STS044-S-002 (July 1991) --- These are the six crew members assigned to fly onboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis for NASA's STS 44 mission, scheduled for later this year. Astronaut Frederick D. Gregory (center, front row) is mission commander. He is flanked by astronauts Terence T. (Tom) Henricks (left), pilot; and F. Story Musgrave, mission specialist. On the back row are astronaut James S. Voss, mission specialist; payload specialist Thomas J. Hennen of the U.S. Army; and astronaut Mario Runco Jr., mission specialist. The mission insignia is seen in the upper right corner, while the Defense Support System (DPS)/IUS payload is depicted in the upper left corner.

STS044-19-026 (24 Nov-1 Dec 1991) --- Astronaut Mario Runco Jr., STS-44 mission specialist, floats on Atlantis' middeck.

STS044-32-030 (24 Nov-1 Dec 1991) --- STS-44 Commander Frederick D. Gregory wears a cap honoring his alma mater, the United States Air Force (USAF) Academy, on the middeck of Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104. Gregory, who also has his lightweight headset on, was photographed while talking to ground controllers.

STS044-14-013 (24 Nov-1 Dec 1991) --- Terence T. (Tom) Henricks, STS-44 pilot, tests his visual acuity with the Visual Function Test (VFT) apparatus. This photograph was among the first released by NASA following the eight day mission, dedicated to the Department of Defense.

STS044-32-003 (24 Nov.-1 Dec. 1991) --- Astronaut F. Story Musgrave, STS-44 mission specialist, makes visual observations through Atlantis' hatch window. This photograph was among the first released by NASA following the eight day mission, dedicated to the Department of Defense.

S91-35303 (22 April 1991) --- Astronauts Frederick D. Gregory (left) and Terrence T. Henricks (right), STS-44 commander and pilot, respectively, are joined near their launch and entry stations by F. Story Musgrave, mission specialist. The three pause while rehearsing some of the activities that will be performed during the scheduled ten-day November flight. Musgrave will be in a rear cabin station during launch and entry phases of the flight deck of the fixed-base Shuttle Mission Simulator (SMS) in the Johnson Space Center's mission simulation and training facility.

STS-44 Mission Specialist (MS) James S. Voss works under the middeck subfloor of Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104, to repair humidity separator leakage problems. Voss is surrounded by several water tanks and a maze of shuttle wiring and plumbing. Voss earned the nickname of "Bilge Man" because of his time spent on the lower deck tending to the leakage problem. This is the first photo released of a crewmember in this area of the shuttle.

S91-45399 (30 Aug 1991) --- Astronaut Thomas J. Hennen, payload specialist.

S91-50773 (19 Oct 1991) --- At a processing facility on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Defense Support Program (DSP) satellite is being transferred into the payload canister transporter for shipment to Launch Pad 39A at KSC. The DSP will be deployed during Space Shuttle Mission STS-44 later this year. It is a surveillance satellite, developed for the Department of Defense, which can detect missile and space launches, as well as nuclear detonations. The Inertial Upper Stage which will boost the DSP satellite to its proper orbital position is the lower portion of the payload. DSP satellites have comprised the spaceborne segment of NORAD's (North American Air Defense Command) Tactical Warning and Attack Assessment System since 1970. STS- 44, carrying a crew of six, will be a ten-day flight.

STS044-S-095 (24 Nov 1991) --- A wide shot of Atlantis' liftoff for STS-44 was recorded by a remote camera. At 6:44 EST, Nov. 24, 1991, the spacecraft headed toward Earth orbit with a crew of six aboard. The event is reflected in the KSC marsh waters. Darkness accentuates the diamond shock effect from the three main engines.

S91-40049 (27 June 1991) --- JSC technician Tacey Prewitt checks the progress on a bioreactor experiment in JSC's Life Sciences Laboratory Bldg 37 biotechnology laboratory. Similar hardware is scheduled for testing aboard Atlantis, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 104, during STS-44. Detailed Supplementary Objective (DSO) 316 Bioreactor/Flow and Particle Trajectory in Microgravity will checkout the rotating wall vessel hardware and hopefully will confirm researchers' theories and calculations about how flow fields work in space. Plastic beads of various sizes rather than cell cultures are being flown in the vessel for the STS-44 test.

STS044-17-030 (24 Nov-1 Dec 1991) --- The six crewmembers for STS-44 pose for a second crew portrait on Atlantis' flight deck. This portrait was intended to focus on Payload Specialist Thomas J. Hennen (front center), who earned the nickname, "Trash Man" during the flight. It was Hennen who "starred" in a brief onboard video production about the disposal of trash and waste. Others in the picture are (front row) Astronauts Frederick D. Gregory (left), Mission Commander; and James S. Voss, Mission Specialist; and (back row, left to right) Astronauts Mario Runco Jr. and F. Story Musgrave, both Mission Specialists; and Terence T. (Tom) Henricks, Pilot.

S91-50776 (18 Oct 1991) --- The Space Shuttle Atlantis is moved from the Orbital Processing Facility (OPF) Bay 2 to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The Atlantis will be mated with the external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters before it is transported to Pad 39A, where it will launch a Department of Defense payload, Mission STS-44, in late 1991.

STS044-50-033 (24 Nov-1 Dec 1991) --- The six crewmembers for STS-44 assemble on the middeck. An auto-set 35mm camera recorded this view of them enroute to a more formal pose. Astronaut Frederick D. Gregory, Mission Commander, is at center. Clockwise from his position, other crewmembers are Payload Specialist Thomas J. Hennen; and astronauts James S. Voss, Mario Runco Jr. and F. Story Musgrave, all Mission Specialists, and Terence T. (Tom) Henricks, Pilot.

STS044-04-001 (24 Nov-1 Dec 1991) --- Astronauts F. Story Musgrave (right) and Mario Runco, Jr., mission specialists, team up for one of the biomedical Detailed Supplementary Objective (DSO) test on the eight-day flight, this one involving intraocular pressure.

STS044-71-011 (25 Nov. 1991) --- A 70mm frame shows pre-deployment view of the Defense Support Payload (DSP), backdropped against a blue and white Earth.

STS044-79-077 (24 Nov.-1 Dec. 1991) --- This photograph, captured from the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Atlantis, shows sunglint pattern in the western tropical Indian Ocean. Several large internal waves reflect around a shallow area on the sea floor. NASA scientists studying the STS-44 photography believe the shallow area to be a sediment (a submerged mountain) on top of the Mascarene Plateau, located northeast of Madagascar at approximately 5.6 degrees south latitude and 55.7 degrees east longitude. Internal waves are similar to surface ocean waves, except that they travel inside the water column along the boundary between water layers of different density. At the surface, their passage is marked on the sea surface by bands of smooth and rough water. These bands appear in the sunglint pattern as areas of brighter or darker water. NASA scientists point out that, when the waves encounter an obstacle, such as a near-surface seamount, they bend or refract around the obstacle in the same manner as surface waves bend around an island or headland.

S91-38355 (28 May 1991) --- Seen floating about the vacant spaces of the Johnson Space Center's KC-135 "zero-gravity" aircraft are the six crewmembers for the STS 44 mission. Left to right are Terence T. Henricks, James S. Voss, F. Story Musgrave (partially obscured), Frederick D. Gregory, Thomas J. Hennen and Mario Runco Jr. Gregory is mission commander. Hennen is payload specialist for this flight, dedicated to the Department of Defense. The flight served as a refresher and a preview of the experience of weightlessness, as the special aircraft flew a series of parabolas which provided short sessions of zero-gravity.

S91-38355 (28 May 1991) --- Seen floating about the vacant spaces of the Johnson Space Center's KC-135 "zero-gravity" aircraft are the six crewmembers for the STS 44 mission. Left to right are Terence T. Henricks, James S. Voss, F. Story Musgrave (partially obscured), Frederick D. Gregory, Thomas J. Hennen and Mario Runco Jr. Gregory is mission commander. Hennen is payload specialist for this flight, dedicated to the Department of Defense. The flight served as a refresher and a preview of the experience of weightlessness, as the special aircraft flew a series of parabolas which provided short sessions of zero-gravity.

STS044-S-001 (July 1991) --- Designed by the participating crew members, the STS-44 patch shows the space shuttle Atlantis shortly after liftoff as it rolls to ascend into orbit. The orbital path illustrated by the red, white and blue of the stylized American flag represents the American contribution and strength derived from this mission. The black background of space, indicative of the mysteries of the universe, is illuminated by six large stars, which depict the American crew of six and the hopes that travel with them. The smaller stars represent the myriad of unheralded Americans who work in support of this mission. Within the shuttle's payload bay is a Defense Support Program (DSP) Satellite which will help insure peace. The stars of the flag symbolize our leadership in an exciting quest of space and the boundless dreams for mankind's future. In the words of a crew spokesman, "the stars of the flag symbolize our leadership in an exciting quest of space and the boundless dreams for humanity's future." The NASA insignia design for space shuttle flights is reserved for use by the astronauts and for other official use as the NASA Administrator may authorize. Public availability has been approved only in the forms of illustrations by the various news media. When and if there is any change in this policy, which is not anticipated, the change will be publicly announced. Photo credit: NASA

STS044-05-023 (24 Nov-1 Dec 1991) --- Astronaut F. Story Musgrave (left), Mission Specialist, assists Astronaut Terence T. (Tom) Henricks, Mission Specialist, with a Detailed Supplementary Objective (DSO) involving Lower Body Negative Pressure.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-44: Atlantis

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis hurtles into the clear blue sky as it lifts off on mission STS-110. Liftoff occurred at 4:44:19 p.m. EDT (20:44:19 GMT). STS-110 is the 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis hurtles into the clear blue sky as it lifts off on mission STS-110. Liftoff occurred at 4:44:19 p.m. EDT (20:44:19 GMT). STS-110 is the 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis hurtles into the clear blue sky as it lifts off on mission STS-110. Liftoff occurred at 4:44:19 p.m. EDT (20:44:19 GMT). STS-110 is the 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis hurtles into the clear blue sky as it lifts off on mission STS-110. Liftoff occurred at 4:44:19 p.m. EDT (20:44:19 GMT). STS-110 is the 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis hurtles into the clear blue sky as it lifts off on mission STS-110. Liftoff occurred at 4:44:19 p.m. EDT (20:44:19 GMT). STS-110 is the 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis hurtles into the clear blue sky as it lifts off on mission STS-110. Liftoff occurred at 4:44:19 p.m. EDT (20:44:19 GMT). STS-110 is the 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station

This detailed view of the eye of Supertyphoon Yuri (19.0N, 140.0E) shows the bowl shaped structure of the eye wall. The eye cylinder descends almost to the ocean surface, some 45,000 to 50,000 ft. In this case, the eye is filled with clouds but in most cases, the cylinder is at least partially clear so that the sea surface is visible. The storm at this time was at it's most intense with maximum sustained winds of 165 mph and gusting to 200 mph.

