:00 noon (EST), the STS-61A mission’s primary payload was the Spacelab D-1 (German Spacelab mission).

S90-44118 (August 1990) --- Astronaut Guion S. Bluford, mission specialist for STS-39, wearing an extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) spacesuit, is lowered by a hoist device prior to participating in an underwater rehearsal of a contingency EVA. The scene is in the Johnson Space Center's weightless environment training facility (WET-F) which houses a 25-ft. deep pool (visible in background).

Astronaut -Candidate (ASCAN) Guion S. Bluford and Aviation Safety Officer Charles F. Hayes got a unique perspective of their environment during a zero- gravity flight. They are aboard a KC-135 Aircraft, which flies a special pattern repeatedly to afford a series of 30-seconds-of-weightlessness sessions. Astronauts Bluford and Hayes are being assisted by C. P. Stanley of the Photography Branch of the Photographic Technology Division (PTD) at Johnson Space Center (JSC). Some medical studies and a Motion Sickness Experiment were conducted on this particular flight. Astronaut Bluford is one of 20 Scientist/ASCAN's who began training at JSC, 07/1978. 1. Dr. Jeffrey A. Hoffman - Zero-G 2. ASCAN Shannon Lucid - Zero-G 3. ASCAN Guion Bluford - Zero-G

S83-36612 (13 July 1983) --- Astronaut Guion S. Bluford, STS-8 mission specialist, thinks over a question directed to him by a news media representative during his crew?s pre-flight press conference on July 13, 1983. Major Bluford is one of three mission specialists on the five-man STS-8 Challenger crew of astronauts.

STS053-01-034 (2-9 Dec 1992) --- From the Space Shuttle Discovery's aft flight deck, astronaut Guion S. Bluford, mission specialist, uses a handheld 70mm Hasselblad to photograph a point on Earth. Bluford was joined by four other NASA astronauts for the eight-day mission in Earth-orbit, dedicated to the Department of Defense (DOD).

S84-47032 (13 Dec 1984) --- Candid view of part of the STS 61-A crew. From left to right are Reinhard Furrer, Wubbo Ockels, Guion S. Bluford, Bonnie J. Dunbar and Ernst Messerschmid.

STS008-16-454 (30 Aug-5 Sept 1983) --- Following a precedent set early two decades ago during the Gemini program, three members of the STS-8 astronaut crew aboard the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Challenger reveal their military backgrounds and loyalties. Astronauts (left to right) Dale A. Gardner, Richard H. Truly and Daniel C. Brandenstein leave no mystery as to their alma mater and gridiron sentimentalities as they display U.S. Navy stickers. The trio was photographed by Astronaut Guion S. Bluford on the flight deck. Truly is crew commander; Brandenstein, pilot; and Gardner and Bluford, along with Dr. William E. Thornton are all mission specialists for this six-day flight.

S83-33032 (23 May 1983) --- Astronauts Guion S. Bluford, right, and Daniel C. Brandenstein man their respective Challenger entry and ascent stations in the Shuttle Mission Simulator (SMS) at NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) during a training session for the STS-8 mission. Brandenstein is in the pilot's station, while Bluford, a mission specialist, occupies one of the two aft flight deck seats. Both are wearing civilian clothes for this training exercise. This motion based simulator represents the scene of a great deal of training and simulation activity, leading up to crew preparedness for Space Transportation System (STS) mission. Photo credt: NASA/Otis Imboden, National Geographic

STS039-07-017 (28 April - 6 May 1991) --- The seven member astronaut crew for the STS-39 mission poses on the middeck of the Earth-orbiting space shuttle Discovery for an in-flight crew portrait. Left to right (front) are astronauts Donald R. McMonagle, Michael L. Coats, Charles L. (Lacy) Veach and Gregory J. Harbaugh; and left to right (rear) are astronauts Guion S. Bluford Jr., L. Blaine Hammond and Richard J. Hieb. Photo credit: NASA

S83-37627 (26 July 1983) --- Dr. William E. Thornton, right, and Guion S. Bluford both mission specialists for STS-8, demonstrate an on-orbit experiment in the Johnson Space Center?s one-g trainer for the Shuttle orbiter. The treadmill device was designed by Dr. Thornton and has been used on previous spaceflights. The third Challenger mission has been scheduled for late August and early September of this year. This photograph was taken by Otis Imboden.

STS039-610-037 (28 April-6 May 1991) --- Numerous atmospheric scattering layers over Earth are apparent in this frame. The layers consist of fine particles suspended in very stable layers of the atmosphere. This photo was taken with a 70mm Rolliflex camera during the Space Shuttle Discovery's eight day mission. Crew members onboard were astronauts Michael L. Coats, L. Blaine Hammond, Guion S. Bluford, Richard J. Hieb, Gregory J. Harbaugh, Donald R. McMonagle and Charles L. (Lacy) Veach.

S90-52756 (December 1990) --- NASA's STS-39 crew members, wearing their partial pressure launch and entry suits, pose for traditional portrait. Left to right are astronauts Charles L. (Lacy) Veach, Donald R. McMonagle, Gregory J. Harbaugh, Michael L. Coats, L. Blaine Hammond Jr., Richard J. Hieb and Guion S. Bluford Jr. Coats is mission commander; Hammond, pilot, and the others are mission specialists. Photo credit: NASA

STS053-S-085 (9 Dec. 1992) --- The drag chute on the space shuttle Discovery is partially deployed during landing on Runway 22 at Edwards Air Force Base. The landing ended an eight-day space mission for the STS-53 crew. Main gear touchdown occurred at 12:43:17 p.m. (PST) on Dec. 9, 1992. Onboard were astronauts David M. Walker, Robert D. Cabana, Guion S. Bluford Jr., James S. Voss and Michael R.U. (Rich) Clifford.

S91-26674 (23 Jan 1991) --- Astronaut Michael L. Coats, mission commander, listens attentively as a news media representative (out of frame) queries the STS-39 crewmembers during a pre-flight press briefing. The others, pictured left to right, are Astronauts Guion (Guy) S. Bluford, C. Lacy Veach, Gregory J. Harbaugh, Richard J. Hieb, Donald R. McMonagle and L. Blaine Hammond Jr.

STS039-S-051 (28 April 1991) --- In KSC's Operations and Checkout Building, a very light breakfast is shared by the seven members of the STS-39 flight crew prior to their April 28, 1991 launch. Left to right are astronauts Donald R. McMonagle, Guion S. Bluford Jr., L. Blaine Hammond, Michael L. Coats, Gregory J. Harbaugh, Richard J. Hieb and Charles L. (Lacy) Veach. Launch occurred at 7:33:14 a.m. (EDT), April 28, 1991.

S83-38479 (16 Aug 1983) --- STS-8 crew poses at pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) during a session with the news media. From left to right are Astronauts Dale A. Gardner, Guion S. Bluford, and Dr. William E. Thornton, all mission specialists; Daniel C. Brandenstein, pilot; and Richard F. Truly, crew commander.

STS053-13-021 (2-9 Dec 1992) --- The five astronauts flying aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery for the mission pose for the traditional in-flight crew portrait. Left to right are astronauts Guion S. Bluford, mission specialist; Michael R. U. (Rich) Clifford, mission specialist; David M. Walker, mission commander; James S. Voss, mission specialist; and Robert D. Cabana, pilot.

STS053-S-056 (2 Dec 1992) --- The Space Shuttle Discovery, with a crew of five astronauts onboard, launches from Kennedy Space Center's (KSC) Pad 39A at 8:24:00 a.m. (EST), December 2, 1992. The all military crew supporting the Department of Defense (DOD) flight included astronauts David M. Walker, Robert D. Cabana, Guion S. Bluford Jr., James S. Voss and Michael R. U. (Rick) Clifford.

S91-26676 (23 Jan 1991) --- The five mission specialists assigned to the STS-39 Shuttle mission are pictured during a pre-flight press briefing. Pictured left to right are Astronauts Guion (Guy) S. Bluford, C. Lacy Veach, Gregory J. Harbaugh, Richard J. Hieb and Donald R. McMonagle. McMonagle uses models to demonstrate deployment of the infrared background signature survey (IBSS) satellite. Astronauts Michael L. Coats, mission commander, and L. Blaine Hammond Jr., pilot, are out of frame at right.

S85-43139 (20 Sept 1985) --- Four members of the STS 61-A/Spacelab D-1 crew and two technicians are shown with a vestibular sled experiment for they will use for extensive research and testing late October and early November are (background, left to right), Astronaut Bonnie J. Dunbar, Reinhard Furrer, Ernst Messerschmid and Guion S. Bluford Jr. The seat shown can be moved back and forth with precisley adjusted accelerations along the fixed rails on the floor of the Spacelab aisle.

S83-39513 (30 Aug. 1983) --- NASA's eighth space shuttle launch lights up the Florida sky at 2:32 a.m. (EDT), Aug. 30, 1983. The Challenger's third flight is the first to have its beginnings in darkness. Five astronauts and an assortment of experiments are aboard the reusable vehicle. Crew members are astronauts Richard H. Truly, STS-8 commander; Daniel C. Brandenstein, pilot; and Dale A. Gardner, Guion S. Bluford and William E. Thornton, all mission specialists. Photo credit: NASA

61A-S-016 (30 Oct 1985) --- Standing near their pre-flight breakfast table are the eight crewmembers for the STS 61-A/Spacelab D1 mission. L.-R., Guion S. Bluford, Wubbo J. Ockels, Steven R. Nagel, Henry W. Hartsfield, Bonnie J. Dunbar, Ernst Messerschmid, Reinhard Furrer and James F. Buchli, discuss their upcoming week in space.

STS053-S-002 (September 1992) --- These five astronauts have been assigned to fly aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery for the mission, scheduled for launch in November of this year. Pictured are, left to right (front), Guion S. Bluford and James S. Voss, mission specialists; and (back row) David M. Walker, mission commander; Robert D. Cabana, pilot and Michael R. U. (Rich) Clifford, mission specialist. The photograph was made in the new Space Center Houston (SCH) facility.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS053-(S)-002 -- STS-53 Crew Portrait -- These five astronauts have been assigned to fly aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery for the STS-53 mission, scheduled for launch in November of this year. Pictured are, left to right (front), Guion S. Bluford and James S. Voss, mission specialists; and (back row) David M. Walker, mission commander; Robert D. Cabana, pilot; and Michael R.U. (Rich) Clifford, mission specialist. The photograph was made in the new Space Center Houston facility

STS053-S-058 (2 Dec. 1992) --- The space shuttle Discovery, with a crew of five astronauts onboard, launches from Kennedy Space Center's (KSC) Pad 39A at 8:24:00 a.m. (EST), Dec. 2, 1992. The all military crew supporting the Department of Defense (DOD) flight included astronauts David M. Walker, Robert D. Cabana, Guion S. Bluford, Jr., James S. Voss and Michael R. U. (Rich) Clifford.

S91-26681 (23 Jan 1991) --- Astronaut C. Lacy Veach (right), STS-39 mission specialist, uses a model to explain some anticipated spacecraft maneuvers during a pre-flight press briefing. Astronaut Guion S. (Guy) Bluford, one of six other crewmembers assigned to the flight, listens at left. The STS-39 mission is scheduled for early March.

S83-39237 (6 Aug 1983) --- The five astronaut crewmembers of NASA?s STS-8 mission leave the operations and checkout building at the Kennedy Space during a rehearsal for their August 30 launch at KSC?s launch complex 39. They are, from the right, Astronauts Richard H. Truly, commander; Daniel C. Brandenstein, pilot; and Guion S. Bluford, Dale A. Gardner and William E. Thornton, all mission specialists.

61A-01-030 (30 Oct.-6 Nov. 1985) --- Mission specialist Guion S. Bluford prepares to perform a physics experiment onboard the D-1 science module in the cargo bay of the earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Challenger. In the backgroud, three European payload specialists busy themselves with experiment chores: (L-R) Wubbo J. Ockels (partially obscured), Reinhard Furrer and Ernst Messerschmid.

STS039-S-048 (28 April 1991)--- This side view of liftoff of the Space Shuttle Discovery was provided by a pre-set camera at KSC's Launch Pad 39A. Launch occurred at 7:33:14 a.m. (EDT), April 28, 1991. Onboard were astronauts Michael L. Coats, L. Blaine Hammond, Guion S. Bluford Jr., Charles L. (Lacy) Veach, Richard J. Hieb, Gregory J. Harbaugh and Donald R. McMonagle.

STS039-S-003 (20 April 1991) --- Astronaut Michael L. Coats (right) addresses the news media after arriving at the Shuttle Landing Facility along with his six fellow crewmembers. From left are astronauts Richard J. Hieb, L. Blaine Hammond, Guion S. Bluford, Charles L. (Lacy) Veach, Gregory J. Harbaugh and Donald R. McMonagle. The Space Shuttle mate/demate stand is seen in the background. Note: The STS-39 launch of Discovery occurred at 7:33:14 a.m. (EDT), April 28, 1991.

61A-117-019 (30 Oct.-6 Nov. 1985) --- Traditional in-flight portrait of all eight STS-61A crew members was made with an automatic exposure of a 35mm camera. Left to right, back row, Henry W. Hartsfield Jr., commander; Bonnie J. Dunbar, mission specialist; James F. Buchli, mission specialist; and Reinhard Furrer, payload specialist. Left to right, front row, Ernst Messerschmid, payload specialist; Wubbo J. Ockels, payload specialist representing the European Space Agency (ESA); Steven R. Nagel, pilot; and Guion S. Bluford Jr., mission specialist. Photo credit: NASA

61A-39-052 (30 Oct-6 Nov 1985) --- This Earth view shows Quinhuangdao, China. The Great Wall of China can be seen in this photograph. The center coordinates are 40.0 north latitude and 120.0 east longitude. This photograph was taken from an altitude of 180 miles, on the 24th orbit of the Space Shuttle Challenger. The crew consists of astronauts Henry W. Hartsfield, Jr., commander; Steven R. Nagel, pilot; mission specialists James F. Buchli, Guion S. Bluford, Jr., Bonnie J. Dunbar; payload specialists Reinhard Furrer (DFVLR), Ernst Messerschmid (DFVLR), and Wubbo J. Ockels (ESA).

STS053-S-054 (2 Dec 1992) --- The Space Shuttle Discovery, with a crew of five astronauts onboard, launches from Kennedy Space Center?s (KSC) Pad 39A at 8:24:00 a.m. (EST), December 2, 1992. The photograph was taken from the top of the giant Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The all-military crew supporting the Department of Defense (DOD) flight included astronauts David M. Walker, Robert D. Cabana, Guion S. Bluford, Jr., James S. Voss and Michael R. U. (Rick) Clifford.

S84-47177 (17 Dec 1984) --- A recent flight in NASA's KC-135 aircraft gave the STS 61-A/Spacelab D-1 crewmembers a chance to get a preview of weightlessness. Mission specialists Bonnie J. Dunbar and Guion S. Bluford appear to be balancing several payload specialists during a few brief moments of microgravity. With heads near the floor are, left to right, Payload Specialists Reinhard Furrer, Ulf Merbold, Wubbo J. Ockels and Ernst Messerschmid. Ockels is from the Netherlands; the others, from Germany, with Merbold serving as backup.

S83-38389 (6 Aug. 1983) --- The STS-8 crew members pause for a crew photo at Pad 39A after a question and answer session with the press. They were about to participate in the STS-8 countdown demonstration test. They will repeat many of their measures on Aug. 30 when they are scheduled to lift off aboard the space shuttle Challenger. From left to right are astronauts Dale A. Gardner, Guion S. Bluford, Dr. William E. Thornton, all mission specialists; Daniel C. Brandenstein, pilot; and Richard F. Truly, commander. The Challenger is in the background at complex 39.

S83-39696 (5 Sept 1983) --- The five member astronaut crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger for STS-8 responds to a comment made by President Ronald Reagan during a post flight telephone conversation with the chief executive. The five astronauts earlier today landed the reusable spacecraft at Edwards Air Force Base in California and were flown to JSC via NASA aircraft. Richard H. Truly, center, is crew commander. Pilot for the six day flight was Daniel C. Brandenstein, second left. The mission specialist were Guion S. Bluford, left: Dr. William S. Thornton, second right, and Dale A. Gardner, right. Photo credit: NASA

S83-39693 (5 Sept 1983) --- The five member astronaut crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger for STS-8 responds to a comment made by President Ronald Reagan during a post flight telephone conversation with the chief executive. The five astronauts earlier today landed the reusable spacecraft at Edwards Air Force Base in California and were flown to JSC via NASA aircraft. Richard H. Truly, center, is crew commander. Pilot for the six day flight was Daniel C. Brandenstein, second left. The mission specialist were Guion S. Bluford, left: Dr. William S. Thornton, second right, and Dale A. Gardner, right.

S83-39512 (30 Aug. 1983) --- NASA's eighth space shuttle launch lights up the Florida sky at 2:32 a.m. (EDT), Aug. 30, 1983. The space shuttle Challenger's third flight is the first to have its beginnings in darkness. Five astronauts and an assortment of experiments are aboard the reusable vehicle. Crew members are astronauts Richard H. Truly, STS-8 commander; Daniel C. Brandenstein, pilot; and Dale A. Gardner, Guion S. Bluford and William E. Thornton, all mission specialists. Photo credit: NASA

S85-40783 (27 Sept. 1985) --- This international crew expected to fly aboard the space shuttle Challenger when it launches next month represents the largest number (eight) of persons to occupy an orbiting spacecraft at the same time. Posing with the mission insignia are (front row, left to right) Reinhard Furrer, German payload specialist; Bonnie J. Dunbar, mission specialist; James F. Buchli, mission specialist; and Henry W. Hartsfield Jr., commander; and (back row, left to right) Steven R. Nagel, pilot; Guion S. Bluford, mission specialist; Ernst Messerschmid, German payload specialist; and Wubbo J. Ockels, Dutch payload specialist. Photo credit: NASA

61A-S-140 (6 Nov 1985) --- The record-setting eight crewmembers for STS 61-A file from their "home" for the past week at the completion of a successful Spacelab D-1 mission. Astronaut Henry W. Hartsfield Jr., mission commander, shakes hands with George W. S. Abbey, director of flight crew operations at JSC. Other crewmembers, from left to right, are Astronauts Guion S. Bluford Jr., James F. Buchli, Steven R. Nagel and Bonnie J. Dunbar; and Payload Specialists Wubbo J. Ockels, Ernst Messerschmid and Reinhard Furrer. The Challenger came to a complete stop at 9:45:39 a.m. (PST).

S83-30608 (29 April 1983) --- The night launch of the space shuttle Challenger heading toward its third Earth-orbital mission is featured in the official insignia for STS-8. The eighth flight of the United States Space Transportation System (STS) is represented by eight stars of the constellation Aquila, "The Eagle," astronauts Richard H. Truly, commander; Daniel C. Brandenstein, pilot; Dale A. Gardner, Guion S. Bluford, and William E. Thornton -- all mission specialists -- have their surnames on the border of the insignia. 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

61A-S-139 (6 Nov 1985) --- Eight persons returning from space at one time is a record which was set at 9:45:39 a.m. (PST) today when the Space Shuttle Challenger's wheels came to a stop on the runway at Edwards Air Force Base. The main gear is seen touching down at 9:44:51 a.m. Inside the spacecraft are astronauts Henry W. Hartsfield Jr., Steven R. Nagel, Bonnie J. Dunbar, James F. Buchli, Guion S. Bluford Jr., Reinard Furrer, Ernst Messerschmid and Wubbo J. Ockels. A number of West German and other European experiments were performed during the week-long Spacelab D-1 mission.

61A-40-38 (30 Oct-6 Nov 1985) --- The coral reef forming the atoll of Midway sits atop a volcanic seamount that has descended more than 3,000 feet (1000 meters) below the sea surface in this ancient region of the Hawaiian volcanic chain. This view was taken by the crew members onboard the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Challenger. The crew consisted of astronauts Henry W. Hartsfield, Jr., commander; Steven R. Nagel, pilot; James F. Buchli, Guion S. Bluford, Jr., and Bonnie J. Dunbar, all mission specialists; Reinhard Furrer, Ernst Messerschmid, and Wubbo J. Ockels, all payload specialists. Ockels represents the European Space Agency (ESA).

61A-S-018 (30 Oct 1985) --- A record-sized crew of eight persons is lifted toward Earth-orbit as the space shuttle Challenger blasts from the launch pad at Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida. Almost all the service structure/gantry is obscured by smoke resulting from the boosters' firing. Inside the spacecraft are astronauts Henry W. Hartsfield, Jr., Steven R. Nagel, Bonnie J. Dunbar, James F. Buchli, Guion S. Bluford, Jr., along with payload specialists Wubbo J. Ockels, Reinhard Furrer and Ernst Messerschmid. Within hours of this photo, the Spacelab D-1 Science Module was activated and crew members were busy performing experiments. Launch occurred at noon (EST), Oct. 30, 1985. Photo credit: NASA

STS039-377-013 (28 April-6 May 1991) --- Moonlight saturates the high speed film used for auroral photography. Moon glint is visible in the open ocean and the cloud patterns are well illuminated. This frame was taken with a handheld 35mm camera from inside the Space Shuttle Discovery's crew cabin. This is one of 25 visuals used by the STS-39 crew at its May 17, 1991 Post Flight Press Conference (PFPC). Discovery's flight of eight days duration, launched April 28, 1991 from Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and completed on May 6, 1991 at the KSC landing facility, was dedicated to the Department of Defense (DOD). Crew members were astronauts Michael L. Coats, L. Blaine Hammond, Guion S. Bluford, Richard J. Hieb, Gregory J. Harbaugh, Donald R. McMonagle and Charles L. (Lacy) Veach.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A group from the first graduating class of astronauts after the Apollo program gathers at the Banana River viewing site at NASA's Kennedy Space Center before the launch of space shuttle Discovery on its STS-124 mission. In 1978 a new group of 35 astronauts was selected after nine years without new astronauts. The pilots were Daniel Brandenstein, Michael Coats, Richard Covey, John Creighton, Robert Gibson, Frederick D. Gregory, Frederick Hauck, Jon McBride, Francis "Dick" Scobee, Brewster Shaw, Loren Shriver, David Walker and Donald Williams. The mission specialists were Guion Bluford, James Buchli, John Fabian, Anna Fisher, Dale Gardner, S. David Griggs, Terry Hart, Steven Hawley, Jeffrey Hoffman, Shannon Lucid, Ronald McNair, Richard Mullane, Steven Nagel, George Nelson, Ellison Onizuka, Judith Resnik, Sally Ride, Rhea Seddon, Robert Stewart, Kathryn D. Sullivan, Norman Thagard and James van Hoften. Since then, a new group has been selected roughly every two years. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

S85-38035 (August 1985) --- This insignia has been chosen by the eight members of the STS-61A/D1 Spacelab mission as the emblem they will wear on their spacesuits and which will represent the record-sized space shuttle crew on the scheduled autumn mission. Crew members' surnames surround the colorful patch scene depicting Challenger carrying a long science module and an international crew from Europe and the United States. Serving on the crew are Henry W. Hartsfield Jr., commander; Steven R. Nagel, pilot; Bonnie J. Dunbar, mission specialist; James F. Buchli, mission specialist; Guion S. Bluford Jr., mission specialist; Ernst Messerschmid, German payload specialist; Reinhard Furrer, German payload specialist; and Wubbo J. Ockels, Dutch payload specialist. 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

STS053-04-018 (2-9 Dec 1992) --- Astronauts Guion S. Bluford (left) and Michael R. U. (Rich) Clifford monitor the Fluid Acquisition and Resupply Equipment (FARE) onboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. Clearly visible in the mid-deck FARE setup is one of two 12.5-inch spherical tanks made of transparent acrylic, one to supply and one to receive fluids. The purpose of FARE is to investigate the dynamics of fluid transfer in microgravity and develop methods for transferring vapor-free propellants and other liquids that must be replenished in long-term space systems like satellites, Extended-Duration Orbiters (EDO), and Space Station Freedom. Eight times over an eight-hour test period, the mission specialists conducted the FARE experiment. A sequence of manual valve operations caused pressurized air from the bottles to force fluids from the supply tank to the receiver tank and back again to the supply tank. Baffles in the receiver tank controlled fluid motion during transfer, a fine-mesh screen filtered vapor from the fluid, and the overboard vent removed vapor from the receiver tank as the liquid rose. FARE is managed by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Alabama. The basic equipment was developed by Martin Marietta for the Storable Fluid Management Demonstration. Susan L. Driscoll is the principal investigator.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This is a version of space shuttle Challenger's orbiter tribute, or OV-099, which hangs in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Challenger's accomplishments include the first night launch and first African-American in space, Guion Bluford, on STS-8, the first in-flight capture, repair and redeployment of an orbiting satellite during STS-41C, the first American woman in space, Sally Ride, on STS-7, and the first American woman to walk in space, Kathryn Sullivan, during STS-41G. Challenger is credited with blazing a trail for NASA's other orbiters with the first night landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California on STS-8 and the first landing at Kennedy on STS-41B. The spacewalker in the tribute represents Challenger’s role in the first spacewalk during STS-6 and the first untethered spacewalk on STS-41B. Crew-designed patches for each of Challenger’s missions lead from Earth toward a remembrance of the STS-51L crew, which was lost 73 seconds after liftoff on Jan. 28, 1986. Five orbiter tributes are on display in the firing room, representing Atlantis, Challenger, Columbia, Endeavour and Discovery. Graphic design credit: NASA/Lynda Brammer. NASA publication number: SP-2010-08-162-KSC

61A-S-015 (30 Oct 1985) --- A record number of crewmembers to serve on a Shuttle mission walks from the operations and checkout facility to a crew transfer van en route to Launch Pad 39A where the Challenger awaits the 61-A/Spacelab D-1launch. Leading the way is Henry W. Hartsfield Jr., mission commander, as Steven R. Nagel, pilot, trails the blue-suited team members. At center are James F. Buchli, Bonnie J. Dunbar and Guion S. Bluford Jr.--all mission specialists. They are flanked by Wubbo J. Ockels and Ernst Messerschmid on the left and Reinhard Furrer on the right. John W. Young, chief of the astronaut office at JSC and George W.S. Abbey, director of flight crew operations at JSC, follow the crew. Richard W. Nygren, assistant to the director, is in background. Messerschmid and Furrer are German scientists and Ockels is a Dutch scientist; and the three will be working with NASA's three mission specialists in the D-1 science module during the week-long flight.

S78-26481 (January 1978) --- This is a montage of the individual portraits of the 35-member 1978 class of astronaut candidates. From left to right are Guion S. Bluford, Daniel C. Brandenstein, James F. Buchli, Michael L. Coats, Richard O. Covey, John O. Creighton, John M. Fabian, Anna L. Fisher, Dale A. Gardner, Robert L. Gibson, Frederick D. Gregory, S. David Griggs, Terry J. Hart, Frederick H. (Rick) Hauck, Steven A. Hawley, Jeffrey A. Hoffman, Shannon W. Lucid, Jon A. McBride, Ronald E. McNair, Richard M. (Mike) Mullane, Steven R. Nagel, George D. Nelson, Ellison S. Onizuka, Judith A. Resnik, Sally K. Ride, Francis R. (Dick) Scobee, Rhea Seddon, Brewster H. Shaw Jr., Loren J. Shriver, Robert L. Stewart, Kathryn D. Sullivan, Norman E. Thagard, James D. Van Hoften, David M. Walker and Donald E. Williams. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This is a printable version of space shuttle Challenger's orbiter tribute, or OV-099, which hangs in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Challenger's accomplishments include the first night launch and first African-American in space, Guion Bluford, on STS-8, the first in-flight capture, repair and redeployment of an orbiting satellite during STS-41C, the first American woman in space, Sally Ride, on STS-7, and the first American woman to walk in space, Kathryn Sullivan, during STS-41G. Challenger is credited with blazing a trail for NASA's other orbiters with the first night landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California on STS-8 and the first landing at Kennedy on STS-41B. The spacewalker in the tribute represents Challenger’s role in the first spacewalk during STS-6 and the first untethered spacewalk on STS-41B. Crew-designed patches for each of Challenger’s missions lead from Earth toward a remembrance of the STS-51L crew, which was lost 73 seconds after liftoff on Jan. 28, 1986. Five orbiter tributes are on display in the firing room, representing Atlantis, Challenger, Columbia, Endeavour and Discovery. Graphic design credit: NASA/Lynda Brammer. NASA publication number: SP-2010-08-162-KSC

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Brewster Shaw is a former astronaut from the first graduating class of astronauts after the Apollo program. He and others from the class were guests at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for the launch of space shuttle Discovery on its STS-124 mission. Shaw is Vice President and General Manager, Space Exploration, for Integrated Defense Systems, The Boeing Company. In 1978 a new group of 35 astronauts was selected after nine years without new astronauts. The pilots were Daniel Brandenstein, Michael Coats, Richard Covey, John Creighton, Robert Gibson, Frederick D. Gregory, Frederick Hauck, Jon McBride, Francis "Dick" Scobee, Brewster Shaw, Loren Shriver, David Walker and Donald Williams. The mission specialists were Guion Bluford, James Buchli, John Fabian, Anna Fisher, Dale Gardner, S. David Griggs, Terry Hart, Steven Hawley, Jeffrey Hoffman, Shannon Lucid, Ronald McNair, Richard Mullane, Steven Nagel, George Nelson, Ellison Onizuka, Judith Resnik, Sally Ride, Rhea Seddon, Robert Stewart, Kathryn D. Sullivan, Norman Thagard and James van Hoften. Since then, a new group has been selected roughly every two years. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- This orbiter tribute of space shuttle Challenger, or OV-099, hangs in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Challenger's accomplishments include the first night launch and first African-American in space, Guion Bluford, on STS-8, the first in-flight capture, repair and redeployment of an orbiting satellite during STS-41C, the first American woman in space, Sally Ride, on STS-7, and the first American woman to walk in space, Kathryn Sullivan, during STS-41G. Challenger is credited with blazing a trail for NASA's other orbiters with the first night landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California on STS-8 and the first landing at Kennedy on STS-41B. The spacewalker in the tribute represents Challenger’s role in the first spacewalk during STS-6 and the first untethered spacewalk on STS-41B. Crew-designed patches for each of Challenger’s missions lead from Earth toward a remembrance of the STS-51L crew, which was lost 73 seconds after liftoff on Jan. 28, 1986. Five orbiter tributes are on display in the firing room, representing Atlantis, Challenger, Columbia, Endeavour and Discovery. Graphic design credit: NASA/Lynda Brammer

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- All eyes look skyward as space shuttle Discovery launches on its STS-124 mission. The group gathered here at the Banana River viewing site at NASA's Kennedy Space Center are members of the first graduating class of astronauts after the Apollo program. In 1978 a new group of 35 astronauts was selected after nine years without new astronauts. The pilots were Daniel Brandenstein, Michael Coats, Richard Covey, John Creighton, Robert Gibson, Frederick D. Gregory, Frederick Hauck, Jon McBride, Francis "Dick" Scobee, Brewster Shaw, Loren Shriver, David Walker and Donald Williams. The mission specialists were Guion Bluford, James Buchli, John Fabian, Anna Fisher, Dale Gardner, S. David Griggs, Terry Hart, Steven Hawley, Jeffrey Hoffman, Shannon Lucid, Ronald McNair, Richard Mullane, Steven Nagel, George Nelson, Ellison Onizuka, Judith Resnik, Sally Ride, Rhea Seddon, Robert Stewart, Kathryn D. Sullivan, Norman Thagard and James van Hoften. Since then, a new group has been selected roughly every two years. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

S78-26569 (31 Jan. 1978) --- The 35 new astronaut candidates, presented Jan. 31, 1978, in the Building 2 auditorium at NASA's Johnson Space Center, pose for photographers. They are arranged in alphabetical order with top left as beginning point and bottom right as stopping point. They are Guion S. Bluford, Daniel C. Brandenstein, James F. Buchli, Michael L. Coats, Richard O. Covey, John O. Creighton, John M. Fabian, Anna L. Fisher, Dale A. Gardner, Robert L. Gibson, Frederick D. Gregory, S. David Griggs, Terry J. Hart, Frederick H. (Rick) Hauck, Steven A. Hawley, Jeffrey A. Hoffman, Shannon W. Lucid, Jon A. McBride, Ronald E. McNair, Richard M. (Mike) Mullane, Steven R. Nagel, George D. Nelson, Ellison S. Onizuka, Judith A. Resnik, Sally K. Ride, Francis R. (Dick) Scobee, Rhea Seddon, Brewster H. Shaw Jr., Loren J. Shriver, Robert L. Stewart, Kathryn D. Sullivan, Norman E. Thagard, James D. van Hoften, David M. Walker and Donald E. Williams. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration