KSC-07pd3337

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- STS-122 Commander Stephen Frick, at right, practices driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier as an instructor, at left, monitors his performance. European Space Agency astronaut Frank De Winne, the backup for STS-122 Mission Specialist Leopold Eyharts, rides in back. The practice near Launch Pad 39B is part of training on emergency egress procedures. An M-113 will be available to transport the crew to safety in the event of a contingency on the pad before their launch. The crew is participating in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, a standard part of launch preparations. The TCDT provides astronauts and ground crews with equipment familiarization, emergency egress training and a simulated launch countdown. On mission STS-122, Atlantis will deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus module to the International Space Station. Columbus is a multifunctional, pressurized laboratory that will be permanently attached to U.S. Node 2, called Harmony, and will expand the research facilities aboard the station. Launch is targeted for Dec. 6. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett