General William Shelton awards General Thomas Patten Stafford, former NASA astronaut, Air Force officer and test pilot the General James E. Hill Lifetime Achievement Award, at the Space Symposium, Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Broadmoor Hall in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Former and current NASA Administrators were in attendance. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

General William Shelton awards General Thomas Patten Stafford, former NASA astronaut, Air Force officer and test pilot the General James E. Hill Lifetime Achievement Award, at the Space Symposium, Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at Broadmoor Hall in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Former and current NASA Administrators were in attendance. Photo credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Lt. Cmdr. Mike Shelton delivers a F/A/-18B Hornet to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California. Shelton, center, was met by Armstrong’s Tom Grindle, from left, Ted Williams, Gary Gano and Brian Fox.

First test flight testing the visual display for the X59. Researchers Lynda Kramer, pilot Kevin Shelton, Steve Williams and ? pose for photo

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After practicing emergency egress from Launch Pad 39A, STS-118 Mission Specialists Barbara R. Morgan and Dave Williams relax their launch and entry suits. Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency. The crew is concluding the terminal countdown demonstration test. The STS-118 mission on Space Shuttle Endeavour is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Endeavour's payload bay is open for payload configuration work in Orbiter Processing Facility bay 2. The orbiter is the vehicle designated for mission STS-118, scheduled to launch in late June. The mission will continue space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5, as well as carrying the External Stowage Platform 3. The crew comprises six astronauts: Commander Scott Kelly, Pilot Charles Hobaugh and Mission Specialists Dr. Dafydd (Dave) Williams, Barbara Morgan, Richard Mastracchio and Tracy Caldwell. Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Endeavour's payload bay is open for payload configuration work in Orbiter Processing Facility bay 2. The orbiter is the vehicle designated for mission STS-118, scheduled to launch in late June. The mission will continue space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5, as well as carrying the External Stowage Platform 3. The crew comprises six astronauts: Commander Scott Kelly, Pilot Charles Hobaugh and Mission Specialists Dr. Dafydd (Dave) Williams, Barbara Morgan, Richard Mastracchio and Tracy Caldwell. Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

General William Shelton, Commander of the United States Air Force Space Command, delivers his opening statement during testimony in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

General William Shelton, Commander of the United States Air Force Space Command, second from right, answers a question during testimony in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Near Launch Pad 39A, STS-118 Mission Specialist Dave Williams gets pointers from a Johnson Space Center crew photo trainer on using the camera and telephoto lens to photograph the external tank/solid rocket booster stack on Space Shuttle Endeavour. Williams and other mission specialists will take photos of the tank after separation from Endeavour after launch. The STS-118 crew is at Kennedy to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, including M-113 training, payload familiarization, emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown. The payload aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour includes the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. The STS-118 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. -- Practicing emergency egress from Launch Pad 39A, STS-118 crew members climb into a slidewire basket. They are taking part in terminal countdown demonstration test activities that included a simulated launch countdown. The crew comprises Commander Scott Kelly, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh and Mission Specialists Dave Williams, Barbara R. Morgan, Rick Mastracchio, Tracy Caldwell and Alvin Drew. Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency. Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. The STS-118 mission on Space Shuttle Endeavour is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On the slidewire basket bunker area of Launch Pad 39A, the STS-118 crew talks to the media before the crew's morning training activities in the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. At right, Mission Specialist Tracy Caldwell has the microphone. The others, from left, are Commander Scott Kelly, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh and Mission Specialists Alvin Drew, Rick Mastracchio, Dave Williams and Barbara Morgan. Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency. Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. TCDT activities include M-113 training, payload familiarization, the emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and Space Shuttle Endeavour will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Practicing emergency egress from Launch Pad 39A, STS-118 Mission Specialists Tracy Caldwell (left) and Rick Mastracchio are seated in a slidewire basket in the foreground. Others in the background include Mission Specialist Barbara R. Morgan (center). Other crew members are Commander Scott Kelly, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh and Mission Specialists Dave Williams and Alvin Drew. Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency. The STS-118 mission on Space Shuttle Endeavour is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At SPACEHAB in Cape Canaveral, Fla., the STS-116 crew takes a break from equipment familiarization to pose for a group photo. From bottom to top are Pilot William Oefelein, Mission Specialists Joan Higginbotham, Nicholas Patrick, Robert Curbeam, Christer Fuglesang and Sunita Williams, and Commander Mark Polansky. The Swedish Fuglesang represents the European Space Agency. Mission crews make frequent trips to the Space Coast to become familiar with the equipment and payloads they will be using. STS-116 will be mission number 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/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On top of the fixed service structure of Launch Pad 39A, The STS-118 crew poses for a photo after conclusion of the terminal countdown demonstration test. From left are Pilot Charlie Hobaugh, Mission Specialist Rick Mastracchio, Commander Scott Kelly, and Mission Specialists Tracy Caldwell, Barbara R. Morgan, Alvin Drew and Dave Williams. Morgan, who is making her first space flight, joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency. The STS-118 mission on Space Shuttle Endeavour is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Near Launch Pad 39A, STS-118 Mission Specialist Dave Williams practices using the camera and telephoto lens to photograph the external tank/solid rocket booster stack on Space Shuttle Endeavour. Williams and other mission specialists will take photos of the tank after separation from Endeavour after launch. The STS-118 crew is at Kennedy to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, including M-113 training, payload familiarization, emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown. The payload aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour includes the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. The STS-118 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. -- Practicing emergency egress from Launch Pad 39A, STS-118 crew members head for the slidewire basket area. They are taking part in terminal countdown demonstration test activities that included a simulated launch countdown. The crew comprises Commander Scott Kelly, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh and Mission Specialists Dave Williams, Barbara R. Morgan, Rick Mastracchio, Tracy Caldwell and Alvin Drew. Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency. Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. The STS-118 mission on Space Shuttle Endeavour is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On an upper level of the Pad 39A fixed service structure, the STS-118 crew get instructions from a trainer about using the emergency egress system. The crew members seen here are, from left, Commander Scott Kelly and Mission Specialists Barbara R. Morgan, Tracy Caldwell and Dave Williams. Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency. The crew is at Kennedy for training activities in the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. TCDT activities include M-113 training, payload familiarization, the emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and Space Shuttle Endeavour will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On the top level of the Pad 39A fixed service structure, the STS-118 crew takes a break from training activities in the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. From left are Mission Specialists Dave Williams, Tracy Caldwell, Barbara R. Morgan and Alvin Drew, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh, Commander Scott Kelly and Mission Specialist Rick Mastracchio. Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency. Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. Behind them is the top of the external tank. TCDTactivities include M-113 training, payload familiarization, the emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and Space Shuttle Endeavour will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the STS-116 crew examine components of the mission payload at SPACEHAB in Cape Canaveral, Fla. From left (in their blue uniforms) around the table are Commander Mark Polansky and Mission Specialists Joan Higginbotham, Christer Fuglesang, Nicholas Patrick, Sunita Williams and Robert Curbeam. In the background is Pilot William Oefelein. The Swedish Fuglesang represents the European Space Agency. They are practicing techniques for removing and replacing the rack front stowage trays used inside the SPACEHAB module. Mission crews make frequent trips to the Space Coast to become familiar with the equipment and payloads they will be using. STS-116 will be mission number 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/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Practicing emergency egress from Launch Pad 39A, STS-118 crew members climb into a slidewire basket. They are taking part in terminal countdown demonstration test activities that included a simulated launch countdown. The crew comprises Commander Scott Kelly, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh and Mission Specialists Dave Williams, Barbara R. Morgan, Rick Mastracchio, Tracy Caldwell and Alvin Drew. Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency. Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. The STS-118 mission on Space Shuttle Endeavour is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Former astronaut John Young addresses guests and attendees at a ceremony at the KSC Visitor Complex held in remembrance of the astronauts lost in the Apollo 1 fire: Virgil "Gus" Grissom, Edward H. White II and Roger B. Chaffee. Members of their families, along with Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier, President of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation Stephen Feldman, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation William Potter and former astronaut John Young, attended the ceremony. Behind the stage is the Space Mirror Memorial, designated as a national memorial by Congress and President George Bush in 1991 to honor fallen astronauts. Their names are emblazoned on the monument’s 42-1/2-foot-high by 50-foot-wide black granite surface as if to be projected into the heavens. Photo credit:NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On the slidewire basket bunker area of Launch Pad 39A, the STS-118 crew greets the media before the crew's morning training activities in the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. From left are Commander Scott Kelly, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh and Mission Specialists Alvin Drew, Rick Mastracchio, Dave Williams, Barbara R. Morgan and Tracy Caldwell. Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency. Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. TCDT activities include M-113 training, payload familiarization, the emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and Space Shuttle Endeavour will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On the slidewire basket bunker area of Launch Pad 39A, the STS-118 crew talks to the media before the crew's morning training activities in the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. At left is Commander Scott Kelly, with the microphone. The others, from left, are Pilot Charlie Hobaugh and Mission Specialists Alvin Drew, Rick Mastracchio, Dave Williams, Barbara R. Morgan and Tracy Caldwell. Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency. Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. TCDT activities include M-113 training, payload familiarization, the emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and Space Shuttle Endeavour will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 Mission Specialist Alvin Drew practices driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier, with (at right) Mission Specialists Barbara R. Morgan and Dave Williams as passengers. Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency. They and other crew members are at Kennedy for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), 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. - Members of the STS-116 crew examine components of the mission payload at SPACEHAB in Cape Canaveral, Fla. In the background are Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam, Pilot William Oefelein and Mission Specialist Joan Higginbotham. In the foreground are Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick and Sunita Williams. The Swedish Fuglesang represents the European Space Agency. On the table is a rack front stowage tray used inside the SPACEHAB module. Mission crews make frequent trips to the Space Coast to become familiar with the equipment and payloads they will be using. STS-116 will be mission number 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/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On an upper level of the Pad 39A fixed service structure, the STS-118 crew members look at the slidewire basket that is part of the emergency egress system. On the left are Commander Scott Kelly and Mission Specialists Barbara R. Morgan, Tracy Caldwell, Dave Williams and Alvin Drew. On the right is Mission Specialist Rick Mastracchio. Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency. The crew is at Kennedy for training activities in the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. TCDT activities include M-113 training, payload familiarization, the emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and Space Shuttle Endeavour will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Near Launch Pad 39A, STS-118 Mission Specialist Dave Williams practices using the camera and telephoto lens to photograph the external tank/solid rocket booster stack on Space Shuttle Endeavour. Williams and other mission specialists will take photos of the tank after separation from Endeavour after launch. The STS-118 crew is at Kennedy to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, including M-113 training, payload familiarization, emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown. The payload aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour includes the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. The STS-118 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. -- Practicing emergency egress from Launch Pad 39A, STS-118 Commander Scott Kelly (left) reaches for the pull lever of the slidewire basket. Behind him is Pilot Charlie Hobaugh. At upper left in another basket is Mission Specialist Rick Mastracchio. Other crew members are Mission Specialists Dave Williams, Barbara R. Morgan, Tracy Caldwell and Alvin Drew. Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency. The STS-118 mission on Space Shuttle Endeavour is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Practicing emergency egress from Launch Pad 39A, STS-118 crew members climb into a slidewire basket. They are taking part in terminal countdown demonstration test activities that included a simulated launch countdown. The crew comprises Commander Scott Kelly, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh and Mission Specialists Dave Williams, Barbara R. Morgan, Rick Mastracchio, Tracy Caldwell and Alvin Drew. Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency. Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. The STS-118 mission on Space Shuttle Endeavour is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Practicing emergency egress from Launch Pad 39A, STS-118 crew members head for the slidewire basket area. They are taking part in terminal countdown demonstration test activities that included a simulated launch countdown. The crew comprises Commander Scott Kelly, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh and Mission Specialists Dave Williams, Barbara R. Morgan, Rick Mastracchio, Tracy Caldwell and Alvin Drew. Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency. Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. The STS-118 mission on Space Shuttle Endeavour is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 Mission Specialist Rick Mastracchio practices driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of emergency exit training. The astronauts seen behind him are Mission Specialists Alvin Drew, Barbara R. Morgan, Dave Williams (standing) and Tracy Caldwell. Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency. The crew is at Kennedy for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), 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. - At SPACEHAB in Cape Canaveral, Fla., the STS-116 crew poses with the workers during a familiarization period. On the stairs, bottom to top, are Pilot William Oefelein, Mission Specialists Joan Higginbotham, Nicholas Patrick, Robert Curbeam, Christer Fuglesang and Sunita Williams, and Commander Mark Polansky. The Swedish Fuglesang represents the European Space Agency. Mission crews make frequent trips to the Space Coast to become familiar with the equipment and payloads they will be using. STS-116 will be mission number 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/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Practicing emergency egress from Launch Pad 39A, STS-118 Mission Specialists Alvin Drew and Barbara R. Morgan join another crew member in a slidewire basket. Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. Other crew members are Commander Scott Kelly, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh and Mission Specialists Dave Williams, Rick Mastracchio and Tracy Caldwell. Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency. The STS-118 mission on Space Shuttle Endeavour is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At SPACEHAB in Cape Canaveral, Fla., STS-116 crew members get a close look at the Treadmill Vibration Isolation System Gyroscope during equipment familiarization. The block of foam is what the replacement gyro will be stowed in inside the SPACEHAB module. In uniform from left are Pilot William Oefelein and Mission Specialists Christer Fuglesang, Nicholas Patrick, Joan Higginbotham and Sunita Williams. In the background at right is Commander Mark Polansky. Fuglesang, from Sweden, represents the European Space Agency. Mission crews make frequent trips to the Space Coast to become familiar with the equipment and payloads they will be using. STS-116 will be mission number 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/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Back on the slidewire landing area of Pad 39A, the STS-118 crew learns about landing in the baskets in the event of an emergency. From left are Mission Specialist Rick Mastracchio, Commander Scott Kelly, Mission Specialists Barbara R. Morgan, Alvin Drew, Dave Williams and Tracy Caldwell, and Pilot Charlie Hobaugh. Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency. The crew is at Kennedy for training activities in the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. TCDTactivities include M-113 training, payload familiarization, the emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and Space Shuttle Endeavour will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At SPACEHAB in Cape Canaveral, Fla., STS-116 Pilot William Oefelein (center) and Commander Mark Polansky (right) listen to information about the contents of the SPACEHAB module they are standing in. Mission crews make frequent trips to the Space Coast to become familiar with the equipment and payloads they will be using. STS-116 will be mission number 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/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-118 Mission Specialists Dave Williams, Barbara R. Morgan and Alvin Drew take part in a news conference about their mission. The crew has just returned from a 13-day mission to the International Space Station, during which they installed a new gyroscope, an external spare parts platform and another truss segment to the expanding station. STS-118 was the 119th space shuttle flight, the 22nd flight to the station, the 20th flight for Endeavour and the second of four missions planned for 2007. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At SPACEHAB in Cape Canaveral, Fla., STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang (left) and Pilot William Oefelein look at the rack front stowage trays that are used inside the SPACEHAB module. Mission crews make frequent trips to the Space Coast to become familiar with the equipment and payloads they will be using. STS-116 will be mission number 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/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 Mission Specialist Dave Williams, who represents the Canadian Space Agency, is eager to start the simulated launch countdown that concludes the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. The STS-118 crew has been at Kennedy for the TCDT activities that also include M-113 training, payload familiarization and emergency egress training at the pad. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and Space Shuttle Endeavour will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 Commander Scott Kelly practices driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier with fellow crew members Tracy Caldwell, Alvin Drew and Dave Williams, all mission specialists, as passengers. They are at Kennedy for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), 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. -- At the NASA television studio, the STS-118 crew members participate in a news conference. Seated from left are Commander Scott Kelly, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh and Mission Specialists Tracy Caldwell, Rick Mastracchio, Dave Williams, Barbara R. Morgan and Alvin Drew. The crew has just returned from a 13-day mission to the International Space Station. On the mission, the crew installed a new gyroscope, an external spare parts platform and another truss segment to the expanding station. STS-118 was the 119th space shuttle flight, the 22nd flight to the station, the 20th flight for Endeavour and the second of four missions planned for 2007. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At SPACEHAB in Cape Canaveral, Fla., STS-116 Pilot William Oefelein and Commander Mark Polansky relax during equipment familiarization to talk to astronaut Marsha Ivins, who is currently assigned to the Astronaut Office, Space Station/Shuttle Branches for crew equipment, habitability and stowage. Mission crews make frequent trips to the Space Coast to become familiar with the equipment and payloads they will be using. STS-116 will be mission number 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/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 Mission Specialist Dave Williams gets help with his boot during fit testing of his launch and entry suit. He and other crew members are at Kennedy for the 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-118 Mission Specialist Dave Williams, who represents the Canadian Space Agency, completes suitup before the simulated launch countdown that concludes the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. The STS-118 crew has been at Kennedy for the TCDT activities that also include M-113 training, payload familiarization and emergency egress training at the pad. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and Space Shuttle Endeavour will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At SPACEHAB in Cape Canaveral, Fla., STS-116 Mission Specialists Sunita Williams (left) and Joan Higginbotham get a close look at the rack front stowage trays that are used inside the SPACEHAB module. Mission crews make frequent trips to the Space Coast to become familiar with the equipment and payloads they will be using. STS-116 will be mission number 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/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At SPACEHAB in Cape Canaveral, Fla., the STS-116 crew takes a break from equipment familiarization in the SPACEHAB module to pose for a group photo. From left are Mission Specialists Sunita Williams, Nicholas Patrick and Joan Higginbotham. Mission crews make frequent trips to the Space Coast to become familiar with the equipment and payloads they will be using. STS-116 will be mission number 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/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 Mission Specialist Dave Williams tests the fit of his launch and entry suit 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. - At SPACEHAB in Cape Canaveral, Fla., STS-116 Pilot William Oefelein, Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang and Commander Mark Polansky check data on a computer while examining the rack front stowage trays that are used inside the SPACEHAB module. Mission crews make frequent trips to the Space Coast to become familiar with the equipment and payloads they will be using. STS-116 will be mission number 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/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 crew members get a close look at the payloads installed in Space Shuttle Endeavour. Seen in the foreground are Mission Specialists Dave Williams (center), who represents the Canadian Space Agency, and Tracy Caldwell (right). In the background is Mission Specialist Rick Mastracchio. The STS-118 crew has been at Kennedy for terminal countdown demonstration test activities that also include M-113 training, emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and Space Shuttle Endeavour will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-118 crew gets instructions on emergency exit procedures from Launch Pad 39A. From left are Mission Specialist Rick Mastracchio, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh, Mission Specialist Alvin Drew, Commander Scott Kelly, and Mission Specialists Tracy Caldwell, Dave Williams and Barbara R. Morgan, whojoined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985. She was selected as an astronaut in 1998. 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-118 crew members get a close look at the payloads installed in Space Shuttle Endeavour. Seen in the foreground are Mission Specialists Dave Williams (center), who represents the Canadian Space Agency, and Tracy Caldwell (right). In the background is Mission Specialist Rick Mastracchio. The STS-118 crew has been at Kennedy for terminal countdown demonstration test activities that also include M-113 training, emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and Space Shuttle Endeavour will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Guests are gathered on stage during a ceremony at the KSC Visitor Complex held in remembrance of the astronauts lost in the Apollo 1 fire: Virgil "Gus" Grissom, Edward H. White II and Roger B. Chaffee. Among those gathered on stage are (from left) Faith Johnson, daughter of Theodore Freeman and Martha Chaffee, daughter of Roger Chaffee, Associate Administrator for Space Operations William Gerstenmaier and KSC Director Bill Parsons, plus former astronaut John Young (second from right). Members of the astronauts' families were guests at the ceremony. At the podium is Stephen Feldman, president of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation. Behind the stage is the Space Mirror Memorial, designated as a national memorial by Congress and President George Bush in 1991 to honor fallen astronauts. Their names are emblazoned on the monument’s 42-1/2-foot-high by 50-foot-wide black granite surface as if to be projected into the heavens. Photo credit:NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-118 crew walks out of the Operations and Checkout Building, heading for Launch Pad 39A and a simulated launch countdown. On the left, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh leads one column, with Mission Specialist Rick Mastracchio behind him. On the right, Commander Scott Kelly leads, with Mission Specialists Tracy Caldwell and Dave Williams behind. Not pictured are Mission Specialists Alvin Drew and teacher-turned-astronaut Barbara R. Morgan. The countdown concludes the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. The STS-118 crew has been at Kennedy for the TCDT activities that also include M-113 training, payload familiarization and emergency egress training at the pad. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and Space Shuttle Endeavour will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The smiling STS-118 crew walks toward the Astrovan that will take them to Launch Pad 39A for a simulated launch countdown. From left are Mission Specialists Barbara R. Morgan and Rick Mastracchio, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh, Mission Specialists Dave Williams and Tracy Caldwell, and Commander Scott Kelly. Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. The countdown concludes the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. The STS-118 crew has been at Kennedy for the TCDT activities that also include M-113 training, payload familiarization and emergency egress training at the pad. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and Space Shuttle Endeavour will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-118 crew walks toward the Astrovan that will take them to Launch Pad 39A for a simulated launch countdown. From left are Mission Specialists Barbara R. Morgan and Rick Mastracchio, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh, Mission Specialists Dave Williams and Tracy Caldwell, and Commander Scott Kelly. Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. The countdown concludes the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. The STS-118 crew has been at Kennedy for the TCDT activities that also include M-113 training, payload familiarization and emergency egress training at the pad. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and Space Shuttle Endeavour will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Members of the space shuttle mission STS-118 crew march down Main Street at Walt Disney World in Orlando. From left are Mission Specialists Alvin Drew, Barbara R. Morgan and Dave Williams, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh, Mission Specialist Tracy Caldwell and Commander Scott Kelly. Not pictured but present is Mission Specialist Rick Mastracchio. The event also honored teacher-turned-astronaut Morgan, who dedicated a plaque outside the Mission: Space attraction. Other activities included meeting with the media and students. Mission STS-118 was the 119th shuttle program flight and the 22nd flight to the International Space Station. Space shuttle Endeavour launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Aug. 8 and landed Aug. 21. The mission delivered the S5 truss, continuing the assembly of the space station. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the NASA television studio, photographers focus on STS-118 Mission Specialist Barbara R. Morgan (second from right) as she answers a question about her experiences during the mission. Others seated at the dais (from left) are NASA Public Information Officer George Diller, Commander Scott Kelly, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh and Mission Specialists Tracy Caldwell, Rick Mastracchio, Dave Williams and Alvin Drew. The crew has just returned from a 13-day mission to the International Space Station. On the mission, the crew installed a new gyroscope, an external spare parts platform and another truss segment to the expanding station. STS-118 was the 119th space shuttle flight, the 22nd flight to the station, the 20th flight for Endeavour and the second of four missions planned for 2007. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

From left; Hon. Alan Estevez, Principle Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics; General William Shelton, Commander of the United States Air Force Space Command; Robert Lightfoot, NASA Associate Administrator; Cristina Chaplain, Director of Acquisition and Sourcing Management at the Government Accountability Office; major General Howard Mitchell (USAF Ret.), Vice President for Program Assessments at The Aerospace Corporation; Daniel Dunbacher, Professor of Practice in the Department of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering at Purdue University; and Dr. Yool Kim, Senior Engineer at The Rand Corporation; are seen during a hearing in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-118 crew arrives at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility aboard a Shuttle Training Aircraft to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), a dress rehearsal for launch. From left are Mission Specialists Alvin Drew; Barbara R. Morgan; Dave Williams, representing the Canadian Space Agency; Rick Mastracchio; Tracy Caldwell; Pilot Charlie Hobaugh and Commander Scott Kelly. Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. TCDT activities include M-113 armored personnel carrier 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. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-118 crew arrives at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility aboard a Shuttle Training Aircraft to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), a dress rehearsal for launch. Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach (left) welcomes Mission Specialists Tracy Caldwell, Rick Mastracchio and Dave Williams of the Canadian Space Agency, as Commander Scott Kelly (back to camera) looks on. TCDT activities include M-113 armored personnel carrier 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. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-118 crew heads into the Astrovan that will take them to Launch Pad 39A for a simulated launch countdown. First in is Commander Scott Kelly. Following, right to left, are Pilot Charlie Hobaugh and Mission Specialists Tracy Caldwell, Dave Williams, Rick Mastracchio, teacher-turned-astronaut Barbara R. Morgan and Alvin Drew. The countdown concludes the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. The STS-118 crew has been at Kennedy for the TCDT activities that also include M-113 training, payload familiarization and emergency egress training at the pad. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and Space Shuttle Endeavour will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- From the viewing site near Launch Pad 39A, STS-118 Mission Specialists Dave Williams and Tracy Caldwell practice using their respective cameras to capture images of the external tank/solid rocket booster stack on Space Shuttle Endeavour. They will capture the separation of the tank from Endeavour after launch. The STS-118 crew is at Kennedy to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, including M-113 training, payload familiarization, emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown. The payload aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour includes the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. The STS-118 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. - Members of the STS-116 crew examine components of the mission payload at SPACEHAB in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Looking at a stowage bag are, clockwise from left, Pilot William Ofelein and Mission Specialists Christer Fuglesang, Robert Curbeam, Nicholas Patrick and Joan Higginbotham. The Swedish Fuglesang represents the European Space Agency. Mission crews make frequent trips to the Space Coast to become familiar with the equipment and payloads they will be using. STS-116 will be mission number 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/George Shelton

From left; Hon. Alan Estevez, Principle Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics; General William Shelton, Commander of the United States Air Force Space Command; Robert Lightfoot, NASA Associate Administrator; Cristina Chaplain, Director of Acquisition and Sourcing Management at the Government Accountability Office; major General Howard Mitchell (USAF Ret.), Vice President for Program Assessments at The Aerospace Corporation; Daniel Dunbacher, Professor of Practice in the Department of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering at Purdue University; and Dr. Yool Kim, Senior Engineer at The Rand Corporation; are seen during a hearing in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 Mission Specialist Tracy Caldwell is ready to take her turn at driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of emergency exit training. Seen behind her at right is Mission Specialist Dave Williams, who represents the Canadian Space Agency. They and other crew members are at Kennedy for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), 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. - At SPACEHAB in Cape Canaveral, Fla., STS-116 crew members are dressed in "bunny suits" before going inside the SPACEHAB module. In front are Mission Specialists Christer Fuglesang and Robert Curbeam; in back are Commander Mark Polansky and Pilot William Oefelein. Fuglesang, from Sweden, represents the European Space Agency. Mission crews make frequent trips to the Space Coast to become familiar with the equipment and payloads they will be using. STS-116 will be mission number 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/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A reporter interviews STS-118 Mission Specialist Dave Williams during a special event at Walt Disney World in Orlando . The day's events honoring the STS-118 space shuttle crew recognized the inspirational achievement of teacher-turned-astronaut Barbara R. Morgan who helped dedicate a plaque outside the Mission: Space attraction, and included meeting with students and the media and parading down Main Street to the delight of the crowds. The other crew members attending were Commander Scott Kelly, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh and Mission Specialists Tracy Caldwell, Rick Mastracchio and Alvin Drew. Mission STS-118 was the 119th shuttle program flight and the 22nd flight to the International Space Station. Space shuttle Endeavour launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Aug. 8 and landed Aug. 21. The mission delivered the S5 truss, continuing the assembly of the space station. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the STS-116 crew examine components of the mission payload at SPACEHAB in Cape Canaveral, Fla. From left are Pilot William Ofelein and Mission Specialists Christer Fuglesang, Robert Curbeam and Nicholas Patrick. In the foreground at left is Mission Specialist Joan Higginbotham. The Swedish Fuglesang represents the European Space Agency. They are practicing opening a stowage bag. Mission crews make frequent trips to the Space Coast to become familiar with the equipment and payloads they will be using. STS-116 will be mission number 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/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On an upper level of the Pad 39A fixed service structure, the STS-118 crew members get directions about using the slidewire basket that is part of the emergency egress system. At right, Mission Specialist Tracy Caldwell identifies the pull lever to release the basket. At far left is Mission Specialist Dave Williams, who represents the Canadian Space Agency. At center is Mission Specialist Alvin Drew. The crew is at Kennedy for terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, training activities. Those activities include M-113 training, payload familiarization, the emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and Space Shuttle Endeavour will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the STS-116 crew examine components of the mission payload at SPACEHAB in Cape Canaveral, Fla. From left are Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang , Pilot William Oefelein, Commander Mark Polansky and Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam, who practice opening and closing a stowage bag. Fuglesang, from Sweden, represents the European Space Agency. Mission crews make frequent trips to the Space Coast to become familiar with the equipment and payloads they will be using. STS-116 will be mission number 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/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- Inside an M-113 armored personnel carrier, the STS-118 crew gets instructions on its use for emergency exit procedures from Launch Pad 39A. At left is Mission Specialist Dave Williams, who represents the Canadian Space Agency. At right are (back to front) Pilot Charlie Hobaugh and Mission Specialists Alvin Drew and Tracy Caldwell. 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. -- At Walt Disney World in Orlando, the crew members of space shuttle mission STS-118 answer questions from the student audience during a special event to honor the Endeavour crew. Seated from left are Mission Specialists Alvin Drew, Barbara R. Morgan, Dave Williams, Rick Mastracchio and Tracy Caldwell; Pilot Charlie Hobaugh; and Commander Scott Kelly. The event also honored teacher-turned-astronaut Morgan, who dedicated a plaque outside the Mission: Space attraction. Other activities included meeting with the media and a parade down Main Street. Mission STS-118 was the 119th shuttle program flight and the 22nd flight to the International Space Station. Space shuttle Endeavour launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Aug. 8 and landed Aug. 21. The mission delivered the S5 truss, continuing the assembly of the space station. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 Mission Specialist Dave Williams, who represents the Canadian Space Agency, signals success after driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of emergency exit training. Behind him are, at left, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh and, right, Mission Specialist Tracy Caldwell. They and other crew members are at Kennedy for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), 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-118 crew members confer with a technician about the payloads installed in Space Shuttle Endeavour. Seen here are Mission Specialists Dave Williams (center), who represents the Canadian Space Agency, and Rick Mastracchio (right). The STS-118 crew has been at Kennedy for terminal countdown demonstration test activities that also include M-113 training, emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and Space Shuttle Endeavour will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the STS-116 crew examine components of the mission payload at SPACEHAB in Cape Canaveral, Fla. From left are Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang , Pilot William Oefelein, Commander Mark Polansky and Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam. Fuglesang, who represents the European Space Agency, and Curbeam practice techniques for removing and replacing the rack front stowage tray, used inside the SPACEHAB module. Mission crews make frequent trips to the Space Coast to become familiar with the equipment and payloads they will be using. STS-116 will be mission number 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/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At the NASA television studio, the STS-118 crew members answer questions from the media during a news conference. Seated from left are Commander Scott Kelly, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh and Mission Specialists Tracy Caldwell, Rick Mastracchio, Dave Williams, Barbara R. Morgan and Alvin Drew. The crew has just returned from a 13-day mission to the International Space Station. On the mission, the crew installed a new gyroscope, an external spare parts platform and another truss segment to the expanding station. STS-118 was the 119th space shuttle flight, the 22nd flight to the station, the 20th flight for Endeavour and the second of four missions planned for 2007. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

From left; Hon. Alan Estevez, Principle Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics; General William Shelton, Commander of the United States Air Force Space Command; Robert Lightfoot, NASA Associate Administrator; Cristina Chaplain, Director of Acquisition and Sourcing Management at the Government Accountability Office; major General Howard Mitchell (USAF Ret.), Vice President for Program Assessments at The Aerospace Corporation; Daniel Dunbacher, Professor of Practice in the Department of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering at Purdue University; and Dr. Yool Kim, Senior Engineer at The Rand Corporation; are seen during a hearing in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The Senate hearing focused on assured access to space.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the SPACEHAB module in Cape Canaveral, Fla., STS-116 Mission Specialist Sunita Williams (right) gets information from astronaut Marsha Ivins, who is currently assigned to the Astronaut Office, Space Station/Shuttle Branches for crew equipment, habitability and stowage, during equipment familiarization. Mission crews make frequent trips to the Space Coast to become familiar with the equipment and payloads they will be using. STS-116 will be mission number 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/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 Mission Specialist Barbara R. Morgan is ready to practice driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of emergency exit training. Behind her at the rear are Mission Specialists (left) Tracy Caldwell and Dave Williams. Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. She and other crew members are at Kennedy for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), 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. -- Members of the STS-118 crew enjoy breakfast together before the next event in their Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), a dress rehearsal for launch. Following the meal, the crew will don their flight suits and board Space Shuttle Endeavour for a simulated countdown. From left are Mission Specialists Alvin Drew and the Canadian Space Agency's Dave Williams, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh, Commander Scott Kelly, and Mission Specialists Tracy Caldwell, Rick Mastracchio and teacher-turned-astronaut Barbara R. Morgan. TCDT activities also include M-113 armored personnel carrier training, payload familiarization, and emergency egress training at the pad. The STS-118 payload 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. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 Mission Specialist Dave Williams, who represents the Canadian Space Agency, gets ready to practice driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier as part of emergency exit training. Behind him is Mission Specialist Barbara R. Morgan. They and other crew members are at Kennedy for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), 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. -- The STS-118 crew walks toward the Astrovan that will take them to Launch Pad 39A for a simulated launch countdown. On the left are Pilot Charlie Hobaugh leading the way and Mission Specialist Rick Mastracchio. ON the right, Commander Scott Kelly leads with (front to back) Mission Specialists Tracy Caldwell, Dave Williams and Alvin Drew. Not visible is teacher-turned-astronaut Barbara R. Morgan, also a mission specialist. The countdown concludes the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. The STS-118 crew has been at Kennedy for the TCDT activities that also include M-113 training, payload familiarization and emergency egress training at the pad. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and Space Shuttle Endeavour will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On an upper level of the Pad 39A fixed service structure, the STS-118 crew listen to a trainer, at left, about using the emergency egress system. The crew members are, from left, Commander Scott Kelly, Mission Specialists Tracy Caldwell, Barbara R. Morgan, Dave Williams and Alvin Drew, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh and Mission Specialist Rick Mastracchio. Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency. Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. The crew is at Kennedy for training activities in the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. TCDT activities include M-113 training, payload familiarization, the emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and Space Shuttle Endeavour will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The STS-118 crew breaks for a photo with the Endeavour team and key personnel during payload familiarization. Kneeling in front are Eve Stavros, Boeing flow manager for the mission; Dave Brashinger, with NASA; Paul Boehm, EVA trainer; S. Adam Niev, with NASA Electrical; Louise Kleba, with the KSC payload VITT office; Lance Rogers, a NASA summer co-op; and Jackie Kagey, an EVA trainer. Standing in the back, from left, are photographer Cory Huston; Darren Welsh, EVA trainer; Jack Keifenheim, with NASA Engineering; Mission Specialist Barbara R. Morgan, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh, Mission Specialist Alvin Drew, Commander Scott Kelly, and Mission Specialists Dave Williams and Tracy Caldwell, Lisa Alonso, a NASA summer intern; and (far right) Mission Specialist Rick Mastracchio. Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency. The 22nd shuttle flight to the International Space Station, the STS-118 mission will continue space station construction by delivering a third starboard truss segment, S5, and other payloads such as the SPACEHAB module and the external stowage platform 3. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- After completing their driving training on the M-113 armored personnel carrier (behind them), the STS-118 crew take a break. From left are Mission Specialists Dave Williams and Rick Mastracchio, Commander Scott Kelly, Mission Specialist Barbara R. Morgan, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh, and Mission Specialists Alvin Drew and Tracy Caldwell. Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency. Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. The crew is at Kennedy for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), 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. -- On an upper level of the Pad 39A fixed service structure, the STS-118 crew members get directions about using the slidewire basket that is part of the emergency egress system. At left is Mission Specialist Rick Mastracchio. At right are (from the left) Commander Scott Kelly, Mission Specialist Barbara R. Morgan, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh and Mission Specialists Dave Williams and Alvin Drew. Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency. The crew is at Kennedy for training activities in the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. TCDT activities include M-113 training, payload familiarization, the emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and Space Shuttle Endeavour will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-118 crew poses in front of the hatch opening on Space Shuttle Endeavour before the crew's morning training activities in the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. Standing at left is Mission Specialist Dave Williams. Standing in the back are Commander Scott Kelly (left) and Mission Specialist Alvin Drew; seated in the middle are Mission Specialists Tracy Caldwell (left) and Barbara R. Morgan; kneeling in front are Pilot Charlie Hobaugh (left) and Mission Specialist Rick Mastracchio. Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency. Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. TCDT activities include M-113 training, payload familiarization, the emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and Space Shuttle Endeavour will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-118 crew poses for a photo on Launch Pad 39A during training activities in the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. From left are Mission Specialists Dave Williams and Barbara R. Morgan, Commander Scott Kelly, Mission Specialist Alvin Drew, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh, and Mission Specialists Rick Mastracchio and Tracy Caldwell. Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency. Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. Behind them can be seen the solid rocket boosters and external tank of Space Shuttle Endeavour atop the mobile launcher platform. TCDT activities include M-113 training, payload familiarization, the emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and Space Shuttle Endeavour will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On the top level of the Pad 39A fixed service structure, the STS-118 crew takes a break from training activities in the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. From left are Mission Specialist Dave Williams, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh, Mission Specialist Alvin Drew, Commander Scott Kelly and Mission Specialists Tracy Caldwell, Barbara R. Morgan and Rick Mastracchio. Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency. Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. Behind them is the top of the external tank and a solid rocket booster. TCDTactivities include M-113 training, payload familiarization, the emergency egress training at the pad and a simulated launch countdown. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and Space Shuttle Endeavour will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7. NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Members of the STS-116 crew examine components of the mission payload at SPACEHAB in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Clockwise from lower left (in their blue uniforms) around the table are Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang , Pilot William Oefelein, and Mission Specialists Joan Higginbotham, Nicholas Patrick and Sunita Williams. At far left is Robert Curbeam. The Swedish Fuglesang represents the European Space Agency. On the table is a stowage bag. Next to Patrick at right is astronaut Marsha Ivins, currently assigned to the Astronaut Office, Space Station/Shuttle Branches for crew equipment, habitability and stowage. Mission crews make frequent trips to the Space Coast to become familiar with the equipment and payloads they will be using. STS-116 will be mission number 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/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At SPACEHAB in Cape Canaveral, Fla., STS-116 crew members get a close look at he Treadmill Vibration Isolation System Gyroscop during equipment familiarization. Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick (center) practices stowing the replacement gyro in the block of foam which is what the gyro will be stowed in inside the SPACEHAB module. The other crew members watching are, from left, Mission Specialists Christer Fuglesang, Pilot William Oefelein, Commander Mark Polansky, and at right, Mission Specialist Joan Higginbotham. Fuglesang, from Sweden, represents the European Space Agency. Between Patarick and Higginbotham is astronaut Marsha Ivins, who is currently assigned to the Astronaut Office, Space Station/Shuttle Branches for crew equipment, habitability and stowage. Mission crews make frequent trips to the Space Coast to become familiar with the equipment and payloads they will be using. STS-116 will be mission number 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/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Vehicle Assembly Building, United Space Alliance technicians Brenda Morris and Brian Williams are applying foam and molds on Space Shuttle Atlantis' external tank to areas damaged by hail. The white hole with a red circle around it (upper right) is a hole prepared for molding and material application. The red material is sealant tape so the mold doesn't leak when the foam rises against the mold. The white/translucent square mold is an area where the foam has been applied and the foam has risen and cured against the mold surface. In late February, Atlantis' external tank received hail damage during a severe thunderstorm that passed through the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 area. The hail caused visible divots in the giant tank's foam insulation as well as minor surface damage to about 26 heat shield tiles on the shuttle's left wing. The March launch was postponed and has not yet been rescheduled due to the repair process. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The STS-118 crew arrives at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility aboard a Shuttle Training Aircraft to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), a dress rehearsal for launch. Commander Scott Kelly (at microphone) introduces his crew to media representatives on site to welcome them. From left are Mission Specialists Alvin Drew; Barbara R. Morgan; Dave Williams, representing the Canadian Space Agency; Rick Mastracchio; Tracy Caldwell; and Pilot Charlie Hobaugh. Morgan joined NASA's Teacher in Space program in 1985 and was selected as an astronaut in 1998. TCDT activities include M-113 armored personnel carrier 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. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- NASA's Kennedy Space Center Education Specialists Linda Scauzillo and Christopher Blair take part in a special education session with local students at Epcot's Base21 Siemens VIP Center. The event was part of the day's activities honoring the space shuttle Endeavour crew of mission STS-118. The crew met with the media and paraded down Main Street. The event also honored teacher-turned-astronaut Barbara R. Morgan, who dedicated a plaque outside the Mission: Space attraction. The other crew members attending were Commander Scott Kelly, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh and Mission Specialists Tracy Caldwell, Dave Williams, Rick Mastracchio and Alvin Drew. Mission STS-118 was the 119th shuttle program flight and the 22nd flight to the International Space Station. Space shuttle Endeavour launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Aug. 8 and landed Aug. 21. The mission delivered the S5 truss, continuing the assembly of the space station. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During a special event at Walt Disney World in Orlando honoring the crew of space shuttle mission STS-118, Mission Specialist Barbara R. Morgan (left) helps dedicate a plaque outside the Mission: Space attraction. At right are Vice President of Epcot Jim MacPhee and NASA Assistant Administrator for Education Joyce Winterton. Along with the dedication, the crew met with students and media and paraded down Main Street to the delight of the crowds. The other crew members attending were Commander Scott Kelly, Pilot Charlie Hobaugh and Mission Specialists Tracy Caldwell, Rick Mastracchio, Dave Williams and Alvin Drew. Mission STS-118 was the 119th shuttle program flight and the 22nd flight to the International Space Station. Space shuttle Endeavour launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Aug. 8 and landed Aug. 21. The mission delivered the S5 truss, continuing the assembly of the space station. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton