S80-42914 (Dec 1980) --- Astronaut David C. Leestma.

41G-101-014 (13 October 1984) --- Astronaut David C. Leestma, in a 35mm frame exposed by fellow mission specialist, Astronaut Kathryn D. Sullivan, participates in extravehicular activity of Oct. 11 in the Challenger's aft cargo bay. Leestma's right hand (out of frame) was inside a special work station called the orbital refueling system (ORS).

Five astronauts composed the STS-28 crew. Seated from left to right are Richard N. (Dick) Richards, pilot; Brewster H. Shaw, commander; and David C. Leestma, mission specialist 2. Standing, from left to right , are Mark N. Brown, mission specialist 3; and James C. (Jim) Adamson, mission specialist 1. Launched aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia on August 8, 1989, the STS-28 mission was the 4th mission dedicated to the Department of Defense.

S84-43432 (11 Oct. 1984) --- Appearing small in the center background of this image, astronauts Kathryn D. Sullivan, left, and David C. Leestma, both 41-G mission specialists, perform an in-space simulation of refueling another spacecraft in orbit. Their station on the space shuttle Challenger is the orbital refueling system (ORS), positioned on the mission peculiar support structure (MPR ESS). The Large Format Camera (LFC) is left of the two mission specialists. In the left foreground is the antenna for the shuttle imaging radar (SIR-B) system onboard. The Canadian-built remote manipulator system (RMS) is positioned to allow close-up recording capability of the busy scene. A 50mm lens on a 70mm camera was used to photograph this scene. Photo credit: NASA

S89-41093 (9 Aug 1989) --- STS-28 Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102, mission specialist David C. Leestma relaxes in chair after donning launch and entry suit (LES) and launch and entry helmet (LEH). Technician in the background monitors LES systems. Leestma, along with fellow crewmembers, is participating in the terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Operations and Checkout (O&C) Building. View provided by KSC with alternate number KSC-89PC-673.

S84-36958 (29 June 1984) --- Astronaut Robert L. Crippen, 41-G crew commander, perches nearby an underwater simulation scene in the Johnson Space Center's weightless environment training facility (WET-F). Purpose of the rehearsal was to train two of the 41-G crew's mission specialists for a scheduled extravehicular activity (EVA). Out of frame are Astronauts Kathryn D. Sullivan, Jon A. McBride and David Leestma. Dr. Sullivan and Leestma donned extravehicular mobility units (EMU) for the simulation while Crippen and McBride monitored the activity. This photograph was taken by Otis Imboden.

41G-101-013 (14 Oct 1984) --- Astronaut David C. Leestma works at the Orbital Refueling System (ORS) on the Mission Peculiar Support Structure (MPESS) in the aft end of the cargo bay of the Space Shuttle Challenger. Astronaut Kathryn D. Sullivan, America's first woman to perform an extravehicular activity (EVA) with the logging of this busy day, exposed this frame witha 35mm camera. The crew consisted of astronauts Robert L. Crippen, commander; Jon A. McBride, pilot; mission specialist's Kathryn D. Sullivan, Sally K. Ride, and David D. Leestma; Canadian astronaut Marc Garneau; and Paul D. Scully-Power, payload specialist. EDITOR'S NOTE: The STS-41G mission had the first American female EVA (Sullivan); first seven-person crew; first orbital fuel transfer; and the first Canadian (Garneau).

41G-101-039 (5-13 Oct 1984) --- Two members of a record seven-person crew are pictured during Intravehicular Activity (IVA) aboard the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Challenger. Hold picture with open hand at right center edge. Astronaut David C. Leestma, mission specialist, is at right observing a test by payload specialist Marc Garneau, representing the National Research Council (NRC) of Canada. Garneau spent much of his on-duty time conducting a series of experiments for the NRC. The crew consisted of astronauts Robert L. Crippen, commander; Jon A. McBride, pilot; mission specialist's Kathryn D. Sullivan, Sally K. Ride, and David D. Leestma; Canadian astronaut Marc Garneau, and Paul D. Scully-Power, payload specialist's. EDITOR'S NOTE: The STS-41G mission had the first American female EVA (Sullivan); first seven-person crew; first orbital fuel transfer; and the first Canadian (Garneau).

On August 8, 1989, the 4th mission dedicated to the Department of Defense (DOD), STS-28, lifted off from Kennedy Space Center’s (KSC) launch pad 39B. The five day mission included a crew of five: Richard N. (Dick) Richards, pilot; Brewster H. Shaw, commander; and mission specialists David C. Leestma, Mark N. Brown, and James C. (Jim) Adamson.

41G-120-177 (5-13 Oct 1984) --- Egypt and the Nile River Delta are easily recognizable in this 250mm frame. Cairo and the Egyptian pyramids are also visible in the lower left side of this photograph. The crew consisted of astronauts Robert L. Crippen, commander, Jon A. McBride, pilot; mission specialist’s Kathryn D. Sullivan, Sally K. Ride, and David D. Leestma; Canadian astronaut Marc Garneau; and Paul D. Scully-Power payload specialist.

STS028-S-009 (5 Aug 1989) --- Wives of the STS-28 crewmembers display a banner upon the arrival of the astronauts in Florida to begin preparing for their Aug. 8 launch. Left to right are Susan Adamson, Kathleen Ann Shaw, Lynne A. Brown, Lois Richards and Patti K. Leestma. The banner reads, "Go Columbia, STS-28." Launch for the Department of Defense (DOD)-devoted mission is scheduled for August 8.

S84-43433 (11 Oct 1984) --- Photographed through aft flight deck windows, this 70mm frame shows Astronauts David C. Leestma, left, and Kathryn D. Sullivan at the orbital refueling system (ORS) in the aft cargo bay. A wrist camera on the remote manipulator system (RMS) is perched to record the historic extravehicular activity (EVA). Dr. Sullivan's part of the EVA represented the first such feat for an American woman.

S89-41091 (18 July 1989) --- During the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), STS-28 crew members are assisted with suiting up in the Operations and Checkout Building prior to departing for pad 39-B. STS-28 and the Space Shuttle Columbia are scheduled to be launched in early August on a Department of Defense dedicated mission. The crew for STS-28 are Commander Brewster H. Shaw; Pilot Richard N. Richards; and Mission Specialists Mark N. Brown, James C. Adamson, and David C. Leestma.

STS028-22-030 (August 1989) --- An in-space crew portrait of the astronauts for the STS-28 mission. Brewster H. Shaw Jr., mission commander, is at lower left corner. Others are, clockwise from Shaw's position, James C. Adamson, David C. Leestma and Mark N. Brown, all mission specialists; and Richard N. Richards, pilot. The photo was taken on the middeck of the earth-orbiting Columbia.

STS028-S-006 (8 Aug 1989) --- A low-angle view shows Columbia soaring toward space just after clearing the tower at Launch Pad 39-B for the STS-28 mission. The spacecraft renews flight after a period of three and a half years, this time with five crewmembers aboard. Onboard the spacecraft are Astronauts Brewster H. Shaw Jr., Richard N. Richards, David C. Leestma, James C. Adamson and Mark N. Brown. The last time Columbia was in space was in January of 1986.

41G-90217 (13 Oct 1984) --- 41-G crew leaves the orbiter after landing at Kennedy Space Center at the end of their mission. Astronaut Robert Crippen shakes hands with George W.S. Abbey, Director of JSC's Flight Crew Operations, while the other crewmembers wait behind him. They are Jon McBride, David Leestma, Sally K. Ride, Kathryn Sullivan, Marc Garneau and Paul Scully-Power.

S84-33898 (21 May 1984) --- Astronaut Jon A. McBride, 41-G pilot, assists his crewmate, Astronaut Kathryn D. Sullivan with the glove portion of her extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) prior to Dr. Sullivan's underwater session in the Johnson Space Center's weightless environment training facility (WET-F). Mission specialists Sullivan and David C. Leestma are scheduled for extravehicular activity (EVA) on the Columbia for NASA's 17th scheduled flight.

STS028-S-013 (13 Aug 1989) --- The Space Shuttle Columbia is captured on film just prior to main gear touchdown at Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California. The landing marked a successful end to a five-day DOD-devoted mission. Onboard the spacecraft were Astronauts Brewster H. Shaw Jr., Richard N. Richards, David C. Leestma, James C. Adamson and Mark N. Brown.

STS028-S-002 (8 Aug 1989) --- The five astronaut crewmembers for STS-28 leave the Operations and Checkout (O&C) Building to board a transfer van en route to Launch Complex 39 for a date with Columbia. Left to right are Astronauts Mark N. Brown, James C. Adamson, David C. Leestma, Richard N. Richards and Brewster H. Shaw Jr.

STS028-S-007 (8 Aug 1989) --- Columbia is pictured just prior to clearing the tower at Launch Pad 39-B. The spacecraft renews flight after a period of three and a half years, this time with five crewmembers aboard for STS-28. Onboard the spacecraft are Astronauts Brewster H. Shaw Jr., Richard N. Richards, David C. Leestma, James C. Adamson and Mark N. Brown. The last time Columbia was in space was in January of 1986.

STS028-S-005 (8 Aug 1989) --- Three of five STS-28 astronaut crewmembers are pictured during their suiting up process in preparation for spending several days aboard space shuttle Columbia in earth orbit. Astronaut Brewster H. Shaw Jr., mission commander, is in the foreground. Others pictured in the orange suits used for ascent and entry are Richard N. Richards (center), pilot; and James C. Adamson, one of three mission specialists. Out of the frame are David C. Leestma and Mark N. Brown, mission specialists.

41D-3188 (2 September 1984) --- Astronaut Kathryn D. Sullivan, 41-G mission specialist, joins with other members of the seven-person crew prior to a training session in the Shuttle mockup and integration laboratory at the Johnson Space Center. Dr. Sullivan will be the first American woman to perform an extravehicular activity (EVA) in space when she joins Astronaut David C. Leestma for some outside-the-Challenger duty on October 9. The mission is scheduled for an October 5, 1984 launch.

Former NASA astronaut David Leestma speaks after receiving his medal and induction into the 21st class of the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame during a ceremony on June 11, 2022, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The 2022 inductees were selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians, and journalists. This year’s induction brings the total number of AHOF members to 105.

41G-90081 / S17-90081 (5 Oct 1984) --- The seven member crew leaves the Operations and Checkout Building (OCB) to take a van ride to the launch pad. Leading the way is Kathryn D. Sullivan followed in file by Robert L. Crippen, Paul D. Scully-Power and Jon A. McBride. On the right side are Sally K. Ride, David C. Leestma and Marc Garneau. Trailing the crew are George W. S. Abbey, Richard Nygren, Paul Bulver, and Paul J. Weitz.

STS028-S-008 (8 Aug 1989) --- A side view shows Columbia clearing the launch tower during the STS-28 liftoff. Columbia renews spaceflight after a period of three and a half years, this time with five crewmembers aboard for a DOD-devoted mission. Onboard the spacecraft are Astronauts Brewster H. Shaw Jr., Richard N. Richards, David C. Leestma, James C. Adamson and Mark N. Brown. The last time Columbia was in space was in January of 1986.

S84-36954 (5 July 1984) --- Astronaut Kathryn D.Sullivan, 41-G mission specialist, gets some help with her extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) prior to participating in an underwater simultion of an extrvehicular activity (EVA) scheduled for her flight aboard the Columbia later this year. Dr. Sullivan and David C. Leestma (out of frame) participated in the rehearsal in NASA's weightless environment training facility (WET-F) at the Johnson Space Center.

S84-36960 (5 July 1984) --- Astronauts Kathryn D. Sullivan, left, and David C. Leestma, Mission 41-G crewmembers, simulate the transfer of cryogenics in space during an Earth-bound underwater session in the Johnson Space Center's weightless environment training facility (WET-F). The two mission specialists will be joined by three NASA astronauts and two payload specialists for a flight aboard the Columbia later this year. The photograph was taken by Otis Imboden.

On August 8, 1989, the 4th mission dedicated to the Department of Defense (DOD), STS-28, lifted off from Kennedy Space Center’s (KSC) launch pad 39B. The five day mission included a crew of five: Richard N. (Dick) Richards, pilot; Brewster H. Shaw, commander; and mission specialists David C. Leestma, Mark N. Brown, and James C. (Jim) Adamson.

41D-3186 (4 Sept 1984) --- Astronaut Robert L. Crippen, 41-G crew commander, prepares to join his six fellow crewmembers for some training in the mockup and integration laboratory at the Johnson Space Center. Astronaut David C. Leestma, 41-G mission specialist, left, will participate in a scheduled extravehicular activity (EVA) on the Challenger's next mission. Today's training is for launch phase procedures.

STS028-S-018 (13 Aug 1989) --- The Space shuttle Columbia is captured on film just prior to main gear touchdown at Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California. The landing marked a successful end to a five-day Department of Defense (DOD)-devoted mission. Onboard the spacecraft were astronauts Brewster H. Shaw Jr., Richard N. Richards, David C. Leestma, James C. Adamson and Mark N. Brown.

S89-39624 (3 July 1989) --- Following rollover from the Orbiter Processing Facility, the orbiter Columbia is prepared for mating with the ET/SRB stack in the Vehicle Assembly Building transfer aisle as work continues toward an early August launch of Space Shuttle Mission STS-28. STS-28 is a Department of Defense dedicated mission. Crew members for the mission are: Commander Brewster H. Shaw, Pilot Richard N. Richards, and Mission Specialists Mark N. Brown, James C. Adamson, and David C. Leestma.

S89-29370 (March 1989) --- These five astronauts have been assigned to man the Space Shuttle Columbia for STS-28, a Department of Defense-devoted mission scheduled for July of this year. Brewster H. Shaw (center, front) is mission commander; and Richard N. Richards (left) is pilot. Mission specialists are, left to right, Mark N. Brown, James C. Adamson and David C. Leestma (seated).

STS028-S-004 (8 Aug. 1989) --- Framed by Florida vegetation, Space Shuttle Columbia soars toward space for the STS-28 mission from Launch Pad 39-B. The spacecraft renews flight after a period of three and a half years, this time with five crewmembers aboard. Onboard the spacecraft are astronauts Brewster H. Shaw Jr., Richard N. Richards, David C. Leestma, James C. Adamson and Mark N. Brown. The last time Columbia was in space was in January of 1986.

S84-36956 (1 July 1984) --- Astronaut Robert L. Crippen, 41-G crew commander, prepares his SCUBA mask prior to submerging into the weightless environment training facility's 25 ft. deep pool to observe a simulation exercise for two fellow 41-G crewmembers assigned to an extravehicular activity (EVA) in space. Not pictured are Astronauts Kathryn D. Sullivan and David C. Leestma, mission specialists who will perform the EVA during the eight-day mission scheduled for October of this year.

41G-13-032 (11 Oct. 1984) --- Astronaut Kathryn D. Sullivan checks the latch of the SIR-B antenna in the space shuttle Challenger's open cargo bay during her historic extravehicular activity (EVA) on Oct. 11, 1984. Earlier, America's first woman to perform an EVA and astronaut David C. Leestma, participated in an in-space simulation of refueling a spacecraft in orbit. The Orbital Refueling System (ORS) is just beyond the astronaut mission specialist's helmet. To the left is the Large Format Camera (LFC). The LFC and ORS are stationed on a device called the Mission Peculiar Support Structure (MPESS). Crew members consisted of astronauts Robert L. Crippen, commander; Jon A. McBride, pilot; along with Kathryn D. Sullivan, Sally K. Ride, and David D. Leestma, all mission specialists; and Canadian astronaut Marc Garneau and Paul D. Scully-Power, both payload specialist. EDITOR'S NOTE: The STS-41G mission had the first American female EVA (Sullivan); first seven-person crew; first orbital fuel transfer; and the first Canadian (Garneau).

41G-19-006 (5-13 Oct. 1984) --- The seven-member 41-G crew assembles for a group shot on the flight deck of the Earth-orbiting space shuttle Challenger. Robert L. Crippen, commander, is in center of the back row. Others pictured are (front row, l.-r.) Jon A. McBride, pilot; Sally K. Ride, Kathryn D. Sullivan and David C. Leestma, all mission specialists; and Paul D. Scully-Power (left) and Marc Garneau, both payload specialists, on the back row. Garneau represents the National Research Council of Canada and Scully-Power is a civilian oceanographer with the U.S. Navy. Photo credit: NASA

STS045-S-002 (January 1992) --- The seven crew members for NASA's STS-45 mission are pictured in their partial-pressure launch and entry suits. In front are astronauts Charles F. Bolden, Jr. (right), mission commander, and Brian Duffy, pilot. Back row, left to right, are payload specialist Byron K. Lichtenberg; astronauts C. Michael Foale and David C. Leestma, mission specialists; Kathryn D. Sullivan, payload commander; and payload specialist Dirk Frimout, of Belgium. The Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science (ATLAS) is scheduled for a March 1992 launch aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis.

S84-36900 (29 June 1984) ---Astronauts Robert L. Crippen (right) and Jon A. McBride, crew commander and pilot, respectively, for NASA's 41-G Space Shuttle mission, don self contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) gear prior to their underwater to observe a simulation of an extravehicular activity (EVA) to be performed on their mission. Astronauts Kathryn D. Sullivan and David C. Leestma, two of three mission specialists on the seven-member crew, are scheduled for the EVA. The underwater training took place in the Johnson Space Center's weightless environment training facility (WET-F).

41G-120-175 (5-13 Oct. 1984) --- Egypt and the Nile River Delta are easily recognizable in this 250mm frame photographed by one of the seven 41-G crew members aboard the Earth-orbiting space shuttle Challenger. Cairo and the Egyptian pyramids are also visible in the lower left side of this photograph. The 41-G crew consisted of astronauts Robert L. Crippen, commander, Jon A. McBride, pilot; Mission Specialists Kathryn D. Sullivan, Sally K. Ride, and David D. Leestma; along with Canadian astronaut Marc Garneau; and Paul D. Scully-Power, both payload specialists. Photo credit: NASA

STS045-S-053 (24 March 1992) --- A low-angle view of the Space Shuttle Atlantis as it soars off the launch pad and heads toward Earth orbit with a crew of seven and the Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science (ATLAS) aboard. Launch occurred at 8:13:40:048 a.m. (EST), March 24, 1992. Onboard were astronauts Charles F. Bolden, STS-45 commander; Brian Duffy, pilot; Kathryn D. Sullivan, payload commander; David C. Leestma and C. Michael Foale, mission specialists; and Dirk Frimout of the European Space Agency and Byron K. Lichtenberg, payload specialists.

41D-3277 (S14-3277) (4 Sept 1984) --- Having met the press for the first time as a group, members of the STS 41-G crew pose for photographs in the Shuttle mockup and integration laboratory at the Johnson Space Center. They are (bottom row, left, to right) Marc Garneau and Paul D. Scully-Power, both payload specialists; and Robert L. Crippen, crew commander; (second row, l.-r.) Astronauts Jon A. McBride, pilot; David C. Leestma and Sally K. Ride, both mission specialists; and Kathryn D. Sullivan, mission specialist. They are scheduled for an October 5, 1984 launch aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger.

41G-121-139 (5-13 Oct. 1984) --- The Strait of Dover and London, seldom seen in space photography, can be delineated in this medium format camera's scene showing parts of England and France from onboard the Earth-orbiting space shuttle Challenger. Parts of the Thames River can also be traced in the frame. The 41-G crew consisted of astronauts Robert L. Crippen, commander; Jon A. McBride, pilot; and Mission Specialists Kathryn D. Sullivan, Sally K. Ride, and David D. Leestma; along with Canadian astronaut Marc Garneau; and Paul D. Scully-Power, both payload specialists. Photo credit: NASA

S84-36898 (29 June 1984) --- Astronauts Robert L. Crippen (left) and Jon A. McBride, crew commander and pilot, respectively for NASA's 41-G Space Shuttle mission, await the delivery of self contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) gear prior to their going underwater to observe a simulation of an extravehicular activity (EVA) scheduled for their mission. The EVA will be performed by Astronauts Kathryn D. Sullivan and David C. Leestma, two of three mission specialists named for the seven-member crew. The underwater training took place in the Johnson Space Center's weightless environment training facility (WET-F).

41G-120-005 (5-13 Oct 1984) --- The Kyzyl Kum Desert of the Kazakh and Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republics. The Aralskoe More, also known as the Aral Sea, is to the south-southeast. This saltwater lake is fed mainly from waters of the Amu Darya River, mostly with snow melt water from the distant Tyan-Shan Mountains near the Afghanistan and China border. The crew consisted of astronauts Robert L. Crippen, commander; Jon A. McBride, pilot; mission specialist's Kathryn D. Sullivan, Sally K. Ride, and David D. Leestma; Canadian astronaut Marc Garneau; and Paul D. Scully-Power, payload specialist.

NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana speaks during the U.S Astronaut Hall of Fame induction ceremony on June 11, 2022, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Three former NASA astronauts, Chris Ferguson, David Leestma, and Sandra Magnus, received medals and became members of the 21st class of astronauts to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. The 2022 inductees were selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians, and journalists. This year’s induction brings the total number of AHOF members to 105.

STS045-38-004 (24 March-2 April 1992) --- The traditional inflight crew portrait has Kathryn D. Sullivan, payload commander, and Charles F. Bolden, mission commander, on the front row, with ( left to right) David C. Leestma, mission specialist; Brian Duffy, pilot; Byron K. Lichtenberg and Dirk Frimout, both payload specialists; and C. Michael Foale, mission specialist, on the back row. (The "headpieces" worn by Sullivan and Bolden are actually shadows.) This frame was taken with a 35mm camera on the flight deck of the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Atlantis during the nine-day mission.

S84-41580 (3 Sept 1984) --- Assembled together publicly for the first time, the seven crewmembers for NASA's 41-G Space Shuttle mission field questions from the press corps at the Johnson Space Center. Pictured (foreground right to left) are Robert L. Crippen, crew commander ;Jon A. McBride, pilot; Kathryn D. Sullivan, Sally K. Ride and David C. Leestma--all mission specialists; Marc Garneau, representing the Canadian National Research Council, and Paul D. Scully-Power, U.S. Navy oceanographer, both payload specialists. Their flight is scheduled for early October.

STS045-S-054 (24 March 1992) --- A profile view of the Space Shuttle Atlantis as it soars off the launch pad and heads toward Earth orbit with a crew of seven and the Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science (ATLAS) aboard. Launch occurred at 8:13:40:048 a.m. (EST), March 24, 1992. Onboard were Charles F. Bolden, mission commander; Brian Duffy, pilot; Kathryn D. Sullivan, payload commander; David C. Leestma and C. Michael Foale, mission specialists; and Dirk Frimout of the European Space Agency and Byron K. Lichtenberg, payload specialists. The view was provided by an automatic camera on the launch service structure.

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy waves to attendees during the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame 2022 induction ceremony on June 11, 2022, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The 21st class of former astronauts, Chris Ferguson, David Leestma, and Sandra Magnus received medals and were inducted into the Hall of Fame. This year’s induction brings the total number of AHOF members to 105. The Class of 2022 were selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians, and journalists. During the ceremony, each of the inductees received an official medal.

STS028-S-001 (8 Aug 1989) --- The five astronaut crewmembers for STS-28 leave the operations and checkout building to board a transfer van en route to Launch Complex 39 for a date with Columbia. Front to back are Brewster H. Shaw Jr., Richard N. Richards, David C. Leestma, James C. Adamson and Mark N. Brown. At the rear of the line are Astronaut Michael L. Coats, acting chief of the astronaut office; and Donald R. Puddy, director of flight crew operations at JSC. Coats later flew a NASA Shuttle training aircraft for pre-launch and launch monitoring activities.

41G-90029 / S17-90029 (2 Oct 1984) --- These five astronauts prepare to board T-38 jet aircraft for a trip to Florida where they will begin preparations for a trip into space aboard the Challenger later this week. Astronaut Robert L. Crippen, left, leads the way. The crew commander is followed by (l.-r.) Sally K. Ride (extreme left edge), Kathryn D. Sullivan, David C. Leestma and Jon A. McBride, McBride is pilot and the others are mission specialists. Marc Garneau, representing the National Research Council of Canada and Paul D. Scully-Power, a civilian oceanographer with the U.S. Navy, are the payload specialists who will fly to Florida aboard a Gulfstream aircraft.

41G-120-079 (5-13 Oct 1984) --- This oblique view, photographed from the Space Shuttle Challenger, shows the south tip of the island of Madagascar. Sunglint reflects on the surface of the Mozambique Channel. The crew consisted of astronauts Robert L. Crippen, commander; Jon A. McBride, pilot; mission specialist's Kathryn D. Sullivan, Sally K. Ride, and David D. Leestma; Canadian astronaut Marc Garneau; and Paul D. Scully-Power, payload specialist. EDITOR'S NOTE: The STS-41G mission had the first American female EVA (Sullivan); first seven-person crew; first orbital fuel transfer; and the first Canadian (Garneau).

The STS-45 mission launched aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis on March 24, 1992 at 8:13:40am (EST) carrying the Atmospheric Laboratory for Application and Science (ATLAS-1) as its primary payload. Crew members included: Charles F. Bolden, Jr., commander; Brian Duffy, pilot; Kathryn D. Sullivan, payload commander; Byron K. Lichtenberg, payload specialist 1; Dirk K. Frimout, payload specialist 2; David C. Leestma, mission specialist 2; and C. Michael Foale, mission specialist 3.

Kennedy Space Center Director Janet Petro speaks during the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame 2022 induction ceremony on June 11, 2022, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Three former NASA astronauts, David Leestma, Chris Ferguson, and Sandra Magnus, received medals and were inducted into the 21st class of the Hall of Fame. This year’s induction brings the total number of AHOF members to 105. The Class of 2022 were selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians, and journalists. During the ceremony, each of the inductees received an official medal.

STS028-S-014 (13 Aug. 1989) --- The five astronaut crewmembers for STS-28 pose near the Space Shuttle Columbia after spending five days in Earth orbit for a DOD-devoted mission. They were greeted and are flanked here by William B. Lenoir (left), NASA Associate Administrator for Spaceflight; Donald R. Puddy (second right), director of flight crew operations; and Rear Adm. Richard H. Truly (right), NASA Administrator. The astronauts are, from left to right, Richard N. Richards, David C. Leestma, James C. Adamson, Brewster H. Shaw Jr. and Mark N. Brown.

41G-38-060 (5-13 Oct 1984) --- A large ship wake in the central Mediterranean Sea is highlighted by sunglint in this handheld camera's view from STS-41G. According to NASA and U.S. Navy scientists studying the STS-41G film, the depicted reflectance is similar to oil slicks seen in the various oceans of the world. They note that it is apparent that a ship is pumping a mixture of bilge water and oil overboard. The crew consisted of astronauts Robert L. Crippen, commander; Jon A. McBride, pilot; mission specialist's Kathryn D. Sullivan, Sally K. Ride, and David D. Leestma; Canadian astronaut Marc Garneau; and Paul D. Scully-Power, payload specialist. EDITOR'S NOTE: The STS-41G mission had the first American female EVA (Sullivan); first seven-person crew; first orbital fuel transfer; and the first Canadian (Garneau).

41G-39-044 (5-13 Oct 1984) --- "Flatirons", cumulonimbus clouds that have flattened out at a high altitude, the result of rapidly rising moist air. At a given altitude, depending on the temperature, wind, and humidity, the cloud mass can no longer rise and the wind aloft shears the cloud. Central Nigeria, an area in which tropical rain forest gives way to dryer savannah lands, lies beneath a layer a heavy haze and smoke. The crew consisted of astronauts Robert L. Crippen, commander; Jon A. McBride, pilot; mission specialist's Kathryn D. Sullivan, Sally K. Ride, and David D. Leestma; Canadian astronaut Marc Garneau, and Paul D. Scully-Power, payload specialist's.

Roy D. Bridges Jr. is inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame (AHOF) by Hall of Fame astronaut Dave Leestma during a ceremony inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis attraction at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida on May 6, 2023. Also inducted into the AHOF Class of 2023 was retired astronaut Mark Kelly. Inductees into the Hall of Fame are selected by a committee of Hall of Fame astronauts, former NASA officials, flight directors, historians and journalists. The process is administered by the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. To be eligible, an astronaut must have made his or her first flight at least 17 years before the induction. Candidates must be a U.S. citizen and a NASA-trained commander, pilot, or mission specialist who has orbited the earth at least once. Including Bridges and Kelly, 107 astronauts have been inducted into the AHOF.

S84-37981 (20 July 1984) --- The space shuttle Challenger will carry these seven persons into space for NASA's STS-41G mission scheduled for October 1984. They are (bottom row, left to right) astronauts Jon A. McBride, pilot; and Sally K. Ride, Kathryn D. Sullivan and David C. Leestma -- all mission specialists. Astronaut Robert L. Crippen crew commander, is flanked by Paul D. Scully-Power and Marc Garneau, both payload specialists. Scully-Power is an oceanographer for the U.S. Navy and Garneau represents the National Research Council (Canada). The replica of a gold astronaut pin near McBride signifies unity. The group represents the largest space shuttle crew thus far. Photo credit: NASA

41G-121-189 (5-13 Oct 1984) --- The Kalihari Desert is visible in the foreground of this photograph covering three African nations. The desert is a classic red to orange-red, with small depressions and salt encrustation's which appear as lakes. Visible are Cape Town, the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Agulhas. The crew consisted of astronauts Robert L. Crippen, commander; Jon A. McBride, pilot; mission specialist's Kathryn D. Sullivan, Sally K. Ride, and David D. Leestma; Canadian astronaut Marc Garneau; and Paul D. Scully-Power, payload specialist. EDITOR'S NOTE: The STS-41G mission had the first American female EVA (Sullivan); first seven-person crew; first orbital fuel transfer; and the first Canadian (Garneau).

S92-26522 (Feb 1992) --- Crewmembers assigned to NASA's STS-45 mission are briefed on the use of the Linhof camera in the flight operations facility at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). Charles F. Bolden, mission commander, stands at left. Other crewmembers (seated clockwise around the table from lower left) are Dirk Frimout of Belgium representing the European Space Agency as payload specialist; Charles R. (Rick) Chappell, backup payload specialist; Brian Duffy, pilot; Kathryn D. Sullivan, payload commander; David C. Leestma, mission specialist; Byron K. Lichtenberg, payload specialist; and C. Michael Foale, mission specialist. James H. Ragan (far right), head of the flight equipment section of the flight systems branch in JSC's Man Systems Division, briefs the crewmembers. Donald C. Carico, of the crew training staff and Rockwell International, stands near Bolden. The camera, used for out-the-window observations, is expected to be used frequently on the Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science (ATLAS-1) mission, scheduled for a March date with the Space Shuttle Atlantis.

NASA astronaut and Mir 24 crew member David Wolf, M.D., enjoys a moment with the media at the Skid Strip at Cape Canaveral Air Station on Feb. 1 moments before his departure for Johnson Space Center. Other STS-89 crew members surrounding Dr. Wolf include, left to right, Pilot Joe Edwards Jr.; Commander Terrence Wilcutt; and Mission Specialist Bonnie Dunbar, Ph.D. In the red shirt behind Edwards is JSC Director of Flight Crew Operations David Leestma. The STS-89 crew that brought Dr. Wolf back to Earth arrived at KSC aboard the orbiter Endeavour Jan. 31, concluding the eighth Shuttle-Mir docking mission. STS-89 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas, Ph.D., succeeded Dr. Wolf on Mir and is scheduled to remain on the Russian space station until the STS-91 Shuttle mission returns in June 1998. In addition to the docking and crew exchange, STS-89 included the transfer of science, logistical equipment and supplies between the two orbiting spacecrafts

S88-40309 (7 Nov. 1988) --- The STS-28 insignia was designed by the astronaut crew, who said it portrays the pride the American people have in their manned spaceflight program. It depicts America (the eagle) guiding the space program (the space shuttle) safely home from an orbital mission. The view looks south on Baja California and the west coast of the United States as the space travelers re-enter the atmosphere. The hypersonic contrails created by the eagle and shuttle represent the American flag. The crew called the simple boldness of the design symbolic of America's unfaltering commitment to leadership in the exploration and development of space. Crew members for STS-28 are astronauts Brewster H. Shaw Jr.,commander; Richard N. Richards, pilot; and David C. Leestma, Mark N. Brown and James C. Adamson, mission specialists. The NASA insignia design for space shuttle flights is reserved for use by the astronauts and for other official use as the NASA Administrator may authorize. Public availability has been approved only in the forms of illustrations by the various news media. When and if there is any change in this policy, which is not anticipated, the change will be publicly announced. Photo credit: NASA

S84-36158 (June 1984) --- The STS-41G Challenger mission insignia focuses on its seven crew members (first to exceed six), the United States flag and the Unity symbol known as the astronaut pin. The pin design in center shows a trio of trajectories merging in infinite space, capped by a bright shining star and encircled by an elliptical wreath denoting orbital flight. Crew members for the (originally-scheduled 17th STS) mission include astronauts Robert L. Crippen and Jon A. McBride, commander and pilot, respectively, whose surnames flank those of the NASA mission specialists - astronauts Kathryn D. Sullivan, David C. Leestma and Sally K. Ride. Paul Scully-Power, a United States Navy oceanographer, and Marc Garneau, a Canadian, join the crew as payload specialists. The artwork was done for NASA by Patrick Rawlings. The NASA insignia design for space shuttle flights is reserved for use by the astronauts and for other official use as the NASA Administrator may authorize. Public availability has been approved only in the forms of illustrations by the various news media. When and if there is any change in this policy, which is not anticipated, the change will be publicly announced. Photo credit: NASA

STS045-S-001 (October 1991) --- Designed by the crew members, the patch depicts the space shuttle launching from the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) into a high inclination orbit. From this vantage point, the Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science (ATLAS) payload can view Earth, the sun, and their dynamic interactions against the background of space. Earth is prominently displayed and is the focus of the mission's space plasma physics and Earth sciences observations. The colors of the setting sun, measured by sensitive instruments, provide detailed information about ozone, carbon dioxide and other gases which determine Earth's climate and environment. Encircling the scene are the names of the flight crew members: Charles F. Bolden Jr., commander; Brian Duffy, pilot; C. Michael Foale, David C. Leestma, and Kathryn D. Sullivan, all mission specialists; Dirk Frimout and Byron K. Lichtenberg, payload specialists. The additional star in the ring is to recognize Charles R. Chappell and Michael Lampton, alternate payload specialists, and the entire ATLAS-1 team for its dedication and support of this "Mission to Planet Earth" (MTPE). The NASA insignia design for space shuttle flights is reserved for use by the astronauts and for other official use as the NASA Administrator may authorize. Public availability has been approved only in the form of illustrations by the various news media. When and if there is any change in this policy, which is not anticipated, it will be publicly announced. Photo credit: NASA

Senator John Glenn visit to Johnson Space Center (JSC). Views of Glenn sitting in cockpit of T-38 in Hangar 276 with John Young, George Abbey, David Leestma and Mark Polansky observing (11150). An engineer explains SPIFEX experiment hardware to Abby, Young and Glenn in Bldg 13 (11151, 11153). Glenn talks with astronaut Terrence T. Henricks and employees in Bldg 9C, Virtual reality lab (11152). Lunch in Bldg 17 Flight Crew support division with Dr. Ellen Baker, Robert "Hoot" Gibson and John Glenn (11154). Linda Godwin, Robert Cabana, Abbey, Young, Baker, Gibson and Glenn at lunch (11155). Astronaut Mark Lee shows Glenn and his aide how to use the virtural reality helmets (11156-7). Glenn shakes the hand of Franklin Chang-Diaz with his plasma rocket in the background in the Sonny Carter Training Facility (SCTF) (11158). Glenn in the Manipulator Development Facility (MDF) Remote Manipulator System (RMS) station mock-up in Bldg 9A with Abbey, Young and aide (11159, 11186). Glenn signs a book for Thomas D. Jones as Frederick Sturckow and Linda Godwin look on (11160). Glenn inside visual-vestibular trainer in Bldg 9B (11161). In conference room meeting with astronaut corps in Bldg 4S, Glenn shakes Robert Cabana's hand (11162). John Glenn and John Young pose for a group shot with Bldg 17 Food lab personnel (11163). Glenn thanks the food lab personnel (11164). Glenn visits Bldg 5 Fixed Base (FB) middeck simulator with astronauts Terrence Henricks and Mary Ellen Weber (11165). Glenn with Charles T. Bourland (11166). STS-70 crew Donald Thomas, Terrence Henricks, Mary Ellen Weber, Nancy Currie and Kevin Kregel with Glenn's advisor (11167). STS-70 crew Thomas, Henricks, Weber, Currie and Kregel with John Glenn (11175). Glenn with Thomas, Kregel, Weber, Henricks and trainer (11176-7). David J. Homan assists Glenn's aide with virtual reality goggles (11168) and Glenn (11174). John Young in Bldg 9C equilibrium trainer (11169). Glenn with Carl Walz in flight deck mock-up of MDF in Bldg 9NE (11170, 11187). Young, Abbey, aides, Glenn and Walz examine helium balloon in MDF (11171-2). Chang-Diaz shows Glenn's tour group the plasma rocket (11173). Glenn's presentation to astronaut corps (11178-81, 11184-5). Glenn is presented with framed picture of Sonny Carter Training Facility (SCTF) (11182) and framed picture of space station (11183).