Space Shuttle Atlantis docking with International Space Station
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A space shuttle has pulled up for the last time at a space station.
- Space Shuttle Atlantis turns over during its approach to the International Space Station. (Photo: AP/NASA TV) (Photo: Associated Press)
Emotions were running high Sunday, in orbit and on Earth, as Atlantis arrived at the International Space Station.
It's the final docking to a space station ever by a NASA shuttle. Atlantis is being retired after this flight, the last of the 30-year shuttle program.
Mission Control's lead flight director declared "this is it" as he gave the OK for the historic linkup.
Atlantis is delivering four tons of food, clothes and other space station provisions. That represents a year's worth of supplies, providing a safety net for station crews in the looming post-shuttle era.
The 10 orbiting astronauts will spend the next week unloading everything.
The always-tricky maneuver included commander Chris Ferguson turning the shuttle over in a backflip to line up properly with the station.
A variety of cameras filmed the docking, looking for launch damage on the shuttle and helping Ferguson inch in safely.
RecommendedRecent Facebook Activity
Only On 7
-
ABC7's Interactive 7-day Forecast!
Now you can get customized weather right down to your street! Plan your day and week ahead with ABC7's Interactive 7-day forecast!
TBD Blogs What you need to read
-
@TBD Arts
Kennedy Center to give away tickets to every show of the 2011-2012 season
-
The Market Report
Yes! Organic Market makes first step outside D.C.
-
@TBD On Foot
Metro is still inviting people to a meeting that happened in May
Best of TBD In case you missed it
-
The worst meals in America
Here's a visual look at the eight most delicious, disgusting meals in the country.
No comments