NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Countdown Rehearsal at Kennedy The STS-118 astronauts arrived at Kennedy Space Center to take part in the terminal countdown demonstration test, a full launch dress rehearsal that typically takes place a few weeks prior to liftoff. Space Shuttle Endeavour Commander Scott Kelly welcomed the media and introduced his crew. From left are Mission Specialists Alvin Drew, Barbara R. Morgan, Dave Williams, Rick Mastracchio, Tracy Caldwell and Pilot Charlie Hobaugh. This launch will be the first for Endeavour in more than four years. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton + View Larger Image

Driving the M-113 Mission Specialist Alvin Drew takes a turn driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier as his passengers, Mission Specialists Barbara R. Morgan and Dave Williams, enjoy the ride. A member of the astronaut rescue team is on board to instruct the crew members in operating the M-113 vehicle. Morgan is a teacher-turned- astronaut whose association with NASA began more than 20 years ago and Williams represents the Canadian Space Agency. Photo Credit: NASA/George Shelton + View Larger Image

In the Cockpit Commander Scott Kelly climbs into the cockpit of the Shuttle Training Aircraft to prepare for landing practice. The training aircraft is a modified Gulf Stream II jet that was designed to simulate an orbiter's cockpit and landing qualities. Astronauts only get one try to land the shuttle because it lands as a glider. Kelly and Pilot Charlie Hobaugh will continue this training on a weekly basis until launch. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton + View Larger Image

Egress Practice On the 195-ft. level of Pad 39A's fixed service structure, the STS-118 crew members listen intently to an instructor explaining how to use the slidewire basket that is part of the emergency egress system. The system includes seven baskets suspended from slidewires that extend from the fixed service structure to a landing zone, where a braking system and catch-nets slow and then halt the baskets sliding down the wire. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton + View Larger Image

Suiting Up Mission Specialist Barbara R. Morgan gets the fit of her launch-and-entry suit checked by a technician as part of the prelaunch preparations. Every astronaut is custom fitted with an orange flight suit and helmet. Each pressurized suit contains an emergency oxygen system, parachute pack, life raft, water, radio/beacon and other survival gear in the unlikely event of an emergency. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton + View Larger Image

Climb Aboard! The STS-118 crew members wave to the crowd of Kennedy employees and media as they walk toward NASA's specially designed van. The silver "Astrovan" will take them on a 20-minute trip to Launch Pad 39A for a simulated launch countdown. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton + View Larger Image

Entering the Shuttle In the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, the closeout crew prepares the launch-and-entry suit for Pilot Charlie Hobaugh before he climbs into the orbiter to participate in a simulated countdown exercise. The White Room is at the outer end of the orbiter access arm that allows personnel to enter the orbiter crew compartment. The arm remains in the extended position until seven minutes, 24 seconds before launch to serve as an emergency escape route for the flight crew if necessary. Photo credit: NASA/Amanda Diller + View Larger Image

At the Top After the emergency egress training, the STS-118 astronauts gather for a photo on top of the fixed service structure of Launch Pad 39A. They successfully completed the simulated launch countdown and engine cutoff exercise, marking the conclusion of the terminal countdown demonstration test in preparation for mission STS-118. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton + View Larger Image

Checking the Payload In the rotating service structure which surrounds the orbiter, the crew members top off their training with a careful look at the payload nestled inside Endeavour's payload bay. This is an important part of their visit to Kennedy, as they familiarize themselves with the cargo and confirm the payload's readiness for flight before returning to Johnson Space Center in Houston to get ready for launch day. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton + View Larger Image

Elaine M. Marconi
NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center