STS-111 Crew Interviews: Ken Cockrell, Commander

Abstract

STS-111 Mission Commander Ken Cockrell is seen during this preflight interview, answering questions about his inspiration in becoming an astronaut and provides an overview of the mission. He discusses the following topics: the docking of the Endeavour Orbiter to the International Space Station (ISS), the delivery of the Mobile Base System (MBS) to the ISS, the crew transfer activities (the Expedition 5 crew is replacing the Expedition 4 crew on the ISS), the planned extravehicular activities (EVAs), and the installation of the MBS onto the ISS. Cockrell provides a detailed description of the MBS and its significance for the ISS. He also describes prelaunch activities, mission training and international cooperation during the mission.