STS029-04-029 (13-18 March 1989) --- Astronaut Michael L. Coats appears to like the status of the STS-29 flight as he offers a big smile from the commander's station on the flight deck. He takes a momentary break from updating the crew activity plan (CAP) to pose for the photo. This photographic frame was among NASA's third STS-29 photo release. Monday, March 20, 1989. Crew members were astronauts Michael L. Coats, John E. Blaha, James F. Buchli, Robert C. Springer and James P. Bagian. Photo credit: NASA

S89-25082 (January 1989) --- Space shuttle Discovery will be manned by these five astronauts when it makes it second flight within a five-month period next month. The STS-29 crew members are (front row), Michael L. Coats (right), commander; and John E. Blaha, pilot; (left to right back row) James P. Bagian, Robert C. Springer and James F. Buchli, mission specialists. Photo credit: NASA

S88-44517 (13 Aug 1988) --- Student experimenter John C. Vellinger, right, explains operation of an incubator used in his experiment to be carried onboard the Discovery for NASA's STS-29 mission next year. His primary audience is made up of STS-29's five-man crew, who will monitor in-space operation of the experiment, titled "Chicken Embryo Development in Space." Kentucky Fried Chicken.

STS-29 ONBOARD - The crew of space shuttle mission STS-29 took thousands of still photographs during their five days in orbit, including this view of south/central Florida.

STS029-S-024 (13 March 1989) --- The flight crew for NASA's STS-29 mission leave the operations and checkout building en route to the van that will transport them to Launch Pad 39B, where Discovery awaits the astronauts for its second post-Challenge flight. Leading the way is astronaut Michael L. Coats, mission commander. He is followed by astronauts John E. Blaha, pilot; and James F. Buchli, James P. Bagian and Robert C. Springer, all mission specialists. In the background are astronaut Daniel C. Brandenstein, chief of the astronaut office, and Donald R. Puddy, director of flight crew operations.

S89-27382 (29 Dec 1988) --- Technicians and engineers in the Kennedy Space Center's Vertical Processing Facility prepare to participate in the mating of the STS-29 tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS-D) with its inertial upper stage (IUS-9, out of frame).

The crew of space shuttle mission STS-29 took this photograph of Florida, including a view of Brevard County, as the orbiter passed 184 miles above the state.

STS029-S-005 (10 March 1989) --- A wide angle view of a T-38 on the flight line at Ellington Field near the Johnson Space Center (JSC). Astronauts Michael L. Coats, mission commander; and James F. Buchli, STS-29 mission specialist, moments later were en route to Florida's Kennedy Space Center. In three days, they and three fellow STS-29 crew members are scheduled to lift off aboard the space shuttle Discovery from Launch Pad 39B. Photo credit: NASA

The STS-29 Space Shuttle Discovery mission approaches for a landing at NASA's then Ames-Dryden Flight Research Facility, Edwards AFB, California, early Saturday morning, 18 March 1989. Touchdown was at 6:35:49 a.m. PST and wheel stop was at 6:36:40 a.m. on runway 22. Controllers chose the concrete runway for the landing in order to make tests of braking and nosewheel steering. The STS-29 mission was very successful, completing the launch a Tracking and Data Relay communications satellite, as well as a range of scientific experiments. Discovery's five man crew was led by Commander Michael L. Coats, and included pilot John E. Blaha and mission specialists James P. Bagian, Robert C. Springer, and James F. Buchli.

Five astronauts launched aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on March 13, 1989 at 9:57 am (EST) for the STS-29 mission. Included were James P. Bagian, mission specialist 1; Robert C. Springer, mission specialist 3; James F. (Jim) Buchli, mission specialist 2; John E. Blaha, pilot; and Michael L. Coats, commander. The mission’s primary payload was the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-4 (TDRS-4).

Five astronauts launched aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on March 13, 1989 at 9:57 am (EST) for the STS-29 mission. Included were James P. Bagian, mission specialist 1; Robert C. Springer, mission specialist 3; James F. (Jim) Buchli, mission specialist 2; John E. Blaha, pilot; and Michael L. Coats, commander. The mission’s primary payload was the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-4 (TDRS-4).

S88-54945 (6 Dec 1988) --- The STS-29 crewmembers are trained in procedures to follow in the event of a fire with their spacecraft. Here, Astronauts Michael L. Coats (far left), mission commander, and James P. Bagian, mission specialist, follow the lead of two fellow crewmembers as they extinguish a fire. The astronauts in front of the action are Robert C. Springer, mission specialist, and John E. Blaha, pilot. Not pictured is James F. Buchli, mission specialist. Their instructor, center, is Robert Fife of NASA's security staff. The training took place on the northern end of the 1625-acre JSC facility.

STS-29 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, solid rocket booster (SRB) right aft segment is being prepared for stacking in the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). Technicians examine and work with SRB seal from scaffolding platform. The twin sets of boosters provide 80 percent of the space shuttle launch thrust. Each SRB is made up of four "loaded" or fueled segments. The SRBs operate in parallel with the space shuttle main engines (SSMEs) for the first two minutes of flight providing additional thrust needed to escape the gravitational pull of the Earth. At an altitude of approximately 24 nautical miles, the SRBs separate, descend on parachutes, and land in the Atlantic Ocean where they are recovered and reused on future flights. View provided by KSC with alternate number KSC-88PC-1323.

The STS-29 patch was designed to capture and represent the energy and dynamic nature of this nation's space program as America continues to look to the future. The folded ribbon border, the first of its kind in the Shuttle patch series, gives a sense of three dimensional depth to the emblem. The stylistic orbital maneuvering system (ONS) burn symbolizes the powerful forward momentum of the Shuttle and a continuing determination to explore the frontiers of space. The colors of the U.S. flag are represented in the patch's basic red, white, and blue background. In the border, the seven stars between the STS-29 crew names are a tribute to the crew of Challenger.

STS029-S-001 (10 March 1989) --- Astronaut Frederick Gregory, STS-33 mission commander, prepares to climb aboard a NASA T-38 jet aircraft. He's part of a group of JSC personnel who, in various NASA aircraft, will accompany the flight crew en route to the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) launch facility. The second post-Challenger flight of Discovery is scheduled for a 8:07 a.m. (EST) launch on March 13, 1989.

STS029-S-041 (13 March 1989) --- Flight Directors (FD) Lee Brisco (left) and Ronad D. Dittmore monitor prelaunch activity on monitors at their consoles in the flight control room of the Johnson Space Center's mission control center. FD Gary Coen is in the back ground.

STS029-71-000AE (13-18 March 1989) --- STS-29 onboard view shows Space Shuttle Discovery's payload bay with tracking and data relay satellite D (TDRS-D) in stowed, pre-deployment position. In this head-on view, TDRS-D stowed components including single access #1 and #2, solar cell panels, SGL, S-Band omni antenna, and C-Band antenna are visible. TDRS-D rests in airborne support equipment (ASE) forward cradle and aft frame tilt actuator (AFTA). Discovery's aft bulkhead and orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pods are visible in the background.

STS029-78-019 (13 March 1989) --- Headed on its way to a much higher orbit is another Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-D), as photographed with a 70mm camera from inside Discovery's cabin. Moments earlier, the STS-29 crewmembers released the cylindrical form into space from Discovery's cargo bay. When at its final destination high above Earth, TDRS-D will no longer maintain its cylindrical form, having transformed into an operational satellite with antenna spanned out in various directions and its Interim Upper Stage (IUS), covered with gold foil and forward-most in this frame, discarded.

Five astronauts composed the STS-29 crew. Standing (left ot right) are James P. Bagian, mission specialist 1; Robert C. Springer, mission specialist 3; and James F. (Jim) Buchli, mission specialist 2. Seated (left to right) are John E. Blaha, pilot, and Michael L. Coats, commander. STS-29 launched aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on March 13, 1989 at 9:57 am (EST). The primary payload was the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite- 4 (TDRS-4).

STS029-S-028 (13 March 1989) --- From Launch Pad 39B, the Space Shuttle Discovery is launched on Mission STS-29. Discovery lifted off at 9:57 a.m. (EST), March 13, 1989, carrying the tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS-1) into orbit. Onboard the spacecraft were astronauts Michael L. Coats, commander; John E. Blaha, pilot; and James F. Buchli, James P. Bagian and Robert C. Springer, all mission specialists.

STS029-S-027 (13 March 1989) --- From Launch Pad 39D, the Space Shuttle Discovery is launched on mission STS-29. Discovery lifted off at 9:57 a.m. (EST), March 13, 1989, carrying the tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS-1) into orbit. Florida vegetation frames the launch scene. Onboard the spacecraft were astronauts Michael L. Coats, commander; John E. Blaha, pilot; and James F. Buchli, James P. Bagian and Robert C. Springer, all mission specialists.

S29-11-024 (13-18 March 1989) --- Astronaut Michael L. Coats, STS-29 commander, stretches across the forward flight deck of the space shuttle Discovery during a rare moment of leisure on the busy five-day mission. Photo credit: NASA

Instrumentation and Communications Officer (INCO) John F. Muratore monitors conventional workstation displays during an STS-26 simulation in JSC Mission Control Center (MCC) Bldg 30 Flight Control Room (FCR). Next to Muratore an operator views the real time data system (RTDS), an expert system. During the STS-29 mission two conventional monochrome console display units will be removed and replaced with RTDS displays. View is for the STS-29 press kit from Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology (OAST) RTDS.

STS029-S-042 (13 March 1989) --- Flight Directors Ronald D. Dittemore, left and Lee Briscoe monitor solid rocket booster separation activity on monitors at their consoles in the flight control room of the Johnson Space Center's mission control center.

S86-29122 (March 1986) --- Astronauts John E. Blaha, left, and Robert C. Springer participate in a rehearsal for their assigned flight in the crew compartment trainer at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). Blaha is pilot and Springer, one of three mission specialists for the mission. The two will mark their first spaceflights on the next mission.

S89-26390 (January 1989) --- The five crew members for STS-29 pause during launch and entry phase rehearsals in the crew compartment trainer at the Johnson Space Center. Four members are in their entry positions and the fifth has been "borrowed" for a moment from the middeck. In front are John E. Blaha (left), pilot, and Michael L. Coats, mission commander. Behind them are James P. Bagian (left), and James F. Buchli, both mission specialists. Robert C. Springer, the third mission specialist, stands here at aft station. He will occupy Discovery's middeck for entry phase, while Bagian will occupy that post for launch. Photo credit: NASA

This STS-29 mission onboard photo depicts the External Tank (ET) falling toward the ocean after separation from the Shuttle orbiter Discovery. The giant cylinder, higher than a 15-story building, with a length of 154-feet (47-meters) and a diameter of 27,5-feet (8.4-meters), is the largest single piece of the Space Shuttle. During launch, the ET also acts as a backbone for the orbiter and solid rocket boosters. In separate, internal pressurized tank sections, the ET holds the liquid hydrogen fuel and liquid oxygen oxidizer for the Shuttle's three main engines. During launch, the ET feeds the fuel under pressure through 17-inch (43.2-centimeter) ducts which branch off into smaller lines that feed directly into the main engines. Some 64,000 gallons (242,260 liters) of fuel are consumed by the main engines each minute. Machined from aluminum alloys, the Space Shuttle's ET is the only part of the launch vehicle that currently is not reused. After its 526,000 gallons (1,991,071 liters) of propellants are consumed during the first 8.5 minutes of flight, it is jettisoned from the orbiter and breaks up in the upper atmosphere, its pieces falling into remote ocean waters. The Marshall Space Flight Center was responsible for developing the ET.

STS029-71-026 (13 March 1989) --- The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-D) is tilted in the cargo bay prior to its release via a remote system on Discovery's flight deck. This photographic frame was among NASA's third STS-29 photo release. Monday, March 20, 1989. Crewmembers were Astronauts Michael L. Coats, John E. Blaha, James F. Buchli, Robert C. Springer and James P. Bagian.

STS029-04-028 (March 1989) --- One of a series of photographs released in conjunction with the STS-29 post-flight press conference on March 28, 1989 at the Johnson Space Center (JSC), Houston, Texas. Onboard Discovery for the five-day mission were Astronauts Michael L. Coats, John E. Blaha, James F. Buchli, James P. Bagian and Robert C. Springer. STS029-04-028 --- A 35mm frame of Blaha using the overhead window on Discovery's aft flight deck to capture Earth scenes with the IMAX motion picture camera.

STS029-S-063 (18 March 1989) --- Discovery's main landing gear touches down on Runway 22 at Edwards Air Force Base in California following a successful five-day mission in Earth orbit. Onboard the spacecraft were Astronauts Michael L. Coats, John E. Blaha, James F. Buchli, Robert C. Springer and James P. Bagian. Wheels came to a stop at 6:36:40 a.m. (PST), March 18, 1989.

STS029-72-059 (13 March 1989) --- This 70mm photograph, taken by Astronaut James P. Bagian 16 minutes and 7 seconds after liftoff of Discovery, shows the external fuel tank (ET) against the background of Earth. The tank is falling away from the orbiter following ET separation. The left side shows the burn scar above the solid rocket booster (SRB) forward attach point. The burn is caused by the forward SRB separation motors firing during SRB separation. Post 51-L analysis of the thermal and pressure effects of the separation motor exhaust plume indicate that the scarring is not a safety hazard. However, photographs such as this one were requested for additional missions in order to document the phenomenon and corroborate this conclusion. The photo was made at 15:13:07 GMT, March 13, 1989. It was among the visuals used by the crew at its Mar. 28, 1989 post-flight press conference.

STS029-S-066 (18 March 1989) --- The five-man crew who flew aboard NASA's Space Shuttle Discovery (background) pose near it with NASA officials following a successful five-day mission in space. Left to right are astronauts John E. Blaha, pilot; and James P. Bagian, mission specialist; Rear Admiral Richard H. Truly, NASA Associate Administrator for Space Flight; Dr. James C. Fletcher, NASA Administrator; astronauts Michael L. Coats, commander; and James F. Buchli and Robert C. Springer, mission specialists.

STS029-S-065 (18 March 1989) --- The five-man crew who flew aboard NASA's Space Shuttle Discovery (background) pose near it following a successful five-day mission in space. Left to right are Astronauts John E. Blaha, pilot, and James P. Bagian, mission specialist; Michael L. Coats, commander; and James F. Buchli and Robert C. Springer, mission specialists.

STS029-S-040 (13 Mar 1989) --- Astronauts Frank R. Culbertson, left, and John O. Creighton man their spacecraft communicator console positions for the launch phase of the STS-29 mission.

S89-25326 (11 Jan 1989) --- Five astronauts field questions from the news media, as they interrupt a busy training schedule in preparation for NASA's STS-29 mission in mid-March. Left to right on the dais are Astronauts James P. Bagian, James F. Buchli, Robert C. Springer, John E. Blaha and Michael L. Coats. Coats is mission commander. Jeffrey E. Carr of the Media Services Branch of JSC's Public Affairs Office, is at far right.

S89-25327 (11 Jan 1989) --- Two crewmembers for NASA's STS-29 mission ponder a question from a news reporter during a press conference concerning their scheduled mid-March flight. James P. Bagian, at left, begins to answer the query, as James F. Buchli listens. Out of the frame are other members of the crew--Astronauts Michael L. Coats, mission commander; and John E. Blaha and Robert C. Springer. The five will deploy a tracking and data relay satellite from Discovery's cargo bay as well as perform other important chores on their scheduled five-day flight.

S88-44661 (13 Aug 1988) --- Tom Kestler, with Orthopaedic Hospital, USC, one of the sponsor representatives for student experimenter Andrew Fras explains components of Fras' experiment. It will be carried onboard theDiscovery for NASA's STS-29 mission next year. His primary audience is made up of members of the STS-29 crew who will monitor in-space operation of the experiment, titled "Effects of Weightlessness on Bone Healing." Crewmembers, clockwise around the table from the left, are Astronauts Robert C. Springer, James F. Buchli, Michael L. Coats, John E. Blaha and James P. Bagian. Seated in far right background is Dr. June Marshall of the University of Southern California School of Medicine, the student's sponsoring organization.

S88-40316 (12 Dec. 1988) --- The STS-29 patch was designed to capture and represent the energy and dynamic nature of this nation's space program as America continues to look to the future. The folded ribbon border, the first of its kind in the shuttle patch series, gives a sense of three-dimensional depth to the emblem. The stylistic orbital maneuvering system (OMS) burn symbolizes the powerful forward momentum of the shuttle and a continuing determination to explore the frontiers of space. The colors of the U.S. flag are represented in the patch's basic red, white and blue background. In the border, the seven stars between the STS-29 crew names are a tribute to the crew of Challenger. 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

S88-52473 (8 Nov 1988) --- The commander and pilot of NASA's STS-29 mission get some training on the operation of one of the payloads for their upcoming spaceflight aboard Discovery. Astronauts Michael L. Coats, left, and John E. Blaha, along with the three other members of the crew, met with Imax personnel on the JSC grounds to practice using the motion-picture camera, making its first post-Challenger trip into space. The payload flew on a number of earlier STS flights.

S88-52470 (8 Nov 1988) --- James P. Bagian, STS-29 mission specialist, gets in some training on the operation of one of the payloads for his upcoming spaceflight aboard Discovery. The crew met with Imax personnel, some of whom are pictured here, on the JSC grounds to practice using the motion- picture camera, making its first post-Challenger trip into space. The payload flew on a number of earlier STS flights.

S88-52469 (8 Nov 1988) --- Astronauts John E. Blaha, left, and Robert C. Springer, STS-29 pilot and mission specialist, respectively, get in some training on the operation of one of the payloads for their upcoming spaceflight aboard Discovery. The crew met with Imax personnel on the JSC grounds to practice using the motion-picture camera, making its first post-Challenger trip into space. The payload flew on a number of earlier STS flights.

S88-52466 (8 Nov 1988) --- James P. Bagian, STS-29 mission specialist, gets in some training on the operation of one of the payloads for his upcoming spaceflight aboard Discovery. The crew met with Imax personnel, some of whom are pictured here, on the JSC grounds to practice using the motion- picture camera, making its first post-Challenger trip into space. The payload flew on a number of earlier STS flights.

S89-27381 (29 Dec 1988) --- Technicians and engineers in the Kennedy Space Center's Vertical Processing Facility clean room prepare to participate in the mating of the STS 29 tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS-D) with its inertial upper stage (IUS-9, out of frame).

S89-28107 (3 Feb 1989) --- A low angle view of the Space Shuttle Discovery, atop a mobile launch platform, during its slow move to Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39-B on Feb. 3, l989. It rolled through the doors of the huge vehicle assembly building (VAB) at 6 a.m., hours ago as the blue sky testifies. The trip to the pad takes approximately 5 and 1/2 hours. Onboard the spacecraft in mid-March for a five-day mission, on which will be deployed a third tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS-D), will be Astronauts Michael L. Coats, John E. Blaha, James F. Buchli, James P. Bagian and Robert C. Springer.

S89-28089 (24 Jan 1989) --- The Space Shuttle Discovery is lowered for mating to the external tank and two solid rockert boosters in the vehicle assembly building (VAB) at the Kennedy Space Center. Onboard the spacecraft in mid-March for a five-day mission, on which will be deployed a third tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS-D), will be Astronauts Michael L. Coats, John E. Blaha, James F. Buchli, James P. Bagian and Robert C. Springer.

S86-28458 (28 Feb. 1986) --- Astronaut Michael L. Coats participates in a rehearsal for his assigned flight at the commander's station of the Shuttle Mission Simulator (SMS) at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). NOTE: Coats, a veteran of spaceflight, originally trained for STS 61-H, which was cancelled in the wake of the Challenger accident. Following the Janaury 1986 accident he was named to serve on a mock crew (STS-61M) for personnel training and simulation purposes. Photo credit: NASA

STS029-06-015 (13-18 March 1989) --- This scene of an astronaut with a camera was a common one during the five-day flight of STS-29. Astronaut James P. Bagian, STS-29 mission specialist, aims the Arriflex motion picture camera at Earth through one of Discovery's overhead windows. The scene was recorded with a 35mm camera.

STS029-S-003 (10 March 1989) --- Astronaut James P. Bagian, STS-29 mission specialist, prepares to take a rear-seat ride in a NASA T-38 jet aircraft from Houston's Johnson Space Center to Florida's Kennedy Space Center. In three days, he and four fellow STS-29 crewmembers are scheduled to lift off aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery from Launch Pad 39B.

STS029-S-004 (10 March 1989) --- Astronaut James F. Buchli, STS-29 mission specialist, prepares to take a rear-seat ride in a NASA T-38 jet aircraft from Houston's Johnson Space Center to Florida's Kennedy Space Center. In three days, he and four fellow STS-29 crewmembers are scheduled to lift off aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery from Launch Pad 39B.

STS029-04-032 (13-18 March 1989) --- This scene was a common one during the five-day flight of STS-29. Astronaut John E. Blaha, STS-29 pilot, aims the IMAX camera at Earth through one of Discovery's overhead windows. The scene was recorded with a 35mm camera. The photo was part of the first group of onboard photography from this flight released by NASA on Mar. 19, 1989.

S88-52476 (8 Nov 1988) --- John E. Blaha, STS-29 pilot, gets in some training on the operation of one of the payloads for his upcoming spaceflight aboard Discovery. The payload is an Imax motion-picture camera, hardware of which is out of frame here. Blaha uses a light meter to get a reading before operating the camera in a practice run. The crew met with Imax personnel on the JSC grounds to practice using the motion-picture camera, making its first post-Challenger trip into space. Phyllis Wilson with Imax is at far right. The payload flew on a number of earlier STS flights.

S89-28091 (7 Feb 1989) --- STS-29 astronauts inspect an area near the three main engines of the Space Shuttle Discovery prior to the removal of one of three oxidozer turbo pumps. Left to right are Astronauts James F. Buchli, mission specialist, and Michael L. Coats, mission commander. New pumps are scheduled to be installed soon. Now at Launch Pad 39-B, Discovery is set for launch in mid-March for Mission STS-29. Primary payload will be TDRS-D. Crewmembers not seen here are John E. Blaha, the pilot; and Robert C. Springer and James P. Bagian, both mission specialists.

STS029-01-001 (16 Marach 1989) --- Astronaut John E. Blaha, STS-29 pilot, checks an incubator on the mid deck of Earth-orbiting Discovery during Flight Day 4 activity. The incubator is part of a student involvement program experiment titled, "Chicken Embryo Development in Space." The student experimenter is John C. Vellinger. The experiment's sponsor is Kentucky Fried Chicken. This photographic frame was among NASA's third STS-29 photo release. Monday, March 20, 1989. Crewmembers were Astronauts Michael L. Coats, John E. Blaha, James F. Buchli, Robert C. Springer and James P. Bagian.

S89-27383 (29 Dec 1988) --- This wide shot of a test cell in KSC's Vertical Processing Facility affords an overall scene of the mating process of the STS 29 tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS-D, in foreground) with its inertial upper stage (IUS-9, in lower part of frame). Later the tandem will be loaded into the cargo bay of Discovery.

STS029-24-004 (18 March 1989) --- STS-29 crewmembers, wearing launch and entry suits (LESs) and launch and entry helmets (LEHs), review checklists on Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, flight deck. Commander Michael L. Coats is seated at the forward flight deck commanders station with Mission Specialist (MS) James F. Buchli on aft flight deck strapped in mission specialist seat. OV-103 makes its return after five days in space. Note color in forward windows W1, W2, W3 caused by friction of entry through the Earth's atmosphere. Personal Egress Air Pack (PEAP) is visible on pilots seat back.

S88-54947 (6 Dec 1988) --- The STS-29 crewmembers are trained in procedures to follow in the event of a fire with their spacecraft. Here, Astronauts Michael L. Coats (far left), mission commander, and James P. Bagian, mission specialist, follow the lead of two fellow crewmembers as they extinguish a fire. The astronauts in front of the action are Robert C. Springer, mission specialist, and John E. Blaha, pilot. Not pictured is James F. Buchli, mission specialist. Their instructor, center, is Robert Fife of NASA's security staff. The training took place on the northern end of the 1625-acre JSC facility.

S89-28112 (3 Feb 1989) --- The Space Shuttle Discovery, atop a mobile launch platform, is rolled toward Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39-B in the early morning hours of Feb. 3, l989. It rolled through the doors of the huge vehicle assembly building (VAB) at 6 a.m. The trip to the pad takes approximately 5 and 1/2 hours. Onboard the spacecraft in mid-March for a five-day mission, on which will be deployed a third tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS-D), will be Astronauts Michael L. Coats, John E. Blaha, James F. Buchli, James P. Bagian and Robert C. Springer.

STS29-05-024 (16 March 1989) --- Astronaut John E. Blaha, STS-29 pilot, has his blood flow checked by astronaut James P. Bagian, mission specialist and a physician. The two are on the mid deck of the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Discovery.

STS-37 Pilot Kenneth D. Cameron, wearing launch and entry suit (LES), discusses simulated emergency egress training on the pool side of JSC's Weightless Environment Training Facility (WETF) Bldg 29. Cameron will be dropped into a simulated ocean, the WETF's 25-ft pool, into which a parachute landing might be made.

STS-38 Mission Specialist (MS) Carl J. Meade, wearing liquid cooling and ventilation garment (LCVG) and extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) lower torso, crouches under EMU upper torso. Technicians extend the EMU sleeves as Meade reaches into upper torso during suit donning in JSC's Weightless Environment Training Facility (WETF) Bldg 29. Positioned on the WETF platform at pool side, Meade is preparing for an underwater extravehicular activity (EVA) simulation. During the training exercise, Meade will rehearse contingency EVA procedures for the STS-38 mission aboard Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104.

S88-38355 (27 May 1988) --- Astronaut James P. Bagian lowers himself from the top of one of the full-fuselage trainer in JSC's Shuttle mockup and integration laboratory during a post-landing, over-the-top emergency egress test. Bagian, a M.D., and one of three mission specialists assigned to NASA STS-29 flight of the Discovery, is working with engineers evaluating egress using the new crew escape equipment that includes a parachute harness.

S90-54754 (13 Dec 1990) --- Astronaut Richard J. Hieb, STS-39 mission specialist, wearing launch and entry suit (LES) and launch and entry helmet (LEH), floats in single person life raft after landing in JSC's Weightless Environment Training Facility (WETF) Bldg 29 pool. During emergency egress bailout procedures, Hieb practiced procedures necessary for a water landing. Divers monitor Hieb's activity.

S90-54755 (13 Dec 1990) --- Astronaut Guion S. Bluford, Jr., STS-39 Mission Specialist wearing launch and entry suit (LES) and launch and entry helmet (LEH), is suspended above JSC's Weightless Environment Training Facility (WETF) Bldg 29 pool via his parachute harness. Bluford will be dropped from the harness into the WETF's 25 ft deep pool to simulate an emergency egress bailout from the Space Shuttle into the ocean.

S89-28108 --- Astronaut Mae C. Jemison and STS-29 Mission Specialist James P. Bagian and Robert C. Springer inspect the interface between the tracking and data relay satellite D (TDRS-D) and inertial upper stage (IUS-9) in a test cell located in the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Vertical Processing Facility (VPF). The clean-suited astronauts, engineers, and technicians discuss the payload. Photo credit: NASA

S89-26392 (Jan 1989) --- Astronaut Robert C. Springer, strapped into a chair, participates in entry phase rehearsals for his upcoming STS-29 flight. The mission specialist will join three crewmembers on the flight deck for launch, but will move to the mid deck for entry, swapping positions with fellow crewmember, Astronaut James P. Bagian, also a mission specialist. The rehearsals took place in the crew compartment trainer in JSC's Shuttle mockup and integration laboratory. Photo was made by Bill Bowers of the Johnson Space Center.

S88-54948 (6 Dec 1988) --- The STS-29 crewmembers are trained in procedures to follow in the event of a fire with their spacecraft. Here, the crew is briefed on correct handling of the fire extinguisher by Robert Fife (far left) of NASA's fire and security staff. Pictured, left to right, are Astronauts John E. Blaha, pilot; Michael L. Coats, mission commander; Robert C. Springer, James F. Buchli and James P. Bagian, mission specialists. The training exercise took place on the northern end of the 1625-acre JSC facility.

S89-26240 (20 Jan 1989) --- Four of the five STS-29 crewmembers inspect the content of their emergency medical and medication kits during the recent bench review of middeck locker equipment avaialable for their scheduled March 1989 flight. From left to right are Astronauts James H. Buchli, John E. Blaha, James P. Bagian and Michael L. Coats. Not pictured is Robert C. Springer.

S89-25704 (Feb 1989) --- Astronaut James P. Bagian, STS-29 mission specialist, works his way down to "safety" using a Sky-genie device during emergency egress training for his five-member crew. Three other crewmembers watch in the background and await their turns with the rehearsal. The training took place in the Johnson Space Center's Shuttle mockup and integration laboratory.

S89-25873 (Nov 1988) --- The Space Station Heat Pipe Advanced Radiator Element (SHARE) is readied for installation in late November at Kennedy Space Center's orbiter processing facility (OPF). The SHARE device will be carried on a pedestel in Discovery's cargo bay during the five-day STS-29 mission, scheduled for a mid-March 1989 launch.

The STS-29 Space Shuttle Discovery mission lands at NASA's then Ames-Dryden Flight Research Facility, Edwards AFB, California, early Saturday morning, 18 March 1989. Touchdown was at 6:35:49 a.m. PST and wheel stop was at 6:36:40 a.m. on runway 22. Controllers chose the concrete runway for the landing in order to make tests of braking and nosewheel steering. The STS-29 mission was very successful, completing the launch of a Tracking and Data Relay communications satellite, as well as a range of scientific experiments. Discovery's five-man crew was led by Commander Michael L. Coats, and included pilot John E. Blaha and mission specialists James P. Bagian, Robert C. Springer, and James F. Buchli.

STS29-02-033 (3-18 March 1989) --- In what appears to be a juggling act in the microgravity of space, James P. Bagian, a physician, is actually attempting to organize audio cassettes. Other frames taken during the flight document Bagian's medical testing of his fellow crewmembers. This photographic frame was among NASA's third STS-29 photo release. Monday, March 20, 1989. Crewmembers were Astronauts Michael L. Coats, John E. Blaha, James F. Buchli, Robert C. Springer and James P. Bagian.

S89-26389 (Jan 1989) --- Four of five crewmembers for STS-29 pause during launch and entry phase rehearsals in the crew compartment trainer at the Johnson Space Center. The astronauts are in their entry positions, while the fifth (out of frame) remains strapped into a chair on the mid deck. In front are John E. Blaha (left), pilot, and Michael L. Coats, mission commander. Behind them are James P. Bagian (left), and James F. Buchli, both mission specialists. Robert C. Springer, the third mission specialist, is on the mid deck. He will occupy Discovery's middeck for entry phase, while Bagian will occupy that post for launch. Photo was made by Bill Bowers of the Johnson Space Center.

S88-42409 (20 July 1988) --- STS-26 Discovery, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 103, Mission Specialist (MS) George D. Nelson participates in crew escape system (CES) testing in JSC Weightless Environment Training Facility (WETF) Bldg 29. Nelson, wearing the newly designed (navy blue) launch and entry suit (LES), floats in WETF pool with the aid of an underarm flotation device (modern version of Mas West floats). He awaits the assistance of SCUBA-equipped divers during a simulation of escape and rescue operations utilizing a new CES pole for emergency exit from the Space Shuttle.

STS029-S-026 (13 Mar 1989) --- A wide shot of the Space Shuttle Discovery lifting off from Launch Pad 39B on mission STS-29. Discovery lifted off at 9:57 a.m. (EST), March 13, 1989, carrying the Tracking And Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-1) into orbit. The brilliant flames associated with the launch are reflected in the marsh waters. Onboard the spacecraft were astronauts Michael L. Coats, commander; John E. Blaha, pilot; and James F. Buchli, James P. Bagian and Robert C. Springer, all mission specialists.

S89-28092 (7 Feb 1989) --- Kennedy Space Center technicians inspect an area near the three main engines of the Space Shuttle Discovery prior to the removal of one of three oxidozer turbo pumps. New pumps are scheduled to be installed soon. Now at Launch Pad 39-B, Discovery is set for launch in mid-March for Mission STS-29. Primary payload will be TDRS-D. Crewmembers are Astronauts Michael L. Coats, mission commander, John E. Blaha, pilot; along with James F. Buchli, Robert C. Springer and James P. Bagian, all mission specialists.

S85-38035 (August 1985) --- This insignia has been chosen by the eight members of the STS-61A/D1 Spacelab mission as the emblem they will wear on their spacesuits and which will represent the record-sized space shuttle crew on the scheduled autumn mission. Crew members' surnames surround the colorful patch scene depicting Challenger carrying a long science module and an international crew from Europe and the United States. Serving on the crew are Henry W. Hartsfield Jr., commander; Steven R. Nagel, pilot; Bonnie J. Dunbar, mission specialist; James F. Buchli, mission specialist; Guion S. Bluford Jr., mission specialist; Ernst Messerschmid, German payload specialist; Reinhard Furrer, German payload specialist; and Wubbo J. Ockels, Dutch payload specialist. 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

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A 20-foot by 15-foot replica of the STS-107 logo has been installed above the “A” on the A tower in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The debris from the orbiter Columbia, lost in a tragic accident on its return to Earth from the STS-107 mission, is permanently stored in the tower. A dedication ceremony Jan. 29, 2004, unveiled a plaque being installed in the storage area in honor of “Columbia, the crew of STS-107, and their loved ones.”

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Workers install a 20-foot by 15-foot replica of the STS-107 logo above the “A” on the A tower in the transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The debris from the orbiter Columbia, lost in a tragic accident on its return to Earth from the STS-107 mission, is permanently stored in the tower. A dedication ceremony Jan. 29, 2004, revealed a plaque being installed in the storage area in honor of “Columbia, the crew of STS-107, and their loved ones.”

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-29: Discovery

PHOTO DATE: 01-29-10 LOCATION: BLDG 2 PRESS ROOM SUBJECT: STS-130 Press Conference WORK ORDER: 0274-STS130PC-01-29-10 PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD X34753

PHOTO DATE: 01-29-10 LOCATION: BLDG 2 PRESS ROOM SUBJECT: STS-130 Press Conference WORK ORDER: 0274-STS130PC-01-29-10 PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD X34753

PHOTO DATE: 01-29-10 LOCATION: BLDG 2 PRESS ROOM SUBJECT: STS-130 Press Conference WORK ORDER: 0274-STS130PC-01-29-10 PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD X34753

PHOTO DATE: 01-29-10 LOCATION: BLDG 2 PRESS ROOM SUBJECT: STS-130 Press Conference WORK ORDER: 0274-STS130PC-01-29-10 PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD X34753

PHOTO DATE: 01-29-10 LOCATION: BLDG 2 PRESS ROOM SUBJECT: STS-130 Press Conference WORK ORDER: 0274-STS130PC-01-29-10 PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD X34753

PHOTO DATE: 01-29-10 LOCATION: BLDG 2 PRESS ROOM SUBJECT: STS-130 Press Conference WORK ORDER: 0274-STS130PC-01-29-10 PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD X34753

PHOTO DATE: 01-29-10 LOCATION: BLDG 2 PRESS ROOM SUBJECT: STS-130 Press Conference WORK ORDER: 0274-STS130PC-01-29-10 PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD X34753

PHOTO DATE: 01-29-10 LOCATION: BLDG 2 PRESS ROOM SUBJECT: STS-130 Press Conference WORK ORDER: 0274-STS130PC-01-29-10 PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD X34753

PHOTO DATE: 01-29-10 LOCATION: BLDG 2 PRESS ROOM SUBJECT: STS-130 Press Conference WORK ORDER: 0274-STS130PC-01-29-10 PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD X34753

PHOTO DATE: 01-29-10 LOCATION: BLDG 2 PRESS ROOM SUBJECT: STS-130 Press Conference WORK ORDER: 0274-STS130PC-01-29-10 PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD X34753

PHOTO DATE: 01-29-10 LOCATION: BLDG 2 PRESS ROOM SUBJECT: STS-130 Press Conference WORK ORDER: 0274-STS130PC-01-29-10 PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD X34753

PHOTO DATE: 01-29-10 LOCATION: BLDG 2 PRESS ROOM SUBJECT: STS-130 Press Conference WORK ORDER: 0274-STS130PC-01-29-10 PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD X34753

PHOTO DATE: 01-29-10 LOCATION: BLDG 2 PRESS ROOM SUBJECT: STS-130 Press Conference WORK ORDER: 0274-STS130PC-01-29-10 PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD X34753

PHOTO DATE: 01-29-10 LOCATION: BLDG 2 PRESS ROOM SUBJECT: STS-130 Press Conference WORK ORDER: 0274-STS130PC-01-29-10 PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD X34753

PHOTO DATE: 01-29-10 LOCATION: BLDG 2 PRESS ROOM SUBJECT: STS-130 Press Conference WORK ORDER: 0274-STS130PC-01-29-10 PHOTOGRAPHER: BILL STAFFORD X34753

S88-49485 (1988) --- Astronaut Robert C. Springer, Mission Specialist.

S85-41246 (26 Sept 1985) --- The STS 61-A/Spacelab D-1 crewmembers are seen in this training scene in the Johnson Space Center's Space Shuttle mockup and integration laboratory. Descending from a simulated Shuttle orbiter in distress, using a Sky-Genie device, is Astronaut Henry W. Hartsfield, Jr. mission commander. Watching in blue flight garments are other members of the crew. They are, left to right, Ernst Messerschmid, German payload specialist (PS1); James F. Buchli, NASA mission specialist (MS2); Bonnie J. Dunbar, NASA mission specialist (MS1); Wubbo J. Ockels, Dutch PS3. Not pictured is Steven R. Nagel, pilot. Photo was taken by Otis Imboden.

S79-31776 (29 April 1979) - Astronaut John W. Young, STS-1 Commander.

In the Operations and Checkout Building, suit technician George Brittingham helps STS-95 Payload Specialist John H. Glenn Jr., senator from Ohio, with his suit. The STS-95 crew were conducting flight crew equipment fit checks prior to launch on Oct. 29. STS-95 is expected to launch at 2 p.m. EST on Oct. 29, last 8 days, 21 hours and 49 minutes, and land at 11:49 a.m. EST on Nov. 7

In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-95 Mission Specialist Pedro Duque of Spain, with the European Space Agency, gets help with his suit from suit technician Tommy McDonald. The STS-95 crew were conducting flight crew equipment fit checks prior to launch on Oct. 29. STS-95 is expected to launch at 2 p.m. EST on Oct. 29, last 8 days, 21 hours and 49 minutes, and land at 11:49 a.m. EST on Nov. 7

In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-95 Payload Specialist John H. Glenn Jr. pulls on a glove, part of his equipment check. The STS-95 crew were conducting flight crew equipment fit checks prior to launch on Oct. 29. STS-95 is expected to launch at 2 p.m. EST on Oct. 29, last 8 days, 21 hours and 49 minutes, and land at 11:49 a.m. EST on Nov. 7