Sometimes it would be nice to have a big vehicle to help get through nasty traffice jams, and at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida the STS-126 astronauts practice driving an M-113 armored personnel carrier near the launch pad as part of prelaunch preparation known as Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, (aka Driver Training). Image credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

The training provides astronauts and ground crews with an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and a simulated launch countdown.

The STS-126 mission aboard space shuttle Endeavour 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.