Astronauts Preparing for Launch

Images of astronauts in orange spacesuits being suited up and trained for missions at space centers, showcasing teamwork and high-tech environments.

JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, Houston - JSC2009-E-208989 -- Astronaut Leland D. Melvin, mission specialist
JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, Houston - JSC2009-E-208989 -- Astronaut Leland D. Melvin, mission specialist
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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 Leland Melvin 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 NASAs 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.
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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - In the Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin dons his launch-and-entry suit. The six astronauts for space shuttle Atlantis STS-129 mission are at Kennedy for their launch dress rehearsal, the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, on Launch Pad 39A.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 NASAs 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.
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JSC2008-E-006645 (23 Jan. 2008) --- Astronaut Leland Melvin, STS-122 mission specialist, dons a training version of his shuttle launch and entry suit in preparation for a training session in the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at the Johnson Space Center.
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JOHNSON SPACE CENTER, Houston - JSC2009-E-208989 -- Astronaut Leland D. Melvin, mission specialist
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PHOTO DATE(S): 08/27/09 (Satcher) @ 0900LOCATION: Bldg 7/SSATA ChamberSUBJECT: SSATA Crew Training and EMU Verification for STS-129 crew member Robert Satcher during suited dry run. Test Director: Cristina Anchondo.
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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Following a simulated pad emergency, STS-133 Mission Specialist Alvin Drew stands on the 195-foot level on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The emergency exit training from space shuttle Discovery is part of a week-long Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT).Discovery and its STS-133 crew will deliver the Permanent Multipurpose Module, packed with supplies and critical spare parts, as well as Robonaut 2, the dexterous humanoid astronaut helper, to the International Space Station. Launch is targeted for Nov. 1 at 4:40 p.m.
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin dons his launch and entry suit for a final fitting before space shuttle Atlantis' launch scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Melvin will make his first shuttle flight. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Lab, Europes largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications.
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Mission Specialist Leland Melvin tests his gloves for a final fitting before space shuttle Atlantis' launch scheduled for 4:31 p.m. EST on Dec. 6. Melvin will make his first shuttle flight. Atlantis will carry the Columbus Lab, Europes largest contribution to the construction of the International Space Station. It will support scientific and technological research in a microgravity environment. Columbus, a program of ESA, is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to Node 2 of the space station to carry out experiments in materials science, fluid physics and biosciences, as well as to perform a number of technological applications.
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NASA Briefing with Artemis II Crew. NASA astronaut Victor Glover, Artemis II pilot, participates in a news conference on Aug. 8, 2023, at the agencys Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA senior leadership and the Artemis II crew discussed the mission - the first with astronauts under Artemis, which will send NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Glover, and Christina Koch, as well as Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen around the Moon and back. Artemis II is the first crewed mission on NASAs path to establishing a long-term lunar presence for science and exploration under Artemis and is the first mission with astronauts to the Moon.
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STS-89 Mission Specialist Michael Anderson smiles as he completes the donning of his launch/entry suit in the Operations and Checkout (O&C) Building. A major in the U.S. Air Force, Anderson has a master of science degree in physics from Creighton University. He and six fellow crew members will soon depart the O&C and head for Launch Pad 39A, where the Space Shuttle Endeavour will lift off during a launch window that opens at 9:43 p.m. EST, Jan. 22. STS-89 is the eighth of nine planned missions to dock the Space Shuttle with Russia's Mir space station
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S129-E-007053 (18 Nov. 2009) --- Astronaut Leland Melvin, STS-129 mission specialist, enters the International Space Station shortly after Space Shuttle Atlantis and the International Space Station docked and the hatches were opened on Nov. 18, 2009. Astronaut Robert L. Satcher Jr., mission specialist, is at left.
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PHOTO DATE: 05-07-10LOCATION: SCTF, NBL SUBJECT: STS-133 crew during water survival training at the NBL
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- STS-118 Mission Specialist Alvin Drew is eager to begin the simulated launch countdown that concludes the terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT. The STS-118 crew has been at Kennedy for the TCDT activities that also include M-113 training, payload familiarization and emergency egress training at the pad. The mission is the 22nd flight to the International Space Station and Space Shuttle Endeavour will carry a payload including the S5 truss, a SPACEHAB module and external stowage platform 3. STS-118 is targeted for launch on Aug. 7.
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STS087-317-036 (19 November - 5 December 1997) --- Astronaut Winston E. Scott, mission specialist, goes through final touches of space suit donning in preparation for one of two extravehicular activities (EVA) he performed in and around the cargo bay of the Space Shuttle Columbia. Scott was joined by astronaut Takao Doi, an international mission specialist representing Japan's National Space Development Agency (NASDA), on both EVAs.
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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, STS-129 Mission Specialist Robert L. Satcher Jr., dressed in his launch-and-entry suit, completes his training for an emergency egress from 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 NASAs 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.
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STS-129 Water Survival Training at the NBL. Photo Date: March 30, 2009. Location: NBL - Pool Topside.
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STS-129 Water Survival Training at the NBL. Photo Date: March 30, 2009. Location: NBL - Pool Topside.
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Astronaut Robert L. Curbeam, Jr., STS-116 mission specialist, smiles for the camera in the Quest Airlock of the International Space Station (ISS). Curbeam had just completed the missions first space walk in which the P6 truss installation was conducted.
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JSC2009-E-207967 (14 Sept. 2009) --- NASA astronaut Stephanie Wilson, STS-131 mission specialist, attired in a training version of her shuttle launch and entry suit, participates in a training session in one of the full-scale trainers in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
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STS98-E-5177 (12 February 2001) --- Astronaut Robert L. Curbeam, STS-98 mission specialist, dons his extravehicular mobility unit for the upcoming space walk on the International Space Station on February 12. This scene was recorded with a digital still camera.
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S129-E-006191 (17 Nov. 2009) --- Astronaut Robert L. Satcher Jr., STS-129 mission specialist, works on the middeck of Space Shuttle Atlantis during flight day two activities.
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. Artemis II Crew Announcement - Official Crew Portrait & Media Package Photos. Photo Date: March 29, 2023. Location: Building 8, Room 183 - Photo Studio. Photographer: Robert Markowitz
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NASA Celebrates Black History Month with the NMAAHC. Retired NASA astronaut Leland Melvin answers a question during a panel discussion titled A Space for Us All at an event celebrating Black History Month at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, in Washington.
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DATE: 1-26-17LOCATION: JSCSUBJECT: SUPER BOWL 51 SUPPORT. Retired NFL players spend the day at NASA signing autographs and touring the facilities.
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Suiting up in the Operations and Checkout Building, STS-98 Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam has a thumbs-up for launch. STS-98 is the seventh construction flight to the International Space Station. 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 Shuttles robotic arm. Three spacewalks, by Curbeam and Mission Specialist Thomas Jones, are required to complete the planned construction work during the 11-day mission. Launch is targeted for 6:11 p.m. EST and the planned landing at KSC Feb. 18 about 1:39 p.m. This mission marks the seventh Shuttle flight to the Space Station, the 23rd flight of Atlantis and the 102nd flight overall in NASAs Space Shuttle program
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Artemis II astronaut Victor J. Glover participates in NASA Langleys Open House on Saturday, Oct. 21.More than 37,000 people registered to attend the NASA Langley open house. Starting with the Annual 5K Moon Walk Run and the talented Nils Larson, X59 pilot and Astronaut Victor Glover reunited at Langleys hangar and hosted by Center Director Clayton Turner.
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S91-51063 (Dec 1991) --- Partially attired in a special training version of the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuit, astronaut Bernard J. Harris Jr. is pictured before a training session at the Johnson Space Center's (JSC) Weightless Environment Training Facility (WET-F). Harris, STS-55 mission specialist, is assisted by Laney Lee. Minutes later, Harris was in a 25-feet deep pool, simulating a contingency extravehicular activity (EVA). There is no scheduled EVA for the 1993 flight but each spaceflight crew includes astronauts trained for a variety of contingency tasks that could require exiting the shirt-sleeve environment of a Shuttle's cabin.
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S122-E-006303 (8 Feb. 2008) --- Astronaut Leland Melvin, STS-122 mission specialist, works on the aft flight deck of Space Shuttle Atlantis during flight day two activities.
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NASA Associate Administrator for Education and former astronaut Leland Melvin teaches the ABC's of living and working in space to Sesame Street's Elmo at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Wednesday, July 6, 2011 in Cape Canaveral, FL. The pair discussed nutrition, exercise, hygiene in orbit. They also chatted about the features of the space shuttle and the various suits that astronauts wear.
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Excited about her first space flight, STS-121 Mission Specialist Stephanie Wilson has her launch suit checked for fit in the Operations and Checkout Building. On the 12-day mission, the crew will test new equipment and procedures to improve shuttle safety, as well as deliver supplies and make repairs to the station. This mission is the 115th shuttle flight and the 18th U.S. flight to the station.
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STS98-E-5009 (8 February 2001) --- Astronaut Robert L. Curbeam, mission specialist, reads over a duty schedule on the mid deck of the Space Shuttle Atlantis during early stages of the STS-98 mission. The scene was recorded with a digital still camera.
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NASA astronaut Victor Glover talks with school students in person and via live stream during an educational event, Thursday, April 28, 2022, at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington. Glover most recently served as pilot and second-in-command on the Crew-1 SpaceX Crew Dragon, named Resilience, which landed after a long duration mission aboard the International Space Station, May 2, 2021.
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- During In-Flight Maintenance training, STS-107 Mission Specialist Michael Anderson looks over a Medusa,” a piece of a Biotube experiment that will be on the STS-107 mission. The Medusa is part of a watering system for plants. As a research mission, STS-107 will carry the SPACEHAB Double Module in its first research flight into space and a broad collection of experiments ranging from material science to life science. It is scheduled to launch July 19, 2001
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Artemis II astronaut Victor J. Glover participates in NASA Langleys Open House on Saturday, Oct. 21. More than 37,000 people registered to attend the NASA Langley open house. Starting with the Annual 5K Moon Walk Run and the talented Nils Larson, X59 pilot and Astronaut Victor Glover reunited at Langleys hangar and hosted by Center Director Clayton Turner.
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Dressed in a bunny suit, STS-107 Payload Commander Michael Anderson reviews data in Columbia's payload bay for Fast Reaction Experiments Enabling Science, Technology, Applications and Research (FREESTAR) experiments for the mission. FREESTAR comprises Mediterranean Israeli Dust, Solar Constant, Shuttle Ozone Limb Sounding, Critical Viscosity of Xenon, Low Power, and Space Experimental Module experiments. Another payload is the SHI Research Double Module (SHI_RDM), also known as SPACEHAB. The experiments range from material sciences to life sciences. STS-107 is scheduled to launch July 11, 2002
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S84-27219 (3-11 Feb 1984) --- Astronaut Ronald E. McNair, 41-B mission specialist, doubles as "director" for a movie being "produced" aboard the Earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Challenger. McNairs name tag ("Cecil B. McNair") and beret and slate are all humorous props for application of a serious piece of cargo on this eight day flight - the Cinema 360 camera. Two of the cameras were carried aboard the Challenger to provide a test for motion picture photography in a unique format designed especially for planetarium viewing. This camera was located in the crew cabin area and a second was stowed in a getaway special (GAS) canister in the payload bay. The other camera recorded extravehicular activity (EVA) of the flights other two mission specialists, Astronauts Bruce McCandless II and Robert L. Stewart.
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PHOTO DATE: 10-21-10LOCATION: Bldg 2NSUBJECT: STS-133 crew press conference
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Male astronaut looking away while standing in city during night
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STS-122 Crew Members visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton Ohio. STS-122 Astronaut poses by a Detroit Lions display case. He was drafted by the Lions in 1986
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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - At Howard Bishop Middle School in Gainesville, Fla., Dr. Woodrow Whitlow Jr., KSC deputy director, shares the new vision for space exploration with the students, the next generation of explorers. Whitlow talked about our destiny as explorers, NASAs stepping stone approach to exploring Earth, the Moon, Mars and beyond, how space impacts our lives, and how people and machines rely on each other in space. The presentation also included a downlink from the International Space Station for students to ask questions of the Expedition 8 crew, Commander Michael Foale and Flight Engineer Alexander Kaleri. Howard Bishop Middle School is one of 50 nationwide (four in Florida) in the NASA Explorer Schools (NES) Program. NES establishes a three-year partnership between NASA and 50 NASA Explorer Schools teams, consisting of teachers and education administrators from diverse communities nationwide.
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AerOhio 1 Aerostat Balloon; Media Event at NASA Plumbrook Station
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Leland Melvin, Associate Administrator, Office of Education and former astronaut, gives opening remarks at the Symposium on Supporting Underrepresented Minority Males in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at NASA Headquarters in Washington.