SPACEPHOTOS

(01/05/2001) -- The STS-98 crew (right) gathers at Launch Pad 39A for a media briefing before continuing their emergency egress training. Facing an audience (left) of photographers, videographers and writers, along with KSC media escorts, are (left to right) Mission Specialist Robert Curbeam and Marsha Ivins, Commander Ken Cockrell, Mission Specialist Thomas Jones and Pilot Mark Polansky. They are standing in the landing zone for the slidewire baskets that provide an escape route for personnel aboard the Space Shuttle and orbiter access arm until 30 seconds before launch. The crew is at KSC to take part in Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test activities, which also include a simulated launch countdown. 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