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

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.

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

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.

Metro High School Student Anthony Springer talks during the NASA Future Forum Inspiration and Education Panel at The Ohio State University on Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, in Columbus, Ohio. The NASA Future Forum features panel discussions on the importance of education to our nation's future in space, the benefit of commercialized space technology to our economy and lives here on Earth, and the shifting roles for the public, commercial and international communities in space. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

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

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).

Astronaut Robert Springer congratulates who earned a medal in the 1-mile Fun Run during the Summer Moon Festival, Wapakoneta, Ohio, Apollo 11 Moon Landing 50th Anniversary, Run To The Moon Race

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.

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

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

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

Sonja Belcher and Zach Springer show some of what they would do during a flight mission at a Telemetry and Radar Acquisition Processing System at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-38 flight crew disembark from the orbiter Atlantis after a successful landing at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility. From bottom up are Commander Richard Covey, Pilot Frank Culbertson and Mission Specialists Robert Springer, Charles Gemar and Carl Meade.

Retired NASA astronaut Bob Springer talks with guests during "Lunch with an Astronaut" at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, on Nov. 7, 2018. Top scholars from Brevard County high schools also had a chance to talk with Springer and hear his presentation. The seniors were invited to Kennedy Space Center for a tour of facilities, lunch and a roundtable discussion with engineers, scientists and business experts at the center. The 2018 Brevard Top Scholars event was hosted by the center's Academic Engagement Office to honor the top three scholars of the 2018-2019 graduating student class from each of Brevard County’s public high schools. The students received a personalized certificate of recognition at the end of the day.

STS029-S-064 (18 Mar 1989) --- A rear view photographed from the ground just after Discovery's main landing gear touches down on Runway 22 at Edwards Air Force Base in California following a successful five-day mission in Earth orbit. Onboard the spacecraft were Astronauts Michael L. Coats, John E. Blaha, James F. Buchli, Robert C. Springer and James P. Bagian. Wheels came to a stop at 6:36:40 a.m. (PST), March 18, 1989.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA Astronaut Kay Hire and former NASA Astronauts Sam Durrance and Bob Springer take a moment to converse on a very warm, sunny Florida afternoon while attending the 30th anniversary celebration in honor of the Space Shuttle Program's first shuttle launch. The event is being held at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The celebration followed an announcement by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden where the four orbiters will be placed for permanent display after retirement. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

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

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.

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.

S89-27384 (5 Jan 1989) --- Astronauts James P. Bagian, left, and Robert C. Springer inspect a portion of the first stage of the Inertial Upper Stage (IUS-9) in a test cell of the KSC vertical processing facility. The two, along with three other NASA astronauts, will fly aboard Discovery and are responsible for the deployment of the tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS).

S88-44514 (13 Aug 1988) --- Student experimenter John C. Vellinger, left, explains components of an incubator used in his experiment to be carried onboard the Discovery for NASA's STS-29 mission next year. Mark S. Deusser, representing the sponsoring organization, holds up the incubator for inspection by members of the STS-29 crew who will monitor in-space operation of the experiment, titled "Chicken Embryo Development in Space." Astronaut Robert C. Springer is partially visible in lower right foreground. The student's sponsor is Kentucky Fried Chicken.

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.

Jesus Vazquez, Zach Springer and Sonja Belcher, from left, are at stations in the Mobile Operations Facility 5 at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California. The mobile station support included the Pad Abort-1 test of the Orion Launch Abort System at White Sands, New Mexico, the first Dream Chaser air launch and most recently supported the TigerShark remotely piloted aircraft for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration in the National Airspace System flights.

Astronaut Sherwood Springer prepares for an underwater test at Weightless Environment Training Facility (WETF) in response to the discovery of problems with the 04/13 deployed Syncom IV (LEASAT) communications satellite. Activities, Bldg. 29, WETF for the STS-23/51D Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Simulation for Syncom IV, 04/14/1985. 1. Shuttle - Simulation (SYNCOM IV) 2. Astronaut Jerry L. Ross - Simulation (SYNCOM) 3. Astronaut Sherwood C. Spring - Simulation (SYNCOM IV) JSC, Houston, TX

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

S89-27380 (15 Dec 1988) --- The 155-ft. long external fuel tank (ET) is slowly lowered for mating with the twin solid rocket boosters (SRB) in Bay 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at KSC, as preparations continue for a March 1989 launch of Discovery. Primary payload for the mission will be the tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS-D). Crewmembers are astronauts Michael L. Coats, John E. Blaha, James F. Buchli, Robert C. Springer and James P. Bagain.

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

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Director Jody Singer looks solemnly toward a display honoring the crews of space shuttle Columbia STS-107, space shuttle Challenger STS-51L and Apollo 1 during the center's Day of Remembrance ceremony Feb. 7. Singer, former astronaut Jan Davis, and Marshall Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate Director Rick Burt, spoke at the annual ceremony, which honors those who lost their lives in the quest of space exploration and those who dedicated their lives to space exploration. The ceremony concluded with Singer lighting a candle in memory of the honorees and a moment of silence led by Johnny Stephenson, director of the Office of Strategic Analysis & Communications.

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

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

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

Retired NASA astronaut Bob Springer, center, takes a photograph with top scholars from Brevard County high schools near the Rocket Garden at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, on Nov. 7, 2018. The high school seniors were invited to Kennedy Space Center for a tour of facilities, lunch and a roundtable discussion with engineers, scientists and business experts at the center. The 2018 Brevard Top Scholars event was hosted by the center's Academic Engagement Office to honor the top three scholars of the 2018-2019 graduating student class from each of Brevard County’s public high schools. The students received a personalized certificate of recognition at the end of the day.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, Buddy Valastro from Carlo's Bakery (Cake Boss) speaks to the guests about his tribute to the workforce and NASA's successful Space Shuttle Program in the form of a space shuttle cake to celebrate the Program's 30th anniversary. Alongside Valastro is, from right, former NASA Astronauts Bob Springer and Sam Durrance; NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana and Rita Willcoxon, Launch Vehicle Processing director. The celebration followed an announcement by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden where the four orbiters will be placed for permanent display after retirement. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

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

Retired NASA astronaut Bob Springer, standing in front, talks to high school students during "Lunch with an Astronaut" on Nov. 7, 2018, at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Top scholars from Brevard County public high schools were invited to Kennedy Space Center for a tour of facilities, lunch and a roundtable discussion with engineers, scientists and business experts at the center. The 2018 Brevard Top Scholars event was hosted by the center's Academic Engagement Office to honor the top three scholars of the 2018-2019 graduating student class from each of Brevard County’s public high schools. The students received a personalized certificate of recognition at the end of the day.

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

Retired NASA astronaut Bob Springer talks with students from Brevard County high schools during "Lunch with an Astronaut" at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, on Nov. 7, 2018. The high school seniors were invited to Kennedy Space Center for a tour of facilities, lunch and a roundtable discussion with engineers, scientists and business experts at the center. The 2018 Brevard Top Scholars event was hosted by the center's Academic Engagement Office to honor the top three scholars of the 2018-2019 graduating student class from each of Brevard County’s public high schools. The students received a personalized certificate of recognition at the end of the day.

Astronauts Jerry L. Ross (left) and Sherwood Springer (center), look over a foot restraint like that on the currently orbiting Shuttle Discovery. At right is Astronaut Bruce McCandless II. Activities, Bldg. 29, Weightless Environment Training Facility (WETF) for the STS-23/51D Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Simulation for Syncom IV, 04/14/1985. 1. SHUTTLE - SIMULATION (SYNCOM IV) 2. ASTRONAUT ROSS, JERRY L. - SIMULATION (SYNCOM) 3. ASTRONAUT SPRING, SHERWOOD C. - SIMULATION (SYNCOM IV) JSC, HOUSTON, TX

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KWAJALEIN ATOLL, S. Pacific – The Orbital Sciences L-1011 carrier aircraft arrives at Kwajalein Atoll Oct. 12, 2008, with the Pegasus XL rocket and the Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX. The two-day ferry flight began from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on Oct. 11. After an overnight stopover in Hawaii, the ferry flight to the South Pacific continued. Launch of IBEX aboard the Pegasus XL rocket successfully occurred over the Pacific Ocean Oct. 19 at a location 125 miles north of Kwajalein. Photo credit: Ivy Springer

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

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

S89-28110 (3 Feb 1989) ---The Space Shuttle Discovery, atop a mobile launch platform, is rolled toward Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39-B on Feb. 3, l989. It rolled through the doors of the huge vehicle assembly building (VAB) at 6 a.m.,several hours ago. The Launch Complex is in view here. The trip to the pad takes approximately 5 and 1/2 hours. Onboard the spacecraft in mid-March for a five-day mission, on which will be deployed a third tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS-D), will be Astronauts Michael L. Coats, John E. Blaha, James F. Buchli, James P. Bagian and Robert C. Springer.

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

S89-28111 (3 Feb 1989) --- The Space Shuttle Discovery, atop a mobile launch platform, is rolled through the doors of the huge vehicle assembly building (VAB) at 6 a.m., Feb. 3, 1989 on its way to Launch Complex 39. The trip to the pad takes approximately 5 and 1/2 hours. Onboard the spacecraft in mid-March for a five-day mission, on which will be deployed a third tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS-D), will be Astronauts Michael L. Coats, John E. Blaha, James F. Buchli, James P. Bagian and Robert C. Springer.

Retired NASA astronaut Bob Springer is the presenter during "Lunch with an Astronaut" on Nov. 7, 2018, at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. Top scholars from Brevard County public high schools were invited to Kennedy Space Center for a tour of facilities, lunch and a roundtable discussion with engineers, scientists and business experts at the center. The 2018 Brevard Top Scholars event was hosted by the center's Academic Engagement Office to honor the top three scholars of the 2018-2019 graduating student class from each of Brevard County’s public high schools. The students received a personalized certificate of recognition at the end of the day.

Retired NASA astronaut Bob Springer, at left, talks with students from Brevard County high schools during "Lunch with an Astronaut" at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida, on Nov. 7, 2018. The high school seniors were invited to Kennedy Space Center for a tour of facilities, lunch and a roundtable discussion with engineers, scientists and business experts at the center. The 2018 Brevard Top Scholars event was hosted by the center's Academic Engagement Office to honor the top three scholars of the 2018-2019 graduating student class from each of Brevard County’s public high schools. The students received a personalized certificate of recognition at the end of the day.

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

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

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

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

The Dryden Aeronautical Test Range staff at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California monitor all aircraft flights from the center as well as supporting the International Space Station and Russian Soyuz missions. Sitting from left to right are Bailey Cook, Lucio Ortiz, Matt Kearns, Sonja Belcher, John Batchelor, Jeff Koenig, Will Peters, Russ Franz, Zack Springer and Mike Webb. Standing left to right are Joy Bland, Doug Boston, April Norcross, Randy Torres, Robert Racicot, Jesus Vazquez, Jim Abercromby, Steve Simison, Tracy Ackeret, Chris Birkinbine, Darryl Burkes, Joe Innis, Bruce Lipe, Pat Ray, Kevin Knutson, Greg Strombo, Bart Rusnak, Tim Burt, Al Guajardo, Feras, Abu-Issa and Hector Rodriquez.