STS-120 Mission Specialists Scott Parazynski (left) and Paolo Nespoli talk before their return to flight to Houston. A welcoming ceremony for the crew is planned at NASA's Hangar 276 on the south end of Ellington Field in Texas. On the 15-day mission, the STS-120 crew continued the construction of the station with the installation of the Harmony Node 2 module and the relocation of the P6 truss. They landed Nov. 7 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.

The STS-120 crew members are ready for their return to flight to Houston. From left are Pilot George Zamka, Mission Specialists Paolo Nespoli, Doug Wheelock, Stephanie Wilson and Scott Parazynski, and Commander Pamela Melroy. A welcoming ceremony for the crew is planned at NASA's Hangar 276 on the south end of Ellington Field in Texas. On the 15-day mission, the STS-120 crew continued the construction of the station with the installation of the Harmony Node 2 module and the relocation of the P6 truss. They landed Nov. 7 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.

S99-08629 (Jan 1999) --- Astronaut Paolo A. Nespoli, mission specialist, representing European Space Agency (ESA).

JSC2007-E-34565 (18 April 2007) --- Astronaut Paolo A. Nespoli, mission specialist representing the European Space Agency (ESA)

JSC2007-E-34562 (18 April 2007) --- Astronaut Paolo A. Nespoli, mission specialist representing the European Space Agency (ESA)

JSC2007-E-34563 (18 April 2007) --- Astronaut Paolo A. Nespoli, mission specialist representing the European Space Agency (ESA)

JSC2007-E-34564 (18 April 2007) --- Astronaut Paolo A. Nespoli, mission specialist representing the European Space Agency (ESA)

JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, Houston, Texas -- JSC2007-E-34565 -- Astronaut Paolo A. Nespoli, mission specialist representing the European Space Agency (ESA)

JSC2007-E-098008 (8 Nov. 2007) --- European Space Agency astronaut Paolo Nespoli, STS-120 mission specialist, waves his homeland's national flag during the Discovery crew's Nov. 8 welcome home ceremony at Houston's Ellington Field. Other replicas of the Italian flag were seen waving throughout the hangar. Nespoli is flanked by two fellow mission specialists -- astronauts Clay Anderson (left) and Doug Wheelock.

S120-E-006025 (24 Oct. 2007) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli, STS-120 mission specialist, photographed on the aft flight deck of Space Shuttle Discovery during flight day two activities.

JSC2007-E-06442 (31 Jan. 2007) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli, STS-120 mission specialist, dons a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit in preparation for a water survival training session in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near Johnson Space Center.

ISS016-E-007932 (31 Oct. 2007) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli, STS-120 mission specialist, floats in the Harmony node of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Discovery is docked with the station.

JSC2007-E-06455 (31 Jan. 2007) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli, STS-120 mission specialist, dons a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit in preparation for a water survival training session in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near Johnson Space Center.

S120-E-007343 (29 Oct. 2007) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli, STS-120 mission specialist, looks over procedures checklists on the middeck of Space Shuttle Discovery while docked with the International Space Station.

S120-E-007178 (29 Oct. 2007) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli, STS-120 mission specialist, holds a model of the Harmony node on the middeck of Space Shuttle Discovery while docked with the International Space Station.

S120-E-007930 (1 Nov. 2007) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli, STS-120 mission specialist, floats between two Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuits in the Quest Airlock of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Discovery is docked with the station.

ISS026-E-031180 (28 Feb. 2011) --- NASA astronaut Michael Barratt (left), STS-133 mission specialist; and European Space Agency astronaut Paolo Nespoli, Expedition 26 flight engineer, work in the Quest airlock of the International Space Station while space shuttle Discovery remains docked with the station.

S120-E-007346 (29 Oct. 2007) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli, STS-120 mission specialist, looks over procedures checklists on the middeck of Space Shuttle Discovery while docked with the International Space Station.

S120-E-007889 (1 Nov. 2007) --- Astronauts Pam Melroy (left), STS-120 commander; George Zamka (bottom right), pilot; and European Space Agency's (ESA) Paolo Nespoli, mission specialist, sleep in their sleeping bags, which are secured on the middeck of the Space Shuttle Discovery while docked with the International Space Station.

ISS016-E-006856 (27 Oct. 2007) --- NASA astronaut Peggy A. Whitson (left), Expedition 16 commander, and European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli, STS-120 mission specialist, open the hatch to the Harmony node -- the newest additional to the International Space Station -- while Space Shuttle Discovery is docked with the station.

S120-E-006889 (27 Oct. 2007) --- Astronauts Peggy A. Whitson (left), Expedition 16 commander, and European Space Agency's (ESA) Paolo Nespoli, STS-120 mission specialist, prepare to open the hatch to the Harmony node -- the newest additional to the International Space Station -- while Space Shuttle Discovery is docked with the station.

JSC2007-E-46557 (18 Sept. 2007) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli, STS-120 mission specialist, participates in a training session in the simulation control area in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) at the Sonny Carter Training Facility (SCTF) near Johnson Space Center.

S134-E-007167 (18 May 2011) --- European Space Agency astronauts Paolo Nespoli (left), Expedition 27 flight engineer, and Roberto Vittori, STS-134 mission specialist, are pictured in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station while space shuttle Endeavour remains docked with the station. Photo credit: NASA

JSC2007-E-46555 (18 Sept. 2007) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli, STS-120 mission specialist, participates in a training session at a console in the simulation control area in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) at the Sonny Carter Training Facility (SCTF) near Johnson Space Center.

S134-E-008358 (21 May 2011) --- European Space Agency astronauts Paolo Nespoli (right), Expedition 27 flight engineer, and Roberto Vittori, STS-134 mission specialist, are pictured onboard the International Space Station while space shuttle Endeavour remains docked with the station. Photo credit: NASA

S120-E-007183 (29 Oct. 2007) --- A model of the Harmony node floats freely near European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli, STS-120 mission specialist, on the middeck of Space Shuttle Discovery while docked with the International Space Station.

S120-E-007539 (30 Oct. 2007) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli, STS-120 mission specialist, uses a communication system on the flight deck of Space Shuttle Discovery during flight day eight activities while docked with the International Space Station.

S120-E-006445 (25 Oct. 2007) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli, STS-120 mission specialist, floats through an airlock hatch on the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Discovery is docked with the station.

S120-E-006421 (25 Oct. 2007) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli, STS-120 mission specialist, photographed in the Zarya module of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Discovery is docked with the station. Various food stowage cases are visible at left.

ISS016-E-008792 (2 Nov. 2007) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli, STS-120 mission specialist, rests in his sleeping bag in the Harmony node of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Discovery is docked with the station.

S120-E-007000 (28 Oct. 2007) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli, STS-120 mission specialist, works on the aft flight deck of Space Shuttle Discovery while docked with the International Space Station.

ISS016-E-008106 (31 Oct. 2007) --- Astronauts Pam Melroy, STS-120 commander, and European Space Agency's (ESA) Paolo Nespoli, mission specialist, are pictured in the Harmony node of the International Space Station during a congratulatory phone call from the president of Italy. A module of Harmony floats freely in the foreground.

S120-E-006981 (27 Oct. 2007) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli, STS-120 mission specialist, poses for a photo with his meal floating freely nearby on the middeck of Space Shuttle Discovery while docked with the International Space Station.

S120-E-007601 (31 Oct. 2007) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli (center), STS-120 mission specialist, and astronaut George Zamka, pilot, work in the Harmony node of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Discovery is docked with the station.

JSC2007-E-46556 (18 Sept. 2007) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli (with communication headset), STS-120 mission specialist, participates in a training session at a console in the simulation control area in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) at the Sonny Carter Training Facility (SCTF) near Johnson Space Center. Dina E. Contella (left) and Sarah Kazukiewicz Korona (center) assisted Nespoli.

JSC2007-E-18065 (9 April 2007) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli, STS-120 mission specialist, dons a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit in preparation for a training session in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at the Johnson Space Center. United Space Alliance suit technicians Toni Cost-Davis (left) and Ryan Carabaja assisted Nespoli.

JSC2007-E-098007 (8 Nov. 2007) --- The crew of the STS-120 mission was welcomed home to Houston Nov. 8, following the landing of Space Shuttle Discovery in Florida on Nov. 7. Astronaut Doug Wheelock, mission specialist, addresses the crowd on hand at Ellington Field. Also seen are astronauts Stephanie Wilson and Scott Parazynski, mission specialists. Not pictured are STS-120 commander Pam Melroy, pilot George Zamka and mission specialists Paolo Nespoli (ESA) and Clay Anderson.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-120 Mission Specialists Scott Parazynski (left), Doug Wheelock (center) and Paolo Nespoli (right) check out the primary payload for the mission: the U.S. Node 2, another element to be added to the International Space Station. Nespoli represents the European Space Agency. Node 2 will provide a passageway between three station science experiment facilities: the U.S. Destiny Laboratory, the Kibo Japanese Experiment Module, and the European Columbus Laboratory. STS-120 is targeted for launch on Sept. 7 with a crew of six, including Commander Pam Melroy, Pilot George Zamka, and Mission Specialist Mike Foreman. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

ISS016-E-006725 (26 Oct. 2007) --- Attired in his Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuit, astronaut Doug Wheelock, STS-120 mission specialist, prepares for the mission's first session of extravehicular activity (EVA) in the Quest Airlock of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Discovery is docked with the station. European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli, mission specialist, assisted Wheelock.

ISS016-E-006731 (26 Oct. 2007) --- Attired in their Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuits, astronauts Doug Wheelock (left) and Scott Parazynski, STS-120 mission specialists, prepare for the mission's first session of extravehicular activity (EVA) in the Quest Airlock of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Discovery is docked with the station. European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli, mission specialist, assisted Wheelock and Parazynski. Astronaut Peggy A. Whitson (partially out of frame), Expedition 16 commander, is visible at right.

S133-E-008586 (2 March 2011) --- Attired in his Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuit, NASA astronaut Alvin Drew, STS-133 mission specialist, enters the International Space Station's Quest airlock as the mission's second spacewalk draws to a close. NASA astronaut Michael Barratt (left), STS-133 mission specialist; and European Space Agency astronaut Paolo Nespoli, Expedition 26 flight engineer, assisted Drew. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration

ISS016-E-006733 (26 Oct. 2007) --- Attired in their Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuits, astronauts Doug Wheelock (left) and Scott Parazynski, STS-120 mission specialists, prepare for the mission's first session of extravehicular activity (EVA) in the Quest Airlock of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Discovery is docked with the station. European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli, mission specialist, assisted Wheelock and Parazynski. Astronaut Peggy A. Whitson (partially out of frame), Expedition 16 commander, is visible at right.

ISS016-E-007813 (28 Oct. 2007) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli (center), STS-120 mission specialist, turns a flip for astronauts Scott Parazynski (right), STS-120 mission specialist, and Daniel Tani, Expedition 16 flight engineer, as they prepare for the mission's second session of extravehicular activity (EVA) in the Quest Airlock of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Discovery is docked with the station. Parazynski and Tani are attired in their Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuits.

ISS026-E-031606 (3 March 2011) --- Expedition 26 and STS-133 crew members share a meal in the Unity node of the International Space Station while space shuttle Discovery remains docked with the station. Pictured from the left are NASA astronauts Steve Bowen, Nicole Stott, both STS-133 mission specialists; Steve Lindsey, STS-133 commander; European Space Agency astronaut Paolo Nespoli, Expedition 26 flight engineer; and NASA astronaut Michael Barratt, STS-133 mission specialist.

View of Astronauts George Zamka (red shirt),STS-120 pilot, Stephanie Wilson, STS-120 Mission specialist, and Paolo Nespoli, STS-120 Mission specialist representing the European Space Agency (ESA), as they pose for a photo on the flight deck of Space Shuttle Discovery during flight day eight activities while docked with the International Space Station.

JSC2007-E-20540 (26 April 2007) --- Astronaut Douglas H. Wheelock, STS-120 mission specialist, participates in an Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuit fit check in the Space Station Airlock Test Article (SSATA) in the Crew Systems Laboratory at the Johnson Space Center. European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli, mission specialist, assisted Wheelock.

S120-E-007626 (31 Oct. 2007) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli (bottom left), NASA astronauts Stephanie Wilson, both STS-120 mission specialists; Pam Melroy and George Zamka, commander and pilot, respectively; Doug Wheelock (top left), Clayton Anderson and Scott Parazynski, all mission specialists, pose for a group photo in the Harmony node of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Discovery is docked with the station.

JSC2007-E-20541 (26 April 2007) --- Astronaut Douglas H. Wheelock, STS-120 mission specialist, participates in an Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuit fit check in the Space Station Airlock Test Article (SSATA) in the Crew Systems Laboratory at the Johnson Space Center. European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli, mission specialist, assisted Wheelock.

JSC2007-E-08815 (7 Feb. 2007) --- European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli (left), STS-120 mission specialist, and astronaut Daniel M. Tani, Expedition 16 flight engineer, converse as they await the start of a post insertion/de-orbit training session in one of the full-scale trainers (out of frame) in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at Johnson Space Center. Nespoli and Tani are wearing training versions of their shuttle launch and entry suit. Tani will join Expedition 16 as flight engineer after launching to the International Space Station aboard Atlantis on mission STS-120 and is scheduled to return home aboard Discovery on mission STS-122.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-120 Mission Specialist Paolo Nespoli is ready for the media conference at the slidewire basket landing on Launch Pad 39A. Nespoli represents the European Space Agency. The crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test activities that include emergency egress procedures and a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-120, which will carry the Italian-built U.S. Node 2 to the International Space Station, is targeted for launch on Oct. 23. Tani will remain aboard the station and return with the STS-122 crew, targeted to launch Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, the mission STS-120 crew members are getting familiar with the Node 2, another element to be added to the International Space Station. Seen here are Mission Specialists Paolo Angelo Nespoli (left) and Douglas H. Wheelock. Nespoli represents the European Space Agency. Node 2 will provide a passageway between three station science experiment facilities: the U.S. Destiny Laboratory, the Kibo Japanese Experiment Module, and the European Columbus Laboratory. STS-120 is targeted for launch on October 20. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-120 Pamela Melroy is ready for training on the M-113 armored personnel carrier, part of emergency egress training. Behind her Mission Specialist Paolo Nespoli looks on. Nespoli is with the European Space Agency. The training is part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities the crew is undertaking at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT also includes equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-120, which will carry the Italian-built U.S. Node 2 to the International Space Station, is targeted for launch on Oct. 23. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Outside the M-113 armored personnel carrier, STS-120 crew members listen to instructions on its use for emergency exit procedures from Launch Pad 39A. From left are Mission Specialists Daniel Tani and Doug Wheelock, Pilot George Zamka, Mission Specialist Scott Parazynski, Commander Pamela Melroy, and Mission Specialists Paolo Nespoli and Stephanie Wilson. Nespoli represents the European Space Agency. The training is part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities the crew is undertaking at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT also includes equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-120, which will carry the Italian-built U.S. Node 2 to the International Space Station, is targeted for launch on Oct. 23. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

ISS016-E-007838 (28 Oct. 2007) --- Attired in their Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuits, astronauts Daniel Tani (left), Expedition 16 flight engineer, and Scott Parazynski, STS-120 mission specialist, prepare for the mission's second session of extravehicular activity (EVA) in the Quest Airlock of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Discovery is docked with the station. European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli (center bottom), STS-120 mission specialist, assisted Tani and Parazynski, while astronaut Doug Wheelock, mission specialist, photographs the event.

JSC2007-E-46533 (18 Sept. 2007) --- Astronaut Daniel M. Tani, Expedition 16 flight engineer, dons a training version of the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuit prior to being submerged in the waters of the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near the Johnson Space Center. European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli (left), STS-120 mission specialist, assisted Tani who is scheduled to join Expedition 16 after launching to the International Space Station on mission STS-120.

JSC2007-E-46535 (18 Sept. 2007) --- Astronaut Daniel M. Tani, Expedition 16 flight engineer, dons a training version of the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuit prior to being submerged in the waters of the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near the Johnson Space Center. European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli, STS-120 mission specialist, assisted Tani who is scheduled to join Expedition 16 after launching to the International Space Station on mission STS-120.

JSC2007-E-098002 (8 Nov. 2007) --- The crew of the STS-120 mission was welcomed home to Houston Nov. 8, following the landing of Space Shuttle Discovery in Florida on Nov. 7. Center Director Mike Coats, far right, introduced the crew to the crowd on hand at Ellington Field. From the right are STS-120 commander Pam Melroy, pilot George Zamka and mission specialists Scott Parazynski, Stephanie Wilson, Doug Wheelock, Paolo Nespoli (ESA) and Clay Anderson were welcomed by family and friends during the ceremony.

JSC2007-E-46540 (18 Sept. 2007) --- Astronaut Daniel M. Tani, Expedition 16 flight engineer, dons a training version of the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuit prior to being submerged in the waters of the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near the Johnson Space Center. European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli, STS-120 mission specialist, assisted Tani who is scheduled to join Expedition 16 after launching to the International Space Station on mission STS-120.

JSC2007-E-46530 (18 Sept. 2007) --- Astronaut Daniel M. Tani, Expedition 16 flight engineer, dons a training version of the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuit prior to being submerged in the waters of the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near the Johnson Space Center. European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli, STS-120 mission specialist, assisted Tani who is scheduled to join Expedition 16 after launching to the International Space Station on mission STS-120.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-120 Mission Specialists Scott Parazynski (left) and Paolo Nespoli talk before their return to flight to Houston. A welcoming ceremony for the crew is planned at NASA's Hangar 276 on the south end of Ellington Field in Texas. On the 15-day mission, the STS-120 crew continued the construction of the station with the installation of the Harmony Node 2 module and the relocation of the P6 truss. They landed Nov. 7 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center . Photo credit: NASA_George Shelton

JSC2007-E-098003 (8 Nov. 2007) --- The crew of the STS-120 mission was welcomed home to Houston Nov. 8, following the landing of Space Shuttle Discovery in Florida on Nov. 7. STS-120 commander Pam Melroy, pilot George Zamka (both pictured here with JSC Director Mike Coats) along with mission specialists Scott Parazynski, Stephanie Wilson, Doug Wheelock, Paolo Nespoli (ESA) and Clay Anderson (all out of frame) were welcomed by family and friends during a ceremony at Houston's Ellington Field.

S133-E-007282 (28 Feb. 2011) --- European Space Agency astronaut Paolo Nespoli (left), Expedition 26 flight engineer; and NASA astronaut Steve Bowen, STS-133 mission specialist, are pictured in the Quest airlock of the International Space Station as they prepare for the start of the mission's first spacewalk. Bowen is wearing an Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuit. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration

ISS016-E-008971 (2 Nov. 2007) --- Astronauts Paolo Nespoli (foreground) representing the European Space Agency (ESA), Scott Parazynski (right) and Doug Wheelock, all STS-120 mission specialists, make preparations for the mission's fourth spacewalk in the Quest Airlock of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Discovery is docked with the station.

S133-E-007314 (28 Feb. 2011) --- Attired in their Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuits, NASA astronauts Alvin Drew and Steve Bowen, both STS-133 mission specialists, prepare to exit the International Space Station?s Quest airlock to begin the mission?s first spacewalk. European Space Agency astronaut Paolo Nespoli (right), Expedition 26 flight engineer, assisted Drew and Bowen. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration

JSC2007-E-098004 (8 Nov. 2007) --- The crew of the STS-120 mission was welcomed home to Houston Nov. 8, following the landing of Space Shuttle Discovery in Florida on Nov. 7. STS-120 commander Pam Melroy, and pilot George Zamka (both pictured) along with mission specialists Scott Parazynski, Stephanie Wilson, Doug Wheelock, Paolo Nespoli (ESA) and Clay Anderson (all out of frame) were welcomed by family and friends during a ceremony at Houston's Ellington Field.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, STS-120 crew members get a look at the main bus switching unit that is part of the payload on their mission. From left are Mission Specialists Scott Parazynski and Doug Wheelock at left and Mission Specialist Paolo Nespoli at right. Nespoli represents the European Space Agency. A main bus switching unit is used for power distribution, circuit protection and fault isolation on the space station's power system. The units route power to proper locations in the space station, such as from solar arrays through umbilicals into the U.S. Lab. The unit will be installed on the external stowage platform 2 attached to the Quest airlock for temporary storage. Discovery is targeted to launch mission STS-120 no earlier than Oct. 20. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, STS-120 crew members get a look at the main bus switching unit that is part of the payload on their mission. From left are Pilot George Zamka, Mission Specialists Scott Parazynski and Stephanie Wilson, astronaut Dan Tani, who will join the International Space Station crew, and Mission Specialists Paolo Nespoli, Doug Wheelock and Commander Pam Melroy. Nespoli represents the European Space Agency. A main bus switching unit is used for power distribution, circuit protection and fault isolation on the space station's power system. The units route power to proper locations in the space station, such as from solar arrays through umbilicals into the U.S. Lab. The unit will be installed on the external stowage platform 2 attached to the Quest airlock for temporary storage. Discovery is targeted to launch mission STS-120 no earlier than Oct. 20. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During emergency egress from Launch Pad 39A, STS-120 crew members are in the slidewire basket. In front, Mission Specialist Paolo Nespoli holds the release lever. Behind him are Mission Specialists Daniel Tani and Scott Parazynski. The basket can carry them to a safe landing site below, if needed. Nespoli represents the European Space Agency. The activity is part of the prelaunch terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. The TCDT at NASA's Kennedy Space Center provides astronauts and ground crews an opportunity to participate in various launch preparation activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. The STS-120 mission will deliver the U.S. Node 2 module, named Harmony, aboard space shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station. Discovery is targeted to launch on its 14-day mission at 11:38 a.m. EDT on Oct. 23. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-120 Mission Specialists Douglas Wheelock (left) and Scott Parazynski familiarize themselves with equipment inside the Space Station Processing Facility during a visit to Kennedy Space Center. Other crew members include Commander Pam Melroy, Pilot George Zamka and Mission Specialists Stephanie Wilson, Paolo Nespoli (with the European Space Agency), Daniel Tani and Clayton Anderson. Mission STS-120 will deliver the Node 2 "Harmony" connecting module to the station. During the mission, Tani and Anderson will transfer to the station and remain as flight engineers for Expedition 15. The mission is tentatively scheduled for August of this year. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-120 Mission Specialist Daniel Tani familiarizes himself with equipment inside the Space Station Processing Facility during a visit to Kennedy Space Center. Other STS-120 crew members include Commander Pam Melroy, Pilot George Zamka, and Mission Specialists Scott Parazynski, Douglas Wheelock, Stephanie Wilson, Paolo Nespoli (with the European Space Agency) and Clayton Anderson. Mission STS-120 will deliver the Node 2 "Harmony" connecting module to the station. During the mission, Tani and Anderson will transfer to the station and remain as flight engineers for Expedition 15. The mission is tentatively scheduled for August of this year. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-120 Mission Specialist Daniel Tani and Commander Pam Melroy familiarize themselves with the Node 2 Harmony module inside the Space Station Processing Facility during a visit to Kennedy Space Center. Other crew members include Pilot George Zamka and Mission Specialists Scott Parazynski, Douglas Wheelock, Stephanie Wilson, Paolo Nespoli (with the European Space Agency) and Clayton Anderson. Mission STS-120 will deliver the Node 2 "Harmony" connecting module to the station. During the mission, Tani and Anderson will transfer to the station and remain as flight engineers for Expedition 15. The mission is tentatively scheduled for August of this year. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-120 Mission Specialists Douglas Wheelock (left) and Scott Parazynski familiarize themselves with equipment inside the Space Station Processing Facility during a visit to Kennedy Space Center. Other crew members include Commander Pam Melroy, Pilot George Zamka and Mission Specialists Stephanie Wilson, Paolo Nespoli (with the European Space Agency), Daniel Tani and Clayton Anderson. Mission STS-120 will deliver the Node 2 "Harmony" connecting module to the station. During the mission, Tani and Anderson will transfer to the station and remain as flight engineers for Expedition 15. The mission is tentatively scheduled for August of this year. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During a familiarization visit to the Space Station Processing Facility, mission STS-120 Mission Specialist Stephanie Wilson, Commander Pam Melroy and Pilot George Zamka review safety procedures. Other STS-120 crew members include Mission Specialists Scott Parazynski, Douglas Wheelock, Daniel Tani, Paolo Nespoli (with the European Space Agency) and Clayton Anderson. Mission STS-120 will deliver the Node 2 "Harmony" connecting module to the station. During the mission, Tani and Anderson will transfer to the station and remain as flight engineers for Expedition 15. The mission is tentatively scheduled for August of this year. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-120 Mission Specialist Daniel Tani familiarizes himself with equipment inside the Space Station Processing Facility during a visit to Kennedy Space Center. Other STS-120 crew members include Commander Pam Melroy, Pilot George Zamka, and Mission Specialists Scott Parazynski, Douglas Wheelock, Stephanie Wilson, Paolo Nespoli (with the European Space Agency) and Clayton Anderson. Mission STS-120 will deliver the Node 2 "Harmony" connecting module to the station. During the mission, Tani and Anderson will transfer to the station and remain as flight engineers for Expedition 15. The mission is tentatively scheduled for August of this year. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Inside the Space Station Processing Facility, mission STS-120 crew members familiarize themselves with equipment. Beginning third from left are Commander Pam Melroy, Mission Specialists Paolo Nespoli (with the European Space Agency), Douglas Wheelock and Scott Parazynski. Other crew members include Pilot George Zamka and Mission Specialists Stephanie Wilson, Daniel Tani and Clayton Anderson. Mission STS-120 will deliver the Node 2 "Harmony" connecting module to the station. During the mission, Tani and Anderson will transfer to the station and remain as flight engineers for Expedition 15. The mission is tentatively scheduled for August of this year. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-120 Mission Specialist Scott Parazynski familiarizes himself with equipment inside the Space Station Processing Facility during a visit to Kennedy Space Center. Other STS-120 crew members include Commander Pam Melroy, Pilot George Zamka, and Mission Specialists Douglas Wheelock, Stephanie Wilson, Daniel Tani, Paolo Nespoli (with the European Space Agency) and Clayton Anderson. Mission STS-120 will deliver the Node 2 "Harmony" connecting module to the station. During the mission, Tani and Anderson will transfer to the station and remain as flight engineers for Expedition 15. The mission is tentatively scheduled for August of this year. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-120 Mission Specialists Douglas Wheelock and Paolo Nespoli (with the European Space Agency) familiarize themselves with equipment inside the Space Station Processing Facility during a visit to Kennedy Space Center. Other crew members include Commander Pam Melroy, Pilot George Zamka and Mission Specialists Scott Parazynski, Stephanie Wilson, Daniel Tani and Clayton Anderson. Mission STS-120 will deliver the Node 2 "Harmony" connecting module to the station. During the mission, Tani and Anderson will transfer to the station and remain as flight engineers for Expedition 15. The mission is tentatively scheduled for August of this year. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- With the NASA logo serving as a backdrop, STS-120 Mission Specialist Scott Parazynski familiarizes himself with equipment inside the Space Station Processing Facility during a visit to Kennedy Space Center. Other crew members include Commander Pam Melroy, Pilot George Zamka, and Mission Specialists Douglas Wheelock, Stephanie Wilson, Daniel Tani, Paolo Nespoli (with the European Space Agency) and Clayton Anderson. Mission STS-120 will deliver the Node 2 "Harmony" connecting module to the station. During the mission, Tani and Anderson will transfer to the station and remain as flight engineers for Expedition 15. The mission is tentatively scheduled for August of this year. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-120 crew members listen to instructions about the use of the M-113 armored personnel carrier for emergency exit procedures from Launch Pad 39A. From the front, on the left, are Mission Specialists Doug Wheelock, Paolo Nespoli and Stephanie Wilson; at right are Pilot George Zamka, Mission Specialists Scott Parazynski and Daniel Tani, and Commander Pamela Melroy. Nespoli represents the European Space Agency. The training is part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities the crew is undertaking at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT also includes equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-120, which will carry the Italian-built U.S. Node 2 to the International Space Station, is targeted for launch on Oct. 23. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-120 Pilot George Zamka practices driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier, part of emergency exit procedures from Launch Pad 39A. Alongside is the trainer. In the rear of the M-113 are Mission Specialists Daniel Tani, Commander Pamela Melroy and Mission Specialists Stephanie Wilson, Paolo Nespoli and Doug Wheelock. Nespoli represents the European Space Agency. The training is part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities the crew is undertaking at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT also includes equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-120, which will carry the Italian-built U.S. Node 2 to the International Space Station, is targeted for launch on Oct. 23. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- An M-113 armored personnel carrier pushes through the underbrush during driving practice by the STS-120 crew. In the driver's seat, at right, is Mission Specialist Doug Wheelock. In the center is the trainer. Other crew members in the rear are (left to right) Mission Specialists Daniel Tani, Scott Parazynski and Paolo Nespoli and Pilot George Zamka. Nespoli represents the European Space Agency. The training is part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities the crew is undertaking at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT also includes equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-120, which will carry the Italian-built U.S. Node 2 to the International Space Station, is targeted for launch on Oct. 23. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

JSC2007-E-41540 (9 Aug. 2007) --- Astronauts Pamela A. Melroy, STS-120 commander, and European Space Agency's (ESA) Paolo Nespoli, mission specialist, use the virtual reality lab at Johnson Space Center to train for their duties aboard the space shuttle and space station. This type of computer interface, paired with virtual reality training hardware and software, helps to prepare the entire team for dealing with space station elements.

ISS016-E-009711 (4 Nov. 2007) --- STS-120 and Expedition 16 crewmembers share a meal in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Discovery is docked with the station. Pictured (from the left) are astronauts Daniel Tani, Expedition 16 flight engineer; Pam Melroy, STS-120 commander; George Zamka, pilot; Doug Wheelock, Stephanie Wilson and European Space Agency's (ESA) Paolo Nespoli, all mission specialists.

S133-E-007846 (1 March 2011) --- NASA astronaut Cady Coleman and European Space Agency astronaut Paolo Nespoli (background), both Expedition 26 flight engineers; along with NASA astronaut Alvin Drew, STS-133 mission specialist, work in the Unity node of the International Space Station while space shuttle Discovery remains docked with the station. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration

ISS027-E-035112 (20 May 2011) --- Inside the International Space Station's Columbus lab, a component contribution of the European Space Agency (ESA), two ESA astronauts congratulate each other on the progress so far of work accomplished by twelve astronauts and cosmonauts representing Endeavour's STS-134 crew and that of the station's expedition crew. They are ESA astronauts Paolo Nespoli (left), Expedition 27 flight engineer, and Roberto Vittori STS-134 mission specialist.

S120-E-006895 (27 Oct. 2007) --- Astronauts Peggy A. Whitson (left), Expedition 16 commander, and European Space Agency's (ESA) Paolo Nespoli, STS-120 mission specialist, take a moment for a photo as they prepare to open the hatch to the Harmony node -- the newest additional to the International Space Station -- while Space Shuttle Discovery is docked with the station.

S133-E-007419 (28 Feb. 2011) --- European Space Agency astronaut Paolo Nespoli (right), Expedition 26 flight engineer; and NASA astronaut Michael Barratt, STS-133 mission specialist, are pictured in the Quest airlock of the International Space Station while space shuttle Discovery remains docked with the station. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration

JSC2007-E-41528 (9 Aug. 2007) --- Astronauts Scott E. Parazynski (seated) and European Space Agency's (ESA) Paolo Nespoli, both STS-120 mission specialists, use the virtual reality lab at Johnson Space Center to train for their duties aboard the space shuttle and space station. This type of computer interface, paired with virtual reality training hardware and software, helps to prepare the entire team for dealing with space station elements.

JSC2007-E-08807 (7 Feb. 2007) --- Attired in a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit, European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli, STS-120 mission specialist, awaits the start of a post insertion/de-orbit training session in one of the full-scale trainers (out of frame) in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at Johnson Space Center.

S120-E-008333 (4 Nov. 2007) --- Astronaut George Zamka (right), STS-120 pilot, uses a camera while astronauts Stephanie Wilson (left foreground), European Space Agency's (ESA) Paolo Nespoli (top), both mission specialists; and Daniel Tani, Expedition 16 flight engineer, share a meal at the galley in the Zvezda Service Module of the International Space Station while Space Shuttle Discovery is docked with the station.

ISS016-E-006847 (27 Oct. 2007) --- NASA astronaut Peggy A. Whitson (left), Expedition 16 commander, and European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli, STS-120 mission specialist, take a moment for a photo as they prepare to open the hatch to the Harmony node -- the newest additional to the International Space Station -- while Space Shuttle Discovery is docked with the station.

S120-E-006402 (25 Oct. 2007) --- STS-120 crewmembers gather in the Orbiter Docking Compartment (ODS) after hatch opening between the International Space Station and Space Shuttle Discovery. Pictured (clockwise) are astronauts George Zamka (white shirt), pilot; Daniel Tani, Stephanie Wilson, Doug Wheelock, Scott Parazynski and European Space Agency's (ESA) Paolo Nespoli, all mission specialists. Astronaut Pam Melroy, commander, is out of frame.

JSC2007-E-098010 (8 Nov. 2007) --- "Look, I'm seeing double," European Space Agency astronaut Paolo Nespoli appears to be saying as he points toward a life size photo cutout (out of frame) of astronaut Clay Anderson, seated to his right, during the Discovery crew's Nov. 8 welcome home ceremony at Houston's Ellington Field. The two mission specialists were joined by their five STS-120 crewmates on the stage of Ellington's hangars.

S120-E-006911 (27 Oct. 2007) --- Astronauts Peggy A. Whitson (left), Expedition 16 commander; European Space Agency's (ESA) Paolo Nespoli, STS-120 mission specialist; and cosmonaut Yuri I. Malenchenko, flight engineer representing Russia's Federal Space Agency, work in the Harmony node -- the newest additional to the International Space Station -- while Space Shuttle Discovery is docked with the station.

JSC2007-E-44684 (29 Aug. 2007) --- The STS-120 crewmembers celebrate the end of formal crew training with a cake-cutting ceremony in the Jake Garn Simulation and Training Facility at Johnson Space Center. Pictured from the left are astronauts George D. Zamka, pilot; Daniel M. Tani, Expedition 16 flight engineer; Stephanie D. Wilson, mission specialist; Pamela A. Melroy, commander; Douglas H. Wheelock, Scott E. Parazynski, and European Space Agency's (ESA) Paolo Nespoli, all mission specialists. Tani is scheduled to join Expedition 16 after launching to the International Space Station on mission STS-120.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the slidewire basket landing on Launch Pad 39A, the STS-120 crew responds to questions from the media. With the microphone is Mission Specialist Paolo Nespoli, who represents the European Space Agency. The rest of the crew are, from left, Commander Pamela Melroy, Pilot George Zamka and Mission Specialists Scott Parazynski, Stephanie Wilson, Doug Wheelock and Daniel Tani. Mission STS-120, which will carry the Italian-built U.S. Node 2 to the International Space Station, is targeted for launch on Oct. 23. Tani will remain aboard the station and return with the STS-122 crew, targeted to launch Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

ISS016-E-006669 (25 Oct. 2007) --- Expedition 16 and STS-120 crewmembers gather in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station shortly after Space Shuttle Discovery docked with the station. Pictured (clockwise) are European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli (foreground), NASA astronauts Stephanie Wilson, both STS-120 mission specialists; George Zamka, STS-120 pilot; Doug Wheelock, mission specialist; Pam Melroy, STS-120 commander; Daniel Tani, Expedition 16 flight engineer; and cosmonaut Yuri I. Malenchenko, flight engineer representing Russia's Federal Space Agency.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-120 Mission Specialist Paolo Nespoli is helped by the closeout crew to put on a parachute and get ready to enter space shuttle Discovery for liftoff at 11:38 a.m. EDT. Nespoli represents the European Space Agency. The STS-120 mission will be the 23rd assembly flight to the space station and the 34th flight for Discovery. Payload on the mission is the Italian-built U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. During the 14-day mission, the crew will install Harmony and move the P6 solar arrays to their permanent position and deploy them. Discovery is expected to complete its mission and return home at 4:47 a.m. EST on Nov. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Scott Haun, Tom Farrar, Rafael Hernandez

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The crew members of space shuttle mission STS-120 prepare for their return to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston following three days of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities. At Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility, Pilot George Zamka, in front, and Mission Specialist Paolo Nespoli secure themselves in a T-38 jet aircraft for takeoff. Nespoli is representing the European Space Agency on STS-120. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. The STS-120 mission will deliver the U.S. Node 2 module, named Harmony, aboard space shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station on a 14-day mission. Discovery's launch is targeted for Oct. 23 at 11:38 a.m. EDT. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-120 Mission Specialist Paolo Nespoli (left) talks with Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach after the crew's arrival at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Nespoli represents the European Space Agency. The crew has returned to Kennedy to prepare for launch aboard space shuttle Discovery at 11:38 a.m. EDT on Oct. 23. The mission will be the 23rd shuttle flight to the International Space Station, delivering the Italian-built U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. The 14-day mission includes five spacewalks -- four by shuttle crew members and one by the station’s Expedition 16 crew -- to install Harmony and move the P6 solar arrays to their permanent position and deploy them. Discovery is expected to complete its mission and return home at 4:47 a.m. EST on Nov. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett