rocket_apsat_launch.jpg The Saturn V is the most powerful rocket ever built. Its five first-stage engines boast 7.5 million pounds of thrust. The Saturn V is the only rocket that has proven it can send astronauts to the moon. Its powerful engines are also large enough to lift a large space station into orbit in one shot. apsat_moon.jpg apsat_moon-hires.jpg Apollo was developed to land a man on the moon. The moon is the body closest to the Earth and a natural point for the first steps by humans on an alien world. The moon is about 239,000 miles from Earth. It takes astronauts about two weeks to conduct a lunar mission, including a landing on the surface. apsat_moon_equip1.jpg apsat_moon_equip1-hires.jpg The Apollo missions to the moon offer a prime opportunity to do research on the lunar surface. With that in mind, NASA devised experiment suites the astronauts will deploy and leave behind on the moon. Astronauts carried several instruments to the moon with them. Experiments ranged from simple laser reflectors to complex seismometers that could pick up vibrations as small as the footsteps of the astronauts. Missions also called for crew members to drill into the moon's core for soil samples. apsat_moon_e1_c1.jpg apsat_moon_e1_c1-hires.jpg A veteran astronaut from the Gemini program, Neil Armstrong is an accomplished pilot of aircraft and spacecraft. He commanded the Gemini 8 mission and piloted NASA's X-15 rocketplane as a test pilot. Neil Armstrong commanded the first mission to successfully dock two spacecraft in orbit. He and Dave Scott flew the Gemini 8 capsule and connected it with an uncrewed Agena rocket stage above Earth. apsat_moon_e1_c1_a11.png As commander of the Apollo 11 mission, Neil Armstrong became the first person to step onto the moon. He climbed down the ladder of the lunar module Eagle on July 20, 1969, and set foot on the lunar surface. He and astronaut Buzz Aldrin set up experiments on the moon including a device to measure lunar quakes. apsat_moon_e1_c2.jpg apsat_moon_e1_c2-hires.jpg Charles "Pete" Conrad spent more than a week in space as the pilot of the Gemini 5 mission. He also commanded the Gemini 11 mission which called for docking the Gemini capsule with an Agena rocket. Charles "Pete" Conrad set a space endurance record during his first Gemini mission, then set an altitude record of 739 miles above Earth. apsat_moon_e1_c2_a12.png Charles "Pete" Conrad commanded the Apollo 12 mission which landed on the moon in November 1969. He and astronaut Alan Bean set up experiments on the lunar surface and also retrieved parts of the robotic Surveyor spacecraft. apsat_moon_e1_c3.jpg apsat_moon_e1_c3-hires.jpg Alan Shepard became the first American to fly into space when he piloted a Mercury capsule on a suborbital flight path May 5, 1961. Shepard began the tradition of naming spacecraft when he labeled his Mercury capsule Freedom 7. The first flight reached a height of 116 miles and subjected Shepard to 11Gs, or 11 times the force of gravity. apsat_moon_e1_c3_a14.png Following the aborted Apollo 13 mission, Alan Shepard returned the United States to the moon's surface as commander of Apollo 14. He and Edgar Mitchell set up several scientific experiments and retrieved about 100 pounds of moon rocks for study on Earth. apsat_moon_equip2.jpg apsat_moon_equip2-hires.jpg The Lunar Rover is the first car designed to work on the surface of another world. It is powered by an electric battery and uses a joystick for steering instead of a wheel. The lunar rover will extend astronauts' science reach. The tires of the Lunar Rover were not rubber, but rather sets of steel strands coated with zinc. The treads of the tires were made of titanium. The lunar tires had to support only 1/6 the weight because the moon's gravity is lower than that on Earth. Training versions used on Earth had stronger tires to support the full weight of astronauts. apsat_moon_e2_c1.jpg apsat_moon_e2_c1-hires.jpg Dave Scott is a veteran of the Gemini program and flew on the Apollo 9 mission to test the Apollo spacecraft and lunar module in space. Dave Scott served as Command Module pilot on Apollo 9, a test flight which called for him to remain in the spacecraft by himself while crewmates James McDivitt and Rusty Schweikart flew in the lunar module. apsat_moon_e2_c1_a15.png Dave Scott commanded the Apollo 15 mission which studied the Hadley Rille and Apennine Mountains on the moon. The lunar rover proved a critical addition to the Apollo crew because Scott and James Irwin could drive to pick up samples from the moon's surface. The pair collected about 180 pounds of moon rocks. apsat_moon_e2_c2.jpg apsat_moon_e2_c2-hires.jpg John Young made one trip to the moon, but didn't land. As the command module pilot on Apollo 10, he took part in the dress rehearsal of the first lunar landing. Young also is a veteran of two Gemini missions. John Young flew on the first flight of the Gemini program, Gemini 3. He later commanded Gemini 10, during which he oversaw a spacewalk by pilot Michael Collins. During the Apollo 10 mission, the crew beamed back live color television images to Earth. It was the first time that had been done from a space mission. apsat_moon_e2_c2_a16.png John Young commanded the Apollo 16 mission that landed on the moon on April 20, 1972. Young and Charles Duke drove the lunar rover more than 16 miles during three separate excursions on the moon. Young would go on to command the first space shuttle mission, STS-1, and later the STS-9 flight. apsat_moon_e2_c3.jpg apsat_moon_e2_c3-hires.jpg Gene Cernan flew aboard Gemini and Apollo spacecraft before the first moon landing. He is the second American to walk in space. He piloted the lunar module during Apollo 10, which was the dress rehearsal for the first landing on the moon. Gene Cernan spent more than two hours floating outside the Gemini 9 capsule to practice experimental techniques for working in the weightlessness of Earth orbit. apsat_moon_e2_c3_a17.png Gene Cernan commanded the last mission to the moon, Apollo 17. He flew the lunar module Challenger to a landing zone in the Taurus-Littrow area of the moon. Cernan and scientist Harrison "Jack" Schmitt led three excursions on the lunar surface during the longest mission on the moon. apsat_station.jpg apsat_station-hires.jpg The Saturn V rocket is large enough and powerful enough to boost a large U.S. space station called Skylab into orbit. Astronauts can study the sun, watch objects in space, and see how weightlessness affects astronauts. The Orbital Workshop portion of Skylab was made from an empty third stage of a Saturn V moon rocket. It was fitted with equipment lockers, floors and other features, but was still big enough to test a prototype jet backpack without going outside the station. An operational version of the jetpack later was used on space shuttle missions. apsat_station_equip1.jpg apsat_station_equip1-hires.jpg The main item in the Skylab repair kit is a solar shield that folds out to insulate a large area from the sun's heat. It is crucial for astronauts to deploy the shield so temperatures inside the Skylab do not climb too high. The repair kit for the first Skylab mission with a crew included cable cutters and a long multi-pronged tool. Both items could be mounted on the end of a 10-foot-long pole. Astronauts would use the tools to free a stuck solar panel on the side of the Skylab. apsat_station_e1_c1.jpg apsat_station_e1_c1-hires.jpg Charles "Pete" Conrad commanded the second mission to land on the moon, Apollo 12. He also is a veteran of the Gemini program and was selected in NASA's second class of astronauts. Upon setting foot on the moon, Charles "Pete" Conrad said, "Whoopie! Man, that may have been a small one for Neil, but that's a long one for me." He was referring to Neil Armstrong's first words from the surface of the moon four months earlier when Armstrong said, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." apsat_station_e1_c1_sky1.png Charles "Pete" Conrad commanded the first crew that lived aboard the Skylab space station. The crew used a repair kit to unfurl a sunscreen over one side of the spacecraft that was left exposed when the solar shield built to protect it tore off during launch. Conrad and his crew were able to stabilize temperatures inside the Skylab so they could live inside the station for a month. apsat_station_e1_c2.jpg apsat_station_e1_c2-hires.jpg Alan Bean walked on the moon during Apollo 12 and helped design the space station that would become Skylab. During Apollo 12, Alan Bean helped recover pieces from the robotic Surveyor III spacecraft that landed on the moon two years earlier. apsat_station_e1_c2_sky2.png Alan Bean would lead the second crew of three astronauts to live aboard the Skylab space station in July 1973. It was the crew's duty to improve on the repairs done to the Skylab by the first crew. The improvements included extending a stronger sun shield over the workshop. apsat_station_e1_c3.jpg apsat_station_e1_c3-hires.jpg NASA named Gerald Carr as part of its 19-member astronaut class in 1966. He worked in support roles during much of the Apollo moon landing program and served as the capsule communicator, or CAPCCOM, for Apollo 8 and Apollo 12. Gerald Carr helped design and test the lunar rover that astronauts would drive on the moon apsat_station_e1_c3_sky3.png Gerald Carr commanded the longest of the Skylab missions, a flight that lasted 84 days and set a NASA space endurance record that would stand until Norm Thagard's flight to the Russian Mir space station in 1995. Like the two crews before, Carr's team of astronauts made changes and improvements to the outside of the station along with conducting experiments inside. apsat_station_equip2.jpg apsat_station_equip2-hires.jpg As NASA's first space station, Skylab offers an ideal environment to study how the human body and mind adjust to long periods in space. Medical experiment kits are equipped with needles and gauges and other tools. The medical experiments onboard Skylab include some large machines built into the station before it launched. They included a stationary bicycle called an ergometer and a lower body negative pressure device which the astronauts laid down in, or floated into as the machine measured how much blood pools in the legs during spaceflight. apsat_station_e2_c1.jpg apsat_station_e2_c1-hires.jpg Joe Kerwin served in the Navy Medical Corps before joining NASA as a scientist-astronaut in 1965. Though a trained physician, Joe Kerwin also is an accomplished pilot, having earned his wings in the Navy in 1962. He accumulated more than 4,500 hours of flight time. apsat_station_e2_c1_sky1.png Joe Kerwin flew on the first manned Skylab mission in May 1973 as the science pilot. He was the first physician to fly in space. One of Kerwin's primary duties was to draw blood daily from his crewmates. apsat_station_e2_c2.jpg apsat_station_e2_c2-lrg.jpg Owen Garriott was part of the first class of scientist-astronauts NASA selected in 1965. The group came to agency from academic backgrounds instead of from the ranks of pilots that served as the training ground for earlier astronauts. The first class of scientists chosen for the astronaut corps was still trained as pilots and were expected to learn how to operate the spacecraft proficiently. apsat_station_e2_c2_sky2.png Owen Garriott served as the science pilot for the second Skylab mission. He collected samples from crew mates and performed numerous studies during the record-setting flight. He would later fly aboard the space shuttle, conducting experiments aboard STS-9. apsat_station_e2_c3.jpg apsat_station_e2_c3-lrg.jpg NASA selected Edward Gibson in its first class of scientist-astronauts. His training reaches across many scientific disciplines including medical fields. Edward Gibson wrote a textbook about the sun and its processes before being chosen for NASA's astronaut corps. apsat_station_e2_c3_sky3.png Edward Gibson served as the science pilot on Skylab 4, the third manned mission to the space station. The crew of three astronauts lived in space for 84 days, a long-duration record at the time and one that NASA would not beat until 1995. The almost three months in space offered a great opportunity to study adaptations to weightlessness. Gibson's duties included working as the crew's flight surgeon. apsat_station_equip3.jpg apsat_station_equip3-hires.jpg Skylab was equipped with specialized instruments in the Apollo Telescope Mount that allowed observations of the sun from above the distorting effects of Earth's atmosphere. The Apollo Telescope Mount was based on the lunar module design and had enough room for several instruments that Skylab astronauts pointed toward the sun. Folded up inside the nose of a Saturn V rocket at launch, the telescope unit was positioned on top of the orbital workshop once Skylab reached orbit. Four solar arrays powered the instruments. apsat_station_e3_c1.jpg apsat_station_e3_c1-hires.jpg Paul Weitz is an accomplished Naval aviator who was chosen by NASA in 1966 to serve in the astronaut corps. Paul Weitz earned a master's degree in aeronautical engineering before becoming a pilot and later an astronaut. apsat_station_e3_c1_sky1.png Paul Weitz served as pilot on the firs manned Skylab mission. The crew had to make repairs to NASA's first space station before the solar observation instruments could be used by the astronauts. Later, Weitz would command the sixth space shuttle mission. apsat_station_e3_c2.jpg apsat_station_e3_c2-lrg.jpg Jack Lousma was chosen for NASA's astronaut corps in 1966 and served on astronaut support crews for Apollo 9 and 10. Jack Lousma was the CAPCOM at mission control during Apollo 13. As the astronauts responsible for relaying messages between the crew in space and the controllers on Earth, Lousma heard the message from Apollo 13 commander Jim Lovell, "Houston, we have a problem." apsat_station_e3_c2_sky2.png Jack Lousma flew as pilot for the second manned Skylab mission in July 1973. The crew of three astronauts made 305 hours of detailed observations of the sun, including studying two solar flares that occurred during the 60-day mission. apsat_station_e3_c3.jpg apsat_station_e3_c3-lrg.jpg NASA chose William Pogue as an astronaut in 1966. Pogue had served in the Air Force before NASA, including a tour of duty in the Air Force Thunderbirds flight demonstration squadron. William Pogue served on Apollo crew support teams soon after joining NASA. He worked closely with the crews of Apollos 7, 11 and 14. apsat_station_e3_c3_sky3.png William Pogue flew to the Skylab space station as the pilot of Skylab 4, the third Skylab flight with a crew. The three astronauts conducted solar observations for more than 338 hours during the mission. apsat_mission_testflight.jpg apsat_mission_testflight-lrg.jpg Astronauts must evaluate the Apollo command module and the lunar lander in the relative safety of Earth's orbit and then around the moon. If the flight tests are successful, astronauts can land on the moon during a later mission. The Apollo program used two kinds of Saturn rockets to send spacecraft into orbit around Earth and the moon. The Saturn IB was used to loft the command module into Earth orbit, while the larger Saturn V was used on missions that carried the lunar lander. apsat_testflight_equip1.jpg apsat_testflight_equip1-lrg.jpg The Apollo spacecraft is larger than the Mercury and Gemini spacecraft preceding it, so there's much more room for long missions in space. Apollo still needs to be outfitted with enough supplies and research equipment for astronauts. Much of the supplies and equipment for the Apollo command module are kept in the service module, which is attached to the back of the command module. apsat_testflight_e1_c1.jpg apsat_testflight_e1_c1-lrg.jpg Walt Cunningham became an astronaut in 1963. He trained extensively with the systems of the Apollo command module and lunar lander. He is eligible for assignment on an Apollo test flight. Before joining NASA, Walt Cunningham researched the Earth's magnetic field as a scientist for Rand Corp. apsat_testflight_e1_c1_ap7.png In October 1968, the crew of Apollo 7 performed the first flight of an Apollo spacecraft. Three astronauts tested the spacecraft systems in Earth's orbit during 11 days in space. apsat_testflight_e1_c2.jpg apsat_testflight_e1_c2-lrg.jpg Russell "Rusty" Schweickart became an astronaut in 1963. He is trained as a lunar module pilot and is eligible for assignment on an Apollo test flight. Before joining NASA Russell "Rusty" Schweickart worked at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a research scientist. His research included star tracking and upper atmospheric physics. apsat_testflight_e1_c2_ap9.png In March 1969, the crew of Apollo 9 conducted the first tests of the lunar module in space. Working in Earth's orbit, the three astronauts fired the main rockets aboard the lunar module and evaluated steering and other systems. apsat_testflight_equip2.jpg apsat_testflight_equip2-lrg.jpg The Apollo spacecraft is the first to carry people to the moon's orbit. The mission will put an additional challenge on the spacecraft since it will be far away from Earth in case of an emergency. The Apollo command module was designed to carry the lunar lander to the moon, but the command module also holds enough supplies to support three astronauts during a moon trip. apsat_testflight_e2_c1.jpg apsat_testflight_e2_c1-lrg.jpg William Anders became an astronaut in 1964 and studied radiation effects before training as a backup crew member for Gemini 11. He is eligible for assignment on an Apollo test flight. Before joining NASA, William Anders managed nuclear radiation shielding and related programs while serving in the U.S. Air Force apsat_testflight_e2_c1_ap8.png In December 1968, the crew of Apollo 8 was the first astronauts to venture beyond Earth's orbit. Flying inside an Apollo spacecraft, the three men orbited the moon 10 times before returning safely to Earth. apsat_testflight_e2_c2.jpg apsat_testflight_e2_c2-lrg.jpg Tom Stafford became an astronaut in 1962. He served as pilot on the Gemini 6 mission and commanded Gemini 9. He is eligible for assignment on an Apollo test flight. Tom Stafford's Gemini missions evaluated rendezvous techniques required of Apollo astronauts during lunar landing missions. apsat_testflight_e2_c2_ap10.png In May 1969, the crew of Apollo 10 performed a complete dress rehearsal for the first moon landing. They flew the lunar module to within a few miles of the lunar surface before returning to the command module and then back to Earth. rocket_sts_launch.jpg Reusable, powerful and equipped with its own crane, the space shuttle is the most versatile spacecraft ever launched. With a 60-foot-long payload bay and enough room for up to eight astronauts, the space shuttle can carry out a number of different missions. It can launch satellites, assemble space stations and host science laboratories in orbit. In many cases, shuttles have performed several different missions during the same flight. sts_mission_buildspacestation.jpg sts_mission_buildspacestation-lrg.jpg Like a home, office or lab on Earth, a facility in space needs a good construction vehicle to build it. The space shuttle fits that bill, plus it comes with an expert construction crew. The shuttle's robotic arm moves giant space station modules easily in orbit, but is not strong enough to lift itself off the cradles on Earth. The difference? Gravity. sts_buildstation_equip1.jpg sts_buildstation_equip1-lrg.jpg Nodes are like hallways and closets inside the International Space Station. The nodes have several points that connect space station modules together. There are three nodes aboard the International Space Station. Unity joins the U.S. and Russian modules together. Harmony connects the international laboratory modules to the station. The third, which has not been named, provides living quarters and equipment for a larger crew. sts_buildstation_e1_c1.jpg sts_buildstation_e1_c1-lrg.jpg Nancy Currie became an astronaut in 1991. She flew as a mission specialist during the STS-57 and STS-70 missions. She is eligible for assignment on a space station construction flight. Nancy Currie operated the space shuttle's robotic arm to aid spacewalkers during the STS-57 mission. sts_buildstation_e1_c1_sts88.png The crew of space shuttle Endeavour connected the Unity node to the Russian-built Zarya module in December 1998, beginning construction of the International Space Station. sts_buildstation_e1_c2.jpg sts_buildstation_e1_c2-lrg.jpg Stephanie Wilson became an astronaut in 1996. She flew as a mission specialist during the STS-121 mission. She is eligible for assignment on a space station construction flight. Stephanie Wilson supported robotic arm operations during the STS-121 mission at the International Space Station. sts_buildstation_e1_c2_sts120.png The crew of space shuttle Discovery attached the Harmony node to the growing International Space Station complex in October 2007. sts_buildstation_equip2.jpg sts_buildstation_equip2-lrg.jpg The truss connects solar arrays to the living and working areas of the International Space Station. Although they look like simple beams, each truss segment is lined with cables, fluid lines and tanks of gases. The truss segments hold large metal panels, called radiators, that use ammonia to cool the space station's equipment. sts_buildstation_e2_c1.jpg sts_buildstation_e2_c1-lrg.jpg Peter "Jeff" Wisoff became an astronaut in 1991. He flew as a mission specialist during the STS-57, STS-68 and STS-81 missions. He is eligible for assignment on a space station construction flight. Peter "Jeff" Wisoff is a veteran spacewalker. He performed a 5-hour, 50-minute spacewalk during STS-57. sts_buildstation_e2_c1_sts92.png The crew of space shuttle Discovery connected the first truss element and its communications antennas and gyroscopes to the International Space Station in October 2000. sts_buildstation_e2_c2.jpg sts_buildstation_e2_c2-lrg.jpg Jerry Ross became an astronaut in 1980. He flew as mission specialist during six missions, including STS-61B in 1985. He is eligible for assignment on a space station construction mission. Jerry Ross participated in seven spacewalks during his space shuttle missions and visited the Russian space station Mir and the International Space Station. sts_buildstation_e2_c2_sts110.png The crew of space shuttle Atlantis connected the central truss segment to the International Space Station in April 2002, providing a connecting point for the large solar arrays. sts_buildstation_e2_c3.jpg sts_buildstation_e2_c3-lrg.jpg David Wolf became an astronaut in 1991. He flew as a mission specialist during the STS-58 and STS-86 missions. He is eligible for assignment on a space station construction mission. David Wolf's space experience includes a long-duration stay aboard the Russian space station Mir. sts_buildstation_e2_c3_sts112.png The crew of space shuttle Atlantis attached the first starboard-side truss segment to the International Space Station in October 2002. sts_buildstation_e2_c4.jpg sts_buildstation_e2_c4-lrg.jpg John Herrington became an astronaut in 1996. He is a trained mission specialist qualified to perform spacewalks. He is eligible for assignment on a space station construction mission. John Herrington worked at NASA's Kennedy Space Center during launch preparations and post-landing operations. sts_buildstation_e2_c4_sts113.png The crew of space shuttle Endeavour attached the first port-side truss segment to the International Space Station in November 2002. sts_buildstation_e2_c5.jpg sts_buildstation_e2_c5-lrg.jpg Joan Higginbotham became an astronaut in 1996. She is a trained mission specialist and is eligible for assignment on a space station construction flight. Joan Higginbotham worked at NASA's Kennedy Space Center as an electrical engineer before joining for the astronaut corps. sts_buildstation_e2_c5_sts116.png The crew of space shuttle Discovery attached a short truss segment to the port side of the International Space Station in December 2006. sts_buildstation_e2_c6.jpg sts_buildstation_e2_c6-lrg.jpg Alvin Drew became an astronaut in 2000. He is a trained mission specialist, eligible for assignment on a space station construction flight. Alvin Drew performed technical duties in the Astronaut Office Station Branch after initial astronaut training. sts_buildstation_e2_c6_sts118.png The crew of space shuttle Endeavour connected a short truss segment to the starboard side of the International Space Station in August 2007. sts_buildstation_equip3.jpg sts_buildstation_equip3-lrg.jpg Solar arrays are the power source for the International Space Station. They turn sunlight into electricity. The station's arrays would cover an acre of land on Earth. Solar arrays work very efficiently in space because the sunshine that hits them has not gone through the filtering effects of Earth's atmosphere. The space station's four sets of solar arrays give it a winged appearance. Each of the four arrays produce enough electricity to power 30 homes on Earth. sts_buildstation_e3_c1.jpg sts_buildstation_e3_c1-lrg.jpg Joe Tanner became an astronaut in 1992. He flew as a mission specialist during the STS-66 and STS-81 missions. He is eligible for assignment on a space station construction flight. During two spacewalks, Joe Tanner helped service the Hubble Space Telescope to near- perfect condition during the STS-82 mission. sts_buildstation_e3_c1_sts97.png The crew of space shuttle Endeavour attached the first set of solar arrays to the top of the International Space Station in December 2000, providing electricity for the first station crews. sts_buildstation_e3_c2.jpg sts_buildstation_e3_c2-lrg.jpg Daniel Burbank became an astronaut in 1996. He flew as a mission specialist during the STS-106 mission, preparing the International Space Station for its first permanent crew. Daniel Burbank flew rescue helicopters in the U.S. Coast Guard before joining NASA. One of his missions included flying into the real-life storms that became the basis for the movie "The Perfect Storm." sts_buildstation_e3_c2_sts115.png The crew of space shuttle Atlantis connected the second set of solar arrays to the International Space Station in September 2006, providing more electricity to the station. sts_buildstation_e3_c3.jpg sts_buildstation_e3_c3-lrg.jpg James Reilly became an astronaut in 1995. He flew as mission specialist during the STS-89 and STS-104 missions and is eligible for a space station construction flight. James Reilly helped install the Quest airlock onto the International Space Station during the STS-104 mission. sts_buildstation_e3_c3_sts117.png The crew of space shuttle Atlantis attached the third set of solar arrays to the International Space Station in June 2007, boosting the station's electrical power. sts_buildstation_equip4.jpg sts_buildstation_equip4-lrg.jpg Space agencies from around the world built laboratories so the International Space Station could carry out its main mission - conduct research in space. They are outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment and are built for astronauts to work comfortably. The International Space Station will have dedicated laboratory modules from NASA, Europe, Japan and Russia when it is completed. Some labs have racks on the outside, so researchers can expose materials and instruments to the vacuum of space. sts_buildstation_e4_c1.jpg sts_buildstation_e4_c1-lrg.jpg Robert Curbeam became an astronaut in 1985. He flew as mission specialist during the STS-85 mission and is eligible for assignment on a space station construction flight. As a member of the STS-85 crew, Robert Curbeam took part in the deployment and recovery of the Crista-Spas payload which studied Earth with a variety of instruments. sts_buildstation_e4_c1_sts98.png The crew of space shuttle Atlantis connected the U.S. Destiny laboratory to the International Space Station in February 2001. sts_buildstation_e4_c2.jpg sts_buildstation_e4_c2-lrg.jpg Leland Melvin became an astronaut in 1998. He is a trained mission specialist and robotic arm operator. He is eligible for assignment on a space station construction mission. Leland Melvin worked on fiber optic sensors at NASA's Langley Research Center before joining the astronaut corps. sts_buildstation_e4_c2_sts122.png The crew of space shuttle Atlantis attached the European-built Columbus laboratory to the International Space Station in February 2008. sts_buildstation_e4_c3.jpg sts_buildstation_e4_c3-lrg.jpg Karen Nyberg became an astronaut in 2000. She is a trained mission specialist and robotic arm operator. She is eligible for assignment on a space station construction mission. Karen Nyberg worked as a co-op at NASA's Johnson Space Center and received a patent for a robotic probe and socket assembly. sts_buildstation_e4_c3_sts124.png The crew of space shuttle Discovery attached the Japanese-built main Kibo laboratory to the International Space Station in June 2008. sts_buildstation_equip5.jpg sts_buildstation_equip5-lrg.jpg The International Space Station relies on smaller, specialized modules and equipment to complete its mission. The station has its own robotic arm, a large airlock for spacewalkers and a storage area for laboratory gear. The Space Station Remote Manipulator System is a beefier version of the space shuttle's Canadian-built robot arm. The arm is programmed to move around the station. It often gets a lift from a mobile base that rides rails along the station's truss. The Quest airlock is big enough for astronauts and their spacewalking gear. sts_buildstation_e5_c1.jpg sts_buildstation_e5_c1-lrg.jpg John Phillips became an astronaut in 1996. He is a trained mission specialist and is eligible for assignment on a space station construction mission. John Phillips worked in systems engineering, robotics and served as Capcom after his initial astronaut training. sts_buildstation_e5_c1_sts100.png The crew of space shuttle Endeavour carried the Canadarm 2 robotic arm to the International Space Station in April 2001. sts_buildstation_e5_c2.jpg sts_buildstation_e5_c2-lrg.jpg Michael Gernhardt became an astronaut in 1992. He flew as a mission specialist during the STS-69, STS-83 and STS-94 missions. He is eligible for assignment on a space station construction mission. Michael Gernhardt performed a spacewalk during STS-69 to test space station construction techniques. sts_buildstation_e5_c2_sts104.png The crew of space shuttle Atlantis connected the Quest Joint Airlock to the International Space Station in July 2001, so station crew members could make spacewalks without the shuttle. sts_buildstation_e5_c3.jpg sts_buildstation_e5_c3-lrg.jpg Ken Cockrell became an astronaut in 1991. He flew as mission specialist during STS-56, pilot on STS-69 and commanded the STS-80 and STS-98 missions. He is eligible for a space station construction mission. Ken Cockrell worked for NASA as a research pilot and aerospace engineer before joining the astronaut corps. sts_buildstation_e5_c3_sts111.png The crew of space shuttle Endeavour attached the mobile base for the International Space Station's robotic arm in June 2002, allowing the arm to move around the outside of the station. sts_buildstation_e5_c4.jpg sts_buildstation_e5_c4-lrg.jpg Robert Behnken became an astronaut in 2000. He is a trained mission specialist and spacewalker and is eligible for assignment on a space station construction mission. Robert Behnken supported launch and landing operations at NASA's Kennedy Space Center following his initial astronaut training. sts_buildstation_e5_c4_sts123.png The crew of space shuttle Endeavour connected a Canadian-built 12-foot-tall robotic hand called Dextre to the International Space Station in March 2008, allowing the arm to handle precise tasks without spacewalkers. sts_testflight.jpg sts_testflight-hres.jpg The space shuttle is the most complex spacecraft yet devised and built. Unlike previous spacecraft, the shuttles were not flown remotely before putting astronauts on board. Test flights must prove the spacecraft works. There are many systems to evaluate, including the basic design and its ability to glide back to Earth and land on wheels. The shuttle is the first reusable spacecraft and the first to return from orbit on wings and landing gear instead of parachutes. Early test flights are to try out fundamental designs, while later evaluations are called for to evaluate space station designs and orbital techniques. sts_testflight_equip1-lrg.jpg sts_testflight_equip1-hres.jpg Recording equipment and specialized sensors make up evaluation kits for space shuttle flights. Some gear is designed to show how the spacecraft behaves during launch, in space and while landing. Many evaluation instruments are carried on multiple flights to provide more data. The equipment is removed during later flights so the shuttles can carry larger payloads. sts_testflight_e1_c1-lrg.jpg sts_testflight_e1_c1-hres.jpg John Young is one of the most experienced astronauts in NASA's ranks. He has flown four times, including two missions to the moon. He walked on the lunar surface as commander of Apollo 16. John Young flew in another NASA test flight as pilot of Gemini 3, the first manned mission of the Gemini spacecraft. He commanded the Gemini 10 mission and then flew the command module during Apollo 10, the dress rehearsal for the first moon landing. sts_testflight_e1_c1_sts1.png The first flight of the space shuttle program was a success that proved the new spaceplane would work as it was supposed to. Space shuttle Columbia performed first as a rocket on the flames of two solid rocket boosters and its own three main engines, then as an orbiting craft in the vacuum of space, and finally as an airplane soaring over the high desert in California. sts_testflight_e1_c2.jpg sts_testflight_e1_c2-hires.jpg Paul Weitz spent more time in space than many astronauts by virtue of a 28-day mission to the American space station called Skylab. Weitz was one of three astronauts who flew on the first manned Skylab mission. Shortly after reaching orbit aboard an Apollo spacecraft along with two crewmates, Paul Weitz was called on to stand partly outside the Apollo hatch and try to pull loose a stuck Skylab solar panel with his spacesuit-clad hands. The attempt didn’t work, but later spacewalks would free the structure. sts_testflight_e1_c2_sts6.png The sixth flight of the space shuttle program marked the maiden flight of the second ship in NASA's fleet of orbiters, Challenger. Paul Weitz commanded the mission which showed Challenger's abilities as a spacecraft and also deployed a large communications satellite. sts_testflight_e1_c3-lrg.jpg sts_testflight_e1_c3-hres.jpg James Wetherbee is an experienced space shuttle astronaut and accomplished test pilot. He became an astronaut in June 1985. James Wetherbee 's previous missions include STS-32 in 1990, during which he helped with the recovery of an experimental satellite that had been in orbit for six years, and STS-52 in 1992, which saw the deployment of Laser Geodynamic Satellite. sts_testflight_e1_c3_sts63.png Instead of testing the space shuttle only, James Wetherbee and his crew evaluated how the space shuttle interacted with the Russian space station Mir during space shuttle Discogery's STS-63 mission in 1995. sts_testflight_e1_c4-lrg.jpg sts_testflight_e1_c4-hres.jpg Eileen Collins is a veteran spacecraft commander whose missions include the first rendezvous with the Russian space station Mir in 1995. Eileen Collins was chosen for the astronaut corps in 1990 after a career that included training pilots in jet aircraft. She became the first female space shuttle pilot on the STS-63 rendezvous with the Mir space station. sts_testflight_e1_c4_sts114.png Following the shuttle Columbia accident, space shuttle Discovery's STS-114 mission in 2005 called for numerous evaluations of new safety techniques including surveying the space shuttle's heat shield in orbit. One of the primary tools for the examination was a 50-foot-long boom outfitted with cameras and laser sensors. sts_testflight_e1_c5-lrg.jpg sts_testflight_e1_c5-hres.jpg NASA selected Rick Hauck in 1978 as an astronaut and he made his first flight as pilot of the STS-7 mission in 1983. He later commanded space shuttle Discovery's STS-51A mission in 1984. Rick Hauck helped land space shuttles on the dry lake bed at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center and on the concrete runway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. sts_testflight_e1_c5_sts26.png The primary mission for the crew of 1998's STS-26 mission is to show that the space shuttle works safely after extensive modifications following the Challenger accident. Commanded by Rick Hauk, the space shuttle Discovery also deploys a large communications satellite known as TDRS. sts_testflight_equip2-lrg.jpg sts_testflight_equip2-hres.jpg The Remote Manipulator System, or robot arm, gives the space shuttle amazing versatility to allow it grab satellites in orbit, conduct experiments, move space station modules into place and act as a cherry picker for spacewalkers. The shuttle's robot arm is 50 feet long and has three joints. Although it can't lift its own weight on Earth, the arm can move the largest of satellites and modules in the weightlessness of orbit. The robot arms for the shuttle and a larger version for the International Space Station were built in Canada and are sometimes called Canadarm and Canadarm 2. sts_testflight_e2_c1-lrg.jpg sts_testflight_e2_c1-hres.jpg Joe Engle is familiar with the space shuttle's flight controls after taking part in the glide tests using the shuttle Enterprise launched off the back of a modified NASA 747 jumbo jet. Joe Engle flew into space as a pilot of the X-15 rocket plane before joining NASA's astronaut corps. The X-15, which climbed into space but did not reach orbit, held most aviation speed records until the space shuttle began flying almost 20 years later. sts_testflight_e2_c1_sts2.png Joe Engle and Richard Truly piloted the space shuttle Columbia on its second test flight in November 1981. It was the first time a spacecraft made a return trip to orbit. Working from a control panel inside the flight deck, the two men used a joystick and other instruments to maneuver the robotic arm through all its motions. sts_testflight_e2_c2-lrg.jpg sts_testflight_e2_c2-hres.jpg Jack Lousma flew as Pilot on the second manned mission to the Skylab space station. NASA selected him as an astronaut in 1966 and he served on the astronaut support crews for Apollo 9, 10 and 13. Jack Lousma's 59 days in space aboard Skylab included 11 hours outside the workshop while conducting two spacewalks. sts_testflight_e2_c2_sts3.png STS-3 remained in space for eight days and one of the highlights was using the remote manipulator system to maneuver a pallet of instruments around the cargo bay and shuttle. Commander Jack Lousma and Pilot C. Gordon Fullerton also conducted scientific experiments while in space. sts_testflight_e2_c3.jpg sts_testflight_e2_c3-lrg.jpg Dale Gardner joined NASA as an astronaut in 1978. He is trained as a mission specialist and is eligible for assignment on a test flight. Dale Gardner helped develop the software used by space shuttle computers. His efforts focused on the onboard computers leading up to the STS-1 mission. sts_testflight_e2_c3_sts8.png STS-3 remained in space for eight days and one of the highlights was using the remote manipulator system to maneuver a pallet of instruments around the cargo bay and shuttle. Commander Jack Lousma and Pilot C. Gordon Fullerton also conducted scientific experiments while in space. sts_testflight_equip3-lrg.jpg sts_testflight_equip3-hres.jpg No two spaceflights are alike, and that includes test flights. As NASA proved the space shuttles could do what they were supposed to, the agency began testing parts and construction techniques for what would become the International Space Station. The astronauts would carry construction sets into orbit and evaluate how well they went together. They alsowould evaluate tools for repairing NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. sts_testflight_e3_c1-lrg.jpg sts_testflight_e3_c1-hres.jpg Sherwood Spring was selected as an astronaut in May 1980 after a career as a test pilot. He worked as a software specialist before becoming an expert in spacewalking. Although Spring came to the astronaut corps through the familiar test pilot route, much of Spring's flying was done in helicopters instead of fixed-wing airplanes. sts_testflight_e3_c1_sts61B.png Sherwood Spring and Jerry Ross worked in the cargo bay of space shuttle Atlantis for more than 12 hours during a pair of spacewalks. They set up a large structure of beams during one construction experiment and helped reel out a lightweight tower in a second trial. sts_testflight_e3_c2-lrg.jpg sts_testflight_e3_c2-hres.jpg Greg Harbaugh became an astronaut in August 1988 after working for the agency in mission control. Harbaugh flew his first mission on space shuttle Discovery's STS-39 in 1991 and operated the shuttle's robotic arm. Greg Harbaugh is trained extensively in spacewalking and has helped develop many techniques for testing space station construction. sts_testflight_e3_c2_sts54.png In 1993, Greg Harbaugh and astronaut Mario Runco worked in spacesuits in the expanse of space shuttle Endeavour's cargo bay for 4 1/2 hours testing tools, methods and astronauts themselves for long-duration spacewalks called for in space station construction. sts_testflight_e3_c3-lrg.jpg sts_testflight_e3_c3-hres.jpg NASA selected Jim Newman as an astronaut in 1990 after Newman had been working for the space agency as a training and then simulation specialist. He earned a doctorate in Physics from Rice University before joining NASA. Jim Newman worked in the astronaut support branch after joining the astronaut corps. His work included helping astronauts strap in aboard the shuttle before launch and help them out of the orbiter's crew compartment when they returned. sts_testflight_e3_c3_sts51.png In September 1993, spacewalkers aboard space shuttle Discovery tested tools, tethers and foot restraints that would become primary instruments for spacewalks in the future. sts_testflight_e3_c4-lrg.jpg sts_testflight_e3_c4-hres.jpg NASA chose Leroy Chiao as an astronaut in 1990 and his technical assignments after initial training included specializing in crew equipment, Spacelab and SpaceHab. Leroy Chiao flew first on the STS-65 mission in 1994 as a member of a crew that conducted two weeks of research aboard a Spacelab module inside space shuttle Columbia's cargo bay. sts_testflight_e3_c4_sts72.png Leroy Chiao led two spacewalks during space shuttle Endeavour's STS-72 mission in 1996 to evaluate plans for building the International Space Station. The teams tried out a portable work platform along with stiff umbilicals that could be used to hold fluid and other lines on the International Space Station. sts_testflight_e3_c5-lrg.jpg sts_testflight_e3_c5-hres.jpg NASA chose Dan Bursch for the astronaut corps in 1990 and he worked in specialty areas that included control displays for the space shuttle and space station. He operated the robotic arm during STS-51 in 1993. Dan Bursch's two previous missions included sensor tests and satellite recovery using the shuttle's robotic arm. sts_testflight_e3_c5_sts77.png In 1996, the STS-77 mission tested a new technology that saw a 50-foot-diameter antenna inflate like a balloon after the space shuttle Endeavour pulled away and the crew gathered cameras to record the event. The technology may be used in the future to build large satellites that fold up into small packages. sts_testflight_equip4-lrg.jpg sts_testflight_equip4-hres.jpg Spacesuits are designed to be small spacecraft unto themselves. They offer protection against the vacuum of space and carry life support systems for the single astronaut inside. Like all other spacecraft, they also have to be tested. Different spacesuits are used for different tasks on a mission. The crew members wear pressure suits for launch and landing and Extravehicular Mobility Units when they need to leave the safety of the space shuttle. sts_testflight_e4_c1-lrg.jpg sts_testflight_e4_c1-hres.jpg NASA selected Bruce McCandless as an astronaut in 1966. He worked on development of a jet backpack designed to let astronauts in spacesuits maneuver outside a spacecraft without a tether or other attachment. Bruce McCandless watched from mission control at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston as astronauts aboard the Skylab space station tested a prototype jet pack inside the massive area inside the workshop. sts_testflight_e4_c1_sts41B.png Bruce McCandless became the first person to become a solo satellite on his own when he connected to the Manned Maneuvering Unit and used it to jet far from the space shuttle Challenger during the STS-41B mission in 1984. sts_testflight_e4_c2-lrg.jpg sts_testflight_e4_c2-hres.jpg Michael Gernhardt came to NASA by way of a career as a deep sea diver in part because of the skills the work shares with spacewalking. Gernhardt was selected in 1992 as an astronaut. Michael Gernhardt's diverse diving experience was used to help develop new training techniques in NASA's underwater facility so astronauts could remain underwater for the same amount of time they would spend on spacewalks in the future. sts_testflight_e4_c2_sts69.png Astronauts Michael Gernhardt and James Voss performed a spacewalk for almost seven hours during space shuttle Endeavour's 1995 mission to find out if improvements to their spacesuits would keep them warmer during extended periods outside the space shuttle. sts_mission_deploysat.jpg sts_mission_deploysat-lrg.jpg The space shuttle launches probes to other planets, great observatories to peer back to the beginning of time, research platforms and communications satellites. Many satellites the shuttle carries into space have separate boosters. Some are so small they can be sprung out of the orbiter. Others are laid on their side in the cargo bay and tilted up to launch. sts_deploysat_equip1.jpg sts_deploysat_equip1-lrg.jpg Science satellites are often launched aboard uncrewed rockets. Others are too large or have a special design and can only be carried into orbit aboard the space shuttle. The Earth Radiation Budget Satellite, Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite and Lageos satellites are deployed by space shuttles to study Earth. sts_deploysat_e1_c1.jpg sts_deploysat_e1_c1-lrg.jpg Jon McBride became an astronaut in 1979. He is trained to pilot a space shuttle and is eligible for assignment on a satellite deployment mission. Jon McBride flew the lead chase plane during the STS-1 mission. sts_deploysat_e1_c1_sts41G.png The astronauts of space shuttle Challenger released the Earth Radiation Budget Satellite on Oct. 5, 1984, to study the Earth's interactions with the sun. sts_deploysat_e1_c2.jpg sts_deploysat_e1_c2-lrg.jpg John Creighton became an astronaut in 1979. He piloted the STS-51G mission and commanded the STS-36 flight. He is eligible to lead a satellite deployment mission. John Creighton served as lead Capcom for the first four space shuttle missions. He spoke directly to astronauts during the flights as liaison between mission control and the crew. sts_deploysat_e1_c2_sts48.png The crew of space shuttle Discovery released the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite in September 1991 to study the upper levels of Earth's atmosphere. sts_deploysat_e1_c3.jpg sts_deploysat_e1_c3-lrg.jpg Charles Veach became and astronaut in 1985. He served as mission specialist during the STS-39 flight and is eligible for assignment on a satellite deployment mission. Charles Veach operated a group of instruments during the STS-39 mission to study Earth's atmosphere with telescopes and other sensors. sts_deploysat_e1_c3_sts52.png The crew of space shuttle Columbia launched the Laser Geodyamic Satellite II from the payload bay in October 1992 to help monitor the movement of Earth's crust. sts_deploysat_e1_c4.jpg sts_deploysat_e1_c4-lrg.jpg John Fabian was selected for NASA's astronaut corps in 1978. He trained as a mission specialist and is eligible for a satellite deployment mission. Fabian was a faculty member of the U.S. Air Force Academy for four years before joining NASA. sts_deploysat_e1_c4_sts7.png The crew of space shuttle Challenger deployed the SPAS-1 satellite in June 1983, to take photos of Earth from orbit before returning it to the shuttle's payload bay. sts_deploysat_equip2.jpg sts_deploysat_equip2-lrg.jpg The space shuttle's cargo bay is big enough to carry several data transmission satellites into orbit at one time. The satellites often carry a small rocket stage to push them higher into space after they leave the shuttle. NASA uses powerful springs to push communications satellites out of the cargo bay. The satellites float to a safe distance before firing booster engines. sts_deploysat_e2_c1.jpg sts_deploysat_e2_c1-lrg.jpg Vance Brand became an astronaut in 1966. He flew as command module pilot during the Apollo-Soyuz mission. He is eligible for assignment on a satellite deployment flight. The Apollo-Soyuz flight was the first mission by an American spacecraft to join a Soviet spacecraft in orbit. sts_deploysat_e2_c1_sts5.png The crew of space shuttle Columbia launched a pair of communications satellites from its cargo bay in November 1982. sts_deploysat_e2_c2.jpg sts_deploysat_e2_c2-lrg.jpg Karol Bobko became an astronaut in 1969. He served as pilot for the STS-6 mission and is eligible to command a satellite deployment flight. Karol Bobko's first space mission, STS-6, carried the first Tracking and Data Relay Satellite into orbit. TDRSS satellites make up the critical communications network for NASA spacecraft. sts_deploysat_e2_c2_sts51D.png In April 1985, the crew of space shuttle Discovery deployed two communications satellites from the payload bay during the seven-day mission. sts_deploysat_e2_c3.jpg sts_deploysat_e2_c3-lrg.jpg Dan Brandenstein became an astronaut in 1979. He piloted the STS-8 mission, and is eligible to command a satellite deployment flight. During the STS-8 mission, Brandenstein helped launch a communications satellite into orbit from the cargo bay of space shuttle Challenger. sts_deploysat_e2_c3_sts51G.png The crew of space shuttle Discovery launched three communications satellites in June 1985. Two of the satellites belonged to foreign nations. sts_deploysat_e2_c4.jpg sts_deploysat_e2_c4-lrg.jpg Charles Bolden became an astronaut in 1981. He is trained to pilot the space shuttle and is eligible for assignment on a satellite deployment mission. Charles Bolden served as NASA's Astronaut Office Safety Officer after completing initial astronaut training. sts_deploysat_e2_c4_sts61C.png The crew of space shuttle Columbia launched a communications satellite called SATCOM in January 1986. sts_deploysat_e2_c5.jpg sts_deploysat_e2_c5-lrg.jpg Michael Coats became an astronaut in 1979. He piloted the STS-41D mission and is eligible to command a satellite deployment flight. Michael Coats helped deploy three satellites during the STS-41D mission. sts_deploysat_e2_c5_sts29.png The crew of space shuttle Discovery launched the third Tracking and Data Relay Satellite in March 1989, to build NASA's space communications network sts_deploysat_e2_c6.jpg sts_deploysat_e2_c6-lrg.jpg John Blaha became an astronaut in 1980. He served as pilot during the STS-29 and STS-33 missions. Blaha is eligible to command a satellite deployment mission. During his first mission, STS-29, John Blaha helped deploy one of NASA's tracking and data relay satellites. The satellites form a critical communications network for spacecraft. sts_deploysat_e2_c6_sts-43.png The crew of space shuttle Atlantis launched the fourth Tracking and Data Relay Satellite in August 1991, for NASA's space communications network. sts_deploysat_e2_c7.jpg sts_deploysat_e2_c7-lrg.jpg Terence "Tom" Henricks became an astronaut in 1986. He piloted the STS-44 and STS-55 missions and is eligible to command a satellite deployment mission. During his first mission, STS-44, Terence "Tom" Henricks helped deploy a satellite in Earth orbit. sts_deploysat_e2_c7_sts70.png The crew of space shuttle Discovery launched the seventh Tracking and Data Relay Satellite in July 1995, for NASA's space communications network. sts_deploysat_equip3.jpg sts_deploysat_equip3-lrg.jpg Space shuttles launch spacecraft loaded with cameras and specialized instruments toward some of the solar system's most interesting places. The probes send back an enormous amount of details about planets and the sun during their missions. Astronomers long for more information about Jupiter, Venus and the sun. They've designed spacecraft, armored against heat and radiation, specifically to gather that data. sts_deploysat_e3_c1.jpg sts_deploysat_e3_c1-lrg.jpg David Walker became an astronaut in 1979. He served as pilot during the STS-51A mission and is eligible for assignment on a satellite deployment flight. David Walker helped deploy two communications satellite during his first mission, STS-51A. sts_deploysat_e3_c1-sts30.png The crew of space shuttle Atlantis launched the Magellan probe to Venus on May 4, 1989, to make detailed surface maps of the cloud-covered planet. sts_deploysat_e3_c2.jpg sts_deploysat_e3_c2-lrg.jpg Donald Williams became an astronaut in 1979. He piloted the STS-51D mission and is eligible to command a satellite deployment flight As pilot of the STS-51D mission, Donald Williams took part in the deployment of two communications satellites. sts_deploysat_e3_c2_sts34.png The crew of space shuttle Atlantis launched the Galileo spacecraft in October 1989, which began a groundbreaking mission to study the largest planet in our solar system. sts_deploysat_e3_c3.jpg sts_deploysat_e3_c3-lrg.jpg Richard Richards became an astronaut in 1981. He served as pilot during the STS-28 mission and is eligible to command a satellite deployment mission. Richard Richards is an accomplished test pilot and has more than 5,300 hours flying 16 types of aircraft. sts_deploysat_e3_c3_sts41.png The crew of space shuttle Discovery launched the European-built Ulysses spacecraft in October 1990, to study the polar regions of the sun. sts_deploysat_equip4.jpg sts_deploysat_equip4-lrg.jpg NASA developed four great observatories that peer out into the universe: the Hubble Space Telescope, Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, Chandra X-Ray Telescope and the Spitzer Space Telescope. NASA's fourth Great Observatory is the Spitzer Space Telescope. It launched from an unmanned rocket and observes the infrared light from the beginnings of the universe. sts_deploysat_e4_c1.jpg sts_deploysat_e4_c1-lrg.jpg Loren Shriver became an astronaut in 1978. He served as pilot during the STS-51C mission. He is eligible to command a satellite deployment mission. Loren Shriver was a U.S. Air Force test pilot before joining NASA. sts_deploysat_e4_c1_sts31.png The crew of space shuttle Discovery released the Hubble Space Telescope into orbit in April 1990, to take landmark photographs of the universe from above Earth's atmosphere. sts_deploysat_e4_c2.jpg sts_deploysat_e4_c2-lrg.jpg Steven Nagel became an astronaut in 1979. He served as a mission specialist during STS-51G and as pilot of STS-61A. He is eligible to command a satellite deployment flight. Steven Nagel performed several support roles during the space shuttle's first several flights. He flew the backup chase plane for the launch of the STS-1 mission and acted as Capcom during the STS-2 mission. sts_deploysat_e4_c2_sts37.png The crew of space shuttle Atlantis carried the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory into Earth's orbit in April 1991, to study high-energy bursts from exploding stars. sts_deploysat_e4_c3.jpg sts_deploysat_e4_c3-lrg.jpg Jeff Ashby became an astronaut in 1995. He is a trained mission specialist and is eligible for assignment on a satellite deployment flight. Jeff Ashby served as a U.S. Navy test pilot before joining NASA's astronaut corps. sts_deploysat_e4_c3_sts93.png The crew of space shuttle Columbia launched the Chandra X-ray Observatory in July 1999, to take images of the universe by picking up invisible X-rays in space. sts_mission_lifescienceg.jpg sts_mission_lifescience-lrg.jpg The space shuttle offers researchers a unique place to conduct science because it carries large laboratories into orbit and returns them to Earth. Shuttle astronauts are expert scientists who are accustomed to conducting experiments. sts_lifescience_equip1.jpg sts_lifescience_equip1.jg.jpg The Spacelab is a pressurized module that fits inside the shuttle's payload bay. The astronauts work inside the module during flight as both experiment conductors and experiments themselves. Spacelab missions encompass a variety of life science disciplines during a single flight. sts_lifescience_e1_c1.jpg sts_lifescience_e1_c1-lrg.jpg Robert Parker joined the astronaut corps in 1967. Parker served as the Program Scientist for Skylab and is eligible for assignment on a shuttle life science mission. Robert Parker was a member of the astronaut support crew for both the Apollo15 and Apollo 17 moon missions. Before joining NASA, Parker worked as an associate professor of astronomy. sts_lifescience_e1_c1_sts9.png The crew of space shuttle Columbia conducted 72 experiments during the first Spacelab mission in November and December 1983. sts_lifescience_e1_c2.jpg sts_lifescience_e1_c2-lrg.jpg Don Lind joined NASA's astronaut corps in 1966 and trained as the backup science-pilot for the Skylab 3 and Skylab 4 missions. He is a mission specialist and eligible for assignment on a life science mission. Don Lind worked at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., as a space physicist before he was chosen as an astronaut. Lind also earned his wings as a naval aviator in 1957. sts_lifescience_e1_c2_sts51B.png The crew of space shuttle Challenger spent a week in space conducting experiments during the second Spacelab mission that ended in May 1985. sts_lifescience_e1_c3.jpg sts_lifescience_e1_c3-lrg.jpg NASA selected Anthony England as a scientist-astronaut in 1967. He has been trained as a mission specialist and is eligible for a life science assignment. Anthony England worked as a support crewman for Apollo 13 and Apollo 16 missions and worked on using radars to study the moon on Apollo 17. He took part in and led groups of researchers during two visits to Antarctica. sts_lifescience_e1_c3_sts51f.png The crew of space shuttle Challenger conducted research in orbit during the third Spacelab mission that began in July 1985. sts_lifescience_e1_c4.jpg sts_lifescience_e1_c4-lrg.jpg Guion Bluford joined NASA's astronaut corps in 1979. He trained as a mission specialist and is eligible for assignment on a life science flight. Guion Bluford became the first African-American astronaut to fly in space when he took part in the STS-8 mission in August, 1983. sts_lifescience_e1_c4_sts61A.png In October 1985, a record-size crew of eight astronauts conducted scientific experiments in the Spacelab module carried inside space shuttle Challenger's payload bay. sts_lifescience_e1_c5.jpg sts_lifescience_e1_c5-lrg.jpg Mark Lee joined the astronaut corps in 1984. He flew his first space shuttle mission in 1989 and is eligible for assignment on a life science mission. NASA assigned Mark Lee to a host of technical duties, including Spacelab and space station systems sts_lifescience_e1_c5_sts47.png In September 1992, the crew of space shuttle Endeavour worked around the clock to operate experiments inside the Spacelab module. sts_lifescience_e1_c6.jpg sts_lifescience_e1_c6-lrg.jpg Charles Precourt joined the astronaut corps in 1990. Precourt has been trained as a mission specialist and space shuttle pilot and is eligible for assignment on a life science mission. Charles Precourt's technical assignments soon after joining NASA included Capcom duties in mission control. There he talked directly to astronauts in orbit. Precourt is fluent in French and Russian languages. sts_lifescience_e1_c6_sts55.png In April 1993, the crew of space shuttle Columbia worked inside a Spacelab module in the payload bay conducting space research. sts_lifescience_e1_c7.jpg sts_lifescience_e1_c7-lrg.jpg Charles Brady joined NASA in 1992 as an astronaut. Brady is a trained mission specialist and is eligible for assignment on a life science mission. Charles Brady served as flight surgeon for the Navy's "Blue Angels" flight demonstration squadron. sts_lifescience_e1_c7_sts78.png In June 1996, the crew of space shuttle Columbia worked inside a Spacelab module for nearly 17 days researching long-duration spaceflight. sts_lifescience_equip2.jpg sts_lifescience_equip2-lrg.jpg The Spacelab Life Sciences equipment package studies the reactions of humans and animals in space. The experiments focus on breathing, heart, muscular and other systems in detail while in orbit. Results from the Spacelab Life Sciences missions are compared to similar studies made on Earth. sts_lifescience_e2_c1.jpg sts_lifescience_e2_c1-lrg.jpg Tamara Jernigan was working as a research scientist at NASA's Ames Research Center when NASA selected her for the astronaut corps in 1985. Trained as a mission specialist, Jernigan is eligible for a life science mission assignment. Tamara Jernigan's scientific studies at Ames focused on star formation and gamma ray bursts. sts_lifescience_e2_c1_sts40.png The crew of space shuttle Columbia focused solely on biology during the first Spacelab Life Sciences mission in May 1991. sts_lifescience_e2_c2.jpg sts_lifescience_e2_c2-lrg.jpg Rhea Seddon, a physician, was chosen as an astronaut in 1978. She flew as a mission specialist on STS-51D and STS-40 and is eligible for assignment on a life science mission. Rhea Seddon continued to work in the Houston area as an emergency room physician during her spare time. sts_lifescience_e2_c2_sts58.png The crew of space shuttle Columbia conducted extensive life sciences research during a two-week mission in October 1993. sts_lifescience_e2_c3.jpg sts_lifescience_e2_c3-lrg.jpg Kathryn Hire was selected as an astronaut in 1994 and trained as a mission specialist. She is eligible for assignment on a life science flight. Kathryn Hire worked at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida preparing shuttles for flight. sts_lifescience_e2_c3_sts90.png In April 1998, the crew of space shuttle Columbia spent 16 days in space studying the effects of weightlessness on the nervous system. sts_lifescience_equip3.jpg sts_lifescience_equip3-lrg.jpg The International Microgravity Lab is designed to accommodate experiments from nations around the world. The experiments are carried into orbit inside a Spacelab module aboard a space shuttle. The experiments for the International Microgravity Lab are to be used by researchers from several different countries. sts_lifescience_e3_c1.jpg sts_lifescience_e3_c1-lrg.jpg David Hilmers was chosen as an astronaut in 1980. He flew three space shuttle missions and is eligible for assignment as a mission specialist on a life science mission. David Hilmers served as a mission specialist on STS-26, the first space shuttle mission following the Challenger accident. sts_lifescience_e3_c1_sts42.png The crew of space shuttle Discovery used a Spacelab module to conduct intensive research during the first International Microgravity Laboratory mission in January 1992. sts_lifescience_e3_c2.jpg sts_lifescience_e3_c2-lrg.jpg Richard Hieb joined NASA's astronaut corps in 1986. He was a mission specialist aboard the STS-39 and STS-49 missions and is eligible for assignment on a life science mission. As a spacewalker on STS-49, Hieb helped retrieve an Intelsat communications satellite stranded in orbit. sts_lifescience_e3_c2_sts65.png The crew of space shuttle Columbia conducted microgravity experiments inside a Spacelab module during the second International Microgravity Laboratory mission in July 1994. sts_lifescience_equip4.jpg sts_lifescience_equip4-lrg.jpg The United States Microgravity Lab studies life and materials in orbit. It is also the foundation for experimental equipment needed aboard the International Space Station. The U.S. Microgravity Lab will focus government, academic and industry resources into missions that will study space in a variety of scientific fields. sts_lifescience_e4_c1.jpg sts_lifescience_e4_c1-lrg.jpg Bonnie Dunbar joined NASA's astronaut corps in 1981. A veteran of two space shuttle missions, she is eligible for assignment as a mission specialist on a life science flight. Bonnie Dunbar's first NASA assignment came in 1978 at NASA's Johnson Space Center. She served as a payload officer and flight controller for the Skylab reentry mission. She worked in shuttle payload integration before being selected as an astronaut sts_lifescience_e4_c1_sts50.png In June and July 1992, the crew of space shuttle Columbia orbited Earth for two weeks, conducting microgravity experiments inside a Spacelab module. sts_lifescience_e4_c2.jpg sts_lifescience_e4_c2-lrg.jpg Michael Lopez-Alegria joined NASA's astronaut corps in 1992. He is a trained mission specialist and is eligible for life science missions. Michael Lopez-Alegria worked at NASA's Kennedy Space Center soon after entering the astronaut corps. He helped crews get ready for flight during launch countdowns. sts_lifescience_e4_c2-sts73.png The crew of space shuttle Columbia spent about 16 days in space, conducting research during the second U.S. Microgravity Laboratory mission in October and November 1995. sts_lifescience_equip5.jpg sts_lifescience_equip5-lrg.jpg The Microgravity Science Lab uses new techniques and equipment to conduct experiments in space. Using the Spacelab module, the MSL is outfitted with research racks that NASA hopes to use on the International Space Station. Scientists from four agencies are taking part in the first Microgravity Science Lab mission. The agencies are NASA, the European Space Agency, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and the German Space Agency. sts_lifescience_e5_c1.jpg sts_lifescience_e5_c1-lrg.jpg NASA selected Janice Voss for the astronaut corps in 1990. She has flown two space shuttle missions and is eligible for assignment on a life science flight. Janice Voss' spaceflight experience includes STS-57 and the first rendezvous between a space shuttle and the Russian Mir space station during the STS-63 mission. sts_lifescience_e5_c1_sts94.png In July 1997, the crew of space shuttle Columbia worked inside a Spacelab module for 15 days during the Microgravity Science Laboratory mission. sts_lifescience_e5_c2.jpg sts_lifescience_e5_c2-lrg.jpg NASA chose Donald Thomas for the astronaut corps in 1990. He has flown two shuttle missions and is eligible for assignment on a life science flight. Donald Thomas' shuttle mission experience includes STS-65, during which he worked inside the International Microgravity Lab in Columbia's payload bay. sts_lifescience_e5_c2_sts94.png The crew of space shuttle Columbia worked inside a Spacelab module during the Microgravity Science Laboratory mission for 15 days in July 1997. sts_lifescience_e5_c3.jpg sts_lifescience_e5_c3-lrg.jpg Roger Crouch is an accomplished aerospace scientist trained as a payload specialist for NASA's space shuttle fleet. He is eligible for assignment on a life science mission. Roger Crouch served as NASA's lead scientist for the Microgravity Space and Applications Division from 1985 to 1996. sts_lifescience_e5_c3_sts94-lrg.png In July 1997, the crew of space shuttle Columbia worked inside a Spacelab module for 15 days during the Microgravity Science Laboratory mission. sts_lifescience_equip6.jpg sts_lifescience_equip6-lrg.jpg SpaceHabs are pressurized modules, which means astronauts can work inside them without spacesuits. The SpaceHabs fly into space in a shuttle's cargo bay. SpaceHab modules are used as experiment areas and carry supplies and equipment into space. sts_lifescience_e6_c1.jpg sts_lifescience_e6_c1-lrg.jpg John Glenn joined NASA in 1958 as one of the original seven astronauts. He became the first American to orbit the Earth in February 1962. He is eligible for assignment on a shuttle life science mission. John Glenn orbited the Earth three times by himself in a Mercury spacecraft. The capsule was lifted into space by an Atlas rocket. He served in the U.S. Senate for 22 years. sts_lifescience_e6_c1-sts95.png In October 1998, the crew of space shuttle Discovery spent nearly nine days in space conducting scientific experiments inside a Spacehab module in the payload bay sts_lifescience_e6_c2.jpg sts_lifescience_e6_c2-lrg.jpg Stephen Robinson was selected as an astronaut in 1994 and flew during the STS-85 mission. He is a trained mission specialist and is eligible for a life science mission assignment. Stephen Robinson operated an experimental robotic arm during the STS-85 mission. The arm is to be used on the Japanese laboratory "Kibo" on the International Space Station sts_lifescience_e6_c2-sts95.png The crew of space shuttle Discovery worked inside a Spacehab module in the payload bay to conduct scientific experiments during nearly nine days in space in October 1998. sts_mission_repairsat.jpg sts_mission_repairsat-lrg.jpg The space shuttle uses its robotic arm to retrieve satellites so astronauts can replace key sections and the satellite can continue working. Sometimes, shuttle astronauts pull a broken satellite out of orbit and return it to Earth for refurbishment and relaunch. sts_repairsat_equip1.jpg sts_repairsat_equip1-lrg.jpg Scientists build research satellites to test theories about space and help discover new phenomena. The satellites are high-tech platforms often loaded with state-of-the-art sensors and equipment. The Solar Maximum satellite, Long Duration Exposure Facility and Europe's Eureca satellite count on the space shuttle for repair or transport. sts_repairsat_e1_c1.jpg sts_repairsat_e1_c1-lrg.jpg George "Pinky" Nelson became an astronaut in 1978. Trained as a mission specialist, Nelson is eligible for assignment on a satellite repair mission. George "Pinky" Nelson flew as a scientific equipment officer aboard NASA's WB-57 aircraft and served as the photographer in the prime chase plane for STS-1. sts_repairsat_e1_c1_sts41C.png In April 1984, the crew of space shuttle Challenger used the Manned Maneuvering Unit, or jetpack, to retrieve the Solar Maximum satellite and repair it in the shuttle's payload bay. sts_repairsat_e1_c2.jpg sts_repairsat_e1_c2-lrg.jpg G. David Low became an astronaut in 1985. He is a trained mission specialist and is eligible for assignment on a satellite repair mission. G. David Low's technical assignments after astronaut training focused on the space shuttle's robotic arm and spacewalking. sts_repairsat_e1_c2_sts32.png In January 1990, the crew of space shuttle Columbia retrieved the Long Duration Exposure Facility that orbited Earth for about six years studying space conditions. sts_repairsat_e1_c3.jpg sts_repairsat_e1_c3-lrg.jpg Michael "Rich" Clifford became an astronaut in 1990. He is a trained mission specialist and is eligible for assignment on a satellite repair flight. Michael "Rich" Clifford worked as a space shuttle engineer at NASA's Johnson Space Center before joining the astronaut corps. sts_repairsat_e1_c3_sts59.png In April 1994, the crew of space shuttle Endeavour operated the Space Radar Laboratory to evaluate radar devices that would be deployed during later missions. sts_repairsat_e1_c4.jpg sts_repairsat_e1_c4-lrg.jpg Ronald Grabe became an astronaut in 1981. He served as pilot during STS-51J and STS-30 before commanding STS-42. He is eligible to command a satellite repair mission. He has served as a chief verification pilot for STS-3 and STS-4 entry guidance, navigation and control simulation testing; as the Deputy Manager for Operations Integration, Space Shuttle Program Office. sts_repairsat_e1_c4_sts57.png In June 1993, the crew of space shuttle Endeavour retrieved the Eureca satellite from orbit and returned it to Earth for study. sts_repairsat_equip2.jpg sts_repairsat_equip2-lrg.jpg From telephone and Internet signals to television broadcasts, communication satellites are critical in passing information around the world. That's why NASA uses space shuttles to rescue stranded communications satellites for relaunch. Communications satellites fly in many different orbits, with many operating more than 22,000 miles above Earth. At that height, its orbit matches Earth's rotation, and the satellite appears to hover at the same point in the sky. sts_repairsat_e2_c1.jpg sts_repairsat_e2_c1-lrg.jpg Anna Fisher became an astronaut in 1978. She is a trained mission specialist and is eligible for assignment on a satellite repair mission. Anna Fisher is an emergency medicine specialist and worked in Los Angeles-area hospitals as a physician before joining NASA. sts_repairsat_e2_c1_sts51A.png In November 1984, the crew of space shuttle Discovery retrieved a pair of stranded communications satellites from orbit and attached them to new engines before relaunching them. sts_repairsat_e2_c2.jpg sts_repairsat_e2_c2-lrg.jpg James "Ox" van Hoften became an astronaut in 1978. He flew as a mission specialist during the STS-41C mission and is eligible for assignment on a satellite repair flight. James "Ox" van Hoften helped retrieve and repair the Solar Maximum satellite in orbit during the STS-41C mission. sts_repairsat_e2_c2_sts-51i.png In August 1985, the crew of space shuttle Discovery deployed three communications satellites before capturing, repairing and re-launching one that was already in space. sts_repairsat_e2_c3.jpg sts_repairsat_e2_c3-lrg.jpg Pierre Thuot became an astronaut in 1985. He flew as a mission specialist during the STS-36 mission and is eligible for assignment on a satellite repair flight. Pierre Thuot worked in several technical areas after initial astronaut training, including robotic arm systems, crew equipment and spacewalking sts_repairsat_e2_c3_sts49.png In May 1992, three spacewalkers aboard space shuttle Endeavour rescued a stranded communications satellite and relaunched it. sts_repairsat_equip3.jpg sts_repairsat_equip3-lrg.jpg In 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope opened humanity's eyes to the wonders of the universe. Today, it still needs occasional servicing from shuttle astronauts to continue operating at its peak. The Hubble Space Telescope was designed with telephone booth-sized components that are upgraded easily by shuttle crews. sts_repairsat_e3_c1.jpg sts_repairsat_e3_c1-lrg.jpg Story Musgrave became a scientist-astronaut in 1967. He flew as a mission specialist during the STS-6, STS-51F, STS-33 and STS-44 missions. He is eligible for assignment on a satellite repair flight. Story Musgrave holds six college degrees including a doctorate in medicine from Columbia University. His other degree fields range from math and statistics to operations analyses. sts_repairsat_e3_c1_sts61.png In December 1993, the crew of space shuttle Endeavour installed new instruments on the Hubble Space Telescope, improving photos taken by the groundbreaking observatory. sts_repairsat_e3_c2.jpg sts_repairsat_e3_c2-lrg.jpg Greg Harbaugh became an astronaut in 1988. He flew as a mission specialist during the STS-39, STS-54 and STS-71 missions. He is eligible for assignment on a satellite repair mission. Greg Harbaugh performed a four-hour, 28-minute spacewalk during the STS-54 mission. sts_repairsat_e3_c2_sts82.png In February 1997, astronauts aboard space shuttle Discovery returned to the Hubble Space Telescope for a second service call. They installed advanced instruments and upgraded critical parts on the observatory. sts_repairsat_e3_c3.jpg sts_repairsat_e3_c3-lrg.jpg John Grunsfeld became an astronaut in 1992. He flew as a mission specialist during the STS-67, STS-81 and STS-103 missions. Grunsfeld is eligible for assignment on a satellite repair flight. John Grunsfeld performed two spacewalks during the STS-103 mission to upgrade the Hubble Space Telescope. sts_repairsat_e3_c3_sts103.png In December 1999, astronauts aboard space shuttle Discovery visited the Hubble Space Telescope, for the third serving mission to upgrade hardware and instruments on the observatory. sts_repairsat_e3_c4.jpg sts_repairsat_e3_c4-lrg.jpg Michael Massimino became an astronaut in 1996. He is a trained mission specialist and spacewalker. He is eligible for assignment on a satellite repair flight. Michael Massimino worked on robotic innovations that resulted in two patents before joining NASA. sts_repairsat_e3_c4_sts109.png In March 2002, astronauts aboard space shuttle Columbia visited the Hubble Space Telescope in March 2002, for the fourth serving mission to add new instruments and update hardware on the observatory. sts_mission_resupply.jpg sts_mission_resupply-lrg.jpg The space shuttle is a perfect delivery vehicle for a space station because the shuttle can carry crew members to an orbiting facility, all the supplies they would need for months in space, plus an assortment of equipment. The space shuttle can visit the Russian Mir or the International Space Station. Both orbiting laboratories depend on cargo spacecraft from Earth to stay in operation. sts_resupply_equip1.jpg sts_resupply_equip1-lrg.jpg The first module of the Russian space station Mir was launched in 1986 by the former Soviet Union. The space outpost was designed to house cosmonauts for months at a time. Mir was deorbited in 2001. In 1995, NASA and Russia partnered to fly astronauts and supplies to Mir. sts_resupply_e1_c1.jpg sts_resupply_e1_c1-lrg.jpg Robert "Hoot" Gibson became an astronaut in 1979. He has commanded three space shuttle missions and piloted a fourth. He is eligible to lead a space station resupply flight. Aside from being an accomplished test pilot and astronaut, Robert "Hoot" Gibson races airplanes and set numerous world records in private aircraft. He also builds his own aircraft. sts_resupply_e1_c1_sts71.png Space shuttle Atlantis docked with the Russian space station Mir in June 1995, bringing supplies and equipment to the outpost. The mission also tested techniques for the International Space Station flights. sts_resupply_e1_c2.jpg sts_resupply_e1_c2-lrg.jpg Jim Halsell became an astronaut in 1991. He served as pilot during the STS-65 mission and is eligible for assignment on a space station resupply flight. Jim Halsell's first space shuttle mission called for around-the-clock research inside the International Microgravity Laboratory. The STS-65 crew conducted more than 80 experiments during their 15 days in orbit. sts_resupply_e1_c2_sts74.png Space shuttle Atlantis practiced space station rendezvous and docking techniques and flew supplies, equipment to the Russian space station Mir in November 1995. sts_resupply_e1_c3.jpg sts_resupply_e1_c3-lrg.jpg Kevin Chilton became an astronaut in 1988. He served as pilot during the STS-49 and STS-59 missions. He is eligible for assignment on a space station resupply mission. Kevin Chilton's first flight into space was aboard the maiden voyage of space shuttle Endeavour. The crew captured a stranded satellite and redeployed it from the shuttle. sts_resupply_e1_c3_sts76.png Space shuttle Atlantis practiced space station docking techniques and carried supplies and equipment to the Russian space station Mir in March 1996. sts_resupply_e1_c4-.jpg sts_resupply_e1_c4-lrg.jpg William Readdy became an astronaut in 1987. He served as pilot during the STS-42 and STS-51 missions and is eligible for assignment on a space station resupply flight. William Readdy served as a NASA research pilot at Ellington Field in Houston before joining the astronaut corps. He managed NASA's highly modified shuttle carrier aircraft. sts_resupply_e1_c4_sts79.png In September 1996, space shuttle Atlantis practiced rendezvous and docking techniques and carried about two tons of supplies to the Russian space station Mir. sts_resupply_e1_c5.jpg sts_resupply_e1_c5-lrg.jpg Michael Baker became an astronaut in 1986. He piloted the STS-43 and STS-52 missions before commanding the STS-68 mission. He is eligible for assignment on a space station resupply flight. Michael Baker's flight experience includes deploying satellites, operating radars in space and completing numerous experiments in orbit. sts_resupply_e1_c5_sts81.png Space shuttle Atlantis carried a host of supplies, experiments and equipment to the Russian space station Mir in January 1997. sts_resupply_e1_c6.jpg sts_resupply_e1_c6-lrg.jpg Carlos Noriega became an astronaut in 1995. He is trained as a mission specialist and is eligible for assignment on a space station resupply flight. As an astronaut, Carlos Noriega worked on several technical projects, including specialty work during spacewalks sts_resupply_e1_c6_sts84.png The crew of space shuttle Atlantis transferred more than 7,000 pounds of supplies to and from the Russian space station Mir in May 1997. sts_resupply_e1_c7.jpg sts_resupply_e1_c7-lrg.jpg James Wetherbee became an astronaut in 1985. He piloted the STS-32 mission and commanded the STS-52 and STS-63 flights. He is eligible for assignment on a space station resupply flight. James Wetherbee steered space shuttle Discovery up to the Russian space station Mir during STS-63, but did not dock with the outpost. The flight was a test-run for a later mission. sts_resupply_e1_c7_sts86.png Space shuttle Atlantis made its seventh flight to the Russian space station Mir in September 1997, carrying supplies and equipment to the outpost sts_resupply_e1_c8.jpg sts_resupply_e1_c8-lrg.jpg Terrence Wilcutt became an astronaut in 1991. He piloted the STS-68 and STS-79 missions. He is eligible for assignment on a space station resupply flight Terrence Wilcutt's second spaceflight, STS-79, took him to the Russian space station Mir. The flight carried John Blaha to the station and returned Shannon Lucid to Earth. sts_resupply_e1_c8_sts89.png Space shuttle Endeavour carried supplies and experiments in advanced technology, life sciences and Earth studies to the Russian space station Mir in January 1998. sts_resupply_e1_c9.jpg sts_resupply_e1_c9-lrg.jpg Dominic Gorie became an astronaut in March 1995. He is trained to pilot a space shuttle and is eligible for assignment on a space station resupply flight. Dominic Gorie was an accomplished test pilot in the U.S. Navy before joining NASA. sts_resupply_e1_c9_sts91.png Space shuttle Discovery flew the final NASA mission to the Russian space station Mir in June 1998, transfering supplies and equipment to the outpost. sts_resupply_equip2.jpg sts_resupply_equip2-lrg.jpg The International Space Station is a research laboratory in low Earth orbit, staffed by astronauts and supported by numerous control centers around the world. NASA space shuttles and Russian Soyuz spacecraft are used to rotate crews. The International Space Station relies on NASA space shuttles, unmanned Russian Progress spacecraft and European Space Agency Automated Transfer Vehicle spacecraft for supplies, including water and oxygen sts_resupply_e2_c1.jpg sts_resupply_e2_c1-lrg.jpg Kent Rominger became an astronaut in 1992. He piloted the STS-73, STS-80 and STS-85 missions. He is eligible for assignment on a space station resupply mission. Kent Rominger spent 17 days in orbit aboard space shuttle Columbia during the U.S. Microgravity Laboratory mission. sts_resupply_e2_c1_sts96.png Space shuttle Discovery carried a pair of cranes and other supplies to the International Space Station in May 1999. sts_resupply_e2_c2.jpg sts_resupply_e2_c2-lrg.jpg Scott "Doc" Horowitz became an astronaut in 1992. He served as pilot during the STS-75 and STS-82 missions and is eligible for assignment on a space station resupply flight. Scott "Doc" Horowitz helped retrieve, repair and redeploy the Hubble Space Telescope into space during STS-82 sts_resupply_e2_c2_sts101.png In May 2000, space shuttle Atlantis carried equipment and supplies for the first residents of the International Space Station. sts_resupply_e2_c3.jpg sts_resupply_e2_c3-lrg.jpg Scott Altman became an astronaut in 1995. He piloted the STS-90 mission and is eligible for assignment on a space station resupply flight. As a fighter pilot in the U.S. Navy, Scott Altman flew an F-14 Tomcat in the movie "Top Gun." sts_resupply_e2_c3_sts106.png In September 2000, space shuttle Atlantis carried equipment and supplies to outfit the International Space Station for its first three-person crew. sts_resupply_e2_c4.jpg sts_resupply_e2_c4-lrg.jpg James Kelly became an astronaut in 1996. He is trained to pilot the space shuttle and is eligible for assignment on a space station resupply mission. James Kelly has served as Capcom during space shuttle missions and as part of the astronaut support staff at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. sts_resupply_e2_c4_sts102.png Space shuttle Discovery carried a Multi-Purpose Logistics Module full of equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in March 2001. sts_resupply_e2_c5.jpg sts_resupply_e2_c5-lrg.jpg Frederick "Rick" Sturckow became an astronaut in 1995. He piloted the STS-88 mission and is eligible for assignment on a space station resupply mission. Frederick "Rick" Sturckow's first spaceflight laid the cornerstone for the International Space Station. The STS-88 crew connected the Russian-built Zarya module to the NASA-built Unity node. sts_resupply_e2_c5_sts105.png Space shuttle Discovery carried a Multi-Purpose Logistics Module loaded with experiment racks, equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in August 2001. sts_resupply_e2_c6.jpg sts_resupply_e2_c6-lrg.jpg Mark Kelly became an astronaut in 1996. He is a trained space shuttle pilot and is eligible for assignment on a space station resupply flight Mark Kelly's twin brother, Scott, is also an astronaut. They joined NASA at the same time and are both trained shuttle pilots sts_resupply_e2_c6_sts108.png In December 2001, space shuttle Endeavour carried a Multi-Purpose Logistics Module loaded with more than 5,000 pounds of materials and equipment to the International Space Station. sts_resupply_e2_c7.jpg sts_resupply_e2_c7-lrg.jpg Steven Lindsey became an astronaut in 1996. He piloted the STS-87 and STS-95 missions before commanding the STS-104 mission. He is eligible to command a space station resupply flight. During Steven Lindsey's first mission as commander, the STS-104 crew installed the Quest airlock onto the International Space Station in July 2001. sts_resupply_e2_c7_sts121.png In July 2006, space shuttle Discovery carried about two tons of equipment to the International Space Station including a new oxygen generator. The crew also tested new shuttle safety measures. sts_mission_spacescience.jpg sts_mission_spacescience-lrg.jpg From an orbit more than 200 miles above Earth, the space shuttle looks out on the universe with specialized equipment. Inside the orbiter, astronauts work with instruments to watch how space reacts to elements, such as lasers. The sun, planets and stars are frequent subjects for shuttle instruments. There are also experiments to study space phenomena that are not visible. sts_spacescience_equip1.jpg sts_spacescience_equip1.jpg The Astro Observatory is a set of telescopes clustered on top of a payload pallet and mounted inside the space shuttle's cargo bay. The telescopes are arranged for different missions depending on the experiments to be operated while the shuttle is in orbit. The Astro telescopes have an advantage over ground-based observatories because they don't peer through the distortions of Earth's atmosphere. sts_spacescience_e1_c1.jpg sts_spacescience_e1_c1-lrg.jpg NASA selected Jeff Hoffman for the astronaut corps in 1978. Hoffman is trained as a mission specialist and is eligible for assignment on a space science mission. Jeff Hoffman has worked on the Astro ultraviolet astronomy program since 1982. sts_spacescience_e1_c1_sts35.png Space shuttle Columbia carried the first ASTRO mission. The observatory was equipped with three ultraviolet telescopes and one X-ray telescope. sts_spacescience_e1_c2.jpg sts_spacescience_e1_c2-lrg.jpg Sam Durrance is trained as a payload specialist and flew during the STS-35 mission. He is eligible for assignment on a space science mission. Sam Durrance helped develop the flight hardware for the Astro observatory and its telescopes. He also helped develop numerous astronomical sensors. sts_spacescience_e1_c2_sts67-.png Space shuttle Endeavour carried the Astro observatory and its suite of telescopes into space in March 1995 to study the universe's ultraviolet spectrum. sts_spacescience_eqip2.jpg sts_spacescience_eqip2-lrg.jpg Researchers designed a pair of satellites to take advantage of the space shuttle's unique capabilities as a science station. The Tethered Satellite System and the Wake Shield Facility work in and around the molecules that exist in the upper reaches of the atmosphere. The tethered satellite studies whether the molecules can be used for electrical energy. The Wake Shield Facility was built to move the molecules out of the way so even purer materials can be made in the near-perfect vacuum on its other side. The Spartan satellite is released in orbit and then retrieved. It has been used to study satellite design, photograph Earth and to study the sun. sts_spacescience_e2_c1.jpg sts_spacescience_e2_c1-lrg.jpg Franklin Chang-Diaz joined NASA's astronaut corps in 1981. He flew aboard two shuttle missions and is eligible for assignment on a space science flight Franklin Chang-Diaz formed closer ties between the astronauts and scientific community by starting two organizations that brought them more interaction. sts_spacescience_e2_c1_sts46.png In July 1992, the crew of space shuttle Atlantis released the EURECA spacecraft into orbit to study space using 71 experiments based on the reusable satellite. sts_spacescience_e2_c2.jpg sts_spacescience_e2_c2-lrg.jpg Jan Davis became an astronaut in 1987. Trained as a mission specialist, Davis flew during the STS-47 mission. She is eligible for assignment on a space science flight. Jan Davis was born in Cocoa Beach, Fla., just a few miles from the launch pads that carried NASA's first astronauts into space. sts_spacescience_e2_c2_sts60.png In February 1994, the international crew of space shuttle Discovery deployed the Wake Shield Facility using the end of the shuttle's robotic arm. sts_spacescience_e2_c3.jpg sts_spacescience_e2_c3-lrg.jpg Andrew Allen became an astronaut in 1988 and trained as a commander/pilot for the space shuttle. He flew as pilot of STS-46 and is eligible to command a space science mission. Andrew Allen was serving as a U.S. Navy test pilot when NASA picked him for astronaut training. sts_spacescience_e2_c3_sts75.png Space shuttle Columbia unfurled the Tethered Satellite System as part of a science mission to study electrical fields in space in February 1996. sts_spacescience_e2_c4.jpg sts_spacescience_e2_c4-lrg.jpg Thomas Jones became an astronaut in 1991. He is trained as a mission specialist and flew aboard STS-59 and STS-68. He is eligible for assignment on a space science mission. Thomas Jones earned a doctorate in planetary sciences from the University of Arizona. sts_spacescience_e2_c4_sts80.png In November 1996, the crew of space shuttle Columbia used the robotic arm to release the Wake Shield Facility to study materials in space. sts_spacescience_e2_c5.jpg sts_spacescience_e2_c5-lrg.jpg Winston Scott was selected as an astronaut by NASA in 1992. He trained as a mission specialist and performed a spacewalk during the STS-72 mission. He is eligible for assignment on a space science mission. Winston Scott practiced space station assembly techniques during a spacewalk on STS-72. sts_spacescience_e2_c5_sts87.png In November 1997, space shuttle Columbia carried the Spartan 201 satellite into orbit to study the sun's outer layers. sts_spacescience_e2_c6.jpg sts_spacescience_e2_c6-lrg.jpg Charles Gemar became an astronaut in 1986. He served as a mission specialist during STS-38 and STS-48. He is eligible for assignment to a space science mission. Charles Gemar evaluated software for the Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory and served as Capcom before making his first space shuttle flight sts_spacescience_e2_c6_sts62.png Using the United States Microgravity Payload in March 1994, the crew of space shuttle Columbia used experiments in the payload bay to test future satellite components. sts_mission_studyearth.jpg sts_mission_studyearth-lrg.jpg A space shuttle in orbit surveys Earth for climate changes using special instruments, builds precise computer maps using radar and simply takes photos from more than 200 miles above the planet. Able to see where Earth's atmosphere thins out into space, space shuttles and astronauts can study what chemicals are in the air high above the planet. Over a series of missions, the information can be checked for signs of change. sts_studyearth_equip1.jpg sts_studyearth_equip1-lrg.jpg Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science, or ATLAS, is a set of sensors and experiments that study the interaction of Earth's atmosphere with the sun. ATLAS instruments can be reused on several shuttle flights to gather more data and compare the results. sts_studyearth_e1_c1.jpg sts_studyearth_e1_c1-lrg.jpg David Leestma became an astronaut in 1980. Leestma flew during the STS-41G and STS-28 missions and is eligible for assignment on an Earth study flight. David Leestma conducted a 3 1/2-hour spacewalk during STS-41G to demonstrate satellite refueling. sts_studyearth_e1_c1_sts45.png In March 1992, space shuttle Atlantis carried the first ATLAS payload into space to study the Earth's atmosphere. sts_studyearth_e1_c2.jpg sts_studyearth_e1_c2-lrg.jpg Ellen Ochoa became an astronaut in 1991. She is trained as a mission specialist and is eligible for assignment on an Earth study mission. Ellen Ochoa was an optical systems specialist before joining the astronaut corps. She is a co-inventor on three patents in the field. sts_studyearth_e1_c2_sts56.png In April 1983, space shuttle Discovery carried the second set of ATLAS experiments into space to study Earth's atmosphere. sts_studyearth_e1_c3.jpg sts_studyearth_e1_c3-lrg.jpg Donald McMonagle was chosen for NASA's astronaut corps in 1987. He served as mission specialist on STS-39 and pilot on STS-54. He is eligible for assignment on an Earth study mission Donald McMonagle served as test pilot in the U.S. Air Force before joining NASA. sts_studyearth_e1_c3_sts66.png In November 1994, space shuttle Atlantis carried the third suite of ATLAS instruments into space to study the Earth's atmosphere. sts_studyearth_equip2.jpg sts_studyearth_equip2-lrg.jpg From telescopes that see the ground in a different kind of light, to lasers that show what chemicals are in the atmosphere, NASA uses a wide variety of sensors to look back at Earth from hundreds of miles in space. Researchers use the shuttle's unique capabilities to build sensors that remain in the shuttle's cargo bay or operate on a separate satellite that the shuttle releases and catches. sts_studyearth_e2_c1.jpg sts_studyearth_e2_c1-lrg.jpg Carl Meade became an astronaut in 1986. Meade flew as a mission specialist during the STS-38 and STS-50 missions. He is eligible for assignment on an Earth study mission. Carl Meade took part in the STS-50 mission, which required two weeks in space to operate the U.S. Microgravity Laboratory. The flight set an endurance record at the time of more than 331 hours. sts_studyearth_e2_c1_sts64.png In September 1994, space shuttle Discovery carried experiment packages with laser sensors into orbit to study Earth's atmosphere. sts_studyearth_e2_c2.jpg sts_studyearth_e2_c2-lrg.jpg Curt Brown became an astronaut in 1988. He has flown three missions as pilot and commander and is eligible for assignment on an Earth study flight. Curt Brown took part in the STS-77 mission, which deployed the first inflatable satellite. sts_studyearth_e2_c3_sts-85.png In August 1997, the crew of space shuttle Discovery deployed the CRISTA-SPAS satellite so its seven instruments could study Earth's atmosphere before it was retrieved. sts_studyearth_equip3.jpg sts_studyearth_equip3-lrg.jpg The mission of a radar based in space is to create extraordinary maps of Earth to show precise features and elevation. Radar equipment is so large that it takes up most of the space shuttle's cargo bay. sts_studyearth_e3_c1.jpg sts_studyearth_e3_c1-lrg.jpg Linda Godwin became an astronaut in 1986. She served as a mission specialist during STS-37 and is eligible for assignment on Earth study missions. Linda Godwin helped deploy the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory during STS-37. Compton was one of NASA's four Great Observatories. sts_studyearth_e3_c1_sts59.png In April 1994, space shuttle Endeavour's crew tested space-based radar instruments to study Earth's ecosystems sts_studyearth_e3_c2.jpg sts_studyearth_e3_c2-lrg.jpg Steven Smith joined NASA's astronaut corps in 1993. He is trained as a mission specialist and is eligible for assignment on an Earth study mission. Steven Smith worked at NASA's Johnson Space Center in mission control before joining the astronaut corps. sts_studyearth_e3_c2_sts68.png In September 1994, the crew of space shuttle Endeavour operated the Space Radar Laboratory during the second test of a system to study Earth's ecosystems. sts_studyearth_e3_c3.jpg sts_studyearth_e3_c3-lrg.jpg Janet Kavandi became an astronaut in 1994. She trained as a mission specialist and flew during the STS-91 mission. She is eligible for assignment on an Earth study mission. Janet Kavandi's first space shuttle mission, STS-91, was the last to visit the Russian space station Mir. sts_studyearth_e3_c3_sts99-lrg.png The crew of space shuttle Endeavour conducted the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission in February 2000 to produce three-dimensional maps of most of Earth's surface. rocket_gemtitan_launch.jpg The Titan II is just what NASA needs for flights that will pave the way to the moon. The Gemini capsule is larger and heavier than its predecessor, the single-seat Mercury capsules. The Titan II was later enlarged during several redesigns that gave it increased power. It was used to launch satellites, including probes that travelled to other planets. gemtitan_docking.jpg gemtitan_docking-hres.jpg Gemini must show spacecraft can join each other in space. Gemini capsules can rendezvous with astronauts in other capsules or unmanned target vehicles called Agenas. Meeting up with and physically connecting with the Agenas allows Gemini astronauts to fire the Agena's main rocket to soar higher into space. gemtitan_docking_equip1-lrg.jpg gemtitan_docking_equip1-hires.jpg The Agena Target Vehicle is a rocket in its own right modified to operate in orbit when attached to a Gemini spacecraft. An Agena gets into space by riding the top of an Atlas rocket. There it waits until a Gemini crew arrives. The Agena Target Vehicle was designed to ignite its engine up to five separate times while joined with a Gemini capsule. The engine could be used to lift the spacecraft higher above Earth. gemtitan_docking_e1_c1-lrg.jpg gemtitan_docking_e1_c1-hires.jpg NASA selected Neil Armstrong in its second group of astronauts. Armstrong already was working for NASA as a research pilot and had flown missions in the X-15 rocket plane in which he flew faster than 4,000 mph. Neil Armstrong earned his pilot's license before he received his driver's license. gemtitan_docking_e1_c1_gem8.png Neil Armstrong commanded the Gemini 8 mission with Dave Scott serving as pilot. The Gemini capsule conducted the first docking with an Agena Target Vehicle, marking the first time two spacecraft had physically joined in space. The Gemini capsule began turning and rolling violently, however, soon after the docking. Armstrong regained control of the craft using alternate thrusters, but the crew had to make an emergency landing and cut the mission short. gemtitan_docking_e1_c2.jpg gemtitan_docking_e1_c2-hires.jpg NASA selected John Young in its second group of astronauts. He served as a Navy test pilot before being chosen for spaceflight. John Young set numerous aviation records as a Navy test pilot, including fastest times to 3,000 and 25,000 feet in 1962. gemtitan_docking_e1_c2_gem9.png Gemini 10 Commander John Young and Pilot Michael Collins launched 100 minutes after their target vehicle, an unmanned Agena rocket, lifted off from the same Florida launch site. Young, the spaceflight veteran, guided the capsule to the Agena and docked. gemtitan_docking_equip2-lrg.jpg gemtitan_docking_equip2-hires.jpg The Gemini spacecraft can be called on to offer a rendezvous target for another Gemini capsule, although it is not equipped to allow a physical connection. Unlike the Agena Target Vehicle, the Gemini carries two astronauts. Working with two manned spacecraft in orbit at the same time is a key requirement in practicing for moon missions which call for astronauts in the lunar module to meet a crew mate in the separate command module in lunar orbit. gemtitan_docking_e2_c1-lrg.jpg gemtitan_docking_e2_c1-hires.jpg As part of the Original 7 astronauts, Wally Schirra is a veteran of the Mercury program. He flew into orbit in a single-seat Mercury capsule he named "Sigma 7." One of Schirra's assigned tasks in the Mercury program was testing and improving the spacesuit the astronauts wore in the Mercury program. gemtitan_docking_e2_c1_gem6.png Astronauts Wally Schirra and Tom Stafford flew the Gemini 6 spacecraft to meet with the Gemini 7 spacecraft of Frank Borman and Jim Lovell already in orbit. After conducting the first rendezvous in space, the Gemini capsules moved within a foot of each other demonstrating control in orbit. gemtitan_docking_e2_c2-lrg.jpg gemtitan_docking_e2_c2-hires.jpg NASA selected Frank Borman in its second group of astronauts. An accomplished Air Force pilot, Borman was serving as an instructor at the test pilot school at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., when NASA chose him. Frank Borman started to fly at age 15. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1950. gemtitan_docking_e2_c2_gem7.png The Gemini 7 crew of Commander Frank Borman and Pilot Jim Lovell accomplished two important goals. First, they proved that humans could function in space after two weeks in orbit. Secondly, they rendezvoused with the Gemini 6 mission flown by astronauts Wally Schirra and Tom Stafford. The Gemini 7 mission set an endurance record and shared in the achievement of the first meeting between two manned spacecraft in orbit, although the Gemini capsules did not dock. gemtitan_spacewalk.jpg gemtitan_spacewalk-hres.jpg Astronauts have to get out of their spacecraft to perform some tasks, so it is up to the crews of the Gemini program to show it can be done safely. Spacewalking tasks for the Gemini astronauts were simple, but pioneering because it never had been done. It would take many advances in tools to make spacewalking practical. A handheld jetpack was the first special item to come along. Advanced tool kits made astronauts much more comfortable working in space. gemtitan_spacewalk_equip1-lrg.jpg gemtitan_spacewalk_equip1-hires.jpg An astronaut floating in space would have a hard time moving around, so a handheld jetpack was designed to let a crew member steer himself outside a spacecraft. The device has two nozzles that spray pressurized gas. The handheld jetpack has fuel for about 20 seconds of constant thrust. But a spacewalker only needs small pulses to move around through the vacuum of space. The astronaut remains tethered to the Gemini capsule during the spacewalk. gemtitan_spacewalk_e1_c1-lrg.jpg gemtitan_spacewalk_e1_c1-hires.jpg Ed White was selected in NASA's second class of astronauts. Like the original astronauts, he had a pilot's background that included test pilot duties. He first flew an airplane at age 12, when his father took him flying in a World War II-era T-6 training aircraft. A magazine article written in 1957 about space travel inspired Ed White to tailor his career toward becoming an astronaut. First, he earned a master's degree to give himself an edge over potential competition. Looking over the qualifications of NASA's first astronauts, White became a test pilot to again make himself stand out from other pilots. As a pilot during some of the weightless training flights for NASA, White's passengers included Mercury astronauts Deke Slayton and John Glenn. gemtitan_spacewalk_e1_c1_gem4.png Astronaut Ed White proved during Gemini 4 that astronauts could leave the safety of their spacecraft and maneuver by themselves floating above Earth. He used a handheld jetpack to guide himself around the nose of the Gemini spacecraft while Commander James McDivitt watched from inside. It was the first spacewalk by a NASA astronaut and it lasted more than 20 minutes. gemtitan_spacewalk_e1_c2-lrg.jpg gemtitan_spacewalk_e1_c2-hires.jpg NASA selected Gene Cernan as part of its third class of astronauts in 1963. He served as a pilot in the Navy before joining the space agency and made more than 200 landings on aircraft carriers. Gene Cernan earned a master's degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval postgraduate school before joining NASA's astronaut corps. gemtitan_spacewalk_e1_c2_gem10.png Gene Cernan would get the workout of his life after stepping outside the Gemini spacecraft and beginning an intense schedule of work in zero-gravity. His pace outstripped his spacesuit's cooling abilities and Cernan's visor fogged up. He also began sweating heavily and lost about 10 pounds in water weight. gemtitan_spacewalk_equip2-lrg.jpg gemtitan_spacewalk_equip2-hires.jpg With more data and actual experience to base designs on, engineers were able to develop tools that made it easier for astronauts floating in space to perform crucial work. They also devised improved spacesuits. Platforms and handholds that would hold astronauts still were crucial for allowing crew members to work effectively in weightlessness. gemtitan_spacewalk_e2_c1-lrg.jpg gemtitan_spacewalk_e2_c1-hires.jpg NASA selected Buzz Aldrin in its third class of astronauts in 1963. Aldrin graduated third in his class at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and earned a doctorate in Astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Buzz Aldrin's doctoral thesis, "Guidance for Manned Orbital Rendezvous," was written long before the task was proven. One of the Gemini program's task was to show rendezvous and docking could be performed in space. gemtitan_spacewalk_e2_c1_gem12.png Buzz Aldrin set a spacewalking record during Gemini 12 when he floated out of the spacecraft and worked in orbit for more than two hours. He also performed two other spacewalks in which he stood out of the hatch but did not float free. The Gemini spacecraft was fitted with several handholds and foot restraints so Aldrin could work comfortably without fighting the absence of gravity. Aldrin worked around the capsule and the Agena Target Vehicle which Commander Jim Lovell docked the spacecraft with. gemtitan_spacewalk_e2_c2-lrg.jpg gemtitan_spacewalk_e2_c2-hires.jpg Richard Gordon was selected in NASA's third group of astronauts. He served as a Navy test pilot before NASA chose him for the astronaut corps. He was assigned to the backup crew of Gemini 8. Richard Gordon set a cross-country speed record in 1961 to win the Bendix Trophy Race from Los Angeles to New York. His transcontinental time as 2 hours, 47 minutes and his average speed was almost 870 mph. gemtitan_spacewalk_e2_c2_gem11.png Richard Gordon conducted two spacewalks during Gemini 11 as Commander Charles "Pete" Conrad controlled the spacecraft. Gordon attached a tether between the Gemini capsule and the Agena Target Vehicle to study the behavior of joined spacecraft. Conrad and Gordon also used the Agena to rocket about 850 miles above Earth, setting a new altitude record that would stand until the moon flights of Apollo. gemtitan_testflight.jpg gemtitan_testflight-hres.jpg Before NASA can do everything it would like with the Gemini spacecraft, two astronauts have to prove it can work in space, and for a long time. Test flights are an occasion to set a lot of "firsts" in space, such as the first NASA spacecraft to carry two men. But missions also are flown to prove that previous successes were not flukes. gemtitan_testflight_equip1-lrg.jpg gemtitan_testflight_equip1-hires.jpg New kinds of spacecraft are outfitted with gauges and instruments to pick up readings during a mission to verify the performance of the craft. The craft also carry enough fuel to maneuver in space and test major systems. The Gemini capsules were big enough to carry a few experiments. NASA gave precedence to relatively simple study devices that required only a little attention from astronauts who have to spend most of their time flying the spacecraft. gemtitan_testflight_e1_c1-lrg.jpg gemtitan_testflight_e1_c1-hires.jpg Gus Grissom was one of NASA's original seven astronauts. He rode a single-seat Mercury capsule called Liberty Bell 7 into space in July 1961 to become America's second man in space. Gus Grissom was assigned to represent the astronauts in the design and production of the Gemini spacecraft. He sat in mock cockpits and helped place instrument panels, windshields and seats. Because it was built to his standards, the Gemini capsule was sometimes referred to as the "Gusmobile." gemtitan_testflight_e1_c1_gem3.png Gus Grissom commanded the first manned Gemini mission in March 1965. John Young served as the pilot. The mission was the first to carry two astronauts into space in one spacecraft and was a three-orbit flight designed to prove the Gemini craft was space-worthy. gemtitan_testflight_e1_c2.jpg gemtitan_testflight_e1_c2-hires.jpg NASA selected John Young in its second group of astronauts. He served as a Navy test pilot before being chosen for spaceflight. John Young set numerous aviation records as a Navy test pilot, including fastest times to 3,000 and 25,000 feet in 1962. gemtitan_testflight_e1_c2_gem3.png John Young served as the pilot of the Gemini 3 mission, the first flight of the Gemini program. Young had many tasks during the mission, but his most famous was retrieving an unapproved corned beef sandwich and sharing it with Commander Gus Grissom. gemtitan_testflight_equip2-lrg.jpg gemtitan_testflight_equip2-hires.jpg The Gemini spacecraft was designed in part to function in space for up to two weeks at a time. Missions to the moon could last that long, so NASA wanted the program to prove that machines and man could make the trip to the moon safely. Experiment packages for long missions include more biological studies than other flights carry so scientists can evaluate how humans fare in weightlessness. There still are other experiments focusing on other subjects, too. gemtitan_testflight_e2_c1-lrg.jpg gemtitan_testflight_e2_c1-hires.jpg Gordon Cooper was one of the "Original 7" astronauts selected by NASA in 1959. Cooper flew the last Mercury mission in a capsule he dubbed "Faith 7" and spent more than 34 hours orbiting the Earth. Gordon Cooper's Mercury mission was long enough that it required him to set another first in space: First man to sleep in space. gemtitan_testflight_e2_c1_gem5.png Gemini 5 became NASA's first dedicated long-duration mission. Commander Gordon Cooper and pilot Charles "Pete" Conrad were slated to spend eight days in orbit to show astronauts could survive in space long enough to fly to the moon and back. gemtitan_testflight_e2_c2.jpg gemtitan_testfllight_e2_c2-hires.jpg NASA selected Frank Borman in its second group of astronauts. An accomplished Air Force pilot, Borman was serving as an instructor at the test pilot school at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., when NASA chose him. Frank Borman started to fly at age 15. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1950. gemtitan_testflight_e2_c2_gem7.png The Gemini 7 crew of commander Frank Borman and pilot Jim Lovell accomplished two important goals. First, they proved that humans could function in space after two weeks in orbit. Secondly, they rendezvoused with the Gemini 6 mission flown by astronauts Wally Schirra and Tom Stafford. The Gemini 7 mission set an endurance record and shared in the achievement of the first meeting between two manned spacecraft in orbit, although the Gemini capsules did not physically dock.