WIKIARCHIVES.SPACE

After taking part in a simulated launch countdown aboard space shuttle Atlantis and practicing emergency escape procedures, the STS-125 crew pauses for a photo on the 225-foot level of the fixed service structure at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. From left are Mission Specialists John Grunsfeld and Michael Good, Pilot Gregory C. Johnson, Commander Scott Altman, and Mission Specialists Mike Massimino, Andrew Feustel and Megan McArthur. Behind them are space shuttle Atlantis’ external fuel tank and one of the twin solid rocket boosters. The countdown is the culmination of terminal countdown demonstration test, or TCDT, activities as preparation before launch. TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various launch activities, including equipment familiarization, emergency training and the countdown. Atlantis’ STS-125 mission to service NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is targeted for launch Oct. 14.