The crew members listen to instructions about use of the M-113 armored personnel carrier for emergency escape from Launch Pad 39A.

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the STS-126 crew members listen to instructions about use of the M-113 armored personnel carrier for emergency escape from Launch Pad 39A. From left are Mission Specialist Donald Pettit, Commander Chris Ferguson, Pilot Eric Boe and Mission Specialists Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, Steve Bowen, Sandra Magnus and Shane Kimbrough. The crew is at Kennedy for pre-launch preparation known as Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, or TCDT. The training provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown. On the STS-126 mission, space shuttle Endeavour's crew will deliver equipment and supplies to the International Space Station in preparation for expansion from a three- to six-person resident crew aboard the complex. The mission also will include four spacewalks to service the station’s Solar Alpha Rotary Joints. Endeavour is targeted to launch Nov. 14. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett