The pace builds as we move into the "Prime Crew" spot

The pace continues to build on STS-90 training as our crew recently moved into the "Prime Crew" spot following the successful launch of STS-89. We are now about ten weeks from launch and it seems as though there are so many things to do. Our training team has provided us with a number of excellent sims to prepare us for the mission to come. The launch date is currently holding for April 2 and, according to the Farmers Almanac (the same one that successfully predicted the recent ice storm), the weather should be good!

January 12-17:
This week focused on training for the Ames experiments. The payload crew started the week reviewing the Neuronal Plasticity experiments and continued throughout the remainder of the week with the Mammalian Development experiments. Training on the escher staircase and magic carpet experiments went really well.

The JSC experiment training included reviewing the VEG experiment protocol and hardware, learning the malfunction procedures for the video equipment and practicing our IV insertion procedures. The primary JSC training activity was a flight day 15 simulation which started Wednesday morning at 7:15 and finished that evening at 19:00. During the simulation we perform every experiment activity as we would during the real mission. We also have a chance to sample our shuttle menu for that day to make sure that we are happy with our food selections.

Rick Linnehan and I also had another NBL contingency EVA training session. I have included a panoramic shot of the NBL which is so large that we can train in the payload bay of the orbiter at one end of the pool while another group of astronauts works on the Space Station mock-up at the other end.

Before every training session in the NBL we have a briefing poolside to review the lesson objectives and the procedures that we will be performing underwater in the suits. In this run we briefed hatch opening procedures if there were a malfunction of the hatch. The next photo shows Rick and me, with our instructor Stacie, reviewing the hatch of the airlock on one of the many mockups.

We also practiced with the center line latch tools and the three point latch tool, both of which are used to hold the payload bay doors closed if there were a failure of any of the latches. During the underwater portion of the session, we practiced performing a manual alignment and stow of the Ku Band antenna. Following this, we winched in the payload bay doors to close them and attached both sets of latch tools. The next training goal was to take our partner and simulate the rescue of an incapacitated crew member. To do this we would both go to the aft end of the payload bay and then I would pull Rick along the 60 foot length of the sill with one hand stabilizing his body with the other. It was an interesting challenge maneuvering him into the airlock and tethering him in place so that I could get in and close the hatch. We then switched roles and my arms got a rest while Rick towed me in.

The remainder of the week included training in the catching experiment, a review of our flight data file (checklists) and a 4 hour ascent simulation in the motion simulator. This session included 5 ascents during which we were given many orbiter malfunctions some of which required us to do a transatlantic abort or land in Bermuda.

The week finished with my class 1 fit check in the extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) or spacesuit. This is the actual suit that I would use in the event of a contingency EVA and it is very important to verify fit and function thoroughly. The first picture was taken while I was performing the comm radio checks before donning my helmet.

Once the function of the suit is verified, the mobility is verified by letting us walk in the suit while partially supported. The next slide was taken while I was walking over to the Boeing engineer to give a demonstration of my ability to balance on one foot and lean forward and backward. That is when you really learn about the importance of maintaining an appropriate center of gravity!