"Endeavor, you are go for launch." On September 16, Frances Shelf began a week of non-stop activity at U.S. Space Academy Level I. This training was held at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

Her week began when she arrived at the Habitat, a mockup of a space station of the future, that serves as a dormitory. There she met her fellow teammates from various parts of the U.S. and together they received orientation.

Some of the numerous activities during the week included Omnimax films, water-based survival training activities, model rocketry, lunar outpost planning and modeling, museum tours, briefings on all aspects of space, and space simulations, including the Multi Axis Trainer, Manned Maneuvering Unit, Five Degrees of Freedom Chair, and 1/6 Microgravity Chair. The most anticipated events, however, were the two-hour long simulated shuttle missions.

Trainees used simulators of mission control, a space station, and a shuttle orbiter, during each mission. During the first mission, on the shuttle Discovery, Shefl served as Payload Specialist #1, working in the Spacelab Module, a laboratory flown in the shuttle's payload bay. During the second mission, trainee Shelf became Shuttle Commander Shefl.

When asked about the duties of a shuttle commander on board Endeavor, Shelf responded, "When you're in command, you have to know everything that's happening. You have to keep track of all upcoming procedures and be on the lookout for problems, which almost always occur during crucial moments." In addition, she stated, "It's a learning experience. All of your skills are put to the test in order to complete a successful mission."

After an intense week, Shefl graduated from the [program on September 22. Additionally, her team received an award for having the Best Mission Performance.

Shelf attended the program through the Nebraska School for the Visually Handicapped, which held a preparatory program during the summer. For information about attending a week of Space Academy, phone 1-800-63-SPACE and request a brochure.