Sierra Space Dream Chaser Spaceplane Documentation Photographs

American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME Nozzle Test at Propulsion Systems Laboratory, PSL Documentation Photographs

Orion ETA Hardware, Launch Abort System and Crew Module Documentation Photographs - Crew Module Arrival

The Neil Armstrong Test Facility, part of NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, is home to multiple test facilities, including the Space Environments Complex and the In-Space Propulsion Facility, both stops for Dream Chaser. The complex is home to the Mechanical Vibration Facility, which subjects test articles to the rigorous conditions of launch. While at Armstrong, the Dream Chaser winged spacecraft was stacked atop its Shooting Star cargo module on the vibration table to experience vibrations like those during launch and re-entry to the Earth’s atmosphere.

The Neil Armstrong Test Facility, part of NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, is home to multiple test facilities, including the Space Environments Complex and the In-Space Propulsion Facility, both stops for Dream Chaser. The complex is home to the Mechanical Vibration Facility, which subjects test articles to the rigorous conditions of launch. While at Armstrong, the Dream Chaser winged spacecraft was stacked atop its Shooting Star cargo module on the vibration table to experience vibrations like those during launch and re-entry to the Earth’s atmosphere.

The Neil Armstrong Test Facility, part of NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, is home to multiple test facilities, including the Space Environments Complex and the In-Space Propulsion Facility, both stops for Dream Chaser. The complex is home to the Mechanical Vibration Facility, which subjects test articles to the rigorous conditions of launch. While at Armstrong, the Dream Chaser winged spacecraft was stacked atop its Shooting Star cargo module on the vibration table to experience vibrations like those during launch and re-entry to the Earth’s atmosphere.

Aero-Acoustic Propulsion Laboratory, AAPL Refurbishment Documentation Photographs from Time-lapse

Photographic documentation of Russian ORLAN space suits in the Pirs Docking Compartment (DC1) ready for EVA 38 as photographed by the Expedition 40 crew.

Photographic documentation taken during the opening ceremonies for the Longhorn Project pavilion at JSC. Longhorn cattle graze, with Rocket Park in the background.

Photographic documentation showing longhorn cattle which belong to the Longhorn Project in front of the Saturn V in JSC's Rocket Park.

iss049e012007 (9/27/2016) --- Photographic documentation taken during the installation and preparation for the Group Combustion Module (GCM) Installation.

Photographic documentation of an ISS solar array with the Earth in the background as seen by the Expedition 36 crew.

Photographic documentation showing the X-38 Crew Return Vehicle (CRV) undergoing testing in the anechoic chamber in bldg. 14.

Photographic documentation of the High Power Engine Propulsion HiPEP after a duration test. Also photographed are the instrumentation and installation articles to reveal post test conditions such as corrosion and pitting.

Photographic documentation of the High Power Engine Propulsion HiPEP after a duration test. Also photographed are the instrumentation and installation articles to reveal post test conditions such as corrosion and pitting.

Photographic documentation of the High Power Engine Propulsion HiPEP after a duration test. Also photographed are the instrumentation and installation articles to reveal post test conditions such as corrosion and pitting.

Test Setup For Model Landing Investigation of a Winged Space Vehicle Image used in NASA Document TN-D-1496 1960-L-04633.01 is Figure 9a for NASA Document L-2064 Photograph of model on launcher and landing on runway.

Test Setup For Model Landing Investigation of a Winged Space Vehicle Image used in NASA Document TN-D-1496 1960-L-04633.01 is Figure 9a for NASA Document L-2064 Photograph of model on launcher and landing on runway.

Test Setup For Model Landing Investigation of a Winged Space Vehicle Image used in NASA Document TN-D-1496 1960-L-04633.01 is Figure 9a for NASA Document L-2064 Photograph of model on launcher and landing on runway.

Photographic documentation showing a Cowboy Parade at JSC, part of Rodeo Houston events. Photo taken at Rocket Park with Saturn V rocket exhibit in the background.

Documentation and PR photographs of Gamma-Ray Imager/Polarimeter for Solar Flares (GRIPS) test hardware at Plum Brook B-2 Faciity (Bldg. 3211)

Documentation and PR photographs of Gamma-Ray Imager/Polarimeter for Solar Flares (GRIPS) test hardware at Plum Brook B-2 Faciity (Bldg. 3211)

JSC2003-E-05938 (4 February 2003) --- President George W. Bush addresses the crowd on the mall of the Johnson Space Center during the memorial for the Columbia astronauts. Seated from the left are Captain Gene Theriot, Chaplain Corps (USN); NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe; and astronaut Kent V. Rominger, Chief of the Astronaut Office. A portrait of the STS-107 Columbia crew is visible at left.

NASA test pilot Wayne “Ringo” Ringelberg and photographer Carla Thomas prepare to take off for a supersonic research flight in support of the QSF18 campaign off the coast of Texas. NASA photographers and videographers take part in operations to support mission documentation.

NASA test pilot Wayne “Ringo” Ringelberg and photographer Carla Thomas prepare to take off for a supersonic research flight in support of the QSF18 campaign off the coast of Texas. NASA photographers and videographers take part in operations to support mission documentation.

NASA test pilot Wayne “Ringo” Ringelberg and photographer Carla Thomas prepare to take off for a supersonic research flight in support of the QSF18 campaign off the coast of Texas. NASA photographers and videographers take part in operations to support mission documentation.

NASA test pilot Wayne “Ringo” Ringelberg and photographer Carla Thomas prepare to take off for a supersonic research flight in support of the QSF18 campaign off the coast of Texas. NASA photographers and videographers take part in operations to support mission documentation.

NASA test pilot Wayne “Ringo” Ringelberg and photographer Carla Thomas prepare to take off for a supersonic research flight in support of the QSF18 campaign off the coast of Texas. NASA photographers and videographers take part in operations to support mission documentation.

NASA test pilot Wayne “Ringo” Ringelberg and photographer Carla Thomas prepare to take off for a supersonic research flight in support of the QSF18 campaign off the coast of Texas. NASA photographers and videographers take part in operations to support mission documentation.

NASA test pilot Wayne “Ringo” Ringelberg and photographer Carla Thomas prepare to take off for a supersonic research flight in support of the QSF18 campaign off the coast of Texas. NASA photographers and videographers take part in operations to support mission documentation.

NASA test pilot Wayne "Ringo" Ringelberg and photographer Carla Thomas prepare to take off for a supersonic research flight in support of the QSF18 campaign off the coast of Texas. NASA photographers and videographers take part in operations to support mission documentation.

NASA test pilot Wayne “Ringo” Ringelberg and photographer Carla Thomas prepare to take off for a supersonic research flight in support of the QSF18 campaign off the coast of Texas. NASA photographers and videographers take part in operations to support mission documentation.

NASA test pilot Wayne “Ringo” Ringelberg and photographer Carla Thomas prepare to take off for a supersonic research flight in support of the QSF18 campaign off the coast of Texas. NASA photographers and videographers take part in operations to support mission documentation.

NASA test pilot Wayne “Ringo” Ringelberg and photographer Carla Thomas prepare to take off for a supersonic research flight in support of the QSF18 campaign off the coast of Texas. NASA photographers and videographers take part in operations to support mission documentation.

NASA test pilot Wayne “Ringo” Ringelberg and photographer Carla Thomas prepare to take off for a supersonic research flight in support of the QSF18 campaign off the coast of Texas. NASA photographers and videographers take part in operations to support mission documentation.

NASA test pilot Wayne “Ringo” Ringelberg and photographer Carla Thomas prepare to take off for a supersonic research flight in support of the QSF18 campaign off the coast of Texas. NASA photographers and videographers take part in operations to support mission documentation.

NASA test pilot Wayne "Ringo" Ringelberg and photographer Carla Thomas prepare to take off for a supersonic research flight in support of the QSF18 campaign off the coast of Texas. NASA photographers and videographers take part in operations to support mission documentation.

NASA test pilot Wayne “Ringo” Ringelberg and photographer Carla Thomas prepare to take off for a supersonic research flight in support of the QSF18 campaign off the coast of Texas. NASA photographers and videographers take part in operations to support mission documentation.

NASA test pilot Wayne “Ringo” Ringelberg and photographer Carla Thomas prepare to take off for a supersonic research flight in support of the QSF18 campaign off the coast of Texas. NASA photographers and videographers take part in operations to support mission documentation.

NASA test pilot Wayne “Ringo” Ringelberg and photographer Carla Thomas prepare to take off for a supersonic research flight in support of the QSF18 campaign off the coast of Texas. NASA photographers and videographers take part in operations to support mission documentation.

NASA test pilot Wayne “Ringo” Ringelberg and photographer Carla Thomas prepare to take off for a supersonic research flight in support of the QSF18 campaign off the coast of Texas. NASA photographers and videographers take part in operations to support mission documentation.

NASA test pilot Wayne “Ringo” Ringelberg and photographer Carla Thomas prepare to take off for a supersonic research flight in support of the QSF18 campaign off the coast of Texas. NASA photographers and videographers take part in operations to support mission documentation.

NASA test pilot Wayne “Ringo” Ringelberg and photographer Carla Thomas prepare to take off for a supersonic research flight in support of the QSF18 campaign off the coast of Texas. NASA photographers and videographers take part in operations to support mission documentation.

NASA test pilot Wayne “Ringo” Ringelberg and photographer Carla Thomas prepare to take off for a supersonic research flight in support of the QSF18 campaign off the coast of Texas. NASA photographers and videographers take part in operations to support mission documentation.

NASA test pilot Wayne “Ringo” Ringelberg and photographer Carla Thomas prepare to take off for a supersonic research flight in support of the QSF18 campaign off the coast of Texas. NASA photographers and videographers take part in operations to support mission documentation.

NASA test pilot Wayne “Ringo” Ringelberg and photographer Carla Thomas prepare to take off for a supersonic research flight in support of the QSF18 campaign off the coast of Texas. NASA photographers and videographers take part in operations to support mission documentation.

NASA test pilot Wayne “Ringo” Ringelberg and photographer Carla Thomas prepare to take off for a supersonic research flight in support of the QSF18 campaign off the coast of Texas. NASA photographers and videographers take part in operations to support mission documentation.

Photographic documentation of the 2003 Ballunar Liftoff Festival Activities on the grounds of the Johnson Space Center on August 22,23 and 24th. Views include: Views of Rocket Park with balloons lifting off in the background .

iss055e004890 (3/24/2018) --- Photographic documentation taken during JAXA Protein Crystal Growth (PCG) Installation into the Protein Crystallization Research Facility (PCRF) of the Ryutai Rack.

Date: 03-02-2021 Location: JSC Rockyard Subject: Scott Wray rewiews test documents during Lunar Exploration EVA Night Operations at Johnson Space Center's Rock Yard. Photographer: James Blair

Photographic documentation of Extravehicular Activity (EVA) 23 Prep in the Quest airlock. Astronaut Karen Nyberg, Expedition 36 flight engineer, holds a microphone and a checklist as she sits in front of the Airlock hatch.

Photographic documentation of the CEV Seat Layout Evaluation taken in the Orion mockup located in bldg 9NW, Johnson Space Center (JSC). Test subjects in orange Launch and Entry Suit (LES) is visible in the seat.

jsc2016e073274 (6/18/2015) --- Photographic documentation taken of the MUSES payload Integrated Assembly to be flown on the SpaceX-11 flight. Photo taken during EVA tool fit checks.

Photographic documentation showing the Nassau Bay July 4th parade honoring George Abbey as "Citizen of the Year." View is of Mr. George Abbey, wearing a cowboy hat, in the back of a car.

iss049e045287 (10/21/2016) --- Photographic documentation taken during JAXA Protein Crystal Growth (PCG) Installation into the Protein Crystallization Research Facility (PCRF) of the Ryutai Rack.

iss027e008219 (3/26/2011) --- Photo documentation of the Asian Seed Package payload, photographed in the Kibo Japanese Experiment Pressurized Module (JPM) aboard the International Space station (ISS).

Photographic documentation of Cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, Expedition 40 flight engineer, working on the Hardware Transfer from ТКГ 423 (DC1) for CASKAD experiment. Photo taken by the Expedition 40 crew.

iss042e046207 (12/16/2018) --- Photographic documentation taken during the Synchronized Position Hold Engage and Reorient Experimental Satellites (SPHERES) test run in the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM).

ISS039-E-013481 (20 April 2014) --- This is one of an extensive series of still photos documenting the arrival and ultimate capture and berthing of the SpaceX Dragon at the International Space Station, as photographed by the Expedition 39 crew members onboard the orbital outpost. The spacecraft was captured by the space station and successfully berthed, following the April 20 arrival.

Photographic documentation of VEG-01 flowers taken by the Expedition 46 crew. The Veg-01 investigation is used to assess on-orbit function and performance of the Veggie facility, focusing on the growth and development of seedlings in the spaceflight environment and the composition of microbial flora on the plants and the facility. For this run, Zinnias will be grown for 60 days and are expected to produce flowers.

iss042e046171 (12/16/2018) --- Photographic documentation taken during the Synchronized Position Hold Engage and Reorient Experimental Satellites (SPHERES) test run in the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM). European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti is visible conducting the test.

iss042e222241 (2/5/2015) --- Photographic documentation of the JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer-3 (J-SSOD-3) mission deploy of the CubeSat AESP-14 from Kibo. The satellite was developed by the Technological Institute of Aeronautics (ITA), with support from the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB), and the National Institute for Space Research (INPE).

ISS039-E-013584 (20 April 2014) --- This is one of an extensive series of still photos documenting the arrival and ultimate capture and berthing of the SpaceX Dragon at the International Space Station, as photographed by the Expedition 39 crew members onboard the orbital outpost. The spacecraft was captured by the space station and successfully berthed, following the April 20 arrival.

STS062-42-026 (4-18 March 1994) --- This 35mm frame, photographed as the Space Shuttle Columbia was orbiting Earth during a "night" pass, documents the glow phenomenon surrounding the vertical stabilizer and the Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) pods of the spacecraft.

ISS039-E-013522 (20 April 2014) --- This is one of an extensive series of still photos documenting the arrival and ultimate capture and berthing of the SpaceX Dragon at the International Space Station, as photographed by the Expedition 39 crew members onboard the orbital outpost. The spacecraft was captured by the space station and successfully berthed, following the April 20 arrival.

Photograph documenting the P6 Truss Solar Array Wing (SAW), Mast Canisters, Photovoltaic (PV) Radiator and Solar Array Blanket Boxes (SABB) as seen by the STS-114 crew during the third of three Extravehicular Activities (EVAs) of the mission. Part of the orbiter Discovery's nosecone is visible in the upper right of the frame.

iss049e004440 (9/18/2016) --- Photographic documentation taken of Personal CO2 monitor in static locations aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The Personal CO2 Monitor demonstrates a new capability on the ISS - continuous monitoring of the astronauts' immediate surroundings.

Photographic documentation of inspection and regular maintenance on Minus Eighty-degree Laboratory Freezer for the ISS 3 (MELFI-3) located in the LAB1S1 rack. View is of European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti, Expedition 43 flight engineer, at work with the MELFI-3.

Photographic documentation showing activities in the payload bay of the orbiter Atlantis during STS-37. View include: Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO) on end of Remote Manipulator System (RMS), with Mission Specialist Jay Apt below on the port side of the payload bay.

ISS039-E-013369 (20 April 2014) --- This is one of an extensive series of still photos documenting the arrival and ultimate capture and berthing of the SpaceX Dragon at the International Space Station, as photographed by the Expedition 39 crew members onboard the orbital outpost. The spacecraft was captured by the space station and successfully berthed, following the April 20 arrival.

Photographic documentation of VEG-01 flowers taken by the Expedition 46 crew. The Veg-01 investigation is used to assess on-orbit function and performance of the Veggie facility, focusing on the growth and development of seedlings in the spaceflight environment and the composition of microbial flora on the plants and the facility. For this run, Zinnias will be grown for 60 days and are expected to produce flowers.

ISS039-E-013475 (20 April 2014) --- This is one of an extensive series of still photos documenting the arrival and ultimate capture and berthing of the SpaceX Dragon at the International Space Station, as photographed by the Expedition 39 crew members onboard the orbital outpost. The spacecraft was captured by the space station and successfully berthed, following the April 20 arrival.

iss047e154711 (6/17/2016) --- Photographic documentation of Luch-2M Multipurpose Crystallization Cassette (УБК) within orange case. Struktura is a study of protein crystallization processes and growth of single crystals which are suitable for X-ray structural analysis and structural decoding.

ISS039-E-013373 (20 April 2014) --- This is one of an extensive series of still photos documenting the arrival and ultimate capture and berthing of the SpaceX Dragon at the International Space Station, as photographed by the Expedition 39 crew members onboard the orbital outpost. The spacecraft was captured by the space station and successfully berthed, following the April 20 arrival.

iss049e004448 (9/18/2016) --- Photographic documentation taken of Personal CO2 monitor in static locations aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The Personal CO2 Monitor demonstrates a new capability on the ISS - continuous monitoring of the astronauts' immediate surroundings.

Photographic documentation of VEG-01 flowers taken by the Expedition 46 crew. The Veg-01 investigation is used to assess on-orbit function and performance of the Veggie facility, focusing on the growth and development of seedlings in the spaceflight environment and the composition of microbial flora on the plants and the facility. For this run, Zinnias will be grown for 60 days and are expected to produce flowers.

ISS039-E-013352 (20 April 2014) --- This is one of an extensive series of still photos documenting the arrival and ultimate capture and berthing of the SpaceX Dragon at the International Space Station, as photographed by the Expedition 39 crew members onboard the orbital outpost. The spacecraft was captured by the space station and successfully berthed, following the April 20 arrival.

ISS039-E-013377 (20 April 2014) --- This is one of an extensive series of still photos documenting the arrival and ultimate capture and berthing of the SpaceX Dragon at the International Space Station, as photographed by the Expedition 39 crew members onboard the orbital outpost. The spacecraft was captured by the space station and successfully berthed, following the April 20 arrival.

Photographic documentation of VEG-01 taken by the Expedition 46 crew. The Veg-01 investigation is used to assess on-orbit function and performance of the Veggie facility, focusing on the growth and development of seedlings in the spaceflight environment and the composition of microbial flora on the plants and the facility. For this run, Zinnias were grown for 60 days and produced these flowers.

Photographic documentation of Robonaut activities involving joint task operations with a EVA suited astronaut (Nancy Currie) in bldg 9N,rm 1113 (Robonaut lab). Close-up view of Currie (in her EMU) working with the Robonauts (00299). Currie and one Robonaut work at a task .

ISS039-E-013437 (20 April 2014) --- This is one of an extensive series of still photos documenting the arrival and ultimate capture and berthing of the SpaceX Dragon at the International Space Station, as photographed by the Expedition 39 crew members onboard the orbital outpost. The spacecraft was captured by the space station and successfully berthed, following the April 20 arrival.

Photographic documentation showing the first crew of the ISS posing together in bldg. 9N during descent training, wearing orange Launch & Entry Suits (LES) and clasping right hands in a sign of unity. From left to right: Sergei Krikalev, William Shepherd and Yuri Gidzenko.

Photographic documentation of VEG-01 taken by the Expedition 46 crew. The Veg-01 investigation is used to assess on-orbit function and performance of the Veggie facility, focusing on the growth and development of seedlings in the spaceflight environment and the composition of microbial flora on the plants and the facility. For this run, Zinnias were grown for 60 days and produced these flowers.

iss049e004443 (9/18/2016) --- Photographic documentation taken of Personal CO2 monitor in static locations aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The Personal CO2 Monitor demonstrates a new capability on the ISS - continuous monitoring of the astronauts' immediate surroundings.

iss042e224107 (2/5/2015) --- Photographic documentation of the JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer-3 (J-SSOD-3) mission deploy of the CubeSat AESP-14 from Kibo. The satellite was developed by the Technological Institute of Aeronautics (ITA), with support from the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB), and the National Institute for Space Research (INPE).

iss056e097010 (7/17/2018) --- Photographic documentation of Active Tissue Equivalent Dosimeter during deployment aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The Active Tissue Equivalent Dosimeter investigation uses an Active Tissue Equivalent Dosimeter aboard the International Space Station to collect data on crew radiation exposure and to characterize the space radiation environment.

ISS039-E-013501 (20 April 2014) --- This is one of an extensive series of still photos documenting the arrival and ultimate capture and berthing of the SpaceX Dragon at the International Space Station, as photographed by the Expedition 39 crew members onboard the orbital outpost. The spacecraft was captured by the space station and successfully berthed, following the April 20 arrival.

Photographic documentation of VEG-01 flowers taken by the Expedition 46 crew. The Veg-01 investigation is used to assess on-orbit function and performance of the Veggie facility, focusing on the growth and development of seedlings in the spaceflight environment and the composition of microbial flora on the plants and the facility. For this run, Zinnias will be grown for 60 days and are expected to produce flowers.

iss042e222236 (2/5/2015) --- Photographic documentation of the JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer-3 (J-SSOD-3) mission deploy of the CubeSat AESP-14 from Kibo. The satellite was developed by the Technological Institute of Aeronautics (ITA), with support from the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB), and the National Institute for Space Research (INPE).

ISS039-E-013540 (20 April 2014) --- This is one of an extensive series of still photos documenting the arrival and ultimate capture and berthing of the SpaceX Dragon at the International Space Station, as photographed by the Expedition 39 crew members onboard the orbital outpost. The spacecraft was captured by the space station and successfully berthed, following the April 20 arrival.

A technician in shown inside Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser spaceplane preparing for vibration testing at the Neil Armstrong Test Facility’s Mechanical Vibration Facility. Using the world’s most powerful spacecraft shaker system in February 2024, NASA exposed Dream Chaser and its Shooting Star cargo module to vibrations like those it will experience during launch and re-entry into the atmosphere. Photo Credit: (NASA/Jordan Salkin)

iss056e098988 (July 26, 2018) --- Photographic documentation of the Binary Colloidal Alloy Test-Cohesive Sedimentation investigation (BCAT-CS). The fluid physics research explores the sedimentary properties of quartz and clay particles. Mixed quartz and clay samples are suspended in a liquid for photographic and video downlink to scientists on Earth helping guide future geological studies of unexplored planets and improving petroleum exploration here on Earth.

JSC2001-E-04806 (21 February 2001) --- Astronaut Kenneth D. Cockrell, mission commander, speaks to a crowd at the welcome home ceremony for the five STS-98 astronauts.

JSC2001-E-04805 (21 February 2001) --- JSC director George W.S. Abbey talks with the STS-98 crew members following the arrival of the Gulfstream Aircraft which transported the astronauts from their landing at Dryden Flight Research Center (DFRC) in Edwards, California. Pictured along side Mr. Abbey is astronaut Kenneth D. Cockrell, mission commander. Behind him (from the left distant background) are astronauts Robert L. Curbeam and Thomas D. Jones (both mission specialists) and Mark L. Polansky, pilot. Astronaut Marsha S. Ivins, mission specialist, is out of the frame.

JSC2001-E-04808 (21 February 2001) --- Astronaut Thomas D. Jones, mission specialist, speaks to a crowd at the welcome home ceremony for the five STS-98 crew members.

STS093-345-008 (22-27 July 1999) --- Close-up view of the Plant Growth Investigations in Microgravity (PGIM-1) payload experiment onboard the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Columbia. The PGIM-1 monitors the space flight environment for stressful conditions that affect plant growth.

JSC2001-E-04813 (21 February 2001) --- Astronaut Marsha S. Ivins, STS-98 mission specialist, signs some photos and mementoes for members of the crowd on hand at Ellington Field for a brief welcome hom eceremony for the five Atlantis crew members.

An engineer signals the truck driver carrying Orion’s Launch Abort System (LAS) at the Space Environments Complex. The LAS was awaiting Orion’s Crew Capsule to be tested on for mission critical support for Artemis II. Photo Credit: (NASA/Jordan Salkin)

JSC2001-E-04809 (21 February 2001) --- Astronaut Robert L. Curbeam, mission specialist, speaks to a crowd at the welcome home ceremony for the five STS-98 crew members.

JSC2001-E-04807 (21 February 2001) --- Astronaut Mark L. Polansky, pilot, shares a few thoughts about his first space mission with well wishers on hand at the STS-98 crew's return at Ellington Field.