S77-E-5078 (24 May 1996) --- On the Space Shuttle Endeavour's aft flight deck, astronaut Mario Runco, Jr., mission specialist, grabs a hand-held 70mm camera and prepares to take still pictures of an Earth observation target of opportunity. A pair of windows just out of frame above Runco's head provide the crew members with a prime operating perspective of Earth observation targets. A crew mate exposed the image with an Electronic Still Camera (ESC).
S77-E-5104 (26 May 1996) --- Astronaut Mario Runco, Jr., mission specialist, takes a break from activities on Space Shuttle Endeavour?s middeck. The scene was recorded with an Electronic Still Camera (ESC).
S93-32840 (27 April 1993) --- Astronaut Mario Runco Jr., mission specialist. Photo credit: NASA
S87-45885 (9 Oct. 1987) --- Astronaut Mario Runco Jr. Photo credit: NASA
Astronauts pictured in the STS-54 crew portrait from left to right are: Mario Runco, Jr., mission specialist; John H. Casper, commander; Donald R. McMonagle, pilot; and mission specialists Susan J. Helms, and Gregory J. Harbaugh. Launched aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on January 13, 1993 at 8:59:30 am (EST), the crew deployed the fifth Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-6).
STS-54 Endeavour, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 105, Mission Specialist 1 (MS1) Mario Runco, Jr (right) and MS2 Gregory J. Harbaugh, holding an ESSEX wrench, examine mockup and tools prior to an underwater simulation in JSC's Weightless Environment Training Facility (WETF) Bldg 29 pool. Runco and Harbaugh discuss the trunnion / payload retention latch assembly (PRLA) configuration.
S77-E-5120 (26 May 1996) --- Astronauts Mario Runco, Jr. and Andrew S. W. Thomas, both mission specialists, pose for photo while in the middeck of the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Endeavour. The scene was recorded with an Electronic Still Camera (ESC).
The crew assigned to the STS-77 mission included (seated left to right) Curtis L. Brown, pilot; and John H. Casper, commander. Standing, left to right, are mission specialists Daniel W. Bursch, Mario Runco, Marc Garneau (CSA), and Andrew S. W. Thomas. Launched aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on May 19, 1996 at 6:30:00 am (EDT), the STS-77 mission carried three primary payloads; the SPACEHAB-4 pressurized research module, the Inflatable Antenna Experiment (IAE) mounted on a Spartan 207 free-flyer, and a suite of four technology demonstration experiments known as Technology Experiments for Advancing Missions in Space (TEAMS).
STS077-372-020 (19-29 May 1996) --- On the Space Shuttle Endeavour?s aft flight deck, astronaut Mario Runco, Jr., mission specialist, uses a large format camera during station keeping operations with the Passive Aerodynamically Stabilized Magnetically Damped Satellite (PAMS)/Satellite Test Unit (STU). During the flight, the six-member crew was involved in deployment and rendezvous operations with the Spartan 207/Inflatable Antenna Experiment (IAE) as well as the PAMS/STU.
STS044-19-026 (24 Nov-1 Dec 1991) --- Astronaut Mario Runco Jr., STS-44 mission specialist, floats on Atlantis' middeck.
S92-45751 (1 Sept 1992) --- Astronaut Mario Runco Jr., mission specialist assigned to fly aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour for the STS-54 mission, gets in some rehearsal time with a camcorder. He is on the middeck of a Shuttle trainer.
STS054-S-033 (17 Jan 1993) --- Runco works with a mobile foot restraint during extravehicular activity (EVA) in Endeavour's cargo bay. The scene was downlinked at 11:52:04:28 GMT, Jan. 17, 1993.
S95-15847 (26 July 1995) --- Wearing a training version of the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) space suit, astronaut Mario Runco Jr., mission specialist, prepares to participate in an underwater rehearsal of a contingency Extravehicular Activity (EVA). This type of training routinely takes place in the 25-feet deep pool of the Johnson Space Center's (JSC) Weightless Environment Training Center (WET-F). The training prepares at least two crew members on each flight for procedures to follow outside the spacecraft in event of failure of remote methods to perform various chores.
STS054-S-034 (17 Jan 1993) --- Closeup view of Runco as he works to install a mobile foot restraint during extravehicular activity (EVA) in Endeavour's cargo bay. The scene was downlinked at 11:55:07:24 GMT, Jan. 17, 1993.
STS054-S-014 (15 Jan 1993) --- Runco talks to a radio station from the flight deck of Endeavour while, in the background, several crewmates await their turns to communicate with other stations. The scene was recorded at 13:48:45:11 GMT, Jan. 15, 1993.
STS054-47-017 (13-19 Jan 1993) --- The three STS-54 mission specialists who were involved in the four-plus hours extravehicular activity (EVA) pose on Endeavour's mid deck. Astronaut Susan J. Helms, who remained in cabin and communicated with the two space walkers, shares this scene with them -- Gregory J. Harbaugh, left, and Mario Runco Jr. This scene, photographed prior to the EVA, shows the pair partially suited for their EVA session. The special pole system to aid in emergency evacuation is in the upper portion of the frame.
STS054-46-012 (17 Jan 1993) --- Astronaut Mario Runco Jr., mission specialist, peers into Endeavour's aft flight deck from the payload bay during the four-plus hours extravehicular activity (EVA). Runco was joined on the EVA by astronaut Gregory J. Harbaugh, mission specialist.
STS077-307-020 (19-29 May 1996) --- Astronaut Mario Runco, Jr., mission specialist, is pictured at the controls for the Remote Manipulator System (RMS) on the aft flight deck of the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Runco and five other astronauts went on to spend almost ten days aboard Endeavour in support of the Spacehab 4 mission and a number of other payloads.
STS054-S-016 (15 Jan 1993) --- Helms talks to a radio station from the flight deck of Endeavour while Runco, left, and Harbaugh look on in the background. The scene was recorded at 13:54:14:13 GMT, Jan. 15, 1993.
STS054-S-015 (15 Jan 1993) --- Casper talks to a radio station from the flight deck of Endeavour while, in the background, Runco, left, and Harbaugh await their turns to communicate with other stations. The scene was recorded at 13:45:54:05 GMT, Jan. 15, 1993.
S93-25028 (15 Dec 1992) --- Astronauts assigned to fly aboard Endeavour pose near the Shuttle during a break in countdown demonstration tests. Left to right are Susan J. Helms, Donald R. McMonagle, Gregory J. Harbaugh, John H. Casper and Mario Runco Jr.
JSC2001-E-25401 (17 August 2001) --- Astronaut Mario Runco Jr., STS-105 spacecraft communicator (CAPCOM), monitors data at his console in the shuttle flight control room (WFCR) in Houston's Mission Control Center (MCC).
STS054-31-031 (17 Jan 1993) --- Astronaut Gregory J. Harbaugh, mission specialist, waves to fellow crew members on Endeavour's aft flight deck from the payload bay during the four-plus hours extravehicular activity (EVA). Harbaugh was joined on the EVA by astronaut Mario Runco Jr., mission specialist.
STS044-04-001 (24 Nov-1 Dec 1991) --- Astronauts F. Story Musgrave (right) and Mario Runco, Jr., mission specialists, team up for one of the biomedical Detailed Supplementary Objective (DSO) test on the eight-day flight, this one involving intraocular pressure.
STS054-29-028 (17 Jan 1993) --- Astronaut Gregory J. Harbaugh, mission specialist, used a 35mm camera to photograph his legs and feet during the four-plus hours extravehicular activity (EVA) to depict the vast void below. Harbaugh was joined on the EVA by astronaut Mario Runco Jr., mission specialist.
STS054-S-060 (13 Jan 1993) --- The Space Shuttle Endeavour soars off the launch pad and heads toward Earth orbit with a crew of five and the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-F) aboard. Launch occurred at 8:59:30 a.m. (EST), January 13, 1993. Onboard were John H. Casper, mission commander, Donald R. McMonagle, pilot, Gregory J. Harbaugh, Mario Runco Jr., and Susan J. Helms, mission specialists.
STS054-S-100 (19 Jan 1993) --- The drag chute is fully deployed as the Space Shuttle Endeavour rolls toward wheelstop at KSC's Shuttle landing facility. Landing occurred at 8:38 a.m. (EST), Jan. 19, 1993. Onboard for the six-day mission were astronauts John H. Casper, mission commander, Donald R. McMonagle, pilot, Gregory J. Harbaugh, Mario Runco Jr. and Susan J. Helms, mission specialists.
STS054-02-008 (13-19 Jan. 1993) --- The traditional inflight crew portrait has, (clockwise), Susan J. Helms, Mario Runco Jr., both mission specialists, John H. Casper, mission commander, Donald R. McMonagle, pilot, and Gregory J. Harbaugh, mission specialist. This frame was taken with a 35mm camera aboard the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Endeavour during the six-day mission.
STS054-71-077 (13 Jan 1993) --- The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) quickly moves away from the Space Shuttle Endeavour following deployment on the first day of the six-day mission. Onboard NASA's newest Shuttle for the six-day mission are astronauts John H. Casper, mission commander; Donald R. McMonagle, pilot; and Mario Runco Jr., Gregory J. Harbaugh and Susan J. Helms, mission specialists. The photograph was taken with a 70mm camera.
STS054-S-062 (13 Jan 1993) --- A low-angle view of the Space Shuttle Endeavour as it soars off the launch pad and heads toward Earth orbit with a crew of five and the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-F) aboard. Launch occurred at 8:59:30 a.m. (EST), January 13, 1993. Onboard were John H. Casper, mission commander, Donald R. McMonagle, pilot, Gregory J. Harbaugh, Mario Runco Jr., and Susan J. Helms, mission specialists.
STS054-S-101 (19 Jan 1993) --- The drag chute is just about to be released as the Space Shuttle Endeavour rolls toward wheelstop at KSC's Shuttle landing facility. Landing occurred at 8:38 a.m. (EST), Jan. 19, 1993. Onboard for the six-day mission were astronauts John H. Casper, mission commander, Donald R. McMonagle, pilot, Gregory J. Harbaugh, Mario Runco Jr. and Susan J. Helms, mission specialists.
STS054-S-057 (13 Jan 1993) --- The Space Shuttle Endeavour soars off the launch pad and heads toward Earth orbit with a crew of five and the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-F) aboard. Launch occurred at 8:59:30 a.m. (EST), January 13, 1993. Onboard were John H. Casper, mission commander, Donald R. McMonagle, pilot, Gregory J. Harbaugh, Mario Runco Jr., and Susan J. Helms, mission specialists.
STS077-S-002 (February 1996) --- These six astronauts have been named to fly aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in support of the Spacehab-04 mission, scheduled for launch in May of this year. On the front row are astronauts John H. Casper (right), mission commander; and Curtis L. Brown Jr., pilot. In the rear, from the left, are astronauts Daniel W. Bursch, Mario Runco Jr., Marc Garneau and Andrew S. W. Thomas, all mission specialists. Garneau represents the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
STS054-S-002 (August 1992) --- The five NASA astronauts assigned to fly aboard the space shuttle Endeavour for the mission pose for a crew portrait on the flight deck. Left to right are astronauts Mario Runco, mission specialist; John H. Casper, commander; Donald R. McMonagle, pilot; and mission specialists Susan J. Helms and Gregory J. Harbaugh.
S92-40569 (Aug 1992) --- Gregory J. Harbaugh, one of five astronaut crewmembers assigned to fly aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour for the STS-54 mission, pauses for a break during training and preparations for the six-day mission. Harbaugh will be joined by John H. Casper, mission Donald R. McMonagle, pilot; along with Mario Runco Jr. and Susan J. Helms, mission specialists. Harbaugh is in the weightless environment training facility (WET-F) at the Johnson Space Center (JSC).
JSC2002-E-08463 (7 March 2002) --- Astronauts Mario Runco, Jr. (foreground) and Daniel C. Burbank, both spacecraft communicators (CAPCOM), monitor data at their consoles in the shuttle flight control room (WFCR) in Houston’s Mission Control Center (MCC) during the STS-109 Hubble Space Telescope (HST) servicing mission.
STS054-80-0N (17 Jan 1993) --- Astronaut Gregory J. Harbaugh moves along the starboard side of Endeavour's cargo bay during the four-plus hour long extravehicular activity (EVA) on January 17, 1993. The photograph was taken with a 70mm camera from inside Endeavour's cabin by a fellow crewmember. Three astronauts remained inside to support the spacewalk by astronauts Harbaugh and Mario Runco Jr. (out of frame).
STS054-71-087 (13 Jan 1993) --- The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) is backdropped against the blackness of space, minutes after its release from the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Onboard NASA's newest Shuttle for the six-day mission are astronauts John H. Casper, mission commander; Donald R. McMonagle, pilot; and Mario Runco Jr., Gregory J. Harbaugh and Susan J. Helms, mission specialists. The photograph was taken with a 70mm camera.
S92-49812 (11 Nov 1992) --- Astronauts Gregory J. Harbaugh and Susan J. Helms, mission specialists assigned to fly aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour for the STS-54 mission, rehearse for the upcoming flight. The two are in the airlock of a trainer at the Johnson Space Center's crew systems laboratory. Harbaugh and Mario Runco Jr., also a mission specialist, have been assigned to perform a four-hour-plus extravehicular activity (EVA). Helms is to assist the pair of spacewalkers during the mission as well as in this training exercise.
STS054-05-008 (17 Jan 1993) --- Astronaut Gregory J. Harbaugh translates along the starboard longeron of Endeavour's cargo bay. Astronauts Harbaugh and Mario Runco Jr., mission specialists, spent four-plus hours on the extravehicular activity (EVA) on January 17, 1993. Also onboard NASA's newest Shuttle for the six-day mission were astronauts John H. Casper, mission commander; and Donald R. McMonagle, pilot; and Susan J. Helms, mission specialist. The photograph was taken with a 35mm camera.
STS054-S-061 (13 Jan 1993) --- The Space Shuttle Endeavour creates a mountain of exhaust clouds as is soars off the launch pad and heads toward Earth orbit with a crew of five and the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-F) aboard. Launch occurred at 8:59:30 a.m. (EST), January 13, 1993. Onboard were John H. Casper, mission commander, Donald R. McMonagle, pilot, Gregory J. Harbaugh, Mario Runco Jr., and Susan J. Helms, mission specialists.
STS054-30-009 (13 Jan 1993) --- Astronaut Susan J. Helms communicates with ground controllers about the Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus (CGBA) on Endeavour's middeck. The mission specialist holds samples from the CGBA in her left hand. Sleep restraints can be seen in their temporary stow position in the left part of the frame, near the airlock hatch. Also onboard the spacecraft for the six-day mission were astronauts John H. Casper, Donald R. McMonagle, Gregory J. Harbaugh and Mario Runco Jr.
STS054-S-098 (19 Jan 1993) --- This ground-level side view shows the Space Shuttle Endeavour during main landing gear touchdown at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility to successfully complete a six day Earth-orbital mission. Landing occurred at 8:38 a.m. (EST), Jan. 19, 1993. Onboard were astronauts John H. Casper, mission commander; Donald R. McMonagle, pilot; Gregory J. Harbaugh, Mario Runco Jr. and Susan J. Helms, mission specialists.
STS044-50-033 (24 Nov-1 Dec 1991) --- The six crewmembers for STS-44 assemble on the middeck. An auto-set 35mm camera recorded this view of them enroute to a more formal pose. Astronaut Frederick D. Gregory, Mission Commander, is at center. Clockwise from his position, other crewmembers are Payload Specialist Thomas J. Hennen; and astronauts James S. Voss, Mario Runco Jr. and F. Story Musgrave, all Mission Specialists, and Terence T. (Tom) Henricks, Pilot.
S92-40571 (August 1992) --- The five astronaut crewmembers assigned to fly aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour for the STS-54 mission, pause for a break during training and preparations for the six-day mission. Left to right are Donald R. McMonagle, pilot; John H. Casper, mission commander; Gregory J. Harbaugh, Mario Runco Jr. and Susan J. Helms, mission specialists. The five are in the weightless environment training facility (WET-F) at the Johnson Space Center (JSC).
S96-08027 (22 April 1996) --- The crew talk to the news media at Launch Pad 39B, at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). From left are astronauts Andrew S. W. Thomas, mission specialist; Mario Runco, Jr., mission specialist; John H. Casper, commander; Daniel W. Bursch, mission specialist; Marc Garneau, mission specialist representing the Canadian Space Agency (CSA); and Curtis L. Brown, Jr., pilot. The astronauts are at KSC for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), a dress rehearsal for launch, the Space Shuttle Endeavour is undergoing preparations at Pad 39B for liftoff on the fourth Shuttle flight of 1996 around May 16, 1996.
STS077-314-011 (19-29 May 1996) --- The six astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour for NASA?s STS-77 mission pose for the traditional inflight portrait. Left to right, front, are astronauts Andrew S. W. Thomas, John H. Casper and Mario Runco, Jr. On the back row are astronauts Curtis L. Brown, Jr., Marc Garneau and Daniel W. Bursch. Casper is mission commander and Brown serves as pilot, with the rest of the crew functioning as mission specialists. Garneau represents the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
STS044-S-002 (July 1991) --- These are the six crew members assigned to fly onboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis for NASA's STS 44 mission, scheduled for later this year. Astronaut Frederick D. Gregory (center, front row) is mission commander. He is flanked by astronauts Terence T. (Tom) Henricks (left), pilot; and F. Story Musgrave, mission specialist. On the back row are astronaut James S. Voss, mission specialist; payload specialist Thomas J. Hennen of the U.S. Army; and astronaut Mario Runco Jr., mission specialist. The mission insignia is seen in the upper right corner, while the Defense Support System (DPS)/IUS payload is depicted in the upper left corner.
STS044-17-030 (24 Nov-1 Dec 1991) --- The six crewmembers for STS-44 pose for a second crew portrait on Atlantis' flight deck. This portrait was intended to focus on Payload Specialist Thomas J. Hennen (front center), who earned the nickname, "Trash Man" during the flight. It was Hennen who "starred" in a brief onboard video production about the disposal of trash and waste. Others in the picture are (front row) Astronauts Frederick D. Gregory (left), Mission Commander; and James S. Voss, Mission Specialist; and (back row, left to right) Astronauts Mario Runco Jr. and F. Story Musgrave, both Mission Specialists; and Terence T. (Tom) Henricks, Pilot.
S91-38355 (28 May 1991) --- Seen floating about the vacant spaces of the Johnson Space Center's KC-135 "zero-gravity" aircraft are the six crewmembers for the STS 44 mission. Left to right are Terence T. Henricks, James S. Voss, F. Story Musgrave (partially obscured), Frederick D. Gregory, Thomas J. Hennen and Mario Runco Jr. Gregory is mission commander. Hennen is payload specialist for this flight, dedicated to the Department of Defense. The flight served as a refresher and a preview of the experience of weightlessness, as the special aircraft flew a series of parabolas which provided short sessions of zero-gravity.
STS054-33-030 (17 Jan. 1993) --- Astronaut Gregory J. Harbaugh (left) translates along the starboard longeron in space shuttle Endeavour's cargo bay while astronaut Mario Runco Jr. prepares to work on a restraint device near the aft cargo bay firewall. The two mission specialists spent four-plus hours on the extravehicular activity (EVA) on Jan. 17, 1993. Others onboard NASA's newest shuttle for the six-day mission were astronauts John H. Casper, mission commander; Donald R. McMonagle, pilot; and Susan J. Helms, mission specialist. The photograph was taken with a 35mm camera. Photo credit: NASA
S91-38355 (28 May 1991) --- Seen floating about the vacant spaces of the Johnson Space Center's KC-135 "zero-gravity" aircraft are the six crewmembers for the STS 44 mission. Left to right are Terence T. Henricks, James S. Voss, F. Story Musgrave (partially obscured), Frederick D. Gregory, Thomas J. Hennen and Mario Runco Jr. Gregory is mission commander. Hennen is payload specialist for this flight, dedicated to the Department of Defense. The flight served as a refresher and a preview of the experience of weightlessness, as the special aircraft flew a series of parabolas which provided short sessions of zero-gravity.
S92-42755 (31 July 1992) --- Astronaut Susan J. Helms, mission specialist assigned to fly aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour for the STS-54 mission, completes the donning of her spacesuit before a training exercise. Though not assigned to the scheduled extravehicular activity (EVA), Helms is trained in the weightless environment training facility (WET-F). She will aid astronauts Gregory J. Harbaugh and Mario Runco Jr. in their planned EVA, scheduled for January of next year, and serve a backup role. Wearing this high fidelity training version of the extravehicular mobility unit (EMU), Helms was later lowered into the 25-ft. deep WET-F pool. The pressurized suit is weighted so as to allow Helms to achieve neutral buoyancy and simulate the various chores of the spacewalk.
STS077-S-005 (19 May 1996) --- As seen through the ?fish-eye? lens of a 35mm camera at the service structure, the Space Shuttle Endeavour lifts off with six astronauts aboard. It was headed toward the fourth NASA Space Shuttle mission of the year. The launch occurred at 6:30:00 a.m. (EDT), May 19, 1996. Leading the crew onboard is astronaut John H. Casper, mission commander. Other crew members are astronauts Curtis L. Brown, Jr., pilot; along with Daniel W. Bursch, Mario Runco, Jr., Andrew S. W. Thomas and Marc Garneau, all mission specialists. Garneau represents the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). During the approximately 10-day mission, the crew will perform a variety of payload activities, including microgravity research aboard the Spacehab 4 Module, deployment and retrieval of the Spartan 207 and deployment and rendezvous with the Passive Aerodynamically-Stabilized Magnetically-Damped Satellite (PAMS).
STS077-S-012 (29 May 1996) --- As its drag chute is released on Runway 33 at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), the Space Shuttle Endeavour marks its return to Earth following a ten-day mission in space. Touchdown came at 7:09 a.m. (EDT), May 29, 1996. Leading the crew onboard was astronaut John H. Casper, mission commander. Other crew members were astronauts Curtis L. Brown, Jr., pilot; along with Daniel W. Bursch, Mario Runco, Jr., Andrew S. W. Thomas and Marc Garneau, all mission specialists. Garneau represents the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). During the approximately 10-day mission, the crew performed a variety of payload activities, including microgravity research aboard the Spacehab 4 Module, deployment and retrieval of the Spartan 207 and deployment and rendezvous with the Passive Aerodynamically-Stabilized Magnetically-Damped Satellite (PAMS).
STS077-S-045 (29 May 1996) --- As its main landing gear touches down on Runway 33 at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), the Space Shuttle Endeavour marks its return to Earth following a ten-day mission in space. Touchdown came at 7:09 a.m. (EDT), May 29, 1996. Leading the crew onboard was astronaut John H. Casper, mission commander. Other crew members were astronauts Curtis L. Brown, Jr., pilot; along with Daniel W. Bursch, Mario Runco, Jr., Andrew S. W. Thomas and Marc Garneau, all mission specialists. Garneau represents the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). During the approximately 10-day mission, the crew performed a variety of payload activities, including microgravity research aboard the Spacehab 4 Module, deployment and retrieval of the Spartan 207 and deployment and rendezvous with the Passive Aerodynamically-Stabilized Magnetically-Damped Satellite (PAMS).
S96-08026 (22 April 1996) --- The STS-77 crew take time out from Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities to pose for a group portrait next to the slidewire baskets on the emergency egress system at the 195-feet level of Launch Pad 39B, at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). From the left are astronauts Daniel W. Bursch, mission specialist; John H. Casper, commander; Curtis L. Brown, Jr., pilot; Mario Runco, Jr., mission specialist; Andrew S. W. Thomas, mission specialist; and Marc Garneau, mission specialist representing the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). The Space Shuttle Endeavour is undergoing preparations at Pad 39B for liftoff on the fourth Shuttle flight of 1996 around May 16, 1996.
STS-84 Commander Charles J. Precourt, in right foreground, talks to fellow crew members, Mission Specialist Elena V. Kondakova, in left foreground, of the Russian Space Agency, and Pilot Eileen Marie Collins during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities at Launch Pad 39A. In the background are NASA suit technician Al Rochford, at left, and astronaut Mario Runco Jr., who is assisting the STS-84 crew. STS-84 will be the sixth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, STS-84 Mission Specialist Michael C. Foale will transfer to the space station and become a member of the Mir 23 crew, replacing U.S. astronaut Jerry M. Linenger, who will return to Earth aboard Atlantis. Foale will live and work on Mir until mid-September when his replacement is expected to arrive on the STS-86 mission. STS-84 is targeted for a May 15 liftoff
STS077-S-011 (29 May 1996) --- As its main landing gear touches down on Runway 33 at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), the Space Shuttle Endeavour returns to Florida following a ten-day mission in space. Touchdown came at 7:09 a.m. (EDT), May 29, 1996. Leading the crew onboard was astronaut John H. Casper, mission commander. Other crew members were astronauts Curtis L. Brown, Jr., pilot; along with Daniel W. Bursch, Mario Runco, Jr., Andrew S. W. Thomas and Marc Garneau, all mission specialists. Garneau represents the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). During the approximately 10-day mission, the crew performed a variety of payload activities, including microgravity research aboard the Spacehab 4 Module, deployment and retrieval of the Spartan 207 and deployment and rendezvous with the Passive Aerodynamically-Stabilized Magnetically-Damped Satellite (PAMS).
S92-42754 (31 July 1992) --- Astronaut Susan J. Helms, mission specialist assigned to fly aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour for the STS-54 mission, gets assistance to complete the donning of her spacesuit. Though not assigned to the scheduled extravehicular activity (EVA), Helms is trained in the weightless environment training facility (WET-F). She will aid astronauts Gregory J. Harbaugh and Mario Runco Jr. in their planned EVA, scheduled for January of next year, and serve a backup role. Wearing this high fidelity training version of the extravehicular mobility unit (EMU), Helms was later lowered into the 25-ft. deep WET-F pool. The pressurized suit is weighted so as to allow Helms to achieve neutral buoyancy and simulate the various chores of the spacewalk.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission Specialist Kathryn D. Sullivan's camera skills show that the view of Launch Pads 39A and 39B from a T-30 trainer is unforgettable. Sullivan took the pictures as she and fellow Space Shuttle Mission STS-31 crew members flew into KSC on April 22. In the foreground, the Shuttle Discovery is poised on Pad B, and in the distance, Columbia rolls out to Pad A. While Sullivan flew with STS-31 Pilot Charles F. Bolden Jr., Mission Commander Loren J. Shriver and Mission Specialist Steven A. Hawley flew alongside in T-38 #918, and Mission Specialist Bruce McCandless II and NASA Pilot Mario Runco flew in T-38 #907. STS-31 is set to lift off from Pad B at 8:31 a.m. EDT, April 24.
STS054-06-019 (17 Jan. 1993) --- Astronaut Susan J. Helms almost squeezes into the tight quarters of Endeavour's airlock to share space with her fellow mission specialists -- both attired in extravehicular mobility units (EMU) spacesuits. Astronauts Mario Runco Jr. (hands on outer edge of hatch) and Gregory J. Harbaugh spent four-plus hours on the extravehicular activity (EVA) on January 17, 1993. Helms trained with the pair for several months in preparation for the EVA. From the shirt-sleeved environment of Endeavour, she maintained communications with the two throughout the spacewalk. Also onboard NASA's newest Shuttle for the six-day mission were astronauts John H. Casper, mission commander; and Donald R. McMonagle, pilot. The photograph was taken with a 35mm camera.
S92-42753 (31 July 1992) --- Astronaut Susan J. Helms, mission specialist assigned to fly aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour for the STS-54 mission, gets assistance to complete the donning of her spacesuit. Though not assigned to the scheduled extravehicular activity (EVA), Helms is trained in the weightless environment training facility (WET-F). She will aid astronauts Gregory J. Harbaugh and Mario Runco Jr. in their planned EVA, scheduled for January of next year, and serve a backup role. Wearing this high fidelity training version of the extravehicular mobility unit (EMU), Helms was later lowered into the 25-ft. deep WET-F pool. The pressurized suit is weighted so as to allow Helms to achieve neutral buoyancy and simulate the various chores of the spacewalk.
STS077-S-004 (19 May 1996) --- The Space Shuttle Endeavour lifts off with six astronauts headed toward the fourth NASA Space Shuttle mission of the year. The launch occurred at 6:30:00 a.m. (EDT), May 19, 1996. Heading the crew onboard is astronaut John H. Casper, mission commander. Other crew members are astronauts Curtis L. Brown, Jr., pilot; along with Daniel W. Bursch, Mario Runco, Jr., Andrew S. W. Thomas and Marc Garneau, all mission specialists. Garneau represents the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). During the approximately 10-day mission, the crew will perform a variety of payload activities, including microgravity research aboard the Spacehab 4 Module, deployment and retrieval of the Spartan 207 and deployment and rendezvous with the Passive Aerodynamically-Stabilized Magnetically-Damped Satellite (PAMS).
The STS-84 crew, with Commander Charles J. Precourt in front, gets instruction in Launch Pad 39A’s emergency egress system from Ken Clark, at right, a training instructor with United Space Alliance (USA). The sevenmember crew is participating in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities. From left, are Pilot Eileen Marie Collins, and Mission Specialists Carlos I. Noriega, Edward Tsang Lu, Jean-Francois Clervoy of the European Space Agency, C. Michael Foale and Elena V. Kondakova of the Russian Space Agency. NASA astronaut Mario Runco Jr., next to Kondakova in a blue flight suit, is assisting the crew during TCDT. STS-84 will be the sixth docking of the Space Shuttle with the Russian Space Station Mir. After docking, Foale will transfer to the space station and become a member of the Mir 23 crew, replacing U.S. astronaut Jerry M. Linenger, who will return to Earth aboard Atlantis. Foale will live and work on Mir until mid-September when his replacement is expected to arrive on the STS-86 mission. STS-84 is targeted for a May 15 liftoff
STS077-S-003 (19 May 1996) --- A remote 35mm camera provided this profile view of the Space Shuttle Endeavour?s lift-off. Headed toward the fourth NASA Space Shuttle mission of the year, Endeavour displays a diamond-shock effect of its three-main engines. The launch occurred at 6:30:00 a.m. (EDT), May 19, 1996. Heading the six-member crew onboard is astronaut John H. Casper, mission commander. Other crew members are astronauts Curtis L. Brown, Jr., pilot; along with Daniel W. Bursch, Mario Runco, Jr., Andrew S. W. Thomas and Marc Garneau, all mission specialists. Garneau represents the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). During the approximately 10-day mission, the crew will perform a variety of payload activities, including microgravity research aboard the Spacehab 4 Module, deployment and retrieval of the Spartan 207 and deployment and rendezvous with the Passive Aerodynamically-Stabilized Magnetically-Damped Satellite (PAMS).
STS077-S-007 (19 May 1996) --- In this air-to-air 70mm frame, the Space Shuttle Endeavour is captured atop a trail of smoke as it carries six astronauts toward the fourth NASA Space Shuttle mission of the year. The photograph was taken from the Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA) which routinely checks the Florida environs for weather and safety factors. The launch occurred at 6:30:00 a.m. (EDT), May 19, 1996. Heading the six-member crew onboard is astronaut John H. Casper, mission commander. Other crew members are astronauts Curtis L. Brown, Jr., pilot; along with Daniel W. Bursch, Mario Runco, Jr., Andrew S. W. Thomas and Marc Garneau, all mission specialists. Garneau represents the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). During the approximately 10-day mission, the crew will perform a variety of payload activities, including microgravity research aboard the Spacehab 4 Module, deployment and retrieval of the Spartan 207 and deployment and rendezvous with the Passive Aerodynamically-Stabilized Magnetically-Damped Satellite (PAMS).
This patch represents the essential elements associated with pressurized Earth science research aboard the International Space Station. At the top of the patch Klingon script spells out the acronym WORF making reference to the famed Star Trek character of the same name. In doing so it attests to the foresight, honor, integrity, and persistence of all those who made the WORF possible. To the right of the Klingon script is a single four pointed star in the form of a cross to honor the late Dr. Jack Estes and Dr. Dave Amsbury, the individuals most responsible for seeing to it that an optical quality, Earth science research window was added to the United States laboratory module, Destiny. The "flying eyeball" represents the ability of the ISS to allow scientists and astronauts to make and record continuous observations of natural and manmade processes on the surface of the Earth. The Destiny laboratory is depicted on the right of the patch above the Flag of the United States of America and highlights the position of the nadir looking, optical quality, science window in the module. The light emanating from the window from the lighted interior of the module appropriately illuminates the National Ensign for display during both day and night time. In the center of the patch, below the flying eyeball is a graphic representation of the WORF rack. A science instrument is mounted on the WORF payload shelf and is recording data of the Earth's surface through the nadir looking, science window over which the WORF rack is mounted. An astronaut represented by Mario Runco Jr., a designer, developer, and manager of the WORF and depicted as Star Trek's Mr. Spock, is to the left of the WORF rack and is shown in his flight suit with his STS-44 mission patch operating an imaging instrument, emphasizing the importance of astronaut participation to achieve the maximum scientific return from orbital research.