KSC-01pp0077

The closeout crew in the White Room pose with two of the STS-98 crew. Kneeling in front is United Space Alliance Mechanical Technician George Schramm. Standing, left to right, are USA Mechanical Technician Vinny Difranzo, Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam, NASA Quality Assurance Specialist Ken Strite, Mission Specialist Marsha Ivins, and USA Orbiter Vehicle Closeout Chief Travis Thompson. The White Room is an environmental chamber at the end of the orbiter access arm that mates with the orbiter to allow personnel to enter the orbiter’s crew compartment. The STS-98 crew is getting ready to enter Atlantis for a simulated launch countdown, part of Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities. STS-98 is the seventh construction flight to the International Space Station, carrying as payload the U.S. Lab Destiny, a key element in the construction of the ISS. Launch of STS-98 is scheduled for Jan. 19 at 2:11 a.m. EST