5/26/2010 - Last Space Flight for Shuttle Atlantis Ends at Kennedy Space Center Video link
NASA- Space shuttle Atlantis and six astronauts ended a 12-day journey of more than 4.8 million miles with an 8:48 a.m. EDT landing Wednesday at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The third of five shuttle missions planned for 2010, this was the last scheduled flight for Atlantis. The mission, designated STS-132, delivered the Russian-built Mini Research Module-1 to the International Space Station. Also known as Rassvet ("dawn" in Russian), the module provides additional storage space and a new docking port for Russian Soyuz and Progress spacecraft.
-Homecoming for Atlantis
Space shuttle Atlantis' main gear touched down on Runway 33 at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 8:48 a.m. EDT, completing a 12-day mission to the International Space Station. On board were Commander Ken Ham, pilot Tony Antonelli, Garrett Reisman, Michael Good, Steve Bowen and Piers Sellers. The six-member STS-132 crew carried the Russian-built Mini Research Module-1 to the International Space Station. STS-132 is the last planned flight for Atlantis.
Image Credit: NASA/Carl Winebarger-
Ken Ham commanded the flight and was joined by Pilot Tony Antonelli and Mission Specialists Garrett Reisman, Michael Good, Steve Bowen and Piers Sellers.
The mission's three spacewalks focused on replacing and installing components outside the station, including replacing six batteries, installing a communications antenna and adding parts to the Canadian Dextre robotic arm. A welcome ceremony for the astronauts will be held Thursday, May 27, in Houston. The public is invited to attend the 4 p.m. CDT event at Ellington Field's NASA Hangar 276.
-Click to view NASA video
STS-132 Atlantis Commemorative MessageThe STS-132 crew members share their thoughts on the possible final flight of space shuttle Atlantis.
Space shuttle Atlantis' spaceflight career began on Oct. 3, 1985, with launch on its maiden voyage to begin STS-51J - a dedicated Department of Defense mission. It was the fourth orbital vehicle manufactured following Columbia, Challenger and Discovery.
Completing 32 Missions- STS-132 (May 14-26, 2010) flew Approx. 4.4 million miles bringing the Atlantis Miles flown 115,770,929 (through STS-129) to over 120 million career miles to date. -NASA
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