KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-120 Mission Specialist Doug Wheelock has his helmet fitted on his launch and entry suit, preparing for launch. The fitting is part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities the crew is undertaking at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT also includes emergency egress procedures, equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-120, which will carry the Italian-built U.S. Node 2 to the International Space Station, is targeted for launch on Oct. 23. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-120 Mission Specialist Paolo Nespoli has his helmet fitted on his launch and entry suit, preparing for launch. The fitting is part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities the crew is undertaking at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT also includes emergency egress procedures, equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-120, which will carry the Italian-built U.S. Node 2 to the International Space Station, is targeted for launch on Oct. 23. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-120 Mission Specialist Daniel Tani has his helmet adjusted during fitting of his launch and entry suit. The fitting is part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities the crew is undertaking at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT also includes emergency egress procedures, equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-120, which will carry the Italian-built U.S. Node 2 to the International Space Station, is targeted for launch on Oct. 23. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-120 Mission Specialist Stephanie Wilson has her helmet adjusted during fitting of her launch and entry suit. The fitting is part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities the crew is undertaking at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT also includes emergency egress procedures, equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-120, which will carry the Italian-built U.S. Node 2 to the International Space Station, is targeted for launch on Oct. 23. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-120 Mission Specialist Daniel Tani tries on his helmet with his launch and entry suit, preparing for launch. The fitting is part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities the crew is undertaking at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT also includes emergency egress procedures, equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-120, which will carry the Italian-built U.S. Node 2 to the International Space Station, is targeted for launch on Oct. 23. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-120 Mission Specialist Doug Wheelock tries on his launch and entry suit to prepare for launch. The fitting is part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities the crew is undertaking at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT also includes emergency egress procedures, equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-120, which will carry the Italian-built U.S. Node 2 to the International Space Station, is targeted for launch on Oct. 23. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-120 Mission Specialist Stephanie Wilson tries on her launch and entry suit, preparing for launch. The fitting is part of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities the crew is undertaking at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The TCDT also includes emergency egress procedures, equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-120, which will carry the Italian-built U.S. Node 2 to the International Space Station, is targeted for launch on Oct. 23. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As part of pre-pack and fit check for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities, STS-114 Mission Specialist Charles Camarda has his launch suit checked for fit. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight. It provides the crew of each mission an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The test ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cutoff. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the launch pad. STS-114 is the first Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station. The launch window extends July 13 through July 31.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang checks the fit of his helmet during suit fit-check, part of the prelaunch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. Fuglesang represents the European Space Agency. The STS-116 mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam checks the fit of his helmet during suit fit-check, part of the prelaunch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-116 mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam checks the fit of his helmet during suit fit-check, part of the prelaunch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-116 mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick checks the fit of his gloves during suit fit-check, part of the prelaunch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-116 mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As part of pre-pack and fit check for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities, STS-114 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas has his launch suit checked for fit. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight. It provides the crew of each mission an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The test ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cutoff. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the launch pad. STS-114 is the first Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station. The launch window extends July 13 through July 31.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As part of pre-pack and fit check for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities, STS-114 Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson has his launch suit checked for fit. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight. It provides the crew of each mission an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The test ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cutoff. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the launch pad. STS-114 is the first Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station. The launch window extends July 13 through July 31.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang checks his helmet during suit fit-check, part of the prelaunch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. Fuglesang represents the European Space Agency. The STS-116 mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As part of pre-pack and fit check for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities, STS-114 Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson signals okay for his launch suit check. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight. It provides the crew of each mission an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The test ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cutoff. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the launch pad. STS-114 is the first Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station. The launch window extends July 13 through July 31.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As part of pre-pack and fit check for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities, STS-114 Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence has her boot checked. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight. It provides the crew of each mission an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The test ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cutoff. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the launch pad. STS-114 is the first Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station. The launch window extends July 13 through July 31.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Commander Rick Sturckow checks the fit of his launch suit and helmet, part of pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault checks the fit of his launch suit and helmet, part of pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist Danny Olivas has donned his launch suit for a fit check, part of the pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist Danny Olivas has donned his launch suit for a fit check, part of the pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist Steven Swanson checks the fit of his launch suit and helmet, part of pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist Patrick Forrester has donned his launch suit for a fit check, part of the pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick is helped putting on his helmet during suit fit-check, part of the prelaunch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-116 mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist James Reilly has donned his launch suit and helmet for a fit check, part of the pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 Mission Specialist Barbara R. Morgan checks the fit of her helmet during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities, a dress rehearsal for launch. TCDT activities include the M-113 training, payload familiarization, emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown. The STS-118 payload aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour includes the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Joan Higginbotham has donned her complete launch suit to check the fit, part of the prelaunch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-116 mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault checks the fit of his launch suit and helmet, part of pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist Patrick Forrester has donned his launch suit and helmet for a fit check, part of the pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Commander Rick Sturckow checks the fit of his launch suit and helmet, part of pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As part of pre-pack and fit check for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities, STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi tries on his helmet. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight. It provides the crew of each mission an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The test ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cutoff. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the launch pad. STS-114 is the first Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station. The launch window extends July 13 through July 31.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Joan Higginbotham has donned her complete launch suit to check the fit, part of the prelaunch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-116 mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As part of pre-pack and fit check for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities, STS-114 Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence tries on her helmet. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight. It provides the crew of each mission an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The test ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cutoff. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the launch pad. STS-114 is the first Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station. The launch window extends July 13 through July 31.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As part of pre-pack and fit check for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities, STS-114 Commander Eileen Collins examines glasses that will be on the flight. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight. It provides the crew of each mission an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The test ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cutoff. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the launch pad. STS-114 is the first Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station. The launch window extends July 13 through July 31.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As part of pre-pack and fit check for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities, STS-114 Pilot Jim Kelly looks at equipment that will be on the flight. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight. It provides the crew of each mission an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The test ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cutoff. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the launch pad. STS-114 is the first Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station. The launch window extends July 13 through July 31.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As part of pre-pack and fit check for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities, STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi tries on his helmet. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight. It provides the crew of each mission an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The test ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cutoff. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the launch pad. STS-114 is the first Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station. The launch window extends July 13 through July 31.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As part of pre-pack and fit check for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities, STS-114 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas tries on his helmet. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight. It provides the crew of each mission an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The test ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cutoff. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the launch pad. STS-114 is the first Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station. The launch window extends July 13 through July 31.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist Andrew Feustel tries on his helmet to check the fit. Feustel will be making his first shuttle launch. The crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch on space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and a launch countdown. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist Steven Swanson has donned his launch suit for a fit check, part of the pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Mission Specialist James Reilly has donned his launch suit for a fit check, part of the pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown.The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Mission STS-117 Commander Rick Sturckow checks the fit of his launch suit and helmet, part of pre-launch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-117 mission is No. 21 to the International Space Station. Mission payloads aboard Atlantis include the S3/S4 integrated truss structure, a third set of solar arrays and batteries. The crew of six astronauts will install the truss to continue assembly of the station. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 15. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Sunita Williams is enthusiastic about donning her launch suit to check the fit, including the helmet, which is part of the prelaunch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-116 mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As part of pre-pack and fit check for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities, STS-114 Mission Specialist Soichi Noguchi tries on his launch suit. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight. It provides the crew of each mission an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The test ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cutoff. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the launch pad. STS-114 is the first Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station. The launch window extends July 13 through July 31.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Sunita Williams checks the fit of her launch suit, part of the prelaunch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-116 mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick has donned his launch suit for a fit-check, part of the prelaunch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-116 mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang checks the fit of his launch suit, part of the prelaunch preparations during terminal countdown demonstration test (TCDT) activities. The mission crew is at KSC for the TCDT, which includes a simulated launch countdown. The STS-116 mission is No. 20 to the International Space Station and construction flight 12A.1. The mission payload is the SPACEHAB module, the P5 integrated truss structure and other key components. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than Dec. 7. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - As part of pre-pack and fit check for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities, STS-114 Mission Specialist Stephen Robinson has various elements of his launch suit and helmet checked. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight. It provides the crew of each mission an opportunity to participate in simulated countdown activities. The test ends with a mock launch countdown culminating in a simulated main engine cutoff. The crew also spends time undergoing emergency egress training exercises at the launch pad. STS-114 is the first Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station. The launch window extends July 13 through July 31.

STS-106 Mission Specialist Yuri I. Malenchenko, with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency, has his launch and entry suit checked as part of fit check during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities (TCDT). The TCDT also provides emergency egress training, simulated countdown exercises and opportunities for the crew to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter’s payload bay. STS-106 is scheduled to launch Sept. 8, 2000, at 8:31 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B. On the 11-day mission, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed “Expedition One,” is due to arrive at the Station in late fall

STS-106 Mission Specialist Edward T. Lu has his launch and entry suit adjusted during fit check, part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities (TCDT). The TCDT also provides emergency egress training, simulated countdown exercises and opportunities for the crew to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter’s payload bay. STS-106 is scheduled to launch Sept. 8, 2000, at 8:31 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B. On the 11-day mission, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed “Expedition One,” is due to arrive at the Station in late fall

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist Mike Massimino tries on his helmet to check the fit. Massimino will be making is second shuttle launch. His name patch reflects the nicknames the crew gave each other. The crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch on space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and a launch countdown. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-104 Mission Specialist Janet Lynn Kavandi looks at nearby crew members during suit and fit check during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities at KSC. The TCDT provides the crew with emergency egress training, opportunities to inspect their mission payloads in Space Shuttle Atlantis’s payload bay, and simulated countdown exercises. Other crew members participating are Commander Steven W. Lindsey, Pilot Charles O. Hobaugh and Mission Specialists Michael L. Gernhardt and James F. Reilly. The launch of Atlantis on mission STS-104 is scheduled no earlier than July 12 from Launch Pad 39B. The mission is the 10th flight to the International Space Station and carries the Joint Airlock Module

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Pilot Gregory C. Johnson tries on his helmet for a fit check. Johnson will be making his first shuttle launch. His name patch reflects his military “call sign.” The crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch on space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and a launch countdown. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

STS-106 Mission Specialist Richard A. Mastracchio has his helmet equipment adjusted during fit check, part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities (TCDT). The TCDT also provides emergency egress training, simulated countdown exercises and opportunities for the crew to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter’s payload bay. STS-106 is scheduled to launch Sept. 8, 2000, at 8:31 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B. On the 11-day mission, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed “Expedition One,” is due to arrive at the Station in late fall

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Expedition Three Commander Frank Culbertson happily sits through suit fit check as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. He and fellow crew members Vladimir Nikolaevich Dezhurov and Mikhail Tyurin, both with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency, are taking part in the TCDT along with the STS-105 crew: Commander Scott Horowitz, Pilot Rick Sturckow, and Mission Specialists Daniel Barry and Patrick Forrester. The TCDT also includes emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-105 will be transporting the Expedition Three crew, several payloads and scientific experiments to the International Space Station aboard Space Shuttle Discovery. The current Expedition Two crew members on the Station will return to Earth on Discovery. Launch of Discovery is scheduled no earlier than Aug. 9, 2001

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Expedition Three crew member Vladimir Nikolaevich Dezhurov undergoes suit fit check as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. He and fellow crew members Commander Frank Culbertson and Mikhail Tyurin are taking part in the TCDT along with the STS-105 crew: Commander Scott Horowitz, Pilot Rick Sturckow, and Mission Specialists Daniel Barry and Patrick Forrester. Dezhurov and Tyurin are both with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. The TCDT also includes emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-105 will be transporting the Expedition Three crew, several payloads and scientific experiments to the International Space Station aboard Space Shuttle Discovery. The current Expedition Two crew members on the Station will return to Earth on Discovery. Launch of Discovery is scheduled no earlier than Aug. 9, 2001

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist John Grunsfeld tries on his helmet to check the fit. A veteran in space, Grunsfeld will be making his fifth shuttle launch. His name patch reflects the nicknames the crew gave each other. The crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch on space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and a launch countdown. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Expedition Three crew member Mikhail Tyurin undergoes suit fit check as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. He and fellow crew members Commander Frank Culbertson and Vladimir Nikolaevich Dezhurov are taking part in the TCDT along with the STS-105 crew: Commander Scott Horowitz, Pilot Rick Sturckow, and Mission Specialists Daniel Barry and Patrick Forrester. Dezhurov and Tyurin are both with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. The TCDT also includes emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-105 will be transporting the Expedition Three crew, several payloads and scientific experiments to the International Space Station aboard Space Shuttle Discovery. The current Expedition Two crew members on the Station will return to Earth on Discovery. Launch of Discovery is scheduled no earlier than Aug. 9, 2001

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist Michael Good tries on his launch-and-entry suit to check the fit. Good will be making his first shuttle launch. His name patch reflects the nicknames the crew gave each other. The crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch on space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and a launch countdown. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Pilot Gregory C. Johnson tries on his helmet for a fit check. Johnson will be making his first shuttle launch. His name patch reflects his military “call sign.” The crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch on space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and a launch countdown. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist John Grunsfeld tries on his launch-and-entry suit to check the fit. A veteran in space, Grunsfeld will be making his fifth shuttle launch. His name patch reflects the nicknames the crew gave each other. The crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch on space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and a launch countdown. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-104 Mission Specialist James F. Reilly is happy to be going through suit and fit check during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities at KSC. The TCDT provides the crew with emergency egress training, opportunities to inspect their mission payloads in Space Shuttle Atlantis’s payload bay, and simulated countdown exercises. Other crew members participating are Commander Steven W. Lindsey, Pilot Charles O. Hobaugh and Mission Specialists Janet Lynn Kavandi and Michael L. Gernhardt. The launch of Atlantis on mission STS-104 is scheduled no earlier than July 12 from Launch Pad 39B. The mission is the 10th flight to the International Space Station and carries the Joint Airlock Module

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist Megan McArthur tries on her helmet for a fit check. McArthur will be making her first shuttle launch. Her name patch reflects the nicknames the crew gave each other. The crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch on space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and a launch countdown. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

STS-106 Mission Specialist Daniel C. Burbank gets ready to put on his helmet, as part of fit check during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities (TCDT). The TCDT also provides emergency egress training, simulated countdown exercises and opportunities for the crew to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter’s payload bay. STS-106 is scheduled to launch Sept. 8, 2000, at 8:31 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B. On the 11-day mission, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed “Expedition One,” is due to arrive at the Station in late fall

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist Michael Good tries on his helmet to check the fit. Good will be making his first shuttle launch. His name patch reflects the nicknames the crew gave each other. The crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch on space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and a launch countdown. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist Megan McArthur tries on her launch-and-entry suit to check the fit. McArthur will be making her first shuttle launch. Her name patch reflects the nicknames the crew gave each other. The crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch on space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and a launch countdown. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

STS-106 Mission Specialist Boris Morukov has his helmet adjusted during fit check, part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities (TCDT). The TCDT also provides emergency egress training, simulated countdown exercises and opportunities for the crew to inspect the mission payloads in the orbiter’s payload bay. STS-106 is scheduled to launch Sept. 8, 2000, at 8:31 a.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39B. On the 11-day mission, the seven-member crew will perform support tasks on orbit, transfer supplies and prepare the living quarters in the newly arrived Zvezda Service Module. The first long-duration crew, dubbed “Expedition One,” is due to arrive at the Station in late fall

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Commander Scott Altman tries on his helmet for a fit check. A veteran in space, Altman will be making his fourth shuttle launch. His name patch reflects his military “call sign.” The crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch on space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and a launch countdown. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-104 Mission Specialist Michael L. Gernhardt has suit and fit check during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities at KSC. The TCDT provides the crew with emergency egress training, opportunities to inspect their mission payloads in Space Shuttle Atlantis’s payload bay, and simulated countdown exercises. Other crew members participating are Commander Steven W. Lindsey, Pilot Charles O. Hobaugh and Mission Specialists Janet Lynn Kavandi and James F. Reilly. The launch of Atlantis on mission STS-104 is scheduled no earlier than July 12 from Launch Pad 39B. The mission is the 10th flight to the International Space Station and carries the Joint Airlock Module

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - STS-125 Mission Specialist Mike Massimino tries on his launch-and-entry suit to check the fit. Massimino will be making is second shuttle launch. His name patch reflects the nicknames the crew gave each other. The crew is at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to take part in terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch on space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and a launch countdown. Atlantis is targeted to launch Oct. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

STS-88 Mission Commander Robert D. Cabana suits up in the Operations and Checkout Building prior, as part of flight crew equipment fit check, to his trip to Launch Pad 39A. He is helped by suit tech (right) Lloyd Armintor and an unidentified KSC worker. The crew are at KSC to participate in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) which includes mission familiarization activities, emergency egress training, and the simulated main engine cut-off exercise. This is Cabana's fourth space flight. Mission STS-88 is targeted for launch on Dec. 3, 1998. It is the first U.S. flight for the assembly of the International Space Station and will carry the Unity connecting module

In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-92 Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy has her new launch and entry suit adjusted during fit check. Melroy and the rest of the crew are at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT provides emergency egress training, simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payload. This mission will be Melroy’s first Shuttle flight. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program

STS-88 Mission Specialist James H. Newman (left) suits up in the Operations and Checkout Building, as part of flight crew equipment fit check, prior to his trip to Launch Pad 39A. He is helped by suit tech Terri McKinney. The crew are at KSC to participate in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) which includes mission familiarization activities, emergency egress training, and the simulated main engine cut-off exercise. This is Newman's third space flight. Mission STS-88 is targeted for launch on Dec. 3, 1998. It is the first U.S. flight for the assembly of the International Space Station and will carry the Unity connecting module

In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-92 Mission Specialist Leroy Chiao has his launch and entry suit adjusted during fit check. Chiao and the rest of the crew are at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT provides emergency egress training, simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payload. This mission will be Chiao’s third Shuttle flight. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program

During pre-pack and fit check on his launch and entry suit, STS-92 Commander Brian Duffy adjusts his helmet. Duffy and the rest of the crew are at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT provides emergency egress training, simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payload. This mission will be Duffy’s fourth Shuttle flight. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program

STS-88 Pilot Frederick W. "Rick" Sturckow suits up in the Operations and Checkout Building, as part of flight crew equipment fit check, prior to his trip to Launch Pad 39A. He is helped by suit tech Terri McKinney. The crew are at KSC to participate in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) which includes mission familiarization activities, emergency egress training, and the simulated main engine cut-off exercise. This is Sturckow's first space flight. Mission STS-88 is targeted for launch on Dec. 3, 1998. It is the first U.S. flight for the assembly of the International Space Station and will carry the Unity connecting module

STS-88 Mission Specialist Jerry L. Ross (right) suits up in the Operations and Checkout Building, as part of a flight crew equipment fit check, prior to his trip to Launch Pad 39A. He is helped by suit tech Leonard Groce II. The STS-88 crew is at KSC to participate in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) which includes mission familiarization activities, emergency egress training, and a simulated launch countdown. This is Ross' sixth space flight. Mission STS-88 is targeted for launch on Dec. 3, 1998. It is the first U.S. flight for the assembly of the International Space Station and will carry the Unity connecting module

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-108 Commander Dominic L. Gorie gets help with his helmet during suit and pre-pack fit check. Gorie and other crew members are preparing to take part in a simulated launch countdown, part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT also includes emergency exit training from the orbiter and launch pad. STS-108 is a Utilization Flight that will carry the replacement Expedition 4 crew to the International Space Station, as well as the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, filled with supplies and equipment. The l1-day mission is scheduled for launch Nov. 29 on Space Shuttle Endeavour

The “rookie” on the STS-92 mission, Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy has her new launch and entry suit adjusted during pre-pack and fit check in the Operations and Checkout Building. Melroy and the rest of the crew are at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT provides emergency egress training, simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payload. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program

STS-88 Mission Specialist Nancy J. Currie suits up in the Operations and Checkout Building, as part of flight crew equipment fit check, prior to her trip to Launch Pad 39A. She is helped by suit tech Drew Billingsley. The crew are at KSC to participate in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) which includes mission familiarization activities, emergency egress training, and the simulated main engine cut-off exercise. This is Currie's third space flight. Mission STS-88 is targeted for launch on Dec. 3, 1998. It is the first U.S. flight for the assembly of the International Space Station and will carry the Unity connecting module

In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-92 Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy has her new launch and entry suit adjusted during fit check. Melroy and the rest of the crew are at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT provides emergency egress training, simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payload. This mission will be Melroy’s first Shuttle flight. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program

During pre-pack and fit check, STS-92 Commander Brian Duffy tests his launch and entry suit for comfort and ease while sitting. This mission will be Duffy’s fourth Shuttle flight. He and the rest of the crew are at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT provides emergency egress training, simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payload. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program

STS-88 Mission Specialist Sergei Konstantinovich Krikalev, a Russian cosmonaut, suits up in the Operations and Checkout Building, as part of a flight crew equipment fit check, prior to his trip to Launch Pad 39A. He is helped by suit tech George Brittingham. The STS-88 crew is at KSC to participate in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) which includes mission familiarization activities, emergency egress training, and a simulated launch countdown. This is Krikalev's second flight on the Space Shuttle. Mission STS-88 is targeted for launch on Dec. 3, 1998. It is the first U.S. flight for the assembly of the International Space Station and will carry the Unity connecting module

During pre-pack and fit check on his launch and entry suit, STS-92 Commander Brian Duffy adjusts his helmet. Duffy and the rest of the crew are at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT provides emergency egress training, simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payload. This mission will be Duffy’s fourth Shuttle flight. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, STS-110 Mission Specialist Rex Walheim has his launch and entry suit checked for fit. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide flight crews an opportunity to participate in simulated launch countdown activities. Scheduled for launch April 4, the 11-day mission will feature Shuttle Atlantis docking with the International Space Station (ISS) and delivering the S0 truss, the centerpiece-segment of the primary truss structure that will eventually extend over 300 feet.

During pre-pack and fit check, STS-92 Commander Brian Duffy tests his launch and entry suit for comfort and ease while sitting. This mission will be Duffy’s fourth Shuttle flight. He and the rest of the crew are at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT provides emergency egress training, simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payload. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program

The “rookie” on the STS-92 mission, Pilot Pamela Ann Melroy has her new launch and entry suit adjusted during pre-pack and fit check in the Operations and Checkout Building. Melroy and the rest of the crew are at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT provides emergency egress training, simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payload. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program

In the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-92 Mission Specialist Leroy Chiao has his launch and entry suit adjusted during fit check. Chiao and the rest of the crew are at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT provides emergency egress training, simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payload. This mission will be Chiao’s third Shuttle flight. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, STS-110 Mission Specialist Lee Morin has his launch and entry suit checked for fit. The TCDT is held at KSC prior to each Space Shuttle flight to provide flight crews an opportunity to participate in simulated launch countdown activities. Scheduled for launch April 4, the 11-day mission will feature Shuttle Atlantis docking with the International Space Station (ISS) and delivering the S0 truss, the centerpiece-segment of the primary truss structure that will eventually extend over 300 feet.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 Commander Scott Kelly checks the fit of his launch and entry suit. The fitting is part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT, activities that include a simulated launch countdown. Kelly is suiting up also for landing practice in the shuttle training aircraft, known as an STA. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate an orbiter's cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the STA duplicates the orbiter's atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. The STS-118 mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. The mission payload aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour includes the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 Commander Scott Kelly, left, and Pilot Charlie Hobaugh check the fit of their launch and entry suits. The fitting is part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT, activities that include a simulated launch countdown. Kelly and Hobaugh are suiting up also for landing practice in the shuttle training aircraft, known as an STA. The STA is a Grumman American Aviation-built Gulf Stream II jet that was modified to simulate an orbiter's cockpit, motion and visual cues, and handling qualities. In flight, the STA duplicates the orbiter's atmospheric descent trajectory from approximately 35,000 feet altitude to landing on a runway. The STS-118 mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. The mission payload aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour includes the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. NASA/George Shelton

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-133 Mission Specialist Nicole Stott is suited up in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida during a simulated launch countdown. Checking the fit of their orange launch-and-entry suits and helmets before launch day is part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), which provides each shuttle crew and launch team an opportunity to participate in various simulated activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training at the launch pad. Space shuttle Discovery and its STS-133 crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. For more information on the STS-133 mission, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

During pre-pack and fit check in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-92 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata of Japan gets an adjustment on his launch and entry suit. This mission is Wakata’s second Shuttle flight. He and the rest of the crew are at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT provides emergency egress training, simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payload. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-133 Mission Specialist Alvin Drew is suited up in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida during a simulated launch countdown. Checking the fit of their orange launch-and-entry suits and helmets before launch day is part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), which provides each shuttle crew and launch team an opportunity to participate in various simulated activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training at the launch pad. Space shuttle Discovery and its STS-133 crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. For more information on the STS-133 mission, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-105 Mission Specialist Patrick Forrester waits to don his helmet during suit fit check as part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. He and other crew members Commander Scott Horowitz, Pilot Rick Sturckow and Mission Specialist Daniel Barry are also taking part in the TCDT, which includes emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. Mission STS-105 will be transporting the Expedition Three crew - Commander Frank Culbertson and Vladimir Nikolaevich Dezhurov and Mikhail Tyurin, both with the Russian Aviation and Space Agency - several payloads and scientific experiments to the International Space Station aboard Space Shuttle Discovery. The current Expedition Two crew members on the Station will return to Earth on Discovery. Launch of Discovery is scheduled no earlier than Aug. 9, 2001

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a simulated launch countdown, STS-134 Pilot Greg H. Johnson checks the fit of his helmet in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Next, Johnson and his crewmates will walk out to the waiting Astrovan. As part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), the crew members will ride to the pad in their silver Astrovan and strap into space shuttle Endeavour to practice the steps that will be taken on launch day. Endeavour's six crew members are targeted to launch April 19 at 7:48 p.m. EDT. They will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), a high-pressure gas tank, additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper and micrometeoroid debris shields to the International Space Station. This will be the final spaceflight for Endeavour. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-133 Mission Specialist Tim Kopra is suited up in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida during a simulated launch countdown. Checking the fit of their orange launch-and-entry suits and helmets before launch day is part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), which provides each shuttle crew and launch team an opportunity to participate in various simulated activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training at the launch pad. Space shuttle Discovery and its STS-133 crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m. For more information on the STS-133 mission, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a simulated launch countdown, STS-134 Mission Specialist Andrew Feustel checks the fit of his helmet in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Next, Feustel and his crewmates will walk out to the waiting Astrovan. As part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), the crew members will ride to the pad in their silver Astrovan and strap into space shuttle Endeavour to practice the steps that will be taken on launch day. Endeavour's six crew members are targeted to launch April 19 at 7:48 p.m. EDT. They will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), a high-pressure gas tank, additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper and micrometeoroid debris shields to the International Space Station. This will be the final spaceflight for Endeavour. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a simulated launch countdown, STS-134 Mission Specialist Greg Chamitoff checks the fit of his bright-orange, launch-and-entry suit in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Next, Chamitoff and his crewmates will walk out to the waiting Astrovan. As part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), the crew members will ride to the pad in their silver Astrovan and strap into space shuttle Endeavour to practice the steps that will be taken on launch day. Endeavour's six crew members are targeted to launch April 19 at 7:48 p.m. EDT. They will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), a high-pressure gas tank, additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper and micrometeoroid debris shields to the International Space Station. This will be the final spaceflight for Endeavour. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

During pre-pack and fit check in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-92 Mission Specialist Peter J.K. "Jeff" Wisoff tries on his boots. Wisoff and the rest of the crew are at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT provides emergency egress training, simulated countdown exercises and opportunities to inspect the mission payload. This mission will be Wisoff’s fourth Shuttle flight. STS-92 is scheduled to launch Oct. 5 at 9:38 p.m. EDT from Launch Pad 39A on the fifth flight to the International Space Station. It will carry two elements of the Space Station, the Integrated Truss Structure Z1 and the third Pressurized Mating Adapter. The mission is also the 100th flight in the Shuttle program

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During a simulated launch countdown, STS-134 Mission Specialist Andrew Feustel checks the fit of his bright-orange, launch-and-entry suit in the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Next, Feustel and his crewmates will walk out to the waiting Astrovan. As part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), the crew members will ride to the pad in their silver Astrovan and strap into space shuttle Endeavour to practice the steps that will be taken on launch day. Endeavour's six crew members are targeted to launch April 19 at 7:48 p.m. EDT. They will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier-3, Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), a high-pressure gas tank, additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper and micrometeoroid debris shields to the International Space Station. This will be the final spaceflight for Endeavour. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett