The STS-126 crew gather around the open hatch of space shuttle Endeavour at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.

The STS-126 crew gather around the open hatch of space shuttle Endeavour on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Standing, from left, are Mission Specialists Donald Pettit, Shane Kimbrough and Sandra Magnus, Commander Chris Ferguson and Pilot Eric Boe. In front are Mission Specialists Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper and Steve Bowen. The crew is at Kennedy to take part in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, which includes equipment familiarization, emergency exit training 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