KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLORIDA STS-82 PREPARATIONS VIEW --- In the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Vertical Processing Facility (VPF), the STS-82 crew members familiarize themselves with some of the hardware they will be handling on the second servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). Looking over the Flight Support System (FSS) Berthing and Positioning System (BAPS) ring are astronauts Joseph R. Tanner (far left), Mark C. Lee (third left) and Gregory J. Harbaugh (fourth left); along with several HST processing team members. Tanner, Lee and Harbaugh, along with Steven L. Smith, will perform spacewalks required for servicing of the HST. The telescope was deployed nearly seven years ago and was initially serviced in 1993.
STS-82 Discovery crew familiarize themselves with hardware for flight
NASA’s Pilatus PC-12, based out of NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, is seen flying over NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. On Sept. 18, 2024, NASA pilots and crew from both centers flew the PC-12 over the Mojave Desert in a series of familiarization flights. Familiarization flights involve egress training, preflight walkaround, interior preflight, engine start, taxi, and takeoff.  
NASA Pilatus PC-12 soars over NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California on Sept. 18, 2024.
Used as a directional indicator the compass rose guides pilots flying test and experimental aircraft like the Pilatus PC-12 in the vast airspace over NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. This Pilatus PC-12 based out of NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland is being flown for a series of familiarization flights for NASA’s Armstrong pilots and crew. These familiarization flights supported communication, navigation and surveillance evaluations for Advanced Air Mobility research.
NASA Pilatus PC-12 cuts through the desert skies over NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California with the compass rose in the background on Sept. 18, 2024.
Equipped with state-of-the-art technology to test and evaluate communication, navigation, and surveillance systems, NASA’s Pilatus PC-12 flies over the Mojave Desert near Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. Based at Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, the Pilatus PC-12 runs a series of familiarization flights for NASA Armstrong pilots before a test series evaluating ADS-B or Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast systems for advanced air mobility applications in the desert flight test range on Sept. 18, 2024. Airborne work during familiarization flights includes several approach and landings, with an emphasis on avionics, then medium altitude air-work with steep turns, slow flight, and stall demonstrations to qualitatively understand the handling characteristics of the aircraft. The flights lasted about 60 to 90 minutes on average.
The Mojave Desert serves as a stark background for NASA’s Pilatus PC-12 flying near Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California on Sept. 18, 2024.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Commander Eileen Collins looks over flight equipment in the Orbiter Processing Facility, along with Glenda Laws, EVA Task Leader, with United Space Alliance at Johnson Space Center. The STS-114 crew is at KSC to take part in crew equipment and orbiter familiarization.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Commander Eileen Collins looks over flight equipment in the Orbiter Processing Facility, along with Glenda Laws, EVA Task Leader, with United Space Alliance at Johnson Space Center. The STS-114 crew is at KSC to take part in crew equipment and orbiter familiarization.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Commander Eileen Collins talks with workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility. She and other crew members are at KSC to become familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Commander Eileen Collins talks with workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility. She and other crew members are at KSC to become familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
Equipped with state-of-the-art technology to test and evaluate communication, navigation, and surveillance systems NASA’s Pilatus PC-12 performs touch-and-go maneuvers over a runway at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California on Sept. 23, 2024. Researchers will use the data to understand Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) signal loss scenarios for air taxi flights in urban areas. To prepare for ADS-B test flights pilots and crew from NASA Armstrong and NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, ran a series of familiarization flights. These flights included several approach and landings, with an emphasis on avionics, medium altitude air-work with steep turns, slow flight and stall demonstrations.
NASA Pilatus PC-12 performs touch-and-go maneuvers over the runway at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California to gather data on low-altitude Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast signals on Sept. 23, 2024.
Based out of NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, the Pilatus PC-12 is flying over the compass rose in the Roger’s Dry Lakebed at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center, in Edwards, California. The compass rose is more than 4,000 feet in diameter and aligned to magnetic north, to test navigation equipment on aircraft. The Pilatus PC-12 tests communications technology for the emerging Advanced Air Mobility ecosystem. Pilots and crew from both centers perform familiarization flights to prepare for Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) systems tests between the aircraft and ping-Stations on the ground at Armstrong Flight Research Center. These flights are the first cross-center activity with the Pilatus-PC-12 at Armstrong Flight Research Center.
NASA’s Pilatus PC-12 flies over the world’s largest compass rose at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California on Sept. 18, 2024
Boeing Commercial Crew Flight Test (CFT) Emergency Vehicle Familiarization training with Chris Ferguson, Nicole Mann, Barry Wilmore and Mike Fincke.
Commercial Crew Program Astronaut Training - Nicole Mann
Boeing Commercial Crew Flight Test (CFT) Emergency Vehicle Familiarization training with Chris Ferguson, Nicole Mann, Barry Wilmore and Mike Fincke.
Commercial Crew Program Astronaut Training - Mike Fincke
Seated in the rear station of a NASA T-38 jet trainer aircraft, Russian Cosmonaut Vladimir Titov prepares to take a familiarization flight.
Cosmonaut Vladimir Titov in rear station of NASA T-38 for training flight
Seated in the rear station of a NASA T-38 jet trainer aircraft, Russian Cosmonaut Sergei Krikalev prepares to take a familiarization flight.
Cosmonaut Sergei Krikalev in rear station of NASA T-38 for training flight
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLORIDA STS-82 PREPARATIONS VIEW --- In the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Vertical Processing Facility (VPF), the STS-82 crew members have the opportunity for a "hands-on" preview of some of the hardware they will be utilizing on the second servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). Astronaut Mark C. Lee (facing camera at center frame), has his gloved hand on the latch for the Multipurpose ORU Protective Enclosure (MOPE). Observing their payload commander are astronauts Joseph R. Tanner and Gregory J. Harbaugh (second right), as well as several HST technicians. Four astronauts will perform spacewalks required for servicing of the HST. The telescope was deployed nearly seven years ago and was initially serviced in 1993.
STS-82 Discovery crew familiarize themselves with hardware for flight
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the STS-114 crew spend time in the Orbiter Processing Facility becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. Mission Specialists Stephen Robinson (left) and Wendy Lawrence (right) look at an engine eyelet, which serves as part of the thermal protection system on an orbiter. The STS-114 mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment and the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the STS-114 crew spend time in the Orbiter Processing Facility becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. Mission Specialists Stephen Robinson (left) and Wendy Lawrence (right) look at an engine eyelet, which serves as part of the thermal protection system on an orbiter. The STS-114 mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment and the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi is happy to be back at KSC after arriving aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. He and other crew members are at the Center for familiarization activities with equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, scheduled to deliver the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module carrying supplies and equipment to the Space Station and the external stowage platform.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi is happy to be back at KSC after arriving aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. He and other crew members are at the Center for familiarization activities with equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, scheduled to deliver the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module carrying supplies and equipment to the Space Station and the external stowage platform.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Pilot Jim Kelly is pleased to be back at KSC after arriving aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. He and other crew members are at the Center for familiarization activities with equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, scheduled to deliver the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module carrying supplies and equipment to the Space Station and the external stowage platform.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Pilot Jim Kelly is pleased to be back at KSC after arriving aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. He and other crew members are at the Center for familiarization activities with equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, scheduled to deliver the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module carrying supplies and equipment to the Space Station and the external stowage platform.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi arrives at KSC aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. He and other crew members are at the Center for familiarization activities with equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, scheduled to deliver the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module carrying supplies and equipment to the Space Station and the external stowage platform.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi arrives at KSC aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. He and other crew members are at the Center for familiarization activities with equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, scheduled to deliver the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module carrying supplies and equipment to the Space Station and the external stowage platform.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi, who is with the Japanese Aerospace and Exploration Agency, looks at the inside of the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) in the Space Station Processing Facility. He and other crew members are at KSC becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi, who is with the Japanese Aerospace and Exploration Agency, looks at the inside of the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) in the Space Station Processing Facility. He and other crew members are at KSC becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the STS-114 crew spend time becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. From left are Mission Specialists Stephen Robinson, Charles Camarda and Andrew Thomas. On the work stand is the insert for Discovery’s nose cap, which is being fitted with themal protection system insulation blankets. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the STS-114 crew spend time becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. From left are Mission Specialists Stephen Robinson, Charles Camarda and Andrew Thomas. On the work stand is the insert for Discovery’s nose cap, which is being fitted with themal protection system insulation blankets. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson arrives at KSC aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. He and other crew members are at the Center for familiarization activities with equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, scheduled to deliver the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module carrying supplies and equipment to the Space Station and the external stowage platform.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson arrives at KSC aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. He and other crew members are at the Center for familiarization activities with equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, scheduled to deliver the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module carrying supplies and equipment to the Space Station and the external stowage platform.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi looks at tile on the underside of the orbiter Discovery. Noguchi is with the Japanese Aerospace and Exploration Agency. He and other crew members are at KSC becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi looks at tile on the underside of the orbiter Discovery. Noguchi is with the Japanese Aerospace and Exploration Agency. He and other crew members are at KSC becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence is pleased to be back at KSC after arriving aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. She and other crew members are at the Center for familiarization activities with equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, scheduled to deliver the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module carrying supplies and equipment to the Space Station and the external stowage platform.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence is pleased to be back at KSC after arriving aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. She and other crew members are at the Center for familiarization activities with equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, scheduled to deliver the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module carrying supplies and equipment to the Space Station and the external stowage platform.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-114 Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson (right) learns about the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) from Louise Kleba (left), with United Space Alliance at KSC, and Jennifer Goldsmith (center), with USA at Johnson Space Center. Crew members are at KSC becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-114 Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson (right) learns about the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) from Louise Kleba (left), with United Space Alliance at KSC, and Jennifer Goldsmith (center), with USA at Johnson Space Center. Crew members are at KSC becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-114 crew members look at the tiles underneath Atlantis. From left (in flight suits) are Mission Specialists Stephen Robinson and Andy Thomas, Commander Eileen Collins and, at right, Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi, who is with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA. Accompanying them is Glenda Laws, EVA Task Leader, with United Space Alliance at Johnson Space Center. The STS-114 crew is at KSC to take part in crew equipment and orbiter familiarization.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-114 crew members look at the tiles underneath Atlantis. From left (in flight suits) are Mission Specialists Stephen Robinson and Andy Thomas, Commander Eileen Collins and, at right, Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi, who is with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA. Accompanying them is Glenda Laws, EVA Task Leader, with United Space Alliance at Johnson Space Center. The STS-114 crew is at KSC to take part in crew equipment and orbiter familiarization.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Commander Eileen Collins and Mission Specialists Charles Camarda and Soichi Noguchi sit outside the crew hatch on the orbiter Discovery. Noguchi is with the Japanese Aerospace and Exploration Agency. They and other crew members are at KSC becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Commander Eileen Collins and Mission Specialists Charles Camarda and Soichi Noguchi sit outside the crew hatch on the orbiter Discovery. Noguchi is with the Japanese Aerospace and Exploration Agency. They and other crew members are at KSC becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-114 Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson (left) looks at an area overhead in the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM). In the center is Jennifer Goldsmith, with United Space Alliance at Johnson Space Center, and at right is Louise Kleba, with USA at KSC. Crew members are at KSC becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-114 Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson (left) looks at an area overhead in the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM). In the center is Jennifer Goldsmith, with United Space Alliance at Johnson Space Center, and at right is Louise Kleba, with USA at KSC. Crew members are at KSC becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Commander Eileen Collins is pleased to be back at KSC after arriving aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. She and other crew members are at the Center for familiarization activities with equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, scheduled to deliver to the Space Station the external stowage platform and the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module with supplies and equipment.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Commander Eileen Collins is pleased to be back at KSC after arriving aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. She and other crew members are at the Center for familiarization activities with equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, scheduled to deliver to the Space Station the external stowage platform and the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module with supplies and equipment.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas is pleased to be back at KSC after arriving aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. He and other crew members are at the Center for familiarization activities with equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, scheduled to deliver to the Space Station the external stowage platform and the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module with supplies and equipment.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas is pleased to be back at KSC after arriving aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. He and other crew members are at the Center for familiarization activities with equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, scheduled to deliver to the Space Station the external stowage platform and the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module with supplies and equipment.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the STS-114 crew spend time becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. Mission Specialists Soichi Noguchi (left) and Andrew Thomas (center) look at an engine eyelet, which serves as part of the thermal protection system on an orbiter. Noguchi is with the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment and the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the STS-114 crew spend time becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. Mission Specialists Soichi Noguchi (left) and Andrew Thomas (center) look at an engine eyelet, which serves as part of the thermal protection system on an orbiter. Noguchi is with the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment and the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialists Andrew Thomas and Soichi Noguchi look at the leading edge of Discovery’s wing with RCC panels removed. Noguchi is with the Japanese Aerospace and Exploration Agency. Crew members are at KSC becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialists Andrew Thomas and Soichi Noguchi look at the leading edge of Discovery’s wing with RCC panels removed. Noguchi is with the Japanese Aerospace and Exploration Agency. Crew members are at KSC becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - - In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-114 Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson (left) learns about the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) from Jennifer Goldsmith (center), with United Space Alliance at Johnson Space Center, and Louise Kleba (right), with USA at KSC. Crew members are at KSC to become familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - - In the Space Station Processing Facility, STS-114 Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson (left) learns about the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) from Jennifer Goldsmith (center), with United Space Alliance at Johnson Space Center, and Louise Kleba (right), with USA at KSC. Crew members are at KSC to become familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialists Wendy Lawrence (left) and Stephen Robinson (right) look at the insert for Discovery’s nose cap that is being fitted with thermal protection system insulation blankets. The mission crew is spending time becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialists Wendy Lawrence (left) and Stephen Robinson (right) look at the insert for Discovery’s nose cap that is being fitted with thermal protection system insulation blankets. The mission crew is spending time becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-114 crew look up at the payload bay of orbiter Atlantis. From left (in flight suits) are Mission Specialists Andrew Thomas, Stephen Robinson and Charles Camarda, and Mission Commander Eileen Collins. The STS-114 crew is at KSC to take part in crew equipment and orbiter familiarization.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, members of the STS-114 crew look up at the payload bay of orbiter Atlantis. From left (in flight suits) are Mission Specialists Andrew Thomas, Stephen Robinson and Charles Camarda, and Mission Commander Eileen Collins. The STS-114 crew is at KSC to take part in crew equipment and orbiter familiarization.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Charles Camarda arrives at KSC aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. He and other crew members are at the Center for familiarization activities with equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, scheduled to deliver the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module carrying supplies and equipment,to the Space Station, and the external stowage platform.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Charles Camarda arrives at KSC aboard a T-38 jet aircraft. He and other crew members are at the Center for familiarization activities with equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, scheduled to deliver the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module carrying supplies and equipment,to the Space Station, and the external stowage platform.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-114 Mission Specialists Andrew Thomas, Soichi Noguchi and Charles Camarda greet astronaut John Young (far right), who flew on the first flight of Space Shuttle Columbia with Robert Crippen. Behind Camarda is Pilot James Kelly. Young is associate director, Technical, at Johnson Space Center. Noguchi represents the Japanese Aerospace and Exploration Agency. The STS-114 crew is spending time becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-114 Mission Specialists Andrew Thomas, Soichi Noguchi and Charles Camarda greet astronaut John Young (far right), who flew on the first flight of Space Shuttle Columbia with Robert Crippen. Behind Camarda is Pilot James Kelly. Young is associate director, Technical, at Johnson Space Center. Noguchi represents the Japanese Aerospace and Exploration Agency. The STS-114 crew is spending time becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
iss065e006604 (April 26, 2021) --- SpaceX Crew-2 Mission Specialists and Expedition 65 Flight Engineers Megan McArthur and Akihiko Hoshide pose for a portrait together as they familiarize themselves with systems aboard the International Space Station.
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iss059e000538 (March 18, 2019) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 59 Flight Engineer Christina Koch familiarizes herself with International Space Station hardware inside the Unity module.
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iss067e033341 (May 1, 2022) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 67 Flight Engineer Jessica Watkins familiarizes herself with systems and procedures aboard the International Space Station having been aboard the orbiting lab for just a few days.
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iss067e033349 (May 1, 2022) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 67 Flight Engineer Robert Hines familiarizes himself with systems and procedures aboard the International Space Station having been aboard the orbiting lab for just a few days.
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iss064e008218 (Nov. 30, 2020) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 64 Flight Engineer Victor Glover is pictured among space cargo bags as he spends time familiarizing himself with International Space Station systems and procedures.
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At SPACEHAB in Cape Canaveral, Fla., STS-116 Pilot William Oefelein and Commander Mark Polansky relax during equipment familiarization to talk to astronaut Marsha Ivins, who is currently assigned to the Astronaut Office, Space Station/Shuttle Branches for crew equipment, habitability and stowage. Mission crews make frequent trips to the Space Coast to become familiar with the equipment and payloads they will be using. STS-116 will be mission number 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/George Shelton
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At SPACEHAB in Cape Canaveral, Fla., the STS-116 crew takes a break from equipment familiarization in the SPACEHAB module to pose for a group photo. From left are Mission Specialists Sunita Williams, Nicholas Patrick and Joan Higginbotham. Mission crews make frequent trips to the Space Coast to become familiar with the equipment and payloads they will be using. STS-116 will be mission number 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/George Shelton
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ISS010-E-24985 (19 April 2005) --- Astronaut John L. Phillips, Expedition 11 NASA ISS science officer and flight engineer, participates in a familiarization session with the Mobile Service System (MSS) and hands-on experience with the Canadarm2, or Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station (ISS).
Phillips at the SSRMS controls in the U.S. Laboratory during Expedition 10 / Expedition 11
JSC2010-E-119533 (25 Aug. 2010) --- NASA astronaut Gregory H. Johnson, STS-134 pilot, is pictured in the check-out facility at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center prior to a familiarization flight in NASA T-38 trainer jets. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration
STS-134 crew as they prepare their flight to KSC in T-38's
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the foreground, STS-114 Mission Specialists Andrew Thomas (left) and Stephen Robinson (right) lift the Video Stanchion Support Assembly (VSSA) that will fly on STS-114 (Logistics Flight 1). Members of the crew are at KSC for equipment familiarization.
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iss064e005045 (Nov. 20, 2020) --- SpaceX Crew-1 Pilot and Expedition 64 Flight Engineer Victor Glover of NASA sips on a water bag while familiarizing himself with systems and procedures during his first week aboard the International Space Station.
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iss068e017521 (Oct. 18, 2022) --- NASA astronaut and Expedition 68 Flight Engineer Josh Cassada is pictured inside the Columbus laboratory module familiarizing himself with research hardware aboard the International Space Station. Credit: NASA/Frank Rubio
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iss073e0420867 (Aug. 2, 2025) --- From left, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronauts Takuya Onishi and Kimiya Yui, Expedition 73 Commander and Flight Engineer respectively, are pictured during crew familiarization activities inside the International Space Station's Kibo laboratory module.
JAXA astronauts Takuya Onishi and Kimiya Yui inside the Kibo laboratory module
JSC2000-04743 (13 June 2000) --- Astronauts Marc Garneau (left) and Joseph R. Tanner, STS-97 mission specialists, familiarize themselves with an IMAX 3D motion picture camera during a training session in the Flight Operations Facility at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). Garneau represents the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
Tanner and Garneau train on IMAX 3D motion picture camera
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the SRB Assembly and Refurbishment Facility, STS-114 Commander Eileen Collins pauses for a photo. The STS-114 crew is at KSC for familiarization with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment, plus the external stowage platform, to the International Space Station.
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the STS-114 crew look over flight equipment in the Orbiter Processing Facility. From left are Glenda Laws, EVA Task Leader, with United Space Alliance at Johnson Space Center, Mission Specialists Soichi Noguchi, Andy Thomas, Charles Camarda and Wendy Lawrence. Noguchi is with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA. Not seen are Mission Commander Eileen Collins, Pilot James Kelly and Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson. The STS-114 crew is at KSC to take part in crew equipment and orbiter familiarization.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the STS-114 crew look over flight equipment in the Orbiter Processing Facility. From left are Glenda Laws, EVA Task Leader, with United Space Alliance at Johnson Space Center, Mission Specialists Soichi Noguchi, Andy Thomas, Charles Camarda and Wendy Lawrence. Noguchi is with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA. Not seen are Mission Commander Eileen Collins, Pilot James Kelly and Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson. The STS-114 crew is at KSC to take part in crew equipment and orbiter familiarization.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the STS-114 crew spend time becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. From left (in their blue suits) are Mission Specialists Soichi Noguchi, Stephen Robinson, Charles Camarda, Andrew Thomas and Wendy Lawrence; Commander Eileen Collins and Pilot James Kelly. Noguchi represents the Japanese Aerospace and Exploration Agency. They are looking at the thermal protection system insulation blankets being installed on an insert for Discovery’s nose cap. The STS-114 mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the STS-114 crew spend time becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. From left (in their blue suits) are Mission Specialists Soichi Noguchi, Stephen Robinson, Charles Camarda, Andrew Thomas and Wendy Lawrence; Commander Eileen Collins and Pilot James Kelly. Noguchi represents the Japanese Aerospace and Exploration Agency. They are looking at the thermal protection system insulation blankets being installed on an insert for Discovery’s nose cap. The STS-114 mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Commander Eileen Collins and Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence look over mission equipment in the Space Station Processing Facility. Crew members are at KSC for equipment familiarization. STS-114 is classified as Logistics Flight 1 to the International Space Station, delivering new supplies and replacing one of the orbital outpost’s Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs). STS-114 will also carry a Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module and the External Stowage Platform-2. The crew is slated to conduct at least three spacewalks: They will demonstrate repair techniques of the Shuttle’s Thermal Protection System, replace the failed CMG with one delivered by the Shuttle, and install the External Stowage Platform.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Commander Eileen Collins and Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence look over mission equipment in the Space Station Processing Facility. Crew members are at KSC for equipment familiarization. STS-114 is classified as Logistics Flight 1 to the International Space Station, delivering new supplies and replacing one of the orbital outpost’s Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs). STS-114 will also carry a Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module and the External Stowage Platform-2. The crew is slated to conduct at least three spacewalks: They will demonstrate repair techniques of the Shuttle’s Thermal Protection System, replace the failed CMG with one delivered by the Shuttle, and install the External Stowage Platform.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson looks at equipment in the flight deck of orbiter Atlantis. He and other crew members - Commander Eileen Collins, Pilot James Kelly and Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi - are at KSC for equipment familiarization. Noguchi is with the Japanese space agency NASDA. Mission STS-114 will carry the MultiPurpose Logistics Module (MPLM) Raffaello and External Stowage Platform 2 to the International Space Station. The MPLM will contain supplies and equipment. Another goal of the mission is to remove and replace a Control Moment Gyro. Launch date for mission STS-114 is under review.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson looks at equipment in the flight deck of orbiter Atlantis. He and other crew members - Commander Eileen Collins, Pilot James Kelly and Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi - are at KSC for equipment familiarization. Noguchi is with the Japanese space agency NASDA. Mission STS-114 will carry the MultiPurpose Logistics Module (MPLM) Raffaello and External Stowage Platform 2 to the International Space Station. The MPLM will contain supplies and equipment. Another goal of the mission is to remove and replace a Control Moment Gyro. Launch date for mission STS-114 is under review.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson checks equipment in the flight deck of orbiter Atlantis. He and other crew members - Commander Eileen Collins, Pilot James Kelly and Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi - are at KSC for equipment familiarization. Noguchi is with the Japanese space agency NASDA. Mission STS-114 will carry the MultiPurpose Logistics Module (MPLM) Raffaello and External Stowage Platform 2 to the International Space Station. The MPLM will contain supplies and equipment. Another goal of the mission is to remove and replace a Control Moment Gyro. Launch date for mission STS-114 is under review.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson checks equipment in the flight deck of orbiter Atlantis. He and other crew members - Commander Eileen Collins, Pilot James Kelly and Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi - are at KSC for equipment familiarization. Noguchi is with the Japanese space agency NASDA. Mission STS-114 will carry the MultiPurpose Logistics Module (MPLM) Raffaello and External Stowage Platform 2 to the International Space Station. The MPLM will contain supplies and equipment. Another goal of the mission is to remove and replace a Control Moment Gyro. Launch date for mission STS-114 is under review.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the STS-114 crew look over flight equipment in the Orbiter Processing Facility. From left are Mission Commander Eileen Collins; Glenda Laws, EVA Task Leader, with United Space Alliance at Johnson Space Center; and Mission Specialists Soichi Noguchi and Charles Camarda. In the foreground is Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence. Noguchi is with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA. Not seen are Pilot James Kelly and Mission Specialists Andy Thomas and Stephen Robinson. The STS-114 crew is at KSC to take part in crew equipment and orbiter familiarization.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the STS-114 crew look over flight equipment in the Orbiter Processing Facility. From left are Mission Commander Eileen Collins; Glenda Laws, EVA Task Leader, with United Space Alliance at Johnson Space Center; and Mission Specialists Soichi Noguchi and Charles Camarda. In the foreground is Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence. Noguchi is with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA. Not seen are Pilot James Kelly and Mission Specialists Andy Thomas and Stephen Robinson. The STS-114 crew is at KSC to take part in crew equipment and orbiter familiarization.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas works on equipment in the Space Station Processing Facility. He and other crew members are at KSC for equipment familiarization. STS-114 is classified as Logistics Flight 1 to the International Space Station, delivering new supplies and replacing one of the orbital outpost’s Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs). STS-114 will also carry a Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module and the External Stowage Platform-2. The crew is slated to conduct at least three spacewalks: They will demonstrate repair techniques of the Shuttle’s Thermal Protection System, replace the failed CMG with one delivered by the Shuttle, and install the External Stowage Platform.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas works on equipment in the Space Station Processing Facility. He and other crew members are at KSC for equipment familiarization. STS-114 is classified as Logistics Flight 1 to the International Space Station, delivering new supplies and replacing one of the orbital outpost’s Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs). STS-114 will also carry a Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module and the External Stowage Platform-2. The crew is slated to conduct at least three spacewalks: They will demonstrate repair techniques of the Shuttle’s Thermal Protection System, replace the failed CMG with one delivered by the Shuttle, and install the External Stowage Platform.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi, with the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), handles equipment that will be used on the mission. He and other crew members are at KSC for equipment familiarization. STS-114 is classified as Logistics Flight 1 to the International Space Station, delivering new supplies and replacing one of the orbital outpost’s Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs). STS-114 will also carry a Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module and the External Stowage Platform-2. The crew is slated to conduct at least three spacewalks: They will demonstrate repair techniques of the Shuttle’s Thermal Protection System, replace the failed CMG with one delivered by the Shuttle, and install the External Stowage Platform.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi, with the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), handles equipment that will be used on the mission. He and other crew members are at KSC for equipment familiarization. STS-114 is classified as Logistics Flight 1 to the International Space Station, delivering new supplies and replacing one of the orbital outpost’s Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs). STS-114 will also carry a Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module and the External Stowage Platform-2. The crew is slated to conduct at least three spacewalks: They will demonstrate repair techniques of the Shuttle’s Thermal Protection System, replace the failed CMG with one delivered by the Shuttle, and install the External Stowage Platform.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-114 crew gathers around the work stand holding the insert for Discovery’s nose cap. From left are Mission Specialists Soichi Noguchi, and Charles Camarda; Commander Eileen Collins; Mission Specialists Andrew Thomas and Wendy Lawrence; Pilot James Kelly; and Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson. Noguchi represents the Japanese Aerospace and Exploration Agency. The insert is being fitted with thermal protection system insulation blankets. The crew is spending time becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-114 crew gathers around the work stand holding the insert for Discovery’s nose cap. From left are Mission Specialists Soichi Noguchi, and Charles Camarda; Commander Eileen Collins; Mission Specialists Andrew Thomas and Wendy Lawrence; Pilot James Kelly; and Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson. Noguchi represents the Japanese Aerospace and Exploration Agency. The insert is being fitted with thermal protection system insulation blankets. The crew is spending time becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Charles Camarda (left) watches as Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas manipulates equipment that will be used on the mission. Crew members are at KSC for equipment familiarization. STS-114 is classified as Logistics Flight 1 to the International Space Station, delivering new supplies and replacing one of the orbital outpost’s Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs). STS-114 will also carry a Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module and the External Stowage Platform-2. The crew is slated to conduct at least three spacewalks: They will demonstrate repair techniques of the Shuttle’s Thermal Protection System, replace the failed CMG with one delivered by the Shuttle, and install the External Stowage Platform.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Charles Camarda (left) watches as Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas manipulates equipment that will be used on the mission. Crew members are at KSC for equipment familiarization. STS-114 is classified as Logistics Flight 1 to the International Space Station, delivering new supplies and replacing one of the orbital outpost’s Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs). STS-114 will also carry a Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module and the External Stowage Platform-2. The crew is slated to conduct at least three spacewalks: They will demonstrate repair techniques of the Shuttle’s Thermal Protection System, replace the failed CMG with one delivered by the Shuttle, and install the External Stowage Platform.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-114 crew stands underneath Discovery in the Orbiter Processing Facility. From left are Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson, Pilot James Kelly, Mission Specialist Charles Camarda, astronaut John Young, Commander Eileen Collins and Mission Specialists Andrew Thomas, Wendy Lawrence and Soichi Noguchi, who is with the Japanese Aerospace and Exploration Agency. Young is associate director, Technical, at Johnson Space Center. The crew is spending time becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-114 crew stands underneath Discovery in the Orbiter Processing Facility. From left are Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson, Pilot James Kelly, Mission Specialist Charles Camarda, astronaut John Young, Commander Eileen Collins and Mission Specialists Andrew Thomas, Wendy Lawrence and Soichi Noguchi, who is with the Japanese Aerospace and Exploration Agency. Young is associate director, Technical, at Johnson Space Center. The crew is spending time becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
JSC2001-E-21341 (12 July 2001) --- From a familiar setting near the rear of shuttle flight control room (WFCR) at Houston's Mission Control Center (MCC), Wayne Hale (second left), ascent flight director for STS-104, pays close attention to new data related to the Space Shuttle Atlantis and its impending launch from the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida. Several other flight controllers are visible in the wide shot.
Coverage of STS-104 Launch Coverage of Flight Controllers in MCC.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-114 crew stands in front of the operations desk in the Orbiter Processing Facility. At far right is astronaut John Young, who flew on the first flight of Space Shuttle Columbia with Robert Crippen. Young is associate director, Technical, at Johnson Space Center. From left are Young’s pilot; STS-114 Commander Eileen Collins; Mission Specialists Andrew Thomas, Soichi Noguchi and Stephen Robinson; Pilot James Kelly; and Mission Specialist Charles Camarda. Noguchi represents the Japanese Aerospace and Exploration Agency. The STS-114 crew is spending time becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-114 crew stands in front of the operations desk in the Orbiter Processing Facility. At far right is astronaut John Young, who flew on the first flight of Space Shuttle Columbia with Robert Crippen. Young is associate director, Technical, at Johnson Space Center. From left are Young’s pilot; STS-114 Commander Eileen Collins; Mission Specialists Andrew Thomas, Soichi Noguchi and Stephen Robinson; Pilot James Kelly; and Mission Specialist Charles Camarda. Noguchi represents the Japanese Aerospace and Exploration Agency. The STS-114 crew is spending time becoming familiar with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment plus the external stowage platform to the International Space Station.
JSC2001-E-21333 (12 July 2001) --- From a familiar setting in the shuttle flight control room (WFCR)at Houston's Mission Control Center (MCC), Wayne Hale, ascent flight director for STS-104, pays close attention to new data related to the Space Shuttle Atlantis and its impending launch from the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida.
Coverage of STS-104 Launch Coverage of Flight Controllers in MCC.
S87-44950 --- Group 12, 1987 Astronaut Class, candidates (ASCANs) N. Jan Davis (left) and Mae C. Jemison freefloat during the seconds of microgravity created aboard the KC-135 NASA 930 aircraft's parabolic flight. Davis and Jemison, two of the recently-named ASCANs, were taking a familiarization flight aboard the KC-135 "zero gravity" aircraft. Photo credit: NASA
Group 12 ASCANs Davis and Jemison during zero gravity training aboard KC-135
JSC2010-E-119526 (25 Aug. 2010) --- NASA astronauts Greg Chamitoff (background) and Michael Fincke, both STS-134 mission specialists, look over their flight plans in the check-out facility at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center prior to a familiarization flight in NASA T-38 trainer jets. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration
STS-134 crew as they prepare their flight to KSC in T-38's
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the SRB Assembly and Refurbishment Facility, STS-114 crew members Pilot James Kelly and Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas talk with Tom Engler, Marshall Space Flight Center SRB Resident Office lead. The STS-114 crew is at KSC for familiarization with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment, plus the external stowage platform, to the International Space Station.
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JSC2001-E-21333 (12 July 2001) --- From a familiar setting in the shuttle flight control room (WFCR) at Houston's Mission Control Center (MCC), Wayne Hale, ascent flight director for STS-104, pays close attention to new data related to the Space Shuttle Atlantis and its impending launch from the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida.
Coverage of STS-104 Launch Coverage of Flight Controllers in MCC.
JSC2010-E-119538 (25 Aug. 2010) --- NASA astronauts Mark Kelly (right), STS-134 commander; and Michael Fincke, mission specialist, walk to the nearby flight line of NASA T-38 trainer jets at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center prior to a familiarization flight. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration
STS-134 crew as they prepare their flight to KSC in T-38's
iss073e1198126 (Nov. 28, 2025) --- Expedition 73 Flight Engineers Chris Williams and Zena Cardman, both NASA astronauts, seen here with the ISS Ham Radio during a school contact inside the International Space Station's Columbus laboratory module. Cardman was helping new NASA Flight Engineer Chris Williams familiarize himself with station hardware, operations, and systems during his second day aboard the orbital outpost.
Expedition 73 Flight Engineers Chris Williams and Zena Cardman
JSC2010-E-119539 (25 Aug. 2010) --- NASA astronauts Mark Kelly (foreground), STS-134 commander; and Michael Fincke, mission specialist, walk to the nearby flight line of NASA T-38 trainer jets at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center prior to a familiarization flight. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration
STS-134 crew as they prepare their flight to KSC in T-38's
Astronauts Joseph Kerwin (left) and William Lenoir familiarize themselves with equipment aboard the Spacelab mockup during a 1976 visit to the Marshall Space Flight Center. Kerwin and Lenoir were part of an astronaut group briefed on Spacelab subsystems and crew activities by Marshall scientists and engineers. The Marshall Space Flight Center had management responsibility for Spacelab.
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the SRB Assembly and Refurbishment Facility, STS-114 Commander Eileen Collins talks with Bob Osterblom (left), with the Marshall Space Flight Center Resident Office, and Craig Bennett, a Defense Contract Management Agency inspector. The STS-114 crew is at KSC for familiarization with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment, plus the external stowage platform, to the International Space Station.
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iss060e014222 (July 24, 2019) --- Expedition 60 Flight Engineer Nick Hague of NASA concentrates on life support maintenance work inside the U.S. Destiny laboratory module. Behind Hague in the Harmony module, are Flight Engineers Andrew Morgan and Luca Parmitano familiarizing themselves with International Space Station systems having been in space less than week.
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Johanna Lucht, observing data from the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California, received flight communications from an interpreter, seen on Lucht’s monitor, through American Sign Language. Two-way visual communication was established between Lucht and the interpreter, located at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Virginia, for the flight. Interpreting technical terminology often requires cooperation to develop specific signs to ease communication. Using a familiar interpreter who is adept or practiced in the technical terminology of a NASA flight was beneficial, Lucht says.
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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 crew members become familiar with the payload and hardware for their mission. Seen at left are Mission Specialists Tom Marshburn and Dave Wolf. Here they are looking at the Space-to-Ground ANTenna, or SGANT, Flight Support Equipment that will fly on the Integrated Cargo Carrier. The mission payload also includes the Extended Facility and the Inter Orbit Communication System Extended Facility, or ICS-EF. Equipment familiarization is part of a Crew Equipment Interface Test. The payload will be launched to the International Space Station aboard the space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission, targeted for launch on May 15, 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At SPACEHAB in Cape Canaveral, Fla., the STS-116 crew takes a break from equipment familiarization to pose for a group photo. From bottom to top are Pilot William Oefelein, Mission Specialists Joan Higginbotham, Nicholas Patrick, Robert Curbeam, Christer Fuglesang and Sunita Williams, and Commander Mark Polansky. The Swedish Fuglesang represents the European Space Agency. Mission crews make frequent trips to the Space Coast to become familiar with the equipment and payloads they will be using. STS-116 will be mission number 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/George Shelton
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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Space Station Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-130 Mission Specialist Robert Behnken becomes familiar with equipment that will be on the mission. Crew members are at Kennedy for familiarization with mission equipment and hardware, called the crew equipment interface test. The payload on the 32nd assembly flight to the International Space Station includes the Cupola and the Tranquility Node 3. Cupola will provide a 360-degree panoramic view of activities outside the station and spectacular views of the Earth. Cupola has the capability for command and control workstations to be installed to assist in the space station remote manipulator system and extra vehicular activities. The final element of the space station core, Cupola is targeted for launch Feb. 4, 2010. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At SPACEHAB in Cape Canaveral, Fla., the STS-116 crew poses with the workers during a familiarization period. On the stairs, bottom to top, are Pilot William Oefelein, Mission Specialists Joan Higginbotham, Nicholas Patrick, Robert Curbeam, Christer Fuglesang and Sunita Williams, and Commander Mark Polansky. The Swedish Fuglesang represents the European Space Agency. Mission crews make frequent trips to the Space Coast to become familiar with the equipment and payloads they will be using. STS-116 will be mission number 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/George Shelton
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the SPACEHAB module in Cape Canaveral, Fla., STS-116 Mission Specialist Sunita Williams (right) gets information from astronaut Marsha Ivins, who is currently assigned to the Astronaut Office, Space Station/Shuttle Branches for crew equipment, habitability and stowage, during equipment familiarization. Mission crews make frequent trips to the Space Coast to become familiar with the equipment and payloads they will be using. STS-116 will be mission number 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/George Shelton
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At SPACEHAB in Cape Canaveral, Fla., STS-116 crew members get a close look at the Treadmill Vibration Isolation System Gyroscope during equipment familiarization. The block of foam is what the replacement gyro will be stowed in inside the SPACEHAB module. In uniform from left are Pilot William Oefelein and Mission Specialists Christer Fuglesang, Nicholas Patrick, Joan Higginbotham and Sunita Williams. In the background at right is Commander Mark Polansky. Fuglesang, from Sweden, represents the European Space Agency. Mission crews make frequent trips to the Space Coast to become familiar with the equipment and payloads they will be using. STS-116 will be mission number 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/George Shelton
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STS-88 Mission Commander Robert D. Cabana suits up in the Operations and Checkout Building prior, as part of flight crew equipment fit check, to his trip to Launch Pad 39A. He is helped by suit tech (right) Lloyd Armintor and an unidentified KSC worker. The crew are at KSC to participate in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) which includes mission familiarization activities, emergency egress training, and the simulated main engine cut-off exercise. This is Cabana's fourth space flight. Mission STS-88 is targeted for launch on Dec. 3, 1998. It is the first U.S. flight for the assembly of the International Space Station and will carry the Unity connecting module
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STS-88 Mission Specialist James H. Newman (left) suits up in the Operations and Checkout Building, as part of flight crew equipment fit check, prior to his trip to Launch Pad 39A. He is helped by suit tech Terri McKinney. The crew are at KSC to participate in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) which includes mission familiarization activities, emergency egress training, and the simulated main engine cut-off exercise. This is Newman's third space flight. Mission STS-88 is targeted for launch on Dec. 3, 1998. It is the first U.S. flight for the assembly of the International Space Station and will carry the Unity connecting module
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STS-88 Pilot Frederick W. "Rick" Sturckow suits up in the Operations and Checkout Building, as part of flight crew equipment fit check, prior to his trip to Launch Pad 39A. He is helped by suit tech Terri McKinney. The crew are at KSC to participate in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) which includes mission familiarization activities, emergency egress training, and the simulated main engine cut-off exercise. This is Sturckow's first space flight. Mission STS-88 is targeted for launch on Dec. 3, 1998. It is the first U.S. flight for the assembly of the International Space Station and will carry the Unity connecting module
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STS-88 Mission Specialist Jerry L. Ross (right) suits up in the Operations and Checkout Building, as part of a flight crew equipment fit check, prior to his trip to Launch Pad 39A. He is helped by suit tech Leonard Groce II. The STS-88 crew is at KSC to participate in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) which includes mission familiarization activities, emergency egress training, and a simulated launch countdown. This is Ross' sixth space flight. Mission STS-88 is targeted for launch on Dec. 3, 1998. It is the first U.S. flight for the assembly of the International Space Station and will carry the Unity connecting module
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STS-88 Mission Specialist Nancy J. Currie suits up in the Operations and Checkout Building, as part of flight crew equipment fit check, prior to her trip to Launch Pad 39A. She is helped by suit tech Drew Billingsley. The crew are at KSC to participate in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) which includes mission familiarization activities, emergency egress training, and the simulated main engine cut-off exercise. This is Currie's third space flight. Mission STS-88 is targeted for launch on Dec. 3, 1998. It is the first U.S. flight for the assembly of the International Space Station and will carry the Unity connecting module
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STS-88 Mission Specialist Sergei Konstantinovich Krikalev, a Russian cosmonaut, suits up in the Operations and Checkout Building, as part of a flight crew equipment fit check, prior to his trip to Launch Pad 39A. He is helped by suit tech George Brittingham. The STS-88 crew is at KSC to participate in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) which includes mission familiarization activities, emergency egress training, and a simulated launch countdown. This is Krikalev's second flight on the Space Shuttle. Mission STS-88 is targeted for launch on Dec. 3, 1998. It is the first U.S. flight for the assembly of the International Space Station and will carry the Unity connecting module
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S84-37532 (18 July 1984) --? Robert B. Thirsk, backup payload specialist for 41-G appears to be shaking hands with an unoccupied extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) during a familiarization flight aboard NASA?s KC-135 aircraft. Thirsk, representing Canada?s National Research Council (NRC), serves as backup to Marc Garneau on the seven-member crew for Challenger?s October 1984 flight. This aircraft is used extensively for training and exposing Shuttle crewmembers to weightlessness as well as for evaluation of equipment and experiments scheduled for future flights.
View of backup payload specialist Robert Thirsk during Zero-G training
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Endeavour's STS-123 Commander Dominic Gorie inspects the window in space shuttle Endeavour. The crew is at Kennedy for crew equipment interface test, a process of familiarization with payloads, hardware and the space shuttle. The STS-123 mission is targeted for launch on Feb. 14. It will be the 25th assembly flight of the station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-116 Commander Mark Polansky checks the cockpit window of Discovery as part of a Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT). A CEIT allows astronauts to become familiar with equipment and hardware they will use on the mission. STS-116 will be mission 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
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-95 Payload Specialist John Glenn, who is a senator from Ohio, looks over documentation under the watchful eyes of KSC workers during SPACEHAB familiarization at the SPACEHAB Payload Processing Facility, Cape Canaveral. The mission, scheduled to launch Oct. 29, includes research payloads such as the Spartan solar-observing deployable spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope Orbital Systems Test Platform, the International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker, as well as the SPACEHAB single module with experiments on space flight and the aging process
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-123 crew members look over some of the equipment for the mission. From left are Pilot Gregory Johnson and Mission Specialists Michael Foreman and Garrett Reisman. They and other crew members are at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for a crew equipment interface test, a process of familiarization with payloads, hardware and the space shuttle. The STS-123 mission is targeted for launch on space shuttle Endeavour on Feb. 14. It will be the 25th assembly flight of the station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility, STS-123 Mission Specialist Richard Linnehan makes a hands-on inspection of the thermal protection system tiles on the underside of space shuttle Endeavour. He and other crew members are at NASA's Kennedy Space Center for a crew equipment interface test, a process of familiarization with payloads, hardware and the space shuttle. The STS-123 mission is targeted for launch on space shuttle Endeavour on Feb. 14. It will be the 25th assembly flight of the station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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iss067e032346 (April 29, 2022) --- Expedition 67 Flight Engineers Kjell Lindgren and Kayla Barron, both from NASA, and Samantha Cristoforetti from ESA (European Space Agency) are pictured checking out systems inside the International Space Station's Kibo laboratory module. Partially visible at the top of this image, is NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins also participating in the station familiarization activities.
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At the SPACEHAB facility in Cape Canaveral, STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi, with the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA), participates in familiarization activities with the hardware that will fly on the STS-114 mission. STS-114 is a utilization and logistics flight that will carry Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello and the External Stowage Platform (ESP-2), as well as the Expedition 7 crew, to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for March 1, 2003.
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the SRB Assembly and Refurbishment Facility, STS-114 crew members look at test designs of the bolt catcher insulation. Starting second from left are Mission Specialists Wendy Lawrence and Charles Camarda; Pilot James Kelly; and Commander Eileen Collins. The STS-114 crew is at KSC for familiarization with Shuttle and mission equipment. The mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment, plus the external stowage platform, to the International Space Station.
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At SPACEHAB in Cape Canaveral, Fla., STS-107 Mission Specialist Laurel Clark becomes familiar with equipment for the mission. STS-107 is a research mission, and the primary payload is the first flight of the SHI Research Double Module (SHI_RDM). The experiments range from material sciences to life sciences (many rats). Among the experiments is a Hitchhiker carrier system, modular and expandable in accordance with payload requirements. STS-107 is scheduled to launch in June 2002
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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In Orbiter Processing Facility-3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-133 Commander Steve Lindsey familiarizes himself with the layout of the shuttle's cockpit. The astronauts are at Kennedy for the Crew Equipment Interface Test, or CEIT, which provides the crew with hands-on training and observation of shuttle and flight hardware for their mission to the International Space Station. Launch of the STS-133 mission on space shuttle Discovery is targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:33 p.m. EDT. Photo credit: NASA_Kim Shiflett
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, space shuttle Endeavour's STS-123 Pilot Gregory Johnson (center) handles equipment that will be carried on the mission. At right, Commander Dominic Gorie listens to a technician describing the equipment. The crew is at Kennedy for crew equipment interface test, a process of familiarization with payloads, hardware and the space shuttle. The STS-123 mission is targeted for launch on Feb. 14. It will be the 25th assembly flight of the station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - On the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-114 Mission Specialist Charles Camarda waits in a T-38 jet aircraft for his return to Houston. Crew members were at KSC for Shuttle and mission equipment familiarization. The STS-114 mission is Logistics Flight 1, which is scheduled to deliver supplies and equipment, plus the external stowage platform, to the International Space Station.
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