NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Ready for the Real Thing
The practice sessions are complete and the STS-122 crew members take a moment for a final photo opportunity before returning to Johnson Space Center in Houston to make final preparations for launch. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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On the Flight Deck
STS-122 Mission Specialists Léopold Eyharts and Stanley Love are strapped into their seats on Atlantis' middeck during a simulated launch countdown. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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Next Stop: Launch Pad
After leaving the Operations and Checkout building, the STS-122 astronauts take a moment to wave to the crowd before boarding NASA's Astrovan to the launch pad. From left are Mission Specialists Léopold Eyharts, Stanley Love, Hans Schlegel, Rex Walheim, and Leland Melvin; Pilot Alan Poindexter and Commander Steve Frick. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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Basket Practice: NASA Style
The Atlantis STS-122 crew learns how to operate the slidewire basket on Launch Pad 39A. Seven slidewire baskets are available to carry the crew swiftly from the level of the pad's orbiter access arm to a safe landing site on the ground. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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Egress Instruction
Alan Poindexter (left), Léopold Eyharts and Stanley Love receive instruction on how to exit the fixed service structure on Launch Pad 39A in case of an emergency. After arriving at the International Space Station, Eyharts will remain as a flight engineer for Expedition 16 following the STS-122 mission. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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Payload Inspection
The STS-122 crew members, attired in clean room gear, get a close look at the Columbus module nestled in Atlantis' payload bay. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to the Harmony U.S. Node 2 module. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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In the White Room
Gathered in the White Room on Launch Pad 39A, the crew members of Atlantis pause for a photo. Standing are Alan Poindexter (left), Steve Frick and Leland Melvin. Kneeling is Hans Schlegel. In the bottom row are Stanley Love (left), Rex Walheim and Léopold Eyharts. Schlegel and Eyharts are with the European Space Agency. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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Landing Practice
Pilot Alan Poindexter steps off the shuttle training aircraft after he and Commander Steve Frick complete a practice session landing the jet. The aircraft was modified to simulate an orbiter's handling qualities during an unpowered, high-speed glided landing that must be perfectly executed the first time. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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Driving the M113
STS-122 Commander Steve Frick takes time out from driving the M-113 armored personnel carrier to pose for a photo. The crew members practice driving the personnel carriers as of part launch pad emergency egress procedures. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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Fit Check
Mission Specialist Leland Melvin checks the fit of his gloves after donning the launch and entry suit as part of the terminal countdown demonstration test activities. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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STS-122 Crew at Kennedy
STS-122 Launch Director Doug Lyons greets Pilot Alan Poindexter as Commander Steve Frick, Mission Specialists Leland Melvin, Rex Walheim, Hans Schlegel of the European Space Agency and Stanley Love follow. The Atlantis astronauts arrived at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility and disembarked from a Gulfstream jet. For three busy days the crew participated in launch training exercises. The terminal countdown demonstration test or TCDT takes place about two weeks prior to liftoff. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton
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Elaine M. Marconi
NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center