Astronaut Mark Polansky, STS-127 mission commander, poses for a photograph by the front wheel of the space shuttle Endeavour shortly after it and its crew landed, Friday, July 31, 2009 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., completing a 16-day journey of more than 6.5 million miles. Endeavour delivered the final segment to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and a new crew member to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, left, welcomes home STS-127 Astronauts Dave Wolf, and Christopher Cassidy, right, shortly after the space shuttle Endeavour and its crew landed, Friday, July 31, 2009 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., completing a 16-day journey of more than 6.5 million miles. Endeavour delivered the final segment to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and a new crew member to the International Space Station.

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, left, STS-127 mission commander Mark Polansky, and NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, right, walk around the space shuttle Endeavour shortly after it and its crew landed, Friday, July 31, 2009 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., completing a 16-day journey of more than 6.5 million miles. Endeavour delivered the final segment to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and a new crew member to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The space shuttle Endeavour and its crew land, Friday, July 31, 2009 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, completing a 16-day journey of more than 6.5 million miles. Endeavour delivered the final segment to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and a new crew member to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The space shuttle Endeavour and its crew land, Friday, July 31, 2009 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, completing a 16-day journey of more than 6.5 million miles. Endeavour delivered the final segment to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and a new crew member to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, left, and NASA Administrator Charles Bolden walk to welcome home the crew of the space shuttle Endeavour shortly after it and its crew landed, Friday, July 31, 2009 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, completing a 16-day journey of more than 6.5 million miles. Endeavour delivered the final segment to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and a new crew member to the International Space Station.

Benoit Marcotte, Director General of Canadian Space Agency Operations, left, welcomes home Canadian Space Agency's Julie Payette, right, shortly after the space shuttle Endeavour and its crew landed, Friday, July 31, 2009 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., completing a 16-day journey of more than 6.5 million miles. Endeavour delivered the final segment to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and a new crew member to the International Space Station.

NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, left, and NASA Administrator Charles Bolden walk to welcome home the crew of the space shuttle Endeavour shortly after it and its crew landed, Friday, July 31, 2009 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, completing a 16-day journey of more than 6.5 million miles. Endeavour delivered the final segment to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and a new crew member to the International Space Station.

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden walks around the space shuttle Endeavour shortly after it and its crew landed, Friday, July 31, 2009 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, completing a 16-day journey of more than 6.5 million miles. Endeavour delivered the final segment to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory and a new crew member to the International Space Station.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A Shuttle Training Aircraft transporting the STS-127 astronaut crew from Houston arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. STS-127 crew arrived at Kennedy to get ready for launch on space shuttle Endeavour on June 13. The STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, to the space station on STS-127. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-127 Mission Specialist Tim Kopra is greeted by the media and others on hand to welcome the STS-127 crew to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Kopra and the other members of the crew arrived from Houston aboard a Shuttle Training Aircraft to get ready for launch on space shuttle Endeavour on June 13. Kopra is making his first space flight and will remain on the International Space Station as the Expedition 20 flight engineer. He will return to Earth on space shuttle Discovery with the STS-128 crew. The STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, to the space station on STS-127. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 Mission Specialist Julie Payette, who represents the Canadian Space Agency, takes part in a news conference following the landing of space shuttle Endeavour. The landing completed the 16-day, 6.5-million mile journey on the STS-127 mission. Endeavour delivered the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section to the International Space Station. The mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 127th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 Mission Specialist Tom Marshburn takes part in a news conference following the landing of space shuttle Endeavour. The landing completed the 16-day, 6.5-million mile journey on the STS-127 mission. Endeavour delivered the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section to the International Space Station. The mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 127th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 Pilot Doug Hurley takes part in a news conference following the landing of space shuttle Endeavour. The landing completed the 16-day, 6.5-million mile journey on the STS-127 mission. Endeavour delivered the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section to the International Space Station. The mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 127th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 Commander Mark Polansky takes part in a news conference following the landing of space shuttle Endeavour. The landing completed the 16-day, 6.5-million mile journey on the STS-127 mission. Endeavour delivered the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section to the International Space Station. The mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 127th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-127 Mission Specialist Christopher Cassidy is greeted by the media and others on hand to welcome the STS-127 crew to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Cassidy and the other members of the crew arrived from Houston aboard a Shuttle Training Aircraft to get ready for launch on space shuttle Endeavour on June 13. Cassidy, a commander in the U.S. Navy, is a former Navy SEAL and is making his first shuttle flight. The STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, to the space station on STS-127. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-127 Mission Specialist Tom Marshburn is greeted by the media and others on hand to welcome the STS-127 crew to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Marshburn and the other members of the crew arrived from Houston aboard a Shuttle Training Aircraft to get ready for launch on space shuttle Endeavour on June 13. Marshburn, a former NASA flight surgeon, is making his first shuttle flight. The STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, to the space station on STS-127. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-127 Mission Specialist Tom Marshburn addresses the media and those on hand to welcome the STS-127 crew to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Marshburn and the other members of the crew arrived from Houston aboard a Shuttle Training Aircraft to get ready for launch on space shuttle Endeavour on June 13. Marshburn, a former NASA flight surgeon, is making his first shuttle flight. The STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, to the space station on STS-127. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-127 Commander Mark Polansky, at microphone, addresses the media and those on hand to welcome the STS-127 crew to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Polansky and the other members of the crew arrived from Houston aboard the Shuttle Training Aircraft in the background to get ready for launch on space shuttle Endeavour on June 13. From left are Mission Specialists Tim Kopra, Julie Payette of the Canadian Space Agency, and Tom Marshburn; Commander Mark Polansky; Pilot Doug Hurley; and Mission Specialists Christopher Cassidy and Dave Wolf. The STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, to the space station on STS-127. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-127 Mission Specialist Dave Wolf is greeted by the media and others on hand to welcome the STS-127 crew to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Wolf and the other members of the crew arrived from Houston aboard a Shuttle Training Aircraft to get ready for launch on space shuttle Endeavour on June 13. Wolf, a medical doctor, spent 128 days on the Russian space station Mir and is making his fourth shuttle flight. The STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, to the space station on STS-127. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-127 Mission Specialist Julie Payette, at microphone, addresses the media and those on hand to welcome the STS-127 crew to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, as Mission Specialist Christopher Cassidy looks on. Payette and the other members of the crew arrived from Houston aboard a Shuttle Training Aircraft to get ready for launch on space shuttle Endeavour on June 13. Payette represents the Canadian Space Agency and is making her second shuttle flight. The STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, to the space station on STS-127. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-127 Pilot Doug Hurley is greeted by the media and others on hand to welcome the STS-127 crew to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Hurley and the other members of the crew arrived from Houston aboard a Shuttle Training Aircraft to get ready for launch on space shuttle Endeavour on June 13. Hurley, a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps, is making his first shuttle flight. The STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, to the space station on STS-127. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-127 Mission Specialist Julie Payette is greeted by the media and others on hand to welcome the STS-127 crew to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Payette and the other members of the crew arrived from Houston aboard a Shuttle Training Aircraft to get ready for launch on space shuttle Endeavour on June 13. Payette represents the Canadian Space Agency and is making her second shuttle flight. The STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, to the space station on STS-127. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-127 Commander Mark Polansky disembarks from a Shuttle Training Aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Polansky and the other members of the STS-127 crew arrived aboard the aircraft from Houston to get ready for launch on space shuttle Endeavour on June 13. Polansky will be making his third shuttle flight. The STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, to the space station on STS-127. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 Commander Mark Polansky makes his way to the Shuttle Training Aircraft to practice landings in preparation for launch of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission on June 13 to the International Space Station. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulfstream II jet that was modified to simulate a shuttle’s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES. on STS-127. The mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 Pilot Doug Hurley checks cockpit controls seated in the Shuttle Training Aircraft. Hurley will fly the STA to practice landings in preparation for launch of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission on June 13 to the International Space Station. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulfstream II jet that was modified to simulate a shuttle’s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES. on STS-127. The mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 Pilot Doug Hurley exits the Shuttle Training Aircraft. He and Commander Mark Polansky have been practicing shuttle landings in preparation for launch of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission, targeted for June 13. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate a shuttle’s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. The crew is at Kennedy for a launch dress rehearsal called the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, which includes emergency egress training and equipment familiarization. The STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japanese Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. It is the 127th shuttle flight and the 29th in the assembly of the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 Pilot Doug Hurley is wearing his complete launch-and-entry suit in the cockpit of the Shuttle Training Aircraft. He is preparing to practice shuttle landings in preparation for launch of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission, targeted for June 13. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate a shuttle’s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. The crew is at Kennedy for a launch dress rehearsal called the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, which includes emergency egress training and equipment familiarization. The STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japanese Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. It is the 127th shuttle flight and the 29th in the assembly of the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A Shuttle Training Aircraft approaches touchdown on the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. STS-127 Commander Mark Polansky and Pilot Doug Hurley are practicing landings in the STA in preparation for launch of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission on June 13 to the International Space Station. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulfstream II jet that was modified to simulate a shuttle’s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES. on STS-127. The mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 Pilot Doug Hurley heads into the Shuttle Training Aircraft to practice landings in preparation for launch of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission on June 13 to the International Space Station. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulfstream II jet that was modified to simulate a shuttle’s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES. on STS-127. The mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 Commander Mark Polansky checks cockpit controls seated in the Shuttle Training Aircraft. Polansky will fly the STA to practice landings in preparation for launch of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission on June 13 to the International Space Station. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulfstream II jet that was modified to simulate a shuttle’s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES. on STS-127. The mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – From the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Shuttle Training Aircraft takes off with STS-127 Commander Mark Polansky or Pilot Doug Hurley in the cockpit. They are practicing shuttle landings in preparation for launch of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission, targeted for June 13. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate a shuttle’s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. The crew is at Kennedy for a launch dress rehearsal called the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, which includes emergency egress training and equipment familiarization. The STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japanese Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. It is the 127th shuttle flight and the 29th in the assembly of the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 Commander Mark Polansky and Pilot Doug Hurley are ready to begin practicing landings in the Shuttle Training Aircraft. They are practicing in preparation for launch of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission on June 13 to the International Space Station. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulfstream II jet that was modified to simulate a shuttle’s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES. on STS-127. The mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A Shuttle Training Aircraft returns to the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. STS-127 Commander Mark Polansky and Pilot Doug Hurley have been practicing shuttle landings in preparation for launch of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission, targeted for June 13. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate a shuttle’s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. The crew is at Kennedy for a launch dress rehearsal called the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, which includes emergency egress training and equipment familiarization. The STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japanese Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. It is the 127th shuttle flight and the 29th in the assembly of the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 Commander Mark Polansky exits the Shuttle Training Aircraft. He and Pilot Doug Hurley have been practicing shuttle landings in preparation for launch of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission, targeted for June 13. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate a shuttle’s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. The crew is at Kennedy for a launch dress rehearsal called the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, which includes emergency egress training and equipment familiarization. The STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japanese Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. It is the 127th shuttle flight and the 29th in the assembly of the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 Commander Mark Polansky is wearing his complete launch-and-entry suit in the cockpit of the Shuttle Training Aircraft. He is preparing to practice shuttle landings in preparation for launch of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission, targeted for June 13. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate a shuttle’s cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. The crew is at Kennedy for a launch dress rehearsal called the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, which includes emergency egress training and equipment familiarization. The STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japanese Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. It is the 127th shuttle flight and the 29th in the assembly of the space station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour is towed away from the Shuttle Landing Facility. It is being taken to the Orbiter Processing Facility #2. Endeavour landed at 10:48 a.m. EDT, completing a journey of 6.5-million miles on the STS-127 mission. Umbilicals are still attached to purge the vehicle of any possible residual explosive or toxic fumes. Towing normally begins within four hours after landing and is completed within six hours unless removal of time-sensitive experiments is required on the runway. In the OPF, turnaround processing procedures on Endeavour will include various post-flight deservicing and maintenance functions, which are carried out in parallel with payload removal and the installation of equipment needed for the next mission. The STS-127 mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour is towed away from the Shuttle Landing Facility. It is being taken to the Orbiter Processing Facility #2. Endeavour landed at 10:48 a.m. EDT, completing a journey of 6.5-million miles on the STS-127 mission. Towing normally begins within four hours after landing and is completed within six hours unless removal of time-sensitive experiments is required on the runway. In the OPF, turnaround processing procedures on Endeavour will include various post-flight deservicing and maintenance functions, which are carried out in parallel with payload removal and the installation of equipment needed for the next mission. The STS-127 mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour is towed away from the Shuttle Landing Facility. It is being taken to the Orbiter Processing Facility #2. Endeavour landed at 10:48 a.m. EDT, completing a journey of 6.5-million miles on the STS-127 mission. Umbilicals are still attached to purge the vehicle of any possible residual explosive or toxic fumes. Towing normally begins within four hours after landing and is completed within six hours unless removal of time-sensitive experiments is required on the runway. In the OPF, turnaround processing procedures on Endeavour will include various post-flight deservicing and maintenance functions, which are carried out in parallel with payload removal and the installation of equipment needed for the next mission. The STS-127 mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour is towed away from the Shuttle Landing Facility. It is being taken to the Orbiter Processing Facility #2. Endeavour landed at 10:48 a.m. EDT, completing a journey of 6.5-million miles on the STS-127 mission. Towing normally begins within four hours after landing and is completed within six hours unless removal of time-sensitive experiments is required on the runway. In the OPF, turnaround processing procedures on Endeavour will include various post-flight deservicing and maintenance functions, which are carried out in parallel with payload removal and the installation of equipment needed for the next mission. The STS-127 mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the STS-127 crew disembark from a Shuttle Training Aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From front to back are Commander Mark Polansky, Pilot Doug Hurley, and Mission Specialists Christopher Cassidy and Julie Payette of the Canadian Space Agency. The crew arrived aboard the aircraft from Houston to prepare for launch on space shuttle Endeavour on June 13. The STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, to the space station on STS-127. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The STS-127 crew poses for a group portrait following their arrival at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From left are Mission Specialists Tim Kopra, Tom Marshburn, Christopher Cassidy, and Julie Payette of the Canadian Space Agency; Commander Mark Polansky; Pilot Doug Hurley; and Mission Specialist Dave Wolf. The crew arrived from Houston aboard the Shuttle Training Aircraft in the background to get ready for launch on space shuttle Endeavour on June 13. The STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, to the space station on STS-127. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Firing Room at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 Shuttle Launch Director Pete Nickolenko follows the path of space shuttle Endeavour as it roars into space on the STS-127 mission. Liftoff was on-time at 6:03 p.m. EDT. Today was the sixth launch attempt for the STS-127 mission. The launch was scrubbed on June 13 and June 17 when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. The mission was postponed July 11, 12 and 13 due to weather conditions near the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy that violated rules for launching, and lightning issues. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section in the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – SCAPE vehicles are in position at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in the event a return-to-landing-site is needed after launch of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission. Liftoff was on-time at 6:03 p.m. EDT. This was the sixth launch attempt for the STS-127 mission. The launch was scrubbed on June 13 and June 17 when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. The mission was postponed July 11, 12 and 13 due to weather conditions near the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy that violated rules for launching, and lightning issues. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section in the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Chuck Tintera

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Endeavour soars into the sky on the STS-127 mission from NASA Kennedy Space Center as convoy command and SCAPE vehicles are in position at the Shuttle Landing Facility in the event a return-to-landing-site is needed. Liftoff was on-time at 6:03 p.m. EDT. This was the sixth launch attempt for the STS-127 mission. The launch was scrubbed on June 13 and June 17 when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. The mission was postponed July 11, 12 and 13 due to weather conditions near the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy that violated rules for launching, and lightning issues. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section in the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Carl Winebarger

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour rolls into Orbiter Processing Facility #2. Endeavour landed at 10:48 a.m. EDT, completing a journey of 6.5-million miles on the STS-127 mission. Umbilicals are still attached to purge the vehicle of any possible residual explosive or toxic fumes. Towing normally begins within four hours after landing and is completed within six hours unless removal of time-sensitive experiments is required on the runway. In the OPF, turnaround processing procedures on Endeavour will include various post-flight deservicing and maintenance functions, which are carried out in parallel with payload removal and the installation of equipment needed for the next mission. The STS-127 mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Koichi Wakata, responds to a question from the media at a news conference following the landing of space shuttle Endeavour. Wakata spent four months on the International Space Station and returned to Earth on Endeavour with the STS-127 crew. The landing completed the 16-day, 6.5-million mile journey on the STS-127 mission. Endeavour delivered the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section to the International Space Station. The mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 127th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour turns into Orbiter Processing Facility #2. Endeavour landed at 10:48 a.m. EDT, completing a journey of 6.5-million miles on the STS-127 mission. Umbilicals are still attached to purge the vehicle of any possible residual explosive or toxic fumes. Towing normally begins within four hours after landing and is completed within six hours unless removal of time-sensitive experiments is required on the runway. In the OPF, turnaround processing procedures on Endeavour will include various post-flight deservicing and maintenance functions, which are carried out in parallel with payload removal and the installation of equipment needed for the next mission. The STS-127 mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Endeavour soars into the sky on the STS-127 mission from NASA Kennedy Space Center as convoy command and SCAPE vehicles are in position at the Shuttle Landing Facility in the event a return-to-landing-site is needed. Liftoff was on-time at 6:03 p.m. EDT. This was the sixth launch attempt for the STS-127 mission. The launch was scrubbed on June 13 and June 17 when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. The mission was postponed July 11, 12 and 13 due to weather conditions near the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy that violated rules for launching, and lightning issues. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section in the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Carl Winebarger

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour arrives in Orbiter Processing Facility #2. Endeavour landed at 10:48 a.m. EDT, completing a journey of 6.5-million miles on the STS-127 mission. Umbilicals are still attached to purge the vehicle of any possible residual explosive or toxic fumes. Towing normally begins within four hours after landing and is completed within six hours unless removal of time-sensitive experiments is required on the runway. In the OPF, turnaround processing procedures on Endeavour will include various post-flight deservicing and maintenance functions, which are carried out in parallel with payload removal and the installation of equipment needed for the next mission. The STS-127 mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour is prepared to be towed to the Orbiter Processing Facility #2. Endeavour landed at 10:48 a.m. EDT, completing a journey of 6.5-million miles on the STS-127 mission. Towing normally begins within four hours after landing and is completed within six hours unless removal of time-sensitive experiments is required on the runway. In the OPF, turnaround processing procedures on Endeavour will include various post-flight deservicing and maintenance functions, which are carried out in parallel with payload removal and the installation of equipment needed for the next mission. The STS-127 mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour rolls into Orbiter Processing Facility #2. Endeavour landed at 10:48 a.m. EDT, completing a journey of 6.5-million miles on the STS-127 mission. Umbilicals are still attached to purge the vehicle of any possible residual explosive or toxic fumes. Towing normally begins within four hours after landing and is completed within six hours unless removal of time-sensitive experiments is required on the runway. In the OPF, turnaround processing procedures on Endeavour will include various post-flight deservicing and maintenance functions, which are carried out in parallel with payload removal and the installation of equipment needed for the next mission. The STS-127 mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The convoy command and SCAPE vehicles are in position at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in the event a return-to-landing-site is needed after launch of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission. Liftoff was on-time at 6:03 p.m. EDT. This was the sixth launch attempt for the STS-127 mission. The launch was scrubbed on June 13 and June 17 when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. The mission was postponed July 11, 12 and 13 due to weather conditions near the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy that violated rules for launching, and lightning issues. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section in the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Chuck Tintera

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour is towed toward Orbiter Processing Facility #2. Endeavour landed at 10:48 a.m. EDT, completing a journey of 6.5-million miles on the STS-127 mission. Umbilicals are still attached to purge the vehicle of any possible residual explosive or toxic fumes. Towing normally begins within four hours after landing and is completed within six hours unless removal of time-sensitive experiments is required on the runway. In the OPF, turnaround processing procedures on Endeavour will include various post-flight deservicing and maintenance functions, which are carried out in parallel with payload removal and the installation of equipment needed for the next mission. The STS-127 mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The convoy command and SCAPE vehicles are in position at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in the event a return-to-landing-site is needed after launch of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission. Liftoff was on-time at 6:03 p.m. EDT. This was the sixth launch attempt for the STS-127 mission. The launch was scrubbed on June 13 and June 17 when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. The mission was postponed July 11, 12 and 13 due to weather conditions near the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy that violated rules for launching, and lightning issues. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section in the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Carl Winebarger

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour turns toward Orbiter Processing Facility #2. Endeavour landed at 10:48 a.m. EDT, completing a journey of 6.5-million miles on the STS-127 mission. Umbilicals are still attached to purge the vehicle of any possible residual explosive or toxic fumes. Towing normally begins within four hours after landing and is completed within six hours unless removal of time-sensitive experiments is required on the runway. In the OPF, turnaround processing procedures on Endeavour will include various post-flight deservicing and maintenance functions, which are carried out in parallel with payload removal and the installation of equipment needed for the next mission. The STS-127 mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the slidewire basket landing area near Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 Mission Specialist Julie Payette practices getting out of a basket, which are used for emergency exits from the pad. The crew is at Kennedy for a launch dress rehearsal called the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, which includes emergency exit training and equipment familiarization. Endeavour's STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japanese Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Endeavour's launch is targeted for June 13. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Endeavour's STS-127 mission crew members disembark from the Shuttle Training Aircraft at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility. Leading the way, at right, is Mission Specialist Tim Kopra, followed by Pilot Doug Hurley. The astronauts will be taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities that include equipment familiarization and emergency egress training, and culminates in a simulated launch countdown aboard Endeavour. The STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japanese Kibo laboratory complex. Launch is targeted for June 13. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the slidewire basket landing area near Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 crew members practice getting out of a basket. The baskets are used for emergency exits from the pad. Inside the basket are Mission Specialists Julie Payette and Tim Kopra. The crew is at Kennedy for a launch dress rehearsal called the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, which includes emergency exit training and equipment familiarization. Endeavour's STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japanese Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Endeavour's launch is targeted for June 13. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Endeavour's STS-127 mission crew members disembark from the Shuttle Training Aircraft at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility. Seen here are (from bottom to top) Mission Specialists Dave Wolf, Christopher Cassidy and Julie Payette, who represents the Canadian Space Agency. The astronauts will be taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities that include equipment familiarization and emergency egress training, and culminates in a simulated launch countdown aboard Endeavour. The STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japanese Kibo laboratory complex. Launch is targeted for June 13. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Endeavour's STS-127 mission crew members disembark from the Shuttle Training Aircraft at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility. Seen here is Commander Mark Polansky. The astronauts will be taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities that include equipment familiarization and emergency egress training, and culminates in a simulated launch countdown aboard Endeavour. The STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japanese Kibo laboratory complex. Launch is targeted for June 13. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Attached to a diesel-powered tractor, space shuttle Endeavour is towed from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to the Orbiter Processing Facility, or OPF. After landing in California to end the STS-126 mission, Endeavour returned to Kennedy on a piggyback flight atop a shuttle carrier aircraft. In the OPF, Endeavour will begin preparations for its next mission, STS-127, targeted for May 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Under the mate/demate device at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour is hitched to a diesel-powered tractor to be towed to the Orbiter Processing Facility, or OPF. After landing in California to end the STS-126 mission, Endeavour returned to Kennedy on a piggyback flight atop a shuttle carrier aircraft. In the OPF, Endeavour will begin preparations for its next mission, STS-127, targeted for May 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour is attached to a diesel-powered tractor to be towed to the Orbiter Processing Facility, or OPF. After landing in California to end the STS-126 mission, Endeavour returned to Kennedy on a piggyback flight atop a shuttle carrier aircraft. In the OPF, Endeavour will begin preparations for its next mission, STS-127, targeted for May 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Attached to a diesel-powered tractor, space shuttle Endeavour is towed from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to the Orbiter Processing Facility, or OPF. After landing in California to end the STS-126 mission, Endeavour returned to Kennedy on a piggyback flight atop a shuttle carrier aircraft. In the OPF, Endeavour will begin preparations for its next mission, STS-127, targeted for May 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Members of the STS-127 crew are greeted by STS-127 Launch Director Pete Nickolenko, at right, as they disembark from a Shuttle Training Aircraft at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From right to left are Commander Mark Polansky, Pilot Doug Hurley, and Mission Specialists Christopher Cassidy, Julie Payette of the Canadian Space Agency, Tom Marshburn and Dave Wolf. Polansky will be making his third shuttle flight. Hurley, Cassidy, and Marshburn will be making their first shuttle flights; Wolf, his fourth, and Payette, her second. The crew arrived aboard the aircraft from Houston to prepare for launch on space shuttle Endeavour on June 13. The STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, to the space station on STS-127. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility, STS-127 Mission Specialist Christopher Cassidy, at microphone, addresses the media and those on hand to welcome the STS-127 crew to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Cassidy and the other members of the crew arrived from Houston aboard the Shuttle Training Aircraft in the background to get ready for launch on space shuttle Endeavour on June 13. From left are Mission Specialists Tim Kopra, Julie Payette of the Canadian Space Agency, and Tom Marshburn; Mission Specialist Christopher Cassidy; Commander Mark Polansky; Pilot Doug Hurley; and Mission Specialist Dave Wolf. The STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, to the space station on STS-127. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – STS-127 Commander Mark Polansky kneels next to the landing gear on space shuttle Endeavour. He and other crew members returned to Earth on Endeavour to complete the 16-day, 6.5-million mile journey on the STS-127 mission to the International Space Station. Main gear touchdown was at 10:48:08 a.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 10:48:21 a.m. and wheels stop was at 10:49:13 a.m. Endeavour delivered the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section to the International Space Station. The mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 127th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At a post-landing news conference at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, participants respond with smiles to a question from the media. From left are NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier, President of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Keiji Tachikawa, Director General of Operations in the Canadian Space Agency Benoit Marcotte, space shuttle Launch Integration Manager Mike Moses and STS-127 Launch Director Pete Nickolenko. Space shuttle Endeavour and crew returned to Earth at 10:48 a.m. EDT to conclude the STS-127 mission. Endeavour delivered the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section to the International Space Station. The mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 127th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA Administrator Charles Bolden (left) waits underneath space shuttle Endeavour for the STS-127 crew to emerge from the crew transport vehicle. Endeavour's landing completed the 16-day, 6.5-million mile journey on the STS-127 mission to the International Space Station. Endeavour's main gear touchdown was at 10:48:08 a.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 10:48:21 a.m. and wheels stop was at 10:49:13 a.m. Endeavour delivered the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section to the International Space Station. The mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 127th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Center Director Bob Cabana (left) and NASA Administrator Charles Bolden wait near space shuttle Endeavour for the STS-127 crew to emerge from the crew transport vehicle. Endeavour's landing completed the 16-day, 6.5-million mile journey on the STS-127 mission to the International Space Station. Main gear touchdown was at 10:48:08 a.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 10:48:21 a.m. and wheels stop was at 10:49:13 a.m. Endeavour delivered the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section to the International Space Station. The mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 127th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden walks with STS-127 Commander Mark Polansky after space shuttle Endeavour's landing that completed the 16-day, 6.5-million mile journey on the STS-127 mission to the International Space Station. Behind Bolden is Center Director Bob Cabana. Main gear touchdown was at 10:48:08 a.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 10:48:21 a.m. and wheels stop was at 10:49:13 a.m. Endeavour delivered the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section to the International Space Station. The mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 127th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Shuttle Training Aircraft lands at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida with STS-127 crew members aboard. The crew is returning to Kennedy to prepare for space shuttle Endeavour's July 11 launch on the 29th assembly flight to the International Space Station. This will be the third launch attempt due to the leak of hydrogen gas at the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate during tanking on two previous attempts, June 13 and June 17. The STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The convoy command and SCAPE vehicles are in position at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in the event of a return-to-landing-site is needed after launch of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission. This is the fifth launch attempt for the STS-127 mission. The first two launch attempts on June 13 and June 17 were scrubbed when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. Mission managers also decided to delay tanking on July 11 for a launch attempt later in the day to allow engineers and safety personnel time to analyze data captured during lightning strikes near the pad on July 10. The fourth attempt on July 12 was scrubbed due to weather concerns as well. Photo credit: NASA/Carl Winebarger

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At a post-landing news conference, Public Affairs Officer Allard Beutel (far left) moderates the question-and-answer session with NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier, President of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Keiji Tachikawa, Director General of Operations in the Canadian Space Agency Benoit Marcotte, space shuttle Launch Integration Manager Mike Moses and STS-127 Launch Director Pete Nickolenko. Space shuttle Endeavour and crew returned to Earth at 10:48 a.m. EDT to conclude the STS-127 mission. Endeavour delivered the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section to the International Space Station. The mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 127th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At a post-landing news conference at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier, President of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Keiji Tachikawa, Director General of Operations in the Canadian Space Agency Benoit Marcotte, space shuttle Launch Integration Manager Mike Moses and STS-127 Launch Director Pete Nickolenko comment about the STS-127 mission and space shuttle Endeavour's return to Earth at 10:48 a.m. EDT. Endeavour delivered the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section to the International Space Station. The mission was the 29th flight to the station, the 23rd flight of Endeavour and the 127th in the Space Shuttle Program, as well as the 71st landing at Kennedy. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the slidewire basket landing area near Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-127 crew members learn about landing procedures during an emergency exit from the pad. From left are Mission Specialist Tom Marshburn, Commander Mark Polansky, and Mission Specialists Tim Kopra, Julie Payette, Christopher Cassidy, Dave Wolf and (far right) Pilot Doug Hurley. The crew is at Kennedy for a launch dress rehearsal called the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, which includes emergency exit training and equipment familiarization. Endeavour's STS-127 mission is the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japanese Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Endeavour's launch is targeted for June 13. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Helicopters fly in the vicinity of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in the event of a return-to-landing-site is needed after launch of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission. This is the fifth launch attempt for the STS-127 mission. The first two launch attempts on June 13 and June 17 were scrubbed when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. Mission managers also decided to delay tanking on July 11 for a launch attempt later in the day to allow engineers and safety personnel time to analyze data captured during lightning strikes near the pad on July 10. The fourth attempt on July 12 was scrubbed due to weather concerns as well. Photo credit: NASA/Carl Winebarger

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A NASA Security helicopter hovers near the Shuttle Landing Facility runway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It joins the convoy command and SCAPE vehicles that are in position in the event of a return-to-landing-site is needed after launch of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission. This is the fourth launch attempt for the STS-127 mission. The first two launch attempts on June 13 and June 17 were scrubbed when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. Mission managers also decided to delay tanking on July 11 for a launch attempt later in the day to allow engineers and safety personnel time to analyze data captured during lightning strikes near the pad on July 10. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, in the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. STS-127 is the 29th flight for the assembly of the space. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The convoy command and SCAPE vehicles are in position at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in the event of a return-to-landing-site is needed after launch of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission. This is the fourth launch attempt for the STS-127 mission. The first two launch attempts on June 13 and June 17 were scrubbed when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. Mission managers also decided to delay tanking on July 11 for a launch attempt later in the day to allow engineers and safety personnel time to analyze data captured during lightning strikes near the pad on July 10. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, in the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. STS-127 is the 29th flight for the assembly of the space. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The convoy command vehicle waits at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in the event of a return-to-landing-site is needed after launch of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission. This is the fourth launch attempt for the STS-127 mission. The first two launch attempts on June 13 and June 17 were scrubbed when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. Mission managers also decided to delay tanking on July 11 for a launch attempt later in the day to allow engineers and safety personnel time to analyze data captured during lightning strikes near the pad on July 10. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, in the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. STS-127 is the 29th flight for the assembly of the space. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – SCAPE vehicles are in position at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in the event of a return-to-landing-site is needed after launch of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission. This is the fourth launch attempt for the STS-127 mission. The first two launch attempts on June 13 and June 17 were scrubbed when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. Mission managers also decided to delay tanking on July 11 for a launch attempt later in the day to allow engineers and safety personnel time to analyze data captured during lightning strikes near the pad on July 10. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, in the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. STS-127 is the 29th flight for the assembly of the space. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A military helicopter hovers near the Shuttle Landing Facility runway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It joins the convoy command and SCAPE vehicles that are in position in the event of a return-to-landing-site is needed after launch of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission. This is the fourth launch attempt for the STS-127 mission. The first two launch attempts on June 13 and June 17 were scrubbed when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. Mission managers also decided to delay tanking on July 11 for a launch attempt later in the day to allow engineers and safety personnel time to analyze data captured during lightning strikes near the pad on July 10. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, in the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. STS-127 is the 29th flight for the assembly of the space. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Endeavour is towed by a diesel-powered tractor into the Orbiter Processing Facility, or OPF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. After landing in California to end the STS-126 mission, Endeavour returned to Kennedy on a piggyback flight atop a shuttle carrier aircraft. In the OPF, Endeavour will begin preparations for its next mission, STS-127, targeted for May 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Endeavour is towed by a diesel-powered tractor toward the Orbiter Processing Facility, or OPF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. After landing in California to end the STS-126 mission, Endeavour returned to Kennedy on a piggyback flight atop a shuttle carrier aircraft. In the OPF, Endeavour will begin preparations for its next mission, STS-127, targeted for May 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

S128-E-007282 (4 Sept. 2009) --- Onboard the International Space Station since July, astronaut Tim Kopra is pictured on the orbital outpost a little less than a week before his scheduled return to Earth. Earlier this week, Kopra changed roles from Expedition 20 flight engineer to STS-128 mission specialist. Kopra came up to the station with the STS-127 crew and participated in a spacewalk on July 18. He will return to Earth aboard the Discovery on a scheduled Sept. 10 landing.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Endeavour is towed by a diesel-powered tractor into the Orbiter Processing Facility, or OPF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Visible on Endeavour is the tail cone that covers and protects the main engines during the ferry flight. After landing in California to end the STS-126 mission, Endeavour returned to Kennedy on a piggyback flight atop a shuttle carrier aircraft. In the OPF, Endeavour will begin preparations for its next mission, STS-127, targeted for May 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Endeavour is towed by a diesel-powered tractor into the Orbiter Processing Facility, or OPF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Visible on Endeavour is the tail cone that covers and protects the main engines during the ferry flight. After landing in California to end the STS-126 mission, Endeavour returned to Kennedy on a piggyback flight atop a shuttle carrier aircraft. In the OPF, Endeavour will begin preparations for its next mission, STS-127, targeted for May 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Space shuttle Endeavour is towed by a diesel-powered tractor into the Orbiter Processing Facility, or OPF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. After landing in California to end the STS-126 mission, Endeavour returned to Kennedy on a piggyback flight atop a shuttle carrier aircraft. In the OPF, Endeavour will begin preparations for its next mission, STS-127, targeted for May 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Before dawn, at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour is suspended by a sling under the mate/demate device. The shuttle carrier aircraft, or SCA, has rolled away. Endeavour will be lowered onto the ground. The SCA carried the shuttle piggyback from California, where Endeavour landed Nov. 30 to end the STS-126 mission. After Endeavour is on the ground, it will be towed via the two-mile tow-way from the SLF by a diesel-powered tractor to the Orbiter Processing Facility where it will begin preparations for its next mission, STS-127, targeted for May 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers begin removing the sling from around space shuttle Endeavour. Part of the mate/demate device, the sling enabled Endeavour to be lifted away from shuttle carrier aircraft, or SCA, and lowered to the ground. The SCA carried the shuttle piggyback from California, where Endeavour landed Nov. 30 to end the STS-126 mission. Endeavour will be towed via the two-mile tow-way from the SLF by a diesel-powered tractor to the Orbiter Processing Facility where it will begin preparations for its next mission, STS-127, targeted for May 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After dark, at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a worker on the mate/demate device prepares to attach the sling that will lift the shuttle away from the shuttle carrier aircraft, or SCA, underneath. The SCA carried the shuttle piggyback from California, where Endeavour landed Nov. 30 to end the STS-126 mission. When Endeavour is on the ground, it will be towed via the two-mile tow-way from the SLF by a diesel-powered tractor to the Orbiter Processing Facility where it will begin preparations for its next mission, STS-127, targeted for May 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After dark, at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers on the mate/demate device have attached the sling that will lift the shuttle away from the shuttle carrier aircraft, or SCA, underneath. The SCA carried the shuttle piggyback from California, where Endeavour landed Nov. 30 to end the STS-126 mission. When Endeavour is on the ground, it will be towed via the two-mile tow-way from the SLF by a diesel-powered tractor to the Orbiter Processing Facility where it will begin preparations for its next mission, STS-127, targeted for May 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Before dawn, at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour is ready to be lifted, via the sling attached, away from the shuttle carrier aircraft, or SCA, underneath. The SCA carried the shuttle piggyback from California, where Endeavour landed Nov. 30 to end the STS-126 mission. After Endeavour is on the ground, it will be towed via the two-mile tow-way from the SLF by a diesel-powered tractor to the Orbiter Processing Facility where it will begin preparations for its next mission, STS-127, targeted for May 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After dark, at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour has been attached to the sling that will lift the shuttle away from the shuttle carrier aircraft, or SCA, underneath. The SCA carried the shuttle piggyback from California, where Endeavour landed Nov. 30 to end the STS-126 mission. After Endeavour is on the ground, it will be towed via the two-mile tow-way from the SLF by a diesel-powered tractor to the Orbiter Processing Facility where it will begin preparations for its next mission, STS-127, targeted for May 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the overhead sling in the mate/demate device is moved into place on either side of the space shuttle Endeavour. The sling will lift the shuttle away from the shuttle carrier aircraft, or SCA, underneath. The SCA carried the shuttle piggyback from California, where Endeavour landed Nov. 30 to end the STS-126 mission. When Endeavour is on the ground, it will be towed via the two-mile tow-way from the SLF by a diesel-powered tractor to the Orbiter Processing Facility where it will begin preparations for its next mission, STS-127, targeted for May 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Endeavour waits for the sling to be removed. Part of the mate/demate device, the sling enabled Endeavour to be lifted away from the shuttle carrier aircraft, or SCA, and lowered to the ground. The SCA carried the shuttle piggyback from California, where Endeavour landed Nov. 30 to end the STS-126 mission. Endeavour will be towed via the two-mile tow-way from the SLF by a diesel-powered tractor to the Orbiter Processing Facility where it will begin preparations for its next mission, STS-127, targeted for May 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the overhead sling in the mate/demate device is moved into place on either side of the space shuttle Endeavour. The sling will lift the shuttle away from the shuttle carrier aircraft, or SCA, underneath. The SCA carried the shuttle piggyback from California, where Endeavour landed Nov. 30 to end the STS-126 mission. When Endeavour is on the ground, it will be towed via the two-mile tow-way from the SLF by a diesel-powered tractor to the Orbiter Processing Facility where it will begin preparations for its next mission, STS-127, targeted for May 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- After dark, under the mate/demate device at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers prepare space shuttle Endeavour for attachment of the sling that will lift the shuttle away from the shuttle carrier aircraft, or SCA, underneath. The SCA carried the shuttle piggyback from California, where Endeavour landed Nov. 30 to end the STS-126 mission. When Endeavour is on the ground, it will be towed via the two-mile tow-way from the SLF by a diesel-powered tractor to the Orbiter Processing Facility where it will begin preparations for its next mission, STS-127, targeted for May 2009. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Firing Room at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach, Endeavour Flow Director Dana Hutcherson and STS-127 Shuttle Launch Director Pete Nickolenko bask in the successful launch of space shuttle Endeavour on the STS-127 mission. Liftoff was on-time at 6:03 p.m. EDT. Today was the sixth launch attempt for the STS-127 mission. The launch was scrubbed on June 13 and June 17 when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. The mission was postponed July 11, 12 and 13 due to weather conditions near the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy that violated rules for launching, and lightning issues. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section in the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett