STS-38 Pilot Frank L. Culbertson waves from T-38A NASA 955 forward cockpit prior to Ellington Field departure. Astronaut Curtis L. Brown, Jr is stationed in the aft cockpit behind Culbertson.

STS-38 crewmembers, carrying their luggage, walk across the Ellington Field runway to board their T-38As. The crewmembers are lead by Pilot Frank L. Culbertson. Commander Richard O. Covey, Mission Specialist (MS) Robert C. Springer (wearing sunglasses), and MS Charles D. Gemar follow. The crewmembers are preparing for their departure to the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Ellington Field hangar is visible in the background.

STS-38 Mission Specialist (MS) Robert C. Springer climbs into T-38A forward cockpit prior to Ellington Field departure for the Kennedy Space Center (KSC).

STS-38 Pilot Frank L. Culbertson gives "thumbs up" before climbing into the T-38A NASA 955 forward cockpit. Crewmembers are preparing for departure from Ellington Field to the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Culbertson's bright yellow helmet is displayed in front of him.

STS-38 Pilot Frank L. Culbertson holds a training version of the 70mm handheld HASSELBLAD camera he will be using on his upcoming Department of Defense (DOD) mission.

STS-38 Pilot Frank L. Culberston, smiling and wearing his helmet with breathing apparatus attached, sits in T-38A NASA 955 forward cockpit at Ellington Field and prepares for departure.

Aerial views of the STS-5 launch from T-38 chase aircraft Nov. 11, 1982. Shuttle Columbia can be seen as a small figure trailed by a line of smoke.

An airborne view of a T-38 taken from the Atlantis (STS-36) while landing at Edwards Air Force Base, California 03/04/90 by Mission Specialist Richard M. "Mike" Mullane.

STS-38 crewmembers listen as RSOC-JSC crew trainer M. Judy Alexander explains the camera equipment they will be using on their upcoming Department of Defense (DOD) mission. Left to right are Pilot Frank L. Culbertson, Mission Specialist (MS) Carl J. Meade, and MS Charles D. Gemar. Alexander is holding a training version of the 70mm handheld HASSELBLAD camera.

The seventh mission dedicated to the Department of Defense (DOD), the STS-38 mission, launched aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis on November 15, 1990 at 6:48:15 pm (EST). The STS-38 crew included the following five astronauts: Richard O. Covey, commander; Frank L. Culbertson, pilot; and mission specialists Charles D. (Sam) Gemar, Robert C. Springer, and Carl J. Meade.

Columbia, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 102, slated for mission STS-35, left, rolls past Atlantis, OV-104, on its way to Kennedy Space Center (KSC) launch pad 39A. OV-104, being readied for STS-38, is parked in front of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) following its rollback from the pad for liquid hydrogen (LH2) line repairs. View provided by KSC with alternate number KSC-90PC-1152.

S90-38948 (9 March 1990) --- Astronaut Richard O. Covey, STS-38 commander, is seen in a close-up view during training exercises with a special escape pole. The device was designed and deployed on all active orbiters following the January 1986 Challenger accident.

STS-38 Mission Specialist (MS) Carl J. Meade, wearing extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) upper torso, takes a breather from suit donning activities in JSC's Weightless Environment Training Facility (WETF) Bldg 29. 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.

STS038-28-016 (20 Nov 1990) --- STS-38 crewmembers pose on Atlantis', Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104's, middeck for traditional onboard (in-space) portrait. Wearing red, yellow, and orange crew polo shirts are (right to left) Mission Specialist (MS) Robert C. Springer, Pilot Frank L. Culbertson, Commander Richard O. Covey, MS Charles D. Gemar, and MS Carl J. Meade.

STS038-S-041 (20 Nov 1990) --- STS-38 Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104, lands on runway 33 at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF). The main landing gear (MLG) has just touched down on the runway surface as the nose landing gear (NLG) glides above it. The Department of Defense (DOD)-devoted mission came to an end (with complete wheel stop) at 4:43:37 pm (Eastern Standard Time (EST)).

STS038-S-040 (20 Nov 1990) --- STS-38 crewmembers, wearing red, yellow, and orange polo shirts, pose in front of Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104, parked on runway 33 at Kennedy Space Center's (KSC) Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) during post flight activities. Left to right are Commander Richard O. Covey, Mission Specialist (MS) Robert C. Springer, MS Charles D. Gemar, Pilot Frank L. Culbertson, and MS Carl J. Meade.

STS-38 Mission Specialist (MS) Robert C. Springer, wearing launch and entry suit (LES), pauses during emergency egress training conducted in JSC's Mockup and Integration Laboratory (MAIL) Bldg 9A.

STS-38 Mission Specialist (MS) Charles D. Gemar freefloats in front of commanders station on the forward flight deck of Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104, along with HASSELBLAD camera and "GO ARMY" decal.

STS-38 Mission Specialist (MS) Robert C. Springer, wearing extravehicular mobility unit (EMU), fastens the strap on his communications carrier assembly (CCA) cap during suit donning in JSC's Weightless Environment Training Facility (WETF) Bldg 29. Positioned on the WETF platform at pool side, Springer is preparing for an underwater extravehicular activity (EVA) simulation. During the training exercise, Springer will rehearse contingency EVA procedures for the STS-38 mission aboard Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104.

STS-38 Mission Specialist (MS) Robert C. Springer dons extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) upper torso with technicians' assistance in JSC's Weightless Environment Training Facility (WETF) Bldg 29. Positioned on the WETF platform at pool side, Springer is preparing for an underwater extravehicular activity (EVA) simulation. During the training session, Springer will rehearse contingency EVA procedures for the STS-38 mission aboard Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104.

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.

STS-38 Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104, lifts off from Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Launch Complex Pad at 6:46:15:0639 pm (Eastern Standard Time (EST)). As OV-104, atop the external tank (ET) and flanked by two solid rocket boosters (SRBs), rises above the mobile launcher platform, exhaust smoke fills the area surrounding the launch pad. SRB and space shuttle main engine (SSME) firings glow against the night darkness and light up the fixed service structure (FSS) and retracted rotating service structure (RSS). STS-38 is a Department of Defense (DOD) devoted mission.

STS-38 crewmembers don launch and entry suit (LES) equipment prior to emergency egress training in JSC's Mockup and Integration Laboratory (MAIL) Bldg 9A. Pilot Frank L. Culbertson, wearing navy blue LES, fastens parachute strap and Mission Specialist (MS) Robert C. Springer, wearing orange LES, dons parachute pack with a technician's assistance in front of a Spacelab module mockup.

STS-38 crewmembers, wearing red, yellow, and orange polo shirts, egress Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104, via a mobile stairway at the Kennedy Space Center's (KSC's) Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF). Commander Richard O. Covey, nearing the bottom of the stairway, is followed by Pilot Frank L. Culbertson, Mission Specialist (MS) Robert C. Springer, MS Charles D. Gemar, and MS Carl J. Meade. Ground servicing personnel look on in the foreground.

The official STS-38 crew portrait includes the following 5 astronauts (front left to right): Frank L. Culbertson, pilot; and Richard O. Covey, commander. Standing (left to right) are mission specialists (MS) Charles D. (Sam) Gemar, (MS-3), Robert C. Springer, (MS-1), and Carl J. Meade, (MS-2). The seventh mission dedicated to the Department of Defense (DOD), the STS-38 crew launched aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis on November 15, 1990 at 6:48:15 pm (EST).

STS-38 Pilot Frank L. Culbertson, wearing launch and entry suit (LES) and launch and entry helmet (LEH), rolls through the side hatch of the crew compartment trainer (CCT) located in JSC's Mockup and Integration Laboratory (MAIL) Bldg 9A. Assisted by technicians, Culbertson practices emergency egress through the side hatch using the crew escape system (CES) pole which extends out the side hatch. The inflated safety cushion breaks Culbertson's fall as he rolls out of the side hatch.

STS038-25-005 (20 Nov 1990) --- STS-38 Mission Specialist (MS) Robert C. Springer, holding HASSELBLAD camera, positions himself under aft flight deck overhead window W7 before recording the Earth's surface below. Behind Springer are Atlantis', Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104's, on orbit station and aft flight deck viewing windows.

Spotlights illuminate Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104, during safing operations at the Kennedy Space Center's (KSC's) Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF). OV-104 parked on runway 33 is serviced by KSC ground crews. STS-38, a Department of Defense (DOD)-devoted mission, came to an end (with complete wheel stop) at 4:43:37 pm (Eastern Standard Time (EST)).

STS-38 Mission Specialist (MS) Robert C. Springer, wearing launch and entry suit (LES), climbs through the side hatch of the crew compartment trainer (CCT) located in JSC's Mockup and Integration Laboratory (MAIL) Bldg 9A. Springer will practice emergency egress through the side hatch using the crew escape system (CES) pole (at Springer's left). The inflated safety cushion under Springer will break his fall as he rolls out of the side hatch.

S94-36123 (June 1994) --- Astronaut Gregory J. Harbaugh, STS-71 mission specialist, sits in the rear station of a NASA T-38 jet trainer at Ellington Field. Harbaugh is in training for the STS-71 mission scheduled aboard the space shuttle Atlantis next year.

S90-41527 (August 1990) --- Astronaut Charles D. (Sam) Gemar, prepares to climb aboard on of NASA's T-38 jet trainers, located near the Johnson Space Center (JSC). Gemar began training as an astronaut candidate in summer of 1985.

STS-38 Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104, lifts off from Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Launch Complex (LC) Pad at 6:48:15:0639 pm (Eastern Standard Time (EST)) for Department of Defense (DOD)-devoted mission. OV-104, atop the external tank (ET) and flanked by solid rocket boosters (SRBs), is almost clear of the launch tower which is lit up by the SRB and space shuttle main engine (SSME) firings. Spotlight equipment is silhouetted against the SRB/SSME glow in the foreground. The retracted rotating service structure (RSS) is highlighted against the evening darkness by the launch fireworks.

JSC2008-E-035360 (17 April 2008) --- Astronaut Gregory C. Johnson, STS-125 pilot, prepares for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center.

JSC2008-E-035366 (17 April 2008) --- Astronaut Gregory C. Johnson, STS-125 pilot, prepares for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center.

JSC2004-E-54710 (14 December 2004) --- Astronaut Mark E. Kelly, STS-121 pilot, prepares for a flight in a T-38 trainer jet at Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center.

JSC2008-E-035365 (17 April 2008) --- Astronaut Scott D. Altman, STS-125 commander, prepares for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center.

JSC2004-E-54716 (14 December 2004) --- Astronaut Mark E. Kelly, STS-121 pilot, in a T-38 trainer jet, prepares for a flight at Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center.

JSC2004-E-54715 (14 December 2004) --- Astronaut Steven W. Lindsey, STS-121 commander, photographed in a T-38 trainer jet, prepares for a flight at Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center.

JSC2007-E-47700 (27 Sept. 2007) --- Astronaut Stephen N. Frick, STS-122 commander, prepares for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet from Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center.

STS-38 ASTRONAUT CREW MEMBERS MEADE AND SPRINGER SUITING UP FOR AND ENTERING WETF TRAINING, TAKEN 02/14/90.

JSC2008-E-035361 (17 April 2008) --- Astronaut Michael J. Massimino, STS-125 mission specialist, photographed in the rear station of a NASA T-38 trainer jet, prepares for a flight at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center.

JSC2008-E-035362 (17 April 2008) --- Astronaut Michael T. Good, STS-125 mission specialist, photographed in the rear station of a NASA T-38 trainer jet, prepares for a flight at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center.

JSC2008-E-035367 (17 April 2008) --- Astronauts Scott D. Altman (front seat) and Michael J. Massimino, STS-125 commander and mission specialist, respectively, prepare for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center.

JSC2008-E-035369 (17 April 2008) --- Astronauts Scott D. Altman (front seat) and Michael J. Massimino, STS-125 commander and mission specialist, respectively, prepare for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center.

JSC2008-E-035359 (17 April 2008) --- Astronauts Scott D. Altman (right) and Michael J. Massimino, STS-125 commander and mission specialist, respectively, prepare for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center.

JSC2008-E-035374 (17 April 2008) --- Astronaut John M. Grunsfeld, STS-125 mission specialist, photographed in the rear station of a NASA T-38 trainer jet, prepares for a flight at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center.

JSC2008-E-035375 (17 April 2008) --- Astronaut John M. Grunsfeld, STS-125 mission specialist, photographed in the rear station of a NASA T-38 trainer jet, prepares for a flight at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center.

JSC2008-E-035363 (17 April 2008) --- Astronaut Michael T. Good, STS-125 mission specialist, photographed in the rear station of a NASA T-38 trainer jet, prepares for a flight at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center.

JSC2008-E-035357 (17 April 2008) --- Astronauts Gregory C. Johnson (right), STS-125 pilot, and Michael T. Good, mission specialist, walk to the nearby flight line of NASA T-38 trainer jets at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center.

JSC2008-E-035351 (17 April 2008) --- Astronauts Scott D. Altman and Gregory C. Johnson (foreground), STS-125 commander and pilot, respectively, look over their flight plan in the check-out facility at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center prior to a flight in NASA T-38 trainer jets.

JSC2008-E-035358 (17 April 2008) --- Astronauts Scott D. Altman (right) and Michael J. Massimino, STS-125 commander and mission specialist, respectively, walk to the nearby flight line of NASA T-38 trainer jets at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center.

JSC2006-E-27881 (22 June 2006) --- Astronaut Christopher J. Ferguson, STS-115 pilot, photographed in a T-38 trainer jet, prepares for a flight at Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center.

JSC2001-E-08830 (26 March 2001) --- Astronaut Daniel T. Barry, STS-105 mission specialist, photographed in a T-38 trainer jet, prepares for a flight at Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center (JSC).

JSC2006-E-27870 (22 June 2006) --- Astronaut Daniel C. Burbank, STS-115 mission specialist, prepares for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet at Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center.

JSC2001-E-08828 (26 March 2001) --- Astronaut Frederick W. Sturckow, STS-105 pilot, in the cockpit of a T-38 trainer, prepares for a flight at Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center (JSC).

JSC2006-E-27869 (22 June 2006) --- Astronaut Daniel C. Burbank, STS-115 mission specialist, prepares for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet at Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center.

JSC2006-E-27871 (22 June 2006) --- Astronaut Brent W. Jett Jr., STS-115 commander, prepares for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet at Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center.

JSC2006-E-27877 (22 June 2006) --- Astronaut Daniel C. Burbank, STS-115 mission specialist, photographed in a T-38 trainer jet, prepares for a flight at Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center.

JSC2001-E-08816 (26 March 2001) --- Astronaut Patrick G. Forrester, STS-105 mission specialist, prepares for a flight in a T-38 trainer jet at Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center (JSC).

JSC2001-E-08833 (26 March 2001) --- Astronaut Daniel T. Barry, STS-105 mission specialist, photographed in a T-38 trainer jet, prepares for a flight at Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center (JSC).

JSC2006-E-27863 (22 June 2006) --- Astronaut Brent W. Jett Jr., STS-115 commander, prepares for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet at Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center.

JSC2001-E-08817 (26 March 2001) --- Astronaut Patrick G. Forrester, STS-105 mission specialist, prepares for a flight in a T-38 trainer jet at Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center (JSC).

JSC2001-E-08815 (26 March 2001) --- Astronaut Scott J. Horowitz, STS-105 mission commander, prepares for a flight in a T-38 trainer jet at Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center (JSC).

JSC2001-E-08814 (26 March 2001) --- Astronaut Scott J. Horowitz, STS-105 mission commander, prepares for a flight in a T-38 trainer jet at Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center (JSC).

JSC2001-E-08824 (26 March 2001) --- Astronaut Scott J. Horowitz, STS-105 mission commander, prepares for a flight in a T-38 trainer jet at Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center (JSC).

JSC2001-E-08819 (26 March 2001) --- Astronaut Scott J. Horowitz, STS-105 mission commander, prepares for a flight in a T-38 trainer jet at Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center (JSC).

JSC2001-E-08821 (26 March 2001) --- Astronaut Patrick G. Forrester, STS-105 mission specialist, photographed in a T-38 trainer jet, prepares for a flight at Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center (JSC).

JSC2006-E-27864 (22 June 2006) --- Astronaut Daniel C. Burbank, STS-115 mission specialist, prepares for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet at Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center.

JSC2008-E-035352 (17 April 2008) --- Astronauts Scott D. Altman (center), Gregory C. Johnson (foreground), STS-125 commander and pilot, respectively, and Michael J. Massimino, mission specialist, look over their flight plan in the check-out facility at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center prior to a flight in NASA T-38 trainer jets.

JSC2008-E-038917 (6 May 2008) --- Astronaut Mark Kelly, STS-124 commander, prepares for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet from Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center to Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

JSC2010-E-032826 (1 March 2010) --- NASA astronaut Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, STS-131 mission specialist, gives a ?thumbs-up? signal as she prepares for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet from Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center to Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

JSC2008-E-038921 (6 May 2008) --- Astronaut Ron Garan, STS-124 mission specialist, prepares for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet from Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center to Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

JSC2007-E-06385 (1 Feb. 2007) --- Astronaut Scott J. Kelly, STS-118 commander, prepares for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet from Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center to Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

JSC2006-E-27886 (22 June 2006) --- Astronaut Steven G. MacLean, STS-115 mission specialist representing the Canadian Space Agency, photographed in a T-38 trainer jet, prepares for a flight at Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center.

JSC2007-E-06395 (1 Feb. 2007) --- Astronaut Charles O. Hobaugh, STS-118 pilot, prepares for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet from Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center to Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

JSC2007-E-06384 (1 Feb. 2007) --- STS-118 Commander Scott Kelly prepares for a flight to Kennedy Space Center in a T-38 trainer jet at Ellington Field's Hangar 276 near the Johnson Space Center. Photo credit: NASA

JSC2008-E-038930 (6 May 2008) --- Astronaut Mike Fossum, STS-124 mission specialist, photographed in the rear station of a NASA T-38 trainer jet, gives a "thumbs-up" signal as he prepares for a flight from Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center to Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

JSC2010-E-119552 (25 Aug. 2010) --- NASA astronauts Mark Kelly (left), STS-134 commander; and Michael Fincke, mission specialist, prepare for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration

JSC2010-E-119533 (25 Aug. 2010) --- NASA astronaut Gregory H. Johnson, STS-134 pilot, is pictured in the check-out facility at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center prior to a familiarization flight in NASA T-38 trainer jets. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration

JSC2007-E-06387 (1 Feb. 2007) --- Astronaut Barbara R. Morgan, STS-118 mission specialist, prepares for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet from Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center to Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

JSC2006-E-27882 (22 June 2006) --- Astronaut Steven G. MacLean, STS-115 mission specialist representing the Canadian Space Agency, photographed in a T-38 trainer jet, prepares for a flight at Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center.

JSC2010-E-032823 (1 March 2010) --- NASA astronaut Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, STS-131 mission specialist, prepares for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet from Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center to Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

JSC2010-E-032822 (1 March 2010) --- NASA astronaut Alan Poindexter, STS-131 commander, prepares for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet from Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center to Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

JSC2010-E-032819 (1 March 2010) --- NASA astronaut Alan Poindexter, STS-131 commander, walks to the nearby flight line of NASA T-38 trainer jets at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center prior to a flight to Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

JSC2010-E-119542 (25 Aug. 2010) --- NASA astronaut Mark Kelly, STS-134 commander, prepares for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration

JSC2010-E-119551 (25 Aug. 2010) --- NASA astronaut Michael Fincke, STS-134 mission specialist, prepares for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration

JSC2008-E-038924 (6 May 2008) --- Astronaut Ken Ham, STS-124 pilot, prepares for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet from Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center to Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

JSC2010-E-032829 (1 March 2010) --- NASA astronaut Alan Poindexter, STS-131 commander, waves as he prepares to leave for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet from Ellington Field near NASA?s Johnson Space Center to Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

JSC2001-E-08808 (26 March 2001) --- Astronauts Scott J. Horowitz (foreground), STS-105 mission commander, and Patrick G. Forrester, mission specialist, is photographed at the check out desk not far removed from the flight line of the T-38 trainer jets at Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center (JSC).

NASA 916, a T-38 jet aircraft, carrying astronauts Vance D. Brand (front station) and Robert F. Overmyer, heads for Kennedy Space Center in Florida. 1. STS-5 - PREFLIGHT KSC, FL Also available in 4x5 CN

JSC2007-E-19186 (17 April 2007) --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, STS-124 mission specialist, photographed in the rear station of a NASA T-38 trainer jet, prepares for a flight from Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center.

JSC2010-E-032825 (1 March 2010) --- NASA astronaut Stephanie Wilson, STS-131 mission specialist, gives a ?thumbs-up? signal as she prepares for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet from Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center to Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

JSC2010-E-119550 (25 Aug. 2010) --- NASA astronaut Mark Kelly, STS-134 commander, prepares for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration

JSC2005-E-45666 (29 November 2005) --- Astronaut Michael E. Fossum, STS-121 mission specialist, attired in flight gear, walks near the flight line of the NASA T-38 trainer jets at Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center.

JSC2010-E-119546 (25 Aug. 2010) --- NASA astronaut Gregory H. Johnson, STS-134 pilot, prepares for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center. Photo credit: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration

JSC2007-E-06400 (1 Feb. 2007) --- Astronaut Tracy E. Caldwell, STS-118 mission specialist, prepares for a flight in a NASA T-38 trainer jet from Ellington Field near Johnson Space Center to Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

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-134 crew arrives in T-38 jets on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) in Cape Canaveral, Fla. During the 14-day mission, the space shuttle Endeavour and its crew will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) and spare parts including two S-band communications antennas, a high-pressure gas tank and additional spare parts for Dextre. Launch is targeted for Friday, April 29 at 3:47 p.m. EDT. Photo credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The STS-134 crew flies over the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) in T-38 jets on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., as they arrive for their upcoming mission. During the 14-day mission, the space shuttle Endeavour and its crew will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) and spare parts including two S-band communications antennas, a high-pressure gas tank and additional spare parts for Dextre. Launch is targeted for Friday, April 29 at 3:47 p.m. EDT. Photo credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) ground crew prepare for the arrival of the STS-134 crew in T-38 jets on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. During the 14-day mission, the space shuttle Endeavour and its crew will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) and spare parts including two S-band communications antennas, a high-pressure gas tank and additional spare parts for Dextre. Launch is targeted for Friday, April 29 at 3:47 p.m. EDT. Photo credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)