A boot that's part of a NASA lunar surface spacesuit prototype is readied for testing inside a thermal vacuum chamber called CITADEL at the agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California on Nov. 8, 2024. The thick aluminum plate at right stands in for the frigid surface of the lunar South Pole, where Artemis III astronauts will confront conditions more extreme than any previously experienced by humans. Built to prepare potential future robotic spacecraft for the frosty, low-pressure conditions on ocean worlds like Jupiter's frozen moon Europa, CITADEL (Cryogenic Ice Testing, Acquisition Development, and Excavation Laboratory) has also proven key to evaluating how astronaut gloves and boots hold up in extraordinary cold. It can reach temperatures as low as low as minus 370 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 223 degrees Celsius), approximating conditions in permanently shadowed regions that astronauts will explore. Figure A, showing the outer boot sole, was taken from inside CITADEL on Nov. 13, 2024. The boot is positioned in a load lock, one of four small drawer-like chambers through which test materials are inserted into the larger chamber. Initiated by the Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Program at NASA's Johnson Space Center, the boot testing took place from October 2024 to January 2025. The boot is part of a NASA spacesuit called the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit, or xEMU. Results haven't yet been fully analyzed. In addition to spotting vulnerabilities with existing suits, the experiments are intended to help NASA develop this unique test capability and prepare criteria for standardized, repeatable, and inexpensive test methods for the next-generation lunar suit being built by Axiom Space. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA26592

A TV reporter interviews NASA test pilot Bill Dana, wearing his infamous pink boots with yellow daisy decals, after the last powered flight of the X-24B.

NASA test pilot Bill Dana, resplendent in pink boots and pressure suit, was all smiles following the last powered flight of the X-24B on Sept. 23, 1975.

Robotics technologist Brendan Chamberlain-Simon, left, of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and spacesuit engineer Zach Fester of the agency's Johnson Space Center adjust a thermal vacuum chamber called CITADEL at JPL on Nov. 12, 2024, before testing an astronaut boot inside the chamber. Built to prepare potential robotic explorers for the frosty, low-pressure conditions on ocean worlds like Jupiter's frozen moon Europa, CITADEL (Cryogenic Ice Testing, Acquisition Development, and Excavation Laboratory) has also proven key to evaluating how astronaut gloves and boots hold up in extraordinary cold. It can reach temperatures as low as low as minus 370 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 223 degrees Celsius), approximating extreme conditions Artemis III astronauts will confront in permanently shadowed regions of the lunar South Pole. The boot testing was initiated by the Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Program at NASA Johnson and took place from October 2024 to January 2025. The boot is part of a NASA spacesuit called the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit, or xEMU. Test results haven't yet been fully analyzed. In addition to spotting vulnerabilities with existing suits, the experiments are intended to help NASA develop this unique test capability and prepare criteria for standardized, repeatable, and inexpensive test methods for the next-generation lunar suit being built by Axiom Space. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA26593

iss074e0162703 (Dec. 30, 2025) --- City lights outline the boot of Italy and shine through the cloud‑covered central and southern European nightscape in this photograph, taken at approximately 11:17 p.m. local time from the International Space Station as it orbited 261 miles above the Mediterranean Sea. Credit: NASA/Chris Williams

STS98-E-5220 (14 February 2001) --- Astronaut Mark L. Polansky, pilot, assists one of the STS-98 space walkers with his boot during suit donning aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. The scene was recorded with a digital still camera.

iss072e904970 (March 22, 2025) --- The boot of Italy well-defined by the nation's city lights stands in contrast to the Tyrrhenian Sea (left) and the Adriatic Sea (right) with the Balkans at far right underneath an atmospheric glow blanketing Earth's horizon. The International Space Station was orbiting 262 miles above southern Europe at 10:57 p.m. local time when this photograph was taken.

iss073e0254866 (June 5, 2025) --- The sun's glint beams off the Adriatic Sea contrasting with the "boot" of Italy in this photograph from the International Space Station as it orbited 261 miles above Southern Europe. In the right foreground, is the Soyuz MS-27 crew ship docked to the orbital outpost's Prichal module.

iss073e0698372 (Sept. 13, 2025) --- The boot of Italy, with the island of Sicily at its "toe," glitters in contrast to the surrounding dark blue seas of southern Europe. The International Space Station was orbiting 262 miles above the Mediterranean Sea when this photograph was taken at approximately 1:43 a.m. local time.

ISS006-E-33736 (25 February 2003) --- The boot of Italy crosses the image in this southwest-looking view taken by an Expedition Six crewmember onboard the International Space Station (ISS). The spine of Italy is highlighted with snow and the largely cloud-covered Mediterranean Sea is at the top. The Adriatic Sea transverses most of the bottom of the image and Sicily appears top left beyond the toe of the boot. The heel lies out of the left side of the image. Corsica and Sardinia appear right of center partly under cloud. The floor of the Po River valley, lower right, is obscured by haze. Experience gained from similar haze events, in which atmospheric pressure, humidity and visibility and atmospheric chemistry were known, suggests that the haze as industrial smog. Industrial haze from the urban region of the central and upper Po valley accumulates to visible concentrations under conditions of high atmospheric pressure and the surrounding mountains prevent easy dispersal. This view illustrates the markedly different color and texture of cloud versus industrial aerosol haze.

Life jackets, helmets, throw ropes, and boots are seen laid out onboard USS John P. Murtha as NASA, U.S. Navy., and U.S. Air Force teams prepare for the return of the Artemis II crewmembers to Earth, Thursday, April 9, 2026, in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California. NASA’s Artemis II mission is taking NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Christina Koch, mission specialist; and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, mission specialist on a 10-day journey around the Moon and back aboard their Orion spacecraft. Wiseman, Glover, Koch, and Hansen are scheduled to splash down off the coast of San Diego at approximately 5:07 p.m. PDT (8:07 p.m. EDT) on Friday, April 10. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

ISS047e125942 (05/21/2016) --- The familiar "boot" shape of the county of Italy stands out in this nighttime image with sparkling city lights reaching from Sicily off the "toe" of the boot, to the approaches to the Alps on the north end of the country.

This image from NASA Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer is a mosaic of 3 individual WISE frames spanning an area on the sky about 7 times the size of the full Moon in portions of the constellations Bootes and Canes Venatici.

iss071e413856 (Aug. 1, 2024) -- The Italian Peninsula, or "the boot" of Italy is pictured from the International Space Station as it orbited nearly 260 miles above.

S61-02733 (28 July 1961) --- Table top view of some of the Mercury suit components including gloves, boots and helmet. Photo credit: NASA

Known as Clyde, RoboSimian is an an ape-like robot designed and built at Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Ca. The robot is four-footed but can also stand on two feet. It has four general-purpose limbs and hands capable of mobility and manipulation.

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden's cowboy boots are seen as he testifies during a U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

iss053e021852 (Sept. 15, 2017) --- This night time view of southern Europe prominently features the “boot” of Italy, the home of current Expedition 53 crew member Paolo Nespoli of the European Space Agency.

ISS041-E-045376 (27 Sept. 2014) --- One of the Expedition 41 crew members aboard the International Space Station, flying 221 nautical miles above Earth, recorded this night view over southern Italy on Sept. 27, 2014. South is at the bottom of the picture. Italy's "boot" (right) and Sicily are featured in the 28mm image.

Gus Grissom trying on a Spacesuit; Seated with assistant; Seated with assistant putting on boots; Standing by mirror, name tag visible; Outside in suit, name tag visible. Mercury Project photo, 1961. Original negatives sent to Johnson Space Center when astronauts moved to that center. Photograph take on 03/27/1961.

ISS028-E-033104 (18 Aug. 2011) --- Sicily is featured in this night time image captured by one of the Expedition 28 crew members aboard the International Space Station, approximately 220 miles above Earth. The land mass at left edge is part of the "toe" of Italy's "boot." A 38-mm lens was used to record the image.

Radiation insulation technology from Apollo and subsequent spacecraft was used to develop superinsulators, used by makers of cold weather apparel, to make parkas, jackets, boots and outdoor gear such as sleeping bags. The radiant barrier technology offers warmth retention at minimal weight and bulk.

ISS040-E-087275 (1 Aug. 2014) --- Much of the Italian island/province of Sicily is visible in this nighttime nadir image photographed from 221 nautical miles above Earth by one of the Expedition 40 crew members aboard the International Space Station. The tip of the "toe" of Italy's "boot" is barely visible in the upper right corner.

iss059e006521 (March 31, 209) --- The International Space Station orbits 256 miles above the Aegean Sea. This view looks from east to west, from Greece to the boot of Italy and the island of Sicily. The sun's glint radiates off the Ionian Sea in between the two nations.

Gus Grissom trying on a Spacesuit; Seated with assistant; Seated with assistant putting on boots; Standing by mirror, name tag visible; Outside in suit, name tag visible. Mercury Project photo, 1961. Original negatives sent to Johnson Space Center when astronauts moved to that center. Photograph take on 03/27/1961.

Radiation insulation technology from Apollo and subsequent spacecraft was used to develop superinsulators, used by makers of cold weather apparel, to make parkas, jackets, boots and outdoor gear such as sleeping bags. The radiant barrier technology offers warmth retention at minimal weight and bulk.

Gus Grissom trying on a Spacesuit; Seated with assistant; Seated with assistant putting on boots; Standing by mirror, name tag visible; Outside in suit, name tag visible. Mercury Project photo, 1961. Original negatives sent to Johnson Space Center when astronauts moved to that center. Photograph take on 03/27/1961.

iss067e107087 (June 2, 2022) --- The southern tip of the boot of Italy (left) and the island of Sicily are pictured from the International Space Station as it orbited 262 miles above the Mediterranean Sea. Mount Etna (lower right), Europe's tallest active volcano on the coast of Sicily, is visible billowing with activity.

ISS040-E-092470 (13 Aug. 2014) --- One of the Expedition 40 crew members aboard the International Space Station, flying 225 nautical miles above Earth, recorded this image over southern Italy on Aug. 13, 2014. South is on the left side of the picture. Italy's "boot" and Sicily are featured in the 28mm image.

MoonFest: From Apollo to LCROSS and Beyond public event at NASA'S Ames Researc Center, Moffett Field, Calif. The day included scientific talks, model rocket launches on the flight line, musical performances, family-friendly activities and more. The moon boots booth, walking was quiet a challenge.

S61-03513 (1961) --- Mercury astronaut M. Scott Carpenter, prime pilot for the Mercury-Atlas 7 (MA-7) spaceflight, and Crew Equipment Specialist Joe Schmitt are pictured during a suiting exercise. Schmitt is seen lacing up Carpenter's boots. Photo credit: NASA

Gus Grissom trying on a Spacesuit; Seated with assistant; Seated with assistant putting on boots; Standing by mirror, name tag visible; Outside in suit, name tag visible. Mercury Project photo, 1961. Original negatives sent to Johnson Space Center when astronauts moved to that center. Photograph take on 03/27/1961.

ISS040-E-090718 (9 Aug. 2014) --- One of the Expedition 40 crew members aboard the International Space Station, flying 225 nautical miles above Earth, recorded this night view over southern Italy on Aug. 9, 2014. South is at the top of the picture. Italy's "boot" and Sicily are featured in the 28mm image.

ISS036-E-025991 (29 July 2013) --- One of the Expedition 36 crew members aboard the Earth-orbiting International Space Station took this night picture of Sicily (top) and the tip of Italy's "boot" in the Mediterranean Sea on July 29, 2013.

ISS040-E-087282 (1 Aug. 2014) --- The Italian island/province of Sicily is almost totally visible in this nighttime nadir image photographed from 221 nautical miles above Earth by one of the Expedition 40 crew members aboard the International Space Station. The "toe" of Italy's "boot" is in the upper left corner.

“Discipline is one of the things that they instill with you [in the military.] All the way starting in boot camp, [the goal] is doing the right thing when nobody's looking. Integrity. Whenever you're in boot camp, they always say, ‘it's too easy.’ It's just too easy to follow the rules, read the book, read the regulations, and that's probably why I enjoy contracting. I like reading the regulations and following the regulations. …[Now that I work for Safety and Mission Assurance,] it's really cool to read everything about the different types of the scenarios. I always get to see the task orders and the type of work that is going on to keep people safe on the ground and in the air.” NASA Contract Specialist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), Miranda Meyer, poses for a portrait, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024 at GSFC in Greenbelt, Maryland. Photo Credit: (NASA/Thalia Patrinos)

NASA's Lunar Lander exhibit is located at the Mississippi I-10 Welcome Center in Hancock County, Miss., just west of Bay St. Louis and 45 miles east of New Orleans on I-10 at Exit 2. The exhibit features a 30-foot-tall replica of a Lunar Lander used as a trainer by the Apollo 13 astronauts. Apollo 13 astronaut and Mississippi native Fred Haise left space-boot prints and signature in concrete at the base of the exhibit.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Lisa Nowak is helped with her boot after donning her launch and entry suit in preparation for the simulated countdown she and other crew members will undertake. The crew is taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, including the dress rehearsal for launch. Mission STS-121 is scheduled to be launched July 1. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

S135-E-006268 (9 July 2011) --- A nadir view from the Earth-orbiting space shuttle Atlantis, photographed by one of four STS-135 crewmembers, shows the area of Italy referred to as the "boot." Part of Sicily is at frame's bottom center. The astronauts were on the mission's second day of activity in Earth orbit, and the eve of docking day with the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA

SL2-05-359 (22 June 1973) --- This rare cloud free view of southern Italy (41.0N, 16.0E) shows almost all of the famous `boot' configuration of the peninsula up to just north of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. The land mass of this historic peninsula contrasts sharply with the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Photo credit: NASA

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Kennedy Space Center workers learn about the benefits of foam-rolling exercises and techniques to relieve the strain and pain of overused muscles and connective tissue. The class was part of the National Employee Health and Fitness Day event. Yoga, cardio dance, and boot camp classes were also offered throughout the day at the Operations and Checkout Building's Fitness Center. Photo credit: NASA/ Dimitri Gerondidakis

JSC2000-07446 (6 December 2000) --- Suit technician Steve Clendenin helps cosmonaut Yury V. Usachev with his boot straps during an STS-102 training session in the Systems Integration Facility at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). The Expedition Two commander, along with two astronauts on his crew and the four STS-102 crew members, later simulated procedures for a nominal countdown in the crew compartment trainer (CCT-2) in the high bay area of this facility.

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

Betsy Pugel, a physicist from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., shows students an imprint of a boot from a space suit on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011, at Ferebee-Hope Elementary School in Washington, DC. Ferebee-Hope Elementary School, in collaboration with Reading is Fundamental (RIF), hosted this event in honor of Black History Month, and to highlight the importance of reading. Photo Credit: (NASA/Carla Cioffi)

ISS040-E-016629 (22 June 2014) --- One of the Expedition 40 crew members aboard the Earth-orbiting International Space Station recorded this panorama of part of Europe on June 22, 2014. Italy's long coastlines (of the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian Seas) all the way down to the "Boot" dominate the scene. Parts of the Mediterranean and Ionian Seas are also visible.

51F-32-024 (29 July - 6 August 1985) --- Italy's “boot heel" surrounded by waters of the Ionian Sea/Golfo di Taranto and the Adriatic Sea is very clearly visible in this scene made with a handheld 70mm camera. Spacelab 2's versatile instrument pointing system (IPS) protrudes from the cargo bay.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Erik Nason, an athletic trainer with InoMedic Health/RehabWorks, instructs Kennedy Space Center workers during a foam rolling class. The class was part of the National Employee Health and Fitness Day event. Yoga, cardio dance, and boot camp classes were also offered throughout the day at the Operations and Checkout Building's Fitness Center. Photo credit: NASA/ Dimitri Gerondidakis

AS11-40-5880 (20 July 1969) --- A close-up view of an astronaut's boot and bootprint in the lunar soil, photographed with a 70mm lunar surface camera during the Apollo 11 lunar surface extravehicular activity (EVA). While astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, commander, and Edwin A. Aldrin Jr., lunar module pilot, descended in the Lunar Module (LM) "Eagle" to explore the Sea of Tranquility region of the moon, astronaut Michael Collins, command module pilot, remained with the Command and Service Modules (CSM)" Columbia" in lunar orbit.

AS14-64-9089 (5-6 Feb. 1971) --- Astronaut Edgar D. Mitchell, lunar module pilot, moves across the lunar surface as he looks over a traverse map during an extravehicular activity (EVA). Lunar dust can be seen clinging to the boots and legs of the space suit. Astronauts Alan B. Shepard Jr., commander, and Mitchell explored the lunar surface while astronaut Stuart A. Roosa, command module pilot, orbited the moon in the Command and Service Modules (CSM).

ISS025-E-009840 (28 Oct. 2010) --- Parts of Europe and Africa are very easily recognizable in this night time image shot by one of the Expedition 25 crew members aboard the International Space Station flying 220 miles above Earth on Oct. 28. The view "looks" northward over Sicily and the "boot" of Italy, with the Mediterranean Sea representing most of the visible water in the view and the Adriatic Sea to the right of center. Tunisia is partially visible at left. Part of a docked Russian spacecraft and other components of the ISS are in the foreground.

iss063e058352 (July 24, 2020) --- Russia's Progress 76 resupply ship is pictured docked to the International Space Station's Pirs docking compartment. Below the orbiting lab are the city lights of southeastern Europe with the boot of Italy towards the center. In the left foreground, is the Rassvet mini-research module that also serves as a docking port for Russian cargo and crew ships.

#NASAMoonKit campaign, I couldn’t go to the Moon without my camera, a 45-vinyl record (I really want to know how a record sounds in space. Gravity is what makes the needle lay on the record, will the change in gravity make it sound different?), a book to read, a photograph of my daughter, my phone or rather my communication and photo editing device, a snack and I definitely couldn’t go to the Moon without my moon boots!

Richard Hay, @WinObs, looks at an astronaut boot, during the two-day STS-132 Launch Tweetup at Kennedy Space Center, Thursday, May 13, 2010, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. NASA Twitter followers in attendance will have the opportunity to take a tour of NASA's Kennedy Space Center, view the space shuttle launch and speak with shuttle technicians, engineers, astronauts and managers. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-123 Mission Specialist Rick Linnehan is helped with his boot during suitup for launch on space shuttle Endeavour. The crew will make a record-breaking 16-day mission to the International Space Station. On STS-123, Endeavour and its crew will deliver the first section of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and the Canadian Space Agency's two-armed robotic system, Dextre. Launch is scheduled for 2:28 a.m. EDT March 11. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

ISS028-E-033099 (18 Aug. 2011) --- Sicily is featured in this night time image captured by one of the Expedition 28 crew members aboard the International Space Station, approximately 220 miles above Earth. The land mass in upper right corner is part of the "toe" of Italy's "boot." A 32-mm focal length was used to record the image.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Apollo 17 Lunar Module Pilot Harrison H. Schmitt, left, brushes Mission Commander Eugene A. Cernan's spacesuit boot prior to entering the Lunar Module mock-up, at left, during lunar surface training exercise conducted at the Spaceport. This is the same procedure astronauts will follow on the Moon. Their Apollo 17 launch to the Moon's Taurus-Littrow region with Command Module Pilot Ronald E. Evans will take place no earlier than December 6, 1972. Photo credit: NASA

STS-97 Pilot Michael Bloomfield gets help with his boots from suit technician Steve Clendenin during pre-pack and fit check. Mission STS-97 is the sixth construction flight to the International Space Station. Its payload includes the P6 Integrated Truss Structure and a photovoltaic (PV) module, with giant solar arrays that will provide power to the Station. The mission includes two spacewalks to complete the solar array connections. STS-97 is scheduled to launch Nov. 30 at about 10:06 p.m. EST

S135-E-006265 (9 July 2011) --- A nadir view from the Earth-orbiting space shuttle Atlantis, photographed by one of four STS-135 crewmembers, shows the southernmost part of Italy, referred to as the "boot." The astronauts were on the mission's second day of activity in Earth orbit, and the eve of docking day with the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA

Line drawings illustrate the front and back of the space shuttle launch and entry suit (LES) and labels identify various components. LES was designed for STS-26, the return to flight mission, and subsequent missions. Included in the crew escape system (CES) package are launch and entry helmet (LEH) with communications carrier (COMM CAP), parachute pack and harness, life preserver unit (LPU), life raft unit (LRU), LES gloves, suit oxygen manifold and valves, boots, and survival gear. Details of larger components are also identified.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Michael Fossum is helped with his boot during suitup for launch today on Space Shuttle Discovery. The launch is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

STS098-713-011 (15 February 2001) --- An oblique, westerly-looking view over the Strait of Messini (center), which runs between Italy's "foot" part of the so-called "boot" (bottom) and the heavily cloud-covered Sicily (top). The image was recorded with a handheld 70mm camera by one of the STS-98 crew members aboard the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Atlantis. Parts of the Tyrrhenian Sea (right center), Ionian Sea (lower right) and the Mediterranean Sea (left) are covered in the picture.

Space shuttle orange launch and entry suit (LES), a partial pressure suit, is modeled by a technician. LES was designed for STS-26, the return to flight mission, and subsequent missions. Included in the crew escape system (CES) package are launch and entry helmet (LEH) with communications carrier (COMM CAP), parachute pack and harness, life raft, life preserver unit (LPU), LES gloves, suit oxygen manifold and valves, boots, and survival gear.

ISS028-E-008604 (11 June 2011) --- A night view of the southern Italian Peninsula is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 28 crew member on the International Space Station. The Earth’s surface at night is covered with a delicate tracery of lights, particularly in regions – such as Europe – that have a long history of urban development. Large urban areas are recognizable from orbit due to extensive electric lighting and distinct street patterns; with smaller urban areas spread across the land surface and coastlines, the outlines of continental landmasses are easily discernable at night. This photograph highlights the night time appearance of the southern Italian Peninsula; the toe and heel of Italy’s “boot” are clearly defined by the lights of large cities such as Naples, Bari, and Brindisi as well as numerous smaller urban areas. The bordering Adriatic, Tyrrhenian, and Ionian Seas appear as dark regions to the east, west, and south of the boot. The city lights of Palermo and Catania on the island of Sicily are visible at image bottom center. The space station was located over an area of Romania close to the capital city of Bucharest – approximately 945 kilometers to the northeast—at the time this image was taken. Part of a docked Russian spacecraft solar panel array is visible in the foreground at left. The distance between the image subject area and the position of the photographer, as well as the viewing angle looking outwards from the space station, contributes to the distorted appearance of the Italian Peninsula and Sicily in the image.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-121 crew are donning their orange launch and entry suits for launch today on Space Shuttle Discovery. Having her boot worked on is Mission Specialist Lisa Nowak, who is making her first space flight. The launch is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

STS-97 Mission Specialist Joseph Tanner gets help with his boots from suit technician Erin Canlon during check pre-pack and fit check. Mission STS-97 is the sixth construction flight to the International Space Station. Its payload includes the P6 Integrated Truss Structure and a photovoltaic (PV) module, with giant solar arrays that will provide power to the Station. The mission includes two spacewalks to complete the solar array connections. STS-97 is scheduled to launch Nov. 30 at about 10:06 p.m. EST

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 Mission Specialist Dave Williams gets help with his boot during fit testing of his launch and entry suit. He and other crew members are at Kennedy for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities, a dress rehearsal for launch. TCDT activities include the M-113 training, payload familiarization, emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown. The STS-118 payload aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour includes the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Pilot Mark Kelly is helped with his boot during suitup for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-116 mission crew practices for launch with a simulation of activities, from crew breakfast and suit-up to countdown in the orbiter. In this photo Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam gets help fitting his boot before heading to Launch Pad 39B. The STS-116 mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

S135-E-006377 (9 July 2011) --- An almost vertical view from the Earth-orbiting space shuttle Atlantis, photographed by one of four STS-135 crewmembers, shows the southernmost part of Italy, referred to as the "boot." The eastern-most part of Sicily made it into the frame at left. The dark triangle in upper left corner is part of the window frame on the shuttle's flight deck. When the photo was taken, the STS-135 astronauts were on the mission's second day of activity in Earth orbit, and the eve of docking day with the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA

STS-97 Mission Specialist Carlos Noriega gets help with his boots from suit technician Shelly Grick-Agrella during pre-pack and fit check. Mission STS-97 is the sixth construction flight to the International Space Station. Its payload includes the P6 Integrated Truss Structure and a photovoltaic (PV) module, with giant solar arrays that will provide power to the Station. The mission includes two spacewalks to complete the solar array connections. STS-97 is scheduled to launch Nov. 30 at about 10:06 p.m. EST

This montage is a sequence of soft x-ray photographs of the boot-shaped coronal hole rotating with the sun. The individual pictures were taken about 2 days apart by the Skylab telescope. Most of the apparent changes in this 6-day period resulted from a changing perspective. Skylab data helped demonstrate that coronal holes are sources of high-velocity streams in the solar wind. These high-velocity streams can be electrons, protons, and atomic nuclei that spray out from the Sun into interplanetary space. When the coronal hole is near the center of the Sun, as in view 2, the sprinkler is directed at Earth. These high-speed streams of solar wind distort Earth's magnetic field and disturb it's upper atmosphere.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-116 mission crew practices for launch with a simulation of activities, from crew breakfast and suit-up to countdown in the orbiter. In this photo Mission Specialist Sunita Williams is helped with her boot before heading to Launch Pad 39B. The STS-116 mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As part of pre-pack and fit check for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities, STS-114 Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence has her boot checked. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight. It provides the crew of each mission an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The test ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cutoff. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the launch pad. STS-114 is the first Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station. The launch window extends July 13 through July 31.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Crew members for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-126 mission put on their launch and entry suits before heading to Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Mission Specialist Shane Kimbrough waves as he gets his boots on. Kimbrough is making his first shuttle flight. STS-126 is the 124th space shuttle flight and the 27th flight to the International Space Station. The mission will feature four spacewalks and work that will prepare the space station to house six crew members for long- duration missions. Liftoff is scheduled for 7:55 p.m. EST Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Crew members for space shuttle Discovery's STS-124 mission don their launch and entry suits before heading to Launch Pad 39A. A suit technician helps Mission Specialist Karen Nyberg with her boots. Nyberg is making her first shuttle flight. The STS-124 mission is the second of three flights launching components to complete the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. The shuttle crew will install Kibo's large Japanese Pressurized Module and its remote manipulator system, or RMS. The 14-day flight includes three spacewalks. Launch is scheduled for 5:02 p.m. May 31. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Lisa Nowak is helped with her boot during suitup for a second launch attempt on Space Shuttle Discovery. The first launch attempt July 1 was scrubbed due to weather concerns and postponed 24 hours. The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

STS-97 Mission Specialist Marc Garneau gets help with his boots from suit technician Tommy McDonald during pre-pack and fit check. Garneau is with the Canadian Space Agency. Mission STS-97 is the sixth construction flight to the International Space Station. Its payload includes the P6 Integrated Truss Structure and a photovoltaic (PV) module, with giant solar arrays that will provide power to the Station. The mission includes two spacewalks to complete the solar array connections. STS-97 is scheduled to launch Nov. 30 at about 10:06 p.m. EST

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Commander Steven Lindsey is helped with his boot during suitup before heading to Launch Pad 39B and the third attempt at liftoff on mission STS-121. The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Prior to the third launch attempt on mission STS-121, Pilot Mark Kelly is helped with his boots during suitup before heading to Launch Pad 39B. The July 2 launch attempt was scrubbed due to the presence of showers and thunderstorms within the surrounding area of the launch site. The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-121 Mission Specialist Lisa Nowak is helped with her boots during suitup before heading to Launch Pad 39B and a third launch attempt. The July 2 launch attempt was scrubbed due to the presence of showers and thunderstorms within the surrounding area of the launch site. The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

AS17-145-22196 (7-19 Dec. 1972) --- Astronaut Harrison H. Schmitt's discarded Portable Life Support System (PLSS), along with tracks from the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) and boot prints were photographed through the Lunar Module (LM) window late in the mission. While astronauts Eugene A. Cernan, commander, and Schmitt, lunar module pilot, descended in the LM "Challenger" to explore the Taurus-Littrow region of the moon, astronaut Ronald E. Evans, command module pilot, remained with the Command and Service Modules (CSM) "America" in lunar orbit.

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A suit technician helps STS-114 Commander Eileen Collins with a boot as she suits up in the Operations and Checkout Building for the trip to Launch Pad 39B for a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cutoff. The dress rehearsal is part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities held prior to each Space Shuttle flight. It provides the crew of each mission an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. STS-114 is the first Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station. The launch window extends July 13 through July 31.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-121 crew are donning their orange launch and entry suits for launch today on Space Shuttle Discovery. Having his boot worked on is Mission Specialist Thomas Reiter, who represents the European Space Agency. Reiter is making his first space shuttle flight. The launch is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

STS082-710-028 (11-21 Feb. 1997) --- Southeastern Australia, looking southeast, from greater-than-usual altitudes: the view stretches from Lake Eyre (bottom right) -- which has an unusual amount of water after heavy rains in Australia's central desert -- all the way to Port Phillip Bay (top left) where the city of Melbourne is located. This view includes more than half of the state of South Australia (right), all of Victoria (top) and half of New South Wales. The boot-shaped peninsula top is the Yorke Peninsula, with Kangaroo Island beyond (south). Remnants of the dark green natural vegetation appear top left, most having been cleared for agriculture.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The crew members of mission STS-116 are suiting up for a second launch attempt at 8:47 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39B aboard Space Shuttle Discovery. Pictured here is Commander Mark Polansky, being helped with his boot. Polansky will be making his second shuttle flight. The first launch attempt of STS-116 on Dec. 7 was postponed due a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2002. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 19 at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

AS15-88-11872 (31 July 1971) --- This north-looking view at Station 8 near the Hadley-Apennine landing site was photographed by one of the missions two moon explorer's (see shadow, foreground) during the third Apollo 15 extravehicular activity (EVA). Prints from the boots of astronauts David R. Scott, commander, and James B. Irwin, lunar module pilot, as well as tire tracks from the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV) are scattered throughout the view. A small part of the Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package (ALSEP) is in the upper left corner. Lunar samples 15252 and 15253 were removed from this area and returned to Earth for analysis by scientists. While astronauts Scott and Irwin descended in the Lunar Module (LM) "Falcon" to explore the Hadley-Apennine area of the moon, astronaut Alfred M. Worden, command module pilot, remained with the Command and Service Modules (CSM) in lunar orbit.

During pre-pack and fit check in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-92 Mission Specialist Peter J.K. "Jeff" Wisoff tries on his boots. Wisoff and the rest of the crew are at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT provides emergency egress training, simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payload. This mission will be Wisoff’s fourth Shuttle flight. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - STS-112 Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus gets help donning her boots during suit check, part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT also includes emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. The mission aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to launch no earlier than Oct. 2, between 2 and 6 p.m. EDT. STS-112 is the 15th assembly mission to the International Space Station. Atlantis will be carrying the S1 Integrated Truss Structure, the first starboard truss segment. The S1 will be attached to the central truss segment, S0, during the 11-day mission. Magnus will serve as one of two operators of the Canadarm2 robotic arm for S1 truss installation and during three scheduled spacewalks. STS-112 is her first Shuttle flight.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The crew members of mission STS-116 are suiting up for launch at 9:35 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39B aboard Space Shuttle Discovery. Here, Commander Mark Polansky has completed donning all the elements, from boots to helmet. Polansky will be making his second shuttle flight. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2003. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 19 at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The crew members of mission STS-116 are suiting up for a second launch attempt at 8:47 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39B aboard Space Shuttle Discovery. Pictured here, Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang is helped with his boot. Fuglesang represents the European Space Agency. He is making his first shuttle flight. The first launch attempt of STS-116 on Dec. 7 was postponed due a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2002. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 19 at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-126 Mission Specialist Donald Pettit is helped by a suit technician with his boots during suit-up in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Pettit and other crew members are having their launch-and-entry suits fit-checked prior to heading for Launch Pad 39A. The crew will take part in a simulated launch countdown at the pad. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training and the simulated countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The crew members of mission STS-116 are suiting up for a second launch attempt at 8:47 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39B aboard Space Shuttle Discovery. Pictured here is Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick, who will be making his first shuttle flight, being helped with his boot. The first launch attempt of STS-116 on Dec. 7 was postponed due a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2002. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 19 at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-120 Mission Specialist Stephanie Wilson is helped with her boot during suitup for a simulated launch countdown, part of the prelaunch terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. Her name patch reflects the nicknames the crew gave each other for the event. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews an opportunity to participate in various launch preparation activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the simulated countdown. The STS-120 mission will deliver the U.S. Node 2 module, named Harmony, aboard space shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station. Launch of Discovery on mission STS-120 is targeted for Oct. 23 at 11:38 a.m. EDT on a 14-day mission. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - A technician checks STS-125 Commander Scott Altman’s boot as part of his launch-and-entry suit. A veteran in space, Altman will be making his fourth shuttle launch. His name patch reflects his military “call sign.” The crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch on space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and a launch countdown. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-118 Mission Specialist Rick Mastracchio gets help with his boot after donning his launch and entry suit in preparation for launch aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour. The STS-118 mission is the 22nd shuttle flight to the International Space Station. It will continue space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5, and other payloads such as the SPACEHAB module and the external stowage platform 3. The 11-day mission may be extended to as many as 14 depending on the test of the Station-to-Shuttle Power Transfer System that will allow the docked shuttle to draw electrical power from the station and extend its visits to the orbiting lab. NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The crew members of mission STS-116 are suiting up for a second launch attempt at 8:47 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39B aboard Space Shuttle Discovery. Pictured here, Mission Specialist Joan Higginbotham, who will be making her first shuttle flight, is helped with her boot. The first launch attempt of STS-116 on Dec. 7 was postponed due a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2002. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 19 at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The crew members of mission STS-116 are suiting up for launch at 9:35 p.m. EST from Launch Pad 39B aboard Space Shuttle Discovery. Pictured here is Commander Mark Polansky, being helped with his boot. Polansky will be making his second shuttle flight. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2003. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 19 at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett