MS Linenger exercises on the ergometer

STS081-E-5101 (12 Jan. 1997) --- Astronaut Jerry M. Linenger, mission specialist, works out on a bicycle ergometer device on the Space Shuttle Atlantis' flight deck as he readies for a long-duration stay in Earth-orbit. In mid-week, Linenger and his crew mates are scheduled to dock with Russia's Mir Space Station and pick up John E. Blaha, NASA astronaut who has been serving as a cosmonaut guest researcher since September 1996. Linenger will replace Blaha onboard Mir and the transfer will mark the second such direct exchange of cosmonaut guest researchers, though Linenger will be the fourth United States astronaut to spend a lengthy stay on Mir.