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In the White Room, STS-97 Mission Specialist Joseph Tanner prepares for entry into Space Shuttle Endeavour with the help of the Closeout Crew, Mike Birkenseher (left), Travis Thompson (right, foreground) and Jack Burritt (right, background). Space Shuttle Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 30 at 10:06 p.m. EST for the six construction flight to the International Space Station. Endeavour is transporting the P6 Integrated Truss Structure that comprises Solar Array Wing-3 and the Integrated Electronic Assembly, to provide power to the Space Station. After the 11-day mission, which includes three spacewalks, it is expected to land at KSC Dec. 11 at 6:19 p.m. EST KSC00pp1821

In the White Room, STS-97 Mission Specialist Joseph Tanner prepares fo...

In the White Room, STS-97 Mission Specialist Joseph Tanner prepares for entry into Space Shuttle Endeavour with the help of the Closeout Crew, Mike Birkenseher (left), Travis Thompson (right, foreground) and Ja... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-111 Commander Kenneth Cockrell is assisted by members of the Closeout Crew in the White Room before entering Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch. The White Room, at the end of the Orbiter Access Arm, provides entry into the cockpit area of the orbiter. Other crew members are Pilot Paul Lockhart, Mission Specialists Franklin Chang-Diaz and Philippe Perrin (CNES), and the Expedition Five Commander Valeri Korzun, astronaut Peggy Whitson and cosmonaut Sergei Treschev. This mission, a utilization flight, marks the 14th Shuttle flight to the International Space Station and the third Shuttle mission this year. Mission STS-111 is the 18th flight of Endeavour and the 110th flight overall in NASA's Space Shuttle program KSC-02pp0922

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-111 Commander Kenneth Cockrell is as...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-111 Commander Kenneth Cockrell is assisted by members of the Closeout Crew in the White Room before entering Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch. The White Room, at the end of t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-115 Commander Brent Jett gets help with his launch suit from the closeout crew before entering Space Shuttle Atlantis. Jett is making his fourth shuttle flight. During the mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. KSC-06pp2159

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, ST...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-115 Commander Brent Jett gets help with his launch suit from the closeout crew before entering Space Shuttle Atlantis. Jett is making his... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Pilot Tony Antonelli is helped by the Closeout Crew to put on his harness. The White Room provides access into space shuttle Discovery. Antonelli and other crew members will conduct a simulated launch countdown as part of the prelaunch preparation known as Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. The TCDT also includes equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. Discovery is targeted to launch on the STS-119 mission Feb. 12. During the 14-day mission, the crew will install the S6 truss segment and solar arrays to the starboard side of the International Space Station, completing the station's truss, or backbone. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-1264

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Pilot Tony Antonelli is helped by the Closeout Crew to put on his harness. The White Room provide... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault is helped by the Closeout Crew to put on his harness. Archambault will enter space shuttle Discovery along with the other crew members to conduct a simulated launch countdown. The astronauts are at Kennedy to prepare for launch through Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT includes equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. Discovery is targeted to launch on the STS-119 mission Feb. 12. During the 14-day mission, the crew will install the S6 truss segment and solar arrays to the starboard side of the International Space Station, completing the station's truss, or backbone. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Kevin O'Connell, Tom Farrar KSC-2009-1257

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault is helped by the Closeout Crew to put on his harness. Archambault will e... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Closeout Crew in the White Room help STS-127 crew members complete their suitup before entering space shuttle Endeavour for the 6:03 p.m. EDT liftoff. Seen here is Mission Specialist Tim Kopra. Today will be the sixth launch attempt for the STS-127 mission. The launch was scrubbed on June 13 and June 17 when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. The mission was postponed July 11, 12 and 13 due to weather conditions near the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy that violated rules for launching, and lightning issues. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section in the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/ Sandra Joseph, Kevin O'Connell KSC-2009-4087

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Closeout Crew in the White Room help STS-127 crew members complete their suitup before entering space shuttle Endeavour fo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Closeout Crew in the White Room help STS-128 crew members complete their suit-up before entering space shuttle Discovery for the 11:59 p.m. EDT liftoff. Seen here at center is Mission Specialist Patrick Forrester. Near Discovery's hatch at right is Mission Specialist Danny Olivas. The first launch attempt on Aug. 24 was postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions. The second attempt on Aug. 25 also was postponed due to an issue with a valve in space shuttle Discovery's main propulsion system. The STS-128 mission is the 30th International Space Station assembly flight and the 128th space shuttle flight. The 13-day mission will deliver more than 7 tons of supplies, science racks and equipment, as well as additional environmental hardware to sustain six crew members on the International Space Station. The equipment includes a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and the COLBERT treadmill. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph-Kevin O'Connell KSC-2009-4960

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Cent...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Closeout Crew in the White Room help STS-128 crew members complete their suit-up before entering space shuttle Discovery ... More

In the White Room, STS-97 Pilot Michael Bloomfield (center) prepares for entry into Space Shuttle Endeavour with the help of the Closeout Crew, (left to right) Al Schmidt, Travis Thompson and Mike Birkenseher. Space Shuttle Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 30 at 10:06 p.m. EST for the six construction flight to the International Space Station. Endeavour is transporting the P6 Integrated Truss Structure that comprises Solar Array Wing-3 and the Integrated Electronic Assembly, to provide power to the Space Station. After the 11-day mission, which includes three spacewalks, it is expected to land at KSC Dec. 11 at 6:19 p.m. EST KSC-00pp1819

In the White Room, STS-97 Pilot Michael Bloomfield (center) prepares f...

In the White Room, STS-97 Pilot Michael Bloomfield (center) prepares for entry into Space Shuttle Endeavour with the help of the Closeout Crew, (left to right) Al Schmidt, Travis Thompson and Mike Birkenseher. ... More

In the White Room, STS-97 Pilot Michael Bloomfield (center) prepares for entry into Space Shuttle Endeavour with the help of the Closeout Crew, (left to right) Al Schmidt, Travis Thompson and Mike Birkenseher. Space Shuttle Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 30 at 10:06 p.m. EST for the six construction flight to the International Space Station. Endeavour is transporting the P6 Integrated Truss Structure that comprises Solar Array Wing-3 and the Integrated Electronic Assembly, to provide power to the Space Station. After the 11-day mission, which includes three spacewalks, it is expected to land at KSC Dec. 11 at 6:19 p.m. EST KSC00pp1819

In the White Room, STS-97 Pilot Michael Bloomfield (center) prepares f...

In the White Room, STS-97 Pilot Michael Bloomfield (center) prepares for entry into Space Shuttle Endeavour with the help of the Closeout Crew, (left to right) Al Schmidt, Travis Thompson and Mike Birkenseher. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, STS-113 Pilot Paul Lockhart is helped by Danny Wyatt (foreground) with his launch and entry suit before entering Space Shuttle Endeavour. Wyatt is the NASA Quality Assurance specialist with the Closeout Crew. The launch will carry the Expedition 6 crew to the Station and return the Expedition 5 crew to Earth. The major objective of the mission is delivery of the Port 1 (P1) Integrated Truss Assembly, which will be attached to the port side of the S0 truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install and activate the truss and its associated equipment. Launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-113 is scheduled for Nov. 23 at 7:50 p.m. EST. KSC-02pp1827

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, STS...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, STS-113 Pilot Paul Lockhart is helped by Danny Wyatt (foreground) with his launch and entry suit before entering Space Shuttle Endeavour. Wyat... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence is helped with her launch and entry suit by the Closeout Crew before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station carries the External Stowage Platform-2, equipped with spare part assemblies, and a replacement Control Moment Gyroscope contained in the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure and Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, housing 15 tons of hardware and supplies that will be transferred to the Station after the Shuttle docks to the complex . On this mission, the crew will perform inspections on-orbit for the first time of all of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) panels on the leading edge of the wings and the Thermal Protection System tiles using the new Canadian-built Orbiter Boom Sensor System and the data from 176 impact and temperature sensors. Mission Specialists will also practice repair techniques on RCC and tile samples during a spacewalk in the payload bay. KSC-05pp1798

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrenc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Wendy Lawrence is helped with her launch and entry suit by the Closeout Crew before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The Return to Flight mission to th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Sunita Williams is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure her launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery. In the foreground, back turned, is Mission Specialist Nicholas Patrick. Williams will replace International Space Station Expedition 14 crew member Thomas Reiter, who will return to Earth aboard Discovery in her place. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The first launch attempt of STS-116 on Dec. 7 was postponed due a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center. This second launch attempt is scheduled for 8:47 p.m. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2002. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 21 at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-06pp2778

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Sunita Will...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Sunita Williams is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure her launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery. In the foreg... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Mission Specialist Steven Swanson is helped by the closeout crew to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Atlantis. Behind Swanson is astronaut Clayton Anderson, waiting his turn. Anderson is joining the Expedition 15 crew on the International Space Station; Flight Engineer Suni Williams will return to Earth in his place. The mission to the space station is scheduled to launch at 7:38 p.m. EDT. Members of the closeout crew help the astronauts don a parachute pack, strap them into the space shuttle's crew module and take care of any other last-minute needs that arise. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the space station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-07pp1473

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Mission Specialist Steven Swanson is helped by the closeout crew to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Atlanti... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-120 Commander Pamela Melroy is helped by the closeout crew to put on a parachute and get ready to enter space shuttle Discovery for liftoff at 11:38 a.m. EDT. The STS-120 mission will be the 23rd assembly flight to the space station and the 34th flight for Discovery. Payload on the mission is the Italian-built U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. During the 14-day mission, the crew will install Harmony and move the P6 solar arrays to their permanent position and deploy them. Discovery is expected to complete its mission and return home at 4:47 a.m. EST on Nov. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Scott Haun, Tom Farrar, Rafael Hernandez KSC-07pd2976

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-120 Commander Pamela Melroy is helped by the closeout crew to put on a parachute and get ready to enter sp... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the closeout crew helps STS-122 Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel with his launch and entry suit before entering space shuttle Atlantis for liftoff at 2:45 p.m. EST. Schlegel, who represents the European Space Agency, is making his second shuttle flight. Behind Schlegel is Pilot Alan Poindexter. The launch will be the third attempt for Atlantis since December 2007 to carry the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory to the International Space Station. During the 11-day mission, the crew's prime objective is to attach the laboratory to the Harmony module, adding to the station's size and capabilities. Photo credit: NASA/Scott Haun, Rick Prickett KSC-08pd0236

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at N...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the closeout crew helps STS-122 Mission Specialist Hans Schlegel with his launch and entry suit before entering ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist John Phillips (center) is helped by the Closeout Crew to put on his harness. Phillips will join Commander Lee Archambault (background right) and other crew members to enter space shuttle Discovery to conduct a simulated launch countdown. The astronauts are at Kennedy to prepare for launch through Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT includes equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. Discovery is targeted to launch on the STS-119 mission Feb. 12. During the 14-day mission, the crew will install the S6 truss segment and solar arrays to the starboard side of the International Space Station, completing the station's truss, or backbone. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Kevin O'Connell, Tom Farrar KSC-2009-1258

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist John Phillips (center) is helped by the Closeout Crew to put on his harness. Phi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Multi-Payload Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, fire and rescue personnel, as well as a closeout crew, participate in an exercise known as crew egress evaluation from an Orion mock-up. The spacecraft is replicated in all areas that could affect a crew's escape, including the area that seals to a launch pad's White Room. The exercise focuses on whether astronauts and their rescue crews can exit the vehicle quickly in the event of a pad emergency. For more information on Orion, visit www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2010-5176

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Multi-Payload Processing Facility at NA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Multi-Payload Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, fire and rescue personnel, as well as a closeout crew, participate in an exercise known as crew egress... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the White Room at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-134 Mission Specialist Roberto Vittori with the European Space Agency prepares to board space shuttle Endeavour through the crew hatch in the background. Members of the Closeout Crew, in white uniforms, are there to assist astronauts with their launch-and-entry suits and the boarding process. Vittori will be making his third trip to the International Space Station. His first mission was in 2002 and second in 2005, both of which were launched aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. STS-134 will deliver the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer-2 (AMS), Express Logistics Carrier-3, a high-pressure gas tank and additional spare parts for the Dextre robotic helper to the International Space Station. May 16 at 8:56 a.m. will be the second launch attempt for Endeavour. The first attempt on April 29 was scrubbed because of an issue associated with a faulty power distribution box called the aft load control assembly-2 (ALCA-2). STS-134 will be the final spaceflight for Endeavour. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2011-3580

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the White Room at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the White Room at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-134 Mission Specialist Roberto Vittori with the European Space Agency prepares to board space shuttle E... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson (left), Pilot Doug Hurley and Closeout Crew Lead Travis Tod Thompson with United Space Alliance, check out the plaque that will be placed in front of space shuttle Atlantis' hatch in the White Room at NASA Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39A. An access arm supports the White Room that is in place against the shuttle which provides entry to the crew compartment. The astronauts are at Kennedy to participate in a launch countdown dress rehearsal called the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) and related training. Atlantis and its crew are targeted to lift off July 8, taking with them the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-4719

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson (left), Pilot...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson (left), Pilot Doug Hurley and Closeout Crew Lead Travis Tod Thompson with United Space Alliance, check out the plaque that will be placed in front of spa... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the White Room at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-135 Pilot Doug Hurley thanks Closeout Crew member Rene Arriens for his assistance as he prepares to board space shuttle Atlantis through the crew hatch in the background. Members of the Closeout Crew, in white uniforms, are there to assist astronauts with their launch-and-entry suits and the boarding process. The STS-135 crew members are at the pad to participate in a launch countdown simulation exercise. As part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), the crew members are strapped into their seats on Atlantis to practice the steps that will be taken on launch day. Shuttle Atlantis and its crew are targeted to lift off July 8, taking with them the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-4829

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the White Room at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the White Room at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-135 Pilot Doug Hurley thanks Closeout Crew member Rene Arriens for his assistance as he prepares to boa... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - With the help of the Closeout Crew in the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-114 Commander Eileen Collins adjusts her launch suit before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The crew is taking part in a full dress rehearsal for launch, including countdown and culminating in main engine cutoff. The rehearsal is the final part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities that the crew has been involved in for three days. TCDT provides the crew of each mission an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. STS-114 is the first Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station. The launch window extends July 13 through July 31. KSC-05pp0997

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - With the help of the Closeout Crew in the...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - With the help of the Closeout Crew in the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-114 Commander Eileen Collins adjusts her launch suit before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The crew i... More

STS-99 Pilot Dominic Gorie appears to wave while the closeout crew in the White Room checks his launch and entry suit before he enters orbiter Endeavour. In the foreground is Chris Meinert, closeout chief. The White Room is an environmental chamber at the end of the orbiter access arm, on the fixed service structure, that provides entry to the orbiter crew compartment. STS-99, known as the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), will chart a new course to produce unrivaled 3-D images of the Earth's surface. The result of the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission could be close to 1 trillion measurements of the Earth's topography. Scheduled for liftoff at 12:30 p.m. EST, the mission is expected to last 11days, with Endeavour landing at KSC Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 4:36 p.m. EST. This is the 97th Shuttle flight and 14th for Shuttle Endeavour KSC00pp0233

STS-99 Pilot Dominic Gorie appears to wave while the closeout crew in ...

STS-99 Pilot Dominic Gorie appears to wave while the closeout crew in the White Room checks his launch and entry suit before he enters orbiter Endeavour. In the foreground is Chris Meinert, closeout chief. The ... More

In the White Room, STS-97 Mission Specialist Carlos Noriega Tanner prepares for entry into Space Shuttle Endeavour with the help of the Closeout Crew, Travis Thompson (left) and Jack Burritt (right). Space Shuttle Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 30 at 10:06 p.m. EST for the six construction flight to the International Space Station. Endeavour is transporting the P6 Integrated Truss Structure that comprises Solar Array Wing-3 and the Integrated Electronic Assembly, to provide power to the Space Station. After the 11-day mission, which includes three spacewalks, it is expected to land at KSC Dec. 11 at 6:19 p.m. EST KSC-00pp1822

In the White Room, STS-97 Mission Specialist Carlos Noriega Tanner pre...

In the White Room, STS-97 Mission Specialist Carlos Noriega Tanner prepares for entry into Space Shuttle Endeavour with the help of the Closeout Crew, Travis Thompson (left) and Jack Burritt (right). Space Shut... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jerry Ross jokes with the Closeout Crew in the White Room as he prepares to enter Space Shuttle Atlantis for launch. The White Room provides entry into the cockpit area of the orbiter. The 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station, STS-110 is carrying the S0 Integrated Truss Structure and Mobile Transporter (MT). On the 11-day mission, astronauts, including Ross, will make four spacewalks to attach the S0 truss, which will become the backbone of the Space Station, to the U.S. Lab, "Destiny." The MT, a space "railcar," is attached to the truss segment and will make its debut run during the flight. Ross is making his seventh Shuttle flight, a new record in the history of the Shuttle program, and will complete his ninth spacewalk, also a record. Launch is scheduled for 4:40 p.m. EDT (20:40 GMT) KSC-02pp0473

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jerry Ross jokes with the Closeout Crew i...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jerry Ross jokes with the Closeout Crew in the White Room as he prepares to enter Space Shuttle Atlantis for launch. The White Room provides entry into the cockpit area of the orbi... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Pilot James Kelly is helped by the Closeout Crew with his launch and entry suit before entering Space Shuttle Discovery.The Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station carries the External Stowage Platform-2, equipped with spare part assemblies, and a replacement Control Moment Gyroscope contained in the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure and Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, housing 15 tons of hardware and supplies that will be transferred to the Station after the Shuttle docks to the complex . On this mission, the crew will perform inspections on-orbit for the first time of all of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) panels on the leading edge of the wings and the Thermal Protection System tiles using the new Canadian-built Orbiter Boom Sensor System and the data from 176 impact and temperature sensors. Mission Specialists will also practice repair techniques on RCC and tile samples during a spacewalk in the payload bay. KSC-05pp1795

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Pilot James Kelly is helped by t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Pilot James Kelly is helped by the Closeout Crew with his launch and entry suit before entering Space Shuttle Discovery.The Return to Flight mission to the International Sp... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-115 Mission Specialist Joseph Tanner gets help with his launch suit from the closeout crew before entering Space Shuttle Atlantis. Tanner is making his fourth shuttle flight. During the mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC. KSC-06pp2160

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-115 Mission Specialist Joseph Tanner gets help with his launch suit from the closeout crew before entering Space Shuttle Atlantis. Tanner... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, members of the closeout crew help STS-117Mission Specialist Patrick Forrester secure his equipment before climbing into Space Shuttle Atlantis. The mission to the International Space Station is scheduled to launch at 7:38 p.m. EDT. Members of the closeout crew help the astronauts don a parachute pack, strap them into the space shuttle's crew module and take care of any other last-minute needs that arise. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the space station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-07pp1472

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, m...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, members of the closeout crew help STS-117Mission Specialist Patrick Forrester secure his equipment before climbing into Space Shuttle Atlanti... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Atlantis. The mission to the International Space Station is scheduled to launch at 7:38 p.m. EDT. Members of the closeout crew help the astronauts don a parachute pack, strap them into the space shuttle's crew module and take care of any other last-minute needs that arise. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the space station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-07pp1470

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault is helped...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-117 Pilot Lee Archambault is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Atlantis. The mission to the Internati... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-120 Mission Specialist Scott Parazynski is helped by the closeout crew to put on a parachute and get ready to enter space shuttle Discovery for liftoff at 11:38 a.m. EDT. Behind him, near Discovery's hatch opening, is Pilot George Zamka. The STS-120 mission will be the 23rd assembly flight to the space station and the 34th flight for Discovery. Payload on the mission is the Italian-built U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. During the 14-day mission, the crew will install Harmony and move the P6 solar arrays to their permanent position and deploy them. Discovery is expected to complete its mission and return home at 4:47 a.m. EST on Nov. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Scott Haun, Tom Farrar, Rafael Hernandez KSC-07pd2979

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at N...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-120 Mission Specialist Scott Parazynski is helped by the closeout crew to put on a parachute and get ready ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-124 Mission Specialist Karen Nyberg chats with one of the closeout crew who is helping her don the equipment required for launch. She and the other crew members are taking part in a simulated launch countdown, part of the launch dress rehearsal known as the terminal countdown demonstration test. The simulation serves as a practice exercise in which both the launch team and flight crew rehearse launch day time lines and procedures. The test culminates in a simulated ignition and automated shutdown of the orbiter's main engines. On the STS-124 mission, the crew will deliver and install the Japanese Experiment Module – Pressurized Module and Japanese Remote Manipulator System. Discovery's launch is targeted for May 31. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-08pd1253

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-124 Mission Specialist Karen Nyberg chats with one of the closeout crew who is helping her don the equipment requ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata is helped by the Closeout Crew to put on his harness. Wakata will join other crew members to enter space shuttle Discovery to conduct a simulated launch countdown. The astronauts are at Kennedy to prepare for launch through Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT includes equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. Discovery is targeted to launch on the STS-119 mission Feb. 12. During the 14-day mission, the crew will install the S6 truss segment and solar arrays to the starboard side of the International Space Station, completing the station's truss, or backbone. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Kevin O'Connell, Tom Farrar KSC-2009-1261

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata is helped by the Closeout Crew to put on his harness. Wakata will ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the closeout crew in the White Room help STS-127 crew members complete their suitup before entering space shuttle Endeavour for the 7:13 p.m. EDT liftoff. Seen here in the foreground is Mission Specialist Dave Wolf. This is the fourth launch attempt for the STS-127 mission. The first two launch attempts on June 13 and June 17 were scrubbed when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. Mission managers also decided to delay tanking on July 11 for a launch attempt later in the day to allow engineers and safety personnel time to analyze data captured during lightning strikes near the pad on July 10. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, in the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. STS-127 is the 29th flight for the assembly of the space. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph & Kevin O'Connell KSC-2009-3981

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the closeout crew in the White Room help STS-127 crew members complete their suitup before entering space shuttle Endeavour fo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Closeout Crew in the White Room help STS-128 crew members complete their suit-up before entering space shuttle Discovery for the 11:59 p.m. EDT liftoff. Seen here is Commander Rick Sturckow. The first launch attempt on Aug. 24 was postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions. The second attempt on Aug. 25 also was postponed due to an issue with a valve in space shuttle Discovery's main propulsion system. The STS-128 mission is the 30th International Space Station assembly flight and the 128th space shuttle flight. The 13-day mission will deliver more than 7 tons of supplies, science racks and equipment, as well as additional environmental hardware to sustain six crew members on the International Space Station. The equipment includes a freezer to store research samples, a new sleeping compartment and the COLBERT treadmill. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph-Kevin O'Connell KSC-2009-4956

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Cent...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Closeout Crew in the White Room help STS-128 crew members complete their suit-up before entering space shuttle Discovery ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Travis Thompson, a member of the closeout crew in the White Room, poses for a portrait with STS-129 Pilot Barry E. Wilmore after helping him complete his suit-up before entering space shuttle Atlantis. The six astronauts for space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-129 mission are participating in their launch dress rehearsal, the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. Additional training associated with the test was done last month, but the simulated countdown was postponed because of a scheduling conflict with the launch of NASA’s Ares I-X test rocket. Launch of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is set for Nov. 16. On STS-129, the crew will deliver to the station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. For information on the STS-129 crew and mission objectives, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-6061

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Travis Thompson, a member of the closeout crew in the White Room, poses for a portrait with STS-129 Pilot Barry E. Wilmore aft... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the closeout crew in the White Room help STS-129 Commander Charles O. Hobaugh complete his suit-up before entering space shuttle Atlantis. The six astronauts for space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-129 mission are participating in their launch dress rehearsal, the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. Additional training associated with the test was done last month, but the simulated countdown was postponed because of a scheduling conflict with the launch of NASA’s Ares I-X test rocket. Launch of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is set for Nov. 16. On STS-129, the crew will deliver to the station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. For information on the STS-129 crew and mission objectives, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-6059

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the closeout crew in the White Room help STS-129 Commander Charles O. Hobaugh complete his suit-up before entering space shutt... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the White Room at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-135 Mission Specialists Rex Walheim and Sandy Magnus enjoy a light moment with the Closeout Crew before boarding space shuttle Atlantis through the crew hatch in the background. Members of the Closeout Crew, in white uniforms, are there to assist astronauts with their launch-and-entry suits and the boarding process. Seen in the background is Mission Specialist Sandy Magnus speaking with a Closeout Crew member. The STS-135 crew is at the pad to participate in a launch countdown simulation exercise. As part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), the crew members are strapped into their seats on Atlantis to practice the steps that will be taken on launch day. Shuttle Atlantis and its crew are targeted to lift off July 8, taking with them the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-4832

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the White Room at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the White Room at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-135 Mission Specialists Rex Walheim and Sandy Magnus enjoy a light moment with the Closeout Crew before... More

In the White Room with the closeout crew, STS-98 Pilot Mark Polansky happily undergoes final suit preparations before he enters Space Shuttle Atlantis for launch. The White Room is an environmentally controlled room at the end of the Orbiter Access Arm. Atlantis is carrying the U.S. Laboratory Destiny, a key module in the growth of the Space Station. Destiny will be attached to the Unity node on the Space Station using the Shuttle’s robotic arm. Three spacewalks are required to complete the planned construction work during the 11-day mission. This mission marks the seventh Shuttle flight to the Space Station, the 23rd flight of Atlantis and the 102nd flight overall in NASA’s Space Shuttle program. The planned landing is at KSC Feb. 18 about 1 p.m KSC01pp0293

In the White Room with the closeout crew, STS-98 Pilot Mark Polansky h...

In the White Room with the closeout crew, STS-98 Pilot Mark Polansky happily undergoes final suit preparations before he enters Space Shuttle Atlantis for launch. The White Room is an environmentally controlled... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-110 Pilot Stephen Frick jokes with the Closeout Crew in the White Room as he makes final preparations to enter Space Shuttle Atlantis for launch. The White Room provides entry into the cockpit area of the orbiter. This is Frick's first Shuttle flight. STS-110 is carrying the S0 Integrated Truss Structure and Mobile Transporter (MT) on this 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station. On the 11-day mission, astronauts will make four spacewalks to attach the S0 truss, which will become the backbone of the Space Station, to the U.S. Lab, "Destiny." The MT, a space "railcar," is attached to the truss segment and will make its debut run during the flight. Launch is scheduled for 4:40 p.m. EDT (20:40 GMT) KSC-02pp0476

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-110 Pilot Stephen Frick jokes with th...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-110 Pilot Stephen Frick jokes with the Closeout Crew in the White Room as he makes final preparations to enter Space Shuttle Atlantis for launch. The White Room provides entry i... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Pilot Mark Kelly gets help from the closeout crew with final adjustments to his launch suit before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The crew is taking part in a full dress rehearsal for launch, including countdown and culminating in main engine cutoff. The rehearsal is the final part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities that the crew has been involved in for two days. TCDT provides the crew of each mission an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. Mission STS-121 is scheduled to be launched July 1. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-06pd1088

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Pilot Mark Kelly gets help from the closeout crew with final adjustments to his launch suit before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. T... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Mission Specialist Lisa Nowak has her launch suit checked by a member of the closeout crew before she enters Space Shuttle Discovery. The crew is taking part in a full dress rehearsal for launch, including countdown and culminating in main engine cutoff. The rehearsal is the final part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities that the crew has been involved in for two days. TCDT provides the crew of each mission an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. Mission STS-121 is scheduled to be launched July 1. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-06pd1091

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, ST...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Mission Specialist Lisa Nowak has her launch suit checked by a member of the closeout crew before she enters Space Shuttle Discovery. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Mission Specialist Stephanie Wilson is helped by the Closeout Crew to secure her launch suit before entering Discovery. Waiting in the back is Pilot Mark Kelly. Situated on the end of the orbiter access arm, the White Room provides access into the orbiter on the pad. The crew is preparing for the third launch attempt in four days; previous attempts were scrubbed due to weather concerns. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Regina Mitchell-Ryall & Tony Gray KSC-06pp1476

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Mission Specialist Stephanie Wilson is helped by the Closeout Crew to secure her launch suit before entering Discovery. Waiting in t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Mission Specialist John "Danny" Olivas is helped by the closeout crew to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Atlantis. Behind Olivas is Pilot Lee Archambault. The mission to the International Space Station is scheduled to launch at 7:38 p.m. EDT. Members of the closeout crew help the astronauts don a parachute pack, strap them into the space shuttle's crew module and take care of any other last-minute needs that arise. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the space station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-07pp1474

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, STS-117 Mission Specialist John "Danny" Olivas is helped by the closeout crew to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle A... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, the closeout crew prepares the launch and entry suit on STS-118 Pilot Charlie Hobaugh before he enters Space Shuttle Endeavour. Hobaugh and the rest of the crew are taking part in a simulated launch countdown, the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test activities. The White Room is situated at the end of the orbiter access arm and provides entry into the orbiter. TCDT activities 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/Amanda Diller KSC-07pd1984

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, t...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, the closeout crew prepares the launch and entry suit on STS-118 Pilot Charlie Hobaugh before he enters Space Shuttle Endeavour. Hobaugh and ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin talks with the closeout crew before entering space shuttle Atlantis for liftoff at 2:45 p.m. EST. Melvin is making his first shuttle flight. The launch will be the third attempt for Atlantis since December 2007 to carry the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory to the International Space Station. During the 11-day mission, the crew's prime objective is to attach the laboratory to the Harmony module, adding to the station's size and capabilities. Photo credit: NASA/Scott Haun, Rick Prickett KSC-08pd0237

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at N...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin talks with the closeout crew before entering space shuttle Atlantis for... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault is helped by the Closeout Crew to put on his harness. The White Room provides access into space shuttle Discovery. Archambault and other crew members will conduct a simulated launch countdown as part of the prelaunch preparation known as Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. The TCDT also includes equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. Discovery is targeted to launch on the STS-119 mission Feb. 12. During the 14-day mission, the crew will install the S6 truss segment and solar arrays to the starboard side of the International Space Station, completing the station's truss, or backbone. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-1262

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Commander Lee Archambault is helped by the Closeout Crew to put on his harness. The White Room pr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Richard Arnold (foreground) is helped by the Closeout Crew to put on his harness. Arnold will join Pilot Tony Antonelli (background right) and other crew members to enter space shuttle Discovery to conduct a simulated launch countdown. The astronauts are at Kennedy to prepare for launch through Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. The TCDT includes equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. Discovery is targeted to launch on the STS-119 mission Feb. 12. During the 14-day mission, the crew will install the S6 truss segment and solar arrays to the starboard side of the International Space Station, completing the station's truss, or backbone. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Kevin O'Connell, Tom Farrar KSC-2009-1260

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Richard Arnold (foreground) is helped by the Closeout Crew to put on his harness... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Steve Swanson is helped by the closeout crew putting on his harness, which includes a parachute pack, before crawling through the open hatch into space shuttle Discovery. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm on the fixed service structure and provides access into the shuttle. The STS-119 mission is the 28th to the International Space Station and the 125th space shuttle flight. Discovery will deliver the final pair of power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment. Installation of S6 will signal the station's readiness to house a six-member crew for conducting increased science. Liftoff is scheduled for 7:43 p.m. EDT. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray, Tom Farrar KSC-2009-2058

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's K...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Steve Swanson is helped by the closeout crew putting on his harness, which includ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the closeout crew in the White Room help STS-127 crew members complete their suitup before entering space shuttle Endeavour for the 7:13 p.m. EDT liftoff. Seen here are Mission Specialist Tom Marshburn (left) and Pilot Doug Hurley. This is the fourth launch attempt for the STS-127 mission. The first two launch attempts on June 13 and June 17 were scrubbed when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. Mission managers also decided to delay tanking on July 11 for a launch attempt later in the day to allow engineers and safety personnel time to analyze data captured during lightning strikes near the pad on July 10. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, in the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. STS-127 is the 29th flight for the assembly of the space. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph & Kevin O'Connell KSC-2009-3979

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the closeout crew in the White Room help STS-127 crew members complete their suitup before entering space shuttle Endeavour fo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the closeout crew in the White Room help STS-127 crew members complete their suitup before entering space shuttle Endeavour for the 7:13 p.m. EDT liftoff. Seen here is Mission Specialist Tim Kopra. This is the fourth launch attempt for the STS-127 mission. The first two launch attempts on June 13 and June 17 were scrubbed when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. Mission managers also decided to delay tanking on July 11 for a launch attempt later in the day to allow engineers and safety personnel time to analyze data captured during lightning strikes near the pad on July 10. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, in the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. STS-127 is the 29th flight for the assembly of the space. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph & Kevin O'Connell KSC-2009-3976

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the closeout crew in the White Room help STS-127 crew members complete their suitup before entering space shuttle Endeavour fo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the closeout crew in the White Room help STS-127 crew members complete their suitup before entering space shuttle Endeavour for the 7:13 p.m. EDT liftoff. Seen here is Mission Specialist Julie Payette, who is with the Canadian Space Agency. This is the fourth launch attempt for the STS-127 mission. The first two launch attempts on June 13 and June 17 were scrubbed when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. Mission managers also decided to delay tanking on July 11 for a launch attempt later in the day to allow engineers and safety personnel time to analyze data captured during lightning strikes near the pad on July 10. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, in the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. STS-127 is the 29th flight for the assembly of the space. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph & Kevin O'Connell KSC-2009-3982

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the closeout crew in the White Room help STS-127 crew members complete their suitup before entering space shuttle Endeavour fo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the White Room at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-135 Mission Specialist Sandy Magnus gets assistance boarding space shuttle Atlantis through the crew hatch. Members of the Closeout Crew, in white uniforms, are there to assist astronauts with their launch-and-entry suits and the boarding process. The STS-135 crew members are at the pad to participate in a launch countdown simulation exercise. As part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), the crew members are strapped into their seats on Atlantis to practice the steps that will be taken on launch day. Shuttle Atlantis and its crew are targeted to lift off July 8, taking with them the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-4834

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the White Room at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the White Room at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-135 Mission Specialist Sandy Magnus gets assistance boarding space shuttle Atlantis through the crew ha... More

In the White Room at Launch Pad 39A, STS-98 Commander Ken Cockrell (center) gets help from the closeout crew with his launch and entry suit before entering Atlantis for a simulated launch countdown. The White Room is an environmental chamber at the end of the orbiter access arm that mates with the orbiter to allow personnel to enter the orbiter’s crew compartment. The STS-98 crew is taking part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which also include emergency egress training at the pad. STS-98 is the seventh construction flight to the International Space Station, carrying as payload the U.S. Lab Destiny, a key element in the construction of the ISS. Launch of STS-98 is scheduled for Jan. 19 at 2:11 a.m. EST KSC-01pp0071

In the White Room at Launch Pad 39A, STS-98 Commander Ken Cockrell (ce...

In the White Room at Launch Pad 39A, STS-98 Commander Ken Cockrell (center) gets help from the closeout crew with his launch and entry suit before entering Atlantis for a simulated launch countdown. The White R... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition Five cosmonaut Sergei Treschev talks to members of the Closeout Crew in the White Room before entering Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch of mission STS-111. The White Room, at the end of the Orbiter Access Arm, provides entry into the cockpit area of the orbiter. Other crew members are Commander Kenneth Cockrell, Pilot Paul Lockhart, Mission Specialists Franklin Chang-Diaz and Philippe Perrin (CNES), and Expedition Five Commander Valeri Korzun and astronaut Peggy Whitson. This mission, a utilization flight, marks the 14th Shuttle flight to the International Space Station and the third Shuttle mission this year. Mission STS-111 is the 18th flight of Endeavour and the 110th flight overall in NASA's Space Shuttle program KSC-02pp0923

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition Five cosmonaut Sergei Tresche...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition Five cosmonaut Sergei Treschev talks to members of the Closeout Crew in the White Room before entering Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch of mission STS-111. The White R... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas is helped by the Closeout Crew with his launch and entry suit before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station carries the External Stowage Platform-2, equipped with spare part assemblies, and a replacement Control Moment Gyroscope contained in the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure and Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, housing 15 tons of hardware and supplies that will be transferred to the Station after the Shuttle docks to the complex . On this mission, the crew will perform inspections on-orbit for the first time of all of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) panels on the leading edge of the wings and the Thermal Protection System tiles using the new Canadian-built Orbiter Boom Sensor System and the data from 176 impact and temperature sensors. Mission Specialists will also practice repair techniques on RCC and tile samples during a spacewalk in the payload bay. KSC-05pp1796

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Specialist Andrew Thomas is helped by the Closeout Crew with his launch and entry suit before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The Return to Flight mission to the ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Mission Specialists Michael Fossum (center) and Piers Sellers have their launch suits checked by the closeout crew before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. They are connected to portable cooling units keeping them cool while waiting to enter Space Shuttle Discovery. The crew is taking part in a full dress rehearsal for launch, including countdown and culminating in main engine cutoff. The rehearsal is the final part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities that the crew has been involved in for two days. TCDT provides the crew of each mission an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. Mission STS-121 is scheduled to be launched July 1. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller KSC-06pd1090

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Mission Specialists Michael Fossum (center) and Piers Sellers have their launch suits checked by the closeout crew before entering Spac... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-115 crew members complete their suitup in the White Room before entering Space Shuttle Atlantis on Launch Pad 39B for a simulated launch countdown. Shown here is being helped by the closeout crew is Mission Specialist Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper. The White Room, which is located at the end of the orbiter access arm, allows entry into the orbiter through the crew access hatch. The mission crew is at KSC for Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) activities that are preparation for launch. Liftoff of Atlantis is scheduled to take place in a window that opens Aug. 27. During their 11-day mission to the International Space Station, the STS-115 crew will continue construction of the station and attach the payload elements, the Port 3/4 truss segment with its two large solar arrays. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-06pd1819

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-115 crew members complete their ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The STS-115 crew members complete their suitup in the White Room before entering Space Shuttle Atlantis on Launch Pad 39B for a simulated launch countdown. Shown here is being hel... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, STS-118 Mission Specialist Barbara R. Morgan is helped by the closeout crew with final preparations of her launch and entry suit. Morgan is a teacher-turned-astronaut making her first space flight. Behind her is Mission Specialist Tracy Caldwell, also making her first flight. The outer end of the orbiter access arm ends in an environmental chamber (the White Room) that mates with the orbiter and allows personnel to enter the crew compartment. With assistance, each member of the flight crew dons a parachute pack before crawling through the open hatch into the shuttle. The closeout crew also straps the astronauts into the space shuttle's crew module and takes care of any other last-minute needs that arise. Space Shuttle Endeavour's STS-118 mission is the 22nd shuttle flight to the International Space Station. It 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. Liftoff of Endeavour is scheduled at 6:36 p.m. EDT. Photo credit: NASA/John Kechele, Scott Haun, Tom Farrar KSC-07pp2281

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, STS-118 Mission Specialist Barbara R. Morgan is helped by the closeout crew with final preparations of her launch and entry suit. Morgan is ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, STS-118 Mission Specialist Alvin Drew is helped with his launch gear by the closeout crew before he enters Space Shuttle Endeavour. Drew is making his first space flight. The outer end of the orbiter access arm ends in an environmental chamber (the White Room) that mates with the orbiter and allows personnel to enter the crew compartment. With assistance, each member of the flight crew dons a parachute pack before crawling through the open hatch into the shuttle. The closeout crew also straps the astronauts into the space shuttle's crew module and takes care of any other last-minute needs that arise. Space Shuttle Endeavour's STS-118 mission is the 22nd shuttle flight to the International Space Station. It 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. Liftoff of Endeavour is scheduled at 6:36 p.m. EDT. Photo credit: NASA/John Kechele, Scott Haun, Tom Farrar KSC-07pp2283

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, STS-118 Mission Specialist Alvin Drew is helped with his launch gear by the closeout crew before he enters Space Shuttle Endeavour. Drew is ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the white room on Launch Pad 39A, the closeout crew helps STS-120 Mission Specialist Stephanie Wilson with her parachute pack before entering space shuttle Discovery for a simulated launch countdown. The countdown is the culmination of the prelaunch terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. The TCDT at NASA's Kennedy Space Center provides astronauts and ground crews an opportunity to participate in various launch preparation activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. The STS-120 mission will deliver the U.S. Node 2 module, named Harmony, aboard space shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station. Discovery is targeted to launch on its 14-day mission at 11:38 a.m. EDT on Oct. 23. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd2790

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the white room on Launch Pad 39A, th...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the white room on Launch Pad 39A, the closeout crew helps STS-120 Mission Specialist Stephanie Wilson with her parachute pack before entering space shuttle Discovery for a simu... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-120 Pilot George Zamka is helped by the closeout crew to put on a parachute and get ready to enter space shuttle Discovery for liftoff at 11:38 a.m. EDT. The STS-120 mission will be the 23rd assembly flight to the space station and the 34th flight for Discovery. Payload on the mission is the Italian-built U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. During the 14-day mission, the crew will install Harmony and move the P6 solar arrays to their permanent position and deploy them. Discovery is expected to complete its mission and return home at 4:47 a.m. EST on Nov. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Scott Haun, Tom Farrar, Rafael Hernandez KSC-07pd2978

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at N...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-120 Pilot George Zamka is helped by the closeout crew to put on a parachute and get ready to enter space sh... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus (right) gets ready to enter space shuttle Endeavour. At left is a member of the Closeout Crew, Travis Thompson. The crew will take part in a simulated launch countdown. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training and the simulated countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3428

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 Mission Specialist Sandra Magnus (right) gets ready to enter space shuttle Endeavour. At left is a... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Joseph Acaba is helped by the Closeout Crew to put on his harness. The White Room provides access into space shuttle Discovery. Acaba and other crew members will conduct a simulated launch countdown as part of the prelaunch preparation known as Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. The TCDT also includes equipment familiarization and emergency egress training. Discovery is targeted to launch on the STS-119 mission Feb. 12. During the 14-day mission, the crew will install the S6 truss segment and solar arrays to the starboard side of the International Space Station, completing the station's truss, or backbone. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-1266

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Joseph Acaba is helped by the Closeout Crew to put on his harness. The White Ro... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-125 Mission Specialist Michael Good is helped by the closeout crew putting on his harness, which includes a parachute pack, before crawling through the open hatch into space shuttle Atlantis. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm on the fixed service structure and provides access into the shuttle. Atlantis' 11-day flight will include five spacewalks to refurbish and upgrade the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments that will expand Hubble's capabilities and extend its operational lifespan through at least 2014. The payload includes a Wide Field Camera 3, fine guidance sensor and the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. Launch of Atlantis on the STS-125 mission is scheduled for 2:01 p.m. May 11 EDT. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph-Kevin O'Connell KSC-2009-3064

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's K...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-125 Mission Specialist Michael Good is helped by the closeout crew putting on his harness, which include... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-125 Pilot Gregory C. Johnson is helped by the closeout crew putting on his harness, which includes a parachute pack, before crawling through the open hatch into space shuttle Atlantis. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm on the fixed service structure and provides access into the shuttle. Atlantis' 11-day flight will include five spacewalks to refurbish and upgrade the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments that will expand Hubble's capabilities and extend its operational lifespan through at least 2014. The payload includes a Wide Field Camera 3, fine guidance sensor and the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. Launch of Atlantis on the STS-125 mission is scheduled for 2:01 p.m. May 11 EDT. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph-Kevin O'Connell KSC-2009-3061

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's K...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-125 Pilot Gregory C. Johnson is helped by the closeout crew putting on his harness, which includes a par... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the White Room at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson prepares to board space shuttle Atlantis through the crew hatch in the background. Members of the Closeout Crew, in white uniforms, are there to assist astronauts with their launch-and-entry suits and the boarding process. The STS-135 crew members are at the pad to participate in a launch countdown simulation exercise. As part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), the crew members are strapped into their seats on Atlantis to practice the steps that will be taken on launch day. Shuttle Atlantis and its crew are targeted to lift off July 8, taking with them the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-4827

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the White Room at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the White Room at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson prepares to board space shuttle Atlantis through the crew hatch in the bac... More

In the White Room, STS-97 Pilot Michael Bloomfield (center) prepares for entry into Space Shuttle Endeavour with the help of the Closeout Crew, (left to right) Al Schmidt, Travis Thompson and Mike Birkenseher. Space Shuttle Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 30 at 10:06 p.m. EST for the six construction flight to the International Space Station. Endeavour is transporting the P6 Integrated Truss Structure that comprises Solar Array Wing-3 and the Integrated Electronic Assembly, to provide power to the Space Station. After the 11-day mission, which includes three spacewalks, it is expected to land at KSC Dec. 11 at 6:19 p.m. EST KSC-00pp1820

In the White Room, STS-97 Pilot Michael Bloomfield (center) prepares f...

In the White Room, STS-97 Pilot Michael Bloomfield (center) prepares for entry into Space Shuttle Endeavour with the help of the Closeout Crew, (left to right) Al Schmidt, Travis Thompson and Mike Birkenseher. ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-110 Commander Michael Bloomfield talks to members of the Closeout Crew in the White Room before he enters entering Space Shuttle Atlantis for launch. The White Room provides entry into the cockpit area of the orbiter. This is Bloomfield's third Shuttle flight. STS-110 is carrying the S0 Integrated Truss Structure and Mobile Transporter (MT) on this 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station. On the 11-day mission, astronauts will make four spacewalks to attach the S0 truss, which will become the backbone of the Space Station, to the U.S. Lab, "Destiny." The MT, a space "railcar," is attached to the truss segment and will make its debut run during the flight. Launch is scheduled for 4:40 p.m. EDT (20:40 GMT) KSC-02pp0478

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-110 Commander Michael Bloomfield talk...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-110 Commander Michael Bloomfield talks to members of the Closeout Crew in the White Room before he enters entering Space Shuttle Atlantis for launch. The White Room provides ent... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-110 Mission Specialist Lee M.E. Morin is wished good luck by a member of the Closeout Crew before entering Space Shuttle Atlantis for launch. The White Room provides entry into the cockpit area of the orbiter. This is Morin's first Shuttle flight. STS-110 is carrying the S0 Integrated Truss Structure and Mobile Transporter (MT) on this 13th assembly flight to the International Space Station. On the 11-day mission, astronauts, including Morin, will make four spacewalks to attach the S0 truss, which will become the backbone of the Space Station, to the U.S. Lab, "Destiny." The MT, a space "railcar," is attached to the truss segment and will make its debut run during the flight. Launch is scheduled for 4:40 p.m. EDT (20:40 GMT) KSC-02pp0475

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-110 Mission Specialist Lee M.E. Morin...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-110 Mission Specialist Lee M.E. Morin is wished good luck by a member of the Closeout Crew before entering Space Shuttle Atlantis for launch. The White Room provides entry into ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-111 Mission Specialist Franklin Chang-Diaz waves to a member of the Closeout Crew in the White Room before entering Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch. The White Room, at the end of the Orbiter Access Arm, provides entry into the cockpit area of the orbiter. Other crew members are Commander Kenneth Cockrell, Pilot Paul Lockhart and Mission Specialist Philippe Perrin (CNES) , and Expedition Five Commander Valeri Korzun, astronaut Peggy Whitson and cosmonaut Sergei Treschev. This mission, a utilization flight, marks the 14th Shuttle flight to the International Space Station and the third Shuttle mission this year. Mission STS-111 is the 18th flight of Endeavour and the 110th flight overall in NASA's Space Shuttle program KSC-02pp0928

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-111 Mission Specialist Franklin Chan...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-111 Mission Specialist Franklin Chang-Diaz waves to a member of the Closeout Crew in the White Room before entering Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch. The White Room, at the ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Volunteers from the KSC Fire-Rescue team dressed in launch and entry suits settle into seats in an orbiter crew compartment mock-up under the guidance of George Brittingham, USA suit technician on the Closeout Crew. Brittingham is helping Catherine Di Biase, a nurse with Bionetics Life Sciences. They are all taking part in a “Mode VII” emergency landing simulation at Kennedy Space Center. The purpose is to exercise emergency preparedness personnel, equipment and facilities in rescuing astronauts from a downed orbiter and providing immediate medical attention. This simulation presents an orbiter that has crashed short of the Shuttle Landing Facility in a wooded area 2-1/2 miles south of Runway 33. Emergency crews will respond to the volunteer “astronauts” simulating various injuries. Rescuers must remove the crew, provide triage and transport to hospitals those who need further treatment. Local hospitals are participating in the exercise.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Volunteers from the KSC Fire-Rescue team ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Volunteers from the KSC Fire-Rescue team dressed in launch and entry suits settle into seats in an orbiter crew compartment mock-up under the guidance of George Brittingham, USA sui... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Commander Eileen Collins is helped by the Closeout Crew with her launch and entry suit before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station carries the External Stowage Platform-2, equipped with spare part assemblies, and a replacement Control Moment Gyroscope contained in the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure and Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, housing 15 tons of hardware and supplies that will be transferred to the Station after the Shuttle docks to the complex . On this mission, the crew will perform inspections on-orbit for the first time of all of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) panels on the leading edge of the wings and the Thermal Protection System tiles using the new Canadian-built Orbiter Boom Sensor System and the data from 176 impact and temperature sensors. Mission Specialists will also practice repair techniques on RCC and tile samples during a spacewalk in the payload bay. KSC-05pp1793

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Commander Eileen Collins...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - STS-114 Mission Commander Eileen Collins is helped by the Closeout Crew with her launch and entry suit before entering Space Shuttle Discovery. The Return to Flight mission to the... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Mission Specialist Lisa Nowak is helped by the Closeout Crew with final preparations on her launch suit before entering Discovery. Situated on the end of the orbiter access arm, the White Room provides access into the orbiter on the pad. The crew is preparing for the third launch attempt in four days; previous attempts were scrubbed due to weather concerns. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. KSC-06pp1480

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Mission Specialist Lisa Nowak is helped by the Closeout Crew with final preparations on her launch suit before entering Discovery.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Mission Specialist Michael Fossum gets help from the Closeout Crew with final preparations on his launch suit before entering Discovery. Situated on the end of the orbiter access arm, the White Room provides access into the orbiter on the pad. The crew is preparing for the third launch attempt in four days; previous attempts were scrubbed due to weather concerns. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. KSC-06pp1478

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Mission Specialist Michael Fossum gets help from the Closeout Crew with final preparations on his launch suit before entering Discove... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-115 Mission Specialist Steven MacLean adjusts his launch suit while talking with the closeout crew. MacLean, who represents the Canadian Space Agency, is making his second shuttle flight. During the mission, Atlantis' astronauts will deliver and install the 17.5-ton, bus-sized P3/P4 integrated truss segment on the station. The girder-like truss includes a set of giant solar arrays, batteries and associated electronics and will provide one-fourth of the total power-generation capability for the completed station. This mission is the 116th space shuttle flight, the 27th flight for orbiter Atlantis, and the 19th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. STS-115 is scheduled to last 11 days with a planned landing at KSC KSC-06pp2163

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, ST...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-115 Mission Specialist Steven MacLean adjusts his launch suit while talking with the closeout crew. MacLean, who represents the Canadian ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery. Fuglesang represents the European Space Agency. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The first launch attempt of STS-116 on Dec. 7 was postponed due a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center. This second launch attempt is scheduled for 8:47 p.m. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2002. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 21 at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-06pp2777

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer Fug...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Mission Specialist Christer Fuglesang is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery. Fuglesang re... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Commander William Oefelein is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The first launch attempt of STS-116 on Dec. 7 was postponed due a low cloud ceiling over Kennedy Space Center. This second launch attempt is scheduled for 8:47 p.m. This is Discovery's 33rd mission and the first night launch since 2002. The 20th shuttle mission to the International Space Station, STS-116 carries another truss segment, P5. It will serve as a spacer, mated to the P4 truss that was attached in September. After installing the P5, the crew will reconfigure and redistribute the power generated by two pairs of U.S. solar arrays. Landing is expected Dec. 21 at KSC. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-06pp2773

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Commander William Oefelein is ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-116 Commander William Oefelein is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Discovery. The White Room is at t... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During the second stage of a simulated emergency, known as Mode 4, part of the KSC fire rescue team helps "injured" members of the closeout crew out of the slidewire baskets. The emergency exercise began at the 195-foot level of Launch Pad 39A. The KSC rescue teams are practicing emergency procedures in the unlikely scenario of a mishap on the pad during a launch sequence. The exercises are standard training procedures to assess and prepare emergency personnel, procedures and hardware. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-07pd0826

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During the second stage of a simulated ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During the second stage of a simulated emergency, known as Mode 4, part of the KSC fire rescue team helps "injured" members of the closeout crew out of the slidewire baskets. Th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-117 Commander Frederick Sturckow is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room on Launch Pad 39A to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Atlantis. The mission to the International Space Station is scheduled to launch at 7:38 p.m. EDT. Members of the Closeout Crew help the astronauts don a parachute pack, strap them into the space shuttle's crew module and take care of any other last-minute needs that arise. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the space station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-07pp1469

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-117 Commander Frederick Sturckow is...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-117 Commander Frederick Sturckow is helped by the closeout crew in the White Room on Launch Pad 39A to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Atlantis. The... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, members of the closeout crew help STS-117 Mission Specialist James Reilly secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Atlantis. The mission to the International Space Station is scheduled to launch at 7:38 p.m. EDT. Members of the closeout crew help the astronauts don a parachute pack, strap them into the space shuttle's crew module and take care of any other last-minute needs that arise. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the space station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-07pp1471

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, m...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, members of the closeout crew help STS-117 Mission Specialist James Reilly secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Atlantis.... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, astronaut Clayton Anderson is helped by the closeout crew to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Atlantis. Anderson is flying to the International Space Station with the STS-117 crew to join the Expedition 15 crew on the space station. Flight Engineer Suni Williams will return to Earth in his place. The mission to the space station is scheduled to launch at 7:38 p.m. EDT. Members of the closeout crew help the astronauts don a parachute pack, strap them into the space shuttle's crew module and take care of any other last-minute needs that arise. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm that extends from the fixed service structure and provides entry into the orbiter. The shuttle is delivering a new segment to the starboard side of the space station's backbone, known as the truss. Three spacewalks are planned to install the S3/S4 truss segment, deploy a set of solar arrays and prepare them for operation. STS-117 is the 118th space shuttle flight, the 21st flight to the station, the 28th flight for Atlantis and the first of four flights planned for 2007. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray & Don Kight KSC-07pp1475

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, astronaut Clayton Anderson is helped by the closeout crew to secure his launch suit before climbing into Space Shuttle Atlantis. Anderson is... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, STS-118 Mission Specialist Dave Williams waits for the closeout crew to finish checking his launch and entry suit before he enters Space Shuttle Endeavour. Behind Williams is Pilot Charlie Hobaugh. Williams, who represents the Canadian Space Agency, and the rest of the crew are taking part in a simulated launch countdown, the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test activities. The White Room is situated at the end of the orbiter access arm and provides entry into the orbiter. TCDT activities 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/Amanda Diller KSC-07pd1987

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, ST...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, STS-118 Mission Specialist Dave Williams waits for the closeout crew to finish checking his launch and entry suit before he enters Space Shutt... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the white room on Launch Pad 39A, the closeout crew helps STS-120 Pilot George Zamka to get into a parachute pack before entering space shuttle Discovery for a simulated launch countdown. The countdown is the culmination of the prelaunch terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. His name patch reflects the nicknames the crew gave each other for the event. The TCDT at NASA's Kennedy Space Center provides astronauts and ground crews an opportunity to participate in various launch preparation activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. The STS-120 mission will deliver the U.S. Node 2 module, named Harmony, aboard space shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station. Discovery is targeted to launch on its 14-day mission at 11:38 a.m. EDT on Oct. 23. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd2780

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the white room on Launch Pad 39A, the...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the white room on Launch Pad 39A, the closeout crew helps STS-120 Pilot George Zamka to get into a parachute pack before entering space shuttle Discovery for a simulated launch ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During simulated pad emergency exit training on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-135 crew members, assisted by the Closeout Crew, make their way out of space shuttle Atlantis into the White Room toward slidewire baskets that would take them to a safe bunker below the pad in the unlikely event of an emergency. The exercise is part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) and related training. Atlantis and its crew are targeted to lift off July 8, taking with them the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-4836

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During simulated pad emergency exit training o...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- During simulated pad emergency exit training on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-135 crew members, assisted by the Closeout Crew, make their way out of space... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Closeout Crew helps STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson prepare to enter space shuttle Atlantis from the White Room of Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Ferguson is one of the final four astronauts to launch aboard a space shuttle. He is a retired U.S. Navy captain who already has logged nearly a month in space during two previous shuttle flights. STS-135 is scheduled to lift off at 11:26 a.m. EDT on July 8 for a mission to the International Space Station. STS-135 will deliver the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts for the International Space Station. Atlantis also will fly the Robotic Refueling Mission experiment that will investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites in orbit. In addition, Atlantis will return with a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph and Kevin O'Connell KSC-2011-5225

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Closeout Crew helps STS-135 Commander Chri...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The Closeout Crew helps STS-135 Commander Chris Ferguson prepare to enter space shuttle Atlantis from the White Room of Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Ferguson... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Closeout Crew in the White Room help STS-127 crew members complete their suitup before entering space shuttle Endeavour for the 6:03 p.m. EDT liftoff. Seen here is Commander Mark Polansky. Today will be the sixth launch attempt for the STS-127 mission. The launch was scrubbed on June 13 and June 17 when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. The mission was postponed July 11, 12 and 13 due to weather conditions near the Shuttle Landing Facility at Kennedy that violated rules for launching, and lightning issues. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section in the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Kevin O'Connell KSC-2009-4086

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Closeout Crew in the White Room help STS-127 crew members complete their suitup before entering space shuttle Endeavour fo... More

In the White Room, STS-97 Commander Brent Jett (center) prepares for entry into Space Shuttle Endeavour with the help of the Closeout Crew, (left to right) Mike Birkenseher, Jean Alexander, Jack Burritt, Travis Thompson and Dave Law. Space Shuttle Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 30 at 10:06 p.m. EST for the six construction flight to the International Space Station. Endeavour is transporting the P6 Integrated Truss Structure that comprises Solar Array Wing-3 and the Integrated Electronic Assembly, to provide power to the Space Station. After the 11-day mission, which includes three spacewalks, it is expected to land at KSC Dec. 11 at 6:19 p.m. EST KSC00pp1818

In the White Room, STS-97 Commander Brent Jett (center) prepares for e...

In the White Room, STS-97 Commander Brent Jett (center) prepares for entry into Space Shuttle Endeavour with the help of the Closeout Crew, (left to right) Mike Birkenseher, Jean Alexander, Jack Burritt, Travis... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room, STS-109 Commander Scott D. Altman (center) is helped by the Closeout Crew for launch. At left is Danny Wyatt, NASA quality assurance specialist; at right is Tim Seymour, United Space Alliance mechanical technician. On the mission, Space Shuttle Columbia will rendezvous with the Hubble Space Telescope for the crew to replace and upgrade key telescope systems through five challenging spacewalks. After an extensive 2-1/2 year modification period during which many systems were replaced and enhanced, Columbia is making its 27th flight in the Shuttle program. After the 11-day mission, Columbia is expected to land at Kennedy Space Center March 12 KSC-02pp0238

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room, STS-109 Commander Sc...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room, STS-109 Commander Scott D. Altman (center) is helped by the Closeout Crew for launch. At left is Danny Wyatt, NASA quality assurance specialist; at right is Ti... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition Five Commander Valeri Korzun shakes hands with a member of the Closeout Crew in the White Room before entering Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch of mission STS-111. The White Room, at the end of the Orbiter Access Arm, provides entry into the cockpit area of the orbiter. Other crew members are Commander Kenneth Cockrell, Pilot Paul Lockhart and Mission Specialists Franklin Chang-Diaz and Philippe Perrin (CNES) , and Expedition Five astronaut Peggy Whitson and cosmonaut Sergei Treschev. This mission, a utilization flight, marks the 14th Shuttle flight to the International Space Station and the third Shuttle mission this year. Mission STS-111 is the 18th flight of Endeavour and the 110th flight overall in NASA's Space Shuttle program KSC-02pp0927

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition Five Commander Valeri Korzun ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Expedition Five Commander Valeri Korzun shakes hands with a member of the Closeout Crew in the White Room before entering Space Shuttle Endeavour for launch of mission STS-111. Th... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Mission Specialist Thomas Reiter is helped by the Closeout Crew to prepare for entering Discovery and the launch. Situated on the end of the orbiter access arm, the White Room provides access into the orbiter on the pad. The crew is preparing for the third launch attempt in four days; previous attempts were scrubbed due to weather concerns. During the 12-day mission, the STS-121 crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the International Space Station. The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-121 is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Regina Mitchell-Ryall & Tony Gray KSC-06pp1475

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, S...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - In the White Room on Launch Pad 39B, STS-121 Mission Specialist Thomas Reiter is helped by the Closeout Crew to prepare for entering Discovery and the launch. Situated on the e... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the white room on Launch Pad 39A, STS-120 Commander Pamela Melroy is helped by the closeout crew in donning a parachute pack before she crawls through the open hatch into space shuttle Discovery for a simulated launch countdown. The countdown is the culmination of the prelaunch terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. The TCDT at NASA's Kennedy Space Center provides astronauts and ground crews an opportunity to participate in various launch preparation activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency training. The STS-120 mission will deliver the U.S. Node 2 module, named Harmony, aboard space shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station. Discovery is targeted to launch on its 14-day mission at 11:38 a.m. EDT on Oct. 23. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton KSC-07pd2776

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the white room on Launch Pad 39A, STS...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the white room on Launch Pad 39A, STS-120 Commander Pamela Melroy is helped by the closeout crew in donning a parachute pack before she crawls through the open hatch into space ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-120 Mission Specialist Daniel Tani is helped by the closeout crew to put on a parachute and get ready to enter space shuttle Discovery for liftoff at 11:38 a.m. EDT. Behind him is Mission Specialist Doug Wheelock. At the end of the mission, Tani will remain behind on the International Space Station to join the Expedition 16 crew. The STS-120 mission will be the 23rd assembly flight to the space station and the 34th flight for Discovery. Payload on the mission is the Italian-built U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. During the 14-day mission, the crew will install Harmony and move the P6 solar arrays to their permanent position and deploy them. Discovery is expected to complete its mission and return home at 4:47 a.m. EST on Nov. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Scott Haun, Tom Farrar, Rafael Hernandez KSC-07pd2981

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at N...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-120 Mission Specialist Daniel Tani is helped by the closeout crew to put on a parachute and get ready to ent... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-120 Mission Specialist Paolo Nespoli is helped by the closeout crew to put on a parachute and get ready to enter space shuttle Discovery for liftoff at 11:38 a.m. EDT. Nespoli represents the European Space Agency. The STS-120 mission will be the 23rd assembly flight to the space station and the 34th flight for Discovery. Payload on the mission is the Italian-built U.S. Node 2, called Harmony. During the 14-day mission, the crew will install Harmony and move the P6 solar arrays to their permanent position and deploy them. Discovery is expected to complete its mission and return home at 4:47 a.m. EST on Nov. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Scott Haun, Tom Farrar, Rafael Hernandez KSC-07pd2977

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at N...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, STS-120 Mission Specialist Paolo Nespoli is helped by the closeout crew to put on a parachute and get ready to e... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 crew members enjoy talking with the Closeout Crew as they suit up. In the foreground is Mission Specialist Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper; behind her is Pilot Eric Boe. They and other crew members will take part in a simulated launch countdown after entering space shuttle Endeavour. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training and the simulated countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder KSC-08pd3431

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-126 crew members enjoy talking with the Closeout Crew as they suit up. In the foreground is Mission Sp... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Joseph Acaba is helped by the closeout crew putting on his harness, which includes a parachute pack, before crawling through the open hatch into space shuttle Discovery. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm on the fixed service structure and provides access into the shuttle. The STS-119 mission is the 28th to the International Space Station and the 125th space shuttle flight. Discovery will deliver the final pair of power-generating solar array wings and the S6 truss segment. Installation of S6 will signal the station's readiness to house a six-member crew for conducting increased science. Liftoff is scheduled for 7:43 p.m. EDT. Photo credit: NASA/Tony Gray, Tom Farrar KSC-2009-2055

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's K...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-119 Mission Specialist Joseph Acaba is helped by the closeout crew putting on his harness, which include... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-125 Mission Specialist Michael Good is helped by the closeout crew putting on his harness, which includes a parachute pack, before crawling through the open hatch into space shuttle Atlantis. The White Room is at the end of the orbiter access arm on the fixed service structure and provides access into the shuttle. Atlantis' 11-day flight will include five spacewalks to refurbish and upgrade the telescope with state-of-the-art science instruments that will expand Hubble's capabilities and extend its operational lifespan through at least 2014. The payload includes a Wide Field Camera 3, fine guidance sensor and the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. Launch of Atlantis on the STS-125 mission is scheduled for 2:01 p.m. May 11 EDT. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph-Kevin O'Connell KSC-2009-3063

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's K...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-125 Mission Specialist Michael Good is helped by the closeout crew putting on his harness, which include... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the closeout crew in the White Room help STS-127 crew members complete their suitup before entering space shuttle Endeavour for the 7:13 p.m. EDT liftoff. Seen here is Commander Mark Polansky. This is the fourth launch attempt for the STS-127 mission. The first two launch attempts on June 13 and June 17 were scrubbed when a hydrogen gas leak occurred during tanking due to a misaligned Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate. Mission managers also decided to delay tanking on July 11 for a launch attempt later in the day to allow engineers and safety personnel time to analyze data captured during lightning strikes near the pad on July 10. Endeavour will deliver the Japanese Experiment Module's Exposed Facility, or JEM-EF, and the Experiment Logistics Module-Exposed Section, or ELM-ES, in the final of three flights dedicated to the assembly of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory complex on the International Space Station. STS-127 is the 29th flight for the assembly of the space. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph & Kevin O'Connell KSC-2009-3977

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the closeout crew in the White Room help STS-127 crew members complete their suitup before entering space shuttle Endeavour fo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, left, and Robert L. Satcher Jr. are preparing to enter space shuttle Atlantis with the help of the closeout crew in the White Room. The six astronauts for space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-129 mission are participating in their launch dress rehearsal, the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. Additional training associated with the test was done last month, but the simulated countdown was postponed because of a scheduling conflict with the launch of NASA’s Ares I-X test rocket. Launch of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is set for Nov. 16. On STS-129, the crew will deliver to the station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. For information on the STS-129 crew and mission objectives, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-6064

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, left, and Robert L. Satcher Jr. are preparing to enter space shuttle Atlantis with ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the closeout crew in the White Room help STS-129 Mission Specialist Robert L. Satcher Jr. complete his suit-up before entering space shuttle Atlantis. The six astronauts for space shuttle Atlantis’ STS-129 mission are participating in their launch dress rehearsal, the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. Additional training associated with the test was done last month, but the simulated countdown was postponed because of a scheduling conflict with the launch of NASA’s Ares I-X test rocket. Launch of Atlantis on its STS-129 mission to the International Space Station is set for Nov. 16. On STS-129, the crew will deliver to the station two spare gyroscopes, two nitrogen tank assemblies, two pump modules, an ammonia tank assembly and a spare latching end effector for the station's robotic arm. For information on the STS-129 crew and mission objectives, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts129/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-6062

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Cente...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the closeout crew in the White Room help STS-129 Mission Specialist Robert L. Satcher Jr. complete his suit-up before entering... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Multi-Payload Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers take photos and video of fire and rescue personnel, as well as a closeout crew, participating in an exercise known as crew egress evaluation from an Orion mock-up. The spacecraft is replicated in all areas that could affect a crew's escape, including the area that seals to a launch pad's White Room. The exercise focuses on whether astronauts and their rescue crews can exit the vehicle quickly in the event of a pad emergency. For more information on Orion, visit www.nasa.gov/orion. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2010-5175

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Multi-Payload Processing Facility at NA...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the Multi-Payload Processing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers take photos and video of fire and rescue personnel, as well as a closeout crew, participating ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the White Room at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-135 Pilot Doug Hurley prepares to board space shuttle Atlantis through the crew hatch in the background. Members of the Closeout Crew, in white uniforms, are there to assist astronauts with their launch-and-entry suits and the boarding process. The STS-135 crew members are at the pad to participate in a launch countdown simulation exercise. As part of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), the crew members are strapped into their seats on Atlantis to practice the steps that will be taken on launch day. Shuttle Atlantis and its crew are targeted to lift off July 8, taking with them the Raffaello multi-purpose logistics module packed with supplies and spare parts to the International Space Station. The STS-135 mission also will fly a system to investigate the potential for robotically refueling existing satellites and return a failed ammonia pump module to help NASA better understand the failure mechanism and improve pump designs for future systems. STS-135 will be the 33rd flight of Atlantis, the 37th shuttle mission to the space station, and the 135th and final mission of NASA's Space Shuttle Program. For more information visit, www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts135/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-4828

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the White Room at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- In the White Room at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-135 Pilot Doug Hurley prepares to board space shuttle Atlantis through the crew hatch in the background... More

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