jsc2018e067556_alt (Aug. 1, 2018) --- Boeing Astronaut Christopher J. Ferguson has been assigned to the first flight of Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner.

Commander Christopher Ferguson (left) and Mission Specialist Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, both members of the STS-126 shuttle mission, sign autographs for Stennis employees Jan. 13 during a visit to StenniSphere.

Commander Christopher Ferguson (right) and Mission Specialist Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, both members of the STS-126 shuttle mission, share highlights of their trip to the International Space Station during their Jan. 13 visit to StenniSphere.

Media members interview Commander Christopher Ferguson (right) during his Jan. 13 visit to StenniSphere. He was joined by Mission Specialist Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper (on stage, left), both members of the STS-126 shuttle mission.

Stennis Space Center Director Gene Goldman (center) stands with astronauts Christopher Ferguson (right) and Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper in front of the A-2 Test Stand during the space shuttle crew members' visit to NASA's rocket engine testing facility Jan. 13. During their visit, Ferguson and Stefanyshyn-Piper reported on the STS-126 space shuttle delivery and servicing mission to the International Space Station. Ferguson served as commander of the mission. Stefanyshyn-Piper served as a mission specialist.

S98-17924 (9 Oct 1998) --- Astronaut Christopher J. Ferguson, pilot.

JSC2003-E-55802 (14 July 2003) --- Astronaut Christopher J. Ferguson, commander

JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, Houston – JSC2003-E-55802 -- Astronaut Christopher J. Ferguson, commander, on mission STS-126.

JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, TX - S98-17924 (October 9, 1998) -- Astronaut Christopher J. Ferguson, pilot.

JSC2006-E-27881 (22 June 2006) --- Astronaut Christopher J. Ferguson, STS-115 pilot, photographed in a T-38 trainer jet, prepares for a flight at Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center.

S115-E-06526 (9-21 Sept. 2006) --- Astronaut Christopher J. Ferguson, STS-115 pilot, changes out a lithium hydroxide (LiOH) canister beneath Space Shuttle Atlantis' middeck.

S115-E-05301 (9 Sept. 2006) --- Astronaut Christopher J. Ferguson, STS-115 pilot, on Atlantis flight deck during the first day in space for the STS-115 crew.

S115-E-05297 (9 Sept. 2006) --- Astronaut Christopher J. Ferguson, STS-115 pilot, on the flight deck of Atlantis during the first day in space for the STS-115 crew.

JSC2006-E-41582 (22 Sept. 2006) --- Astronaut Christopher J. Ferguson, STS-115 pilot, speaks from a lectern in Ellington Field's Hangar 276 near Johnson Space Center during the STS-115 crew return ceremonies.

JSC2005-E-19211 (11 May 2005) --- Astronaut Christopher J. Ferguson, STS-115 pilot, attired in a training version of the shuttle launch and entry suit, awaits the start of a water survival training session in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near Johnson Space Center.

JSC2005-E-17977 (4 May 2005) --- Astronauts Christopher J. Ferguson (left), STS-115 pilot, and Daniel C. Burbank, mission specialist, participate in an exercise in the systems engineering simulator at Johnson Space Center. The facility includes moving scenes of full-sized international space station components over a simulated Earth.

S115-E-05484 (11 Sept. 2006) --- Astronaut Christopher J. Ferguson, STS-115 pilot, temporarily sits in the port station on the flight deck, normally occupied by astronaut Brent W. Jett Jr., the commander for this flight of the Space Shuttle Atlantis.

ISS013-E-82298 (17 Sept. 2006) --- Astronauts Christopher J. Ferguson (left), STS-115 pilot; Joseph R. Tanner and Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper, both mission specialists, make preparations for their return home on the aft flight deck of the Space Shuttle Atlantis.

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

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-126 Commander Christopher Ferguson checks data on equipment that will fly on the mission. Shuttle crews frequently visit Kennedy to get hands-on experience, called a crew equipment interface test, with hardware and equipment for their missions. On STS-126, Endeavour will deliver a multi-purpose logistics module to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for Nov. 10. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

JSC2005-E-21192 (7 June 2005) --- Astronauts Christopher J. Ferguson (left), STS-115 pilot, and Daniel C. Burbank, mission specialist, use the virtual reality lab at the Johnson Space Center to train for their duties aboard the space shuttle. This type of computer interface, paired with virtual reality training hardware and software, helps to prepare the entire team for dealing with space station elements.

JSC2006-E-34241 (11 August 2006) --- The STS-115 crew posed for photos following its August 11 preflight press briefing at the Johnson Space Center. From the left are astronauts Joseph R. Tanner, Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper, Brent W. Jett Jr., Christopher J. Ferguson, Steven G. MacLean (Canadian Space Agency) and Daniel C. Burbank.

JSC2005-E-17421 (28 April 2005) --- Crew trainer David Pogue (right) briefs STS-115 crewmembers during an emergency egress training session in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at Johnson Space Center. From the left are astronauts Brent W. Jett Jr., commander; Joseph R. (Joe) Tanner and Daniel C. Burbank, both mission specialists; Christopher J. Ferguson, pilot; Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper, mission specialist; and Steven G. MacLean, mission specialist representing the Canadian Space Agency.

JSC2005-E-47407 (12 Dec. 2005) --- Astronaut Christopher J. Ferguson, STS-115 pilot, attired in a training version of the shuttle launch and entry suit, occupies the pilot’s station in one of the full-scale trainers during a post insertion training session in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at the Johnson Space Center.

These six astronauts take a break from training to pose for the STS-115 crew portrait. Astronauts Brent W. Jett, Jr. (right) and Christopher J. Ferguson, commander and pilot, respectively, flank the mission insignia. The mission specialists are, from left to right, astronauts Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper, Joseph R. (Joe) Tanner, Daniel C. Burbank, and Steven G. MacLean, who represents the Canadian Space Agency. This mission continued the assembly of the International Space Station (ISS) with the installation of the truss segments P3 and P4.

JSC2005-E-21199 (7 June 2005) --- Astronaut Daniel C. Burbank, STS-115 mission specialist, uses the virtual reality lab at the Johnson Space Center to train for his duties aboard the space shuttle. This type of computer interface, paired with virtual reality training hardware and software, helps to prepare the entire team for dealing with space station elements. David J. Homan assisted Burbank as astronaut Christopher J. Ferguson, pilot, looked on.

JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, TX - STS115-S-002 (November 8, 2002) -- These six astronauts take a break from training to pose for the STS-115 crew portrait. Astronauts Brent W. Jett Jr. (right) and Christopher J. Ferguson, command and pilot respectively, flank the mission insignia. The mission specialists are, from left to right, astronauts Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper, Joseph R. (Joe) Tanner, Daniel C. Burbank, and Steven G. MacLean, who represents the Canadian Space Agency.

STS115-S-002 (8 November 2002) --- These six astronauts take a break from training to pose for the STS-115 crew portrait. Astronauts Brent W. Jett, Jr. (right) and Christopher J. Ferguson, commander and pilot, respectively, flank the mission insignia. The mission specialists are, from left to right, astronauts Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper, Joseph R. (Joe) Tanner, Daniel C. Burbank, and Steven G. MacLean, who represents the Canadian Space Agency.

ISS013-E-80781 (12 Sept. 2006) --- Canadian Space Agency astronaut Steven G. MacLean, STS-115 mission specialist, and astronaut Christopher J. Ferguson, pilot, work inside the Destiny laboratory to support the first day of the resumption of construction on the International Space Station. Two crewmates--astronauts Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper and Joseph R. Tanner--earlier donned extravehicular mobility units and were outside now participating in the first of three scheduled space walks.

JSC2008-E-031867 (3 April 2008) --- Astronaut Stephen G. Bowen, STS-126 mission specialist, dons a training version of the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuit in preparation for a training session in the waters of the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near NASA's Johnson Space Center. Astronaut Christopher J. Ferguson (left), commander, and a suit technician assisted Bowen.

S115-E-05354 (11 Sept. 2006) --- Astronaut Christopher J. Ferguson, STS-115 pilot, sits in the starboard seat on the flight deck of the Space Shuttle Atlantis prior to docking of the two spacecraft. The subsequent docking will allow the STS-115 astronauts and the ISS Expedition 13 crew to team up for several days of key tasks in space.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside Atlantis' cockpit, STS-115 Pilot Christopher Ferguson is taking part in a simulated launch countdown, the culmination of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT is a prelaunch preparation for the mission that is scheduled to lift off in a window opening Aug. 27. During their 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the STS-115 crew will continue construction of the station and attach the payload elements, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays.

JSC2002-01914 (21 October 2002) --- Astronauts Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper (left) and Christopher J. Ferguson, STS-115 mission specialist and pilot, respectively, don training versions of the full-pressure launch and entry suit prior to the start of a training session in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near the Johnson Space Center (JSC).

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-115 Pilot Christopher Ferguson is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier. The STS-115 crew are at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities such as the M-113 training. They will also practice emergency egress from the launch pad and take part in a simulated launch countdown. Liftoff of mission STS-115 aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled in a window beginning Aug. 27. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-115 Pilot Christopher Ferguson talks with the closeout crew before entering Space Shuttle Atlantis. Ferguson is making his first shuttle flight. During the mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC.

S115-E-06524 (16 Sept. 2006) --- STS-115 and Expedition 13 crewmembers enjoy a light moment in the Unity node of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Atlantis was docked with the station. From the left are cosmonaut Pavel V. Vinogradov, Expedition 13 commander representing Russia's Federal Space Agency; astronauts Jeffrey N. Williams, NASA space station science officer and flight engineer; Thomas Reiter, flight engineer representing the European Space Agency (ESA); Christopher J. Ferguson, STS-115 pilot; Daniel C. Burbank (partially out of frame) and Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper (partially out of frame), both STS-115 mission specialists.

JSC2006-E-41540 (22 Sept. 2006) --- The astronauts who yesterday completed the successful STS-115 mission are pictured on a dais in a hangar at Ellington Field after returning to Houston from the Kennedy Space Center, site of the Sept. 21 landing of the Space Shuttle Atlantis. JSC Director Michael Coats addresses the crowd on hand for the event. Seated, from left, are astronauts Brent W. Jett Jr., commander; Christopher J. Ferguson, pilot; Joseph R. Tanner, Daniel C. Burbank, Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper, and the Canadian Space Agency's Steven G. MacLean, all mission specialists.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-115 Mission Specialist Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper is ready to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier. Behind her is pilot Christopher Ferguson. The STS-115 crew are at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities such as the M-113 training. They will also practice emergency egress from the launch pad and take part in a simulated launch countdown. Liftoff of mission STS-115 aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled in a window beginning Aug. 27. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-115 Pilot Christopher Ferguson arrives at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. The STS-115 crew has flown to NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT is a pre-launch preparation that includes practicing emergency egress from the pad, driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier, and simulating the launch countdown. Launch of STS-115 is currently scheduled for Aug. 27. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-115 Pilot Christopher Ferguson and Commander Brent Jett review procedures in the cockpit of the orbiter Atlantis. The crew is at KSC for Crew Equipment Interface Test activities, which involve equipment familiarization and inspection, a routine part of astronaut training and launch preparations. The STS-115 mission will deliver the second port truss segment, the P3/P4 truss, to the International Space Station. The crew will attach the P3 to the first port truss segment, the P1 truss, as well as deploy solar array set 2A and 4A. Launch on Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled for late August. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-115 Pilot Christopher Ferguson (left) and Commander Brent Jett (right) settle into the slidewire basket on Launch Pad 39B, practicing emergency egress procedures. The activity follows a simulated launch countdown, part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT is a prelaunch preparation for the mission that is scheduled to lift off in a window opening Aug. 27. During their 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the STS-115 crew will continue construction of the station and attach the payload elements, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, Houston – STS126-S-002 -- Attired in training versions of their shuttle launch and entry suits, these seven astronauts take a break from training to pose for the STS-126 crew portrait. Astronaut Christopher J. Ferguson, commander, is at center; and astronaut Eric A. Boe, pilot, is third from the right. Remaining crewmembers, pictured from left to right, are astronauts Sandra H. Magnus, Stephen G. Bowen, Donald R. Pettit, Robert S. (Shane) Kimbrough and Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper, all mission specialists. Magnus is scheduled to join Expedition 18 as flight engineer after launching to the International Space Station on mission STS-126.

STS126-S-002 (5 March 2008) --- Attired in training versions of their shuttle launch and entry suits, these seven astronauts take a break from training to pose for the STS-126 crew portrait. Astronaut Christopher J. Ferguson, commander, is at center; and astronaut Eric A. Boe, pilot, is third from the right. Remaining crewmembers, pictured from left to right, are astronauts Sandra H. Magnus, Stephen G. Bowen, Donald R. Pettit, Robert S. (Shane) Kimbrough and Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper, all mission specialists. Magnus is scheduled to join Expedition 18 as flight engineer after launching to the International Space Station on mission STS-126.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-115 crew members are suiting up for their simulated launch countdown. Shown here being helped with his helmet is Pilot Christopher Ferguson. The mission crew is at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities that are preparation for launch on Space Shuttle Atlantis, scheduled to take place in a window that opens Aug. 27. The TCDT has included emergency egress training as well as the simulation. During their 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the STS-115 crew will continue construction of the station and attach the payload elements, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-115 crew members examine tiles on the orbiter Atlantis, the designated launch vehicle for their mission. From left are Pilot Christopher Ferguson and Commander Brent Jett. The crew is at the center for Crew Equipment Interface Test activities, which involves equipment familiarization, a routine part of astronaut training and launch preparations. The mission will deliver the second port truss segment, the P3/P4 Truss, to attach to the first port truss segment, the P1 Truss, as well as deploy solar array set 2A and 4A. Launch on Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled for late August. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-126 Pilot Eric Boe, Mission Specialist Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper and Commander Christopher Ferguson look over equipment that will fly on the mission. Shuttle crews frequently visit Kennedy to get hands-on experience, called a crew equipment interface test, with hardware and equipment for their missions. On STS-126, Endeavour will deliver a multi-purpose logistics module to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for Nov. 10. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

S115-E-06523 (16 Sept. 2006) --- STS-115 and Expedition 13 crewmembers enjoy a light moment in the Unity node of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Atlantis was docked with the station. From the left are cosmonaut Pavel V. Vinogradov, Expedition 13 commander representing Russia's Federal Space Agency; astronauts Jeffrey N. Williams, NASA space station science officer and flight engineer; Thomas Reiter, flight engineer representing the European Space Agency (ESA); Christopher J. Ferguson, STS-115 pilot; Daniel C. Burbank (top) and Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper, both STS-115 mission specialists.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-115 Pilot Christopher Ferguson inspects the window of the cockpit in the orbiter Atlantis. The crew is at KSC for Crew Equipment Interface Test activities, which involve equipment familiarization and inspection, a routine part of astronaut training and launch preparations. The STS-115 mission will deliver the second port truss segment, the P3/P4 truss, to the International Space Station. The crew will attach the P3 to the first port truss segment, the P1 truss, as well as deploy solar array set 2A and 4A. Launch on Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled for late August. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-115 crew members are suiting up for their simulated launch countdown. Shown here being helped with his glove is Pilot Christopher Ferguson. The mission crew is at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities that are preparation for launch on Space Shuttle Atlantis, scheduled to take place in a window that opens Aug. 27. The TCDT has included emergency egress training as well as the simulation. During their 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the STS-115 crew will continue construction of the station and attach the payload elements, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-126 crew members check data on equipment that will fly on the mission. From left are Commander Christopher Ferguson, Pilot Eric Boe, and Mission Specialist Donald Pettit. Shuttle crews frequently visit Kennedy to get hands-on experience, called a crew equipment interface test, with hardware and equipment for their missions. On STS-126, Endeavour will deliver a multi-purpose logistics module to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for Nov. 10. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-115 Pilot Christopher Ferguson inspects the window of the cockpit in the orbiter Atlantis. The crew is at KSC for Crew Equipment Interface Test activities, which involve equipment familiarization and inspection, a routine part of astronaut training and launch preparations. The STS-115 mission will deliver the second port truss segment, the P3/P4 truss, to the International Space Station. The crew will attach the P3 to the first port truss segment, the P1 truss, as well as deploy solar array set 2A and 4A. Launch on Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled for late August. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-115 Pilot Christopher Ferguson, followed by Commander Brent Jett, head for the slidewire baskets on Launch Pad 39B, practicing emergency egress procedures. The activity follows a simulated launch countdown, part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT is a prelaunch preparation for the mission that is scheduled to lift off in a window opening Aug. 27. During their 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the STS-115 crew will continue construction of the station and attach the payload elements, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

JSC2002-02126 (3 December 2002) --- Members of the STS-115 crew are briefed by United Space Alliance (USA) crew trainer David Pogue (standing) during an emergency egress training session in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). From the left are astronauts Christopher J. Ferguson, Brent W. Jett, Jr., pilot and mission commander, respectively; Daniel C. Burbank, Joseph R. (Joe) Tanner, Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper, and Steven G. MacLean, all mission specialists. The crew is wearing training versions of the shuttle launch and entry suit. MacLean represents the Canadian Space Agency.

NASA Chief of the Astronaut Office Peggy Whitson, right, walks with STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson as he prepares to board the astrovan at the NASA's Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) shortly after he and the rest of the STS-135 crew landed in space shuttle Atlantis, completing a 13-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS) and the final flight of the Space Shuttle Program, early Thursday morning, July 21, 2011, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Overall, Atlantis spent 307 days in space and traveled nearly 126 million miles during its 33 flights. Atlantis, the fourth orbiter built, launched on its first mission on Oct. 3, 1985. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The crew of STS-135 is seen as they depart the NASA Kennedy Space Center, Operations and Checkout Building and get into the Astrovan for launch pad 39A, on Friday, July 8, 2011 in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The launch of Atlantis, STS-135, is the final flight of the shuttle program, a 12-day mission to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Jerry Ross)

NASA Chief, Astronaut Office, Johnson Space Center Peggy Whitson, center, STS-135 Astronauts, Rex Walheim, left, and Commander Chris Ferguson are seen as the entire crew plays a traditional card game at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Operations and Checkout Building prior to them leaving for the launch pad, on Friday, July 8, 2011 in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The point of the game is that the commander must use up all his or her bad luck before launch, so the crew can only leave for the pad after the commander loses. The launch of Atlantis, STS-135, is the final flight of the shuttle program, a 12-day mission to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Jerry Ross)

NASA Chief, Astronaut Office, Johnson Space Center Peggy Whitson deals cards during a traditional game that is played at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Operations and Checkout Building with the shuttle crew prior to them leaving for the launch pad, on Friday, July 8, 2011 in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The point of the game is that the commander must use up all his or her bad luck before launch, so the crew can only leave for the pad after the commander loses. The launch of Atlantis, STS-135, is the final flight of the shuttle program, a 12-day mission to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Jerry Ross)

STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson, right, talks with NASA Administrator Charles Bolden atop of the Mobile Launch Platform (MLP) as the space shuttle Atlantis (STS-135) rolls out of High Bay 3 in the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39a for its final flight, Tuesday evening, May 31, 2011, at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The 3.4-mile trek, known as "rollout," will take about seven hours to complete. Atlantis will carry the Raffaello multipurpose logistics module to deliver supplies, logistics and spare parts to the International Space Station. The launch of STS-135 is targeted for July 8. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, center, talks about the construction around the site where the World Trade Center once stood to NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver, right, and members of the STS-135 crew including commander Chris Ferguson, left, mission specialist Rex Walheim, second right, and pilot Doug Hurley, rear, as they tour the area, Wednesday evening, Aug. 18, 2011, in New York. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

The STS-135 crew, clockwise: Sandra Magnus, mission specialist; Rex Walheim, mission specialist; Chris Ferguson, commander and Doug Hurley, pilot are seen in the Astrovan as they ride to launch pad 39A to board space shuttle Atlantis on Friday, July 8, 2011, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The launch of Atlantis, STS-135, is the final flight of the shuttle program, a 12-day mission to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Jerry Ross)

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

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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After a safe landing aboard Atlantis on Runway 33 of the Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-115 crew greets the media. At the microphone is Commander Brent Jett. Behind him, left to right, are Mission Specialist Daniel Burbank, Pilot Christopher Ferguson and Mission Specialists Steven MacLean, Joseph Tanner and Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper. During the mission, astronauts completed three spacewalks to attach the P3/P4 integrated truss structure to the International Space Station. Main gear touchdown was at 6:21:30 a.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 6:21:36 a.m. and wheel stop was at 6:22:16 a.m. Atlantis traveled 4.9 million miles, landing on orbit 187. Mission elapsed time was 11 days, 19 hours, six minutes. This is the 15th night landing at KSC and the 23rd night landing overall. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Sitting inside the M-113 armored personnel carrier, the STS-115 crew members get instructions from Capt. George Hoggard, who is astronaut rescue team leader. The astronauts at left are Mission Specialist Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper and Pilot Christopher Ferguson. At right are Commander Brent Jett and Mission Specialists Joseph Tanner and Daniel Burbank. Not seen is Mission Specialist Steven MacLean, who represents the Canadian Space Agency. The STS-115 crew are at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities such as the M-113 training. They will also practice emergency egress from the launch pad and take part in a simulated launch countdown. Liftoff of mission STS-115 aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled in a window beginning Aug. 27. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The crew of mission STS-115 stop to talk to the media after arriving at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility to prepare for launch on Aug. 27 to the International Space Station. Seen here, left to right, are Mission Specialists Steven MacLean and Daniel Burbank, Pilot Christopher Ferguson, Commander Brent Jett, and Mission Specialists Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper and Joseph Tanner. The mission will deliver and install the 17-and-a-half-ton P3/P4 truss segment to the port side of the integrated truss system on the orbital outpost. The truss includes a new set of photovoltaic solar arrays. When unfurled to their full length of 240 feet, the arrays will provide additional power for the station in preparation for the delivery of international science modules over the next two years. STS-115 is expected to last 11 days and includes three scheduled spacewalks. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the payload changeout room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-115 pilot Christopher Ferguson looks over the mission payload one more time before launch. The mission crew has been at KSC to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include emergency egress training, a simulated launch countdown and the payload familiarization. The TCDT is a prelaunch preparation for the mission that is scheduled to lift off in a window opening Aug. 27. During their 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the STS-115 crew will continue construction of the station and attach the payload elements, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

STS115-S-051 (21 Sept. 2006) --- With drag chute deployed, Space Shuttle Atlantis slows to a stop after landing on runway 33 at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility at 6:21:36 a.m. (EDT) on Sept. 21, 2006. Onboard were astronauts Brent W. Jett, Jr., STS-115 commander; Christopher J. Ferguson, pilot; Joseph R. Tanner, Daniel C. Burbank, Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Steven G. MacLean, all mission specialists. The return of Atlantis concludes the successful nearly 12-day mission to resume construction of the International Space Station by installing the P3/P4 integrated truss and solar arrays.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-115 crew members talk about their upcoming driving practice on the M-113 armored personnel carrier with Capt. George Hoggard (back to camera), who is astronaut rescue team leader. The astronauts seen, left to right, are Mission Specialists Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, Dan Burbank, Steven MacLean and Joe Tanner, and Pilot Christopher Ferguson. Not visible is Commander Brent Jett. MacLean represents the Canadian Space Agency. The STS-115 crew are at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities such as the M-113 training. They will also practice emergency egress from the launch pad and take part in a simulated launch countdown. Liftoff of mission STS-115 aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled in a window beginning Aug. 27. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At a post-landing press conference at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-115 crew answer questions from the media about their mission. Seated from left are Commander Brent Jett, Pilot Christopher Ferguson, and Mission Specialists Joseph Tanner, Daniel Burbank, Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steven MacLean, who represents the Canadian Space Agency. During the mission to the International Space Station, astronauts delivered and installed the massive P3/P4 truss, an integral part of the station's backbone, and two sets of solar arrays that will eventually provide one quarter of the station's power. After 11 days, 19 hours and 6 minutes in space, the crew returned to Earth aboard Atlantis at 6:21:30 a.m. EDT. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

STS115-S-052 (21 Sept. 2006) --- Just before dawn, the Space Shuttle Atlantis' main landing gear is about to touch down on runway 33 at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility. Landing occurred at 6:21:36 a.m. (EDT) on Sept. 21, 2006. Onboard were astronauts Brent W. Jett, Jr., STS-115 commander; Christopher J. Ferguson, pilot; Joseph R. Tanner, Daniel C. Burbank, Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Steven G. MacLean, all mission specialists. The return of Atlantis concludes the successful nearly 12-day mission to resume construction of the International Space Station by installing the P3/P4 integrated truss and solar arrays.

STS115-S-007 (9 Sept. 2006) --- After suiting up, the STS-115 crewmembers exit the Operations and Checkout Building to board the Astrovan, which will take them to launch pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center. On the right (front to back) are astronauts Brent W. Jett, Jr., commander; Daniel C. Burbank and Joseph R. Tanner, both mission specialists. On the left (front to back) are astronauts Christopher J. Ferguson, pilot; Steven G. MacLean representing the Canadian Space Agency and Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper, both mission specialists. During the STS-115 mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Following a simulated launch countdown and emergency egress practice, the STS-115 crew gathers on the 215-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B. From left are Pilot Christopher Ferguson, Mission Specialists Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper and Joseph Tanner, Commander Brent Jett, and Mission Specialists Steven MacLean and Daniel Burbank. MacLean is with the Canadian Space Agency. The TCDT is a prelaunch preparation for the mission that is scheduled to lift off in a window opening Aug. 27. During their 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the STS-115 crew will continue construction of the station and attach the payload elements, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-115 Mission Specialist Steven MacLean takes his turn driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier. STS-115 Mission Specialist Steven MacLean takes his turn driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier. Passengers on the carrier are Mission Specialists Daniel Burbank and Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, Pilot Christopher Ferguson and Capt. George Hoggard, who is astronaut rescue team leader. MacLean represents the Canadian Space Agency. The STS-115 crew are at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities such as the M-113 training. They will also practice emergency egress from the launch pad and take part in a simulated launch countdown. Liftoff of mission STS-115 aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled in a window beginning Aug. 27. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At a post-landing press conference at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the STS-115 crew members smile at a question from the media. Seated from left are Commander Brent Jett, Pilot Christopher Ferguson, and Mission Specialists Joseph Tanner, Daniel Burbank, Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steven MacLean, who represents the Canadian Space Agency. During the mission to the International Space Station, astronauts delivered and installed the massive P3/P4 truss, an integral part of the station's backbone, and two sets of solar arrays that will eventually provide one quarter of the station's power. After 11 days, 19 hours and 6 minutes in space, the crew returned to Earth aboard Atlantis at 6:21:30 a.m. EDT. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After their arrival at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-115 crew poses for a photo after talking to the media. From left are Mission Specialists Daniel Burbank, Steven MacLean, Joseph Tanner and Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper; Commander Brent Jett; and Pilot Christopher Ferguson. The STS-115 crew has flown to NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT is a pre-launch preparation that includes practicing emergency egress from the pad, driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier, and simulating the launch countdown. Launch of STS-115 is currently scheduled for Aug. 27. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

ISS013-E-81637 (16 Sept. 2006) --- The Expedition 13 and STS-115 crewmembers gather for a group portrait during a joint crew press conference in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Atlantis was docked with the station. From the left (front row) are European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Thomas Reiter, Expedition 13 flight engineer; cosmonaut Pavel V. Vinogradov, commander representing Russia's Federal Space Agency; and astronaut Jeffrey N. Williams, NASA space station science officer and flight engineer. From the left (second row) are astronauts Joseph R. Tanner, Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper, both STS-115 mission specialists; and Brent W. Jett, Jr., STS-115 commander. From the left (top row) are astronauts Christopher J. Ferguson, pilot; Daniel C. Burbank and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Steven G. MacLean, both mission specialists.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - After successfully completing their driving practice on the M-113 armored personnel carrier behind them, the STS-115 crew poses for a photo. From left are Pilot Christopher Ferguson, Mission Specialists Steven MacLean, Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, Joseph Tanner and Daniel Burbank, and Commander Brent Jett. The STS-115 crew are at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities such as the M-113 training. They will also practice emergency egress from the launch pad and take part in a simulated launch countdown. Liftoff of mission STS-115 aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled in a window beginning Aug. 27. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

ISS013-E-81630 (16 Sept. 2006) --- The Expedition 13 and STS-115 crewmembers gather for a group portrait during a joint crew press conference in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Atlantis was docked with the station. From the left (front row) are European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Thomas Reiter, Expedition 13 flight engineer; cosmonaut Pavel V. Vinogradov, commander representing Russia's Federal Space Agency; and astronaut Jeffrey N. Williams, NASA space station science officer and flight engineer. From the left (second row) are astronauts Joseph R. Tanner, Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper, both STS-115 mission specialists; and Brent W. Jett, Jr., STS-115 commander. From the left (top row) are astronauts Christopher J. Ferguson, pilot; Daniel C. Burbank and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Steven G. MacLean, both mission specialists.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The crew of mission STS-115 arrives at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility to prepare for launch on Aug. 27 to the International Space Station. Seen here are (left to right) Mission Specialist Steven MacLean and Pilot Christopher Ferguson being greeted by KSC Associate Director Jim Hattaway and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. The mission will deliver and install the 17-and-a-half-ton P3/P4 truss segment to the port side of the integrated truss system on the orbital outpost. The truss includes a new set of photovoltaic solar arrays. When unfurled to their full length of 240 feet, the arrays will provide additional power for the station in preparation for the delivery of international science modules over the next two years. STS-115 is expected to last 11 days and includes three scheduled spacewalks. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-115 crew poses in front of the orbiter Atlantis, which brought them safely back from space to NASA's Kennedy Space Center. From left are Mission Specialists Daniel Burbank, Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steven MacLean; Pilot Christopher Ferguson; Commander Brent Jett; and Mission Specialist Joseph Tanner. During the mission, Tanner, McLean, Burbank and Piper completed three spacewalks to attach the P3/P4 integrated truss structure to the International Space Station. Main gear touchdown was at 6:21:30 a.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 6:21:36 a.m. and wheel stop was at 6:22:16 a.m. Atlantis traveled 4.9 million miles, landing on orbit 187. Mission elapsed time was 11 days, 19 hours, six minutes. This is the 15th night landing at KSC and the 23rd night landing overall. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-115 Pilot Christopher Ferguson takes the wheel to practice driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier. Passengers on the carrier are (from left) Mission Specialists Daniel Burbank and Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, Capt. George Hoggard, who is astronaut rescue team leader, and Mission Specialist Steven MacLean. The STS-115 crew are at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities such as the M-113 training. They will also practice emergency egress from the launch pad and take part in a simulated launch countdown. Liftoff of mission STS-115 aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled in a window beginning Aug. 27. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-115 crew members complete their suitup in the White Room before entering Space Shuttle Atlantis on Launch Pad 39B for a simulated launch countdown. Shown here is Pilot Christopher Ferguson. The White Room, which is located at the end of the orbiter access arm, allows entry into the orbiter through the crew access hatch. The mission crew is at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities that are preparation for launch. Liftoff of Atlantis is scheduled to take place in a window that opens Aug. 27. During their 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the STS-115 crew will continue construction of the station and attach the payload elements, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

STS115-S-047 (21 Sept. 2006) --- Just before dawn, the Space Shuttle Atlantis' main landing gear is about to touch down on runway 33 at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility. Landing occurred at 6:21:36 a.m. (EDT) on Sept. 21, 2006. Onboard were astronauts Brent W. Jett, Jr., STS-115 commander; Christopher J. Ferguson, pilot; Joseph R. Tanner, Daniel C. Burbank, Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Steven G. MacLean, all mission specialists. The return of Atlantis concludes the successful nearly 12-day mission to resume construction of the International Space Station by installing the P3/P4 integrated truss and solar arrays.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Following a simulated launch countdown and emergency egress practice, the STS-115 crew gathers on the 215-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B. From left are Pilot Christopher Ferguson, Mission Specialists Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper and Joseph Tanner, Commander Brent Jett, and Mission Specialists Steven MacLean and Daniel Burbank. MacLean is with the Canadian Space Agency. Behind them loom the top of Space Shuttle Atlantis' external tank and one of the solid rocket boosters. The TCDT is a prelaunch preparation for the mission that is scheduled to lift off in a window opening Aug. 27. During their 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the STS-115 crew will continue construction of the station and attach the payload elements, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the payload changeout room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-115 crew members look over the mission payload one more time before launch. From left are mission specialist Steven MacLean, representing the Canadian Space Agency, and pilot Christopher Ferguson. The mission crew has been at KSC to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which include emergency egress training, a simulated launch countdown and the payload familiarization. The TCDT is a prelaunch preparation for the mission that is scheduled to lift off in a window opening Aug. 27. During their 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the STS-115 crew will continue construction of the station and attach the payload elements, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The crew of mission STS-115 has arrived at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility to prepare for launch on Aug. 27 to the International Space Station. They talk to the media before heading to crew quarters in the Operations and Checkout Building. At the microphone is Mission Specialist Joseph Tanner. On the left is Commander Brent Jett; on the right is Pilot Christopher Ferguson. The mission will deliver and install the 17-and-a-half-ton P3/P4 truss segment to the port side of the integrated truss system on the orbital outpost. The truss includes a new set of photovoltaic solar arrays. When unfurled to their full length of 240 feet, the arrays will provide additional power for the station in preparation for the delivery of international science modules over the next two years. STS-115 is expected to last 11 days and includes three scheduled spacewalks. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

STS115-S-044 (21 Sept. 2006) --- Just before dawn, the Space Shuttle Atlantis' main landing gear is about to touch down on runway 33 at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility. Landing occurred at 6:21:36 a.m. (EDT) on Sept. 21, 2006. Onboard were astronauts Brent W. Jett, Jr., STS-115 commander; Christopher J. Ferguson, pilot; Joseph R. Tanner, Daniel C. Burbank, Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Steven G. MacLean, all mission specialists. The return of Atlantis concludes the successful nearly 12-day mission to resume construction of the International Space Station by installing the P3/P4 integrated truss and solar arrays.

ISS013-E-81626 (16 Sept. 2006) --- The Expedition 13 and STS-115 crewmembers gather for a group portrait during a joint crew press conference in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Atlantis was docked with the station. From the left (front row) are European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Thomas Reiter, Expedition 13 flight engineer; cosmonaut Pavel V. Vinogradov, commander representing Russia's Federal Space Agency; and astronaut Jeffrey N. Williams, NASA space station science officer and flight engineer. From the left (second row) are astronauts Joseph R. Tanner, Heidemarie M. Stefanyshyn-Piper, both STS-115 mission specialists; and Brent W. Jett, Jr., STS-115 commander. From the left (top row) are astronauts Christopher J. Ferguson, pilot; Daniel C. Burbank and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Steven G. MacLean, both mission specialists.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Following a simulated launch countdown and emergency egress practice, the STS-115 crew gathers on the 215-foot level of the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39B. From left are Mission Specialists Joseph Tanner and Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, Commander Brent Jett, Pilot Christopher Ferguson, and Mission Specialists Steven MacLean and Daniel Burbank. MacLean is with the Canadian Space Agency. Behind them loom the top of Space Shuttle Atlantis' external tank and one of the solid rocket boosters. The TCDT is a prelaunch preparation for the mission that is scheduled to lift off in a window opening Aug. 27. During their 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the STS-115 crew will continue construction of the station and attach the payload elements, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The crew of mission STS-115 arrives at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility to prepare for launch on Aug. 27 to the International Space Station. Seen here are (left to right) Pilot Christopher Ferguson and Mission Specialist Steven MacLean being greeted by KSC Associate Director Jim Hattaway and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach. The mission will deliver and install the 17-and-a-half-ton P3/P4 truss segment to the port side of the integrated truss system on the orbital outpost. The truss includes a new set of photovoltaic solar arrays. When unfurled to their full length of 240 feet, the arrays will provide additional power for the station in preparation for the delivery of international science modules over the next two years. STS-115 is expected to last 11 days and includes three scheduled spacewalks. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-115 Commander Brent Jett introduces his crew to waiting media at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility after their arrival from Houston. At left are Mission Specialists Daniel Burbank, Steven MacLean and Joseph Tanner; at right are Mission Specialist Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper and Pilot Christopher Ferguson. The STS-115 crew has flown to NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT is a pre-launch preparation that includes practicing emergency egress from the pad, driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier, and simulating the launch countdown. Launch of STS-115 is currently scheduled for Aug. 27. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-115 crew members are ready to climb into the M-113 armored personnel carrier with Capt. George Hoggard (back to camera), who is astronaut rescue team leader. The astronauts seen, left to right, are Mission Specialist Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, Commander Brent Jett, Mission Specialists Dan Burbank, Steven MacLean and Joe Tanner, and Pilot Christopher Ferguson. MacLean represents the Canadian Space Agency.The STS-115 crew are at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities such as the M-113 training. They will also practice emergency egress from the launch pad and take part in a simulated launch countdown. Liftoff of mission STS-115 aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled in a window beginning Aug. 27. Photo credit: NASA/Cory Huston

NASA Astronaut and STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson walks underneath the space shuttle Atlantis shortly after he and the rest of the STS-135 crew landed at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF), completing a 13-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS) and the final flight of the Space Shuttle Program, early Thursday morning, July 21, 2011, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Overall, Atlantis spent 307 days in space and traveled nearly 126 million miles during its 33 flights. Atlantis, the fourth orbiter built, launched on its first mission on Oct. 3, 1985. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The STS-135 crew; Chris Ferguson, commander; Doug Hurley, pilot;, left, Rex Walheim and Sandy Magnus, both mission specialists are seen before boarding space shuttle Atlantis at launch pad 39A prior to launch, Friday, July 8, 2011 at the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The launch of Atlantis, STS-135, is the final flight of the shuttle program, a 12-day mission to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Jerry Ross)

STS-135 crew members Chris Ferguson, left, Douglas Hurley, second from left, Sandra Magnus, and Rex Walheim, right, pose for a group photograph atop of the Mobile Launch Platform (MLP) as the space shuttle Atlantis (STS-135) rolls out of High Bay 3 in the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39a for its final flight, Tuesday evening, May 31, 2011, at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The 3.4-mile trek, known as "rollout," will take about seven hours to complete. Atlantis will carry the Raffaello multipurpose logistics module to deliver supplies, logistics and spare parts to the International Space Station. The launch of STS-135 is targeted for July 8. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Space shuttle Atlantis (STS-135) Commander Chris Furgeson, at podium, is flanked by his crew pilot Doug Hurley, right, and mission specialists Rex Walheim and Sandy Mangus, left, as he addresses employees and contractors gathered at a wheels stop event at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Thursday, July 21, 2011, in Cape Cape Canaveral, Fla. Atlantis returned to Kennedy early Thursday following a 13-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS) and marking the end of the 30-year Space Shuttle Program. Overall, Atlantis spent 307 days in space and traveled nearly 126 million miles during its 33 flights. Atlantis, the fourth orbiter built, launched on its first mission on Oct. 3, 1985. Photo Credit: (NASA/Paul E. Alers)

STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson talks to NASA Television and the news media in front of the space shuttle Atlantis shortly after he and the rest of the STS-135 crew landed at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF), completing a 13-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS) and the final flight of the Space Shuttle Program, early Thursday morning, July 21, 2011, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Overall, Atlantis spent 307 days in space and traveled nearly 126 million miles during its 33 flights. Atlantis, the fourth orbiter built, launched on its first mission on Oct. 3, 1985. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Astronaut and STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson walks underneath the space shuttle Atlantis shortly after he and the rest of the STS-135 crew landed at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF), completing a 13-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS) and the final flight of the Space Shuttle Program, early Thursday morning, July 21, 2011, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Overall, Atlantis spent 307 days in space and traveled nearly 126 million miles during its 33 flights. Atlantis, the fourth orbiter built, launched on its first mission on Oct. 3, 1985. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, right, and Commander Chris Ferguson talk underneath the space shuttle Atlantis shortly after Ferguson and the rest of the STS-135 crew landed at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF), completing a 13-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS) and the final flight of the Space Shuttle Program, early Thursday morning, July 21, 2011, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Overall, Atlantis spent 307 days in space and traveled nearly 126 million miles during its 33 flights. Atlantis, the fourth orbiter built, launched on its first mission on Oct. 3, 1985. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The STS-135 mission specialist Rex Walheim, left, Doug Hurley, pilot; second from left, Sandy Magnus, mission specialist; and Chris Ferguson, commander, right, stop and take a moment to look up at the space shuttle Atlantis prior to boarding at launch pad 39A, Friday, July 8, 2011 at the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The launch of Atlantis, STS-135, is the final flight of the shuttle program, a 12-day mission to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Jerry Ross)