Evidence of a recent flash flood can be seen in the form of light brown sediment that flowed down gullies and mountain sides forming ponds of debris over agricultural areas in the broad valley near the town of Parras (26.5N, 102.5W). This part of Mexico has extensive vineyards, orchards and both dry land and irrigated agriculture. Based on the photo, it appears that flash flood waters damaged some 300 square miles of property in this area alone.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe responds to a query from the media during a post-launch conference. O’Keefe was at KSC for the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-110 to the International Space Station. The launch occurred at 4:44:19 p.m EDT (20:44:19 GMT)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe responds to a query from the media during a post-launch conference. O’Keefe was at KSC for the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-110 to the International Space Station. The launch occurred at 4:44:19 p.m EDT (20:44:19 GMT)

51I-44-052 (2 Sept. 1985) --- An oblique view of Hurricane Elena, photographed with a 70mm camera by STS-51I crew members of the space shuttle Discovery on Sept. 2, 1985. Photo credit: NASA

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Lisa Malone, division chief, External Affairs and Business Development, and Sean O’Keefe, NASA administrator, listen to a query from the media during a post-launch conference. Malone moderated the conference. O’Keefe was at KSC for the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on mission STS-110 to the International Space Station. The launch occurred at 4:44:19 p.m EDT (20:44:19 GMT)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After a flawless landing on runway 33 of the Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-112 crew poses in front of Atlantis. From left are Mission Specialists Piers Sellers and Sandra Magnus, Pilot Pamela Melroy, Commander Jeffrey Ashby, and Mission Specialists David Wolf and Fyodor Yurchikhin, who represents the Russian Space Agency. Main gear touchdown occurred at 11:43:40 a.m. EDT; nose gear touchdown at 11:43:48 a.m.; and wheel stop at 11:44:35 a.m. Mission elapsed time was 10:19:58:44. STS-112 expanded the size of the Station with the addition of the S1 truss segment.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Gusty winds that blow the palmettos in the foreground don't deter the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis, across the water, on mission STS-110. Liftoff occurred at 4:44:19 p.m. EDT (20:41:19 GMT). STS-110 is the 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-129 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin participates in a news conference in the NASA Press Site auditorium at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on landing day. Space shuttle Atlantis' main gear touchdown on Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility was at 9:44:23 a.m. EST. Nose gear touchdown was at 9:44:36 a.m., and wheels stop was at 9:45:05 a.m. STS-129 is the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight on the manifest. On STS-129, the crew delivered 14 tons of cargo to the orbiting laboratory, including two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers containing spare parts to sustain station operations after the shuttles are retired next year. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Space Shuttle Launch Integration Manager Mike Moses, at left, congratulates STS-129 Commander Charles O. Hobaugh on a successful mission. Space shuttle Atlantis landed on Runway 33, completing the 4.5-million-mile STS-129 mission to the International Space Station on orbit 171. Main gear touchdown was at 9:44:23 a.m. EST. Nose gear touchdown was at 9:44:36 a.m., and wheels stop was at 9:45:05 a.m. On STS-129, the six-member crew delivered 14 tons of cargo to the orbiting laboratory, including two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers containing spare parts to sustain station operations after the shuttles are retired next year. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-129 Commander Charles O. Hobaugh participates in a news conference in the NASA Press Site auditorium at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on landing day. Space shuttle Atlantis' main gear touchdown on Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility was at 9:44:23 a.m. EST. Nose gear touchdown was at 9:44:36 a.m., and wheels stop was at 9:45:05 a.m. STS-129 is the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight on the manifest. On STS-129, the crew delivered 14 tons of cargo to the orbiting laboratory, including two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers containing spare parts to sustain station operations after the shuttles are retired next year. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-129 Pilot Barry E. Wilmore participates in a news conference in the NASA Press Site auditorium at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on landing day. Space shuttle Atlantis' main gear touchdown on Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility was at 9:44:23 a.m. EST. Nose gear touchdown was at 9:44:36 a.m., and wheels stop was at 9:45:05 a.m. STS-129 is the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight on the manifest. On STS-129, the crew delivered 14 tons of cargo to the orbiting laboratory, including two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers containing spare parts to sustain station operations after the shuttles are retired next year. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-129 Mission Specialist Mike Foreman participates in a news conference in the NASA Press Site auditorium at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on landing day. Space shuttle Atlantis' main gear touchdown on Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility was at 9:44:23 a.m. EST. Nose gear touchdown was at 9:44:36 a.m., and wheels stop was at 9:45:05 a.m. STS-129 is the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight on the manifest. On STS-129, the crew delivered 14 tons of cargo to the orbiting laboratory, including two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers containing spare parts to sustain station operations after the shuttles are retired next year. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Lake Murray, a manmade reservoir, lies between the Fly and Strickland River Basins, Papua, New Guinea (7.0S, 141.5E). The region, photographed in sunglint, shows the water level in the reservoir and the full extent of the drainage basins of both river systems as the rivers meander through wide alluvial floodplains. Some forest clearing can be seen in places throughout the region, but most of the area remains in closed canopy forest.

Supertyphoon Yuri began development approximately 1000 miles east of the Philippine Islands. At the time this photo was taken, Yuri was about 1000 nautical miles in diameter and had estimated maximum sustained wind speeds of 145 mph, gusting to 170 mph. This oblique view shows the well formed eye of Yuri and the raised segment of clouds at the cusp of the eye indicating very high wind speeds within the vortex.

This image of abstract shapes is comprised numerous subparallel, very long, orange colored linear dunes and patchy grey dry lakes (playas). The dunes are aligned north to south in the great central basin of Astralia (27.0S, 138.0E). The regularity of the dunes is created by the winds blowing from the south. As the dunes advance, jaged edges on the south side of each dry lake are formed while the north side is eroded smooth by the wind and water.

Fog is the only source of moisture for desert dwelling animals and plants living in the Namib Desert sand dune field, Namibia (23.5N, 15.0E). Coastal stratus clouds provide most of the life supporting moisture as fog droplets in this arid land where the usual annual rainfall is less than a quarter of an inch for decades at a time. In this view, the stratus clouds over the coast conform to the dune pattern proving that the fog is in ground contact.

Stable, south flowing air over the western Pacific Ocean (26.0N, 131.0E) is disturbed by islands south of Korea, resulting in sinuous clouds known as von Karman vortices. The smoke plume from Japan's Mount Unzen Volcano on Kyushu, is visible just west of the large cloud mass and extending southward. A very large, purple tinged dust pall, originating in Mongolia, can be seen on the Earth's Limb, covering eastern China and extending into the East China Sea.

S131-E-007016 (7 April 2010) --- Surrounded by the blackness of space, the International Space Station appears to be very small from the point of view of space shuttle Discovery as the shuttle approaches the station during STS-131 rendezvous and docking operations. Docking occurred at 2:44 a.m. (CDT) on April 7, 2010.

S115-E-07114 (17 Sept. 2006) --- This nadir photo of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, taken on Sept. 17, 2006 at 18:13:44 GMT, was part of a series in this area captured by the crew of the space shuttle Atlantis's STS-115 mission. Photo credit: NASA

S131-E-007004 (7 April 2010) --- Surrounded by the blackness of space, the International Space Station appears to be very small from the point of view of space shuttle Discovery as the shuttle approaches the station during STS-131 rendezvous and docking operations. Docking occurred at 2:44 a.m. (CDT) on April 7, 2010.

ISS023-E-022371 (7 April 2010) --- The underside of space shuttle Discovery is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 23 crew member as the shuttle approaches the International Space Station during STS-131 rendezvous and docking operations. Docking occurred at 2:44 a.m. (CDT) on April 7, 2010.

ISS023-E-022374 (7 April 2010) --- The underside of space shuttle Discovery is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 23 crew member as the shuttle approaches the International Space Station during STS-131 rendezvous and docking operations. Docking occurred at 2:44 a.m. (CDT) on April 7, 2010.

ISS023-E-022372 (7 April 2010) --- The underside of space shuttle Discovery is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 23 crew member as the shuttle approaches the International Space Station during STS-131 rendezvous and docking operations. Docking occurred at 2:44 a.m. (CDT) on April 7, 2010.

S131-E-007011 (7 April 2010) --- Surrounded by the blackness of space, the International Space Station appears to be very small from the point of view of space shuttle Discovery as the shuttle approaches the station during STS-131 rendezvous and docking operations. Docking occurred at 2:44 a.m. (CDT) on April 7, 2010.

STS112-S-024 (18 October 2002) --- Space Shuttle Atlantis kicks up dust as it touches down at the Shuttle Landing Facility, completing the 4.5-million-mile journey that included a week of work with the International Space Station. Main gear touchdown occurred at 11:43:40 a.m. (EDT), October 18, 2002; nose gear touchdown at 11:43:48 a.m.; and wheel stop at 11:44:35 a.m. Mission elapsed time was 10:19:58:44. Mission STS-112 expanded the size of the Station with the addition of the S1 truss segment. The STS-112 crew members of Atlantis are Jeffrey S. Ashby, commander; Pamela A. Melroy, pilot; and David A. Wolf, Piers J. Sellers, Sandra H. Magnus and Rosaviakosmos' Fyodor N. Yurchikhin, all mission specialists.

STS112-S-038 (18 October 2002) --- An aft view shows the Space Shuttle Atlantis just prior to touchdown of its main landing gear at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The touchdown completed the 4.5-million-mile STS-112 journey to the International Space Station. Main gear touchdown occurred at 11:43:40 a.m. EDT nose gear touchdown at 11:43:48 a.m.; and wheel stop at 11:44:35 a.m. Mission elapsed time was 10:19:58:44. Mission STS-112 expanded the size of the Station with the addition of the S1 truss segment. The returning crew of Atlantis are Jeffrey S. Ashby, commander; Pamela A. Melroy, pilot; and David A. Wolf, Piers J. Sellers, Sandra H. Magnus and Rosaviakosmos' Fyodor N. Yurchikhin, all mission specialists. This landing is the 60th at KSC in the 21-year history of the Shuttle program.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Atlantis kicks up dust as it touches down on runway 33 at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility after completing its 11-day mission to the International Space Station. Aboard is the STS-112 crew comprising Commander Jeffrey Ashby, Pilot Pamela Melroy and Mission Specialists David Wolf, Sandra Magnus, Piers Sellers and Fyodor Yurchikhin. Main gear touchdown occurred at 11:43:40 a.m. EDT; nose gear touchdown at 11:43:48 a.m.; and wheel stop at 11:44:35 a.m. Mission elapsed time was 10:19:58:44. STS-112 expanded the size of the Station with the addition of the S1 truss segment. This was the 60th landing at KSC in the history of the Shuttle program.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-112 crew pauses at the microphone in front of Atlantis after exiting the crew transport vehicle. From left are Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus, Pilot Pamela Melroy, Commander Jeffrey Ashby, and Mission Specialists David Wolf, Fyodor Yurchikhin and Piers Sellers. The flawless landing of Space Shuttle Atlantis on Runway 33 at KSC completed a 4.5-million-mile journey to the International Space Station. Main gear touchdown occurred at 11:43:40 a.m. EDT; nose gear touchdown at 11:43:48 a.m.; and wheel stop at 11:44:35 a.m. Mission elapsed time was 10:19:58:44. Mission STS-112 expanded the size of the Station with the addition of the S1 truss segment.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-112 Pilot Pamela Melroy (left) and Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus (center) talk to Acting Deputy Director JoAnn Morgan (right) after the crew's return to KSC. A flawless landing of Space Shuttle Atlantis completed a 4.5-million-mile journey to the International Space Station. Other crew members are Commander Jeffrey Ashby and Mission Specialists David Wolf, Fyodor Yurchikhin and Piers Sellers. Main gear touchdown occurred at 11:43:40 a.m. EDT; nose gear touchdown at 11:43:48 a.m.; and wheel stop at 11:44:35 a.m. Mission elapsed time was 10:19:58:44. Mission STS-112 expanded the size of the Station with the addition of the S1 truss segment.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Atlantis kicks up dust as it touches down on runway 33 at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility after completing its 11-day mission to the International Space Station. Aboard is the STS-112 crew comprising Commander Jeffrey Ashby, Pilot Pamela Melroy and Mission Specialists David Wolf, Sandra Magnus, Piers Sellers and Fyodor Yurchikhin. Main gear touchdown occurred at 11:43:40 a.m. EDT; nose gear touchdown at 11:43:48 a.m.; and wheel stop at 11:44:35 a.m. Mission elapsed time was 10:19:58:44. STS-112 expanded the size of the Station with the addition of the S1 truss segment. This was the 60th landing at KSC in the history of the Shuttle program.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Expedition 20 and 21 Flight Engineer Nicole Stott, who spent 87 days aboard the International Space Station, appears pleased with the success of her mission on the orbiting laboratory. Stott returned to Earth aboard space shuttle Atlantis with the STS-129 crew. Main gear touchdown was at 9:44:23 a.m. EST. Nose gear touchdown was at 9:44:36 a.m., and wheels stop was at 9:45:05 a.m. STS-129 is the final time the shuttle is expected to rotate station crew members. For information on the Expedition crews, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Expedition 20 and 21 Flight Engineer Nicole Stott, who spent 87 days aboard the International Space Station, answers questions regarding her experiences on the orbiting laboratory. Stott returned to Earth aboard space shuttle Atlantis with the STS-129 crew. Main gear touchdown was at 9:44:23 a.m. EST. Nose gear touchdown was at 9:44:36 a.m., and wheels stop was at 9:45:05 a.m. STS-129 is the final time the shuttle is expected to rotate station crew members. For information on the Expedition crews, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

STS112-S-028 (18 October 2002) --- The main landing gear of the Space Shuttle Atlantis is seconds away from touchdown at the Shuttle Landing Facility, completing the 4.5-million-mile journey that included a week of work with the International Space Station. Main gear touchdown occurred at 11:43:40 a.m. (EDT), October 18, 2002; nose gear touchdown at 11:43:48 a.m.; and wheel stop at 11:44:35 a.m. Mission elapsed time was 10:19:58:44. Mission STS-112 expanded the size of the Station with the addition of the S1 truss segment. The STS-112 crew members of Atlantis are Jeffrey S. Ashby, commander; Pamela A. Melroy, pilot; and David A. Wolf, Piers J. Sellers, Sandra H. Magnus and Rosaviakosmos' Fyodor N. Yurchikhin, all mission specialists.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Accompanied by astronaut Kent Rominger (far left), STS-112 crew members head for the Astrovan after exiting the crew transport vehicle and greeting the spectators. In the center is Mission Specialist Fyodor Yurchikhin; at right is Mission Specialist David Wolf. The flawless landing of Atlantis on Runway 33 at KSC completed a 4.5-million-mile journey to the International Space Station. Main gear touchdown occurred at 11:43:40 a.m. EDT; nose gear touchdown at 11:43:48 a.m.; and wheel stop at 11:44:35 a.m. Mission elapsed time was 10:19:58:44. Mission STS-112 expanded the size of the Station with the addition of the S1 truss segment.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Atlantis kicks up dust as it touches down on runway 33 at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility after completing its 11-day mission to the International Space Station. Aboard is the STS-112 crew comprising Commander Jeffrey Ashby, Pilot Pamela Melroy and Mission Specialists David Wolf, Sandra Magnus, Piers Sellers and Fyodor Yurchikhin. Main gear touchdown occurred at 11:43:40 a.m. EDT; nose gear touchdown at 11:43:48 a.m.; and wheel stop at 11:44:35 a.m. Mission elapsed time was 10:19:58:44. STS-112 expanded the size of the Station with the addition of the S1 truss segment. This was the 60th landing at KSC in the history of the Shuttle program.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- As the STS-112 crew leaves the crew transport vehicle, they are greeted by mission managers and guests. The crew, from left, are Mission Specialists David Wolf, Fyodor Yurchikhin and Sandra Magnus; Pilot Pamela Melroy; Piers Sellers (talking to Acting Deputy Director JoAnn Morgan) and Commander Jeffrey Ashby (talking to Launch Director Mike Leinbach). Morgan is also Director of External Relations and Business Development. The crew returned to KSC after completing a 4.5-million-mile journey to the International Space Station. Main gear touchdown occurred at 11:43:40 a.m. EDT; nose gear touchdown at 11:43:48 a.m.; and wheel stop at 11:44:35 a.m. Mission elapsed time was 10:19:58:44. Mission STS-112 expanded the size of the Station with the addition of the S1 truss segment. .

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-112 crew clown for the camera in front of Atlantis after saying a few words about their 4.5-million-mile journey to the International Space Station. From left are Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus, Pilot Pamela Melroy, Commander Jeffrey Ashby, and Mission Specialists David Wolf, Fyodor Yurchikhin and Piers Sellers. The flawless landing of Space Shuttle Atlantis on Runway 33 at KSC completed the 10 day, 19 hour, 58 minute, 44 second- long mission. Main gear touchdown occurred at 11:43:40 a.m. EDT; nose gear touchdown at 11:43:48 a.m.; and wheel stop at 11:44:35 a.m. Mission STS-112 expanded the size of the Station with the addition of the S1 truss segment.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Flames flow from the solid rocket boosters as Space Shuttle Atlantis roars into the clear blue sky on launch of mission STS-110. Liftoff occurred at 4:44:19 p.m. EDT (20:41:19 GMT). Carrying the S0 Integrated Truss Structure and Mobile Transporter, STS-110 is the 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - STS-108 Pilot Mark E. Kelly settles into his seat aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour prior to a simulated launch countdown, which is part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT also includes emergency exit training from the orbiter. Launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-108 is scheduled for Nov. 29 at 7:44 p.m. EST

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-108 Pilot Mark E. Kelly (left) takes a seat in the slidewire basket while Commander Dominic L. Gorie climbs in at the front. The basket is part of the emergency egress system from the 195-foot level of the Fixed Service Structure on Launch Pad 39B. The training is part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities that also include a simulated launch countdown.. Launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-108 is scheduled for Nov. 29 at 7:44 p.m. EST

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A fish eye view captures the liftoff of Space Shuttle Atlantis from Launch Pad 39B. At left is the Fixed Service Structure and below the Shuttle is the Mobile Launcher Platform. In the background is the Atlantic Ocean. Liftoff of Atlantis on mission STS-110 occurred at 4:44:19 p.m. EDT (20:41:19 GMT). Carrying the S0 Integrated Truss Structure and Mobile Transporter, STS-110 is the 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Flames erupt from beneath the solid rocket boosters as Space Shuttle Atlantis begins climbing into the clear blue sky as it launches on mission STS-110. Liftoff occurred at 4:44:19 p.m. EDT (20:41:19 GMT). Carrying the S0 Integrated Truss Structure and Mobile Transporter, STS-110 is the 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Its tail of smoke twisting in the sky, Space Shuttle Atlantis roars into the sky on mission STS-110. Liftoff occurred at 4:44:19 p.m. EDT (20:41:19 GMT). Carrying the S0 Integrated Truss Structure and Mobile Transporter, STS-110 is the 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -Space Shuttle Atlantis soars above its trailing plume of smoke on mission STS-110. Liftoff occurred at 4:44:19 p.m. EDT (20:41:19 GMT). Carrying the S0 Integrated Truss Structure and Mobile Transporter, STS-110 is the 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-108 Mission Specialists Linda A. Godwin (left) and Daniel M. Tani (right) sit in the slidewire basket, part of the emergency egress system from the 195-foot level of the Fixed Service Structure on Launch Pad 39B. The training is part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities that also include a simulated launch countdown.. Launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-108 is scheduled for Nov. 29 at 7:44 p.m. EST

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Birds scatter around Launch Pad 39B as Space Shuttle Atlantis lifts off on mission STS-110. Liftoff occurred at 4:44:19 p.m. EDT (20:41:19 GMT). Carrying the S0 Integrated Truss Structure and Mobile Transporter, STS-110 is the 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Billows of smoke and steam roll across Launch Pad 39B as Space Shuttle Atlantis roars into the sky on mission STS-110. Liftoff occurred at 4:44:19 p.m. EDT (20:41:19 GMT). STS-110 is the 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station, carrying the S0 Integrated Truss Structure and Mobile Transporter

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Launch! Birds in the foreground seem oblivious to the fire and smoke as Space Shuttle Atlantis roars into the sky on mission STS-110. Liftoff occurred at 4:44:19 p.m. EDT (20:41:19 GMT). Carrying the S0 Integrated Truss Structure and Mobile Transporter, STS-110 is the 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As Space Shuttle Atlantis roars into the sky on mission STS-110, flames from the solid rocket boosters light up the water near Launch Pad 39B. Liftoff occurred at 4:44:19 p.m. EDT (20:41:19 GMT). Carrying the S0 Integrated Truss Structure and Mobile Transporter, STS-110 is the 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Billowing clouds of smoke and steam roll away from the launch pad while the water below captures the brilliance of the flames as Space Shuttle Atlantis soars above the lightning mast on mission STS-110. Liftoff occurred at 4:44:19 p.m. EDT (20:41:19 GMT). Carrying the S0 Integrated Truss Structure and Mobile Transporter, STS-110 is the 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis leaves Earth behind as it roars from Launch Pad 39B into the sky on mission STS-110. The brilliance of the flames from the solid rocket boosters is captured in the nearby water. Liftoff occurred at 4:44:19 p.m. EDT (20:41:19 GMT). Carrying the S0 Integrated Truss Structure and Mobile Transporter, STS-110 is the 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis seems surrounded by birds - most likely pelicans - as it roars into the clear blue sky on mission STS-110. Liftoff occurred at 4:44:19 p.m. EDT (20:41:19 GMT). Carrying the S0 Integrated Truss Structure and Mobile Transporter, STS-110 is the 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Birds - herons or storks -- in the area of Launch Pad 39B beat a swift retreat as Space Shuttle Atlantis roars into the sky on mission STS-110. Flames from the solid rocket boosters look like inverted torches. Liftoff occurred at 4:44:19 p.m. EDT (20:41:19 GMT). Carrying the S0 Integrated Truss Structure and Mobile Transporter, STS-110 is the 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis roars into the clear blue sky as it launches on mission STS-110. Liftoff occurred at 4:44:19 p.m. EDT (20:41:19 GMT). Carrying the S0 Integrated Truss Structure and Mobile Transporter, STS-110 is the 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - With billows of smoke and steam below, Space Shuttle Atlantis roars into the sky on mission STS-110. Liftoff occurred at 4:44:19 p.m. EDT (20:41:19 GMT). STS-110 is the 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station, carrying the S0 Integrated Truss Structure and Mobile Transporter

STS034-44-023 (20 Oct. 1989) --- The Southern Lights or Aurora Australis were photographed by the STS-34 crewmembers aboard the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Atlantis. From the Shuttle astronauts can photograph expanses of auroras, an advantage over scientists on Earth who can only get small sections at a time in a frame of photography. The space position allows for large-scale changes. This scene was one of 26 shown to the press by the five STS-34 crewmembers at their post-flight press conference.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Birds - herons or storks -- in the area of Launch Pad 39B are startled into flight as Space Shuttle Atlantis roars into the sky on mission STS-110. Flames from the solid rocket boosters look like inverted torches. Liftoff occurred at 4:44:19 p.m. EDT (20:41:19 GMT). Carrying the S0 Integrated Truss Structure and Mobile Transporter, STS-110 is the 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Space Shuttle Atlantis roars into the clear blue sky as it launches on mission STS-110. Liftoff occurred at 4:44:19 p.m. EDT (20:41:19 GMT). Carrying the S0 Integrated Truss Structure and Mobile Transporter, STS-110 is the 13th assembly flight to the International Space Statio

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Space Shuttle Atlantis clears the lightning mast as it hurtles into the afternoon sky from Launch Pad 39B on mission STS-110. The mast is on the top of the Fixed Service Structure. Flames from the solid rocket booster look like an inverted torch. Liftoff occurred at 4:44:19 p.m. EDT (20:41:19 GMT). Carrying the S0 Integrated Truss Structure and Mobile Transporter, STS-110 is the 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 Commander Charles O. Hobaugh comments on his successful mission for NASA Television. From left are Mission Specialists Leland Melvin and Mike Foreman; Hobaugh, at microphone; Mission Specialist Robert L. Satcher Jr.; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialist Randy Bresnik. Space shuttle Atlantis landed on Runway 33, completing the 4.5-million mile STS-129 mission to the International Space Station on orbit 171. Main gear touchdown was at 9:44:23 a.m. EST. Nose gear touchdown was at 9:44:36 a.m., and wheels stop was at 9:45:05 a.m. Expedition 20 and 21 Flight Engineer Nicole Stott, who spent 87 days aboard the station, also returned on Atlantis. STS-129 is the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight on the manifest. On STS-129, the crew delivered 14 tons of cargo to the orbiting laboratory, including two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers containing spare parts to sustain station operations after the shuttles are retired next year. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 Mission Specialists Robert L. Satcher Jr., left, and Randy Bresnik appear to march in cadence as they join their fellow crewmates for an appearance on NASA Television. Space shuttle Atlantis landed on Runway 33, completing the 4.5-million mile STS-129 mission to the International Space Station on orbit 171. Main gear touchdown was at 9:44:23 a.m. EST. Nose gear touchdown was at 9:44:36 a.m., and wheels stop was at 9:45:05 a.m. Expedition 20 and 21 Flight Engineer Nicole Stott, who spent 87 days aboard the International Space Station, also returned on Atlantis. STS-129 is the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight on the manifest. On STS-129, the crew delivered 14 tons of cargo to the orbiting laboratory, including two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers containing spare parts to sustain station operations after the shuttles are retired next year. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a receiving line of NASA managers and well-wishers congratulate the members of the STS-129 crew on a successful mission. In line from left, in the blue suits, are STS-129 Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; and Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik and Robert L. Satcher Jr. Looking on from the top of the stairs is astronaut Peggy Whitson, chief of the Astronaut Corps, who has spent a total of 377 days in space while a member of two Expedition crews on the International Space Station. Space shuttle Atlantis landed on Runway 33, completing the 4.5-million-mile STS-129 mission to the International Space Station on orbit 171. Main gear touchdown was at 9:44:23 a.m. EST. Nose gear touchdown was at 9:44:36 a.m., and wheels stop was at 9:45:05 a.m. On STS-129, the six-member crew delivered 14 tons of cargo to the orbiting laboratory, including two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers containing spare parts to sustain station operations after the shuttles are retired next year. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Standing under space shuttle Atlantis at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 NASA Test Director Steve Payne, left, discusses the newly completed mission with STS-129 Mission Specialist Mike Foreman, center, and NASA pilot Dick Clark. Atlantis touched down on Runway 33, completing the 4.5-million-mile STS-129 mission on orbit 171. Main gear touchdown was at 9:44:23 a.m. EST. Nose gear touchdown was at 9:44:36 a.m., and wheels stop was at 9:45:05 a.m. On STS-129, the six-member crew delivered 14 tons of cargo to the orbiting laboratory, including two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers containing spare parts to sustain station operations after the shuttles are retired next year. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-129 Commander Charles O. Hobaugh waves from the cockpit of space shuttle Atlantis following a picture-perfect landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. After 11 days in space, Atlantis completed the 4.5-million mile STS-129 mission on orbit 171. Main gear touchdown was at 9:44:23 a.m. EST. Nose gear touchdown was at 9:44:36 a.m., and wheels stop was at 9:45:05 a.m. Other crew members aboard Atlantis are Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.; and Expedition 20 and 21 Flight Engineer Nicole Stott who spent 87 days aboard the International Space Station. STS-129 is the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight on the manifest. On STS-129, the crew delivered 14 tons of cargo to the orbiting laboratory, including two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers containing spare parts to sustain station operations after the shuttles are retired next year. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jeff Wolfe

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-111 Mission Specialist Philippe Perrin (CNES) smiles during suitup for the scheduled liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour at 7:44 p.m. EDT. This is Perrin's first Shuttle flight. STS-111 is the second Utilization Flight to the International Space Station, carrying the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the Mobile Base System (MBS), and a replacement wrist/roll joint for the Canadarm 2. The MBS will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS. In addition, Expedition 5 is traveling on mission STS-111 to the International Space Station to replace the current resident crew, Expedition 4, who will return to Earth with the STS-111 crew

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-111 Pilot Paul Lockhart waits for his helmet during suitup for the scheduled liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour at 7:44 p.m. EDT. This is Lockhart's first Shuttle flight. STS-111 is the second Utilization Flight to the International Space Station, carrying the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the Mobile Base System (MBS), and a replacement wrist/roll joint for the Canadarm 2. The MBS will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS. In addition, Expedition 5 is traveling on mission STS-111 to the International Space Station to replace the current resident crew, Expedition 4, who will return to Earth with the STS-111 crew

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-111 Commander Kenneth Cockrell suits up for the scheduled liftoff of Space Shuttle Endeavour at 7:44 p.m. EDT. This is Cockrell's fifth Shuttle flight. STS-111 is the second Utilization Flight to the International Space Station, carrying the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Leonardo, the Mobile Base System (MBS), and a replacement wrist/roll joint for the Canadarm 2. The MBS will be installed on the Mobile Transporter to complete the Canadian Mobile Servicing System, or MSS. In addition, Expedition 5 is traveling on mission STS-111 to the International Space Station to replace the current resident crew, Expedition 4, who will return to Earth with the STS-111 crew

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - A fire and rescue truck is in place beside Runway 33 if needed to support the landing of space shuttle Atlantis at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. After 11 days in space, Atlantis completed the 4.5-million mile STS-129 mission on orbit 171. Main gear touchdown was at 9:44:23 a.m. EST. Nose gear touchdown was at 9:44:36 a.m., and wheels stop was at 9:45:05 a.m. Aboard Atlantis are Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.; and Expedition 20 and 21 Flight Engineer Nicole Stott who spent 87 days aboard the International Space Station. STS-129 is the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight on the manifest. On STS-129, the crew delivered 14 tons of cargo to the orbiting laboratory, including two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers containing spare parts to sustain station operations after the shuttles are retired next year. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Streams of smoke trail from the main landing gear tires as space shuttle Atlantis touches down on Runway 33 at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida after 11 days in space, completing the 4.5-million-mile STS-129 mission on orbit 171. Main gear touchdown was at 9:44:23 a.m. EST. Nose gear touchdown was at 9:44:36 a.m., and wheels stop was at 9:45:05 a.m. Aboard Atlantis are Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.; and Expedition 20 and 21 Flight Engineer Nicole Stott who spent 87 days aboard the International Space Station. STS-129 is the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight on the manifest. On STS-129, the crew delivered 14 tons of cargo to the orbiting laboratory, including two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers containing spare parts to sustain station operations after the shuttles are retired next year. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Carl Winebarger

PHOTO CREDIT: NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The drag chute unfurls to slow space shuttle Atlantis for landing on Runway 33 at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida after 11 days in space, completing the 4.5-million mile STS-129 mission on orbit 171. Main gear touchdown was at 9:44:23 a.m. EDT. Nose gear touchdown was at 9:44:36 a.m., and wheels stop was at 9:45:05 a.m. Aboard Atlantis are Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.; and Expedition 20 and 21 Flight Engineer Nicole Stott who spent 87 days aboard the International Space Station. STS-129 is the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight on the manifest. On STS-129, the crew delivered 14 tons of cargo to the orbiting laboratory, including two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers containing spare parts to sustain station operations after the shuttles are retired next year. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Space shuttle Atlantis' main landing gear tires near contact with Runway 33 at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida after 11 days in space, completing the 4.5-million mile STS-129 mission on orbit 171. Main gear touchdown was at 9:44:23 a.m. EST. Nose gear touchdown was at 9:44:36 a.m., and wheels stop was at 9:45:05 a.m. Aboard Atlantis are Commander Charles O. Hobaugh; Pilot Barry E. Wilmore; Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Randy Bresnik, Mike Foreman and Robert L. Satcher Jr.; and Expedition 20 and 21 Flight Engineer Nicole Stott who spent 87 days aboard the International Space Station. STS-129 is the final space shuttle Expedition crew rotation flight on the manifest. On STS-129, the crew delivered 14 tons of cargo to the orbiting laboratory, including two ExPRESS Logistics Carriers containing spare parts to sustain station operations after the shuttles are retired next year. For information on the STS-129 mission and crew, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Carl Winebarger